Year: 2016

Girls Guide: Study Abroad Money Saving Information & Tips

Posted on by Lloyd C

Everyone is a travel expert when they find out you’re studying abroad.  In reality, only about 300,000 US students out of some 20 million students have the courage to spend time abroad. Instead of listening to everyone about what the best items, apps, and places to see abroad, take it from a reliable source: those that have studied abroad! Here are a few money saving tips our study abroad students have put together for you. There are many strategies for study abroad money saving tips, but these are some you may not have considered.

What Type of Power Connection?

Buy a curling iron/ straightener when you are in the host country such as China. There are 15 different types of outlet plugs used across the world, ranging from Type A- Type O., Of course, there are adaptors and such, but it is such a mess to find out the voltage of your product and the socket you are plugging into. It is also no secret that these products can be expensive, ranging from $30-$150.

It’s even worse if you purchase the wrong adaptor. Your expensive hair straightener will fry if you make this mistake. This sounds like an unnecessary purchase abroad, but leaving yours behind will make your bag a little lighter and your headaches much simpler. Purchase one for the duration of your trip when you are in your host country!

Purse Rule – What Kind of Purse Should I Take on my Travel?

The American mind is so polluted with articles and news stories of robberies, pick-pocketers, and scams abroad. However, don’t believe it all. Necessity is to have a bag with a zipper (and actually use the zipper). Bags with a magnet are not as secure and in the event of a pick pocket or if your bag flips upside down a zipper will keep your things safer longer than a magnet.

Size is also important because in some countries there may be stores that do not offer grocery bags or shopping bags for free. So if you spontaneously pick up a few items at the store, you want to make sure you can carry them home! Also, if you are a student you will need a bag for your books and notebooks. But don’t overdo it. You’ll want to have one bag that is versatile and can be used for most of your activities.

What Kind of Shoes Should I Take on my Travel? – Comfy Shoes

You may be thinking how cute your Sperry’s or white Converse may look in an Instagram, but it is not worth the pain you may endure if these shoes are not broken in. Also, heels are not as easy to maneuver in on cobblestone. Make sure you pack light to save money on baggage. But most importantly, you won’t need all the shoes you think you’ll need. Just grab your favorites and most comfortable.

Learn the Language!

Even if you can only say “Hi my name is ________, and I am learning the language”, you will be far better off. Foreign people have more respect for your poor attempts than they do for you expecting them to speak English. Of course, the majority of the world knows English, at least to some degree. But remember- you are entering their country and these customs which require a certain level of respect! This will save you money because language courses abroad may be pricey.

Apply for Your Passport, Visa Early and STEP Program early!

What You Need to Know About a Passport

There are many additional costs if you need a visa or passport quickly. Do yourself a favor and apply early for your passport and visas. Government fees are added when you need your passport faster than the routine processing time.

Normal passport processing is 4-6 weeks or longer. If you need a passport expedited, then you will pay more for the services. Generally, prices start at an additional $60 and can quickly go up hundreds of dollars. Of course, an expedited service is worth it if you need your passport or visa right away. But as a student, you’ll want to save money any way you can. And that’s why we will keep bringing you more Study Abroad Money Saving Tips! You could learn more about the STEP program here.

How to Register to Vote Online

Posted on by Lloyd C

Do you know how to register to vote online? It’s simple and quick. You can register to vote online by submitting a quick voter’s registration form. Voting is critical for a successful democracy. We depend on our voters to help keep our country running by the voice of the people. Registering to vote is easy when you register to vote online through the Rock the Vote Form. Voting is available to all U.S. citizens aged 18 and older. Some states may allow a 17-year-old to vote, so check your local State’s voting requirements. State Voting Requirements are listed at the bottom of this page. If you’re ready to register to vote online now, you can submit the form below:

 

How to Register to Vote Online

Register to vote online is as simple as completing the voter registration form. Click the button below. The link will bring you to the voter registration form for your state. It shouldn’t be confusing to register to vote.  Follow the button and register to vote in minutes!


