Download Study Abroad Preparation: A Comprehensive Guide and more Quizzes Introduction to Business Management in PDF only on Docsity!
Table of Contents
Getting Ready to Go
Materials/Required Form Refund Policies
Cultural Adjustments
Before: Preparing to go Abroad , During: The On-Site Experience, Re-Entry: Returning Home, Recommended Reading
Academics
Before: Confirm your Academic Plan
What to Bring
Passports, Visas, Calling Card, Insurance Card, Birth Certifi- cate, Airline Ticket, Luggage and Packing
Housing Arrangements and Money Matters
Housing, Property and Liability Insurance, Budget, Financial Aid
Health Issues
Medical Expenses, Accident and Sickness Insurance, Visit your Doctor, Prescriptions
Student Conduct and Safety
Student Conduct, General Safety in Public, Use Common Sense, Money and Other Valuables, Local Transportation, Political Conflict, Alcohol and Drugs, Relationships, Sexual Harassment
What You Need to Know and Do Before You Go
Exercise Quiz of Things to Do
Web Resources
Questions to Ask When Reviewing Insurance
Policies
A Final Note & Acknowledgements
Pages 2 – 3
Pages 4 - 8
Page 9
Pages 10-
Page 12
Page 13
Page 14-
Pages 19-
Page 21
Page 22
Page 23
Getting Ready To Go
Communicating With Your Home Campus
Please try to anticipate any administrative and academic details you may need to take care of at Rhodes before you leave the States. Filing applications, declaring or changing majors or minors, obtaining transcripts, etc., are all much easier to take care of in person. To make communication with Rhodes easier, you should compile a list of names and telephone numbers of important campus con- tacts to bring with you to your program site and don’t forget to leave a copy for your parent or guard- ian, as well.
Refund Policies
If you have chosen a Rhodes study abroad program (see brochure for details), please know that Rho- des makes financial commitments on students’ behalf well in advance of the start of each Rhodes pro- gram. Refunds are available only if written notice of withdrawal is received at the Buckman Center for International Education, Rhodes College, before the date the full payment is due. Refunds will be made only on recoverable costs, less the deposit. After the arrival date, refunds will be considered only in cases of serious illness or emergency requiring the student to return home. The amounts of such refunds are determined individually on the basis of costs recoverable by Rhodes at the time of withdrawal. These costs vary and cannot be determined in advance. No refunds will be made to Rho- des students or their parents for reasons other than those specified.
If you have chosen a non-Rhodes program abroad (that is, a program that is not owned or operated by Rhodes), Rhodes College has no control over that program’s policies or procedures regarding refunds. Please check with the responsible institution if you have any questions or concerns.
Welcome!
By deciding to participate in a Study Abroad program, you are choosing the way
in which you will encounter and experience a different culture. In internship pro-
grams, you may combine coursework with a placement in a business, agency, or
organization, directly involving yourself in the local work-life. In other programs,
you may combine coursework with active involvement in nonprofit service or
field research, or you may directly enroll in a foreign language, and become part
of the local student community. Whatever type of program you choose, you will
translate involvement in a local community into international experience and
global understanding.
Becoming Familiar with Culture: The Iceberg Analogy
The tip of the iceberg represents the pieces of culture that we can see. The area below the water
represents deeper cultural meaning. The iceberg analogy has some key points for learning about
a culture:
- The things we observe almost always have deeper meaning, that is, they represent a more
fundamental cultural value. Although the iceberg separates culture into visible and invisible ele-
ments, these are almost always interrelated.
- What we think we see is not always what is going on. Even trickier is how a visible aspect
of culture, something so seemingly obvious as laughing, can have very different meanings in
different cultures. For example, laughing can mean “that’s funny” or “I’m embarrassed.”
- We interpret what we see in the host culture as we would in our own, but the actual meaning
may be quite different.
