Juniata CollegeEagles Abroad

Pre-departure OrientationSpring 2009

Handouts – Please return ASAP

• Transcript request• Parental Authorization• Statement of Understanding• Acknowledgement of Risks• Health Statement

• EMERGENCY CARD – Put in wallet• ISIC – pick up from Megan Brenneman– Carries emergency insurance (visa)– Student Discounts

POP QUIZ!

Waddaya know about study abroad?Warm-up questions

• How many Juniata students go abroad each year?• When traveling around the city you are staying in, do you need to carry your

passport?• When crossing borders into different countries, do you need a passport or can

you just take a student ID?• In an international context, what do the following abbreviations stand for?

– UN – WHO– WTO– EU

• Who is the current Secretary General of the UN?• Who is the current U.S. Secretary of State?• What are the capital cities of the following countries?

– Canada? Afghanistan? India? China? Australia? Mexico? Germany? The Gambia? Vietnam? New Zealand?

Passport Reminder

• MUST have a passport valid for 6 months after anticipated return date

• If passport was issued before you turned 16, you must apply for a new one

• Apply at local post office• 2 photos, ID (driver’s license), original birth certificate

with seal, $75 check to Department of State, $25 to processing agency.

• Can take up to 10 weeks• Make sure passport is signed

Visas

• It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to obtain a visa.• Not all countries require a visa. • UK – only full year and internships• Consult Consulate website for application procedures• See Shya Erdman for assistance• Prepare Now! May take 8 weeks for appointment• Full-year may need residence permit (Passport, visa,

entry stamp, birth certificate + translation, proof of housing, acceptance letter, financial guarantee, proof of insurance.)

Travel Arrangements

• Wait until receive acceptance letter, confirm dates with host school

• Confirm flight 72 hours in advance, beware of changes

• Arrive at airport 3 hours early, may be able to check-in online

• Ask airline about baggage restrictions, weight limit• Allow adequate time for layovers• Register with U.S. Embassyhttps://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs

Packing tips

• Pack lightly: you may not have helpCan you carry bags up stairs, onto a train?• Leave room for souvenirs• No liquids or sharp objects in carry-on (razor,

nail file, nail clipper): www.tsa.gov for rules• Carry-on: Passport, valuables, wallet, ticket,

itinerary, medicine, toothbrush, travel-sized toiletries (in 1 qt. Ziploc), change of clothes, battery-powered alarm clock.

Packing• DO TAKE: Electrical adapter/converter, dark clothes, pants,

shirts (long- and short-sleeved), underwear, socks, comfortable shoes, raincoat, bathing suit, sunglasses, dressy outfit

• DON’T TAKE: books, school supplies, extra toiletries, hairdryer, electric razor, too many clothes

• Medication: Must be in original packaging with prescription, including physician’s name, drug name, dosage, and usage

• Contacts / Prescriptions: Take enough for the semester; may not have an equivalent abroad

• Don’t forget to label your luggage (U.S. address and foreign address, if known)

Before you go

• Leave copies of passport, visa, plane ticket with parents

• Note cancellation number for credit card• Update your address• Send foreign address to Megan Brenneman

Reminder

• In order to study abroad, you must fulfill the following obligations

• Maintain a 2.7 GPA (individual programs may require higher)

• Settle all outstanding bills with Bursar’s Office• Maintain good academic and social standing (not on probation)• Submit all health forms, authorization, and releases prior to

departure

• Read Eagles Abroad Policies and Procedureshttp://www.juniata.edu/departments/international/ea/index.html

Arriving there• Customs and Immigration

– Students travelling internationally are required to pass through Customs and Immigration upon arrival in their host country and return to U.S.

– Immigration officials will check your passport and visa (if required), so take these on the plane with you.

– Customs officials will monitor what goods you are bringing into the country and may check your luggage to ensure that you are following import/export laws for that country.

– Be prepared to fill out any necessary paperwork, typically given to you on the plane (Bring a pen!)

