WINTER Template Pre-Departure Orientation APRIL 2013 BSU Office of Study Abroad

PowerPoint chart object 01 Turn in Documents in Office Passport copy Participation agreement Health Form Acceptance letter from affiliate provider Transfer of credit form (semester study abroad students) abroad/forms

PowerPoint chart object 02 Passports and Visas Check passport expiration date! Photocopy your passport before you go, and bring it with you –Don’t keep it in the same place as your passport Visa requirements vary depending on country, length of stay, purpose of visit –keep up to date with country-specific travel info and travel warnings

PowerPoint chart object 03 Meetings Each Study Abroad program will have program specific meetings that are mandatory! You will receive with information about the date and time of the meetings

PowerPoint chart object 04 Packing Carry on luggage –Laptops, cameras, etc –No liquids over 3 oz. in carry on luggage– in a clear plastic bag What to pack –Multi purpose clothing –Comfortable shoes –Electrical adaptors What NOT to bring –Expensive jewelry –Unnecessary credit cards, social security card, etc –Excess cash Luggage weight – check for additional baggage fees with the airline Check with airline for any updated information

PowerPoint chart object 05 Contact and Travel Info Leave with your family: –Copy of your passport –Flight information & Itinerary –Your in country contact info –OSA contact information Register your trip with Smart Travel Enrollment Program at Register with local in-country embassy Identify In-country resources: –faculty leader –program director –international programs office –resident director

06 Study Tours –3 BSU undergraduate or graduate credits –Grades are factored in to your GPA –Register for the study tour online through Infobear ** Enrollment open now ** Academic Credits

07 Faculty Leader distributes the syllabus 3 credits include coursework before and after dates of travel All activities and meetings in country are mandatory Study Tours

08 Semester/Year Abroad STUDY Abroad = Academic focus, not just travel Class attendance is important, but may not be factored into the grade. Follow the advice and direction of your in- country peers, contacts and directors.

09 Style of Instruction Lecture Courses may meet once a week Accessibility of faculty/professors Teachers’ titles are important when you address them (Dr. Smith, Professor Smith) Observe other students’ style of study

10 Academic Credits Academic Year/Semester Programs –Students have to maintain a full time status. Undergraduates: 12 BSU Credits –At BSU your record shows that you have a placeholder of 12 credits –Register for the actual courses at the host university –Grades do not factor in to GPA; will come in as transfer credits when: transfer credit forms received transcript received

11 Transfer of Credit Process Visit credit.cfm for all details on getting academic credithttp:// credit.cfm

12 Experiencing Culture Shock –Happens to everyone –Everybody may experience different degrees of culture shock at different times –Take care of your mental health: stress, anxiety, sleeplessness, depression –Use BSU and in-country support services when needed (Exchanges: Int’l Office in country, Study Tours: Faculty, Affiliates: In-country coordinator) Represent us well –BSU Conduct Code (zero tolerance) –Host university Code –Host country laws Appropriate dress (no sweats or flip flops!) Intercultural Communication While Abroad

13 Send back to BSU Study Abroad any course changes you make Complete new transfer credit form via (if any changes) Before you leave your host university – make sure you request to have your transcript sent to BSU Study Abroad Office Keep in touch: OSA social networks, newsletter, BSU Communication While Abroad

14 Credit/Debit cards Cash Diversify your sources of currency Be aware of ATM fees and exchange rates Plan ahead Ask for exchange rates in your US bank Let your bank/credit card company know travel dates and locations Money Matters

15 Safety Use COMMON SENSE Do not be overly trusting Be mindful of overly advertising yourself as American Let someone know where you are going Follow directions and safety warnings with Rx medication Use alcohol responsibly Engage in safe behavior Be aware of your surroundings Use the buddy system Know in-country emergency information Do not use any illegal drugs or substances: BSU’s zero tolerance policy applies abroad

16 Health Information Center for Disease Control ( Students should meet with health care provider prior to departure Staying healthy abroad means being healthy physically and mentally Travel clinics for recommended immunizations Prescription medications –bring extras –bottles must match contents

17 Insurance Information CMI/Medix ( Personal, health, and travel insurance –Study Tours –Exchanges –Summer programs –Undergraduate Research –International Service Learning All students should maintain personal health insurance- check with them directly for coverage Carry insurance cards Any in-country treatments—save receipts and you can be reimbursed Affiliate providers offer their own insurance coverage

18 Unplug—being online all the time hinders culture assimilation Get involved and take advantage of opportunities –Clubs, sports, music, academic groups Global citizenship Prepare in advance –Politics, history, religion, geography –State Department website, Guide books like Rick Steve’s and Frommer’s Language – basics are helpful –Hello, Goodbye, Please, Thank you, etc –Numbers Get the most out of being abroad

19 International phone card and cell phones –Usually is better to purchase in country when you arrive Social Networks SKYPE, ooVoo, and other IMs Set realistic expectations –Of service –How often you will check in with people back home Communication

20 Course registration while abroad—review course selections with advisor via – On-campus housing – –Global Village: International Residential Learning Community, opening fall 2013 Study tours—any final projects Semester/AY Programs – if you haven’t completed your Transfer of Credits, do it once you return from your Study Abroad program Study Abroad Ambassadors –Mentor incoming international exchange students –Point of contact for other students interested in Study Abroad Planning Your Return

21 Dr. Mary Lou Frias BSU Health Services Rita Camara Residential Life and Housing Lt. Ryan Tepper Campus Police Study Abroad Ambassadors Additional Information

22 Questions?

23 Happy Travels! Additional Information