How do I prepare to handle things back home while I'm away?

In addition to your other preparations, you'll want to be prepared to deal with your business back home while you're away.

  • Power of Attorney - Giving a family member or trusted friend power of attorney, while you are abroad, is a good idea. Power of attorney gives that designated person the power to act on your behalf in case a legal document requires your signature while you are away. This is especially important if you receive financial aid as they may need to endorse a check or complete a form for you.

     

  • Absentee Voting - If elections are going to take place in the United States while you are overseas, you can still take part in the election process by sending in an absentee ballot from anywhere in the world. You can register to vote before you leave home, or online at www.overseasvotefoundation.org.

     

  • Filing Income Tax - If you currently pay income tax and will be out of the United States during spring semester, you can request an extension of the deadline for filing federal, state and local tax returns. If you choose to file from abroad either ask someone to send you the forms or contact your local embassy or consulate.

     

  • US Customs and Duties - If you plan on taking expensive items, such as cameras, Walkmans, CD players, personal computers, etc., you should consider registering them with US Customs before you leave. That way those items won't be subject to duty when you return.

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    Copyright © 2008. EducationDynamics All rights reserved. Updated and reprinted with permission for inclusion in the IIEPassport Study Abroad Directories.

    The contents of this handbook are intended for the use of students, advisers, and administrators. The contents of this handbook are the property of EducationDynamics and author Bill Hoffa, and are protected under the copyright laws of the United States of America.