Congratulations amp Welcome to Study Abroad Join a prestigious group of collegiate colleagues Expand your horizons Learn new culture The world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page Saint Augustine ID: 203044
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Study Abroad OrientationSlide2
Congratulations & Welcome to Study Abroad
Join a prestigious group of collegiate colleagues
Expand your horizons
Learn new culture
“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page,” – Saint Augustine
“Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends,” – Maya Angelou Slide3
Before you leave
Make sure luggage is appropriate for travel – liquids in containers, luggage tags on the outside, be sure to leave room for mementos
Check luggage the rules on your airline’s website otherwise you will be required to pay extra at your own expense
You are responsible for your luggage at all times
If customs/immigration requests something of you, please do it – they do have the power to arrest you
Have copies – electronic or paper – of your passport, credit cards (both sides), health insurance, state ID (drivers license) – in case they get lost
If you provide copies, International Education Center will keep them on file for you
Keep with you at all times:
Passport
Safety Card
Some moneySlide4
Health Concerns
Make sure immunizations are up to date and carry shot record card in your passport – double check the CDC website to see if other vaccines are necessary
Take EXTRA amounts of prescription drugs – and carry ALL prescription drugs in their labeled bottles
Take bug spray and sunscreen, especially if you will be spending a lot of time outside
Other first aid kit items: disinfectant, thermometer,
band-aids
, favorite headache medicine, favorite upset stomach medicine, favorite cold medicine, anti-itch cream, anti-fungal cream, and tweezers
Jet lag: get a good night’s sleep before departure, try to walk around every hour you are on the plane, allow 1 day of
adjustment for each time zone crossed –
Ehret
methodSlide5
Eating Habits
When you travel to locations with poor sanitation, regular “from the tap” drinking water may not be safe. Be sure to only drink hot beverages or bottled drinks – you may want to carry extra bottled water even to brush your teeth
If water is contaminated, then fresh produce may be as well. If you are eating fresh fruit, peel it first and if you are eating vegetables make sure they are cooked
Always wash your hands before eating
Stay hydrated – by the time you are “thirsty” your body is already depleted of fluids
Food abroad isn’t like American food – but it is part of the cultural experience, don’t be afraid to try new thingsSlide6
Staying Safe
Be sure to stay in public, well-lit areas
Don’t travel alone, even if you’re adventuring without your class, go with another student – local trains are available
Tell someone where you are going and when you intend to be back
Keep your emergency cards with you at all times
Obey the local laws – even if you don’t agree with them
Crime is everywhere –
pick-pocketing
and theft of a purse or bag is most
common, keep money on your person (pocket, pouches under clothing, inside pockets, zipped outside pockets)
Dress conservatively and according to local customs when possible, revealing clothing that is acceptable in the US may unintentionally invite strangers to interact inappropriately with you
Avoid protest groups and other potentially volatile situations, while you may agree with the idea behind the protest, you are a visitor to the country and need to be mindful of their political processes
You are young adults and are expected to behave BETTER
than you do in your home countrySlide7
Communicating across cultures
Pay attention when communicating with people not from your country – put down the cell phone – Americans are more preoccupied with technology than other cultures, be respectful of their ideals
Don’t be afraid to ask questions – don’t assume you know what someone is saying ask for clarification – be patient and know some natives may not speak ANY English
Withhold judgment of peoples reactions and body language, cultural norms in other countries are not the same as in the United States, for example:
In Thailand, showing the souls of your feet is considered an insult
In Costa Rica, putting your feet on furniture is very impolite
In Liberia, it is considered rude to not say hello to people you pass on the street
In United Kingdom, it is unacceptable to “cut in line”
In Trinidad, cursing is considered a criminal offense Slide8
Money Tips
Keep your money in pockets/pouches separate from your credit cards and your passport
Don’t travel with more money on your person than you would normally in the states (we recommend $100) – take travelers checks and exchange them once you get to your excursion destination
Your bank may not have a branch where you are going – be mindful of ATM fees and other charges for international transactions – contact your local branch to let them know you are going abroad
Credit cards are readily accepted abroad but can come with fees to withdraw cash – check with your provider and let them know you are traveling internationally
Personal checks are typically not accepted
Keep copies of the front and back of your debit card AND
credit cards you are taking – in case they become lost or
stolen you have all of your information at your fingertipsSlide9
Code of Conduct
Although you are abroad and we encourage you to have a good time, remember you are still a student of Savannah State University and the rules still apply
Possession and/or use of drugs is prohibited
Excessive alcohol use is prohibited
Damage/destruction of facilities/property is prohibited
Fighting (whether with another student or a local citizen) is prohibited
Theft is prohibited
Students who travel outside of the group MUST notify the program director of their travels and estimated return time
No unwelcomed sexual overtures or conduct – verbal or physical, do report incidents either with another student or with a local citizen
No disturbance of any other students academic progress
Rule violations CAN lead to being sent home at the
expense of the offending studentSlide10
Questions?