Travel Journaling
Consider changing the structure of your journal from a daily "diary" to a "travel journal", like
the one developed by Nancy Taylor Nicodemus, which divides your journal into four different
sections: Impressions, Descriptive, Narrative, Expressive
- The Impressions Section is for jotting down the places, people, events, concepts, ideas,
smells, signs, and other things you remember. You write words, phrases, or sentences that will
spark your memory.
- In the Descriptive Section you will not elaborate on what you think about what you are writ-
ing. Instead, you will use your descriptive abilities to create a vivid picture of what you experi-
enced.
- The Narrative Section is to satisfy the storyteller in you. There’s no doubt you will come
home with stories – good, bad, funny, and otherwise. Write about them in this section before
you forget.
In the Expressive Section you get to vent, debate, praise, hypothesize, and evaluate. Where you
may have described an event in one of your descriptive sections, you may then make an entry in
this section to record what you thought and felt about that event.
Cultural Learning, cont.
Cultural Learning, cont.
What Should I Expect Once I Arrive?
Will a Study Abroad experience require more work?
You will be expected to be highly motivated in your studies. Intense “academic pressure” is not as common in other pedagogical systems as it is in the U.S.; there will probably be less supervision of your academic work than you are used to here. You have to be independ- ent, well-organized, and self-disciplined in order to do well.
Expectations of Studies Abroad
Often courses abroad are different from courses here—more special- ized, few, if any “survey” courses. Perhaps there will be no quizzes, mid-terms or term papers with success in the courses depending on the final exam (oral or written). In a foreign university, you may be in a lecture hall with 50 to 1,000 other students. In many U.S. college- sponsored programs, courses will be much like those here.
Expectations of Campus Life Abroad
In the U.S. we generally take students out of society for four years and isolate them in a little utopia that we call a campus. Often, every- thing you need is available on campus, and there is not much reason to ever leave it. Abroad, students are in integral part of society. In foreign universities, there is little of what we call “campus life”. Usu- ally the university buildings are in the heart of the city, but scattered over a considerable area and separated from each other by residences, stores, and factories. You may live in one part of the city, attend classed in another part, work in the library somewhere else, and eat your meals in the student restaurant on the opposite side of the city. You will thus participate in the “hassle” of everyday city life: mass transportation, strikes, impersonal attitudes, tourists, etc. So, expect much less “student life”, fewer clubs, fewer social affairs, and fewer organized sports than in America.
What Are Your Goals?
It is important that you identify goals and objectives before leaving in order to make the most of your experience. The following ques- tions may help you with this self- evaluation.
Personal
- What are my personal beliefs and attitudes?
- What does it mean to be an American?
- What are our cultural beliefs and customs?
- How do I plan to learn about the cultures, customs, behav- iors, and values of the country where I am studying?
- What am I willing to consider?
- Will I be open to doing things differently? Will I take risks?
Academic
- Why am I going: to practice a foreign language, to learn about foreign countries and cultures, to fulfill academic requirements, to explore new areas of study?
- How does this semester fit into my academic plans? What courses have I already taken to prepare me for the program? Can I use this semester to re- search directed study or senior paper topics?
Professional
- Can I use this experience in the future? Will I go to graduate school or straight into a career?
Your Academic Plan
Before You Go…
Students must know early in the application process how their coursework abroad will be incorporated into their overall academic program. Therefore, discuss your program with your academic advisor!
Confirm Your Academic Plans
Provide your academic advisor with full information concerning course offerings on your program. Con- firm which courses you may take to fulfill major, minor, and departmental requirements, and which courses you may take for an elective credit. Use this advising session to review course pre-approvals you have obtained for those courses you will take abroad. Plan with your advisor the courses you will need to take upon your return.
Remember, credit earned through Rhodes programs is Rhodes credit. Credit earned at institu- tions via exchange programs is also treated as Rhodes credit. Credit earned in programs spon- sored by other institutions or agencies is treated as transfer credit.
To help with academic planning, simply fill out and review a Rhodes College Degree Worksheet and make an appointment to meet with your academic advisor.
