International Travel Handbook

KNOW YOUR DESTINATION

Students who have lived abroad emphatically agree that learning as much as possible about the country before you leave is your best preparation. Get to know your destination by gathering information about your host culture from various sources. Use the destination checklist provided below to test yourself on what you know and need to learn.

Talk to Harvard Students Who Have Returned From Abroad
Your fellow Harvard students are excellent resources, both those who are from your destination country, and those who have recently returned from your destination country. The Office of International Programs, located in University Hall, maintains a printed list of returned study abroad students who have volunteered to speak about their experiences with other Harvard students.

Read, Listen and Watch
You can also learn a lot about a country from reading local newspapers online, listening to songs and music, reading books of poetry and fiction, and watching films either about or made in your destination country. Buy a guidebook written for young travelers, such as Let’s Go!, Lonely Planet or The Rough Guide. You may borrow a copy of Let’s Go! from the OIP.

Country Profiles
The United States Library of Congress provides Country Studies, with information about history, culture and security.

For country profiles, information on the geography, history, economics, government, communication, transportation, military, transnational information, maps, and other details visit countryreports.org.


Next Section: Accommodations Abroad

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