STUDY ABROAD
STUDENT HANDBOOK
Table of Contents GENERAL INFORMATION ON STUDY ABROAD ...................................................................................................... 4 Benefits of Studying Abroad............................................................................................................................. 4 Getting Started ................................................................................................................................................ 4 Funding Study Abroad...................................................................................................................................... 5 PROGRAM & ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS .............................................................................................................. 7 Student Conduct .............................................................................................................................................. 7 Academic Requirements .................................................................................................................................. 7 Course Descriptions and Learning Outcomes ................................................................................................... 7 Journals & Assignments ................................................................................................................................... 8 PRE-DEPARTURE PREPARATION ......................................................................................................................... 10 Research Your Destination ............................................................................................................................. 10 Passports ....................................................................................................................................................... 10 Student Visas ................................................................................................................................................. 11 Time Zones .................................................................................................................................................... 11 Metric Conversion Table ................................................................................................................................ 11 U.S. Country Code for Calls Overseas ............................................................................................................. 11 Electrical Current Standards ........................................................................................................................... 12 Travel Arrangements ..................................................................................................................................... 12 Medical/Trip Cancellation Insurance .............................................................................................................. 12 International Student ID Card ........................................................................................................................ 12 Prepare Your Personal Finances, etc. ............................................................................................................. 12 Packing for Study Abroad ............................................................................................................................... 13 HEALTHCARE BEFORE YOU GO ........................................................................................................................... 15 Your Healthcare ............................................................................................................................................. 15 Assess Your Health & Health-Related Practices .............................................................................................. 15 Health Practitioner Pre-Departure Visits ........................................................................................................ 15 Immunizations ............................................................................................................................................... 15 Pack a Medical Kit .......................................................................................................................................... 15 Medical Insurance.......................................................................................................................................... 16 CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION ................................................................................................................ 17 Know Before You Go ...................................................................................................................................... 17 Local Laws and Customs................................................................................................................................. 17 Language Barriers .......................................................................................................................................... 17 Culture........................................................................................................................................................... 18 Culture Shock................................................................................................................................................. 19 1
Table of Contents Stereotypes and Generalizations.................................................................................................................... 19 Handling Anti-American Criticism................................................................................................................... 19 WHAT TO EXPECT IN-COUNTRY.......................................................................................................................... 21 Flight Departure............................................................................................................................................. 21 Jet Lag ........................................................................................................................................................... 21 Accommodations ........................................................................................................................................... 21 Money Management Overseas ...................................................................................................................... 21 Deposits, Money Orders, and Wire Transfers ................................................................................................. 22 Credit and Debit Cards ................................................................................................................................... 22 Bargaining, Bartering, and Haggling ............................................................................................................... 22 Begging.......................................................................................................................................................... 22 Tips on Tipping............................................................................................................................................... 23 Eating & Drinking Abroad ............................................................................................................................... 23 Toilet Trauma ................................................................................................................................................ 24 SAFETY AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS ......................................................................................................... 25 Lost or Stolen Passport .................................................................................................................................. 25 Safety Tips Abroad ......................................................................................................................................... 25 Tips for Unwanted Male Attention ................................................................................................................. 26 Alcohol and Drug Use..................................................................................................................................... 26 How to Avoid Legal Difficulties ....................................................................................................................... 26 Common Pick-Pocket Techniques................................................................................................................... 27 Protection against Terrorism.......................................................................................................................... 28 How to Handle Money Safely ......................................................................................................................... 28 Important Safety Internet Resources ............................................................................................................. 29 RETURNING HOME ............................................................................................................................................ 30 Reverse Culture Shock ................................................................................................................................... 30 Change and Adaptation ................................................................................................................................. 30 Readjustment Period ..................................................................................................................................... 31 Set Goals for Your Future ............................................................................................................................... 33
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Valencia College Study Abroad and Global Experiences 190 S. Orange Avenue Orlando, Florida 32801 Ph. 407-582-3188 Fax 407-582-3303 www.valenciacollege.edu/international/studyabroad studyabroad@valenciacollege.edu
Hi! I’m JĂœRGEN, your study abroad adviser. Look for my tips throughout this handbook.
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GENERAL INFORMATION ON STUDY ABROAD Benefits of Studying Abroad Studying in a foreign country is a life-changing event for many students. Some of the benefits of studying abroad include the following: •
You see and explore a completely different way of living life, and you learn about other cultures, values, belief systems, and perspectives.
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You experience personal growth as you begin to better understand yourself and others. You start to become more open-minded and flexible.
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You learn to budget your money and time.
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You learn to make decisions for yourself, prioritize the things you need to do, and strengthen your problem-solving skills.
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You live a dream come true, make friends across cultures, and acquire cherished memories.
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You better understand your academic major in its international context which can inspire your next career move.
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You expand your cross-cultural communication skills, learn to celebrate diversity, increase your foreign language proficiency.
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You become more attractive to potential employers in today’s highly competitive job market.
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You begin to see the United States and Americans from a different perspective.
You can accomplish all these things while at the same time you earn college credits towards your degree. The benefits to study abroad are limitless, and you CAN do it!
Getting Started Start planning early. Ideally, the best time to start preparing for the process to study abroad is one year before you want to travel. The application process can be long, and there are many details that go into studying abroad, so be prepared. Purchase a binder and keep track of all the materials for each access. Before you leave for your trip you should define your goals, examine your educational choices, make a plan, decide how you will finance your trip, and consider other opportunities when studying abroad. Here are some things that you will need to consider: •
Course Content – What do you want to study? Will the credits count towards your degree?
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Location – Where do you want to study?
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Institution – What college or university offers the program you are looking for?
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Cost – What are all the costs involved and how do you plan to fund it?
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Scholarships – What scholarships are available to you that you can apply for? What are the application requirements? When is the deadline date?
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Funding Study Abroad Study abroad is not cheap, but there are resources out there to help students in need. Student costs are divided between administrative costs assessed by your institutions and vendor/program provider costs paid to other institutions and companies. Vendor costs can be further divided into three categories: costs paid in dollars before departure, costs invoiced and paid in foreign currencies before departure, and costs paid on site. When planning your budget costs you should keep in mind paying for your home college tuition, program costs, (see what is included and what is extra) tuition, housing, airfare, meals, insurance, passport, visa, immunizations, entry and exit taxes to the target country. Currency exchange rate, (compare the cost of the dollar to the local currency) cost of living expenses (ground transportation, if you want to travel while you are abroad (research costs and plan in advance), meals out, entertainment, medical expenses, phone charges, Internet access. As well as your personal expenses: personal toiletries, medicine, and haircut/color, and entertainment such as entrance fees, eating out, and nightclubs. Try to have an emergency fund or a plan for someone to wire you money from home in the event of an unforeseen situation: MoneyGram, Western Union, and International Postal Money Orders. Fill out the Budget Worksheet for Study Abroad on the SAGE website to help you plan. There are several resources that you can apply for to fund your short-term study abroad program at Valencia, but there are more external scholarship opportunities available for semester study abroad: •
Financial Aid: Pell grants, Stafford loans, state need-based aid, and merit scholarships can all be used for study abroad. Your school cannot deny you aid because you are studying abroad, but in order for your current aid to transfer, you will have to meet certain requirements. These include that the program be approved for credit by your school, your coursework must advance you towards your degree, your course load has to be at least half-time, and you meet the standard eligibility requirements for financial aid. Check with your school's financial aid office to learn about any special requirements they may have.
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Valencia’s Student Development Scholarships: These are available to students participating in Valencia short term study abroad programs. The amount of a short-term scholarship is typically some percentage of the program cost. There will be a set number of scholarships available on a first-come, first-service basis. Scholarships for semester study abroad vary between $1,000 and $4,000 and students apply for funding through the SAGE office. Scholarship funds are paid directly to the program provider.
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Valencia Foundation: The SAGE office requests scholarship funds from the Foundation each year, and students apply to the SAGE office to receive these funds. They are awarded to students with the most financial need. Scholarship amounts vary each year.
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The Rotary International Sponsors are Ambassadorial Scholarships for College Students: The Rotary Foundation's oldest and best-known program was founded in 1947. Since then, more than 40,000 men and women from about 100 nations have studied abroad under its auspices. Today, it is one of the world's largest privately funded international scholarships programs. Nearly 700 scholarships were awarded for study abroad in 2009-10. Through grants totaling approximately US $16.2 million, recipients from about 70 countries studied in more than 80 nations. The object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster the following: o
The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service
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High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society
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The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business, and community life
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The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service 5
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Boren Scholarships: These are for semester study abroad and are funded by the National Security Education Program (NSEP), which focuses on geographic areas, languages, and fields of study deemed critical to U.S. national security. Boren Scholarships provide up to $20,000 to U.S. undergraduate students. Boren recipients must be receiving Federal Pell Grant funding to study abroad in areas of the world that are critical to U.S. interests and underrepresented in study abroad. Some of these areas include Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. The geographic regions of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are excluded. Selected recipients represent a variety of academic backgrounds, but all are interested in studying less commonly taught languages, including but not limited to Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, and Swahili.