 

How to Register To Vote in Person

If you’d prefer to register to vote in person, please visit your local public facility. There are many locations in your local area to register to vote in person. However, registering to vote online is even easier so if you want to register to vote quickly, click the button above.

How to Register to Vote Overseas

The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) can provide you with the information needed to register to vote from overseas. Many international travelers and citizens living abroad will still want to vote. Don’t let an additional step dissuade you from registering to vote from overseas.

How to Register to Vote in Other Languages

The National Mail Voter Registration Form provides voters with options to cast a vote in Bengali, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.  A Voter’s Guide is also available and provides information on registering to vote in Cherokee, Dakota, Navajo, and Yupik, as well as Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. You can vote in most languages so find out how to register to vote in other languages.

Register to Vote Deadlines and Requirements

How to Register to Vote Online
How to Register to Vote Online

All states require voters to register before you can cast your vote, with the sole exception of North Dakota. Voter registration deadlines vary from state to state. Some states close registration 30 days before the election, while others allow voters to register up to Election Day. Proper identification is often required at the polling place so bring your passport, drivers license, or state ID when voting. There are also state by state variations in requirements for ex-felons voting rights. Please check with your state election requirements for more information.

Help! My Dog Ate My Passport!

Posted on by Lloyd C

As most travelers know, life is full of unpredictable moments. Many times the hiccups we experience while traveling are the stories that make the trip memorable. But what happens when something bad happens before the trip? What happens if your dog chews on your passport? What happens if your dog eats your passport? Can you travel with a damaged passport? Find out what you need to do to replace a damaged passport.

Help! My Dog ate my Passport!

Any damage to your passport can ruin a potential trip. The U.S. Department of State and all immigration officials take passport damage very seriously. If your dog chewed on the corner of one page of your passport, that might still be enough damage for your passport to be considered ‘invalid’. Simply yelling, ‘Help! My dog ate my passport!’ will not fix this issue. You will need to replace your passport immediately.

A routine passport replacement can take up to six weeks or longer. Fortunately, for those that need a passport faster, you can use a private expediting service or you can contact your closest Regional Passport Agency. If you are abroad and your passport is damaged, you should go to your closest embassy or consulate.

Can you Travel with a Chew Up Passport?

No. A chewed-upon passport is considered invalid for travel, and you will not be allowed to board your flight or enter the country with a damaged passport. The Department of States considers a passport that is chewing up to be damaged and you will need to get a passport replacement to travel.

What if my dog only chewed on my passport?

There really isn’t any way to get official verification that the border agents will accept your passport. If you have any doubts about the condition of your passport, you should seek to replace it immediately.

When you replace your damaged passport, you should also include a letter explaining the damage. You may also want to include a request that your original damaged passport be returned to you. Many travelers keep their old passports as a keepsake or memory of the visas and stamps accrued.

Help! My Passport has some minor wear and tear!

Regular wear and tear may not mean you need to replace your passport. While there is no official description of what constitutes wear and tear, your passport will usually have some minor wear marks after a few trips abroad. We highly recommend keeping your passport in a safe place at all times. Invest in a passport protector case and try to make sure you aren’t leaving your passport in your pocket or luggage unprotected. If you do feel your passport is starting to show signs of heavy use, you may want to renew it or replace it before your next trip.

Conclusion

If you’ve experienced an unfortunate passport-eating incident like the one we just discussed, don’t panic! It is essential to contact the proper contacts and organizations as soon as possible and keep track of any paperwork or receipts that document your efforts to locate a replacement.

Ultimately, whether you end up needing a new passport or just experiencing a close call can depend on a variety of factors. Do all you can to mitigate potential risks by taking safety measures with your passport, such as carefully storing it away from curious mouths. However, if something happens, remember that help is out there!

How to Become an Au Pair?

Posted on by Lloyd C

Are you ready for an adventure? Perhaps looking for a way to justify living abroad and indulging in a “gap year”?  Becoming an au pair is the perfect way to find out to travel and live abroad. At the same time, you can figure out what you want to do in the future. This experience offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. That is to live in a family setting (which may ease homesickness) while living like a local. You don’t have to justify to anyone why taking 2-24 months off life is a good idea because we totally agree. But where to begin? Follow these steps to start your journey.