– Be prepared to answer questions regarding where you are from, where you will be going, staying, studying, how long you will be there, etc.

• Jet lag– Drink plenty of water on the trip to avoid dehydration– Avoid drinking alcohol or anything with caffeine– Exercise / stretch as much as possible on the plane while you are awake.– Upon arrival, get into a routine as quickly as possible. Avoid taking a nap

when you arrive; stay up until local bedtime

• PHONE HOME!

Preparing for a New Culture• Study

– Learn as much as you can about your host country (Guide books, internet resources, speak to past students)

– Current events, climate, government, religion, rituals and holiday celebrations, history, gender roles, cultural etiquette, etc.

• Observation– Observe your host culture and, in any new situation, look for cultural cues for

appropriate behavior by following the lead of those around you.• Cultural Sensitivity

– Even after studying and observing a new culture, it is always smart to remain as sensitive as possible to the norms and rituals of your host culture even if you don’t fully understand a cultural element.

• Political Issues– When answering questions about the U.S., remain aware of your surroundings

and audience.– Harassment/criticizing vs. debating– You don’t have to answer

Culture Shock

• “Culture shock” is used to describe pronounced reactions to spending an extended period of time in a foreign culture. Such reactions include homesickness, boredom or withdrawal, drinking, eating, or sleeping too much, feeling hostile towards or critical of the host culture

• Not everyone will experience culture shock, but it will be useful to be able to recognize the signs so that if it affects you or someone you know, you will be able to take appropriate action.

• Different for everyone, may be severe or mild

Stages of Culture Shock

• Cultural Euphoria– Described as the “honeymoon stage” because everything is new

and exciting.– Similarities between the host country and the U.S. are more

often noticed rather than the differences, leading to an unrealistic interpretation of the culture.

• Cultural Confrontation– In this stage, the initial enthusiasm has drifted away and is

replaced by more irritable and hostile feelings towards the host culture ; realize negative points, not everything is perfect.

– Homesickness and a sense of not belonging may negatively affect adjustment. Be patient, stay involved, and these symptoms will disappear with time, as adjustment will be gradual.

Stages of Culture Shock II

• Cultural Adjustment– Homesickness may still be present but this stage is marked by

a sense of cultural competence and self-confidence.– Things that seemed strange or inconvenient will gradually

become familiar and new challenges will be viewed as a learning experience.

• Cultural Adaptation– Communicating and functioning in the host culture are now

familiar activities—values, customs, and behaviors of the host country have been integrated into daily life abroad

– Although host culture is very familiar, not everything about the country is known or understood

• “November blues”

Insurance

• You must have valid insurance to go abroad• Juniata College plan will cover you• Check with your parents’ provider• Many schools will require you to enroll in national

healthcare / provide college infirmary• CISI (optional, recommended)– $31/month– Medical evacuation, emergency evacuation, repatriation– Culturalinsurance.com

• ISIC Card

Health Issues• Before leaving, research health issues in your country ; find out if

you require any vaccines• Center for Disease Control:

http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx(vaccines, food safety, insect protection)

• If you need a vaccine, consult CDC website for address of nearest travel clinic.– Lewistown Hospital (717) 242-7523– Roaring Spring (814) 224-6266

• Questions to ask:– Are your vaccinations up-to-date?– Are there medicines or inoculations you should take (ex. Malaria pills)?– What diseases are prevalent in your country and what precautions

should you take?

Food and Drink

• Avoid any uncooked/undercooked foods• Watch out for street vendors• Find out if it is safe to drink tap water• Remember that ice may or may not be safe

Personal Safety

• Read through State Department information sheets and travel warnings for your country:http://travel.state.gov/travel/travel_1744.htmlSee also: www.studentsabroad.state.gov

• Petty theft is common, violent crime infrequent

• If you are a victim of crime, remain calm. Give them your wallet / money. It’s not worth the risk.

