RU Study Abroad
Orientation Materials
Radford University
STUDY ABROAD
HANDBOOK
Pre-Departure
Radford University
International Education Center
302 Cook Hall
540-831-6200
2007
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Congratulations on your decision to study abroad!
Congratulations 3
Pre-Departure Preparations 4
Culture Shock 6
Health Check Before You Travel 9
Stay Ahead of Jet Lag 13
Health Insurance 14
Bibliography 15
CONGRATULATIONS
On your decision to study abroad while at RU!
The International Education Center is here to support you throughout the process, before your departure, and upon your return from your study abroad.
Education abroad is an opportunity that could have a big impact on your life, and could prove to be very valuable to you in the future. Make your experience all it should be by being fully prepared, having valid expectations, and being fully responsible for positive outcomes.
In doing so, you will learn not only about other cultures, but also about the world and, perhaps surprisingly, about yourself. Keep your American culture close at heart, but learn to appreciate others in respect to their own culture.
This handbook is designed to help you prepare for your departure and time abroad, and to provide you with all the tools to keep you safe and help you gain the most from your upcoming travel. Only YOU can do what is necessary to make your study abroad journey be the ultimate experience of a lifetime! Take the initiative: gather information about the country you will be visiting; familiarize yourself with its culture and customs; talk to students who may have traveled or lived in the area; have a budget plan; and always remember that you are representing Radford University, the state of Virginia, and the United States!
There are some useful resources in this booklet, in the IEC Resource Library (302 Cook Hall), and on-line. You should, at the very least review the Culture Gram for your host country, available in our resource library. Also, check the web for vital information from the U.S. Department of State, Consular Information Sheets, Travel Advisories, and the Center for Disease Control. By being more prepared, you will reduce stress and panic, and be able to enjoy your study abroad adventure to the fullest!
The International Education Center wishes you the best as you embark on this exciting adventure, safe travels and an amazing experience!
Pre-Departure Preparations
Passport – By now, you should have received your passport! If you haven’t yet applied, you must do so NOW! It can take as much as two to three months to receive a passport. If you need a visa to enter your study abroad destination(s), you will also need two-three additional months to have the visa processed.
Passport applications and directions are available on-line at http://www.travel.state.gov/passport_services.html. You may submit your application in person to the Radford City Municipal Building, Radford Circuit Court Office, located at 619 2nd Street., (west end) Radford.
Your passport is the only legal, official proof of your U.S. citizenship and will be your most valuable and important possession. In the event the passport is lost or stolen, you should immediately inform your study abroad director, contact the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate, and contact the local police.
It is highly recommended that you keep a copy of your passport pages in a safe place (separate from your passport) when you travel in case of loss. Copies will expedite the replacement of your passport.
Visa – A visa is the official document issued by a foreign government granting you permission to enter their country. Be sure to check with your faculty program coordinator, the International Education Center, or the country’s embassy or consulate office for details regarding visa requirements and application procedures. You can access many embassy or consulate offices on-line at http://www.embassy.org.html. In some cases, you can download the visa application form from their site as well.
Photocopies – You should make photocopies of EVERY important document that you bring with you. This includes traveler’s checks, passport, visa, Euro-rail passes, health records, prescriptions, emergency contact information sheets, credit cards, etc. Carry or store these copies in a separate place than the original document, and consider leaving additional copies with your parents, or someone you trust to keep them safe and confidential.
Health Insurance – Health insurance is REQUIRED for all RU study abroad students. RU Offers group rated health insurance through ISIC (International Student Identity Card, available from the university bookstore. You will find detailed policy and rate information at the end of this booklet.
Financial Aid and Loans – If you are using your RU Financial Aid or loans and/or scholarships, make sure you have discussed dispersement of these funds with the RU Financial Aid Office, and that you are aware of when and how the dispersments will come to you.
Financial Matters – As you are preparing to go abroad, remember that it is a good idea to arrive overseas with some money in your pocket. In most cases, you can change money into your country’s currency at the arrival airport.
