Getting Ready for Luxembourg Lux Program Pre-Departure Handbook ´7KH*UHHQ%RRNµ Luxembourg Office 217 MacMillan Hall 531 East Spring Street Oxford, OH 45056 Phone: 513.529.5050 Fax: 513.529.5051 [email protected] www.muohio.edu/luxembourg **Please share this booklet with your parents/guardians or direct them to our website for their own copy: www.units.muohio.edu/luxembourg/students/bulletins-cost-sheets-student-handbooks Notes: Page 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .......................................................................................................................................................... 4 PROGRAM INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................................... 4 Welcome ............................................................................................................................................................................. 4 Important Contact Information .......................................................................................................................................... 5 Mail & Packages .................................................................................................................................................................. 5 MIAMI LOGISTICS ................................................................................................................................................................... 6 Registration ......................................................................................................................................................................... 6 Academics & Grades ........................................................................................................................................................... 6 Forms & Materials ............................................................................................................................................................... 7 Financial Aid ........................................................................................................................................................................ 7 Textbooks & Student Deposit Account ............................................................................................................................... 7 Scholarships ........................................................................................................................................................................ 8 Important Policies ............................................................................................................................................................... 9 TRAVEL PREPARATION & ARRIVAL ...................................................................................................................................... 10 Passport ............................................................................................................................................................................ 10 Residency Permit .............................................................................................................................................................. 11 Visa for Non-U.S. or Non-European Students ................................................................................................................... 12 Flight to Luxembourg ........................................................................................................................................................ 12 Planning Your Return Flight .............................................................................................................................................. 13 Financial Information ........................................................................................................................................................ 13 Keeping in Touch & Technology ........................................................................................................................................ 15 Electrical Appliances ......................................................................................................................................................... 17 Packing & Luggage ............................................................................................................................................................ 18 European Travel ................................................................................................................................................................ 19 HOUSING ............................................................................................................................................................................... 21 Host families...................................................................................................................................................................... 21 Meals ................................................................................................................................................................................. 22 Laundry ............................................................................................................................................................................. 22 Page 2 Housing upon Your Return ................................................................................................................................................ 23 SAFETY .................................................................................................................................................................................. 23 Before Leaving: Gathering Information & Emergency Planning ....................................................................................... 23 Safety Tips for All Students ............................................................................................................................................... 24 Safety Notes for Women & GLBT Students ...................................................................................................................... 25 Drugs & the Local Law ....................................................................................................................................................... 25 HEALTH ABROAD .................................................................................................................................................................. 26 Starting out Right .............................................................................................................................................................. 26 Healthy Living & Eating Abroad ........................................................................................................................................ 26 Prescription Medications & Medical Care ........................................................................................................................ 26 Overseas Medical Insurance: HTH Worldwide ................................................................................................................. 27 Physical Health: Working Out ........................................................................................................................................... 28 Mental Health ................................................................................................................................................................... 28 Sexual Health Abroad ........................................................................................................................................................ 29 CULTURAL COMPETENCE ..................................................................................................................................................... 29 Understanding Culture ...................................................................................................................................................... 29 Living in Luxembourg ........................................................................................................................................................ 30 Culture Shock .................................................................................................................................................................... 33 Reverse Culture Shock ...................................................................................................................................................... 33 APPENDIX ............................................................................................................................................................................. 35 Packing List ........................................................................................................................................................................ 35 Travel Directions to the Miami University Dolibois European Center in Differdange ...................................................... 36 Recommended Luxembourg Hotels for Friends & Family ................................................................................................ 38 Significant Destinations Near Differdange ........................................................................................................................ 39 Sources of Information