Welcome!! Students travelling abroad - PowerPoint Presentation

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Welcome!!

Students travelling abroad 2016-17Slide2

Today we will help you… Prepare for your program

Stay safe and maximize your experience while abroadKnow what to expect when you returnSlide3

Before you goDocuments to IEGE!

VisaMoney MattersHealth (Immunizations, medicine, etc.)PackingAt the airportResearchSlide4

Before you go:DOCUMENTS

Travel and Academic Documents to IEGEReview today your study abroad file for completeness. The review will save you headaches!Slide5

Before you go:visas

VisaRequired by all countries for semester study abroad.May be required for short term summer/winter programs.

Lengthy process—plan ahead.Make the appointment NOW with the host country consulate.If visa application is submitted upon entry into country, gather all required documentation NOW.Triple check for completeness. Slide6

Before you go:Money matters

Confirm with Financial Aid expected payments and availability of funds.Create

a budget for your time abroad. Stick to it. Get to know the local currency and the currency conversion rate. Be prepared for changes.Host country students are most knowledgeable about inexpensive things to do and eat. Slide7

More on Money Matters…Inform your credit card company and bank that you will be abroad

.Chip your card!Pay attention to international transaction fees.Consider changing bank to get a lower rate.

Have a few different forms of payment (Cash, ATM, credit card, etc.) and do not have them all in one place.Do not use a credit card to withdraw funds. Slide8

Preparing for a healthy trip abroad

Read about your host country as well as countries to which you plan to travel on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Website. Take all required and recommended immunizations, vaccinations and medicines (such as malaria pills) Discuss with the IEGE study abroad advisor and your host program any health issues and concerns you may have. Purchase personal care items upon arrival;

Do not carry shampoo and toothpaste from home. Slide9

Prescription Medicines

Bring a full supply of your medications to last the duration of your program WITH the Doctor’s prescription and original packagingContact your host country program

or CISI insurance to confirm your medication can be brought into the country and alternative plans if that is not possible. Ask the doctor to write out the components, not the brand name. Different countries have different laws in terms of medicine and prescription drugs; Be aware of the local law regarding any medicine you bring with you.Some US approved medications are not approved in host countries.Slide10

Healthy tripUpon arrival at host institution, locate the medical clinic, a doctor, and a dentist that you will use if you need medical or dental assistance.

Staying healthy means getting enough sleep and eating a proper diet.Slide11

Before you go:packing

Make sure your luggage is appropriate for travel.Check your airlines policies regarding what you can and cannot bring in your luggage and in your carry-on.

Know the weight limit and luggage count for your airline . You will have to pay a large fee if you exceed the limit.Mark your luggage with a tag or ribbon so you can easily identify it Check ALL airlines you are using for weight and size limitationsSlide12

What to pack in your CARRY ON

All travel documents you need upon arrival, to get through customs, and to get to your accommodation. Leave copies at home and in your suitcase. Passport, money, and address/directions to your accommodation Medicines.

Dr’s prescriptions, original packaging, glasses (take extra pair in luggage). Phone numbers and email for contacts at host institution, accommodations and IEGE.Reading material, an empty water bottle, some packaged snacks.Slide13

Before you go:Packing continued…

Pack lightly and plan to wear layers

- You can always purchase what you need abroad, over-packing is an unnecessary burden!Pack lightly. Research the weather patterns in your host destination.Get to know local dress codes and dress expectations. In general, other countries dress much neater and more formally than in the US. Think business casual. Dress appropriately and respectfully for your destination.Pack lightlyPlug adaptors. Also check voltage for your appliances. Slide14

at the airport

Arrive a minimum of three hours early at the right airport. Have all documents, carry on, and luggage prepared the night before.Research your airport of departure and know where you are going within the airport.

Research your arrival airport and know how you will get from there to your accommodations. Have directions, contacts, and a plan for getting to your accommodation from the airport.Slide15

Before you go:Research your host destination

Before you go, do lots of research on your host destination.Weather.

Cultural norms/Things not to do.Travel warnings, dangers, and things of which you should be aware.Buy a guide book like Lonely Planet or Rick Steve’sWhat to expectSlide16

While you are abroadCulture “shock” and getting over it

Health and safetyAcademicsCommunicationMaximizing your experience & cultural immersionSlide17

Observing and communicatinghttps://www.facebook.com/brightside/videos/919122248216519/Slide18

Culture Shock!Arrival

First weeksNext few weeksComing up for air and being part of thingsSlide19

Health and safety

CISI Health/Travel Insurance Plan. Read it. Local health insurance.Emergency phone numbers.

Medicine.What to do when you are sick.Research local crime and dangers and know what to avoid.Do not rent a car or motorbike while abroad.Do not take drugs or abuse alcohol.Take all the normal safety precautions you take at home and apply them abroad. Title IX and sexual harassment.Slide20

Health and safety (Continued…)Understanding Title IX Guidelines

Read through the handout understand the process, your rights and your responsibilities.Slide21

Academics

Complete a BC IEGE Course Equivalency Form before you leave. Let IEGE know if you adjust your intended coursework abroad. Take your academics seriously. It may be more demanding than at Brooklyn College.

Different countries approach education and class participation in different ways. It is very important to learn early on the host institution expectations for exams, class attendance and academic work. Be ready to adjust your time management and academic habits to suit the host institution’s expectations.If you experience difficulty, reach out early on to your professors, the host institution’s study abroad advisor, or IEGE. Enjoy your time abroad, but remember academics come first.Slide22

CommunicationHave a plan for communicating with your family and friends at home- skype, phone calls,

Whatsapp, WeChat (China) etc.Remember you are abroad to learn about the new country, have new experiences, meet new people.

Do not be over-connected with family or friends at home. Phone plan-pay as you go phone.Check your emails, be in contact with IEGE. Be sure to use the iege@brooklyn.cuny.edu email and don’t be shy!Slide23

Cultural immersion

Talk to locals, reach out to people in the host country, make new friends, don’t isolate yourself.Learn and practice the language, at whatever level is comfortable.Continue an interest, explore a new one.Explore the arts, food, architecture, history, and cultural differences in your host country.

Buy a guide book like Lonely Planet or Rick Steve’sTake photos, draw, write, keep a journal or blog.Slide24

Cultural immersion

Don’t expect everything to work or function the way it does in The US.Know what to expect- read blogs, articles, talk to students that have gone abroad before.Keep an open mind and put yourself out there!Cultural immersion is not always easy, talk to people about your experience, including us.Slide25

When you return

Tell your host country institution to send your transcript to IEGE, 1108 Boylan Hall, Brooklyn College, 2900 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11210. Your foreign transcript is matched to your completed Course Equivalency Form. Only when the two are matched will your coursework be posted to your Brooklyn College transcript. Please visit IEGE when you return and tell us about your experience.

Leverage and apply your experience in your personal life, academic career, and professional pursuits.Slide26

Now go have an enjoyable, immersive, educational, and safe time abroad!

Questions???