How to Become an Au Pair?

There are several options when deciding what site to create a profile on. But, how do you know which one is the best? While they all claim to be secure and prove to work, you need to choose which one is best for you. Use caution before you pay to create a profile. It may not actually be the best option. There are plenty of great options that have free profiles.

Create a personal profile

Tip: NEVER pay for creating a profile!

We suggest using www.aupairworld.com to begin your search. This site is easy to use. It allows you to list what you are seeking to match you with potential families. It asks you to formulate 3 short essays. The first is to explain your past. Second, your experience. Last, your desires to be an au pair.

The best part is you can find families in the exact city or area they live in. You’ll find there are so many families searching for au pairs. So, it’s convenient to be able to narrow the search a little bit by choosing one city or area, to begin with.

Decide what you want from your experience

Tip: Create perimeters & be a realist!

Once you open the flood gate into this au pair world, you will find that there are SO many options regarding families, cities, countries, and expectations! It can be overwhelming if you are not honest with yourself about what you want and can handle in regards to your willingness to help with housework, homework, disabilities, the number of children, and hours of work. Therefore, before you begin your search, set your perimeters.

Because when you start to see photos and read profiles, you’re going to want to think you can do it all. And you might be able to, but remember to pull from your experience with child care before you fall in love with these families!

Also, it is quite easy to feel persuaded from the connection you may have with a family you meet online. Or, from the compensation they may offer you.

However, if you said beforehand that residing in a big city was important to you because of its central location and sightseeing, do not compromise this for a family who will offer you a competitive compensation package to live in the middle of nowhere on the side of a mountain. (Unless that’s what you want of course).

Related Read: Traveling with Kids and Disabilities

Write essays from the heart & be honest

Remember that you can’t redo a first impression!

These families read what feels like hundreds of essays and profiles each month, so what can you say that sets you apart? The best thing you can say comes when you speak from your heart. No one else will say the same thing when you write with personal honesty. One key tip that every site will tell you is: Do not begin your essay with “Hi, my name is and I come from…”. This gets redundant to families and does not say anything about your personality.

Most families want an au pair that step in as an older brother/sister figure to their children, so you want to showcase that your personality in hopes that you are a good fit for that special family. Also, honesty is HUGE! A single au pair experience can last anywhere from 2-24 months.

The au pair horror stories you read about usually stem from one or both sides of this being dishonest. If you pretend or claim that you love ‘animals’  and speak German, then arrive and fear that their ‘animals’ include a goat and a snake you have to feed daily then you will have problems if what you meant by “animals” is cats.

Also, language is a quite obvious key component for communication. If your host family wants to brush up on their German skills and you are hardly at an  A1 level, you both will be disappointed.

Skype, Skype, Skype!

Tip: Trust your gut

You can’t believe everything you read on the internet, so that’s why you’ll have to get over your fear of Skype. Remember, it will be slightly awkward for both sides at first. But, be yourself because it will ease tensions and is the only way to truly get to know a family before you arrive. Instantly you’ll both get a feel for one another along with the environment you chose to meet at. (So make sure you chose a clean room with nothing that isn’t true to your character in the background!)

It often is the case that a family is perfect on paper. But maybe, once you meet them the connection isn’t there. Remember, you’ll be living with this family. So, you have to feel comfortable enough to talk to them. Ask them questions. Or abide by the rules of their home. Also, children have that inapt way of feeling out people’s vibes and energy. So, it will be a good way to see if you like them or if they’re a total brat!

Related Read: Five Countries You could Travel without a Visa

Get a Course on English Language and Obtain a Visa to the United States

What Should I do with old passport?This process isn’t all fun and games, but that doesn’t mean it has to be difficult. Once you decide on a host family, you will have to look into their countries embassy and rules for entry and for your stay. This will depend greatly on where you are a citizen from as well.