Traveler’s checks can be used in some countries more easily than in others (yet another reason to check the information about your country of study!)– but if they are widely accepted where you’re studying, they are a very good option because they can be replaced if they are lost or stolen. If you get traveler’s checks, make sure you get them from a reputable bank or recognized source like Visa, MasterCard, etc.
Don’t forget about currency conversion rates and fees. Convert wisely, as converting costs you money. A commonly used currency conversion website is http://www.oanada.com.html.
CULTURE SHOCK
Living and learning overseas successfully usually means adjustment to a different lifestyle, food, climate and time zone, often accompanied by the necessity of learning to communicate in a foreign language. This process is never easy and can include mood swings alternating between exhilaration and mild depression. In the early days – perhaps weeks, you will probably feel excited about your new experiences and environment. Soon, you may find the excitement of new surroundings and sensations increasingly replaced by frustration with how different things are from home.
These feelings of frustration and confusion are usually referred to as culture shock. The term refers to the way people feel when they are faced with unfamiliar surroundings. Variations of culture shock can affect even experienced travelers and is considered a natural, and perhaps even essential, part of adjusting to a foreign culture.
Typical symptoms of culture shock can include depression, sleeping difficulties, homesickness, trouble concentrating, an urge to isolate yourself, and irritation with your host culture.
There are many ways to combat your feelings of disorientation until they pass (as they do):
· Learn as much as possible from local residents about the culture
· Keep in touch with other American students in your program or at your host location, but avoid letting these become gripe sessions.
· Keep yourself busy doing things you enjoy.
· Keep in touch with your family and friends at home by letter, email or sending postcards.
· Try to keep your long range goals in mind, and realize that some frustration and loneliness are normal, but they don’t last forever.
· Don’t overdo any of the above suggestions, or you risk never making the adjustments to your new environment.
Since there is almost no way to avoid culture shock completely, you should try to accept it as something everyone goes through. Keep in mind that students returning from study abroad often describe working their way through culture shock as a necessary maturing experience, something that provided insight to their own cultural assumptions. You can ease your transition by recognizing factors that cause culture shock and taking steps to minimize them.
In some countries more than others, there is an unflattering stereotype of an American tourist; one who throws money around, drinks too much, is loud and rude, expects all people to speak English, thinks the United States is better than any other country, and is always in a hurry. Don’t promote this stereotype by your actions! Remember that many of their image of what “Americans” are like are based on Americans they have seen, if not in person, than indirectly via our movies and media. Such is the nature of stereotyping. The challenge is to go beyond misleading images and false impressions, so that you - and they - can be true to ourselves; only then can mutual understanding deepen over time. Meet that challenge personally by being respectful, caring and always on your best RU behavior!
Symptoms of Culture Shock
· Fatigue, discomfort, generalized frustration
· Feelings of helplessness, inability to cope with the demands of the day
· Preoccupation with worries about food, cleanliness, drinking water, minor pains
· Fear of being cheated, robbed or injured by “natives”
· Criticisms, irritability
· Loneliness, yet have a reluctance to met others
· Terrible longing for home, letters, mom’s cooking
Coping Strategies for Culture Shock
· Understand that these feelings are due to culture shock - and that they are normal.
· Find people to interact with, and ask questions. As you take interest in them, your feelings will have a focal point outside of yourself.
· Watch how others act in situations confusing to you, and avoid judging things as “right” or “wrong”.
· Slow down and simplify your daily tasks. Relax – Let your emotions catch up with you in your new environment.
· Surround yourself with familiar things like photos and music
· Recall how you reduced stress in the past, and utilize those strategies.
· Cry, laugh, sing, write, draw – give expressions to your feelings
· Avoid having friendships only with people from your homeland or RU.
· Think of what you are going to gain and establish study abroad experience goals. Make a “to do list” of how you will reach those goals.
· Remember that it takes time to adjust. Be patient and accept that living and studying in a different cultural setting can be a challenge.
· Remember that you are not alone, and that culture shock is a normal occurrence
HEALTH CHECK BEFORE YOU TRAVEL
http://www.ciee.org
BEFORE YOU GO:
· Assess and address your state of mind!
