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BSU Study Abroad Predeparture orientation
- 1. BSU Office ofStudy Abroad WINTER Pre-Departure Template Orientation 2012-2013
- 2. Turn in Documentsin Office 01 • Passport copy • Participation agreement • Health Form • Acceptance letter • Transfer of credit form (semester study abroad students) http://www.bridgew.edu/study abroad/forms PowerPoint chart object
- 3. Passports and visas 03 • Photocopy your passport before you go, and bring it with you – Don’t keep it in the same place as your passport! • Visa requirements vary depending on country, length of stay, purpose of visit www.state.gov PowerPoint chart object
- 4. Meetings 04 • Each Study Abroad program will have program specific orientation meetings that are mandatory! • You will receive email with information about the meetings PowerPoint chart object
- 5. Packing 05 • Carry on luggage – Laptops, cameras, etc – No liquids over 3 oz. in carry on luggage • What to pack – Multi purpose clothing – Comfortable shoes – Different outlets? – Hand sanitizer • What NOT to bring – Expensive jewelry – Unnecessary credit cards, social security card, etc – Excess cash • Luggage weight – check for PowerPoint chart object additional baggage fees with the airline
- 6. Contact and TravelInfo 06 • Leave a copy of your passport, flight information and itinerary with your family • Leave copy of the Student handbook and the BSU Study Abroad website • Make sure friends and family know how to contact you • Let your bank & credit card company know you’ll be in another country • Register your trip with Smart Travel Enrollment Program at https://step.state.gov/step/ • Identify In-country contact : – faculty leader – program director – international programs office PowerPoint chart – resident director object
- 7. Academic Credits 07 • Study Tours – 3 BSU undergraduate or graduate credits – Grades are calculated towards your GPA – Register for the study tour online through Infobear.
- 8. Academic Credits 08 Academic Year/Semester Programs – Students have to maintain a full time status that equals 12 BSU Credits – At BSU your record shows that you have a placeholder of 12 credits – Register for the actual courses at the host university – Grades do not calculate in GPA
- 9. While Abroad 09 • Experiencing Culture Shock – Happens to everyone – Everybody may experience different degrees of culture shock • Intercultural Communication • Represent us well – BSU Conduct Code – Host university Code – Host country laws • Appropriate dress – Flip flops = shower shoes, not appropriate for going out
- 10. Study Tours 10 • Faculty Leader distributes the syllabus • 3 credits include coursework before and after dates of travel • All activities and meetings in country are mandatory
- 11. Semester/AY In University 11 • STUDY Abroad = Academic focus, not just travel • Class attendance is important, but may not be factored into the grade. • Follow the advice and direction of your in- country peers, contacts and directors.
- 12. Style of Instruction 12 • Lecture • Courses may meet once a week • Accessibility of faculty/professors • Participation may not be part of your grade • Teachers’ titles are important part when you address them • See what other students are doing
- 13. While Abroad 14 •Send back to BSU Study Abroad any course changes you make •Complete new transfer credit form via email •Before you leave your host university – make sure you request to have your transcript sent to BSU Study Abroad Office •Keep in touch: OSA social networks, newsletter, BSU email
- 14. Safety 15 • Use COMMON SENSE • Do not be overly trusting • Do not advertise yourself as American • Let someone know where you are going • Use alcohol responsibly • Do not use any illegal drugs or substances. • Do not engage in un-safe behavior • Be aware of your surroundings • Do not go out alone at night • Know emergency information in- country
- 15. Health Insurance Information 17 • CMI/Medix (www.cmi- insurance.com) – Study Tours – Exchanges – Summer programs – Undergraduate Research – International Service Learning • All students should maintain personal health coverage Affiliate participants provide their own • Carry insurance cards insurance • If in hospital-save receipts and you can be reimbursed
- 16. Get the mostout of being abroad 18 • Unplug—being online all the time hinders culture assimilation • Get involved and take advantage of opportunities – Clubs, sports, music, academic groups • Global citizenship • Prepare in advance – Politics, history, religion, geography • Language – basics are helpful – Hello, Goodbye, Please, Thank you, etc – Numbers
- 17. Money 19 • Credit/Debit cards • Cash • Traveler’s Checks • Diversify your sources of currency • Be aware of ATM fees and exchange rates • Plan ahead • Ask for exchange rates in your US bank
- 18. Communication 20 • International phone card and Cell phones – Usually is better to purchase in country when you arrive • Social Networks • Email • SKYPE and other IMs
- 19. Planning Your Return 21 • Course registration – http://www.bridgew.edu/Registrar/ • On-campus housing – http://www.bridgew.edu/RLH/ – Global Village: International Residential Learning Community, coming fall 2013 • Study tours—any final projects • Semeseter/AY Programs – if you haven’t completed your Transfer of Credits – do it once you return from your Study Abroad program • Study Abroad Ambassadors – Mentor incoming international exchange students – Point of contact for other students interested in Study Abroad
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- 21. Additional Information 23 • Dr. Mary Lou Frias BSU Health Services • Captain Michael Froio Campus Police • Rita Camara Residential Life and Housing
- 22. Additional Information 24 Happy Travels!