1. + NMSU Office of Study Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation April 25, 2012

2. + Game Plan I. Welcome, Introductions & Plan for the Evening II. Congratulations and Preparing to Go Abroad (break) III. Deadlines, Billing and Paperwork IV. While you are Abroad V. Planning for Your Return VI. When you Return VII. Questions (break) VIII. Group Time!

3. + Congratulations and Preparing to Go Abroad

4. + Congratulations on your decision to Study Abroad! Personal Development: Increased self-confidence; Catalyst for increased maturity; Lasting impact on world view Academic Commitment: Enhanced interest in academic study; Influenced subsequent educational experiences; Reinforced commitment to foreign language study Intercultural Development: Better understand own cultural values and biases; Seek out greater diversity of friends; Influence interactions with people from different cultures Career Development: Acquired skill sets that influenced career path; Ignited interest in a career direction pursued after the experience Why Study Abroad Video?

5. + Cultural Adjustment Tools and Issues One of first things you'll encounter when you go abroad is something you can't really see, but which, if you don't understand what it is and how it works, can seriously affect how you adjust to and enjoy your time overseas. That thing is CULTURE. Culture is a neutral term, neither good nor bad. It refers to the broadest conception about the learned knowledge that humans use to fulfill their needs and wants. It refers to the collective historical patterns, values, societal arrangements, manners, ideas, and ways of living that people have used to order their society. It is comprised of all those things we learn as part of growing up, including language, religion, beliefs about economic and social relations, political organization and legitimacy, and the thousands of Do's and Don't's which society deems important we must know to become a functioning member of that group. It's a system which, like all systems is constantly changing and adapting.

6. + Culture Shock Stage 1: Culture Euphoria Stage 2: Cultural Confrontation Stage 3: Cultural Adjustment Stage 4: Cultural Adaptation

7. + Country Specific Culture Learn from Others What happened and why? Learning from cultural encounters! From What’s Up with Culture and Tales from the Peace Corps Accounts of Culture Shock: Refer to Global Scholar Resources web site Nonverbal Communication Abroad Politeness and Etiquette Discrimination Overseas

8. + Health and Safety http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgpYhz0awzo Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/registration/registra tion_4789.htmlhttp://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/registration/registra tion_4789.html Alcohol Theft Drugs Know the law!

9. + Health and Safety NMSU Health Center The Health Center provides a comprehensive educational and immunization consultation for preparing international travelers for healthy and safe experiences. Call Health Center at 646-1512 to schedule your consultation. Medications Abroad If you currently require regular medication or injections (insulin, allergy shots, birth control pills), be sure to check with your provider concerning supplies and recommendations for while you are abroad. Prescription medicines should be accompanied by a letter from your provider describing the problem and the dosage of prescribed medication. Pack in your carry-on luggage and keep in original bottle with a copy of your prescription. Travelers required to take a medicine containing habit-forming or narcotic drugs should carry a doctor’s certificate attesting to that fact. Due to differences in laws, it is best to consult the embassies of the countries you will visit prior to departing from the U.S.

10. + Health and Safety Obtain all necessary vaccinations as recommended by your doctor Get a medical and dental check-up. Small problems that can arise, such as a cavity, can take on greater significance in a foreign country where you are unfamiliar with the medical system, insurance, etc. Obtain appropriate insurance and understand how to use it if you have to. This can be a little complicated, so you do not want to have to figure it out while you are dealing with sickness or injury. Get doctor-signed prescriptions for any medication you have to bring abroad and include your glasses or contacts prescription in case you lose these. Give copies of all important health related documents to someone at home you can trust in case of emergency. These documents should include copies of prescriptions (including those for eyeglasses), insurance information, emergency contact numbers in the foreign country, in addition to anything your program sponsors recommend. Get fit. A healthy body will help you to fight off illness and recover faster. You can also expect to do a lot of walking, so it’s worth getting used to early on.