Deep down, you know that going abroad is not a magic cure for problems at home. Any physical and emotional health issues you have will follow you wherever you travel. New circumstances can even exacerbate existing issues into crises while you’re away from home. If you are concerned about your physical or emotional health, including use of alcohol or other controlled drugs, address your situation honestly before going abroad.
· Identify your needs
Understand—and communicate—any health requirements you have when applying for a program and making housing arrangements. This means allergies, psychological therapy, dietary requirements, disabilities, and any other medical or special educational needs. Disabled students study abroad successfully all the time, though resources and services for people with special needs vary widely by country and region. If you have been using services here at home to address those needs, make sure you understand ahead of time exactly what accommodations can and will be made. In some cases, your needs may determine which program is suitable for you.
· Ask questions, get answers
There are health-related things you’ll need to know about your host country, from the quality of water to the laws governing the import of medications to customs concerning the use of alcohol and drugs. Some places to start asking:
Learn about immunization requirements and recommendations and check for regional health advisories for your host country (www.cdc.gov/travel). If you have special health needs, think about any conditions that may affect you particularly.
· see your doctors
A visit to your physician, gynecologist, and dentist is a must to ensure you leave healthy—and prevent emergencies abroad. Get immunizations and hepatitis protection if needed for the region you’re traveling to. Check whether medications and medical supplies are available in your host country; if not, carry a supply with you. Pack copies of all medical records and prescriptions, including for eyeglasses. If you think you’ll need regular medical care abroad, take along a letter of introduction from your doctor at home that includes details of your medical treatment.
· Purchase health insurance coverage
· Pack your own first-aid kit
Never underestimate the importance of being prepared. Always travel with basic medical supplies close at hand:
· Band-Aids
· rubbing alcohol
· sunscreen and sunburn ointment
· anti-diarrhea medication
· gauze and adhesive tape
· antibacterial ointment
· pain reliever
· Don’t forget the health maintenance supplies:
· regular medications (check expiration dates before you go)
· contraceptives (if you need them)
· feminine hygiene products (if you’re traveling where they are not available)
· hand sanitizer
Depending on where you're headed, you may also need:
· water purification tablets
· antihistamines
· salt tablets
· skin moisturizer
· insect repellent
· malaria prophylaxis
Once you’re abroad:
Give
yourself time to adjust
Expect jet lag—and a little culture shock. Get your body on the new schedule by
drinking plenty of non-alcoholic fluids, eating plenty of nutritious food,
exercising, and resting. Culture shock is a natural effect of being exposed to
new lifestyles and values, so don’t be surprised if you feel a bit impatient,
confused, or anxious, or if you hit emotional highs and lows as you adjust. Time
usually takes care of it, but if any problems persist, consult your on-site
program director or get help from a counselor or doctor.
Seek
out resources
Learn how you’ll get routine and emergency medical help before you need it. Who
will provide your care and how can you reach that provider? Is there a 911-style
emergency number? If so, what services does it provide? If you need any special
help such as a self-help group or services for a special need or disability,
find out how to get it.
Make medical needs
known
If you have a medical condition, tell those in your host country who can be of
assistance, including doctors who can provide care and people in your dormitory
who can help in an emergency.
Learn
about local customs
Lifestyles, practices, and expectations will be very different from home—even in
places that seem on the surface to be relatively similar to the U.S. Make sure
you understand how things work. Don’t assume that behavior you took for granted
at home will be accepted in your host country. Ask about:
Make
new friends
It may not sound like a health tip, but don’t isolate yourself. You will
probably have to make the first move in developing friendships, but they’ll make
the whole experience worthwhile (not to mention keep you sane).
STAY AHEAD OF JET LAG
Traveling by air across multiple time zones can throw your body’s daily cycles into a tailspin. The rhythm of your daily life plays an important part in your health. When you change patterns of eating, working, relaxing and sleeping, your body’s internal clock gets out of sync with the world’s external clock (sunrise & sunset).
