Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs Handbook for Students Academic Support Programs Office of Student Success CONTENTS INTRODUCTION TO STUDY ABROAD Page Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs 4 Academic Course Requirements 4 Benefits of Study Abroad 4 Application Process 5 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS Passport Requirements 6 Visa Requirements 6 HEALTH AND SAFETY Vaccination Requirements 7 Medical Health Insurance 7 Prescriptions & Medications 7 Glasses & Contact Lenses 7 Allergies & Dietary Preferences 8 Staying Healthy 8 Pre-Departure Orientation 8 International Travel Training Course 8 Smart Traveler Enrollment Program 9 Basic Safety Tips 9 Terrorism Threat/Attack & Political Unrest 9 Campus Police 10 Staying in Touch 10 MONEY MATTERS Payment Deadlines 11 Financial Aid & Scholarships 11 Additional Costs 11 Tips Prior to Departure 12 Theft/Pick-Pocketing 12 Lost/Stolen Passport 12 TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION Flight Arrangements 13 Travel To & From the Airport (Stateside) 13 Student Travel Forms 13 Airport Security 14 Hotel Accommodation 14 2 Academic Support Programs, Office of Student Success CONTENTS STUDENT CONDUCT & RESPONSIBILITIES Page Code of Student Conduct 15 Alcohol & Drugs 15 Arrest/Criminal Charges 15 Protests & Demonstrations 16 Avoiding Unwanted Attention 16 DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS 17 PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST 18 PACKING TIPS 19 Packing List - Carry-on Bag 20 Packing List - Checked Luggage 21 FAQ’S 22 USEFUL CONTACTS & WEBSITES 23 APPENDIX 24 Student Application Form Student Agreement Waiver of Liability Study Abroad Insurance Form Problems Course/Independent Study Contract Student Travel Driving Safety Agreement Student Group Travel List Student Group Travel Form Student Group Travel Itinerary Post-Travel Evaluation Form 3 Academic Support Programs, Office of Student Success INTRODUCTION TO STUDY ABROAD FACULTY-LED STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS Study abroad programs are created by faculty and are strongly encouraged to run in partnership with a third party program provider. The benefit of collaborating with a program provider is that they are able to help faculty develop a customized program, provide logistical support and collaborate with contacts in host countries to develop a suitable program itinerary. By working with program providers, we are able to provide our students with the best possible experiences. All the study abroad programs we have offered in the past have been short-term programs, between 10-15 days in a host country. Two faculty members are required to lead each program and travel with student participants. Once a study abroad program is approved, faculty will work closely with Academic Support Program staff to implement the program. Academic Support Program will be the office responsible for contacting students for all paperwork. They will also coordinate with both the faculty and the program provider to ensure all documentation is received in order to proceed with the program. ACADEMIC COURSE REQUIREMENTS Before making any decisions it is important for you to consider your academic goals and evaluate how participating in a study abroad program fits in with your degree plan. Although most study abroad programs are open to students of any major, you will need to determine the appropriateness of participating in a program. If it is not related to your degree, we suggest you meet with your Academic Counselor or Faculty Advisor to determine the appropriateness of a study abroad program. It is also important to point out that study abroad programs are academic courses and must be treated the same way and with the same rigor as any other University course. Study abroad courses are usually 3 credit hours and in the past have taken place during the summer ‘minimester’, although programs can take place at other times during the semester. Like all other courses you will be need to fulfill certain requirements, complete coursework, and submit assignments in order to receive a grade at the end of the semester. Therefore, as with any academic course, it is essential that you read the course syllabus and familiarize yourself with the course requirements. BENEFITS OF STUDY ABROAD Participating in a short term study abroad program can be an amazing, once in a lifetime experience. The knowledge to be gained will enlarge your perspective about the world and give you a new sense of awareness about global issues. Students who return from study abroad programs often remark that they see things differently because of their immersion in another culture. As a result of taking a course with a study abroad component, we believe you will not only be better prepared as a global citizen, but can also have an advantage in the job market, as employers often view study abroad as a positive experience. 4 Academic Support Programs, Office of Student Success INTRODUCTION TO STUDY ABROAD APPLICATION PROCESS Below is a brief summary of the process when applying for a study abroad program; 1. Meet with an Academic Counselor or Faculty Advisor to determine if the course will fit in with your academic goals and educational plan. 2. Be sure you read this handbook in its entirety before submitting an application. 