1. Make a list of who you want to buy gifts for BEFORE you leave. Suggestions include parents (especially mom), grandparents, anyone you donated to your tuition, siblings. Remember "friends" will come out of the woodwork asking you to bring them something back, don't give in.
2. Suggested spending money amount: I would recommend between $300 and $500. This depends on who you want to buy things for and for yourself. Everything is paid for on the program, i.e. hotels, food, etc. The only thing you would need to buy extra would be souvenirs and snacks.
3. Remember sodas and snacks are VERY expensive in the UK. You can always pack some snacks to bring with you as long as they are individually wrapped (like snack packs of crackers, small cookies, gum, etc.) DO NOT bring any meat products (beef jerky) or cheese products that are opened. These will be taken away when we go through customs. If you bring snacks on the plane, remember anything not eaten that is opened will have to be thrown away as well. This is why we suggest the snack size packs.
4. Cash versus Card: I suggest a combination of both. I would go with at least some Pound Sterling (UK) already converted and maybe a few Euros (Ireland). I will be checking into doing a group money exchange before we leave if it is feasible, although it might be too complex with the exchange rate. If you are getting VISA/MASTERCARD gift cards, make sure they are good for international destinations. You usually have to order international gift cards directly from VISA. Some banks will allow your student to have a VISA/MASTERCARD debit card. You need to check with your individual banks for their policies. If they have a credit/debit card, be aware that the card must have the students name printed on it.
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