Part 1 and Part 2 can be found at the links provided, respectively.

So, have you decided to come abroad with us this summer? We are so excited to travel with you, but first, there’s a lot of preparation we’ll need to take care of! This post will lay out for you all of the tasks you’ll need to check off prior to your trip regarding the finances.

1. Contact your bank.

You will need to let your bank know that you will be out of the country so that they do not assume that your credit card or debit card number has been stolen. Tell them when you will arrive and when you will depart, and decide which cards you will be using abroad and which you will not. It’s best not to use credit cards or debit cards abroad that have not been discussed with your bank. They will not go through and you will be out of luck. Bring a credit card with you to charge for meals, souvenirs, and activities. If you do not have a credit card of your own, now is a good time to set one up. Make sure that while you are abroad, you are keeping tabs on your bank account at all times, and that you have someone at home who is keeping an eye on it, as well. Any suspicious activity or decline needs to be taken care of immediately. You want to make sure your money is good to go when you are so far from home!

2. Cash.

You can have your American dollars transferred into a different currency at the airport before you fly out. You can also get cash at ATMs with your card when you are abroad. If you have American dollars with you while you are abroad, it can only be exchanged for a different currency at certain locations, so you should ask your program director where this can be done. You will need to bring your passport with you to do so.

You will develop a quicker understanding of the currency as you spend more time abroad, but it’s a good idea to download an app on your iPhone to help you understand exchange rates. Some suggestions: XE Currency, Currency, Currency Banknotes, Oanda, and even Google.

Each person will suggest bringing a different amount of cash based on his or her personal budget. You can always get more at an ATM, but it’s a good idea to have some with you beforehand. You will need it for taxis and for places that are cash-only.

3. Making Payments.

Verbatim from our website, here is an explanation of all of the deadlines for your study abroad payments:

Payment Schedule:
LEAD Cape Town and LEAD Greece

· $500 due at application
· $1500 due within 30 days of acceptance
· Program fee balance due on January 15, 2015 (CPT: $2950, GRE: $3150)
· $3000 Tuition due on March 15, 2015

Cape Town Direct and Greece Direct

· $500 due at application
· $1500 due within 30 days of acceptance
· Program fee balance due on January 15, 2015 (CPT: $700, GRE: $900)

GO: Rome

· $500 due at application
· $1500 due within 30 days of acceptance
· $1650 due on January 15, 2015
· $3000 Tuition due on March 15, 2015

Payment plan options are available, as well. To inquire about this option, contact Go Global today.

-Anna and the Go Global team