11. + Passports If you haven’t already, apply for your passport now! It can take 4-8 weeks to process a passport. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after you will return from studying abroad. If it is not, it needs to be renewed. How to apply for a Passport: Applications and information about requirements can be found on the U.S. Department of State webpage. El Paso Passport Agency provides in person passport services and can process passport applications much quicker than a post office.

12. + Visas It is YOUR responsibility to apply for your student visa. Visas: You can NOT apply for your visa until you have received your passport and your official acceptance letter from your host university. Check out http://projectvisa.com for a list of foreign consulates and embassies world wide.http://projectvisa.com Application process can be long and unpredictable so starting look at the requirements for your visa now!

13. + Contact and Travel Information Leave a copy of your passport, travel dates, flight information and itinerary with your family. A copy of your passport is also uploaded in your study abroad account. You can access a copy while you are abroad. Identify your in-country contacts Program Coordinator International Programs Office Make sure your friends and family know how to contact you.

14. + Flight Booking Tips We recommend that you wait until you have received your official letter of acceptance from your host university before booking your flight. This letter will have your official semester dates on it. Booking a Flight Online: Typically airfares are highest during the weekends. Try to fly on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Search for tickets at midnight EST during the week. Fares are usually lower. Early morning flights are usually cheaper.

15. + Flight Booking Tips Recommended Online Search Engines: STA Airfare Deposit Program 1-800-777-0112 $300 deposit and price of ticket is guaranteed. Full payment is due 7 days prior to departure. Kayak.com, Cheaptickets.com, Orbitz.com, and Expedia.com Local Travel Agents in Las Cruces can often offer better prices than what you can find online, and they provide more support. Atlas Travel-414 Main Street, 575-524-1444 Adventure Travel-2460 Missouri Avenue, 575-523-5681

16. + Money and Banking Abroad Check in with your bank/ credit card company Most require you to fill out forms to allow your credit or debit card to be used abroad. Find out how much you will be charged for withdrawing cash at ATMs abroad. Be aware of exchange rates. Check with your U.S. bank for the most accurate exchange rates. Traveler checks are not advisable, the preferred method of payment is credit card, debit card, or cash. You should always travel with $100 USD as an emergency fund. Before departing the U.S. it is advisable to exchange about $100 USD for the currency used in your host country. This will help with incidentals like cab/bus fares from the airport. DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE HOW MUCH MONEY YOU WILL NEED!

17. + Packing Carry-on Luggage: Documents : Passport, original acceptance letter from host university, tickets, rail passes, student ID, Driver’s License, cash, travelers checks, and credit card. Check with the Embassy of your host country to see what other documents you may need to entire the county at your first port of entry. Change of Clothes and a toothbrush in case your luggage is lost. Check-in Luggage: Make sure your luggage is not oversize or overweight. You will be bringing home MORE than you are packing and oversize/overweight charges are expensive! Check airline for requirements. What NOT to bring: Toiletries: Only pack small amounts, you can buy this when you arrive; Bedding and towels: Don’t use your valuable luggage space for these items. Buy inexpensive sheets and towels upon arrival.

18. + Deadlines, Billing and Paperwork

19. + Documents to turn in by November 15th Copy of Passport Course Equivalency Form Student Self-Assessment Medical Form Verification of Financial Aid Form We will not register you for the NMSU ISE courses until all documents and signature agreements are completed. This will affect financial aid!!

20. + MyNMSU Student Account If balance on your student account not paid by the third week in January, you will be charged $20 and put on a payment plan. E-Bill Statements are available for viewing on the 1 st of every month. Deferred payment installations due on the 15 th of every month. You must be up to date on your MyNMSU student account payments before you can register for classes for the upcoming semester. Your financial aid will be disbursed the first week of NMSU classes, the same time as all other NMSU students on campus. If you receive a scholarship from NMSU Study Abroad, it will be disbursed with your financial aid.

21. + Fees and Billing: Exchange Programs ISEP Exchanges and KGU NMSU Charges on your MyNMSU Student Account: Tuition, Housing, Meals, and Administrative Fee ($350/$200) charged each semester you are abroad. Tuition Only Exchanges NMSU Charges on your MyNMSU Student Account: Processing Fee: $350 charged this semester; Tuition and Administrative Fee ($200) charged each semester you are abroad. Housing fees payable to host university directly, with the exception of UPO students staying with a host family.

