1. Pre-Departure Orientation Global Education Office Virginia Tech 526 Prices Fork Rd., Room 131 www.educationabroad.vt.edu

2. Agenda Introductions Practical Matters Conduct Safety Health Culture VT Requirements All the photos featured in this presentation were taken by Hokies abroad.

3. INTRODUCTIONS

4. Global Education Office Team Staff: Theresa Johansson, Director, Global Education William Pruitt, Assistant Director, Student Services Rachel Fitzgerald, Assistant Director, Program Management Rommelyn Conde, Assistant Director, Strategic Partnerships & Public Relations Shannon Dove, Office Manager Betty J Watts, Global Initiatives Coordinator Rebecca Johnson, Advisor Berenice Escalera, Graduate Assistant Peer Ambassadors: Kevin Hopkins, CLAHS (Germany) Glen Duffy, Pamplin (Switzerland) Nina Zegler, Science (Ghana) Michaelanne Makuch, CLAHS (Germany) Taylor Rains, COE ( Australia) Hafsa Malik, Architecture

5. PRACTICAL MATTERS

6. Getting a Passport Required to enter or leave home/host country. Should be valid 6 months beyond program end date. If you don’t have one yet or need to renew, apply immediately and request expedited service. US State Department website has information on how to apply/renew. Make two copies of the ID page (along with other essential ID cards or documents). Carry one set abroad and leave one set securely at home (to expedite replacement in case of loss/theft).

7. Preparing for Your Absence Consider setting up a power of attorney so a parent/relative can help with finances/emergencies while abroad. Take care of your financial obligations. Be sure to make arrangements to pay rent, bills, etc. Ask the post office to forward your mail to your family’s home or a trusted friend.

8. Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) through the U.S. Department of State. STEP allows you to enter information about your upcoming trip abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in an emergency or with the loss of a passport. STEP also provides routine information from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

9. Planning Travel Research airport security measures – regulations can vary by country. Bring enough local currency to take ground transportation to first destination. Consider purchasing ISIC card for discounts and insurance supplement. Share your travel itinerary with family and those involved in the decision process.

10. Packing Pack light! You will have to carry luggage through airports and on buses and trains. Check with airline for current weight regulations and security restrictions. Remember: you can buy most things (clothes, toiletries, etc.) in other countries. Bring rolling suitcase you can pick up easily and a small carry-on with toothbrush and change of clothes (in case of lost luggage). Do NOT bring your own electronics – or do so carefully.

11. Stay in Touch Let your family know you’ve arrived (and inform them of all subsequent travel plans). Some US cell phones work overseas (with SIM card) – most countries have cheap pay-as-you-go phone options. You can also internationalize your current phone plan. Online communication is free. Wifi hotspots are prevalent. (Skype, IM, Face Time, etc.)! Contact family if event in host country would cause them to worry (extreme weather, political upheaval, etc.). And don’t forget to let them know when problems you have told them about have been resolved.

12. Money Matters Understand the costs. Plan for contingency. Take cash, some local currency, and an internationally recognized debit/credit card – ATMs are widely available in most large cities. Do not carry large amounts of cash with you; use a debit/credit card instead. Inform your bank/credit card company that you will be abroad so they don’t block purchases. Check on exchange rate and bank fees before leaving.

13. VT Education Abroad Faculty Leader(s)/Returned Study Abroad Students/International Students US Department of State provides information on various world regions; planning your trip; how to register at the US Embassy; and tips for travel, health, safety, and living abroad. US Department of State Guide Books, like Lonely Planet, Let’s Go, Frommer’s, etc. Resources

14. STUDENT CONDUCT

15. Hokies Abroad You are considered a Hokie wherever you are in the world, and will still be held accountable to the student code of conduct (and judicial system). ALCOHOL: The biggest stumbling block for students abroad, as it is here on campus, is alcohol. Each year alcohol is reported to be the single greatest risk factor for study abroad students. Attitudes toward alcohol consumption vary greatly from country to country. Even if you are of age in your host country, use moderation and good judgment. ARRESTS & CONVICTIONS: Hokies, wherever you are around the world, must report violations to VT within ten days.