Recommended Reading
The Buckman Center has a library with many interesting and provocative books written on adapting to life oversea. Also, the internet has made a multitude of other documents available. Please make a point to check out some of these publications in the Buckman Center.
What to Bring
Things to Bring
Checklist:
□ Passport and a photocopy of
the information page
□ Visas (if required for your pro-
gram or additional travel)
□ Medical Insurance Card and
Claim Forms
□ Calling Card
□ Photocopy of your Birth
Certificate
□ Photocopy of your Airline
Passports : When studying on an overseas program, you will need a valid pass- port. Obtaining a passport is your responsibility. It generally takes two to three weeks to process a passport application, but please be aware that the process may take longer, especially during peak travel times. Many local post offices will accept applications for passports. Once you receive your passport, make 3 photocopies of the information page of your passport. One copy, for you to carry separately, in case your passport is lost or stolen. Second copy, send to our office for your file. Finally, the third copy stays at home with your family. If your passport is lost or stolen, it is much easier to obtain a replacement with this information.
Important:
If you are traveling on a passport other than a U.S. passport, you should check with the nearest con- sulate of the country to which you are traveling in order to determine whether a visa will be required. Do this as far in advance as possible, and notify our office of the docu- mentation you will need to apply for your visa. You should check with the local consulate of your home country to determine whether there are any passport or travel regulations of which you need to be aware. You should also investigate whether you will need to apply for a new visa to re-enter the U.S upon completion of the program.
Visas : A visa is written permission to visit a country granted by the gov- ernment of that country. To determine if a visa is necessary, contact the embassy or nearest consulate of the country(ies) you plan to visit. Some countries require transit visas for people to change planes at their airports -- particularly the Schengen countries in Europe. For more information, see: http://www.eurovisa.info/ SchengenCountries.htm. Obtaining a visa can be a long and com- plicated process. You cannot get your visa until you have a pass- port, and it can take up to a month to receive your passport. Apply now for your passport.
Calling Card : Check with your U.S. long distance carrier to obtain an interna- tional calling card for calls home. Most of the long-distance compa- nies offer these cards or special calling plans for international calls. Also, check http://www.idt.net or http://www.globalcalling.com/ NAFSA.
Birth Certificate : Bring a photocopy of your Birth Certificate. This is handy in the event you have to replace a lost or stolen passport. Insurance Card : Keep a copy of your medical insurance card in your wallet. If your insurance agency does not provide a card, then write down the name and number of your policy and the address of the insurance company. Bring copies of your insurance claim forms.
Airline Ticket : Before departing make 2 copies of your ticket(s). You may not realize how valuable your airline ticket is-and what a hassle it is to attempt to replace a lost or stolen ticket. It is best to copy the final control page of each ticket, as it contains all the information you need in case your ticket is lost or stolen. One copy stays at home, the second copy stays with you packed separately from your original ticket. If you have an e-ticket, make sure to get a printout of your itinerary and keep track of your confirmation number.
Housing & Money
Housing
Housing opportunities vary by program and range from a local household or an apartment to an international dorm or kibbutz. Given that standards of living vary from country to country, you should expect certain fundamental differences with respect to comfort. Electrical sys- tems, heating systems, even the water pressure may be different from what you are accustomed to at home or on campus. Storage room, including closet space, is usually at a premium in the program housing, so keep packed luggage to a minimum. If you are planning to bring electronic equipment, make sure to pack the proper adapters for the system over- seas (you can check a travel guide to that country to find out what you’ll need). Keep in mind that housing is not the rea- son you have decided to go abroad.
Determine your Budget for the Semester
You (and your parents) will find it helpful if you put together an estimated budget for your semester abroad. Depending on the program, in which you are enrolled, fees may include tuition, housing, air- fare, board, and/or excursions. You should plan to bring additional money to cover personal expenses, textbooks, and course materials, and any other costs not included in your program fee. Also, remember to factor in the possibility of exchange rate fluctuations.
