COST encourages student teachers to explore the local, regional and near-by international neighbors of their host country while abroad. Before packing your bag and catching that train for your weekend adventure, please read the following policies and guidelines about traveling during student teaching abroad.

Before COST Placement

• Complete the COST Emergency Plan Document. Give copies to a trusted friend or adult at home, your US Coordinator, your host family and your Overseas Coordinator. If something happens to you while abroad (whether during placements or personal travel) we must have open lines of communication.
   
• Research visa requirements of any country you may be interested in traveling to. If you need a visa, you will likely need to apply from the United States before you leave.

During COST Placement

• Know the school calendar and your placement dates before making any travel arrangements. Under no circumstance is a COST student teacher allowed to take time off from student teaching requirements for personal travel. Plan travel for weekends and sanctioned school holidays.
   
• Do not expect your hosts to take you places or be your tour guide.
   
• If leaving your host country for another country, be sure to check visa requirements for exiting and entering both countries.
   
• COST participants must communicate their travel date(s), location(s) and accommodation contact information to the host family and the Overseas Coordinator. COST must be able to get ahold of a student at any point during their placement.

After COST Placement

• You are responsible for all accommodation arrangements after your placement is finished. 
   
• Check visa requirements for how long after your placement you are allowed to remain in-country.
   
• Provide your US and Overseas Coordinators with the date(s), location(s) and accommodation contact information related to your travels. Never travel abroad without letting someone know where you are going, for how long, and how to contact you.

Find more information and resources about traveling and safety abroad on our Savvy Traveler page.