Name of Program STUDY ABROAD ORIENTATION

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Name of ProgramSTUDY ABROAD ORIENTATION

• Term and Year
• Date

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PROGRAM STAFF

• Directors name and contact info (on campus and
  abroad)
• Other instructors and contact info

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ACADEMICS

• STUDY Abroad first and foremost an academic
  experience
• Courses taught (list course s, call s and
  titles)
• of Credit hours
• Students must pay the program fee to the study
  abroad office. Tuition and fees are paid to the
  students account separately)
• Subject to CNU Honor Code and CNU Policies as if
  you were on campus

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ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS

• Hand out syllabus, if possible
• of hours spent in class per day
• Approximate of hours required outside of class
  to complete readings, papers, projects
• Assignments
• Materials to bring from home
• Academic resources available abroad
• Deadline for papers/projects upon return from
  program.

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ACADEMIC SUPPORT

• Office Hours of the faculty
• Available time to work on coursework during the
  study abroad
• Accessibility to internet or computers to
  complete work
• Availability of faculty upon return to U.S.

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ITINERARY

• Hand out program itinerary w/ dates of travel,
  class days, days off/free-time, group excursions,
  special events

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IMPORTANT DATES/DEADLINES

• Payments due
• Return paperwork by
• Next on campus meeting date and location
• Departure date or Program begins
• Other

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FLIGHTS

• Group flight arrangements
• Have any student not been on an airplane
• Airline, Flight number, Transfers
• Where to meet
• Luggage limits and restrictions ( of bags,
  weight)
• Additional bags or overweight bags are at
  students expense

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INTERNATIONAL AIR TRAVEL

• You must have a passport
• Check in at least three hours before departure
• Do not leave bags unattended
• Carry ticket and passport on your person
• Name on plane ticket must match passport
• Put your itinerary in your carry-on bag with the
  location of where you will be staying while
  abroad (used for customs).

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PASSPORTS

• Apply at any full service post office
• On-line Resources
• http//travel.state.gov/passport/
• http//www.usps.com/passport/welcome.htm
• Renew if passport will expire within 6 months of
  anticipated return date
• If you need one, apply immediately
• Allow 4-6 weeks for processing
• Keep photocopy of passport, give copy to Program
  Director
• Store in a safe place or keep it on you if
  required by law in host country

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CUSTOMS

• On the airplane you will be given a customs card
  to fill out.
• Once off the plane, you enter a line to speak
  with a customs agent. In your carry-on luggage
  you should have available
• Your program details, dates, schools,
  organization
• Your return Itinerary or Tickets
• Your Passport and Visa
• The Customs Agent will take your passport and may
  ask you questions about your travel plans. You
  may or may not need the program documents.
• After the Customs Agent you will collect your
  checked baggage and take it through security. If
  you are transferring to another flight you will
  re-check your bags.

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JET LAG

• During the flight
• Try to sleep
• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol
• Wear comfortable clothing
• Change watch to local time at destination
• Upon arrival
• Follow local time schedule for meals and sleep
• Moderate exercise
• Eat healthy, drink lots of fluids (water and
  juices)

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WEATHER

• What to expect
• Temperatures
• Weather conditions
• Appropriate gear and attire (ex. rubber boots,
  umbrella, gloves, winter coat, sunglasses, sun
  hat)

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WHAT TO PACK

• Local culture
• BE SPECIFIC about clothing that is/is not
  appropriate (ex. No spaghetti straps, no shorts,
  skirts must be below the knee, need sportcoat for
  visits to businesses
• Program activities
• Describe clothing that is appropriate/necessary
• Identify other things needed/handy for program
• Electricity
• Different voltage and plug shapes
• Leave appliances at home or get good
  adapter/converter
• Weather
• Provide temperature range and typical weather for
  season
• Describe appropriate clothing for climate/season

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PACKING TIPS

• You should be able to carry your luggage BY
  YOURSELF!
• Start packing several days before departure
• Avoid overpacking
• Need less than you would at home
• Its okay to wear the same thing often
• Put your name and contact info on luggage tag and
  inside bag
• Leave some room for things you will acquire
• Travel backpacks, suitcases with wheels
  recommended

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ACCOMMODATION

• Type of accommodation
• Location of accommodation
• Provide realistic expectations

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MEALS

• Meals provided by program
• Information re where students will eat
• Provide realistic expectations for food provided
• Estimated cost for meals not provided by program

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KEEPING IN TOUCH

• Phones
• Only international access cell phones work
  overseas
• Pre-paid phone cards work well
• Calling cardsknow access code for host country
• E-mail
• Most affordable way to communicate
• Internet cafes (cost)
• Mail
• Specify by air mail

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COSTS

• List what is included in program fee
• Itemize additional costs
• Provide realistic estimate (range) for additional
  amount needed
• Have some cash set aside and a credit card for
  emergencies

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MONEY

• Local currency
• Current exchange rate
• Best exchange rates ATM, credit cards
• Cost of living (provide a few sample costs, such
  as 1 can soda or candy bar, meal in restaurant,
  bus fare)

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ACCESSING FUNDS

• Have more than one way to access funds Provide
  info on best method for destination
• ATM/Debit card
• Availability
• Bank often charges fee for transaction
• Know numeric PIN and account designated for intl
  access
• Credit Cards
• Visa and Mastercard most widely accepted
• High interest rates for cash advances
• Travelers checks are not recommended
• Becoming harder to usehigh fees for exchange
• Buy currency using cash
• Make sure to contact your credit card companies
  and banks to let them know you will be out of the
  country. Give them specific dates so they know
  your card has not been stolen.