22. + Fees and Billing: Direct Programs Program fees, tuition, meals, and housing are all payable to program provider NMSU Charges on your MyNMSU Student Account: Administration Fee-$350 charged the semester you are abroad. Your financial aid will NOT be released directly to your program provider. It will be your responsibility to use your financial aid and pay your program provider directly. Most Direct programs will require payment before your financial aid is released. Ask your program provider about deferred payment.

23. + Fees and Billing: Intensive Language Typically all costs of program must be paid to program provider directly. It is your responsibility to ensure payment is made. NRCSA and faculty led program fees are charged to your MyNMSU student account. NMSU Charges on your MyNMSU student account: Processing Fee-$250 charged this semester Tuition: $50 per credit Insurance $50 per month if not included in the program.

24. + Academic Credit For Spring semester students, you MUST be a full time student while you are abroad. At NMSU, the Office of Study Abroad will enroll you in a placeholder of 15 credits. When you return, this will be removed and replaced with your actual credits. Remove all holds on your account!! All the classes you take abroad will transfer back to NMSU as transfer credit and will show up as “CR” on your transcript. Your GPA will remain the same. Our Office does NOT evaluate transfer credit. See your academic advisor regarding transfer equivalencies.

25. + Academic Credit Studying Abroad the Final Year Before Graduation Contact your college to see if a waiver needs to be completed and on file for you to study abroad within your last 30 credit hours. Viewing A Wider World You can get 3 credits that meet a VWW requirement just by studying abroad! Must be a degree seeking student and studying abroad for more than 4 weeks. Evaluation of VWW will be done by you and your department. You will need to meet with your advisor to complete the necessary paperwork to get credit.

26. + Power of Attorney This is optional, however HIGHLY recommended. A Power of Attorney allows another individual that you authorize to act on your behalf and serve as your legally authorized decision maker. If you are over 18, our office can NOT release any information about you or your NMSU student records to anyone unless you give us permission to do so in a Power of Attorney. Forms are available to you via your study abroad student account. Forms can be notarized in the Office of Study Abroad.

27. + While you are Abroad

28. + Health Insurance Know your insurance company’s procedures for securing health care and making a claim. Country Specific Insurance and Beta Students studying in Germany, France, Australia, and Canada on semester exchanges will be required to purchase country specific health insurance upon arrival. You will also be enrolled in Beta Insurance which is $18 for 6 months and will be charged to your MyNMSU student account. ISEP Health Insurance Please see your IIS for insurance requirements for your country of study. HTH Health Insurance The Office of Study Abroad will enroll all other semester/academic year students in HTH health insurance. You will receive an email confirmation once you are enrolled. Print this information and take it with you!

29. + Locating a Physician While Traveling Abroad If you find yourself in a situation were your require a physician, you are not on your host campus, and you are not fluent in the language of the country, contact one of the following: U.S. Embassy of Consulate International Association for Medical Assistance for Travelers (IAMAT) website for a list of fully licensed English speaking doctors abroad. www.iamat.orgwww.iamat.org Large travel agencies such as Thomas Cook Go to the front desk of a large hotel To avoid communication breakdowns, be sure to locate an English speaking doctor.

30. + Personal Safety One of the major crimes that occurs abroad is robbery and pick pocketing. Keep important documents in a money belt or neck wallet under your clothing to keep them out of reach of a pick pocket. If your money belt is difficult to get to, keep small amounts of money in a more accessible place. Don’t display your valuables or cash any more than necessary. Don’t walk alone at night; always travel in pairs or groups. Wear clothing appropriate to the locations. Know the culture of the country and conform to it.