If you are a natural born US citizen, you can stay in any country in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days without a visa. However, if you choose to stay for a longer time you will need to obtain a visa. Of course, you will ALWAYS need a valid passport. Make sure you have at least six months of validity; otherwise you may get turned away at the airport!

Vaguely put, you have options! There are work visas (which are the hardest to obtain), student visas (simpler to obtain), or some countries offer an “Au pair” visa. It is more likely than not you will have to apply for a student visa. This will require you to enroll in a language course in your host country which will then give you a paper to declare that you can enroll for a student visa.

Conclusion

Becoming an Au Pair can be a thrilling adventure that gives you the opportunity to travel, learn, and experience a new culture. By researching the different criteria for becoming an Au Pair, staying organized throughout the application process, and honing your communication skills, you could soon find yourself embarking on a unique journey that will be packed with memories you’ll never forget.

 

The Benefits of Embracing the Unknown – Tips for Comfortable and Enjoyable Travel With Strangers

Posted on by Lloyd C

Traveling is an inherently exciting experience, allowing us to explore new cultures and see different parts of the world. However, it can also be intimidating when you’re embarking on a journey with no one to share it with. But what if you embraced the unknown instead of limiting yourself in these situations?

By taking a chance on traveling with strangers, not only can you learn more about yourself, but you open up opportunities for enriching experiences that would’ve otherwise been impossible.

Is It ok to Travel with Strangers?

Yes! It can be a great way to explore different parts of the world while also meeting new people and bonding over shared experiences. You can travel with strangers in many ways, such as joining a group tour or finding other travelers on social media sites like Reddit. You may even find yourself forming lifelong friendships through these kinds of experiences.

Traveling with strangers can also offer financial benefits. By sharing accommodation, meals, and transportation costs among a group of travelers, you could save money that you would’ve otherwise spent on your own. Plus, with more people around you to provide support and company, you can feel safer and more secure while traveling in unfamiliar places.

What is the Pro and Cons of Traveling with Strangers?

Pros:

  •  Cost-effective – Sharing travel and accommodation costs can make your budget go further.
  • Bonding opportunities – You might make lifelong friends through shared experiences.
  • Security – Having a few extra people around can provide safety in unfamiliar places.

Cons:

  • Lack of privacy – Being with strangers means you won’t have the same level of privacy as you would enjoy traveling alone.
  • Compatibility issues – Different personality types can lead to tension and arguments.
  • Time constraints – Traveling with a group often means having to compromise on activities, schedules, and itineraries.

It’s important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding whether or not traveling with strangers is the right choice for you. Make sure to set expectations with your group and communicate openly to ensure a successful trip. With a little bit of effort, traveling with strangers can be an incredibly rewarding experience.

Conclusion

We all need to challenge ourselves in order to grow, and travel provides one of the best opportunities to do this. Whether you are jetting off around the world or going on a weekend camping trip, embrace the unknown of meeting new people. Remember the tips outlined above to remain comfortable and stress-free during your travels with strangers.

Ultimately, don’t be afraid of what could happen when we leave our comfort zone – it can lead us to amazing people, unexpected stories, and incredible places that will leave us feeling enriched and enlightened. Do not miss out on these epic experiences by reaching out for them!

U.S. Citizens Travel Visa Requirements

Posted on by Murray L

Are you a U.S. citizen dreaming of globetrotting but concerned about hefty visa fees? Guess what? Dozens of countries offer open doors to Americans – all with no visa required!

Forget the mountains of paperwork and long waiting times; skip ahead to exploring, learning, and experiencing new cultures without forking out extra cash on pricey visas! From the lush rainforests of South Africa to the historical monuments in China, begin your journey into discovering new places without visa requirements.