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Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships: Awards for undergraduate semester study abroad and was established by the International Academic Opportunity Act of 2000. This scholarship provides awards for U.S. undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university. The program aims to diversify the kinds of students who study abroad and the countries and regions where they go by supporting undergraduates who might otherwise not participate due to financial constraints. The Gilman Scholarship Program accepts applications two times per year. Ideally, students should begin their application one full semester before their study abroad program is scheduled to begin. Over 2,300 scholarships of up to $5,000 will be awarded this academic year for U.S. citizen undergraduates to study abroad. Award amounts will vary depending on the length of study and student need with the average award being approximately $4,000. Students who apply for and receive the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to study abroad are then eligible to receive an additional $3,000 Critical Need Language Supplement from the Gilman Scholarship Program for a total possible award of up to $8,000. During the 2009-2010 academic years, 50 Critical Need Language Supplements were offered to Gilman Scholarship recipients.
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Institute of International Education: This organization administers the Fulbright program for undergraduates, graduates and teachers, as well as offers many other resources for study abroad. This institute was established in 1919 in the aftermath of World War I. The founders believed that we could not achieve lasting peace without greater understanding between nations—and that international educational exchange formed the strongest basis for fostering such understanding. The Institute was created to catalyze educational exchange. It met the need for a central point of contact and source of information for both U.S. higher education and foreign nations interested in developing educational ties with the United States.
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The National Association of International Educators Check with your program (NAFSA): They produce list of opportunities for study provider to see if they offer any abroad scholarships and grants. With nearly 10,000 scholarships for college members, NAFSA is the world's largest nonprofit students as some of them do. professional association dedicated to international education. NAFSA and its members believe that international education and exchange—connecting students, scholars, educators, and citizens across borders—is fundamental to establishing mutual understanding among nations, preparing the next generation with vital cross-cultural and global skills, and creating the conditions for a more peaceful world.
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PROGRAM & ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS Students can expect to work hard to achieve the grade they desire. Students must also pass the classes they are taking, as well has have at least a 2.0 grade point average for the semester in order to receive Student Development scholarship funding.
Student Conduct Students are expected to adhere to Valencia’s Student Code of Conduct at all times during a study abroad program. Remember that you are a representative of Valencia College, as well as a cultural ambassador of the United States, so you should not engage in any activities abroad that you would not consider engaging in while on campus. The Valencia handbook can be downloaded at http://valenciacollege.edu/pdf/studenthandbook.pdf please pay particular attention to the “Academic Policies and Procedures” sections beginning on page 57. If you engage in illegal/criminal activity in another country you are subject to the local law, not the U.S. law. Some examples of misconduct include violation of laws of the host country; any use of drugs or alcohol; disturbing the peace or disrupting the community; repeated failure to control noise levels in student housing facilities; disruption of the academic environment of the program, including repeated failure to participate in class assignments or to attend mandatory excursions; academic misconduct, including plagiarism and cheating; vandalism perpetrated against public or private property; and assault or sexual assault. As a recipient of Student Development funding, you are not permitted to consume alcohol at any time while abroad. Should the consumption of alcohol result in property damage or bodily injury to yourself or another, your scholarship may be revoked.
Academic Requirements It is important to understand that these programs are not personal vacations. You will learn the subject matter content as you explore the host country and culture. You will have a set program itinerary with specific objectives to accomplish each day, and the program leader may limit your free time activities. These study abroad programs are designed to be academically rigorous and will challenge students in every way imaginable. Faculty members take a particular course and examine it from the perspective of what he or she truly hopes students will learn. This process gives the faculty member the overarching standards with which they assess student learning and assist students in developing cognitive skills, creative thinking, comparative models, and system approaches. Students will also achieve cross cultural communication, awareness of new values, and perspectives coupled with critical examination of the host country and students’ own culture. The host country’s human and natural geography, government, societal norms, and value systems will also be explored.
Course Descriptions and Learning Outcomes Your course descriptions will be given to you before your study abroad trip by your program leader. Please read through it completely to ensure that you understand the academic requirements of the program and also purchase any required course materials. Living in another country can exert profound influence on an individual. Studying abroad can enhance many affective or attitudinal outcomes such as increasing students’ ethno-relativism, global mindedness, and sense of self-efficacy. Educators can show that a veteran of study abroad is not just more well-rounded, but also better educated. The following is a list of possible cross-cultural and intercultural learning outcomes that can be achieved:
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React appropriately in various social and professional situations, recognize and explain patterns of behavior, and understand attitudes that are expressed within the cultural framework of a society.
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Be able to observe and analyze cultural phenomena.
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Develop an interest and knowledge of the host country geography, history, music, art, literature, political system, and economic system.
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Understand that people use the resources available by their geographic location and society for taking care of their basic needs, and they respond in culturally conditioned ways to basic human needs.
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Understand the cultural significance of different words and phrases.
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Recognize and understand how people in a given culture typically behave in common, everyday situations.
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Achieve a greater understanding and appreciation for the host country culture, values, and belief systems.
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Demonstrate empathy and a lessening of anxiety when interacting with people from the host culture.
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Understand that people act and react to situations based on their cultural conditioning.
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Increase overall effectiveness in negotiating day-to-day activities in the host culture.
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Demonstrate an increased level of interaction with people from the host culture.
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Examine one’s own stereotypes, overgeneralizations, and approaches to conflict resolution.
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Compare and contrast one’s own culture with the host culture.
Journals & Assignments Journaling is a wonderful way of storing memories of any trip. With so many new and exciting experiences, journaling can serve as an outlet to keep you from becoming overwhelmed. Some instructors will assign you to keep a journal while abroad. Listed below are some ideas for you to think about while journaling: Early in the course... •
What are your goals and objectives for this trip? How do you plan to achieve them?
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What does it mean to “immerse” oneself in a culture?
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Who are you? How have your values and culture formed your identity?
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What are your fears and anxieties about studying abroad?
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How has your society and cultural background prepared you for this new cultural environment?
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What do you observe as the key elements of this culture that differ from your own?
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What is in your cultural filter that might prompt you to interpret things differently than the people you are meeting here?
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What in your background seems similar to what we've encountered here? With whom did you resonate most? Why do you think this is so?
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What criteria might you use to decide if someone is telling the truth?
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Can two people who interpret things quite differently both be telling the truth? Why or why not? Have you experienced examples of this?
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What has surprised you most?
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If you could send home a snapshot from the course, what would it be? 8
In the middle of the course... •
How would you be different if you were a native of the place you are visiting?
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Have you experienced culture shock?
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Describe your surroundings-what do you see, smell, hear, feel and taste around you?
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How is what you are experiencing different than what you anticipated?
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Auto-Ethnography - Reflect on your cultural background to compare and contrast it to the new culture you are experiencing.
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What are your own definitions of democracy, justice, freedom, peace, art, relaxation, spirituality? How would the mainstream population here define those things? How are these definitions the same or different?
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What has been a key moment of insight for you?
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What one word would describe your strongest feeling today?
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What did you observe today that is very different from your culture?
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How is what you are experiencing here different from what you expected?
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What are the main sections of society from which you are learning? Do their perspectives align well with your own, or are they quite different? How do their goals and values differ?
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What have you learned about the way the United States is perceived in this society? How have this society's perceptions seemingly been shaped?
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How are the social, economic, political, communication, transportation, education, and health systems working in this country? Where does this country seem strong? Where does it seem weak? Are the same strengths and constraints prevalent in U.S. society?
Near the end of the course... •
Who are they key people shaping the field of study you are engaging in here? Are their roles in this society comparable to identifiable people in the U.S. who have influence in this discipline?
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What are the key problems with which this society wrestles? Are these the same problems that we face in the U.S.? Why or why not?
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What signs have you seen of U.S. cooperation with people in this country?
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What is the role of the media in this society? Is it similar or different in the U.S.?
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What is the source of economic power in this society?
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PRE-DEPARTURE PREPARATION Research Your Destination Now it’s time to get ready! There are many things that need to be done in advance of your departure date so be sure to get started early. It is very important to familiarize yourself with all aspects of your program destination. Here is a list of things you should research in advance: • • • • •
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Geography History Political System Economy & Currency Popular Sports
Music & Entertainment Food Weather Tourist Attractions Ground Transportation Options
Passports U.S. citizens generally need a passport to travel outside the United States. If you do not have a passport that is valid for at least three months after the end of the program you are planning to attend, you should apply as soon as possible for a new or renewal passport. If you are applying for a passport for the first time, you will need to visit a passport acceptance center in person. If you are renewing an expiring passport, you can complete the process by mail in many cases. Passport applications can be printed online, picked up at the main post office in town, or certain other passport offices. There are costs related to obtaining a passport. •
General information about passports can be found here: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
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Passport application forms can be found here: http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/forms_847.html
If you are applying for your passport for the first time, or if you do not meet certain renewal conditions, you will need the following items: •
Valid proof of citizenship (certified copy of your birth certificate or an expired passport).
