1. Student responsibilities Preparing for a Field Trip to Mexico- all student participants are required to Purchase the appropriate health insurance Complete the SDSU Study Abroad Agreement Packet: http://www.isc.sdsu.edu/study_abroad/forms/agreementpacket.pdf http://www.isc.sdsu.edu/study_abroad/forms/agreementpacket.pdf Register with the U.S. Consulate in Tijuana online: http://tijuana.usconsulate.gov/tijuana/registration.html http://tijuana.usconsulate.gov/tijuana/registration.html Undergraduate students: participate only in group activities that are accompanied by SDSU faculty staff or an appropriate representative of a SDSU partner institution in the Tijuana and the Baja California Border Region Graduate students: have your plan for research activities in Tijuana and the Baja California Border Region approved by your faculty advisor Refer to the Study Abroad student handbook for specific information http://www.isc.sdsu.edu/study_abroad/studyabroadhandbook.pdf

2. Exit & Entry Requirements Currently All U.S. citizens must show proof of identity and proof of U.S. citizenship when entering the U.S. from Mexico. Acceptable documents include: passport, passport card, or other document approved by the Dept. of Homeland Security. other document approved by the Dept. of Homeland Security. U.S. citizens who do not have a single document verifying identity and citizenship must present both an ID and citizenship document; for example, a driver’s license and a copy of a birth certificate or naturalization certificate. As of June 1, 2009, to enter the U.S. from Mexico, U.S. citizens will need a passport, passport card, or other document approved by the Department of Homeland Security.other document approved by the Department of Homeland Security. Passport and Visa information http://travel.state.gov/passport_services.html

3. Exit & Entry Requirements U.S Citizens do not need a visa to enter Mexico Tourist Card: You are required to purchase a FM-T (tourist card) if you are staying within "the border zone," (20 - 30 km of the border with the U.S.), for longer than 72 hours. FM-Ts are available from Mexican consulates, Mexican border crossing points, and Mexican tourism offices for $21. More information : http://www.mexbound.com/mexican-tourist-visas.phphttp://www.mexbound.com/mexican-tourist-visas.php International students: Before leaving the U.S. to travel to Mexico, determine that you have the necessary documents including a valid passport, I-94 form with D/S, and the I-20 or DS-2019 form recently signed for travel. Contact the International Student Center for more information: iscrecep@mail.sdsu.eduiscrecep@mail.sdsu.edu

4. U.S. State Department Travel Alert for Mexico Travel Alert – Expires August 20, 2009 While millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year (including thousands who cross the land border every day for study, tourism or business), violence in the country has increased recently. It is imperative that travelers understand the risks of travel to Mexico, how best to avoid dangerous situations, and whom to contact if one becomes a crime victim. Violence Along the U.S. - Mexico Border Mexican drug cartels are engaged in an increasingly violent conflict - both among themselves and with Mexican security services - for control of narcotics trafficking routes along the U.S.-Mexico border. In order to combat violence, the government of Mexico has deployed troops in various parts of the country. Some recent Mexican army and police confrontations with drug cartels have resembled small-unit combat, with cartels employing automatic weapons and grenades. Large firefights have taken place in many towns and cities across Mexico but most recently in northern Mexico, including Tijuana. During some of these incidents, U.S. citizens have been trapped and temporarily prevented from leaving the area.

5. U.S. State Department Travel Alert for Mexico cont. Violence Along the U.S. - Mexico Border cont. A number of areas along the border are experiencing rapid growth in the rates of many types of crime. Robberies, homicides, petty thefts, and carjackings have all increased over the last year across Mexico generally, with notable spikes in Tijuana and northern Baja California. U.S. citizens are urged to be alert to safety and security concerns when visiting the border region. Criminals are armed with a wide array of sophisticated weapons. In some cases, assailants have worn full or partial police or military uniforms and have used vehicles that resemble police vehicles. While most crime victims are Mexican citizens, the uncertain security situation poses serious risks for U.S. citizens as well. U.S. citizen victims of crime in Mexico are urged to contact the consular section of the nearest U.S. consulate or Embassy for advice and assistance. Students are urged to read the full text of the travel Alert: www.state.gov www.state.gov

6. Stay safe Undergrad students-stay with your faculty led group at all times Graduate students-notify your advisor or group leader of your itinerary, avoid traveling alone when possible Don’t drink the water! Bottled water and beverages are safe Exercise caution in unfamiliar areas and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Use common-sense precautions, visit only legitimate business and tourist areas during daylight hours, and avoiding areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur Do not display expensive-looking jewelry, large amounts of money, or other valuable items.

7. Stay safe cont. Exercise caution when utilizing credit or debit cards in ATM machines or dubious locales. Keep close track of your personal belongings when out and about and only carry that which is needed. If you choose to use credit cards, regularly check your account status to ensure its integrity. Make every attempt to travel on main roads during daylight hours, particularly the toll ("cuota") roads, which generally are more secure. Cooperate fully with official checkpoints when traveling on Mexican highways. Avoid demonstrations or other activities that might be deemed political by Mexican authorities.