U.S. Citizens Travel Visa Requirements

As of January 2024, there are over 148 countries that are U.S. passport visa-free countries for entry for Americans. Whether you’re interested in a short vacation, a long-term stay, or even passing through on your way to another country, these places offer hassle-free travel experiences. Examples of popular destinations include:

AlbaniaAmerican SamoaAndorra
AnguillaAntigua and BarbudaArgentina
ArmeniaArubaAustralia
AustriaBahamasBarbados
BelgiumBelizeBermuda
Caribbean NetherlandsBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswana
BrazilBritish Virgin IslandsBrunei
BulgariaCanadaCayman Islands
Central African RepublicChileColombia
Cook IslandsCosta RicaCroatia
CuraçaoCyprusCzechia
DenmarkDominicaDominican Republic
EcuadorEl SalvadorEstonia
Falkland IslandsFaroe IslandsFiji
FinlandFranceFrench Guiana
French PolynesiaFrench West IndiesGabon
GeorgiaGermanyGibraltar
GreeceGreenlandGrenada
GuamGuatemalaGuyana
HaitiHondurasHong Kong
HungaryIcelandIndonesia
IraqIrelandIsrael
ItalyJamaicaJapan
KazakhstanKiribatiKosovo
KyrgyzstanLatviaLesotho
LiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourg
MacauMalaysiaMalta
Marshall IslandsMauritiusMayotte
MexicoMicronesiaMoldova
MonacoMongoliaMontenegro
MontserratMoroccoMozambique
NamibiaNetherlandsNew Caledonia
New ZealandNicaraguaNiue
North MacedoniaNorthern Mariana IslandsNorway
OmanPalauPalestine
PanamaPeruPhilippines
PolandPortugalPuerto Rico
QatarRéunionRomania
San MarinoSão Tomé and PríncipeSenegal
SerbiaSingaporeSlovakia
SloveniaSouth AfricaSouth Korea
SpainSri LankaSaint Kitts and Nevis
Saint LuciaSaint MartinSaint Vincent and the Grenadines
SurinameSwedenSwitzerland
TaiwanTajikistanThailand
Trinidad and TobagoTunisiaTurks and Caicos Islands
United States Virgin IslandsUkraineUnited Kingdom
UruguayVanuatuVatican City
ZambiaEswatini 
   

To travel without a visa, it is necessary to have a valid passport that is usually valid for six months after the planned departure date. Additionally, it is required to purchase travel health insurance as mandated by the destination country.

Which Countries Require eVisa for U.S. Citizens?

eVisas are an electronic alternative to traditional paper visas and are obtained through an online application. The countries that currently require eVisas for U.S. citizens include:

  • Armenia
  • Azerbaijan
  • Bahrain
  • Belarus
  • Burkina Faso
  • Cambodia
  • China
  • Djibouti
  • Ethiopia
  • Gabon
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Iran (from select cities)
  • Jordan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kuwait
  • Laos
  • Madagascar
  • Mongolia
  • Myanmar (Burma)
  • Nigeria
  • Oman
  • Qatar
  • Rwanda
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Senegal
  • Singapore
  • South Africa
  • Sri Lanka
  • Tajikistan
  • Thailand
  • Turkmenistan
  • Turkey
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Uzbekistan
  • Vietnam

It is important to note that the exact requirements for a Tourist eVisa can vary from country to country and applicants should check with the respective embassy or consulate for more information. Additionally, some countries may still issue visas in paper form.

Which Countries Have Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens?

Many countries have visa requirements for U.S. citizens, including those in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and South America. It is important to check each country’s policies before traveling to determine any necessary steps that must be taken before entering the country.

AfghanistanEritreaRussia
AlgeriaGhanaSudan
BelarusIranSyria
Central African RepublicLiberiaTurkmenistan
ChadLibyaVenezuela
ChinaMaliYemen
Republic of the CongoNauru
CubaNiger

Travel Packing Tips: Pack Like a Travel Pro

Posted on by Lloyd C

Are you an aspiring traveler hoping to hit the open road and explore a foreign country without worry? Packing is one of the most important components of any successful trip and ensuring that you have all the right items in your suitcase can make or break your travels. But never fear! With these tried-and-true travel packing tips, you can learn how to pack like a pro and get on with your journey knowing everything is taken care of. From being strategic about what type of luggage to bring to choosing versatile clothing options, this blog post will arm you with essential knowledge so that packing for your next adventure becomes easy.