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Proof of identity (valid driver's license).
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Two passport ready (2 x 2 inches) photos taken within six months of submitting your application. Most camera stores or pharmacies take official passport-sized photos.
Beware of private companies that promise you an expedited passport!
IMPORTANT! DO NOT USE RUSHMYPASSPORT.COM. They say that they can expedite your passport, but then you have to agree to their terms which state that they are not responsible for passport delays from the Department of State. They cannot guarantee your passport. Use the expedited service through Miami if needed: http://www.us-passport-serviceguide.com/miami-passport-agency.html. Once you receive your passport, keep a photocopy of your passport ID pages in a safe place at home with family, and keep a copy in a secure place with you abroad, including in your
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checked luggage. If your passport is lost or stolen, it is easier to replace if you have the photocopy accessible. NEVER PUT YOUR PASSPORT INTO CHECKED LUGGAGE. If you are staying in a hotel, the safest place for your passport is a hotel security box. It is important to remember that your passport is your most crucial legal document while you are outside the United States. Treat it with special attention.
Student Visas Students participating in semester study abroad programs often are required to obtain a student entry visa from the host country prior to arrival in the host country. Many times visas are not required for short-term programs. Every country has different rules and procedures for obtaining an entry visa. It is crucial that you understand the entry visa procedures for the country you will be studying in, as some programs DO require visas and some programs DO NOT require visas. The processing and approval of your entry visa sometimes takes several weeks or even months, so it is important that this process is started in a timely manner! Please refer to the State Department website for the latest information about visas: http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html. You can get information by country at www.visahq.com. Non-US passport holders must find out whether they need a visa for the country they will be studying abroad in. This information can be obtained by meeting with an International Advisor or Counselor at Valencia or by visiting the destination country’s embassy website.
Time Zones Time zones can be tricky to discern. Which parts of the world recognize daylight savings time and which don’t? Websites such as http://www.worldtimezone.com/ offer world maps with color-coded time zones as well as search options so that you can determine what time it is anywhere in the world. Be sure to let friends and family know what the time difference will be so that you aren’t calling each other at three in the morning!
Metric Conversion Table The United States is one of few countries that do not utilize the metric system of measurements. If you will be traveling to a country that does use the metric system, familiarize yourself with the conversions by visiting a website such as http://www.metric-conversions.org/. You might also consider printing out a conversion chart to keep with you. It can be very handy when deciding what to wear when you know it will be 30 degrees Centigrade outside!
U.S. Country Code for Calls Overseas International calling has become much easier and cost efficient than in recent years. If you are bringing your personal cell phone, but sure to check with your carrier that your phone will work internationally and to determine the international/roaming charges you might incur. Pre-paid international cell phones or SIM cards can be purchased or rented for very reasonable rates. Before you leave for your study abroad trip, research how to make a phone call while abroad and also make sure your family and friends know how to make an international call. Use a website like http://www.countrycalling codes.com/ to look up country codes and get dialing instructions. If you have rented a phone, make a practice call before leaving so that you can contact customer service with any problems or questions. There is nothing worse that renting a phone you are unable to use. Companies very rarely refund rental fees if the phone is in working order but you couldn’t figure out how to use it.
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Skype is a free and easy service for video chat with friends and family all over the world. There is also a Skype App available for cell phones that you can use for free when connected to Wi-Fi overseas. You can also look into other Apps such as Viber, Rebtel, and TextFree to Voice.
Electrical Current Standards Different countries use different electrical standards. Standards vary in regards to voltage, amperage, frequency and outlet configurations. The odds are that your electrical devices will not match the outlets on the wall when you arrive at your international destination. Research the type of electricity and adapter you will need by visiting a website such as http://www.kropla.com/electric2.htm. Electrical adapters can be purchased in the travel section of stores such as Wal-Mart and Target. Many of the adapters you will find are universal, meaning they include adapters for all types of electricity.
Travel Arrangements Travel arrangements are typically included in short term study abroad programs offered through Valencia. For semester study abroad programs, students are typically responsible for making their own travel arrangements to and from the host country if not done through the program provider. When searching for affordable airfare, start early and compare prices. Prices rarely go down over time, and sometimes you can find the same plane ticket for far less at one online site versus another. You should also always check the airline site directly as well. One word of caution - there are some websites such as www.cheapair.com that will sell you a ticket and then send you an email saying that they could not get that itinerary. Be VERY wary of these sites. Only use them if you have shopped there before and had a positive experience. Check out the International Airline Ratings before you purchase your ticket: http://www.airlinequality.com/Airlines/AirlineA-Z.htm
Medical/Trip Cancellation Insurance All Valencia study abroad participants are required to purchase medical and trip insurance. The College currently uses CMI Insurance Worldwide: http://www.cmi-insurance.com/. Students on short-term study abroad programs will have this cost built into their program fee. Students on semester study abroad programs must purchase their insurance directly with CMI. Trip Cancellation Insurance protects students financially if they have to cancel or interrupt their study abroad program for medical reasons. After the final deadline, if cancellation occurs for any reason, students usually forfeit the entire program fee, not just the deposit.
International Student ID Card Many educational institutions require the International Student Identification Card for all study abroad participants. The card covers basic health, accident insurance coverage, medical evacuation, and repatriation of remains. The card also only covers a small portion of expenses for major accidents or illness. Your card should be viewed as supplemental and not primary insurance coverage. The card can be purchased at: http://www.isic.org/student-card/the-isic-student-card.html.
Prepare Your Personal Finances, etc. Before you go on a semester study abroad program, there are some things that you should take care of on the home-front. Give someone power of attorney to handle things in your absence. If it is a voting year, request an absentee ballot. Make payment arrangements for your housing, personal finances, etc. And finally, contact your bank and credit card companies before your departure! They will need to know the dates and locations of your travel plans. Failure to notify the banks of your travel plans can result in the freezing of your accounts in the event of large purchases. 12
Packing for Study Abroad Before You Go: ____ Verify your international calling access on your personal cell phone with your provider. ____ Ensure your family members have all your transportation, accommodation, and contact information ____ Verify if you will have access to the Internet. ____ Bring a gift for your host family (if applicable). ____ Remember no liquids over 100 ml on the airplane and those must be in a zip lock bag. ____ Remember to wear socks to the airport because you will have to take off your shoes through security. ____ Check to find out the fee for checked baggage so you can plan accordingly. Fees are high these days! ____ Keep all of your important documents, some toiletries, and a change of clothes in your carry-on bag. ____ Inquire about any dress restrictions for women in the country, especially Muslim countries (remember airport layovers too). Important Travel Items: ____ Airline tickets, hotel confirmations, itineraries, etc. (have an extra copy of these documents) ____ Insurance card and a copy ____ Valid passport and visa (make two photocopies of your passport; keep your passport in a secure location) ____ Second photo ID (driver's license, birth certificate copy) and an extra copy ____ Spending money (cash - have small bills for tips, traveler's checks, credit cards) ____ Bilingual dictionary ____ Travel guidebook for your destination ____ Orientation and course materials ____ Journal/notepad and pens ____ Reading materials, playing cards, travel board games for the airplane ____ iPod, MP3 player or other electronic devices for diversion ____ Camera/video camera, extra memory card, and charger or disposable camera ____ Backpack and fanny pack ____ Purse or wallet ____ Change holder ____ Small calculator to do currency conversions When preparing to travel, lay ____ Cell phone and charger out all your clothes and all ____ Electricity converter and adapters your money. Then take half ____ Alarm clock with batteries the clothes and twice the ____ Refillable water bottle money. - Susan Heller Clothing: ____ Hat (for sun protection) ____ Sunglasses ____ Appropriate outer wear: o FALL/WINTER TRAVEL: coat, gloves, boots, hat, scarf o SPRING/SUMMER TRAVEL: light jacket or sweat shirt ____ Appropriate clothing for the destination for each day of the trip (no military apparel!): o FALL/WINTER TRAVEL: long johns, long pants, jeans, sweaters, turtlenecks (dress in layers) o SPRING/SUMMER TRAVEL: jeans, shorts, dresses, skirts, tank tops, Polos, T-shirts ____ Sneakers, walking shoes, flip flops or sandals ____ Underwear (bring extra), undershirts, socks (bring extra), belts 13
____ Pajamas, robe, slippers ____ Workout clothes ____ Poncho/raincoat/small umbrella ____ Evening wear and shoes for any formal events Toiletries and Medication: ____ Toiletries bag (to carry items to and from the bathroom) ____ Toothpaste and toothbrush ____ Deodorant ____ Shaving items (cream, razors) ____ Feminine hygiene products ____ Skin moisturizer ____ Sunscreen ____ Make-up ____ Hair care products (shampoo, conditioner, gel, hair spray) ____ Hair care accessories (hair dryer, flat iron, curling iron, hair clips, Scrunchies) ____ Bath towel and wash cloth (light weight) ____ Body soap ____ Baby wipes (antiseptic) ____ Hand sanitizer ____ Tissues (small size to carry with you; not all bathrooms abroad have toilet paper) ____ Personal medications (pain reliever, Imodium/Pepto Bismol, Benedryl, Chapstick) ____ Prescriptions, medications, and asthma inhalers ____ Eyeglasses and/or contacts and solution ____ Nail clippers, tweezers ____ Bug repellant (Cutter's stick is least messy) ____ Contraceptives Miscellaneous (as applicable by program type): ____ Laptop and charger ____ Your family photos ____ Bathing suit and beach towel ____ Laundry bag for dirty clothes ____ Bed linens ____ Personal first aid items (band aids, Neosporin, anti-itch cream) ____ Strong flashlight and extra batteries ____ Mini battery-operated fan ____ Canteen or bottles for water/cup with lid ____ Earplugs ____ Sleeping bag ____ Clothes hangers Do Not Take: • Fanny packs or purses that do not zip closed • Expensive or expensive-looking jewelry • Excess cash • Credit/debit cards that you do not intend to use • Anything irreplaceable 14
HEALTHCARE BEFORE YOU GO Your Healthcare Before you travel abroad, it is worthwhile to take a close look at the many factors that contribute to your physical and emotional wellbeing. A trip abroad will almost certainly affect your health, because so many factors of your daily health have to do with lifestyle and environment. Conversely, the state of your health will have a significant impact on the success and enjoyment of your trip.
