Are you leaving money overseas?
If you're paying VAT Tax on hotels, meals and shopping, you're supposed to get it back!!!
If you're a business traveler that possesses charm, luck and a handy passport, you may be able to talk a merchant into deducting the VAT tax right there at the store (please note that you will still need to get the proper documents before leaving Europe).
But if you're not, you might be better off checking to see if your university subscribes to a VAT Reclaim Service.
2771 Lawrenceville Hwy., Suite 110
Decatur, GA 30033
770-496-0424