OU in Arezzo Spring 2015 Orientation Session IV

First, Just a few things… I have read and understood form… GTKA Class Session I tomorrow- meeting point Dress appropriately for rain or shine!!! lunch at the Ivan Bruschi Museum on Corso Italia (up the street from OUA)

Apartment Visits for Inventory Reports/Roommate Agreements Add/Drop form Hours for Staff/making appointments Student Affairs – Orientation Week Evals

Student Affairs Communication Community Meetings (mandatory):

Student Affairs Procedures Travel Notice: Email Wade when you’re planning to spend the night(s) away from Arezzo. Include: people you will travel with, dates of travel, locations, hotel names and numbers Elect a leader of the group to send everything in one email OUA Medical Information Form: Voluntary Submit form to Charlotte Show them the forms!

Myths about Italy What are some pre-conceived notions you had about the Italian culture or people? What are some things you were worried about? What are things your family members or friends told you about living in Italy or Europe in general? What were you “warned” about?

Safety and Security Protecting Yourself Against Petty Crimes: Stay aware and recognize and observe thieves. Don’t carry large amounts of cash. Carry items in front pockets and backpacks and purses in front of you. Your Important Documents: Keep a photocopy of your credit and debit cards separate from from your card. Carry your U.S. passport and your Permit of Stay documents with you at all times.

Safety and Security Advice for everyone: Buddy System ‘Stranger Danger’ Advice for the Ladies: Always stay with others and never walk alone at night. Don’t feel obligated to be polite and use facial expressions, body language and a firm voice to fend off unwanted attention. Ask for help from workers in shops or community members if someone is bothering you. Call someone (the police or Charlotte) if you cannot rectify a situation on your own. Advice for the Gentlemen: Be careful of people trying too hard to be-friend “Americani”

Safety and Security Traveling around Italy: Try to avoid traveling at night or in the early morning. Transportation in and between cities: It is best to take a taxi at night time. Buses are easy and very flexible, but some stop running at 8:00 PM. You must have a ticket to travel on a bus and you can purchase these at the bus stations or in some bars. Taxi numbers by cities: Arezzo: 39+0575-382-626 Rome: 39+06-3570 Florence: 39+055-4242 CHECK ON NUMBERS

Safety and Security Train Travel: Website to use for train travel for times and dates of trains: Trenitalia.com or visit the train station itself “Sciopero” = Train strikes—know when they will occur by checking the Trenitalia.com website. Always sit in a section on the train with others for safety Get up and move if you find someone is acting suspicious, speak to the conductor and never lose sight of your items

Safety and Security Hotel and Hostel Safety Tips: Keep your door locked at all times Use a safe and do not leave valuables in your room unattended. Make sure someone knows when you plan to return to your hotel if you are staying out late. Do not invite strangers (someone you just met is a stranger!) to your hotel. Read and know the fire safety instructions for your hotel or hostel.

Safety and Security Common Tricks Thieves use when Stealing: Bumping into the victim Using something to cover hand-movements while pick- pocketing, such as a sheet of paper, a piece of cardboard, newspaper or coat Creating a scene to distract the victim Doing something that causes the victim to seek help Asking for information or directions from a victim Telling touching stories to gain sympathy from a victim for money or goods Beggars and solicitors are prevalent. Stay aware and ignore them if they bother you.

Questions?