Get Your Trip Schedule in Order to Make a Packing List

Your trip should include a plan for all the necessary items you’ll need while traveling. Make a list of essentials such as a passport, mobile phone, adapter plugs, and any required medications. Additionally, pack items like a flashlight, portable battery charger, and an external hard drive in the event your electronics need extra power or storage.

Related Read: Travel App Any Travel Need in 2023

Start with Your Must-Have Items

Do you have any non-negotiable items that you absolutely cannot leave behind? Make sure to set them aside.  Think outside the box and consider items such as your favorite travel pillow, noise-canceling headphones, camera gear, or a water bottle. Don’t forget to bring any necessary documents such as a passport that you may need while on your trip.

Your Heaviest Items Should be At Bottom

The items you want easy access to should be placed at the top when packing your suitcase. On the other hand, heavier items such as shoes or a laptop should go near the bottom of your bag so that they don’t end up crushing fragile items like clothing in the middle.

Coordinate Your Clothing Around Two Pairs of Shoes

Chances are, you don’t need to bring more than two pairs of shoes on your trip. If you coordinate your clothing around the two pairs of shoes that you do decide to bring, it will make packing and organizing much easier.

Small-Sized Travel Products

If you’re looking to free up some space in your suitcase, look for travel-sized versions of the products you use on a daily basis. Instead of bringing full-sized bottles of shampoo or conditioner, opt for small containers filled with just enough product to last your trip.

Don’t forget to store any liquids and gels in a Ziploc bag to prevent them from spilling and making a mess.

Pack Clothes That Can Be Layered

When packing clothes, try to select items that can be easily layered together for different occasions. A lightweight jacket or sweater is perfect for layering over a tank top or blouse if the temperature drops during your travels, and wearing long pants and tights can make a skirt more appropriate for cooler weather.

By bringing items that you can layer, you’ll save space in your suitcase and have plenty of outfit options for wherever your travels take you.

Keep All Your Valuable with You

When you’re traveling, it’s important to always keep your most valuable items with you. Make sure that any passport, cash, credit cards, and jewelry are stored in a place where they can be easily accessed if needed. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry during your travels, as it could become lost or damaged while you’re away from home.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to make copies of important documents like your passport and credit cards before you leave so that you will have backup copies available if they are lost or stolen.

Finally, always be aware of your surroundings and trust your gut instincts regarding safety during your travels.

Conclusion

Planning your travels and packing like a pro will revolutionize the way you approach each excursion. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to embrace the thrill of travel without having to worry about losing or forgetting essential items. With these packing tips in mind, use the power of planning to become a savvy traveler that knows how to pack like an expert. Happy trails!

How To Process An Adoption From Abroad?

Posted on by Lloyd C

Adopting a child is a noble thing to do. There are a lot of children out there who are desperate and eager to have a family. Though there are a lot of children to adopt, the process of adoption is not that easy. There are certain rules and laws that you have to follow. The adoption process can stop if you do not have the requirements. Even with the best intentions, you will need to be deemed fit to be a parent or your wish to adopt from abroad will not be granted.

You must be ready to adopt a child. You should think deeply if you want this and are ready for it. There is one more process you must go through after the adoption process: the citizenship or immigration of the child you are adopting.  Now if you think you are ready and you have what it takes to adopt a child, these are the steps to process your adoption from abroad:

International Adopting Process

Once you get the approval that you will be able to adopt, the international adoption process will start. This is where you will fill out an application asking for more details. You will have questions that would measure your sustainability in adopting a child. You will get the Adoption Service Contract afterward.

What is the Process for the Adoption of a Child From Abroad?

In the US, there are different territorial and provincial adoption agencies that you can work with. They are the ones who will tell you:

  • About the rules or laws of the country where you would want to adopt a child
  • If you need to contact a licensed adoption agency
  • How adoption from abroad works

They are also going to make sure that you have all that it takes to adopt a child.

How Long Does Internation Adoption Take in the U.S.?