8. Know before you go! Firearms, ammunition and some types of knives are not permitted in Mexico Tijuana boasts a large number of pharmacies; to buy any controlled medication, a prescription from a Mexican federally registered physician is required. Possession of controlled medications without a Mexican doctor's prescription is a serious crime and can lead to arrest. The prescription must have a seal and serial number. Under no other circumstances should an individual purchase prescription medicines. Mexican laws and penalties differ from those in the U.S., be informed: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html

9. Driving in Mexico Driving and Vehicle Regulations: U.S. driver's licenses are valid in Mexico. The Government of Mexico strictly regulates the entry of vehicles into Mexico. Mexican law requires that only owners drive their vehicles, or that the owner be inside the vehicle. If not, the vehicle may be seized by Mexican customs and will not be returned under any circumstances. Insurance: Mexican insurance is required for all vehicles, including rental vehicles. Mexican auto insurance is sold in most cities and towns on both sides of the border. U.S. automobile liability insurance is not valid in Mexico, nor is most collision and comprehensive coverage issued by U.S. companies. Motor vehicle insurance is considered invalid in Mexico if the driver is found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. SDSU employees (students included) who will be operating university vehicles, rental cars, or their own vehicles on university business, must have a valid California driver's license and have satisfied the SDSU defensive driving requirements. More information: http://www.dps.sdsu.edu/defendrive.htm http://www.dps.sdsu.edu/defendrive.htm

10. Special Personal Needs You can confidentially disclose special needs or medical conditions in the Agreement Packet or with Student Disability Services Accommodations for special conditions may be arranged Let us know ASAP so we can make necessary arrangements For more information: Ask Your Professor

11. HEALTH MATTERS Travel related illnesses: Refer to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationMexico.aspx Keep the following in mind: Drink only boiled water, coffee, hot tea, canned or bottled water/soft-drinks, beer or wine Wipe/wash cans and bottles before drinking Avoid ice Take care when eating fresh fruits/vegetables-seek out peel able fruits (oranges/bananas) Avoid salads Avoid un-pasteurized milk and cheeses Stay away from street vendors In Restaurants: Look for busy restaurants If in doubt—pass on by Use guidebooks for recommendations

12. PRESCRIPTIONS & INJECTIONS PRESCRIPTIONS & INJECTIONS REMEMBER: Consult with your doctor Wear/Carry ID regarding any medical conditions Carry a letter from physician describing medication and any treatment you may need Medicines Bring enough for trip Bring copies of prescriptions, including generic names Keep medicines in original containers Bring an extra set of glasses/contacts AND eye prescription Note special health needs on medical history forms/host family questionnaires Educate yourself about laws regarding importation of medicines

13. INSURANCE Mandatory Medical Insurance (must include repatriation & medical evacuation benefits) In addition to the plans described in the SDSU Study Abroad Agreement Packet, students traveling to Tijuana and the Baja California Border Region for faculty led program/research may chose from these options 1.Utilize a US domestic policy (Blue Cross, Kaiser etc.) PLUS SDSU Repatriation Insurance. 2.Purchase one of the following plans International Student ID Card: $25K accidental + evacuation/repatriation $22/year Cost effective coverage for frequent border crossing through the semester/year Betins' Patriot Group Exchange Program Monthly Plan $50K accidental + evacuation/repatriation $30.55/month Daily Plan (5 day minimum) $50K accidental + evacuation/repatriation starting at $1.00 a day Lowest cost option for short term programs SDSU’s Study Abroad Medical Insurance (Renaissance Insurance) More information/links to plans: http://oip.sdsu.edu/http://oip.sdsu.edu/

14. Insurance continued SDSU Employees Faculty and staff (GAs and TAs teaching more than 3 units) are also automatically enrolled in MEDEX Travel Assist. This is a program of information, referral, coordination and assistance services designed to respond to most medical care situations and many other emergencies you might experience when you travel. It is available to you whenever you travel 100 miles or more from home or when you are in a foreign country for trips of up to 90 days. More information/MEDEX brochure available at http://oip.sdsu.edu/http://oip.sdsu.edu/ Complete a T-2 form For Foundation-related activities, complete the appropriate SDSURF form

15. STAYING IN TOUCH Make a copy of your passport/IDs and leave it with trusted family member or friend. You may want to check with your cellular provider prior to departure to confirm that your cell phone is capable of roaming on GSM or 3G international networks.

16. Emergency contacts (Insert faculty/institutional contact info while in Mexico) Emergency services: dial 066, 060, or 080. 911 may also work from some cell phones. Road side assistance on toll roads U.S. Consulate in Tijuana: (52)(664) 622-7400 Daytime 001 (619) 692-2154 After hours emergency Avenida Tapachula 96, Col. Hipodromo SDSU Police Department Telephone (619) 594-1991

17. Program Specific information A place for faculty to add information. Some suggestions: Itinerary Student financial responsibilities (How much money will they need?)