Symptoms of jet lag may include fatigue, drowsiness, difficulty sleeping, loss of mental sharpness or poor concentration, clumsiness and irritability.
The severity of jet lag depends largely on the number of time zones you cross, and which direction you’re flying (east or west). When you travel rapidly across at least three time zones, your internal clock starts to fall behind (lags). This tug of war can produce fatigue, irritability, poor concentration, gastrointestinal distress, and inability to sleep even when exhausted.
Tips to avoid or control jet lag:
· Start thinking about the schedule: start shifting your sleep/wake cycle in advance of traveling, if possible, for a few days before departure (East to west, go to bed and get up later each day…west to east – earlier each day)
· As soon as you board the plane, set your watch to the destination’s local time and readjust your mind and behavior accordingly.
· Drink plenty of fluids during your flight, especially water. Avoid coffee, tea and alcohol – they promote dehydration.
· When you arrive, make every effort to stick to the local schedule as soon as you arrive. Avoid napping during the day.
· The diet you follow when you arrive can lessen the effects of jet lag. Eat high protein meals to stay awake, high carb meals to sleep
Remember: jet lag usually takes one day to recuperate for each time zone you cross. But many travelers find they can speed up recovery time or diminish symptoms by employing the above strategies. Keep in mind that individuals vary greatly in how they respond to time changes.
HEALTH INSURANCE
The International Student Identity Card provides a limited amount of health insurance for students studying abroad. The card is issued at the RU Bookstore for a fee of $22.00. A 2x2 photo must be provided. In addition, the card provides discounts throughout the world.
Description of Coverage:
Travel Protection (Trip Delay) $100
Medical Protection
Accident Medical Expenses $10,000
Sickness Medical Expenses $100 per day up to 100 days
Emergency Evacuation $250,000
Repatriation of Remains $25,000
Baggage Protection
Travel document protection $500
Baggage delay $100
Travel Accident protection
Accidental Death/Dismemberment $1000 - $5000
Worldwide Emergency Assistance Service through Travel Guard Assist
For complete information, see www.myisic.com
BIBLIOGRAPHY
U.S. Sate Department website: www.travel.state.gov
A Guide for the Practical Traveler: Travel Tips International – Deborah J. Hill, author
NAFSA: Association of International Educators
CIEE: Council of International Education Exchange: www.ciee.org
ISIC: www.myisic.com
Airport guidelines/requirements: http://www.tsa.gov
DON’T FORGET THE PHOTOGRAPHS!!!
RU’s International Education Center sponsors a Study Abroad Photo Contest every year, with cash prizes awarded to the top three photos!
So, snap those pictures of your happy faces in international places!
Photography Suggestions:
Choosing the place – think about your vantage point, and use those places that you most often frequent as a backdrop. For instance, do you visit a lively café every morning? The best backdrop for this photo contest is one that is lively, perhaps includes local people, and one that pretty much says “I’m not in the Kansas anymore!” Gather your study abroad friends and say cheese!!!
Choosing the time – the hour of the day you choose is important. Are their too many people around, or is it deserted? You might not want to choose the busiest time of day – but you don’t want to take it when nothing is going on either.
Safety – Remember to be safe. Parks can be fascinating at night, but they may not be the safest place to be. A public political rally is not the time to be snapping photos either! Use your common sense and stay safe!
Otherwise, just keep in mind the general theme for the RU study abroad photo contest. “Happy RU faces in International Places”!
Now – buy that film or digi-card – gather your friends – and strike a pose!
A FEW LOOSE ENDS TO TIE UP! (See Below)
Wait!
Please Watch our orientation Power Point! - Click Here
IMPORTANT!
Please complete this last step to your pre-departure orientation.
After you have read our pre-departure manual and PowerPoint presentation. Please click on the picture below to send a confirmation email to Teresa Underwood to let her know that you completed this process.
Please put in the subject line of the email: pre-departure orientation and include a brief message to let Teresa know the day, length of time it took for you to complete the materials and send it on it's way!
