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All European current is 220 volts and US 110 volt appliances cannot be used without a transformer-converter. Do not confuse the transformer-converter with a plug adapter which only enables you to plug into a European wall outlet… of which there is a considerable variety. We strongly recommend that you purchase dual voltage (110/220) appliances such as hair dryers, curling irons, etc. A laptop or tablet is highly recommended and make sure that it is dual voltage or has the usual small transformer on the electrical cord. A USB memory stick is helpful for writing papers and sharing group information. Remember that even if you have dual voltage appliances, you will need the plug adapters for the continent and England.

Transportation will include planes, trains, buses, and private chartered coach. The program accommodations are in university residences, tourist hotels, hostels, and similar facilities. Much of the time, the rooms will be on a double basis with a private shower or bath. There will be occasions when it may be necessary to assign triples or quads and there may be times when there are not in-room showers or baths. Students will be expected to room with a variety of students from different schools on the program.

All meals will be provided for in the program, including occasional packed lunches or a meal allowance.

The cost of the program is designed to be as comprehensive as possible and includes 12 semester hours of academic credit, room & board, all airfares and scheduled transportation costs.

Additional visa requirements may vary depending upon citizenship. If additional visas are needed, the student will be required to pay for those.

Costs not included: Transportation to/from departure city, textbooks, medication, admission to non-scheduled programs and activities. Students wishing to do additional excursions or experiences will need to cover those costs.

When we visit companies, banks, business and governmental offices, the men wear ties and coats, although a suit is not necessary. The women should have a similar range of business or professional clothes (no really short skirts, open midriffs, or revealing low-cut tops, please).

Women: easy packing dresses, blouses and skirts but mainly casual wear. Dressy flats (closed toe) for corporate and corporate casual are the best option.

Men: One suit or sport coat with dress trousers and dress shirts and a tie or two.

All: Pack light and bring items that go together for versatility. Include a few sports items as well: shoes, sweats, swimming suit, and shorts. Bring items that are easy to care for along with Woolite or detergent to wash out while traveling. Take things for both hot and colder weather. Bring a sweater and sweat shirt for cooler weather. The layered look will help you be versatile and prepared for the changes in climate. Shoes: Don't bring brand new shoes unless you are sure of their comfort. Don't bring too many shoes. They are too heavy. Finally, don't forget --- several outfits for corporate and organizational visits as mentioned above.

Students are responsible for getting to/from the departure airport location.

All IBI courses must be taken for a grade. IBI courses may not be taken on a Pass/Fail basis. Students from affiliated institutions receive their actual letter grades not transfer grades.

You are permitted only one suitcase that weighs 44 lbs or less and it should be limited to a size you can handle since you will be responsible for your own luggage. You may also bring a standard backpack as a book bag. PLEASE NOTE THAT ABSOLUTELY NO SO CALLED "HOCKEY BAGS" OR OVERSIZED SPORTS BAGS WILL BE PERMITTED. THEY ARE TOO LARGE AND DIFFICULT TO PACK INTO OUR BUS. Garment bags, backpacks with frames, or fold-over suitcases are not permitted since these also pose difficult problems in packing our coach. The ideal bag is a soft-sided 26"-29" rolling Pullman.

Wi-Fi is generally available throughout the program at each hotel location.

Be sure to bring along any medication (in the original container) or prescription form you may require. Be certain to include aspirin, cold and allergy medication you are used to taking. At some point during the summer, you will get a cold or be allergic to something new and you will be glad to be prepared. If you wear glasses or have contact lenses, be sure to bring along an extra set of lenses or pair of glasses along with a copy of your prescription.

Faculty will contact students with the course syllabus and course materials needs. Faculty notification will be posted on Canvas or in a student email. Upon registration, please check your email regularly for important information and instructions from IBI faculty. This information will be available in early May.

IBI purchases international travel insurance for each participant; it is included in the program cost. 

If you feel the provided insurance is not sufficient then you will need to use your family medical insurance and/or your college insurance.

IBI advises all students to review carefully the U.S. Center for Disease Control's travel health information, including vaccine recommendations ().

It is strongly recommended that you also visit a travel health clinic and/or your family physician as soon as possible. Do not delay. You need to decide what medications and vaccinations you should take.

You need to be current with tetanus/diphtheria (within past five years), hepatitis B, MMR and polio vaccinations. As a current student, you are likely to be up-to-date with them. You should confirm this.

The program fee is intended to be as comprehensive as possible and it includes room, meals, as well as all scheduled group activities and excursions. Whenever we do not take meals as a group or have a packed lunch, there is a modest meal allowance when students are on their own. Students are generally very ingenious in getting good value by going to the supermarket and preparing their own meals. Big eaters might plan on bringing extra money to supplement the meal allowance over the summer. You will also need some funds for personal expenses such as postage, snacks, laundry, souvenirs, individual excursions or travel apart from the group. Please remember that students are not permitted to rent a car, even if eligible, while on the program. Since individual interests, tastes, and activities vary a great deal, it is difficult to advise on an exact amount required. However, a survey of students from previous years has indicated a range of $1,000.00 to $1,500.00 was spent.

Students have found that they can access ATM machines at many points with their credit or debit cards and you may want to make arrangements for this prior to your departure. Many students have felt that this was the most efficient and least expensive mode of securing money overseas. Be sure to check on the procedures before your departure. Travel Money Cards from AAA also work well. Bring along at least $200 in cash as traveling money.

Personal checks cannot be cashed overseas and remittances from your parents may be difficult to negotiate. In an emergency, an official bank check could be sent by express mail and we will assist in cashing it. Wire payments can be made through American Express and some major banks with offices in the larger European cities. But remember this is very time consuming and usually costly. Credit cards are widely accepted in Europe and Asia but be cautious since card fraud is common. Make a photo copy of your credit cards in case of loss or theft and know the number to call if your card is lost or stolen.

Both non-US and US passports holders will need visas for travel on IBI in 2024. Specific visa information will be sent to accepted students participating in the program.

The IBI office strongly recommends that at least one parent of any student attending the IBI program have a current passport. Please double check your passport expiration date and make sure it is valid within one year of travel (the IBI summer of your students travel.)

Additional passport information can be found at

Parents are strongly encouraged to contact the IBI office with any questions at (717)796-1800 ext. 7127 or internationalbusinessinstitute@messiah.edu