The adoption process from abroad can take anywhere from 1 to 5 Years, depending on the country you are adopting from. You will have to get all of your required documents ready and submit your application for an assessment with an adoption agency. After that, they will provide you with a report, which will then be sent to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for review. Once it is approved, you will be allowed to travel to the country to finalize the adoption process.

Depending on the circumstances, you may also need to obtain an international adoption order from a court in that country and any other legal documents that are needed before coming back home with your child.

Remembering that each case is unique, and the timeframe for completing the process may vary. You will want to work closely with your adoption agency in order to get a better understanding of what is required and how long it might take. Additionally, you should check the State Department website for country-specific requirements as well as any special programs that are available.

Accomplish A Home Study Report

You must write a report about your home, and they will see if your home qualifies for adoption. After the home study process, you will fill out your report.

You should accomplish your dossier. The collection of documents is part of the first stage of the adoption process. They will need medical certificates, financial statements, birth certificates, etc. There are countries that would require all documents to be notarized or legalized.

You must attend pre-adoption workshops and seminars. This will prepare you for the arrival of the child you want to adopt.

Once all these processes are complete, a certified adoption agent will visit your home to formally write the report.

Acceptance And Assignment

You will now receive information about the child you are adopting. Information such as medical reports, histories, and sometimes even information about the biological parents. If there is something that you dislike, you may stop the process, and another assignment will be given to you.

Bringing Your Child Home

After the process, you can bring your child home. This is obviously the end goal to process an adoption from abroad. In some countries, you must visit the country you are adopting from. Your parenting duties will start from there. In other countries, they will send the child to you.

How to Get a Passport for Adopted Child?

Once your child is home, you may want to get a passport for their travel needs. To do this, you must contact the adoption agency in the state or country of origin. Information about how to apply for a passport for an adopted child will be provided by the agency.

You may also need to obtain a Certificate of Citizenship from the U.S. government. This document confirms that the child is a citizen of the United States. It’s an important document for applying for a passport and getting other benefits, too.

In addition to the Certificate of Citizenship, you will need to provide proof of identity such as a birth certificate or another form of valid identification such as a driver’s license. You may also be asked to provide documents such as the adoption decree or court orders.

You will need to submit an application form for your child’s passport along with two photographs and any required supporting documents. You can download the application forms from the U.S. Department of State website or get them from any post office, public library, or county clerk’s office that offers passport services.

Once your application is complete, you will need to submit it along with the required documents to a designated acceptance facility such as a post office or other government agency. The acceptance agent will review your application and supporting documents to ensure they are in order before forwarding them on for processing. Once the State Department receives your application and documentation, they will begin processing your child passport

Pre-Adoption Supervision

In six months to one year, you will be required to meet with your adoption agent for at least 3 or 4 times to see how your adoption is going. To finalize the adoption, you must re-adopt the child in the US. You then will be working on the second process: the immigration or citizenship process. You must file citizenship and a passport for the member of your family.

Applying for a U.S. Passport takes 4-6 weeks or longer. You will want to make sure you have all of your documents ready. Parental consent is required for ALL child passport applications. If you need your passport expedited, we highly recommend using a trusted passport courier service. If necessary, you can get your new child’s passport processed in 24 hours. For more information, please visit our Emergency Passport section.

Conclusion

Passports are a critical part of the adoption process. It is important that parents have all the necessary documents in order and are aware of the steps they need to take to get their child’s passport quickly, such as using an approved passport courier service. With the right preparation, parents can ensure that their family members will become U.S. citizen with ease and promptly. Thank you for visiting uspassporthelpguide.com! We hope this guide has been helpful to you. Good luck!

How To Travel With Kids?

