Here is the PowerPoint presentation from our Pre-Departure Orientation meeting

1. SIT Study Abroad South Africa: Globalization, Sports, and Development - the 2010 Soccer World Cup

2. SIT Study Abroad Wanda Dutton University Relations Manager-New England wanda.dutton@sit.edu Katie Jones Admissions Counselor – Africa katie.jones@sit.edu Chris Clarke Associate Dean of Student Affairs christopher.clarke@sit.edu

3. On - Going Orientation Today’s Meeting At your school On-line documents. Read and share with your parents Your ongoing self-preparation prior to departure The on-site orientation in Johannesburg The ongoing reflection and discussions which take place throughout your program

4. Today’s Meeting Web Advisor/Admission Confirmation Forms Medical Forms Pre-Departure Information Reading Lists Packing Lists Visas Travel Information Billing Information/Scholarships Student Insurance Alumni Mentor: Gretchen Curry Banking, Money, Cell Phones Orientation in Johannesburg. AD roles Cultural Adjustment – Health & Safety

5. WebAdvisor Check what materials we have received Should be updated within 2 business days Upload your travel itinerary Lost or forgotten password? Contact Kim Noble Kim.noble@sit.edu

6. On-Line Pre-Departure Info Reading Lists Packing Lists Student Handbook Student Responsibilities Visas Travel Info

7. Passport and Visa You need a Passport that is valid for at least six months after the end of the program. Upon arrival in South Africa, you will be issued an entry point visa that will indicate the number of days you will be allowed to stay in the country. Entry visas obtained at border posts are valid for a maximum of 90 days. Must apply for visitors visa (not student) and indicate purpose of travel as educational tourism http://www.sit.edu/sitstudyabroad/predeparture/sfg_travel.pdf

8. International Travel You are responsible for arranging and purchasing your air and/or ground tickets to Johannesburg, returning from Durban. Meet your group in Johannesburg at the OR Tambo International Airport Friday June 4th by 6:30pm International Arrivals Area Program formally end on July 16, 2010 http://www.sit.edu/sitstudyabroad/predeparture/sfg-flight-info.pdf

9. Billing Information / Scholarships May 15 Deadline The Financial Aid Information Sheet for students receiving aid (including student loans) from their schools should be faxed to SIT at 802.258.3540 by May 1. You can apply for SIT scholarships SIT Study Abroad scholarship application Copy of your most recent Student Aid Report (SAR) - the report generated from completing the FAFSA form. International students should contact our Financial Aid Office for an alternative form to complete. Financial Assessment Form

10. Student Insurance Included in program cost Covers medical care necessitated by sickness or accidents which occur during the official program period (including one day before and one day after the conclusion of the program) Reimbursement basis You may also elect to maintain your own health insurance policies in addition to the SIT insurance, or to purchase additional insurance http://www.sit.edu/SSA_Other_documents/health_insur_policy_info.pdf

11. Meet Gretchen Curry Participant in Summer 2009 South Africa: Education and Social Change Program

12. Banking and Money Visa or MasterCard is preferred (over traveler checks) Please be sure to check with your bank to see if cards will work and what the fees are Also be sure to tell your bank that you plan on traveling A suggested total amount of money to bring ranges from US$500- 1000. bring at least US$150 for upfront medical costs (you can be reimbursed later if need to use it)

13. Cell Phones US cells MAY work but you need to check with your carrier Most students purchase a cell in country Upfront cost (for phone and SIM) = $50 Cost is approx. $1.25 per minute to the US ALL incoming calls are free

14. Academic Director Academic Roles Organize the initial orientation, language training, lectures and seminars Arrange excursions Non-Academic Roles Cross-cultural counseling and advising Administrative duties

15. In-Country Orientation Academic expectations Grading policies Administrative details Health and safety precautions Cultural Do’s & Don’ts Student responsibilities - Expectations

16. Academics Globalization Sports and Development Seminar 4 credits Sports & Community Practicum 4 cedits Basic Instruction in IsiZulu Language and Culture Non credit bearing

17. Cultural Immersion & Adjustment Be prepared to experience the new culture with a more open and understanding outlook Homestay Contacts and friendships in the community Health and Safety

18. The Homestay Selected by SIT's local representatives Any family is "typical" of your host community Extraordinary learning opportunity about the country, its culture, and varying human responses to the world and issues facing us all

19. Next Steps Read Academic Director Letter Important information about your upcoming semester. A more specific schedule and emergency contact information while you are abroad. Receive Group list Add Flight Itinerary to WebAdvisor Required Readings

20. Alumni Recommendations Read, read, read Learn as much as you can about your country and program theme beforehand Expect the unexpected Savor the surprises Enjoy the new worlds opening up to you Stay connected – alumni network

21. Important Contact Info SIT Study Abroad PO Box 676, Kipling Road Brattleboro, VT 05302 Toll Free: 888 272 7881 Fax: 802-258-3296 Katie Jones-Admissions Counselor Katie.jones@sit.edu 802-258-3263