Graduate StudentsPre-Departure Orientation UTSA Education Abroad Services

WelcomeWe understand that many graduate students have more diverse travel experience than the typical undergraduate student.

This online orientation and assessment was built as an option for our graduate students. You may take this option instead of attending the in-person pre-departure orientation.

You must pass the orientation assessment within the study abroad portal with 100%. You may take the assessment five times.

If you do not complete this assessment AND pass with 100%, you must schedule an in-person orientation with Education Abroad Services.

A Pre-Departure To-Do List Arrange for Power of Attorney for the person handling

your affairs in your absence Make sure someone you trust can access your social

media accounts in case of an emergency Complete a federal student loan application for next year,

if applicable Register online with the State Department STEP Program Determine closest medical facilities to your research

locations Determine contact information for U.S. Consulate or

embassy closest to you

Register Your Items

Register personal items before your departure to avoid potentially paying duty when you return. Learn more at https://help.cbp.gov.

This includes cameras, laptops, special equipment, and other expensive items you think might be charged a duty when you return.

9800 Airport BlvdRoom 1103

San Antonio, TX 78216 (210) 821-6965

Quick Financial Aid Reminders• Submit your budget form • Complete your FAFSA • Check your Banner ASAP

account to review and accept your awards

• Turn in any requested or missing documents

• Set up direct deposit and remove any holds

• Check Hazelwood Exemption (Veterans)

• Check disbursement dates for the term(s) of your program

HEALTHWhile Abroad

Pre-departure Health Reminders Consult with your physician several months prior to departure. Plan to have enough of your prescriptions and medication available

or accessible through local pharmacies. Complete required immunizations. Have a dental examination and complete necessary work. Have an eye exam. Take your contacts or glasses with you and

obtain a copy of your prescription. Take a first-aid course. Find out your blood type and other personal health information. Prepare a personal health record for your wallet or use the health

information option on your cell phone.

Travel Health Kit1. Manage current medical conditions

– 60-90+ days of prescription medication – Copies of prescriptions – Physician note for controlled substances (research

the country to verify the substance is allowable) & injectables (check airline restrictions; check Embassy or Consulate restrictions)

– Hand-carried at all times– Additional contact lenses/ prescription glasses &

sunglasses – Medical Alert bracelet

Stay Healthy

2. Illness Prevention– Destination related (antimalarial) – Prevention/treatment of altitude sickness– Prevention/treatment of motion sickness– Insect repellant – Sunscreen– Antibacterial wipes/solutions– Condoms (Latex vs. Sheep’s Skin) (male vs. female)– Water-based lubricant – Water purification tablets – Carry water bottle with you at all times; stay hydrated

Don’t Ignore Symptoms

3. Treating minor health problems – Fever/pain reducers

– GI issues (stomach meds/traveler’s diarrhea)

– Upper respiratory problems (antihistamines/decongestants/cough meds)

– Allergy medications/treatments (Epi-pen)

– Needles and syringes (diabetes)

– Basic first aid

During Your Study Abroad Experience

• Environmental hazards– Insect bites (mosquitos, ticks, tsetse fly, bed bugs, etc.)

– International road hazards

– Fish or seafood poisoning

– Food and water safety

– Water safety (swimming & diving)

ZikaAlert-Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions

Medical information:

What is the Zika virus? What are the symptoms?Zika virus (ZIKV) belongs to a group of viruses called flaviviruses. Like dengue, people are infected through mosquito bites. There is growing evidence that the virus might be linked to neurological complications and birth defects.

How can it be prevented?There is no vaccine to prevent Zika, so it is important to prevent mosquito bites.

International SOS

www.internationalsos.comAlways Call ISOS first for:

• Medical Issues & Inquiries• for help identifying nearby medical

support• Medical Emergencies

• for immediate response and support• Security Questions and/or Travel

Emergencies • for any uncertainty about travel

safety risks on-site and off

Minor Medical IssuesWhat to remember:• Contact ISOS…

• if you have questions about your symptoms• if you need help finding nearby medical

service providers/facilities

Medical services less than $500:• After payment, file a simple claim• 100% compensation for covered services• Instructions available on UT Study Abroad

Overseas Insurance Webpage

Medical services more than $500:• Contact ISOS directly for payment• Immediately receive the services you need

without paying any money

Medical coverage does NOT include:

…expenses for any loss, treatment or services resulting from:• Skiing (snow-, water, jet-)• Off-road motorcycling• Scuba diving• White-water rafting• Surfing• Automobile racing• Bungee jumping• Sky Diving• Parasailing• Spelunking• Mountain climbing (technical)• Any medical expenses while in U.S.• Routine dental work abroad

Do your homework and understand your policy [https://utstudyabroad.myahpcare.com/]

Upon Your Return• Follow up with medical provider for a post-trip general exam

– Including screening for STDs if applicable

• Seek Immediate Attention if you– Develop flu-like symptoms– New symptoms of cough, fever, rash, etc. – Persistent symptoms (especially diarrheal symptoms) upon

return

• Injuries sustained during trip require re-evaluation and treatment

SAFETY While Abroad

International SOSComplete post-acceptance in studyabroad.utsa.edu

Our study abroad portal now sends your travel information to International SOS.

Log into International SOS app or website

Confirm that your travel data is correct. Practice using the International SOS interface to find security and health updates.

Travel changes?

Update through International SOS website or app. Email Education Abroad Services, so we are aware of any changes.

Use Your Network

Prepare Your Healthcare Checklist and Read WHO briefings.

