GO Pre-departure Workshop for parents, families, and supporters Hosted October 2019 Molly Roe Director of GO Introductions

Agenda Expectations Preparation & Logistics Health & Safety Emergency Responses Consular Information Agenda Today we will be covering expectations, preparation and logistics and then health and safety topics as part of the pre-departure webinar for GO parents, families, friends and supporters.

Program Types – Review/Overview GO Short GO Long GO Your Way Who is in the room? Families of students participating in a GO Short? GO Long? GO Your Way? There are different expectations and information for each of these program types.

Students already have this information and, in many cases, more detailed information from their program providers and universities. Please speak with your student with questions you have about GO, prior to asking GO staff. Students have a lot of information available to them through their GO application portal. Preparations Course will start after Fall Break for all students (second 7 weeks of the semester prior to departure). GO Short students will receive a lot more information during that course. GO Long students are well on their way through working with the on-site partners, and have had meetings with the GO Office to outline the steps for this semester. For GO Your Way students, they have been arranging their application with a program provider or designing their own program. Please speak with your student 1st with questions you have about GO, prior to asking GO staff.

Expectations GO Program Student Facilitates process Provided pre-departure workshops and resources Monitors risk management and state department websites Completes paperwork and applications For GO/SU and partner university Check/monitor SU e-mail and Apply-to-GO application Attended pre-departure course and additional workshops Obtain passport and proper visas Follow instructions and information from orientations Share information with parents/family GO is here to help facilitate the process of study away and provide pre-departure workshops and resources. Additionally GO monitors what is happening through risk management partners and the US state department. We expect students to be an active participant in their program, and there is a lot that must be completed by them. Students have paperwork and applications for both GO and their program partner, who are both resources for the students to ask questions. We do expect students to continue to monitor their SU e-mail throughout their GO process (starting from their initial application and continuing until they return to campus. . Part of the GO requirement includes a prep course and pre-departure meetings the semester prior to departure, during which the students will receive important information. These meetings are with other students going abroad/away during the semester.  The prep course includes culture-based research by the students. Students pick at least one workshops outside of the course time for GO Long from Budgeting, Travel, Packing, Sustainability, & Koru Breathing. Additionally, the Health/Safety workshop is required by all students to attend and led by a Staff member.  Students MUST have a valid travel document (passport), and if needed, a visa for their time away. We recommend students work with their study away partner for visa advice. Visas needs and regulations vary by country and program. The program’s portal has a wealth of information for students to reference! Students’ programs provide details on the application process to students, who will know how they need to apply for their visa (online, in person, advance, at port of entry, etc.). Students must attend and follow the instructions provided to them during their on-side orientation. This is also a time where additional details will be determined for some programs – it is OK. We do except the student to share information with you. Students should be able to ask questions AND problem solve when they are completing the GO process!

Student Pre-departure Responsibilities Complete required paperwork (for GO, for program) Spend time researching host country Follow directions and advice Communication Share information with you Have travel (passports, visa) documents  Know their budget GO Long/GO Your Way: Register with the embassy abroad (US citizens: STEP program) https://step.state.gov/ Complete required paperwork, including but not limited to the remaining elements of their GO application, prep course, host application, etc. Students should spend some time researching their host country. There are a lot of resources to do that, including guidebooks, the local host country news, the US state department website Learn about all health & safety issues within your destinations and study the cultural and political climates: To learn more about the health and safety concerns in your host country: US State department website: https://travel.state.gov/content/studentsabroad/en/beforeyougo.html World Fact book available on the CIA’s website: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/profileguide.html Follow directions and advice GO Program, Host Study Abroad Program, Host University, and/or program directors. Communicate with the GO Program, Host Study Abroad Program Provider, Host University, and/or program directors regarding issues related to student health. We are able to best help the student if the information regarding health and accommodations is shared with us early. This includes regularly monitoring their e-mail and reading/responding to us. Share information with you regarding their program . Students are told to have copies of the following with them in a secure location separate from the originals: Passport – This is the MOST IMPORTANT document your student will have with them! A person without a Passport is a person without a country! Health Insurance Card Flight Information Contact information for bank/credit card (Inform their bank that they will be out of the country!!) Additionally, it is a good idea for your student to leave copies of the following with their primary emergency contact in the U.S.: Identification documents (Driver’s License, Passport, etc.) Insurance Contacts Medical Information Contact info while abroad & contact information for bank/credit card Prepare and review your student’s personal budget. All estimated budget sheet information is available on our website: go.susqu.edu. Simply, click on “programs” in the left corner. Here you can search by program name or click ‘list all’ for all of our program options. When you click on a program, it will take you to an ‘online brochure’ with program information and budget sheets. We do expect the student to complete the entire application process which includes information on their host program’s website and their Apply-to-GO application. There are resources for students in their apply-to-GO application that they still have access to (such are learning content and health and safety documents) to review over the summer Your student is required to register with the US State Department while abroad using the STEP (Smart Travelers Enrollment Program) https://step.state.gov/step/ . To complete this process, your student will need their passport and travel plans handy. NOTE: GO Short students are enrolled by GO.

