Pre-Departure Orientation Manual - US Agency for International ...

06/14/2012 New Edition
Name and contact information of your program implementer and the organization or university
where you will receive training
Before departure from your country, your program implementer will provide a leaflet listing telephone
numbers of people to contact for assistance upon arrival. Keep the leaflet in your passport so you will
have it if needed.
It is good practice to make copies of important documents, such as airline tickets, credit cards, and the
first few pages of your passport including J-1visa stamp, and third-country and transit visas. Keep copies
in a safe place, separate from the original documents. Leave copies of travel documents with someone in
your home country. Should you lose the originals, it is easier to cancel or replace them when you have
copies.
FUNDS FOR EXPENSES DURING TRANSIT
Prior to travel, arrange to have sufficient funds to
cover expenses during the trip. At your bank or
USAID Mission, verify the rate of exchange between
your country and the country of training. If you are
uncertain in which country to convert funds, ask your
program implementer whether it is advisable to
exchange currency in your country or upon arrival at
your destination.
Plan also to have cash on hand to cover costs for taxi
cabs, bus fares, gratuities for airport porters and
restaurant servers, or other incidental expenses. Most
international airports offer currency exchange, however it may be more convenient to convert a small
amount of cash while in your home country. For travel to the U.S., plan to bring a minimum of $100 to
$150 in cash.
AIRLINE REGULATIONS AND AIRPORT CHECK-IN
While procedures for passenger travel vary with the airline and country, the following are universal
standards for international flights.
Confirm flight arrangements with the airlines at least 72 hours before departure.
Advise the airlines of dietary restrictions at least one week before departure, so they may
respond to your request. If you have diarrhea, do not get on the plane, particularly if it is a
very long flight.
Arrive at the appropriate airline check-in counter at least three hours before departure to
ensure you have adequate time to check baggage, secure boarding passes, and clear security.
Select your seat at check-in before you receive your boarding passes. You also may request
your seat when your program implementer secures your flight. A window seat offers an
exterior view of your departure, arrival and flight path. An aisle seat enables you to leave your
seat more easily, when allowed by the flight attendant.
If you miss your international or connecting flight, notify your program implementer immediately
so they may modify your itinerary.
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