Assess Your Health & Health-Related Practices Going abroad is not a magic "geographic cure" for concerns and problems at home. Both physical and emotional health issues will follow you wherever you go. In particular, if you are concerned about your use of alcohol and other controlled drugs or if you have an emotional health concern, you should address it honestly before making plans to travel. Contrary to many people's expectations, travel does not minimize these problems; in fact, it often exacerbates them to a crisis stage while you are away from home. Be clear about your health needs to the program sponsor. You should thoroughly describe allergies, disabilities, psychological treatments, dietary requirements, and medical needs that you feel they should be aware of. This information could prove helpful in case of a medical situation.
Health Practitioner Pre-Departure Visits A visit to your family physician, gynecologist, and dentist will ensure that you are in good health before you leave and might prevent emergencies abroad. Update your health records, including eyeglass prescriptions and regular medications. If you are on prescription medication, try to carry a sufficient supply with you to last you through the length of your program. If you self-inject prescribed medication, you may need to carry needles and syringes with you. You will need a physician's prescription for medication and medical supplies you carry with you in order to pass through foreign customs, so be sure to get them in advance. Take copies of all medical records, prescriptions in generic form, and pertinent information with you on your trip. Carry them with you in a safe place. If you expect to need regular medical care abroad, take a letter of introduction from your physician at home, providing details of your medical conditions, care, and specific needs. Identify your in-country medical resources before you leave home. Remember to check your insurance coverage as well.
Immunizations You will need to check the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website for any required immunizations for your destination: www.cdc.gov/travel/. If your program requires immunizations, you will receive supplemental information from the program provider or Valencia. In all cases, it is best to visit with your physician and review your immunizations in the context of your planned study abroad experience.
Pack a Medical Kit Traveling with a medical kit may be a helpful tool. Useful items to pack include: Band-Aids, sunscreen, antidiarrhea medication, Pepto-Bismol tablets, antibacterial ointment, and pain reliever. Also be sure to pack regular medications, contraceptives if you may need them, and any other routine health and medical products you think you may need, or brands that you like. Check the expiration dates of all medications before you leave. Make sure to bring all prescription medicine with you, as you may encounter trouble with customs if you try to have medicines sent once you are abroad.
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Medical Insurance All Valencia study abroad participants are required to purchase medical and trip insurance. The College currently uses CMI Insurance Worldwide: http://www.cmi-insurance.com/. Students on short-term study abroad programs will have this cost built into their program fee. Students on semester study abroad programs must purchase their insurance directly with CMI. Be sure to understand your insurance coverage and how to process a claim. Some countries require you to pay cash for the doctor and/or hospital. Be sure that you know how to access medical care once you are in-country.
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CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION Know Before You Go You should learn about your destination, local laws, weather conditions, customs, traditions, local politics, language, currency, and the locations of your country before you go abroad. You can learn more about your destination online, from books, teachers, pamphlets, program providers, your parents, peers and friends. Be sure to research the following topics: •
Weather trends
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Embassy locations and contact information
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Medical availability and payment process
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Local laws and customs
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Political system and stability or instability
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Potential dangers (beach surf, wild animals, local plants, drinking water, etc.)
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Common crimes (purse snatching, pickpocketing, etc.)
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Transportation
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Who should be trusted (in some places, police are not trustworthy)
•
What topics of discussion are acceptable or taboo
•
Accepted dress codes (consider churches as well)
•
Street-smart behavior (when and where is it safe to travel alone)
Local Laws and Customs You should always study the local laws and customs before you go into a country. This is because not knowing local laws and customs can get you into serious trouble. If you break local laws while abroad, the U.S. government can do very little to help you. Knowing some of the basic customs and social norms before you land can help reduce any confusion or misunderstanding. Here are some interesting laws you might not be aware of: •
It is illegal to carry the likeness of the Buddha out of Thailand.
•
It is illegal to swear in public in the United Arab Emirates.
•
It is illegal to eat, drink, or smoke in public during Ramadan in the United Arab Emirates.
•
It is illegal to feed the pigeons in the piazzas of Venice, Italy.
•
It is illegal to kiss in public in Dubai.
•
It is punishable by death to import pork products into Yemen.
•
Anything with a camouflage print can be confiscated by customs in Antigua.
•
You can be arrested in India for possessing a satellite phone.
Language Barriers You should get to know some key phrases in the language before you leave. You can hire a tutor, take a foreign language class, try a computer software program, or purchase a phrase book. If you have a Smart Phone, there are lots of different foreign language apps that you can choose from. Here is a website that offers tutors for almost every language around the globe: http://www.language-school-teachers.com/.
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Culture You should always study the local laws and customs before you go into a country. This is because not knowing local laws and customs can get you into serious trouble. If you break local laws while abroad, the U.S. We travel to see and experience new cultures, yet many American travelers show an abject ignorance of anything other than a westernized world view. Here are some important definitions to get you started: •
Culture: The learned and shared behaviors, beliefs, and values of a group of interacting people.
•
Intercultural Communication: This term is used describe the wide range of communication issues that naturally appear within an organization made up of individuals from different religious, social, ethnic, and educational backgrounds. Intercultural communication refers to how different groups of people interact. It focuses on social attributes, thought patterns, and the cultures of different groups of people.
•
Cross-Cultural Communication: Although sometimes used synonymously with intercultural communication, this has its own meaning to some. It means to compare and contrast between two cultural groups; to seek to understand how people from different countries and cultures act, communicate, and perceive the world around them.
When traveling to another country, it is very important to learn the cultural belief and value system of its people, and respect and appreciate those aspects that are different. Read up and research the area you intend to visit in advance, but do not just rely on guide books. Talk to locals and observe their way of life to get a better understanding of the culture you are surrounded by. Lack of knowledge of another culture can lead, at best, to embarrassing or amusing mistakes in communication. At worst, such mistakes may confuse or even offend the people we wish to communicate with, making the conclusion of business deals or agreements difficult or impossible. You will be provided with the opportunity to gain intercultural competency while you are abroad in order to gain a greater level of appreciation and understanding of the host culture’s art, literature, drama, classical music, dance, social economic systems, political systems, and linguistic systems, aspects of culture, religion, family values, cultural adaption, traditional values, language, and how reality is defined and judged through cultural assumptions. Researcher Milton Bennett identified six states of intercultural sensitivity: •
Denial
•
Defense
•
Minimization
•
Acceptance
•
Adaptation
•
Integration
Remember that one culture is not better or worse than another; it is just different.
For more details on these stages, visit: http://www.awesomelibrary.org/multiculturaltoolkitstages.html Here are some great cross-cultural communication videos on a variety of topics: http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/intercultural/diversity-videos.html.
