1. EA Program Title
Program Director Contact Information
This template is intended to give you an idea of what topics you may wish to cover during a pre-departure orientation. You should add, delete, and edit these slides as appropriate.
To edit photo in background, select the image, right click and select ”change picture”. Insert the picture you would like in it’s place and size accordingly to fit size of slide.

2. Orientation Topics INTRODUCTIONS
Program director, program staff, and on-site partners
Icebreaker activity with participants
PRE-DEPARTURE PREP
Program logistics
Traveling to program site
Housing
Transportation
Suggested packing list
Academic expectations
Behavior expectations
Communication plan
Health & safety checklist
WHILE ABROAD
Itinerary
Culture
Safety tips
Medical care abroad and International Student Support Program
Emergency assistance

3. Introductions PROGRAM DIRECTOR OTHER PROGRAM STAFF ON-SITE PARTNERS
To edit photos inside the frame, select the image, right click and select ”change picture”. Insert the picture you would like to swap out. Delete any unused frames.

4. Icebreaker activity
More about icebreakers, including some activity ideas:

5. Pre-Departure Preparation

6. Program Logistics
You will travel to the program site by…[date of arrival; expected method of transit]
Your housing will be…
You should travel around the city and/or the program will travel between sites by… [mode of local transportation]
Pre-Departure Preparation
Pre-Departure Preparation

7. Suggested Packing List
REQUIRED
Weather-appropriate clothing
Walking shoes?
Hiking gear?
Laptop?
Sunscreen?
What kind of phone charger?
RECOMMENDED
How much spending money for meals and incidentals?
Pre-Departure Preparation

8. Academic Expectations
Academic expectations for the program:
Pre-Departure Preparation

9. Behavior Expectations
Education Abroad Statement of Responsibility
Education Abroad Student Handbook
Student Conduct While Abroad
Additional program expectations/group behavior agreement...
Pre-Departure Preparation

10. Communication Plan
As a group we will stay in touch via… [Facebook group? WhatsApp group? Cell phone? D2L/ MSU ?]
My cell phone number and when to use it…
In the event of an emergency, I will contact you by...
Pre-Departure Preparation

11. Health & Safety Pre-Departure Checklist
Download a handout

12. While Abroad

13. Program Itinerary DAY ACTIVITY LOCATION NOTES January 1, 20XX
Arrival & check in at housing 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Check in at Study Center
Arrange for transportation to housing via On-Site Partner. with flight number.
January 2, 20XX
On-Site Orientation
Study Center Main Lounge
Bring good walking shoes and money for lunch.
January 3, 20XX
First class (morning) followed by Museum Tour and Group Dinner
Class in Room 15 of Study Center.
Louvre Museum and Dinner at Cafe Richelieu
Meet in Study Center lobby at 1:00 PM to walk to metro as a group
January 4, 20XX
Planned activity
Location
Brief logistics
January 5, 20XX
Example provided – adjust as appropriate. You can insert and/or remove duplicate itinerary slides as necessary.

14. Program Itinerary DAY ACTIVITY LOCATION NOTES January 6, 20XX
Arrival & check in at housing 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Check in at Study Center
Arrange for transportation to housing via On-Site Partner. with flight number.
January 7, 20XX
On-Site Orientation
Study Center Main Lounge
Bring good walking shoes and money for lunch.
January 8, 20XX
First class (morning) followed by Museum Tour and Group Dinner
Class in Room 15 of Study Center.
Louvre Museum and Dinner at Cafe Richelieu
Meet in Study Center lobby at 1:00 PM to walk to metro as a group
January 9, 20XX
Planned activity
Location
Brief logistics
January 10, 20XX
Example provided – adjust as appropriate. You can insert and/or remove duplicate itinerary slides as necessary.

15. Culture
What are some of the cultural nuances students be aware of in their host country/countries or cities?
Any cultural faux pas to be aware of?
Will students feel more comfortable if they abide by a certain dress code?
Duplicate slide if needed for more information.
While Abroad

16. Safety Tips GENERAL While Abroad CITY/COUNTRY SPECIFIC
Register in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program -
Be alert, especially in crowded locations
Buddy system
Avoid traveling at night especially alone
Do not leave your belongings unattended
Know how to call the “911” equivalent
In Country X this number is X
Do not misuse alcohol
CITY/COUNTRY SPECIFIC
Avoid neighborhood X
How to safely order a taxi
Resources for developing safety tips:
Contact Maureen Handrahan -
While Abroad

17. Medical Care Abroad While Abroad Emergency Care
If your life is in danger, call the local ”911” equivalent which is…
In all other cases, call the International SOS 24/7 Assistance Line at or call using their app
Inform your program director at…
Non-Emergency Care
Contact the International SOS 24/7 Assistance Line at for medical questions or assistance getting medical care.
Keep your program director informed especially if program participation will be impacted.
(MSU Membership #11BCAS798617)
*If you end up paying out-of-pocket for medical care, keep your receipt(s) and submit a reimbursement claim within 90 days. Claim forms can be found at oihs.msu.edu/ea-isos
While Abroad

18. International Student Support Program
Free
unlimited use
Download the “My SSP” app!

19. MSU 24/7 Emergency Assistance
The Office of International Health and Safety (OIHS) works closely with the Office for Education Abroad, the Risk and Security Assessment Committee, MSU Police, the University Physician, and other campus and external partners to support healthy and safe education abroad programs.
If you or your group requires urgent support while on your education abroad program, call the MSU 24/7 International Emergency Assistance Line at
You may call collect by first dialing 0170 to be connected to an international operator.
When you call this number your call will be answered by an MSU Police cadet. Identify yourself as an education abroad participant, you will be connected with OIHS.
*Always report urgent issues to your program director first

20. Resources
Implementing and Directing an Education Abroad Program MSU Office for Education Abroad
Office of International Health and Safety Information for Program Directors MSU Office of International Health and Safety
Add any other resources here.