STUDY ABROAD PREDEPARTURE ORIENTATION

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STUDY ABROAD PREDEPARTURE ORIENTATION

• WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
• BEFORE YOU GO!

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STUDY ABROAD TIPS
Before You Go

• Learn about the country and the laws in that
  country
• www.culturegrams.com
• Maintain valid Passport and Visa (if required)
• Obtain Adequate Insurance
• Know location of the nearest U.S. Embassy
• Know what U.S. Consular Officers can and cannot
  do to help

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Study Abroad TipsBefore you go

• Address Money issues
• Prepare a budget
• Bank Cards, Credit Cards, Travelers Checks
• Preparing to Keep in Touch
• Copy of address book
• Phone cards
• Check out telephone companies international rates
• Packing Tips
• Restrictions (provided in handbook)

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STUDY ABROAD TIPSTraveling to Your Destination

• Items in your carry on bag
• Pack prescription medications, eyeglasses and
  contact lenses in your carry-on bag
• Immigration and Customs
• Have passport, visa and immunization certificates
  ready
• Be respectful
• Dress neatly and groomed, sometimes students are
  viewed suspiciously
• Be prepared to experience Jet Lag

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STUDY ABROAD TIPSWhile you are there

• Be aware of your surroundings and protect your
  belongings
• Dont go out alone at night
• Dont flash expensive belongings
• Choose your transportation carefully
• Keep your passport with you
• Avoid being engulfed in large crowds
• Be aware of stereotypes

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STUDY ABROAD TIPSWhile you are there

• Respect local customs
• Course work and credit issues
• What if pre-approved classes arent available
• Keep information about all of your courses (e.g
  syllabi, notes, tests)

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STAY IN TOUCH

• SHARE INFORMATION WITH PARENTS itinerary, copies
  of passport other legal documents
• GIVE YOUR PARENTS THE INFORMATION PACKETS
• E-MAIL/CALL PARENTS IEC WHILE AWAY
• EMERGENCY CONTACT CARDS

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CULTURE SHOCK

• Set realistic expectations
• Know the symptoms of culture shock
• Know the coping strategies for culture shock
• Expect some degree of return culture shock
• CULTURE SHOCK IS NORMAL!

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SAFETY TIPS
BEFORE YOU GO
WHILE TRAVELING

• Safety begins when you pack!
• Learn about security before you go learn the
  laws and culture
• Leave information and copies of documents with
  your family

• Be street wise
• Protect your
• Stay legal you are NOT under U.S. laws and
  protections!
• Dont be a target
• Know where to get assistance

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Health Tips

• Take a home medical kit
• Bandages, gauze, adhesive tape
• Cleansers
• Antibacterial cream
• Pain killers
• Exercise
• Drink sparingly
• Be careful about what you eat and drink

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RESOURCES

• RU contacts utilize e-mail
• Parent contact
• Emergency Card
• Handbook
• Handouts

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Questions Answers

• Teresa Underwood tunderwo_at_radford.edu,
• 831-6200
• Joe Flory jflory_at_radford.edu, 831-6200
• International Education Center
• Box 7002
  Radford University
  Radford, Va. 24142

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