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Culture Shock “Culture shock” is a real phenomenon that some individuals experience overseas when staying at least a semester abroad. There are four stages of culture shock: 1. Stage one is the honeymoon stage. This is the initial euphoria and excitement of life abroad. First you feel excitement with new sounds, sights, and smells. You are intrigued with both similarities and differences between the new culture and your home culture. There is a lot of interest in learning and you are very motivated and cooperative. 2. Stage two is the culture shock, where you may feel irritation and hostility towards life abroad. There is a focus on the differences between your new culture and your home culture. Your stereotypes and prejudices surface and small differences feel like major catastrophes. You become overly stressed out by small problems and feel helpless and frustrated. You feel homesick and miss your family and friends. 3. Stage three is the gradual adjustment, where you are finding humor and perspective living abroad. You are feeling increased familiarity with the new culture, its logic and values. You have periodic highs and lows as adjustments gradually take place. Your sense of humor returns and you might recognize that you like some parts of the new culture better than that of the U.S. This is a stage of deeper learning about life abroad and a questioning of your earlier assumptions about the world. 4. Lastly, in stage four, you have a feeling of being at home in your new country. This involves adaption and biculturalism. You are no longer negatively affected by differences between the culture and the U.S., and you are living and working to your full potential.
Stereotypes and Generalizations A stereotype is a set of inaccurate, simplistic generalizations about a group that allows others to categorize them and treat them accordingly. Stereotypes can be about gender, race, religion, ethnicity, age, or national culture. Stereotypes are problematic in intercultural communication and may give us a false sense of understanding. A generalization is a statement ascribing a property to one or more members of a group. Cultural generalizations can be made while avoiding stereotypes by maintaining the idea of preponderance of belief. While some cultural traits may be true for many individuals in a particular group, you cannot ascribe those traits to ALL members of the group.
Handling Anti-American Criticism You probably consider yourself to be an open-minded and accepting person, or at least someone with good intentions. Unfortunately, you will begin to discover that others may have negative thoughts about you based solely on the fact that you come from the United States. In fact, you must be prepared for confrontation. The forms of confrontation that you encounter may vary. Sometimes you will be expected to answer questions about American politics, geography, values, and other issues as if you were the number one expert on the subject. Other times, criticism will simply be words yelled in your face. (Only in the rarest instances would you expect to ever be confronted with actual physical risk). A list has been compiled by former study abroad students of commonly asked questions which include: •
Why are Americans so materialistic? Why are they so wasteful of natural resources?
•
Why are Americans so racist? How can you justify forcing the Native Americans onto reservations when the whole country belongs to them?
•
Why are Americans so ignorant of other countries?
•
Why does America give so much foreign aid to countries that abuse human rights? 19
•
Why are there so many homeless people in "the richest country in the world?"
•
Why are teachers so poorly paid in a country that claims to have one of the best educational systems?
There is no one right or wrong way to respond to attacks made against the United States or yourself for being American. You will have your own method for dealing with confrontation based on your experiences, your way of dealing with conflict, and your opinions. You may choose to take an active role and respond to the questions or accusations, or you may choose to take a passive role and not say anything in response. As you begin to respond to any criticism; keep the following strategies in mind: •
Try to Understand the Critic's Motives: Americans are fond of saying "don't judge a book by its cover." Outward appearances are not always enough to go on in a situation where you are being confronted with anti-American sentiment. Try and talk to your "accuser" and ask questions that may elicit this person's beliefs about the United States and why he or she might hold them. Does this person get ideas from the media? Is this something being taught in school? Has this person experienced some sort of harassment from an American? If you understand the critic's motives, or where his or her information comes from, perhaps you can find some common ground and a more tolerant way to respond.
•
Draw Upon Personal Experiences and Observations: When someone asks you a question like, "Why are Americans so wasteful of natural resources?" your first response might be to say: "Oh, not me." Whether or not the question is based on fact, one way to respond might be to draw on your own experiences and observations. In this case, you can say that while you cannot speak for the rest of the American population, you have your own personal practices, such as recycling, water conservation, or use of public transportation.
•
Avoid Becoming Defensive in Their Presence: You sometimes cannot help becoming defensive - you are, after all, an American. Try avoiding getting defensive as much as possible. Keep an open mind, and remember to try and understand your critic's motives.
•
Become More Familiar with Common U.S. Facts and Policies: "Americans are uneducated." That is a common belief overseas. How can you dispel that stereotype? People in other countries will probably ask you a lot of questions about the United States, on such varied topics as geography, politics, pop culture, etc. They may be questions from, '"Who decides whether a person is guilty of a crime?" to, "Does every American wear cowboy boots and ride a horse?" However, it is not uncommon to find that people overseas know a great deal about U.S. politics and policies. You should familiarize yourself with basic U.S. facts and policies because you do not want to be uneducated or ignorant of basic facts. Some areas to review could include: o o o o
U.S. geography (e.g., differences in regions) U.S. political system (e.g., how does Congress differ from the Senate) U.S. judicial system (e.g., how does the jury system work in theory) U.S. foreign policy (especially how it applies to your host country)
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WHAT TO EXPECT IN-COUNTRY Flight Departure The day prior to your departure: •
Check the news to ensure there is nothing that may result in a delay.
•
Check the weather for airport closures.
•
Verify that you have packed everything that you will need.
•
Ensure that your family and friends have your contact information overseas.
Arrive three hours before your flight, especially if you are traveling with a large group. Be sure to have a change of clothes in your carry-on in case your luggage gets lost.
Jet Lag Wow, you’re here! You made it! All that hard work and effort has finally paid off. Here are some pointers for when you get to you final destination about jet lag which is very common when flying internationally. The symptoms for jet lag are headaches, fatigue, irregular sleep patterns, mild depression, or nausea. To avoid jet lag: •
Drink lots of water on the flight
•
Avoid caffeine
•
Try to adapt to the local time once you arrive
•
Walk around in the sun
•
Try to sleep at night, even if you are not tired
Accommodations All study abroad programs have different accommodations. Some programs utilize local hostels or hotels, while others utilize homestays or even hammocks in the jungle. Most semester study abroad programs board students in dorms, but you might have to find an apartment. Check with your program leader or program provider for more information on your specific accommodations. Whichever accommodations you choose, there are sure to be rules. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the specific DOs and DON’Ts when it comes to your living arrangements.
Money Management Overseas Money management abroad is essentially the same as money management at home. It boils down to having a budget, knowing how much money you have, and being careful with your spending so you don’t end up in debt. Still, there are a few differences when overseas, such as getting comfortable using foreign currency and transferring money from home. Exchange rates for foreign currency are ever-changing. Be sure to check the exchange rate before converting money. When using foreign currency, it’s usually best to bring some local currency with you—enough for the first few days. You can do this at any bank that provides international services. While you’re abroad you can exchange U.S. dollars for the local currency at banks or exchange bureaus as you need it—but be careful not to exchange too much money toward the end of your trip. If you have to exchange the local currency back into U.S. dollars, you’ll be paying twice for exchange fees. Visit a foreign currency exchange rate site such as the Yahoo Currency Converter to determine the current exchange rate: http://finance.yahoo.com/currency-converter/. It might be useful to carry a calculator with you until you get the hang of it. 21
Deposits, Money Orders, and Wire Transfers If you start to run out of money, the easiest way to replenish your funds is to have a family member transfer money into your home checking account. They can do this electronically if they have access to your account, or they can go to the bank and deposit a check into your account. If there is an emergency and you need funds immediately, there are two main ways to receive money from home. The fastest way, and the most expensive, is to get money wired to you through companies such as MoneyGram International. Be sure that you have the correct account codes and address for wiring money to the overseas location. Another option is the U.S. Postal Service’s international money orders which must be mailed to you but can be cashed at up to 30 country destination post office locations: https://www.usps.com/shop/money-orders.htm.
Credit and Debit Cards Most major credit cards are accepted worldwide and many students prefer this option because it means carrying less foreign cash. However, you’ll need to make arrangements to pay your monthly credit card bill if you use this option. You could also use your debit/checking card abroad if your bank is part of the international network. Traveler’s checks are particularly helpful in countries where ATM access or credit card use is limited or unavailable. Most guide books will provide information on the accessibility of ATM’s and the preferred way to pay for items in each country. Cash can’t be replaced if it’s lost or stolen, so carrying large amounts of cash is discouraged. Carry what you need and no more. Please note that not all banks will allow you to do cash advances on all credit cards so you have to ask in advance. If you are getting a cash advance, you must have your passport to complete the transaction.
Bargaining, Bartering, and Haggling Many countries rely on a culture of bargaining, bartering, or haggling. To the American traveler, this may represent a challenge as it is not our custom to haggle relentlessly over the miniscule amounts of money which you would not give a second thought about in everyday life. Bear in mind that a small amount to you, can represent a day's food or more to the vendor. Bargaining should be done in good humor and even though you will inevitably be paying an inflated price, it usually does not begin to bear on what you would pay back in the United States. Bargain in the spirit of the situation and as a cultural experience rather than a means of competition. When purchasing souvenirs try and buy from local markets and handcrafts so that the money goes directly to local businesses. Eat in local restaurants and cafes too as far as possible, rather than western imports selling the staple of burgers and chips, as these can threaten the livelihood of local restaurants.
