Global Center Pre-Departure Orientation Global Center 619-260-7443 globalcenter@sandiego.edu www.sandiego.edu/soles/globalcenter
Outline of Presentation • Resources • Health • Safety • Other Tips • Policies and Procedures
Resources • Global Education Handbook
– http://www.sandiego.edu/academics/soles/instcenter/solesglobal/progpart/pro
• Center for Disease Control – www.cdc.gov
• World Health Organization – www.who.org
• US Department of State – www.travel.state.gov
Health • Check-ups and Known Conditions
– Get regular check-up before departure – Check on any known conditions and ensure treatment/maintenance.
• Prescriptions and Health Records – – –
Take enough prescriptions for your entire time away Keep prescriptions in labeled bottles Keep copies of health records and prescriptions with you during your travels
• Recommended and Required Immunizations – Suggested Immunizations – Research Country-specific immunizations
Health • Recommended and Required Immunizations
– Suggested Immunizations • Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Td/Tdap) • Human papillomavirus (HPV) (women only) • Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) • Influenza • Pneumococcal (polysaccharide) • Hepatitis A • Hepatitis B • Meningococcal – Research Country-specific immunizations
Health • Substance Abuse (Drugs and Alcohol) – Know the laws of the country and university policy – Use caution and common sense
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases – Be safe when engaging in sexual activity – If HIV/AIDS is prevalent speak to your doctor about blood transfusions if necessary
• Emotional and Mental Health – Culture Shock – Existing conditions should be under control before departing
Health • Nutrition – –
Be culturally sensitive to country’s diet Be aware of water sources and safety, including ice cubes (use bottled or boiled water) – Be aware of fresh fruits and vegetables (peeling rule)
• Traveler’s Diarrhea – – – –
Most common travel disease Drink lots of liquids Bring over the counter anti-diarrhea products Eat starchy foods
Health • Other Health Tips – Always wash hands with soap and water – Never share needles – Always use latex condoms – Avoid un-pasteurized dairy products – Never eat raw or undercooked meats or animal products
Health • Insurance – ACE (General Health Insurance) • Comes with your Global Fee payments • Global Center will register students • Will receive card and information before departure
Safety • Safeguard Documents
– Be sure to make several copies of the first page of your passport and keep it in separate places in case your passport is lost or stolen
• American Embassy
– Locate the embassy or consulate in the area you will be staying in case of emergency – In less-traveled locations, notify the embassy that you are in the country and provide them with your itinerary and hotel information
Safety • Ask questions to your program coordinator while abroad:
– What can you do to enhance your safety in the neighborhood in which you'll be living? – If you're staying in a dormitory, what kind of security is provided? – If you're living with a host family, have they been thoroughly investigated by the program? Have they hosted U.S. or other international students before? – If there are program-related excursions, what kind of safety provisions have been made for them? – Who is available on-site in case of an emergency?
Safety • Use Common Sense – – – – – – – –
Check Department of State Travel Warnings Know local equivalent of 911 Stay in well lit areas Always let someone know where you will be Travel in pairs Leave an itinerary with family or friends at home Avoid confrontations Avoid demonstrations/political activities/popular American tourist locations – Avoid motor scooters and other dangerous moving vehicles – Safeguard money and valuables – Use behavior suiting a representative of USD
Other Tips • Money
– Change some money to the local currency before you go – Be sure to maintain approximately $100 for emergency purposes – Use caution when exchanging money or using ATMs – Make copies of all bank and credit cards that you are taking with you and bring emergency cancellation phone numbers – Keep your money close to your person in a money belt or something similar – If you choose to use Traveler’s Checks be sure to keep them in a safe place
Other Tips • Packing – – – –
Pack lightly Check airline luggage requirements and restrictions Label your luggage clearly Research culturally appropriate dress and bring corresponding attire – Bring weather-appropriate clothing – Remember when packing appliance (hairdryers, etc.) that many countries operate on different power levels than the US. It is important to understand what voltage the country you are traveling to operates on, and be sure to bring a converter and a plug adapter.
Handbook • Read the handbook carefully • Policies and Procedures – Rules of Conduct – Alcohol Policy – Disciplinary Process – Disciplinary Sanctions – Emergencies
Enjoy Your Global Adventure!!! Global Center 619-260-7443 globalcenter@sandiego.edu www.sandiego.edu/soles/globalcenter