Register with Embassies - STEP

Read State Department Briefings.

General Safety Information• Do research to understand cultural norms.• Know what is normal and not normal in your

surroundings.• Ask for directions at your hotel or a trusted research

partner.• Ask if there are any areas you should avoid. • Only carry with you the cash you will need.• Carry a map with you at all times.• Have emergency phone numbers and contact numbers

with you at all times.• Use the buddy system. Do not go places alone.

Risk Reduction Strategies• Know a few important phrases in the local language.

– (“Where is the police station?”)• Don’t go out after midnight or after local curfew.• Don’t be alone at night or high crime areas.• Don’t be under the influence of alcohol in public.• Avoid public demonstrations.• Be cautious when handling money.• Avoid scam artists and pickpockets.• Social media:

– Learn the laws pertaining to the web and social media for the countries you will visit.

– Be aware that some countries may limit access or read/censor content.

Tips to Remember• Make copies of your passport and important documents

before going abroad. Leave a copy at home with a trusted individual and have another copy with you in safe place away from the original.

• Leave a copy of your itinerary with your support system.• Discuss safety and emergency contact procedures with

your support system.• Get a telephone card.• Check with U.S. Consulate: See Country Information

Sheets www.travel.state.gov.• Register with STEP.• Record credit card, passport, health insurance,

telephone numbers somewhere safe.

Protecting Your Passport

• Keep it accessible while in transit– Passport theft is increasing.– If you must carry your passport with you,

keep it in a hidden pouch in/under your clothes.– If your passport is lost or stolen, immediately report it to

the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. – Make copies, leave one with a family member, carry one

with you.– Education Abroad Services also has a copy of your

information page, if you need a scan.

Prevent Identity Theft and FraudCall your bank, credit card and cell phone company to notify them of your travel plans.

Cyber Crime and Identity Theft• Protect your social security number, credit card numbers,

bank account numbers, and passwords.• Shred all financial documents and paperwork containing

personal information.• Don’t give out personal information via phone or

computer unless you know who you are dealing with.• If you are a victim of ID Theft

– Place a Fraud Alert of your credit report– Close accounts– File a police report– Report the theft to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission:

• 1-877-ID-Theft

Arrests Abroad• Laws of the host country apply• Know the laws, rules, regulations of countries visiting

– You are NOT protected by U.S. Constitution overseas• Ask to contact the nearest embassy or consulate

representing your country. – As a citizen of another country, you have this right.

• Stay calm. Do not do anything that may provoke the arresting officer(s).

• Do not admit anything or volunteer any information.• Do not sign anything. Decline politely until such time as

the document is examined by an attorney or an embassy/consulate representative.

Be aware that when youpost on social media you may be taking a significant risk.Students have been jailed for posting information that would have been heldharmless in the U.S.

Stay SafeCaution and awareness of your surroundings is your best protection.

Terrorist acts are random and unpredictable.• Watch for packages or backpacks that seem abandoned. • Be aware of what you say to strangers.• Look for people who are acting strangely. • Leave an area if you feel unsafe.• If you are in an event, call International SOS; ISOS will call UTSA.

Kidnappings can happen. Ransoms are not unusual in some countries.• Stay calm. • Be passively cooperative. Do not argue. • Make low-key requests. • If you do get a chance to contact someone, contact International SOS.

The Red Cross offers strategies for how to prepare and surviveterror incidents at http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/terrorism

Role of U.S. Embassy or Consulate• Emergency Resources

– Lost and Stolen Passports– Medical Emergencies– Victims of Crime– Arrest and Detention– Missing Persons and Contacting Loved Ones– Death Abroad– Natural Disasters

• Know your consular officer– Ask for contact information before you

leave the U.S. – Keep that phone number on you at all

times.

COUNSELING SERVICESWhile Abroad

Cross-Cultural Adjustment Cycle

W-Curve, Gullahorn & Gullahorn, 1963Accessed from https://www.uwsuper.edu/fye/parents/upload/W-Curve.pdf

Coping Strategies• Keep active and stay positive.• Make new friends.• Learn about the new culture.• Exercise.• Find community activities, if you have time.• Keep working on language skills.• Be patient with yourself – take care of yourself.• Draw on your own personal resources for

handling stress. You have done it many times before and you can do it again!

You Are Not Alone– UTSA Counseling Services can be called in

at any time on the crisis line (24/7) for distress (210-458-4140). You can talk to a counselor if you need someone.

– UTSA Counseling also can facilitate finding a local provider who is covered by insurance, as many countries have licensed providers.

RESOURCES

Phone Numbers• International SOS

1-215-942-8226• UTSA Counseling Services

210-458-4140 (office) / 210-458-4140 (24-hour line)• UTSA Police Department

210-458-4242• Office of International Programs

210-458-7204• Your Department Chair or Thesis Adviser

Financial Aid Contact InformationFinancial Aid & Enrollment Services Financialaid@utsa.edu or 210-458-8000

Khanh NguyenStudent Financial Aid Office IIKhanh.Nguyen@utsa.edu

Gabriel MendiolaAssociate Director of Financial Aidgabriel.mendiola@utsa.edu

Websites• CDC Travel Website

– wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

• International SOS– https://www.internationalsos.com/en

• U.S. State Department Website– http://www.state.gov

• Consulate Website– http://travel.state.gov/content/studentabroad

• OSAC– https://www.osac.gov/Pages/Home.aspx

Thank you for your time!

Send us pictures via email or social media. We love to see what you’re up to! #RoadrunnersAbroad #utsa

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