Overview: Finances Budget Sheets Budget Sheets SU Billing Guidelines Review your students’ budget with them Exchange rates - www.xe.com Call the bank Bank fees ATMs PIN/Chip Credit Cards Budget Sheets ONLINE are estimates of what the semester will be! GO Long is charged SU tuition and Fees and for the room and if applicable, board, costs of their program.  Some costs (meals, airfare, etc.) may be non-billable items. Billable items for GO Long are billed through the normal SU billing process. GO Short The program fee is all-inclusive. Extra costs: To/from departure airport Snacks Souvenirs Laundry/Toiletries GO Your Way: student builds their own budget for GO to review as part of the post-approval process. Budget Plan a budget with your student so that there aren’t questions or surprises with how much they are spending throughout the semester Exchange rates You are able to get current exchange rates online – but remember many banks (local and international) have their own rates This will give an idea as to the budget for non-billable expenses in US dollars but exchange rates do fluctuate quite a bit. Notify the students’ bank that they will be abroad – dates and location. Good time to also ask about fees. Bank fees Please be aware that your bank may charge additional international fees. Shop around for a credit or debit card. Some banks reimburse fees or have no international transaction fees. ATM We advise against opening a local bank account (many countries won’t allow international students to open them) Students can get some money exchanged prior to departure at a bank, but local ATMs (especially ATMS attached to a bank) throughout the program are good resources to get local currencies PIN/Chip Credit Cards Certain countries require pin and chip credit cards for increased security measures (Europe is heavy with this and contactless card systems)

Flight Arrangements GO Short GO Long GO Your Way Travel as a group from a pre-determined airport Included in the program fee GO Long Must arrange own flights* Will have an “arrive by” date from the program GO Your Way Must arrange own flights *Flight arranged by SU for 4 GO Long programs: SWSB London, SU-in Hamburg, SU-in Macau, SU-Senshu Students for GO Long/GO Your Way programs will receive “arrive by” information directly from their program provider/university.

Living Arrangements GO Long – students select their program-managed housing, if applicable. GO Short – housing is coordinated by GO GO Your Way – student responsibility Common options: Dorm Apartment Host family Hotel/Hostel – GO Short The program shares information about what is included:  Meal plan Sheets/towels Utilities – GO Long Etc. Each program is different and therefore it is important to discuss the living arrangements with your student. During the application process for GO Long, students select preferred living arrangements, requesting options such as dorms, program-managed apartments, or host families. Programs share the information regarding housing directly with students – including amenities. It is important to review the information to know what in included and what the student is expected bring/get in country. Please have your student look at the information shared with them!

