Health & Safety While Abroad 10/18/2014 Denise Bellamy Director, Study Abroad & Exchanges

Update on Application Status Workshop I (only) Host School Applications: Turn in by deadline Status of UNCEP Upcoming Workshops Post Acceptance Paperwork Submission: December 1st, 2014

What have we got in our folders? Nomination Letter Next Steps (Checklist) Health Insurance Information Safety Information (40 questions) Letter to Self (due Dec 1)

Ebola We are not sending students to regions where outbreaks are occurring. We encourage students not to travel to those regions (Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone) We continue to monitor and track advisory updates (CDC & dept of state) Key Facts From the CDC: Ebola is highly infectious but it is not a respiratory disease like the flu; therefore, it is not transmitted through the air and is not considered highly contagious. The risk of catching Ebola is extremely low because it is only spread by someone who has:is not considered highly contagious – Been to an area within the last 21 days where Ebola disease is occurring, AND – Been in contact with blood or body fluids of a person who has Ebola, AND – Become sick with Ebola (high fever, vomiting, diarrhea and other symptoms).other symptoms

Health Insurance How do we enroll in international health insurance? What does it cost and how do we get our insurance card? Is it mandatory? Should I cancel my home coverage?

Bringing Medications I am taking prescribed medicine and/or necessary over-the-counter drugs. I have enough for the duration of my exchange. Is there anything I should make sure I do? medications

Safety According to the media, there are some terrorist threats being directed at Americans overseas. Should I take any precautions? The US State Department keeps track of all threats against Americans overseas. Check their website for general precautions. They also list travel alerts and travel warnings

Safety How do I register my trip with the US Embassy in my country? Why should I register with the US embassy? The US State Department also has a Study Abroad section on their websiteStudy Abroad

Safety Protect Your Possessions: Wear a concealed money belt or neck pouch. Keep your money in two places. If you are robbed or lose some money, you will have a backup. Do not put your purse on the floor or on the back of a chair in public places. Do not carry a wallet in a back pocket Leave copies of all important documents (passport, travel itinerary, insurance policies, credit/debit cards, etc.) in more than one place.

ISIC Card What is an International Student Identity Card (ISIC)? Benefits of the ISIC: Discounts in thousands of places worldwide Access to flexible Student Exclusive airfare on many of the world's leading airlines. Discounted train tickets and rail passes. International recognition of your full-time student status. 24-hour Help Line emergency service. Discounts and specials at hotels and hostels around the world.

International Office Abroad What is the international office, and why is this office so important to me? The international office is your most important resource for information while abroad. They can answer questions specific to your location that we may not be able to answer here.

Planning for the unexpected How to plan for and survive common arrival Freak Out moments! “I arrived, but my luggage didn’t!” “My flight is delayed and I missed the airport pick-up!” “What do you mean this school does not send someone to pick me up at the airport!” “I took a taxi to the home of my host family, and no one was home!!” “I arrived late and the dorms are closed!! Yikes!”

1) Jordan is a sophomore Biology major studying in Melbourne, Australia. Since he is an avid biologist, he decided to explore the Australian outback. He is travelling on his own with only his book-bag filled food, water, and his “Identifying Desert Plant Species” book. It sounds like he is well prepared for his trip, right?

Carry with you at all times: ISIC Card Health Insurance Card (HTH) Emergency Numbers Copy of your identification A Travel Partner Address to where you live (in host culture language)

2) Emily is energetic and loves to socialize and she couldn’t wait to go out on the town her first night in Denmark. She had already met her roommates, and they invite her to go to the local bar. Her roommates advise her that she should take her passport because the bar will need to see some kind of ID. Also, since she doesn’t have any Danish currency she decides to take her debit card and her back-up credit card just in case the debit card doesn’t work. Emily is all set to explore the city now!

DO NOT carry with you at all times: PASSPORT VALUABLES ALL OF YOUR MONEY!! ALL OF YOUR CREDIT CARDS Identification that you don’t need!

3) Kendra is so excited about her study abroad journey to Italy. She has been working hard to finish all of her classes and complete her finals successfully before she goes on the trip of her life. Part of her preparation was cleaning out her UNCG one last time before her trip. Since she doesn’t have any classes at UNCG, she won’t need to be checking her .

Contacting IPC While Abroad I ed someone at UNCG IPC office a day ago and they haven’t replied. What’s up? We are busy too, it may take us a few days to respond. If it is TRULY urgent, note that in the subject line. Be aware of tone and language when working with our partners abroad too.

Where do I go next?