Welcome to Choate’s Summer Study Abroad Orientation We will begin this session at 8:45a.m. Please make sure the sound on your device or phone is turned up so you can hear the presentation. You will be muted here. We will take all questions through the “chat” window on your Go To Meeting screen.

Choate Resources –Parent Portal

Parent Portal-CDC Recommendations

Preparing for Travel Know the environment and conditions of travel. Adhere to the packing lists and pay attention to required footwear and clothing expectations. Want to fit in, and be culturally appropriate not stand out (both from a safety and etiquette perspective) Make sure have personal essentials (specific medications, etc.) especially those you will not be able to replace in-country

Preparing for Travel U.S. students should register with the U.S. State Department Smart Travel Enrollment Program prior to departure: Make sure to share travel plans with Choate – arrival and departure information Carry a charged cell phone that works internationally and Choate’s in-country director contact number in case you need them.

Upon Arrival First days may be overwhelming: – Adrenaline – Jet lag – Stay hydrated + rested =healthy – New people (both fellow travelers and homestays) – New experiences – Using your language skills – Moving around a new city – Back in an academic setting

Settling in/Maximizing experience Get to know your homestay families and use your language skills. Ask them about their lives, and what is currently happening in the country. Read the newspaper. Get to know and utilize your faculty Ask questions, take notes, follow instructions Challenge yourselves to speak in the target language to each other at all times, not just in required settings

Settling in/Maximizing experience Take advantage of opportunities to speak to local people (taxi drivers, store owners)/although be cautious and safe Be present. Limit your use of electronic media and communication back home/take full advantage of the opportunity to be in a foreign city for 5 weeks. May experience homesickness, times when feel lonely or tired from speaking language

Settling In/Maximize Experience Take care of each other. Watch out for each other on the program, be supportive, do not leave people behind, be thoughtful and safe, adhere to curfews You are in an unknown environment, be aware of your surroundings at all times. Do not assume you can behave the same way in-country as you do at school or home

Now is not the time to take chances, be your most conservative selves when it comes to safety Rules contract/behavioral expectations review- all participants signed this contract. Not just a piece of paper Curfews and rules are in place for your safety (terrorism awareness) Discipline comes back for Choate students, maybe others Settling In/Maximizing Experience

Staying Healthy while Traveling Make sure you are up to date on immunizations and recommended travel vaccinations Sleep, adequate nutrition and hydration Avoid hazards and known dangers Communicate! Communicate! Review CDC information/ISOS information for your country

Personal Medications and Health Make sure to share all health concerns, medications, allergies, food preferences, etc. with program directors prior to travel. The more information we have the better equipped our adults and homestay families are to take the best care of you. If you need to bring personal medications with you: Travel with them in the original container Bring enough for the entire program including travel days Required daily medications should go with you in carry-on in case you get separated from checked luggage

Personal Medications If there are certain over the counter medicines you use regularly, or when sick-bring those with you so you are familiar with the medicines you are taking if you need them. These can travel in your checked luggage. Asthmatics: consider taking peak flow meter, ensure sufficient supply of inhalers. If you typically carry an Epipen for allergies please bring at least two If you wear contacts, make sure to bring enough, if you wear glasses, bring a second pair. You may want to bring a copy of your prescription just in case

International SOS (ISOS) /Nationwide Insurance As a participant in this program you are covered by ISOS, an international medical and emergency services provider If medical attention is needed while on program, directors call the hotline, advised closest medical facility to take participant. Facility has been reviewed and evaluated by ISOS and will have English speaking doctors. Also used in case of natural disaster, political uprising, terrorist attack, for evacuation purposes

International SOS (ISOS) /Nationwide Insurance Not to be used for routine medical care ISOS is the services provider. When a call comes to ISOS, the Choate point person here in the U.S. is called to confirm authorization If a claim is filed, it is paid for through Nationwide Insurance Also through ISOS, that Choate monitors world situation and is aware of events as they are happening in the various countries.

International SOS (ISOS)