3. Submit a completed application form. 4. Attend a face-to-face interview hosted by the faculty and Academic Support Programs. 5. If accepted onto the program, you will receive an acceptance letter and you will need to demonstrate your commitment by returning all required paperwork to office WH 212F by the deadlines specified by Academic Support Programs. 6. Provide a color photocopy of your identification page to the Assistant Director of Academic Support. If you do not have a passport, you will need to apply for one. 7. If the host country requires a visa, you will need to apply for it. 8. Start working on any medical/immunization requirements, if applicable. 9. Complete and submit all the required forms provided in the Appendix of this handbook, by the deadlines specified by Academic Support Programs. 10. Visit the Office of Financial and Student Assistance to determine if you are able to use financial aid for your study abroad program. 11. Pay the initial deposit by the specified deadline to the University Business Office. 12. Pay the final payment by the specified deadline to the University Business Office. 13. Make sure you have space in your schedule for your course. The Associate Registrar will enroll you in the course. 14. You will be responsible for ensuring you pay your tuition and fees. 15. Attend the mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation. 5 Academic Support Programs, Office of Student Success TRAVEL DOCUMENTS PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS If you do not already have a passport book, you will need to apply for one as early as possible. For application information please visit: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports.html. If you already have a passport book, be sure to check the expiration date and ensure it does not expire within six months of your intended travel date as some countries will not allow you to enter their country if your passport is not valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. Once you receive your passport book you will need to provide a color photocopy of your identification page to the Assistant Director of Academic Support. VISA REQUIREMENTS Some countries require a tourist visa to permit you to travel into their country. To check visa requirements, visit https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country.html. Visa fees range in cost so it important to check the fees early so that you are financially prepared. Students are also responsible for checking on the status of their visas and forwarding a confirmation of the visa to the Assistant Director of Academic Support when received. Important: Many countries will deny visas if an applicant has a criminal record. Therefore, if a student has a criminal conviction it is their responsibility to check visa entry requirements prior to applying for the study abroad program. Note: If you are not a U.S. citizen you are responsible for contacting your embassy in the host country to determine entry and visa requirements for citizens of your country. You are also responsible for arranging to remain in compliance with U.S. immigration regulations regarding re- entry into this country. 6 Academic Support Programs, Office of Student Success HEALTH AND SAFETY ABROAD VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS Some countries require visitors to have certain vaccinations prior to entry. To check such requirements, visit https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country.html. If there are vaccination requirements, make sure you arrange to have these completed prior to departure. In addition, the CDC provides information on what routine vaccinations you should have up to date prior to travel to countries overseas. Visit: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list. HEALTH INSURANCE Medical health insurance will be provided for all faculty-led study abroad programs for the duration of the time spent in the host country. The insurance group policy number and contact information will be provided prior to departure. In the event of any accidents or injuries, students should immediately go to the nearest hospital/medical facility, or call an ambulance, if necessary. Next, students should contact the medical insurance provider. In the event of a major accident/injury/illness, faculty will inform the University Police Department and Assistant Director of Academic Support. The Assistant Director of Academic Support will contact your emergency contact person and the Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Deputy Title IX Coordinator. Note: If you use any medical services overseas, more than likely you will have to pay for the services upfront and then file for reimbursement when you return. Therefore it is essential that you keep all itemized receipts. PRESCRIPTIONS & MEDICATIONS If you are currently taking any prescriptions/medications, ensure you take enough with you, as it is very possible you will not be able to obtain the same medications overseas.