Posted on by Lloyd C

Flying can be stressful to both parents and children. There are things that you can do to have a good flight, even when you are traveling with kids. Flying with kids can seem like a stressful situation, but preparing beforehand will be helpful in having a good flight. Start your trip off right and enjoy your vacation. Flying and traveling with children may be difficult at times, but you can deal with it the right way if you know what to do. Utilizing a few helpful travel tips with help you handle flying with kids so you can enjoy your vacation.

airplaneFlying with Kids: Prepare In Advance

Being prepared is the best thing you can do. Being in the right mindset will help you do the task better. Being good at traveling with kids will take time and experience, but you can do it. Talk to your kids about how nice it would be to travel. Make them look forward to something but ensure they get a good rest before your flight. You should do the same. Remember that you should also set reasonable expectations because traveling with children is hard on the parents, the children, and often your fellow travelers.

You should prepare things that are essential for your flight.

Get the appropriate tickets and documents ahead of time, such as passports (if you’re flying internationally), seat reservations, boarding passes, etc. Consider packing snacks to avoid having hungry kids during your flight. Prepare activities for them to do in case they get bored of watching movies or playing games on their phones. It is also important to pack a change of clothes for your

  • A lot of snacks for the children.
  • Children can get hungry often, and they always want to eat when they are bored.
  • Small toys, preferably cuddly stuffed toys.
  • Playing with toys can keep them busy. Make sure, though, that you hold on to the favorite toy; losing it will make him upset.
  • Extra clothes on your hand carry.
  • It would be nice to have some clothes ready when they make a mess, but make sure not to put it together with your US passport. You might lose it when you are in a hurry to take it out.
  • Medicine for upset stomach, fever, and anything that might help when they feel uneasy.
  • Most children would feel sick during the flight. Having some medicine handy would help solve the problem. Fever medicine or medicine for vomiting will help with the altitude change, as well as ear drops.
  • Tablets or smartphones

A lot of games, children’s movies, and songs will help you to keep them busy and distracted about the flight. Even toddlers and babies are cheered up even for a short time when they are watching cartoons with a catchy children`s song.

Play With Them

Playing alone will last for just a few minutes; half an hour might be the longest for some children and toddlers to entertain themselves. Playing with them will be better especially if they have a fear of flying. Make them pretend that they are a pilot or a stewardess. This will help them cope up with any fear of flying, as well as have a fun time. Educate them on how flying can be interesting by showing them what can be seen outside the window and interesting things about the airplane. Games like ‘I Spy’ are also fun for little ones.

Take Short Flights

When going on a long trip it might help if you are going to have connecting flights so the children will have some time to run around airports and play. Of course, make sure they don’t get lost. It will give them some time to relax before taking another flight. However, this trick will not be helpful if your kids have a fear of flying. This technique will be best for kids who are hyperactive and need a chance to run around and burn some energy.

Apologize To Fellow Passengers

You don’t want to end up having a fight with your fellow passengers, so be sure to apologize quickly and early. Hand out some treats as an apology. Most people will understand that traveling with children isn’t exactly a treat for you either. Many travelers will want to help pitch in and assist you, whether it be playing peek-a-boo with your toddler or holding the diaper bag while you board.

Check-in With The Flight Crew

You shouldn’t scare your kids too much but just make them aware that the airplane authorities are there. Let them know why they are there. This shouldn’t just be a scare tactic, but it is also a good way to demonstrate to your children that there are authorities for their safety as well. The other benefit is letting the flight crew know that you are traveling with children. Often times, they will provide you with some extra space and snacks if available. Remember, the flight crew also wants you to enjoy your trip. They also want a peaceful flight too. Always be kind to your flight crew. This is a helpful travel tip for all travelers.

It may take a few trips before you really understand what your children like and dislike in a flight. Don’t beat yourself up if you have a disaster flight. Your fellow travelers and flight crew may seem inconvenienced, but in reality, everyone is really only focused on getting to their destination safely. And remember, all travelers now need passports for international travel. Make sure your children, toddlers, and infants all have a valid passport. So grab your passport, your children, and their passports- and enjoy flying with kids.

Conclusion

Flying with kids can be a daunting task. With proper planning and preparation, you can make it a fun experience for everyone involved. Always remember to bring your passports, as well as your children’s passports too. Being kind and understanding to the flight crew will also help make sure that your trip is peaceful and enjoyable. We hope this guide has helped make flying with kids a stress-free experience. Bon voyage!