COMMON SENSE IS BEST PRECAUTION

• Do not walk home alone late at night, especially in parks, dimly lit areas ; take a cab or have a friend walk with you

• Hold on to your bags while walking down street; place bag in front of you on public transportation.

• Don’t put purse underneath table at restaurant• Watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas• Trust your instincts. If you do not feel safe in a situation or

someone's behavior is making you uncomfortable, get out• Walk with purpose – don’t look lost• Don’t make eye contact or smile at strangers.

– Might be seen as a “come-on”• Firmly say "no" to any invitation you do not want and turn away.

Ignore persistent overtures.• Avoid protests and demonstrations (N. Ireland)

More common sense advice• Do not bring valuables abroad (jewelry/keepsakes that can’t be

replaced)• Keep your passport in a safe place / locked drawer in your room.• Watch out for your laptop / MP3 / Cell – DO NOT LEAVE

UNATTENDED• Don’t make yourself a wealthy tourist target: Don’t wear expensive-

looking jewelry; keep cell phones, digital cameras, MP3s underneath clothing and not easily visible, don’t flaunt money in public.

• ALWAYS LOCK YOUR DOOR (hotel rooms, apartment, dorm)• Do not leave laptops / valuables sitting out so that they are easily

visible through windows.• Consider insuring valuables such as computers

One last reminder…

• DO NOT walk around the street with your IPOD on (earplugs), talking on your cell phone, holding your wallet out, even if you are close to home.

• When people see that you have valuables, it makes you an easy target for crime.

• KEEP YOUR I-POD / CELL PHONE HIDDEN!!!!!• Be aware of your surroundings– Could someone be following you, hiding in a

stairwell/behind a tree?

Travel Safety

• You are going on a STUDY abroad program – travel should be limited to weekends / breaks

• Don’t travel alone – travel with other students• Inform host family / roommates of your travel plans• Make an itinerary and stick to it ; give a copy to your

Resident Director / Exchange Coordinator• Let your family know when you are traveling—Give them

your departure and return dates and alert them that they may not be able to call you or you might not have phone or email access.

• If you don’t have one, consider getting a cell phone for emergencies

In Case of Emergency• Make photocopies of your passport / airline

tickets so they can be easily replaced• Always carry emergency phone card with you• File a report with local police• Contact your Resident Director or Exchange

Coordinator IMMEDIATELY (They should have an emergency number if the office is not open)

• Notify the Center for International Education– If it is a severe emergency, please call cell phone.

Otherwise, please send an email or call main office number.

Drugs and Alcohol• You must abide by the laws of your host country• Drugs:

– Do not take illegal drugs– In many countries, drug use is punishable by jail time, even death penalty– A U.S. Passport will not protect you from the local laws and

consequences if you break them. There may be little that Juniata or the U.S. Embassy can do if you get into trouble.

• Alcohol:– Respect the drinking age. Drink responsibly!!– DON’T leave a drink unattended– Go out with students you know and trust. Watch out for each other. – Be aware of social norms and appropriate behavior. For example, in

some countries, it might be acceptable for males to go into a bar, but not females.

– Being under the influence impairs your judgment. This can make you a target for crime (robbery / sexual assault) especially if you do not speak the language or if you are unfamiliar with the country.

Other Safety Issues• STDs / HIV

– STD’s are prevalent in all countries. Be very careful and take precautions if you are sexually active.

– If you are hospitalized, make sure they can offer a sterile, unused needle ; ask if the blood supply has been tested (developing countries)

• Driving– Do not rent a car. Driving regulations are much different abroad and

accidents are frequent.• Women’s safety

– Be aware that different cultures have different norms and expectations for women (in terms of behavior, dress, alcohol consumption, traveling alone, etc.)

– Find out about cultural norms before going abroad.– Be sensitive to your cultural surroundings and act accordingly.– Upon arrival, observe locals and ask female students about appropriate

dress, alcohol consumption, dating, social behavior, etc.