Set up a communication plan with your student! Phone Email WiFi Apps Students should be in contact with Program Providers Program Directors GO Program Family Friends Set up a communication plan with your student! Make a plan: We suggest establishing a plan for regular (without overdoing it) phone or e-mail contact. Please be aware that daily communication can delay the process for your student adjusting to their new culture.  Email/GO – GYOW Check in times – arrival and in case of emergency. Students should know, have access to, and share with you their emergency numbers Please be aware that students may not be able to contact you as soon as they arrive in the country or every day while on their program. Try your best to set up agreed upon communication times with your student. Students and families connect through a variety of ways: Some students use a cell-phone abroad through an international plan, purchase a local Sim card, and Pay-as you go, etc Students typically have either relied on wifi/apps or getting a pay-as-you-go local SIM card GO SHORT/GO YOUR WAY – may opt for international plan on their USA phone, or to spend the time disconnected. Email student should check their SU and program’s email often In contact with GO Program via e-mail. Wi-Fi and apps There are plenty of wifi apps that are able to be used instead of data. Your students have information on different apps on their Apply- to-GO application and also probably know of some others! We do recommend that students have saved in their phones the local emergency numbers. They should be in contact with the program provider and GO as well as family, and friends. That being said, we recommend that you set up a communication plan. Know that you may not speak with them right away when they arrive depending on landing time, so set up ahead of time when you will connect with them, and a back up plan if initial time doesn't work out. Additionally, throughout the semester, set up agreed upon communication times so that they are able to continue to immerse themselves in the program, academics and culture.

GO Short and GO Your Way: Visiting? Comparison slide GO Long: During? Yes, but… GO Short and GO Your Way: During? No. Talk to your student about their academic requirements, class schedule, etc. so that your visit doesn’t interfere with their classes. Allow them to acclimate to the area – they will be better tour guides after they have been living there for awhile! After? Yes. It is possible for your student to travel on their own, or with family/friends, after the program is over. Students needs to coordinate with GO and the Program Directors (GO Short) Change fees for the return flight are the responsibility of the student. There is a form for your student to sign within the GO Application. By design, GO Short and GO Your Way students are participating in experiential learning programming and it therefore you are unable to visit during the program or travel with them. After may be a possibility. GO Long students may enjoy a visit from you, but please do coordinate this with your student. Allow them to acclimate to the culture and area before visiting. They will be a better tour guide once they know what is around them! Be aware of their class schedules so that they don’t miss any academic requirements because of a visit/traveling.

Questions before Health/Safety Section? We have covered a lot of logistics thus far – any outstanding questions before we address health/safety/security?

Health Insurance All students are automatically enrolled in the university's international emergency insurance.  Covers emergency medical care, evacuation, and repatriation.  Students have information regarding EIIA on their GO application once they are away. If a student needs to use EIIA insurance, they should contact go.report@susqu.edu Additional coverage (non-emergency) options: Domestic insurance plan may cover your student - please contact your personal insurance to find out about international coverage.  Depends on the program if an additional plan is included (GO Long, GO Your Way). Option to purchase additional plan: GEOBlue

Trainings GO Short – program specific, with Program Directors Program Directors attend required annual health, safety, security training with GO GO Long and GO Your Way – attend required health, safety, security training with GO Trainings include Prevention Situational Awareness Unsafe vs uncomfortable Response and What to do Emergency Non-emergency On-site orientation *Self-designed GO Your Way programs do not typically have an on-site orientation

Important Health & Safety Issues Personal health High risk activities Alcohol and drugs Transportation Knowledge of local safety issues Terrorism and political unrest Crime, violence, sexual harassment & assault We focus our trainings with students around Prevention! Awareness! Knowledge! So students have the knowledge and skills to help keep themselves safe The health and safety workshop covers these topics (bullets on slide), and scenarios regarding safety and security situations. Personal health – It’s a good idea to have your student see a doctor before travel. We've reviewed with students that some prescription medications available in the U.S. are illegal in other countries, including common medications for the treatment of ADHD and anxiety/depression. Check the U.S. Department of State Consular Information Sheets High risk activities – Students should avoid high risk activities (as they are usually not covered by insurance)  Alcohol & drugs – While the drinking age in many countries varies from the USA, students are asked to limit their intake of alcohol and to not engage in drugs.  Excessive drinking can lead to disciplinary action and a higher risk of becoming a victim. Transportation – Always take valid and professional transportation services.  The on-site program director or program provider will provide students with reliable transportation information during orientation after arrival.  Avoid renting cars as students are not usually knowledgeable of local driving laws.    Knowledge of local safety issues – Again, students should watch the local news and newspapers, register with US State Department’s Smart Travelers Enrollment Program (STEP) and have general knowledge of local safety issues. All of our study abroad programs have on-site orientations for our students upon arrival. On-site orientation will review important information for enrollment, culture and safety. Students should review the fire safety of their host housing, know the location of the local police station, nearest US embassy and follow other instructions by their program provider.  Terrorism and political unrest – Terrorism & political unrest may occur anywhere. Keep a low profile. Pay attention to local news reports on current conditions. Limit wearing clothing identifying you as an American citizen or US college student. Crime, violence, sexual harassment & assault – Students are advised to avoid traveling alone.  Student should always inform someone of where they are going.  Any incidents should be reported to their host program provider and the GO Program right away.  If students find themselves in an emergency situation, they should be aware of the emergency number of their host country.  This information can be found on the US State department website or if not listed, students should contact their program provider or the GO Program for assistance: https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/students-abroad/pdfs/911_ABROAD.pdf

