Backpack & Budget : Benefits Accompany Student ID

Students who carry an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) when traveling abroad are entitled to thousands of special discounts, but that’s not all. They also are automatically covered by a basic accident and sickness insurance package, and have the added benefit of access to a 24-hour, toll-free Traveler’s Assistance Service.

The card, issued by the International Student Travel Conference, a network of organizations from 77 countries, was created in 1968 as a student identification recognizable around the world.

ISIC cards being issued now will be valid until Dec. 31, 1994. They are available to full-time students and cost $16. For applications, contact Council Travel Services, 1093 Broxton Ave., Suite 220, Los Angeles 90024, telephone (310) 208-3551; or STA Travel, 120 Broadway, Suite 108, Santa Monica 90401, tel. (310) 394-5126.

Cardholders are provided with a handbook listing addresses of participating student travel services, plus a country-by-country synopsis on the types of discounts you can expect to find. The handbook also includes general information on currency, electricity and departure taxes; sights to see while touring; events worth working into your schedule; budget accommodations suggestions, and practical transportation tips.

When you travel abroad with the card, you can contact any of the participating organizations for travel advice and specific information on student discounts available in their countries.

For example:

* Students are eligible for a discount of up to 50% on domestic bus travel in Argentina.

* In Australia, you can save money by carrying your own wine to many restaurants.

* In the newly accessible Baltic states, buses are slightly more expensive than trains but the network is far better.

* Students traveling in Canada are eligible for a 10% discount on VIA Rail services.

* Students visiting Costa Rica are eligible for free entry to some museums, and for discounts on tours through the local student travel service. Students also are warned that beaches in Costa Rica are notorious for riptides and strong currents.

* Students visiting Colombia are warned to carry identification at all times because of sporadic checks by police at roadblocks.

* In Denmark, students can obtain large discounts on ferry travel to Norway, Great Britain, Iceland and the Faroe Islands.

* Students visiting the Czech Republic and Slovakia are warned that finding accommodations can be difficult: “It is sensible to try to arrange something prior to your arrival.”

* In Egypt, ISIC card holders can arrange “ridiculously cheap” rail travel if they rough it in third class.

* In Hungary, students are eligible for a 50% discount at many museums.

* In Hong Kong, the local student travel service can help with arrangements and visas for visiting mainland China.

* Students traveling in Ireland can save up to 50% on rail and bus travel throughout the country with a Travelsave Stamp, about $14 at the Irish student travel service.

* In Malaysia, students can purchase a pass for unlimited rail travel for seven days for $32, and stay at the local youth hostel in Kuala Lumpur for $6 for the first night, $4 for the next two nights.

* Students visiting Peru are advised to carry identification at all times, as they can be arrested it they have none.