Money Matters

• Use U.S. ATM card– Notify bank you will be abroad– Ask about withdrawal fees

• Open foreign account(passport, visa, proof of address, acceptance letter)– Parents can wire money to account– Stipend: give routing number to Dean Cushman

• Non-western country: use cash, ATMs may not be readily available

More Money

• Use common sense. – Do not carry around large amounts of money– Do not withdraw cash at night, especially alone– Do not flash money in public

• Select a financial representative:– Give a parent access to bank account /financial aid in

case bills arrive when you are abroad, leave checks• Bring cash for when you first arrive – Taxi / bus from airport, food, hotel

Financial Aid

• All financial aid (except work study) transfers to study abroad program

• You will pay the same amount of tuition as you pay for a semester on campus

• Some programs, room and board included in price.• Other programs, pay room and board directly to host

university. Will not be billed by Juniata in this case.• If your financial aid exceeds the amount of tuition and

covers room and board, the difference will be issued as a refund check

• All students pay for their international airfare and personal expenses (weekend travel / souvenirs)

Phones

• Most students purchase cell phones– No contract / minimum duration– Purchase recharge cards in convenience store

• Calling cards have good rates• SKYPE• To call US from abroad:

001 (Area code)-XXX-XXXX

Host families

• You are a guest – BE COURTEOUS!• Communication is key• Set out ground rules at the beginning– When will you eat together?– Things you can’t eat?– Can you use phone? / kitchen? / washing

machine?/ keep things in refrigerator?

Host families (con’t)

• Ask permission beforehand (inviting friends over, taking food from fridge). Don’t assume!

• Electricity: short showers, close doors, turn off lights

• Keep room clean• Let family know if you’re going away / out.• Spend time with them – Great cultural

experience!• Bring a small thank you gift.

ACADEMICS• Enroll in BCA 300 or EXC 300 (zero-credits)• Meet with advisor – plan courses to take before, during,

after study abroad• All courses will transfer back to Juniata• Advisors approval for POE requirements• CA request form (online)• Upper level I waived for one semester abroad, both I’s

waived for full-year (regardless of destination)• Studying in a foreign language, waive IC / CA• See Dean Cushman for specific questions• Host institution will send transcript at end of semester• See Darwin Kysor for Internship form (if applicable)• Hold on to Syllabi / graded papers

Academics Abroad• Teaching styles are different abroad – try to adapt– Easier / more severe grading– May not have regular assignments, only one exam– Large lecture classes, less contact with profs.

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help– Let professor know you are exchange student– Ask classmates to help you with notes (a great way to

strike up conversation with local students)• Get involved on Campus!!! (Join clubs, sports)• Talk to local students; don’t stay just with

Americans/internationals

Returning to the U.S.

• Coming back to the U.S. is often just as difficult as leaving, and you will need to mentally prepare for this.

• You may have mixed emotions; sad to leave new friends and habits, but anxious to return home.

• You might find that friends/relationships have changed back home, you are “out of the loop” with what is happening on campus, you miss your host country, or you now dislike aspects of home that were once normal or “routine.”

• Reverse culture shock is normal.

Coping with return• Say “goodbye” to your friends abroad. This brings closure.• Give yourself time to re-familiarize yourself with life at home ;

readjustment is a gradual process• Give your family time to become acquainted with how you may

have changed as a result of your time abroad.• Try to get back into a normal routine• STAY INVOLVED INTERNATIONALLY:

– Host an international roommate– Volunteer with First Friends– Join Language in Motion– Participate in International Clubs on campus – Take language classes or courses with international content– Volunteer at the CIE– Explore options for going back

Closing Remarks

• Remember, you are representing the U.S. and Juniata College. Put forth a positive image!

• If you have a difficult situation (registering, getting a visa), take a deep breath. Let Juniata and your host exchange coordinator know before things get worse.

• Stay safe!• HAVE FUN!!!!