Planning your travel is an important part of preparing for your education abroad experience. Before booking flights, review any travel instructions provided by your host institution, program provider, or faculty director and make sure you understand your program's arrival requirements.
Do not book airfare until you have been accepted to your program and reviewed any travel guidance provided by your program. Some programs have required arrival dates, airport pickup services, group travel arrangements, or orientation activities that may affect your travel plans.
Before purchasing a ticket:
Students are expected to arrive at their education abroad location by the program start date and remain for the full duration of the program. Before booking travel, review your program's required arrival and departure dates and avoid making plans that conflict with program activities or academic requirements.
You may choose to arrive before the official program start date; however, you will be responsible for arranging your own housing, transportation, and other accommodations until the program begins. Regardless of when you arrive, you are responsible for being onsite and ready to participate on the first official day of the program.
Before you depart, make sure you know:
Students under the age of 18 may face additional travel requirements depending on their destination, airline, and travel itinerary. Some countries require minors traveling without a parent or legal guardian to carry additional documentation, such as a notarized letter of consent or proof of parent or guardian contact information. Airlines may also have specific policies for minors traveling internationally.
If you will be under 18 at the time of travel, review the requirements for your destination and check with your airline well in advance of departure. Students and their families are responsible for obtaining any required documentation before travel.
Your program cost sheet may include estimated transportation expenses, but airfare costs can vary significantly depending on your destination and travel dates. Be sure to budget for:
Many students purchase flights before financial aid is disbursed, so plan accordingly.
Keep the following items with you in your carry-on luggage:
Flight delays, cancellations, and missed connections can happen. Familiarize yourself with your airline's policies and keep important contact information readily available while traveling. Because the accident and sickness policy focuses on medical and emergency assistance, students who want coverage for trip cancellations, travel delays, or lost baggage may wish to purchase separate trip insurance.
Before departure:
If you are looking for assistance booking travel, DGI Travel is Michigan State University's preferred travel agency for Education Abroad. Students can use DGI Travel for assistance with airfare and other travel arrangements related to their education abroad experience.
Why Use DGI Travel?
Working with DGI Travel may help students:
Before purchasing airfare, be sure to:
To request travel assistance complete the DGI MSU Group and Event Request Form 2026.