1 CLS Participant Handbook Congratulations on receiving a U.S. Department of State Critical Language Scholarship! As a recipient of this award, you will have the opportunity to live and study this summer in your host country. You will be able to improve your language skills, learn about local culture, make new friends, and become a more independent person with a broader perspective on the world. This handbook has been compiled by American Councils staff to provide you with information that will help you make your overseas experience a success. It is designed to answer many of the questions you may have before departure, as well as questions you may have about the program while you are studying and living in your host country. If you have a question that is not covered in the handbook, is of a personal nature, requires immediate attention, or cannot be resolved through online discussion, please contact your CLS Program Officer. 2 Contents CLS Participant Handbook ............................................................................................................................. 2 CLS Program .................................................................................................................................................. 8 Program Overview - What to Expect ....................................................................................................... 8 Academics ............................................................................................................................................. 8 Language Policy ......................................................................................................................................... 8 Group-Based Program........................................................................................................................... 8 Excursions and Activities ....................................................................................................................... 9 Language Partners ................................................................................................................................ 9 Housing and Meals ................................................................................................................................ 9 Independent Travel ............................................................................................................................... 9 CLS Program Staff .................................................................................................................................... 10 CLS Staff at American Councils in Washington, D.C. ........................................................................... 10 Before You Go ............................................................................................................................................. 11 Accepting your CLS Award ...................................................................................................................... 11 Medical Review Forms ........................................................................................................................ 11 Official Transcript ................................................................................................................................ 11 Housing Form ...................................................................................................................................... 11 Academic Credit Request and Waiver Form ....................................................................................... 11 Travel Information Form ..................................................................................................................... 12 Getting Ready.......................................................................................................................................... 12 Passports ............................................................................................................................................. 12 Visas .................................................................................................................................................... 12 Webinars ............................................................................................................................................. 13 Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) .......................................................................................................... 13 Planning for Your Time Abroad ............................................................................................................... 13 Do Your Research ................................................................................................................................ 13 First-time international travelers ........................................................................................................ 13 Gifts ..................................................................................................................................................... 14 Electronics ........................................................................................................................................... 14 Communication ................................................................................................................................... 14 Financial Considerations Abroad ........................................................................................................ 15 Health and Safety .................................................................................................................................... 16 3 Accident and Sickness Coverage (ASPE).............................................................................................. 16 Vaccines and Prescription Medications .............................................................................................. 16 Allergies and Specific Diets ................................................................................................................. 17 HIV and Sexual Transmitted Diseases ................................................................................................. 17 Mental Health & Emotional Well-being .............................................................................................. 18 Support for Participants .......................................................................................................................... 18 Connect Before You Leave .................................................................................................................. 18 Alumni Support Network .................................................................................................................... 18 Things To Do Before Leaving the U.S. ..................................................................................................... 19 CLS Packing List ................................................................................................................................... 20 Mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO) in Washington, D.C. ....................................................... 20 While Abroad .............................................................................................................................................. 21 On-site Orientation ................................................................................................................................. 21 Academics ............................................................................................................................................... 21 Language Instruction ........................................................................................................................... 21 Language Placement ........................................................................................................................... 21 Academic and Classroom Expectations .............................................................................................. 22 Grading ................................................................................................................................................ 22 Health and Safety .................................................................................................................................... 22 Daily Considerations ........................................................................................................................... 22 Important Safety Information ............................................................................................................. 23 Policies .................................................................................................................................................... 25 Terms and Conditions ......................................................................................................................... 25 Site Specific Policies ............................................................................................................................ 25 Sexual Harassment Policy ................................................................................................................... 26 Class Participation ............................................................................................................................... 26 Personal or Academic Research .........................................................................................................