1. Name of Program Dates of Program
Pre-Departure Orientation
Name of Program Dates of Program

2. Table of contents 1 Introduction 2 Arrival Information
3 Academic Expectations
4 Accommodations
5 Health & Safety
6 General Program Schedule/Itinerary
7 Host Culture Information
8 Finances While Abroad
9 Packing & Dress Standards
10 Communcation While Abroad

3. Provide a brief introduction outlining who you are and giving a little background information about the program. It is also a good idea to introduce any other faculty / assistants and to allow the students to introduce themselves and get to know one another.
Introductions

4. When do we need to arrive in (country)?

5. Arrival Information Communicate exact date and time to arrive
Provide detailed instructions on how and where students are to arrive on site and what to do if they arrive late
Review any necessary information about passports and visas
If you have it already, this might be a good spot to share your contact details that students will be able to reach you at on arrival day

6. What are the academic expectations?

7. Academic Expectations
Review your academic expectations for the program including structure of the school week
Review any course materials/textbooks students might be expected to bring to the program location
Review the anticipated assignments for each course on the program
Emphasize that this is a STUDY abroad program and that class attendance is mandatory; some activities / excursions are considered class, too!
If working with a partner school, outline any policies or differences the students might need to be made aware of

8. Where are we staying in (country)?

9. Accommodations
Students will want to know as many details about where they will be living as possible; be sure to indicate the address of their housing, the arrangement (singles, doubles etc.), whether or not there will be a kitchen, refrigerators, shared bathrooms, laundry facilities, and internet. If the residence has rules (ex: curfew, quiet hours) be sure to review with students
Review procedures for receiving mail/parcels
Discuss the security arrangements for the accommodations
Let students know what will be nearby their residences
Restaurants
Laundry
Coffee shops
Grocery stores

10. How do I stay safe in (country)?

11. Health & Safety
Notify students that they are all covered by GeoBlue international health insurance and to notify you if they ever need medical attention; here is a link to the website:
Refer students to the ASU Travel Clinic for details on immunizations and prescriptions
Discuss the health emergency plan for your program
Where to meet in the case of an emergency
Who to notify if an emergency occurs
Discuss issues regarding sexuality in the context of the host culture
Male/female relationships
Night life safety measures
Alcohol and sex
Do not be out alone at night
Sexual crimes (what to do if you are a victim and pg. 15 of the ASU SAO Emergency Preparedness and Response booklet)
Discuss nutrition and food safety
Review location-specific crime information (pickpocketing, public transportation crime, going out at night etc.)
Review water safety crisis preparation in part 4 of your faculty director handbook (if program ever goes to water)
Make sure students know the local emergency contact details (not 911!) – this information can be found on the GeoBlue website

12. Program Schedule / Itinerary
Review the calendar/itinerary of the program with the students, including any planned excursions and weekends that students will have free
Program Schedule / Itinerary

13. What do I need to know about the culture in (country)?

14. Host Culture Information
Discuss information students will need to know about the host culture/country (ie: brief important historical facts; current events that students might need to be aware of, useful words and phrases)
Outline behaviors that are offensive to the host culture and cultural norms or expectations (gift giving and other customary practices)
Discuss laws that students need to be aware of for the host country (ie: drinking laws, drugs)
‘Know Your Hosts’ questionnaire is a good template that you can use to think through the different information you may wish to share with your students about the host culture.

15. Culture Shock & Cultural Competency
Discuss the process of culture shock, including the phases that most students will go through: honeymoon period, rejection and criticism, regression and isolation, adjustment and adaptation. Let students know that they should feel free to talk with you throughout the process. Resource:
Remind students that they are studying abroad which is different than studying on main campus—an added objective is to develop cultural competencies. Remind them to not hang out with their peers exclusively and to make every attempt to interact with people of the host culture.

16. What do I do with my money while abroad?

17. Finances While Abroad
Remind students to let their financial institutions know that they will be abroad
Let students know the best ways to access their funds while abroad (ATMs, credit cards, cash?)
Remind students to budget for non-program related expenses
Money and safety
Where to store money, etc.

18. What should I pack?

19. Packing & Dress Standards
Provide students with an idea of what to pack versus what to leave at home
Stress the importance of packing light—especially for traveling programs
Review cultural standards of dress

20. How do I stay in touch while abroad?

21. Communication While Abroad
Let students know the options they will have to stay in touch with family and others on the program while abroad (access to phones in residence, local cell phones, calling cards, Skype)
Notify students about the availability of internet and/or differences in connection strength/speed
Remind students of the time difference
Remind students to notify family that they have arrived on the program start date

22. Any last remarks

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