31. + Political Instability and Natural Disasters If your host country falls on the U.S. Department of State travel warning list while you are abroad, you must return home immediately as per NMSU policy. If you are in a politically unstable country, avoid crowds. Check the U.S. Department of State’s Consular Information Sheets for current conditions in your host country. If natural disasters (earthquakes, hurricanes, etc.) are common in your host country, check with your International Office at your host university for emergency procedures. If something does occur, notify your family AND the Office of Study Abroad as soon as you can so that we know you are safe. Email: stdyabrd@nmsu.edu

32. + Rules and Regulations for Host Country As a visitor of your host country, you are subject to the laws and regulations of their judicial system. Refusing to obey local laws, especially those that concern alcohol and the use of illicit drugs, can get you kicked out of your program and thrown into jail. The Bureau of Consular Affairs, a branch of the U.S. Department of State, is responsible for protecting the interests of the US citizens abroad. They should be contracted if you find yourself in a legal problem.

33. + Communication Cell Phones and International phone cards Usually better, and CHEAPER to purchase in country when you arrive. Ask local students or your International Office at your host University for recommendations on providers. Some American providers also offer international text and data plans for your existing phone. It is important that you are accessible while you are abroad in the event of an emergency and a cell phone greatly helps to expedite communication. Email Check your NMSU email regularly!! This is the primary method of community between you and our office while you are abroad. Forward to your personal email if you have a different primary email account. Social Networks, Skype and other IMs.

34. + Host Families Some host families will host other NMSU students in the future, so represent NMSU well. Be respectful of cultural differences and be considerate. Respect any house rules. Be responsible and take care of yourself. You are a guest in their home, and they are not there to serve you. Be open-minded and take advantage of opportunities to practice a second language.

35. + Travel on a Budget Budget Airlines: Easy Jet- www.easyjet.comwww.easyjet.com RyanAir- www.ryanair.comwww.ryanair.com Trains www.Railpass.com www.RailEurope.com Hostels: Europe’s Famous Hostels- www.famoushostels.comwww.famoushostels.com Worldwide-www.hostelworld.com

36. + Get the most out of being abroad Unplug Being online all the time hinders culture assimilation. Prepare in Advance Learn about your host country: geography, places of interest, politics, etc. Language-the basics are helpful Get Involved and Take Advantage of Opportunities Clubs, sports, music, academic groups

37. + Planning Your Return

38. + Course Registration You can register yourself for the semester following your study abroad experience and acquire your personal registration access date and time through the NMSU website. Our Office cannot remove advising holds or any other types of holds on your student account that would prevent your from registering. If you believe a course you plan to take abroad fulfills the prerequisite requirement for a course you want to take the following semester at NMSU, speak with your appropriate NMSU professor or advisor PRIOR to leaving campus about an override. If you have problems with registering for classes, please contact your academic advisor in your department. A copy of your course equivalency form is uploaded in your Study Abroad account if you need to access a copy while you are abroad.

39. + Transcripts All officials transcripts should be sent to the Office of Study Abroad. NOT to the Office of the Registrar. Your official transcript from your host university may not arrive before Fall 2013 and some even may take as long as when the Spring 2014 semester begins. Your financial aid may therefore NOT be released on time unless you submit an unofficial transcript to the Office of Financial Aid while your official transcript is being processed by your host university abroad. It will be YOUR responsibility to obtain an unofficial copy of your transcript and submit it to the Office of Financial Aid.

40. + When you Return

41. + Credits/Transcripts Upon your return to NMSU, the Office of Study Abroad will contact you when your official transcript/certificate has arrived and you will be asked to come and collect your copy and the transfer credit form letter. Once you have collected these items, you will make an appointment with your academic advisor to review your coursework and finalize the credits that will transfer. We also recommend that you order extra official transcript to hold in your records for future use (graduate school, jobs, etc.) as they can be difficult to obtain upon returning to the United States.

42. + International Extracurricular Volunteer at the Study Abroad Fair and share your experiences with other NMSU students. Become a Study Abroad Ambassador Give Classroom presentations about study abroad Submit pictures and videos of your semester abroad ISEP Students: Enter the ISEP essay/photo contest to win some money!

43. + Announcements

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45. + Questions?

46. + Group Time! Country-specific information Exchange contact information Plan your vacations!