Begging Begging presents a difficult situation for the American traveler who can spend more on one meal than foreigners might earn in an entire month. As a general rule, and as difficult as it may be, you should never give money to beggars. This is especially difficult with regard to children who are often kept out of school to beg as a form of income by their parents. By handing out money you are ultimately condoning these methods. If you want to give, then buy essential goods to hand out like food, water, blankets, and toiletries. The most efficient way to help though is by supporting local charities which can direct your money to the neediest in the most cost effective manner. Although you won’t get the immediate gratification that handing out a few pesetas to a street beggar may bring, in the long run you will be making a larger overall impact to the problem at hand.
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Tips on Tipping While tipping servers in restaurants and hotels is common and even expected in the United States, the same does not hold true for other parts of the world. Be sure to research the common practices of the country you will be visiting: •
Generally speaking, tipping is wholly unnecessary in most Western European countries, where “service included,” “servizio incluso,” or “service compris” appears on checks, along with a V.A.T. tax of about 20 percent. This means that the tip has already been calculated into your bill.
•
Check your bill in Great Britain, Ireland, and the Eastern European countries. If the tip has not been included, you should leave 10 to 15 percent of the bill.
•
In the Middle East, tipping practices vary greatly by country.
•
In some Asian countries, tipping can be perceived as an insult, so do your homework.
Check out the Magellan’s Guide to Tipping for more information: http://www.magellans.com/store/article/367.
Eating & Drinking Abroad Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it. The bottom line is, when you are in a foreign country, you need to try the local cuisine. Food is part of the overall cultural experience that you are expecting to enjoy. You will also begin to notice things about a culture just from the way people eat and the way they plan their lives around food. Whatever the way of eating, try it out wherever you visit, at least once. With that said, when it comes to pure water and “safe” food, sometimes there's no place like home, but as long as you're careful about what you eat and drink abroad, your personal health won't have to take any nasty detours. Read on… •
•
EATING: But with so many horror stories about how people get sick from eating what's on a new country's menu, how can you know what to trust? At the same time, you don’t want to spend all of your money on bottled water and McDonald's. There must be a way to eat like the locals do without getting sick like the tourists do. Below are some tips for you. If you do get sick from a meal, the best way to handle it is to rest and to drink a lot of water to flush out your system. This will help you pass the germs as quickly as possible. If you're having troubles keeping things down after a few days, it's time to see a doctor. Most of the time, you're going to be just fine when you eat overseas, but it never hurts to be safe when you want to enjoy every moment of your trip. o
Avoid dairy products.
o
Avoid raw, unpeeled, fruits and vegetables, including salads.
o
Peel all fruit yourself.
o
Avoid buffets that are not hot.
o
If you are eating from a street vendor only eat food that has been prepared in front of you.
o
Eat food that has been freshly cooked and is still hot.
o
Check that all meat is fully cooked through.
o
Drink bottled water.
DRINKING, etc.: Now, there are a few rules when it comes to drinking things overseas – or at any restaurant for that matter. If the place looks clean, don't believe it to be so, unless it's a highly rated restaurant, then you're probably fine. To be safe, make sure all of the drinks you order are ice free. Ice machines are notorious for being dirty (in the states too), so avoid ice. Ideally, you should order drinks which are served in the bottles they came in. This will ensure you get the cleanest and healthiest drink 23
you can get. Alcohol can be safer because the alcohol content can kill off some germs, though not all of them. Since some countries don't have water treatment plants that are strong enough to remove viruses and parasites, you need to know how to sip safely. So whether you want to quench your thirst, brush your teeth, or rinse your contact lenses, reach for bottled water. If there's only tap water around, boil the water first or purify it with an iodine tablet. Boiling will always work but it is often impractical. Iodine or chlorine drops will kill most bugs, though some protozoan infections can resist it. You can neutralize the taste of iodine with vitamin C. Water filters will remove virtually all bugs and some reverse osmosis bags are even more effective.
Toilet Trauma In many countries, restrooms are not easily accessible and most of the time you have to search for them. Restroom facilities can differ drastically. Many bathrooms you have to pay to use and some toilets for women and men are just holes in the ground. Some restrooms will have attendants that will charge you for toilet paper, and other restrooms just do not have toilet paper. Always bring hand sanitizer with you in case there is no sink or running water to wash your hands.
Always carry toilet paper with you wherever you go!
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SAFETY AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS While study abroad can be exciting and liberating, it can also be dangerous. You need to research your destination country and take the necessary precautions for you to be safe.
Lost or Stolen Passport Tell your teacher or companion immediately if your passport is lost or stolen. First, you should report the loss or theft to the police in the area where the incident occurred. Then go the U.S. Embassy in person as soon as possible. Bring both proof of U.S. citizenship and proof of your identity with you. The embassy will accept the following as proof of U.S. citizenship: a U.S. birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, a certificate of citizenship, a consular report of birth abroad, an expired passport, a valid passport of any country, a valid driver's license with photograph, a national identity card with photograph, a valid U.S. or state government ID card, or a U.S. military ID card. You should fill out the passport application forms DS-11 and DS-64 regarding how your passport was lost or stolen. You will also need two identical passport photographs. The embassy will not accept vending machine photographs or photographs printed on a home computer. As of 2010, the embassy charges a fee of $100 for adults and $85 for children under the age of 16. You can pay with cash, credit card, money order or banker's draft. Your new passport will be mailed to you after your processing is complete.
Safety Tips Abroad While studying abroad, make sure to use common sense. For your safety… •
Do not travel alone, especially at night! Use the buddy system.
•
Do not travel away from your group if you are on a short-term study abroad program.
•
Do not get into cars with strangers.
•
Do not hitchhike.
•
Stay away from illegal drugs.
•
Do not drink alcohol in excess.
•
Do not use shortcuts, narrow alleys, or poorly lit streets.
•
Do not wear expensive jewelry. You should leave that at home.
•
Avoid public demonstrations and other civil disturbances.
•
Keep a low profile and avoid loaded conversations or arguments.
•
Do not discuss travel plans or other personal matters with strangers.
•
Beware of strangers who approach you offering bargains or to be a guide. Be cautious of people offering to take your picture - think to yourself, “Why does that person want to hold my camera?”
•
Keep hotel doors locked at all times, and meet visitors only in the lobby.
•
Do not leave money, personal information or other valuables in the hotel room while you are out. You can use the hotel safe whenever you want and always let someone know when to expect your return.
•
Take taxis clearly identified with official markings and beware of unmarked cabs. Ask for, and where appropriate, negotiate the fare before entering cab.
•
If you are being blocked by a stranger and another person is very close behind, move away. This can happen at the corridor of a train or on the platform or station.
•
Do not accept food or drinks from strangers. Criminals have been known to drug food or drink offered to passengers, and criminals may also spray sleeping gas in train compartments. 25
•
Do not be afraid to alert authorities if feeling threatened in any way. Extra police are often assigned to ride trains on routes where crime is a serious problem.
Tips for Unwanted Male Attention Openly staring at women is common in some countries, and comments on the street can range from sexually suggestive to explicit. Some men touch or grab women in public. Ask on-site program staff and local women what sorts of behavior provoke unwanted male attention. Avoid placing yourself in romantic situations or being alone with a man as it can signal willingness to have sex. There is no simple answer to respond to unwanted male attention. Men can be forceful and the word “no” might not carry the same weight as it does in the U.S. You can try ignoring them, walking next to or close to a male friend or colleague, or act more passively than you normally would. You could also try simply asking to be “just friends.” Try to observe how local women react to the male behavior and seek advice from them about it. Listen to your instincts which may mean saying “no” and leaving. Make a promise to yourself not to drink too much which will help to keep you out of potentially dangerous situations. Make a pact with your friends that no one will leave a social event without the others. HIV/AIDS is much higher in some parts of the world; in some nations 25% of adults are HIV-Positive. Un-safe sex can result in disease, unintended pregnancy, social and emotional consequences. Once you’ve risked your health or social standing, they can’t always be recovered.
