Other Tips & Logistics

Passports

U.S. citizens should visit the U.S. Department of State website to obtain the most accurate and up to date information on passports. Non-U.S. citizens should consult their home government for information on passports.

Lost or Stolen Passports

For lost or stolen passports, please contact the nearest consulate for specific instructions and procedures immediately: List of U.S. Embassies, Consulates, and Diplomatic Missions. Procedures vary from country to country and may involve filing police reports and other paperwork. Always keep a copy of your passport separately and leave another copy at home!

Miscellaneous Tips

Visas & Entry Requirements: If you are travelling with a Caltech-arranged program, direct any questions about paperwork to the Fellowships Advising and Study Abroad Office. If you are travelling independently, verify far in advance that you will have all necessary visas or items for your travel. Travel agents may or may not assist with those issues so it is always best to research independently in advance just in case.

The U.S. Department of State provides a registry of its embassies, consulates, and diplomatic missions abroad. We advise all travelers to register with S.T.E.P (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program). The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Entry to foreign countries may be made more smooth by producing proof of travel plans showing the intent to leave at the end of your stay. Some countries may also require demonstration of financial wherewithal; simply showing current credit cards may suffice in some situations, but in other cases it may be necessary to show a current bank statement demonstrating the availability of funds.

TSA (Transportation Security Administration): Make sure you are aware of any up to date rules or requirements for flight travel, such as packing and ID requirements.

Transgender Passengers: TSA recognizes the concerns that some members of the transgender community may have with certain security screening procedures at the nation's security checkpoints. Read more HERE.

Study Abroad Programs & Internships

There are also study abroad programs offered outside of FASA. While although they are not approved to transfer credit in for Caltech, these are still great opportunities for personal enrichment and experience. Also, these can be options if you are looking to apply for the Bishop Travel Prize/Fellowship.

IIE - The IIE program finder to help you explore opportunities. IEE manages more than 200 programs with participants from more than 180 countries.
IES Abroad - Study Abroad programs and internship opportunities.
CIEE - College Study Abroad program finder. Explore options based on fields of study or location.
Come on Out Japan - Come on Out Japan connects college students with fulfilling mentoring and teaching English opportunities in Japan.