16. Harassment Sexual and discriminatory harassment violate VT policy and are illegal in the US – but this may not be the case in your host country. SOME TIPS: o Understand cultural differences (what’s appropriate and what’s not in terms of dress, behavior, etc., by gender). o Dress appropriately for your destination. o Speak out – draw attention to unwanted behavior if other people are around. o Know your resources (faculty leader, VT, police). o Contact local authorities (if situation escalates to point of danger). o Travel wisely (i.e., women, especially, don’t travel alone or after dark). o Have the right mindset (don’t live in fear; don’t expect to change your host culture). Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any educational program or activity that receives federal financial assistance. 20 U.S.C. § 1681(a).

17. Hokie Handbook Office of Student Conduct Dean of Students Office (dos.vt.edu)dos.vt.edu VT Title IX Officers: o Pamela White, Human Resources Equity and Access (540-231-9331) Pamela White o Dr. Frank Shushok, Student Affairs (540-231- 8064) Dr. Frank Shushok Other Campus Resources: o Cook Counseling Cook Counseling o Virginia Tech Women’s Center Virginia Tech Women’s Center o Office of the Graduate Student Ombudsman Office of the Graduate Student Ombudsman o Cranwell International Center Cranwell International Center Resources

18. SAFETY

19. Local Laws Adhere to local laws strictly – penalties are severe. Don’t assume that what is legal at home is legal in other countries. Use common sense. Some countries have “guilty by association” laws, so avoid people who are in possession of illegal goods of any kind. Deal only with authorized outlets when you exchange money (avoid the black market). Avoid areas of unrest and disturbance (i.e., demonstrations). Some countries impose strict requirements about what may not be photographed, so be sure to check in advance.

20. Safety and Prudence Take the same common sense safety precautions abroad that you would at home Be aware of your surroundings Keep your valuables concealed Be prudent around strangers Heed safety advice from your host coordinator and local residents. Avoid forming large groups of foreigners (although don’t forget safety in numbers) Dress to blend in with the local population. Find out which parts of town are considered risky by the locals and avoid those areas. Sign a FERPA release prior to departure, if you haven’t done so already. Create a passcode to share with family so you can verify their identity when they call. NOTE: Please don’t go shark diving

21. Cyber Security Remove any sensitive contacts, research, or any other data considered to be personal from your cellphone, laptop, etc., prior to traveling. Don’t use thumb drives given to you while overseas and don’t plug them into any computer back home upon your return. In most countries, you have no expectation of privacy in internet cafes, hotels, airplanes, offices or public spaces.

22. If you are arrested or detained… If you are arrested or detained, there is little we can do for you. Contact your local US Consular Officer. Consular Officers can visit you in jail, provide you with important contacts (like local lawyers) and information and notify your family on your behalf. Consular officers cannot demand your release, give you legal advice, represent you at trial, or provide you with financial assistance.

23. VT Police Department (540-231-6411) VT Police Department Go to: www.studentsabroad.state.gov for:www.studentsabroad.state.gov o Contact information for the US Embassy and/or US Consulate Office in the country (countries) you intend to visit. o To register your trip on-line with the State Department (STEP program). o To keep up to date on worldwide Travel Alerts and Warnings. Read up on your host country’s history, people, government, economy, geography, communications, transportation, military, and transnational issues on the CIA’s World FactbookCIA’s World Factbook Resources

24. HEALTH

25. Health Insurance Required! (BOV-mandated as of July 2011). You will be automatically enrolled by your faculty leader(s). Comprehensive travel medical insurance, provided by CISI, for $33/month Covers basic medical AND travel emergency ID cards and cover letters will be emailed to you directly, print and take a copy with you. The claims process works in terms of reimbursement –be prepared with contingency funds! Get the my CISI Mobile App

26. Before You Go Get a medical/dental checkup prior to departure. Check CDC/WHO for recommendations for travel. Leave a copy of personal medical records at home and bring a copy of important records with you. If something comes up while abroad, tell your faculty leader(s)/VT/CISI. Remember, VT and all its resources are just a phone call away.

