Returning from Abroad

Be sure to reconfirm your travel plans prior to your departure date. Check for airport location, date, time, layover information, luggage restrictions, and seat assignments.

When packing to return home, you may find yourself with souvenirs / other purchases that don’t fit in your luggage. There are two main options to get these items home:

1. Mail a package back to the U.S. 
2. Purchase an extra suitcase (this could incur an excess luggage fee) 

When you fly back to the U.S., you will first go through the U.S. Customs and Border Control (CBP) at your first U.S. city on your itinerary to provide valid travel documents and explain why you were traveling abroad and why you are entering the U.S. See U.S. Customs and Border Control’s re-entry guides for U.S. Citizens/Permanent Residents or International Visitors. 

You will also need to complete the customs process and declare items of specific value or type. Review CPB’s What to Expect When You Return and List of Prohibited and Restricted Items for more information. 

International students have additional requirements and should visit the International Center website’s guidance for entering the U.S.

Additional Resources: 

• Know Your Rights When Encountering Law Enforcement at Airports and Other Ports of Entry into the U.S.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection Search Authority 

Reflect on the following: 

1. What new skills have you gained? Were there unexpected experiences, lifestyle changes, new insights as citizens or scholars? 
2. How can you incorporate your learning abroad into your academic and professional careers?
3. Can you provide feedback on your program experience and possible improvements for the future?

There are several opportunities to further your education and career experiences abroad. The International Center hosts several International Career Pathways Sessions each semester. See the International Career Pathways Sessions page for specific session information.

When you return from abroad, you might want to share your experiences with your peers or use your experience to help future students with prepare for their time abroad.

Here are some ways you can stay involved on campus:

1. Enter photos from their experience abroad into the Global Photo Showcase
2. Participate in study abroad fairs as representatives
3. Work in an international/study abroad office as a student ambassador