The document provides information and guidance for UALR students studying abroad. It discusses expectations as an ambassador and guest in the host country. It emphasizes being proactive in researching host airports, facilities, cultural interactions, and safety concerns. The document provides a health and safety checklist and discusses preparing for emergencies by having insurance and emergency contact information. It also addresses culture shock, standards of conduct, packing appropriately, and helpful resources for students studying abroad.

1. PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION
UALR Programs Abroad
Spring 2013

2. AS A STUDY ABROAD
STUDENT YOU ARE:
An Ambassador
A Guest
What Stereotypes Exist About
Americans?

3. WHAT IS CULTURE?
THE BEHAVIORS AND BELIEFS
CHARACTERISTIC OF A PARTICULAR
SOCIAL, ETHNIC, OR AGE GROUP.

4. CHECKLIST
• Travel Documents
• Passport
• Copy at Home
• Copy with Programs Abroad
• Copy with you
• Have your Insurance Information with you at all times
• Emergency Contact Information
• Make sure you have contact information for UALR with you
(keep with your passport)
• Credit Card Company – Contact for dates of foreign travel.
• Prescription Medication – Carry Original Bottles
• Mail Picked Up/Forwarded
• Confirm Travel – Send Flight Itinerary to
studyabroad@ualr.edu

5. EXPECTATIONS
Host Airport – Facilities – Cultural Interactions - Safety

6. BE PROACTIVE!
• Host Airport
– Research your host airport before you arrive. Look for
details regarding exits, etc.
• Facilities
– Research for nearest hospital, doctor’s office, etc.
• Cultural Interactions
– Be prepared for cultural differences and plan on how to
effectively process these.
• Safety
– Always be aware of your surroundings. Be aware of
where you are and try to always travel with a partner.

7. HEALTH AND SAFETY ABROAD
What do you need to know?

8. BE PROACTIVE
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
• Recommended vaccinations for travel
• Information on disease outbreaks
• Resources for Health and Safety abroad
www.cdc.gov
Is your Immunization Record up-to-date?

9. BE PREPARED
• Mosquito Repellant
• Prescription Medication
• Carry all prescriptions in original
containers.
• Make sure you have enough for
your entire time overseas.
• Band-Aids and Sunscreen
• Have on hand for blisters from
walking, etc.
• Motion Sickness and Diarrhea
• Keep in mind that trying new
foods could affect your system.
Be prepared for these
possibilities.

10. BE PROTECTED
• Wash hands with soap and water often
• Be careful with food and water
• Drink bottled or boiled water and canned
sodas.
• Avoid ice cubes, tap water, and fountain
drinks.
• Avoid dairy products unless pasteurized.
• Don’t eat purchased food from street
vendors.
• Don’t go barefoot
• Do not handle animals
• Wear bug spray and sun screen

11. EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
What happens if there is an emergency at home?
What do you do if you get separated from the group?
What is my emergency action plan?

12. INSURANCE AND EMERGENCIES
Insurance Policy
• Medical and Accident Insurance
• Flight Delay Insurance
• Baggage and Property Insurance
• 24-Hour Emergency Assistance
SMART Traveler Enrollment
• travel.state.gov

13. REMEMBER
Drink lots of fluids
Let someone know if you are not
feeling good
Take care of yourself
Nothing is worth your life

14. BE AWARE
• Culture and Laws
• 2000 American arrested abroad each year
• 1/3 arrested on drug charges
• No guarantee of trail by jury, assumption of
innocence or bail
• You could face stiff
penalties, imprisonment, or the death penalty
• DO NOT TAKE CHANCES
• Theft and Pick-pockets
• Carry your wallet in your front pocket
• Backpacks an easy target
• Roadside Safety
• Assault
• Know the local police contact information

15. STANDARDS OF CONDUCT
UALR Student Code of Conduct - since you are still a student of UALR you will
be held to Student Code of Conduct if any issues arise while abroad.
Host Country Laws – conform to local standards of behavior – if in doubt, ask!
Repatriation can happen in cases of unacceptable behavior at your own
expense. The US Embassy cannot get you out of jail.

16. Baggage, Packing, and Customs
• Carry – on : Should have at least
one change of clothing, and
important medications.
• Packing – Make sure to include
currency for the country.
• Customs – Be prepared to show
your visa and have all required
forms filled out. Have the address
where you will be studying in case
you need to include your residence
where you will be.

17. Culture Shock and Adjustment

18. HELPFUL WEBSITES
www.state.gov (U.S. State Department)
www.cdc.gov (Center for Disease Control)
www.who.org (World Health Organization)
www.ualr.edu/programsabroad
www.travel.state.gov

19. Resources available in Programs Abroad Pre- Departure
Handbook
Questions? Please contact Programs Abroad at
studyabroad@ualr.edu