International Development Office http://uic.edu.hk/en/ido International Development Office 国际发展处

Study Abroad Safety

Pre-departure I have compared ticket prices offered by travel agents, student agencies and websites. I have a valid passport and visa. I have made multiple copies of all important travel documents. I am familiar with the basic social laws of the countries to which I will be traveling, including laws related to drug and alcohol use. I am familiar with how the legal system works in each country I plan to visit. I know the location of the Chinese Embassy in each country I plan to visit. I have proper insurance (see the insurance guide section). I know all the important telephone and fax numbers and addresses for my program's office both in China and abroad, including emergency after–hours numbers. I know the address and telephone number for my residence abroad. I know how my calling card plan works and how to use my card to call home. I know where to buy a cell phone abroad in case I need one. Before leaving, I have gotten a complete physical from my doctor. Adapted from:http://www.studentsabroad.com/handbook/communication-while-abroad.php?country=General#section3

Safety and Risk Management “ Hope is no option”

travel/traffic accidents use and abuse of drugs or alcohol sexual harassment and assault crime/petty theft mental health issues/stress diseases and illnesses that exist in the country of your choice http://www.studentsabroad.com/handbook/strategies-to-reduce-risk.ph

Be Informed about local Safety Issues Orientation materials and country guides can help you better understand the countries and cities where you will be studying and traveling. Check out the US State Department and CDC information. Know where you're going and what to do and not do once you get there. Avoid High–Risk Activities Certain activities like bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, mountain climbing, and shark diving adventures which can put you in danger. If you choose to participate, make sure that you have adequate support and lots of insurance. Be Prepared to Respond to Emergencies The more prepared you are for emergencies the better able you will be to respond. Where will you go if you need to leave the country? What will you do if you are a victim of a crime or are injured? What if someone else needs help? Avoid Crime and Violence, Including Sexual Harassment and Assault Be aware of the safe and unsafe areas where you are living and traveling. Use your safety skills from the U.S. while abroad: don't travel or go out alone (buddy system), don't go into bad neighborhoods, be more careful at night, etc. Be aware of stereotypes of U.S. men and women and understand local verbal and non–verbal communication.

Make Sure your Mode of Transportation is Safe Whether you are arranging your own transportation or you are being led by your program provider, look closely at what the safest type of transportation is for where you're going, what routes you're taking, and at what time you're traveling. The Effects of Alcohol and Drugs can Hurt You Although alcohol may be legal at a younger age abroad, its use and abuse is many times tied to being a victim of crime, violence, accident, and injury. Drug use abroad can result in severe consequences—plan on being treated as guilty (in jail) until proven innocent outside the U.S. Be Able to Communicate at All Times Methods of communication for you and those that are trying to find you are: cellular phone, regular phone, e–mail, fax, and in remote locations if available satellite phone. Take Care of your Physical, Dental, and Mental Health Prior to going abroad, get a physical, complete foreseeable dental work, and consider your psychological stability. Be prepared for the physical and mental challenges abroad. When you get abroad, find suitable care/support facilities. Have Adequate Insurance and 24 Hour Emergency Assistance Types of insurance to consider purchasing include major medical (in the U.S. and abroad), emergency assistance, repatriation of remains, travel insurance, and coverage for kidnapping and ransom. http://www.studentsabroad.com/handbook/top-10-health-and-safety-issues.php?country=General

Emergency Information Card Name: M F Family: Date of Birth: Address Nationality Phone 1 (Name) Study Abroad Program Name Phone2(Name) Study Abroad Program Emergency Contact Phone 3(Name) Study Abroad Program Address   UIC Emergency Contact Insurance Company +86-756-3620058 (Office) Policy # +86 15014909746 (Katharina Yu) Embassy/Consulate +8613702647279 (Mei Li) Passport # Blood Type Emergency Call Abroad Special Medical Conditions Police Fire Emergency Information Card

Culture Shock

I know that I am not alone in how I feel. I am already familiar with some major cultural differences between home and the country in which I will study (i.e.: religion, language, laws)? I understand that it is normal to experience culture shock, including feelings of anxiety, depression and frustration. If my depression does not go away, I know where to get help (i.e.: a student counselor)? I expect to have both good days and bad when learning to overcome my culture shock, and I will be patient with myself as I learn to adapt. I know that I am not alone in how I feel. I will try not to be negative or overly critical of another country's culture. Instead, I will look for the positives that a culture possesses. I will make an effort to meet and make friends with locals rather than just hanging around other Chinese. I will not let terrorist threats turn my culture shock into culture fear. Upon return home, I will be patient with myself again as I experience reverse culture shock. http://www.studentsabroad.com/handbook/adjustments-and-culture-shock.php?country=General#section6

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