Comparison slide Emergencies The GO office defines an emergency as the following: illness/injury requiring emergency medical personal, assault/mugging, sexual assault, arrest, missing persons, death, natural disaster, civil unrest, and catastrophic incident. In the event of a regional disaster, GO will contact the student to confirm that they are safe In the event a student has an emergency: they should contact their on-site staff, who will contact GO The GO office monitors and receives alerts of issues both domestic and abroad GO has an on-call person that is able to assist in case of an emergency. Students are instructed to call SU Public Safety in case of an emergency (after attempting to contact their local host emergency contact person). Go.susqu.edu guide for emergencies is posted for students and families/supporters.

SU’s Emergency Response Prevention/Training Response Monitoring of real-time alerts Contact with students Contact with programs At the health and safety trainings, participants obtained important information needed to identify health and safety risks, and communicate these to the appropriate persons, when needed. Participants also became acquainted with a framework for emergency response, situational awareness, and communication.  Once to their programs, students receive additional site specific safety and emergency information from their program providers, during orientation. In the event of an emergency or disaster, Susquehanna monitors and receives notifications from our risk management insurance provider in real time of issues domestically and abroad.

Student Emergency Responsibilities Be registered with S.T.E.P to receive US State Department alerts for US citizens Know local emergency numbers Know host emergency plan Contact on-site person/offices Side Trips registration with GO Program Side trips form is on their Apply-to-GO application Check in via e-mail with goprogram@susqu.edu in case of a regional health or safety incident Students must follow directions of on-site host university/provider or program director during trip Students are asked to follow the specific steps while they are on their GO program: All SU students are required to register with the U.S. State Department's S.T.E.P (Smart Travelers Enrollment Program) before departure and for each side trip during their time away, so that regular updates regarding safety and health abroad can be sent to them directly. Know local emergency numbers During orientation, host universities/partners or Program Directors will provide student’s with emergency contact information What is the local equivalent to 911? What is the host university after hours number? – GO Long Know host emergency plan Fire safety Emergency meeting point Nearest police station Nearest local hospital Nearest US embassy Side Trips registration with GO Program SU students are required to alert the GO program and their program provider of all regional travel plans during their GO program (side-trips) BEFORE departure by logging back into their APPLY TO GO (go.susqu.edu) application and completing the side-trips form. If students are unable to access the form, they should send an email to goprogram@susqu.edu with their side trip location, dates, transportation, accommodation and contact number. As noted during the health and safety training, when there is a safety or health incident in a student's regional area, country or city, they are required to check in with their host university and email the GO Program by email (goprogram@susqu.edu) to let us know that they are safe.  Students must follow directions of on-site host university/provider or program director during trip

U.S. Consular/Embassy Services Comparison slide U.S. Consular/Embassy Services Emergency Services Emergency passport issuance Medical emergencies Crisis response Arrests Visa Services Passport Services Overseas Citizens Services Safety & Security Information Assist U.S. Abroad Know Before You Go! Country Specific Information (CSI) Security Emergency Messages Travel Alerts & Warnings Fact Sheets Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (S.T.E.P.) WWW.TRAVEL.STATE.GOV

Contact GO Programs Email us: goprogram@susqu Contact GO Programs Email us: goprogram@susqu.edu Call our office: 570-372-4697 Mon-Fri 8:30 AM-4:30 PM For information, visit go.susqu.edu Our primary responsibility is to get your student ready and we work closely with the students and our host partners, however we are available to answer general questions from family also.