Resources for Study, Work, and Travel Abroad
Portland Community College Resources
Pre-Departure Resources
- Portland Community College Study-Abroad Pre-Departure Guide
- Barcelona Fun Facts
- Costa Rica Fun Facts
- Florence Fun Facts
- Guanajuato Fun Facts
- Oaxaca Fun Facts
- London Fun Facts
- Portland International Airport -Check travel advisories, delays and packing/luggage restrictions
- U.S. Department of State - For passport information, travel advisories and more; **All PCC students are required to have a passport to study abroad.
- Travel Guide - General resource for a variety of travel needs
- STA Travel - Student airfares, and I.D. cards for International Travel
- Student Flights - Student and group airfare resource
- Eurail Global Pass offered by Student Flights
- Casamundo-Vacation rentals in Europe
- Cellhire - International Wireless Phone Solutions
- Intercultural Press
- AmeriSpan: The Bridge Between Cultures
- AmeriSpan: Study & Travel Resources
- What's Up With Culture? An On-Line Cultural Training Resource For Study Abroad.See Bibliography: Student's Guide.
- U.S. Department of State Students Abroad Page
- Currency Calculator
- Local Times around the World
- Metric Conversions
Communication Information Sheets
Words to Know
If you are studying or traveling in a non-English speaking country, you should already be relatively proficient in that country's language. In the event of an emergency, you need to be able to communicate and understand effectively. You need to be able to ask for help if injured, and ask for legal protection if your rights are in jeopardy. If you have a specific health condition, a special need, or if you are allergic to any medication, know exactly how to say so in the local language. Regardless of your language proficiency level, there are a few basic words, phrases, and questions that you should be able to pronounce fluently. You should fill out our Words To Know Sheet and take it with you for reference.
Phrases to Know
Each student should develop his or her own personal list of essential words and phrases to know. You may encounter many other helpful and important phrases you would like to include on your own list. For instance, you may want to look up specific phrases pertaining to the country in which you are studying. Use our list as a guide, or starting point; then add your own additional country-specific phrases. In addition, you should also know how to dial a country's 24-hour emergency phone number (equivalent to a 9-1-1 system).
Service Icons
You may find it helpful to print and cut out our Service Icons Card that you can carry with you. The card contains a series of simple images that represent services you may require, services like a telephone, post-office, taxi, and hospital. If you don't remember, or don't know, how to say a certain word in the language of the country where you are studying, you can point to the picture on the card that represents that word. For example, if you need to find a telephone, you can show someone the picture of a telephone on the card, and they can assist you. It is better to already be able to comfortably communicate in the language of the country in which you will be studying. However, you should keep this card with you just in case you forget how to say a certain word, or , in the case of injury, you become physically unable to verbally communicate.
Other Helpful Resources
Eurail-Travel through Europe by rail.
NAFSA-Study Abroad Center
Hostelling International - Links to worldwide hostels information on joining, and booking information
Hostel World-Over 16,000 hostels in 168 countries.
Wikitravel - information about travel destinations
Public Radio International - home to radio news programs including:
World Weather Information Service
Foreign Languages for Travelers
IIE Passport - Search Engine for International Study + scholarship
International Student Travel Confederation-Student travel services, discounts, information & inspiration for young independent travellers
U.S. State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs-International Educational Exchange information
BUNAC-Work Abroad Programs
Global Engineering Education Exchange-International Internship
CIEE-Council on International Exchange
Discover Central Asia-Reasonably priced language courses and tours
Fellowship Travel-Low-Cost Air & Customized Tours
Cafe Abroad-Network, City Guide and Magazine for Study Abroad