27. Medications If you have a specific medical problem, carry an internationally recognized medic alert emblem (medicalert.org).medicalert.org Medications available in home country may not be available/legal in host country – do research before leaving. If you take prescription medicine, bring: o a supply that lasts your entire stay, o copies of your prescriptions (for refills), o original containers. If you take medication for anxiety/depression, continue it while abroad, be consistent, and never mix with alcohol. If you have any favorite over-the-counter remedies, consider bringing supply. Bring a doctor’s note if you need syringes (i.e., for insulin injection).

28. Maintaining Health & Diet Abroad Notify faculty leader(s) up-front of any dietary/health restrictions that you may have. Do not hesitate to reach out to Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) for support or a consult. Don’t overdo travel/new food. Check on safety of water, meat, fresh fruit and vegetables before consuming. Consider modifying dietary restrictions if you can, and use tact when discussing,especially when living with a host family. Understand your travel/medical insurance policy and how to access its benefits.

29. Schiffert Health Center Centers for Disease Control World Health Organization Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) Cultural Insurance Services International Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) Services for Students with Disabilities Resources

30. CULTURE

31. Culture Shock Initial disorientation is normal –Don’t panic! Working through culture shock will deepen your understanding of self and others, and ultimately strengthen what you get out of your experience abroad. Before you go: Research – the more you know about what to expect, the more comfortable you will be. Read up on local history, politics, cultural norms, etiquette, and education systems of your host country. Talk to returnees/international students from your host country. Try to understand your own culture and the way it affects your attitudes and behavior. When you get there: Observe, listen, and describe rather than try to prove your preconceived notions. Try to be objective, but recognize that the filter of your own culture will always affect what you see. Make friends and share feelings with other foreign students or advisors. Improve your language skills – this will help you better understand your host country, its people and culture. Get involved in an enjoyable activity (excursions, sports, other recreational activities) that helps you meet people. Keep a journal/blog/take photographs Reflect on your experience and interactions. Reverse Culture Shock Information

32. Diversity Abroad Study abroad may be the first time you experience being a minority. You may receive additional attention depending on your ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or gender. This could be discrimination or it is possible the actions/questions that upset you simply reflect people’s curiosity about you. Keep your own cultural assumptions in mind before jumping to conclusions. Should extreme incidents arise, share with your program leader(s)/contact VTGEO for advice. VT GEO’s diversity resources and Diversityabroad.com offer helpful guides on understanding diversity abroad. VT GEO’s diversity resources Diversityabroad.com

33. Resources VT Global Education (www.educationabroad.vt.edu)www.educationabroad.vt.edu Cranwell International Center (www.international.vt.edu)www.international.vt.edu Diversity Abroad (diversityabroad.com)diversityabroad.com Guide Books (Lonely Planet, Let’s Go, Frommers, etc.)

34. VT REQUIREMENTS

35. Checklist:  Student Conduct/Honor Records Release  Program Liability Agreement  Emergency Contact and Information Release Form  Program Financial Agreement  Program Refund/Cancellation Policy  Voluntary Health Disclosure Form  Passport copy  Print & Read CISI Travel Medical Insurance information

36. Financial Aid Complete: o FAFSA o Global Education Program Document Form Discuss your financial aid and loan options with your financial aid counselor. A bridge loan is available to Pell Grant recipients.

37. VT Abroad Photo Contest People/Culture Places (natural or urban) Spirit of Ut Prosim Inventing the Future Abroad Hokies Abroad Faculty/Staff Abroad

38. Last, but not least … Don’t forget to have fun! Most students who return from study abroad say that their experience was transformative and that they wish they could have stayed longer.