Study Abroad Handbook Dear Study Abroad Student, You are about to begin what will probably be one of the most exciting adventures of your life—studying abroad. With your departure only a few months away, you have probably begun to wonder what you should pack, what health precautions you should take before departing, and what it will be like living and studying in your host country. Hopefully, this handbook and the study abroad orientations will help answer most of those questions. The information that follows is a collection of advice from our office staff and former participants. All information is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of printing. If you have updated information upon your return from study abroad, please let us know. We would greatly appreciate it if you could help us update this handbook for next year’s participants. Remember to EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED. Ultimately, no written materials or suggestions are going fully to prepare you for what lies ahead. A lot of the responsibility for the experience comes down to you and your attitude and preparation for your sojourn abroad. We recommend that you do some preparatory research on your host country on your own through guidebooks, suggested reading and movie lists, and talking to students who have recently returned from studying abroad. Also, the best approach to take is to keep an open mind, remain flexible, and be patient, especially with yourself, as you adjust to your new environment. We wish you all the best! Sincerely, The Office of International Programs Meredith College 124 Joyner Hall 3800 Hillsborough Street Raleigh, NC 27607 919-760-2307 1 Table of Contents Important People & Deadlines to Remember ...................................................................... 4 “To Do Before You Go” Checklist ...................................................................................... 5 Travel Documents Applying For a Passport & Visa ............................................................................ 6-7 Travel Information Making Flight Arrangements ................................................................................... 8 What to Expect at the Airport ................................................................................. 10 International Student ID Card (ISIC) ..................................................................... 11 Registering with the Embassy and Customs .......................................................... 11 Handling Home Issues from Abroad ...................................................................... 12 Keeping In Touch Cell Phones & International Communication Requirements ................................. 14 Time Differences .................................................................................................... 16 Laptops, Internet Access & Email .......................................................................... 16 Travel Journals ....................................................................................................... 17 Money & Budgeting Money to Take with You ....................................................................................... 18 Accessing Money While Abroad ............................................................................ 18 Avoiding Theft ....................................................................................................... 21 Budgeting Your Money .......................................................................................... 22 Packing Up to Go Luggage ................................................................................................................. 23 Packing .................................................................................................................. 24 Electrical Appliances: Adapters & Converters....................................................... 26 Packing List ............................................................................................................ 27 Additional Travel Resources Rick Steves - How to Avoid Theft ........................................................................ 29 Comparing Guidebooks .......................................................................................... 32 Health Issues Know Before You Go ............................................................................................. 34 Zika (2016) ............................................................................................................. 36 Medications & Vaccinations .................................................................................. 38 . Prescription Drugs and Toiletries .................................................................... 38 . Vaccinations ..................................................................................................... 40 2 International Health Insurance ............................................................................... 42 . Meredith CISI Plan............................................................................................ 43 . Additional Insurance Resources ....................................................................... 44 . Who to Call in an Emergency ........................................................................... 44 Other Health Issues . Culture Shock and Emotional Health ............................................................... 46 . Nutrition & Diet ................................................................................................ 47 . Substance Abuse ............................................................................................... 47 . Sexual Health & Disclosure .............................................................................. 48 . Tips for Being an Engaged Bystander .............................................................. 48 Safety Issues Your Safety—Risk Factors and Strategies to Reduce Risk ................................... 49 Cultural Understanding and Personal Safety .......................................................... 56 Road Safety ............................................................................................................. 56 Standards of Student Conduct . Foreign Laws, Regulations, and Standards ....................................................... 58 . Alcohol Consumption and Study Abroad ......................................................... 59 . Drugs Abroad .................................................................................................... 59 . Study Abroad Standards of Conduct…………………………………………..60 Online Health & Safety Web Resources ................................................................ 62 State Dept. Warnings and Resources . Worldwide Caution…………………………………………………………….65 . Important Contact & Telephone Information………………………………….69 . Traveler’s Checklist……………………………………………………………70 . International Travel Safety Information for American Students……………...75 . Drinking & Drugs Abroad……………………………………………………..78 Responsible Study Abroad: Good Practices for Health & Safety ................... ….. 79 Issues of Diversity Abroad Women Abroad ....................................................................................................... 84 Minority Student Resources ................................................................................... 85 Sexual Orientation Resources ................................................................................. 86 Religious Issues ...................................................................................................... 87 Cultural Questions Preparing for Culture Shock ................................................................................... 88 Culture—The Hidden Dimension ........................................................................... 91 U.S. American Culture ........................................................................................... 98 Preparing to Be “the American” Abroad .............................................................. 100 Academic Information Transferring Credits Back to Meredith ................................................................. 102 Grades Abroad and Meredith Transcripts ............................................................ 104 When Courses Change While Abroad…………………………………………....104 3 IMPORTANT PEOPLE & DEADLINES TO REMEMBER Meredith Office of Int’l Programs Faculty Director/Program Manager: 124 Joyner, Meredith College Name: _____________________ 3800 Hillsborough Street Phone: _____________________ Raleigh, NC 27607 Email: ______________________ Phone: (919) 760-2307 [email protected] Financial Aid Office Katie Nagel Dr. Brooke Shurer, Director Phone: 919-760-2829 Phone: 919-760-8429 email: [email protected] email: [email protected] Registrar’s Office Liz Yaros, Associate Director Linda Wann Phone: 919-760-8835 Phone: 919-760-8593 email: [email protected] email: [email protected] Tammi Dittmar, Operations Coordinator Residence Life Office Phone: 919-760-8844 Heidi LeCount [email protected] Phone: 919-760-8633 email: [email protected] Program Specific Orientation Dates: _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ Study Abroad Forms & Deadlines Payment Deadlines – Be aware of payment deadlines! Additional Forms: Assumption of Risk, Permission for Emergency Treatment, Photography Release, ISIC Application (if applicable) Study