1. WINTER Template Pre-Departure Orientation DECEMBER 2014 BSU Office of Study Abroad

3. Year abroad in Guatemala

4. PowerPoint chart object 01 Turn in Documents in Office Passport copy Visa copy, if applicable Participation Agreement Health Form Acceptance letter from host program, if applicable Transfer of credit form (semester study abroad students) – REQUIRED before departure!!

5. PowerPoint chart object 02 Passports and Visas Check passport expiration date! Photocopy your passport before you go, and bring it with you –Don’t keep it in the same place as your passport Visa requirements vary depending on country, length of stay, purpose of visit www.state.govwww.state.gov –keep up to date with country-specific travel info and travel warnings

6. PowerPoint chart object 03 Packing Carry on luggage –Laptops, cameras, etc –No liquids over 3 oz. in carry on luggage– in a clear plastic bag What to pack –Multi purpose clothing –Comfortable shoes –Electrical adaptors What NOT to bring –Expensive jewelry –Unnecessary credit cards, social security card, etc –Excess cash Luggage weight – check for additional baggage fees with the airline Check with airline for any updated information

7. PowerPoint chart object 04 Contact and Travel Info Leave with your family: –Copy of your passport –Flight information & Itinerary –Your in country contact info –OSA contact information Register your trip with Smart Travel Enrollment Program at https://step.state.gov/step/ https://step.state.gov/step/ Register with local in-country embassy Identify In-country resources: –faculty leader –program director –international programs office –resident director

8. 05 Study Tours 3 BSU undergraduate or graduate credits You DO NOT need to complete transfer of credit forms Grades are factored in to your GPA Register for the study tour online through Infobear ** Enrollment open now ** Faculty Leader distributes the syllabus 3 credits include coursework before and after dates of travel All activities and meetings in country are mandatory Academics

9. 06 Academics Academic Year/Semester Programs –Students have to maintain a full time status ( 12 BSU Credits) –At BSU your record shows that you have a placeholder of 12 credits –Register for the actual courses at the host university –Grades do not factor in to GPA; will come in as transfer credits when: transfer credit forms received transcript received

10. 07 Academics STUDY Abroad = Academic focus, not just travel Class attendance is important, but may not be factored into the grade. Follow the advice and direction of your in-country peers, contacts and directors. Style of instruction: Lecture, courses may meet once a week Accessibility of faculty/professors Teachers’ titles are important when you address them (Dr. Smith, Professor Smith) Observe other students’ style of study

11. 08 Transfer of Credit Process Transfer credit forms are REQUIRED to be turned in prior to departure!!Visit OSA Intranet site for all details on getting academic credit Choose 8-10 course options for one semester Notify OSA of any course changes you make Complete new transfer credit form via email (if any changes) Before you leave your host university – make sure you request to have your transcript sent to BSU Study Abroad Office

12. 09 Registering for courses for returning semester –Email advisor to be “cleared” for registration – do this at least a week prior to registration. –Check that you have access to InfoBear while abroad – do this at least a week prior in case you encounter any issues and need to work with BSU IT. –OSA will send reminder about registration schedule (also you can check as this is posted online). Housing –Check in with Residence Life about any deposits or paperwork. Transcript –Make sure your transcript from host university will be sent back to BSU. While Abroad

13. 10 Experiencing Culture Shock –Happens to everyone –Everybody may experience different degrees of culture shock at different times –Take care of your mental health: stress, anxiety, sleeplessness, depression –Use BSU and in-country support services when needed (Exchanges: Int’l Office in country, Study Tours: Faculty, Affiliates: In-country coordinator) Represent us well –BSU Conduct Code (zero tolerance) –Host university Code –Host country laws Appropriate dress Intercultural Communication While Abroad

14. 11 Credit/Debit cards Cash Diversify your sources of currency Be aware of ATM fees and exchange rates Plan ahead Ask for exchange rates in your US bank Let your bank/credit card company know travel dates and locations Money Matters

15. 12 Safety Use COMMON SENSE Do not be overly trusting Be mindful of overly advertising yourself as American Let someone know where you are going Be aware of your surroundings Use the buddy system Follow directions and safety warnings with Rx medication Use alcohol responsibly Do not use any illegal drugs or substances: –BSU’s zero tolerance policy applies abroad

16. 12 Safety Know in-country emergency information Avoid strikes, protests—even if peaceful Be aware of and FOLLOW all local laws –something legal in the US may be illegal in host country –You are subject to all local laws and legal proceedings; being a US citizen isn’t a “get out of jail free” card Common crimes to be aware of –Computer hacking and fraud –Pickpocketing –Theft on trains, buses—know where your luggage is! –Only use verified taxis

17. 13 Insurance Information CMI/Medix (www.cmi-insurance.com)www.cmi-insurance.com –Personal, health, and travel insurance Study Tours Exchanges Summer programs Undergraduate Research International Service Learning All students should maintain personal health insurance- check with them directly for coverage Carry insurance cards with you Any in-country treatments—save receipts and you can be reimbursed Affiliate providers offer their own insurance coverage

18. 14 International phone card and cell phones –Usually is better to purchase in country when you arrive Social Networks Email SKYPE, ooVoo, and other IMs Set realistic expectations –Of service –How often you will check in with people back home Keep in touch: OSA social networks, newsletter, BSU email Communication

19. 15 Unplug—being online all the time hinders culture assimilation Get involved and take advantage of opportunities –Clubs, sports, music, academic groups Global citizenship Prepare in advance –Politics, history, religion, geography –State Department website, Guide books like Rick Steve’s and Frommer’s Language – basics are helpful –Hello, Goodbye, Please, Thank you, etc –Numbers Get the most out of being abroad

20. 16 Course registration while abroad—review course selections with advisor via email –http://www.bridgew.edu/Registrar/ On-campus housing –http://www.bridgew.edu/RLH/http://www.bridgew.edu/RLH/ –Global Village: International Residential Learning Community, opening fall 2013 Study tours—any final projects Semester/AY Programs – if you haven’t completed your Transfer of Credits, do it once you return from your Study Abroad program Apply to be Study Abroad Ambassadors –Mentor incoming international exchange students –Point of contact for other students interested in Study Abroad Planning Your Return

21. 17 Happy Travels!