Library Research Guides: International Travel: Preparing for Travel

There's a lot to think about before you travel abroad! Fortunately, the IU Libraries can help as you prepare for your trip and keep you connected and productive while you're away.

Databases

GlobeSmart
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Information on a wide variety of cultural and practical topics, such as communication styles, language, electricity, money, holiday, safety, visas, and more ...
To access Globesmart, choose "Register here" from the log-in screen and use your @iu.edu or @indiana.edu e-mail address to create and register your account.

globalEDGE
Select "Global Insights" then your country of interest. Select the Culture tab on the left to see a list of resources that discuss various aspects of society and culture in that country.

eHRAF World Cultures
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Searchable full-text ethnographies on hundreds of ethnic, cultural, religious, and national groups worldwide.
MarketLine Advantage
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For a deeper dive into a country's current situation, search for country profiles in Marketline. Many of these will be either PEST or PESTLE reports. The first of these covers the Political, Economic, Social and Technological aspects of the local landscape, while the PESTLE reports add Legal and Environmental analysis. See also city reports for major cities.

Books

IUCAT Online Library Catalog This link opens in a new window
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The Indiana University online catalog. Find books, magazines, journals, movies, sound recordings, government publications, digital collections, and more.

The IU Libraries offer a number of travel guides. Search Your Country Guidebooks, or Your Country travel. For example:
China guidebooks
China travel

You can also find books on language that can help you refresh your high school Spanish or teach you important phrases and social niceties like please and thank you, that go a long way toward facilitating friendly, effective interactions while you are abroad. Try searches like:
Spanish language textbook
German language textbook

Audiovisuals

We have some great media to help you learn more about the countries you'll be visiting and the languages you'll encounter.

We have Rosetta Stone programs available for several languages. See this list from the library catalog.

Check out the 24 Hours series for streaming video featuring profiles of various cities around the world.