Alcohol and Drug Use DO NOT buy, sell, take, or smuggle illegal drugs while abroad. The use of illegal substances is absolutely prohibited. Anyone caught using illegal substances will be immediately removed from the program. The penalties for use of illegal substances in other countries can be much stronger than in the U.S. There is nothing faculty or the U.S. Embassy can do to assist someone caught breaking the laws of the host country. The U.S. Government can NOT do anything to get a U.S. citizen out of jail overseas when he or she has been convicted of a drug offence. Illegal drugs can be tainted which can lead to an overdose or death. Valencia College’s Student Development office has a strict “no alcohol” policy. If you are on a short-term or semester study abroad and receive a scholarship from Student Development, you are not allowed to drink alcohol, even if they are legal age. Students caught consuming alcohol will be subject to disciplinary measures and will be required to pay back the Student Development scholarship dollars received. If you are arrested overseas, contact the U.S. How to Avoid Legal Difficulties embassy immediately for assistance. Travelers can be arrested overseas for actions that may either be legal or considered minor infractions in the U.S., so be aware of the laws in the country you are visiting. More than one-third of U.S. citizens incarcerated abroad are held on drug charges, and some countries do not distinguish between possession and trafficking. Many countries have mandatory sentences, even for possession of a small amount of marijuana or cocaine. A number of Americans have been arrested for possessing prescription drugs, particularly tranquilizers, and amphetamines. If in doubt about foreign drug laws ask authorities, the nearest U.S. embassy, or the consulate. You can also check out Drug Laws Abroad at: http://www.thesite.org/travelandfreetime/travel/beingthere/druglawsabroad
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In many countries, visitors can be harassed or detained for photographing such things as police, military installations, government buildings, border areas, and transportation facilities. When in doubt, ask permission before taking photographs.
Common Pick-Pocket Techniques Pick-pocketing happens all the time, everywhere in the world. Try not to look like a typical tourist because pickpockets prey on tourists. Beware of children as well; they are commonly pick-pockets, or serving as a distraction. Some unsafe places where you might encounter pick-pockets are: • • • • • •
• • • • • •
large crowds line-ups airports train stations bus stations hotels
theatres sports events near ATM machines public transportation narrow passages tourist attractions
To avoid pick-pockets: • Try to keep as little cash on you as possible. • Use a money belt or pouch and have your eyes on it all the times. • Do not keep all your money in one single place. • Pay attention to your surroundings. • Keep an eye on your valuables at all times. • Zip your purse up and keep it as close to you as possible. • Do not put your wallet in your back pocket. • Take all the valuables out of your coat if you intent on hanging it on the back of your chair. • Be wary of backpacks as they are easy to get into; especially since they are on the part of your body you can’t see. • If you carry a purse, never set it down while out in public, not in a restaurant, not in a restroom, not in a store, not in a café, not on the back of your chair. Hold on to it at all times. Sometimes you will find hangers under the tables in restaurants for your purse. Most often, pick-pockets will take the cash and throw away any evidence of their crimes. If you are a victim of a pick-pocket, look into dustbins, behind benches, and under cars for your missing wallet. If you can't find it, look further, in discrete places, nearest streets, anywhere the pick-pocket could have dumped it. If you have been victimized in a metro station, speak to a staff member who will send for a security officer. Don't forget to check the Lost and Found up to 48 hours after the incident. Sometimes luggage thieves will be working with the employee behind the counter in a place of business. Be sure to keep your luggage in front of you when you are in line. The employee behind the counter can distract you while the other one grabs your suitcase. You also have to be wary of vehicle robberies. Do not leave valuables on the seat, in the back window, or in plain view. Thieves will reach in your car window or break a window to take what they see. When driving, be sure to stop at least a car length behind the vehicle in front of you when approaching traffic signals. This way you have room to maneuver the vehicle around other cars and escape the area. One tactic used by criminals is to box your vehicle in and rob you while stopped at a red light. If you observe that you are being followed by another vehicle do not go home. You should drive to a police station or public area. 27
Protection against Terrorism Avoid traveling to areas with a persistent record of terrorist attacks or kidnapping. The vast majority of foreign states have good records of maintaining public order and protecting residents and visitors within the borders from terrorism. Terrorists are looking for defenseless, easily accessible targets that follow predictable patterns. The chance that a traveler with an unpublished program or itinerary would be the victim of terrorism is extremely slight. Be aware of what is discussed with strangers and watch out for anyone who may be eavesdropping. Try to minimize the time spent in the public area of an airport, which is less protected. Move quickly from the check-in counter to the secured areas. As much as possible, avoid dress and behavior that may identify you as an American such as baseball caps, college sweatshirts, fanny packs, and loud voices. Keep an eye out for suspicious abandoned packages or briefcases. If you do see anything like this, report them to airport security or other authorities and leave the area promptly.
How to Handle Money Safely When traveling overseas, many of the same money handling strategies apply as in the United States. You always have to remember that being a foreigner in another country makes you a target for thieves. Here are some pointers to handle your money safely: •
Limit the number of credit and debit cards you bring with you on your trip. Do not carry them all with you at the same time.
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Be careful when using an ATM machine and keep the four-digit PIN secure.
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Do not flash large amounts of money when paying a bill or at the ATM machine.
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Make sure credit cards are returned after each transaction.
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Deal only with authorized agents when exchanging money. Do not change money on the street or black market.
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If using traveler’s checks, change only as currency is needed to avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
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Use a money belt if you have to carry a large amount of cash.
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Countersign traveler’s checks only in front of the person who will cash them.
If possessions are lost or stolen, report the loss immediately to the local police. Keep a copy of the police report for insurance claims and as an explanation of the situation. After reporting missing items to the police, report the loss or theft of credit cards to the issuing company, passport to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, airline tickets (if printed) to the airline or travel agent, and travelers checks to the nearest agent of the issuing company. Be sure to keep at least two lists of the addresses and phone numbers above - one with you and another in a secure location.
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Did you know that the number one cause of death abroad is vehicle accidents? That’s right! So buckle up!
Important Safety Internet Resources The following is a list of resources with lots of important information to help you prepare for study abroad. Organization U.S. Dept. of State Travel
U.S. Dept. of State Travel Safety
U.S. Dept. of State Students Abroad
U.S. Dept. of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) The U.S. Embassies
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol S.A.F.E.T.I.
Association for Safe International Road Travel
Center for Disease Control & Prevention
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Information Entry/exit requirements Traffic and road conditions Safety, security and crime prevention tips Criminal penalties What to take with you when traveling What to leave behind Street safety Transportation safety How to handle money Resources for U.S. Citizen crime victims Travel documents Health Emergencies Embassies Smart travel Wallet Cards Check Lists
Enrollment in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program informs the Embassy that you are in the country and how to reach you in case of an emergency. It also allows for quick and easy replacement of lost or stolen passports. The STEP Program is only available to U.S. citizens. • Your contact in the event of an emergency • Lost/stolen passports • Emergency services • Health emergencies • Arrests • Deaths Make sure you know what you are legally allowed to bring back to the U.S. and what you should declare when you return. The SAFETI (Safety Abroad First – Educational Travel Information) Clearinghouse Project creates and disseminates resources to support study abroad program development and implementation, emphasizing health and safety issues. The Association for Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that promotes global road safety through education, advocacy and targeted road safety projects in low and middle income countries. ASIRT fosters and partners with road safety nongovernmental organizations in focus countries. CDC′s Mission is to collaborate to create the expertise, information, and tools that people and communities need to protect their health – through health promotion, prevention of disease, injury and disability, and preparedness for new health threats.
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URLS http://travel.state.gov http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa _tw/cis_pa_tw_2223.html http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/s afety/safety_1747.html
http://studentsabroad.state.gov http://travel.state.gov/travel/living/ living_1243.html http://valenciacollege.edu/internati onal/studyabroad/resources/docu ments/WhattheDOSCanCantDoinCrisis.pdf https://travelregistration.state.gov/ ibrs/ui
http://www.usembassy.gov
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel /vacation/kbyg/ http://globaled.us/SAFETI/index.as p http://www.asirt.org/Home/tabid/1 47/Default.aspx
http://www.cdc.gov/
RETURNING HOME Reverse Culture Shock The cycle of overseas adjustment begins at the time you plan to study abroad. You may think that adjustment ends when you have successfully assimilated into the life of your host country, but, in fact, the cycle of cultural adjustment continues through your return to the United States. Culture shock and re-entry shock (more commonly known as "reverse culture shock") are not isolated events but rather part of the total adjustment process that stretches from predeparture to reintegration at home. It is important to read this section now, as well as when you are about to return home.
