Students must show a valid passport to airline officials before boarding an international flight. Upon arrival, all passengers, and their luggage, must pass through customs. Students must show the customs officer their passport and describe their purpose for traveling. It is the best interest of a student to be courteous, cooperative, and direct when talking with customs officers. Students should also be alert to the fact that their bags may be searched. When students return to the U.S. they must pass through U.S. customs. The same procedure of showing a valid passport, explaining the purpose and location of their travels, and being accountable for all of their luggage will apply.
Upon their return to the U.S. students must declare the amount of goods they purchased while abroad. A person is able to bring $400 worth of goods back to the U.S. without being taxed. For more information, visit the U.S. State Department site (scroll down to the section titled: When you Return) at: http://travel.state.gov/Publications/yourtripabroad.html. Students should keep an inventory of what was purchased, how much it cost, and how much was spent throughout the semester. This list is useful for customs and also budgeting money through the course of studying and traveling abroad.
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