COLLEGE OF EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL STUDY TOURS PROGRAM GENERAL ORIENTATION March 15, 2011

INTERNATIONAL STUDY TOURS PROGRAMS Botswana China Vietnam

PRE-DEPARTURE PREPARATION

PASSPORT AND VISA CHECKLIST Do you have a passport? Passport forms can be downloaded at the U.S. State Department web site. U.S. State Department Is your passport signed and valid for at least 6 months beyond the travel date? Does your passport have blank visa pages? Visa requirements, application materials and process vary across countries, and for students from different countries of origin.

WHAT TO PACK Colored photocopy of your passports & visas. Travel light! You will be charged for overweight/ excess baggage. Pack formal attire/ business casuals, as well as comfortable clothes and shoes. Clothing should be appropriate for the culture and weather of the host country. You may want to take 2-3 gifts that represent the U.S. or MSU. Suggestions: pens, calendars, books, pins or other items that represent your university or state. You may need to take a power converter and appropriate plug adaptors. Pack your cameras and batteries! Don’t forget alarm clocks!

VACCINATIONS AND MEDICINES Consult with your doctor or local health department, or MSU’s travel clinic for vaccination advice.MSU’s travel clinic Bring with you any prescription medicines and any over-the-counter items you may need. Bring inhalers and eye drops if you use them. Visit Olin Health Travel Clinic 2-3 months before departure to obtain information on immunization requirements.

OTHER TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS Budget and obtain sufficient funds to cover expenses (those exceeding the College fellowship). Ensure funds are either accessible from abroad (credit card, ATM) or can be carried with you (traveler’s check) In some countries you may need to pay cash for most of your purchases especially in smaller towns. Prior to departure, let your tour leader know if you have special needs, or diet restrictions and will require any kind of assistance in the host country. Check with your cell phone provider about service & charges in the host country. Get information on the local currency and the prevalent exchange rate. Currency conversion facilities are available at all major airports. Inform your family or friends of where and how you can be reached while abroad. You must be aware of your emergency contact in the host country, and their contact information.

PROGRAMMATIC CONSIDERATIONS Attend all pre-departure orientations organized by your tour leader to discuss specifics of the program, its objectives, and your travel/activity itinerary. Acquaint yourself with the country you are visiting. If you don’t speak the language, learn some key words and phrases, and purchase a small phrase book to carry with you.

OTHER ISSUES These study tours are academic experiences, and that academic responsibilities take priority over personal interests! Follow the norms and ground rules in the host country, established by your tour leader. You will be “cultural ambassadors” in the host country and your conduct will be seen as representative of the United States, your countries of origin, as well as the state of Michigan and this university.

SAFETY ISSUES Carrying equipment or materials, such as, global positioning systems, encrypted software may be in violation of federal law. Review the MSU's Office of Export Controls & Trade Sanctions Web site.MSU's Office of Export Controls & Trade Sanctions Web site Please encrypt or protect any private information you carry on your laptops, with passwords.

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