Change and Adaptation You have just had the opportunity to live, study, and travel overseas. During your stay you have probably assimilated some of the host country's culture, learned new ways of doing things, and gained some new views and opinions about certain topics. In short, you have changed. As one returnee explains, "Living abroad has a deep, broadening effect on a person - an effect that I didn't realize until my return." For some people, living overseas and having those changes occur outside of the United States can magnify those experiences, thus causing the return home to be a bit unsettling. In addition, some of the experiences are specific to being overseas and could not have occurred in the United States. While overseas you may have experienced a greater amount of independence both academically and personally, than you previously experienced in the United States. This independence can help make you more confident in your abilities to achieve your goals. You may have become increasingly more sure of yourself and possibly gained a more mature or focused attitude about your future. You may even be a bit more serious and directed. Some of these new views and attitudes may be in conflict with the views and attitudes of family and friends. They may question your new way of thinking and doing things or even pressure you to "reform." These differences may often be unsettling and uncomfortable at first. You have to be aware of your “new normal,” and how the You’re different now. Don’t changes you’ve experienced will fit into your old way of life. feel guilty about it. It’s a natural and common These changes - your new independence, new views and new phenomenon. attitudes, your role as informal ambassador, newly acquired skills and your new friends - all have contributed to making you who you are now. The "changed you" will have to readjust to life in the United States, and, for some, this can be difficult. Initially, you may even have to live at home. It can be a surprise to learn that you are not the only one affected by re-entry. After all, you are the one who has been away and had so many new experiences. Everyone and everything at home should have stayed fairly stable. However, the home that you remember is not always going to be exactly the same as it was when you left. This feeling of "dislocation" occurs for two reasons. Firstly, because you are now looking at what was once familiar through a new set of perceptions. Therefore, you will see everything a bit differently. The new experiences and perspectives gained abroad may mean that home is never the same again. Secondly, like it or not, life at home did carry on while you were away. Things have happened to your family and friends and events have occurred in their lives. These events may have caused changes in their feelings, perceptions, opinions, and attitudes. Granted, these 30
changes may not have affected your life as intensely. However, to the specific individuals their experiences are as important as your experiences are to you. Remember, and be aware, that people at home change too, so expect things to be different. It is normal for you to desire to hold onto the person who you have become. Your overseas experience and life will now be a part of you and reflect who you are right now. The "new" you cannot be discarded or forgotten for the "old" you. However, you and your family must come to terms with that "new" you and continue to build upon your existing relationship from this point forward. It will require commitment to work toward mutual respect and understanding of each other's views. You may find that you have a totally different relationship with your family and friends.
Readjustment Period The length of time that the readjustment phase lasts will, of course, vary from person to person, but it will also depend on how intense your study abroad experience was. If you had an extreme study abroad experience that was very different from life back home, your adjustment will most likely take longer than if you experience a very low level of change. In addition, the length of time the re-adjustment lasts depends on you and how you cope with the situations that occur. One returning student said: "I have been back four months and I still find it very hard to communicate about my experiences; often I feel I must hide many of the new attitudes or knowledge I may have gained that seems at odds with my old life." The good news is that this phase of readjustment to life in the United States does not last forever! First, and foremost, acknowledge the re-entry phase as part of the overseas experience. Just as you had to give yourself time while going through the culture shock phase (if you did experience culture shock), you must also give yourself time to go through the re-entry phase. Acknowledging that reverse cultural adjustment is real will help you avoid feelings of guilt that might occur if you are feeling depressed or unhappy about being home. Here is some additional information to help you cope: •
Share Your Readjustment: Educate your family and friends about this phase. Many people have never heard of reverse cultural adjustment and are not aware of its existence. If the people around you know a little about what you experiencing, then, hopefully, they will be a bit more patient and understanding towards you and help you to readjust. If you have difficulty communicating your feelings, then share this manual with your family and possibly your friends. Remind those around you that you cannot unlearn what you have learned, but that you need time to reintegrate those often conflicting components within yourself.
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Friendships: Now that you have studied abroad, you obviously have a new circle of friends. You most likely saw some or all of these people on a daily basis and they probably became an important part of your life. Leaving your new friends can be, for many, the most difficult part of reentry. Having to abandon intense friendships, girl/boyfriends, and/or cultural supports, frequently brings disturbing feelings characteristic of those associated in a grieving process. Though you may seem to make a good surface adjustment once home, that adjustment may, at times, cover many contained feelings of uncertainty, alienation, anger, and disappointment. Upon your return, friends at home will ask about your experiences and appear to be interested. They will often show a slight fascination for your adventures but this may quickly fade. They will whip through pictures and stories once, but because they have not shared the experience, you should be prepared for them to only have a cursory interest. After a while you may find that your friends are more eager to talk about what has gone on in their lives as opposed to hearing more about your life overseas. If many of your friends have never lived abroad you may also have to deal with feelings of envy or jealousy. When you talk "too much" about your experience, people may accuse you of being elitist even though that 31
may not be your intention. People are often threatened by new and unusual points of view if they have not had a similar experience. As much as you need to talk about your recent time away from home, it is advisable to be sensitive to the attitudes and feelings of others. As with your family relationships, your relationships with your friends can alter because of the changes that have occurred in your life and the lives of your friends. Former friends may even have found new friendships and have priorities which are now different from yours. Be patient. If the friendship is worth maintaining, adjustment can and will be made; if not, developing new friendships can be as exhilarating as traveling. •
University/College Life: For those of you who eventually return to a university setting, you may feel you have readjusted during the few months at home. However, if you go directly to your home institution without time at home (or limited time at home) you may face a new set of readjustment issues upon return to academic life. If you have become very accustomed to a different type of academic system while overseas, you will have to deal with readjusting to your home institution's way of handling things. For example, some students, while overseas, experience a greater amount of academic independence then they had previously experienced. If you have found that academic freedom is particularly gratifying and challenging then the readjustment to a system that is a bit more structured can be difficult. Returning to university life you may also feel a bit "removed" from your major and department. Stop by the office and get re-acquainted.
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Loss of Status: In your host country you may have been seen as an informal ambassador from the United States. This gave you a certain status of being "special." When you return home, you are just like everyone else and the loss of feeling a bit "special" can be a factor that you must deal with in your readjustment. One returnee describes it this way: "Being in a foreign country as a foreign visitor, you are to a certain extent a 'special person'; your new views, accent, and lifestyle are all interesting to your hosts. As such, you will receive a lot of attention, make friends and, generally, be popular. However, when returning home you become again a 'normal person'. I found it very difficult to make that transition."
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Stay in Contact With Your Host Culture: Keep in contact with the friends you made in your host country. It will help you feel that what you experienced was real and not one big dream. Some returnees have the feeling of never having been overseas after their return to the home country. Also, if some of your friends are returning to the United States, they will possibly be experiencing similar adjustment problems. You are an obvious support system for each other because you each know how the other is feeling and what the other is missing.
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Seek Others and Get Involved: Seek out other returnees from overseas. You should not have a problem finding others from where you lived or studied. The fact that they have gone through (or are going through) re-entry and can offer support and advice about how to cope will be helpful. Other returnees often want to hear of the overseas adventures because they have a multicultural and international perspective now. Becoming active in international events sponsored by your college also offers you an outlet to share your concerns and experiences. If you want to keep using your foreign language skills there are a few things you can do: o
Take an advanced level course in the foreign language that interests you.
o
Organize a reunion for students returning from study abroad in your host country to exchange photos and converse in the language.
o
Start a "language table" where a group of students interested in improving foreign language skills in a specific language can meet 1-3 times a week during either lunch or dinner and only speak that specific language.
o
Seek out other "captive" audiences who would have a natural interest in your overseas experience.
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Part of readjusting is being able to tell your story and describe the experiences that you have lived through. Such audiences include cultural organizations (you may want to consider becoming a member) or civic groups that have an interest in the part of the world where you lived, school groups studying the part of the world where you lived, and prospective study abroad students.
Set Goals for Your Future Along with the new ideas, views, and attitudes that you developed you probably acquired some new skills. These may include discovering a new way to do an old task, a different perspective on your field of study, or increasing your foreign language skills. For those of you studying in an English-speaking country, the English language will acquire a new meaning through idioms and phrases that are specific to the host country. These new skills will now become a part of your daily life. Increasing your foreign language will probably have one of the greatest impacts. If you have learned to become dependent on these skills, to communicate from day to day, then it may feel strange for you to revert back to your native language. The degree of strangeness is directly connected to the amount of culture from the host country that you have assimilated and will definitely influence your readjustment process. You may feel frustrated or depressed. Patience, flexibility, and time will be required as it was at the beginning of your journey. Now is the time for you to look towards your future. You have finished one phase of your life and are ready to move ahead. Think about your next challenge or goal. Begin to make plans and put those plans into action. Even when you return to your home campus to finish a year or two of a degree, you can develop goals for that period of time so that you will feel you are moving ahead rather than regressing. It is common for students who do return to school to feel they have gone "10 steps forward (their overseas experience), and now are going 11 steps backward (the return to school)." It is up to you to get the most out of that time by giving yourself new goals and challenges. Take the influence of your overseas experience and use it positively to help plan this next phase of your life.
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190 S. Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32809 Office: 407-582-3188 Fax: 407-582-3003 E-mail: StudyAbroad@valenciacollege.edu
Š 2011 Valencia College | STU090111-03
Website: valenciacollege.edu/international/studyabroad