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LEGAL MATTERS

• You are bound by the laws of the host country
• List laws and penalties in the host country that
  are different and relevant (ex. Pepper spray
  illegal in UK, illegal to photograph military
  installations and govt buildings, penalties for
  drug possession)
• In the event of legal problems, U.S. Embassy or
  consulate can provide assistance

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PRE-DEPARTURE HEALTH PRECAUTIONS

• Complete health form completely
• Program staff can better assist, if you need
  medical care
• Make arrangements for continuing care abroad
• See your doctor
• Discuss health concerns and potential impact of
  international travel
• Get necessary prescriptions for duration of trip
  1 week

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HEALTH PRECAUTIONS

• Destination details doctor and hospital info
• Avoid street food
• Make sure drinking water is potable
• Bring with you
• Over the counter drugs and prescriptions
• All medications IN ORIGINAL CONTAINERS
• Extra glasses, contacts/cleaning solution
• Basic first aid items

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SAMPLE FIRST AID KIT

• Carry the following in a ziploc bag
• Wound care
• Bandaids in assorted sizes, hand sanitizer, gauze
  pads, cloth tape, ace bandage
• Miscellaneous
• Tweezers, scissors, thermometer
• Over the counter Medications
• Topical antibiotic cream (bacitracin)
• Analgesic/Anti-inflammatory (Tylenol, Ibuprofin)
• Benadryl, Sudafed
• Antacid (Maalox, Mylanta)/H-2 Blockers (Pepcid,
  Zantac)
• Anti-diarrheal (Immodium, Pepto)

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STUDY ABROAD INSURANCE

• Included in program fee for all CNU programs
  through the ISIC card.
• Card is valid for one year
• Pay for minor services up front
• Submit claim for reimbursement
• Provides coverage for
• Medical care
• Emergency medical evacuation
• Repatriation of remains

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GENERAL SAFETY TIPS

• Remember that foreigners are more vulnerable to
  crime
• Keep a low profile
• Try to blend in behavior and appearance
• Avoid baseball caps, T-shirts with American
  emblems
• Speak English quietly
• Be aware of your surroundings
• Walk with purpose (check maps in private)
• Ignore unwanted attention
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash/valuables
• Take precautions against pick pocketing (money
  belt/pouch)
• Limit alcohol intake
• Avoid political demonstrations
• Have more than one way to access funds
• Keep others informed about where you are going
  during free time

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GENERAL SAFETY TIPS, II

• Make front and back copies of all credit cards,
  debit cards, and passports you are taking abroad.
  
• Leave copies with a person in the US (parent,
  friend).
• Scan copies into your email
• Notify your banks and credit card companies you
  will be traveling outside the US, so they do not
  flag your account for suspicious use overseas

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SAFETY TIPS FOR DESTINATION

• List safety concerns and prevention tips

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ANTI-AMERICAN SENTIMENT

• What is it?
• Usually written or verbal criticism related to
  U.S. foreign policy and/or cultural influence
• How to deal with it
• Dont take it personally
• Ignore unwanted attention from strangers
• Be well-informed of history and current events
• In conversations
• Use it as an opportunity to learn more about host
  country
• Ask questions about the persons beliefs,
  national sentiment on particular issues
• Share your thoughts and experiences

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AGREEMENT AND WAIVER

• Student agreement
• Outlines basic CNU expectations for participation
  in study abroad
• Review along with program itinerary
• Waiver of liability
• Identifies potential risks of participation
• Review along with Consular Information Sheet
• All participants must sign the waiver form before
  the trip.

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RACE AND ETHNICITY

• Discuss perceptions of different racial and
  ethnic groups in the host country
• Discuss treatment students can expect to receive
  in the host culture related to race and ethnicity
• Discuss issues of racism in the host country

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ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

• Give student version of alcohol policy
  clarification
• Abide by legal drinking age in host country
• Abuse of alcohol impairs judgment, increases risk
  of accident/injury
• Respect host country norms re alcohol
  consumption and behavior
• Subject to CNU Honor Code
• Remember that violating drug laws can have
  serious consequences

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STUDENT CONDUCT

• List/explain program rules/expectations for
  behavior
• Describe culturally appropriate behavior

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CULTURAL DIFFERENCES

• Highlight some unique aspects of host culture

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CULTURAL IMMERSION

• Provide realistic expectations re opportunities
  to interact with local population
• Describe ways program facilitates cultural
  immersion
• Describe student role in creating cultural
  immersion experience

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CULTURE SHOCK

• NORMAL reaction to new environment
• May feel overwhelmed, lonely, homesick, dislike
  things about host culture
• Cope by
• Recognizing it
• Talking with others in program
• Keeping a journal
• Concentrating on positive aspects of host culture
• Establishing new routines
• Not calling/e-mailing home too much

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Questions?