In all cases, travel to and from your program is paid for by your program or by Swarthmore according to Swarthmore College guidelines or, sometimes, by both. In almost all cases, though, it will be your responsibility to make the arrangements, that is, to book the tickets. Rosa Bernard will work closely with you on this, including especially referring you to travel offices where you are likely to get the lowest prices for your trip. Since you will be provided with a fixed travel allowance that is sufficient to purchase a round trip ticket to your destination, and since the further in advance you buy your ticket the more likely you are to get a low price, it is important that you get going on this as soon as possible - which means as soon as you know which program you will attend, and this normally will be when you have your acceptance from your program. If you want to travel abroad prior to the start date for your program, do not purchase your ticket until you have thought wisely about how long it will take to get your visa (if one is required). If you shop wisely and book early and, as a result, spend less than the travel allowance provided by Swarthmore and/or your program, you get to keep the difference. If you delay and have to overspend the allowance, you are that amount out of pocket.
For students who are abroad for one semester, the travel allowance provides for one round trip. For students who are abroad for two semesters, the allowance provides according to Swarthmore College guidelines for two round trips, so you can visit your home once during the year.
It is extremely important that you rearrange your travel through a reputable travel agent. Be sure to book a flight that is refundable and that can be changed for a relatively low fee. This is extremely important because you never know when some aspect of your plans might change. Below are suggested travel agents recommended by students, faculty, staff, and study abroad programs:
- STA Travel: www.statravel.com / 800-777-0112
- Park Avenue Travel (in Swarthmore): 610-328-6666
- Student Universe: www.studentuniverse.com