The Future Freaks Me Out

As January quickly passes by (at least it feels like it t0 me) I start become more anxious and nervous about this adventure that I am going on.

I spoke to soon when I said that there was nothing to do now but to leave. My airplane ticket situation is slowly falling into place. As of right now it looks like I am leaving February 6th at 5pm from Tucson going to LAX for a five hour lay over. I have told this to my friends and they say, "that sucks." I however, am excited about it. Funny I know but since this is my first time flying alone and only the second time actually going somewhere on a plane I am excited and ready for this adventure.

I have been assure by my sponsor for the airline ticket that United will assist me from that plane to Quantas terminal. However, I like to be precautions so I plan on calling them myself to double check.

Here are some important numbers that you might find useful. Unfortunately they are only for the airlines I plan on using. However, it is important if you are traveling with a disability to contact airlines and let them know that assistance you will need.

Quantas 800-233-4414
United 800-241-6522
Delta 800-221-1212

I also learned just how important having contacts is. I called Quantas to arrange the traveling of my chairs (they want all these measurements i.e. height of the chair, weight, width, ect.). I was told by them that taking two chairs cost extra, about $150. I didn't think that sounded right esp. since I really need both to get around. I explained that to them but they told me from their point of view I didn't need both (as if they know me?!?). However, I didn't think it worth arguing right then and there so I contacted Cyndi (please see past post for contact info) and asked her. She did some research for me and found that I shouldn't be charged. Only if you are taking a specialized chair for likes sports or mountain use can they charged. Under the Airlines Carriers Access Act airlines cannot charge. Cyndi also gave me a number to contact if I run into difficulties. Here it is: Disability Air Access: 800-778-4838. If you get problems with airlines because they are not provided the reasonable accommodations you need contact them.

Tip of the Day: Make sure to start making a list of important contact information. So far I have number for like the place I will be staying at, a repair shop for my chair, and Cyndi, ect.

Planning Advice

I seriously am getting more excited about my trip to Australia. Although sometimes the excitement is mixed with fear.

I got my ISIC card yesterday. I wasn't going to get one but Gilman requires it. However, I'm really glad I got it. It was only $22 but $26 if you need your picture taken...and it gives you insurance not only medical but luggage too. In addition to great deals like discounts at museums. You can get the card at the STATravel office in the Union or online too. ISIC isn’t just for Australia you can use it for many different countries.

I'm at the stage right now that I'm starting to find some of this planning a little daunting. Every time I think I got all my basis covered I think of something else I need to get done. However, I'm glad I have started early because I don't have to panic about getting this stuff done. After all I still have two months!

Getting Started:

First, decide where to go. Make an appointment with the Study Abroad Office. Also, their online website has information like estimated cost about different destinations. Be prepared that once you decide a place you need to fill out an application with things like an essay on why you want to study abroad, transcripts, and letter of recommendations. Next, you will need to find money to pay for the experience. See last blog for info. That is probably why planning early makes it easy to not only get the application taken care of but also keep up with school work.

Get your passport now! Even if you’re just considering you should get your passport now if you don’t have one. It took mine like 4-5 months to get here. It costs a lot more for it to be rushed.

Save GenEd classes too. Even if you are not sure save them because it is easier to transfer to UA credits. If you decide not to study abroad your Senior year can be easy with just GenEds. However, if you choice a program that is related to your major or minor you may not have any problems getting classes to transfer. For my major however, Family Studies and Human Development there is no particular program.

Once you have been accepted and ready to go here are some things to consider…

Make sure you talk to your bank about costs i.e. when you use your card in a foreign country. The advice I’ve received so far is to take your ATM card and just make sure to withdraw a large amount of money to make the fee worth your wild. (Although this is for Australia…it may be different advice for another country. Ask your Adviser)

In addition, banks like Compass and Bank of American only charge a convergence fee. Whereas Wells Fargo also charges for using an ATM that isn’t theirs. If you have a Wells Fargo account you may want to transfer some funds to Compass or Bank of America.

I'm doing reading about Australia the study abroad office provided me this great packet about Australia and various other sources i.e. safety and health stuff I should consider (i.e. from CDC website).

I'm also making appointments to make sure I'm in good heath before going. Luckily, Australia has not mandatory shots I need. I'm not too fond of needles.

For those traveling with a disability I found this amazing source! The website is http://www.allaccesstravel.com. It is owned by Cyndi Segroves who uses a power wheelchair and travels. She provides resources for those with disabilities who plan to travel i.e. helping you find transportation. I emailed her last night and she gave me a call today. She gave me some great advice. For example, if your chair is damaged the airline will pay for damages. Just make sure you have the person who brings you your wheelchair go with you to baggage claim. Also if they try to tell you they can’t give you accommodations i.e. a aisle chair to get into the plane tell them something, “Oh really because according to Airlines Carriers Access Act you do.” Airlines do not have to follow ADA so mentioning it is meaningless.

Next blog more about who I am, why I am studying abroad, and why I think if you want to, you can!

*Please note the advice I've given does not cover everything that you may need to do. It just some general advice that I think might be useful. As things come up I will be sure to post any other advice I have found helpful. For specific detail about what you need to do your Study Abroad Adviser will be your best source. Once again remember don't be shy to ask questions!