Financial Aid Forms
If you will not be at Rhodes Campus at the time the application for financial assistance is due for the coming academic year, make arrangements in advance to obtain the forms you need or request the finan- cial aid office to forward the forms to your family for action.
Property and Liability Insurance
Rhodes does not insure students’ property while they are abroad. Rhodes urges all student participants to purchase property insurance for the entire duration of their stay abroad. Despite students’ best efforts to safe- guard their property, it is still possible for it to be lost, stolen or damaged when traveling or living abroad. Students should investigate their parents’ homeowner’s insurance to verify if all the items to be brought on the trip will be covered by their policy. It is recommended that all valuable items (e.g., laptop com- puters) be insured.
Medical
Expenses
Should you incur medical expenses abroad, you and your family may have to meet some of these expenses up front. Be sure to pack several copies of your insurance company’s claim forms. Having the necessary claim forms on hand will speed up processing in the event that you have to make a claim, and therefore helps speed reim- bursement.
Accident and Sickness Insurance
Students participating on Rhodes programs and Rhodes exchange programs are required to be covered by a comprehensive international insurance plan mandated and purchased by Rhodes. Rhodes has chosen an excellent international health insurance provider: HTH Worldwide. The company has an established reputation and an excellent track record in handling claims in various languages and from medical providers around the world.
A schedule of benefits can be obtained from the Buckman Center for International Edu- cation.
Students on non-Rhodes programs should check with the program provider to determine if insurance is provided. If it is not, students must secure insurance independently that will provide adequate health coverage outside the United States, including medical emergency evacuation and repatriation of remains.
Health
Visit Your Doctor
Please remember that studying abroad can be mentally and physically stressful. If you are experiencing any physical or emotional problems, please address them before leaving the U.S. If you haven’t felt well, make an appointment with your doctor for a check-up; if you anticipate any dental work, get it done before departure; if you are experiencing any emotional, eating, or substance abuse problems, seek professional advice and consider deferring you participation in an overseas program until you have the problem well under control. The pressures, which lead to eating disorders and emotional or dependency problems, are only exacerbated when you are coping with adjustment to a new culture, language, and way of life. Leaving the country will not make your problems go away—if anything, it may only make them worse. It is important to note that the range of counseling services available to students at Rhodes and other U.S. college campuses will not be available overseas.
For your safety and well being, it is vital that you inform us of any physical, emotional, or psychological difficulties or special needs you may have. On the other hand, if you are simply nervous about experi- encing a different culture, do not worry. You are not alone. Stop by or call our office to talk about your concerns.
Obtain Copies of Your Prescriptions
You should be sure to bring copies of prescriptions for any medications you may need and for glasses and contact lenses. Since medications tend to be expensive overseas and because if can be difficult to get the appropriate equivalent medication, we recommend that you bring an adequate supply of whatever you may need while abroad. Any medications you bring should be in the original, properly labeled con- tainers. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring an extra pair in case you damage or lose your original pair.
Take A Quiz
This exercise is intended to make you think about all of the things that you need to do to prepare your- self for your study abroad program. It is not a comprehensive checklist or to-do list, but might give you some ideas for making your own list. Have Fun!
Check YES if a statement is true, NO if it is not…yet. Then count your yes responses.
IS THIS TRUE OF YOU? Yes, of
course
Uh…
No not
yet.
I have a passport and have made copies to leave at home and take with me.
I know how to say ‘thank you’ in my host country language.
I know the entry requirements to my host country for persons of my national- ity. I have spoken with a native of my host country.
I know what electrical current is standard in my host country.
I have read a magazine, newspaper or book from my host country in the last 3- 6 months. I can locate my host country and study site on the map.
I have had a physical, dental and eye checkups in preparation for going abroad. I have gotten written prescriptions to take with me for glasses and any medica- tions I take regularly, and plan to take a supply for my entire stay. I have searched the web, viewed broadcasts, and/or listened to the radio from my host country in the last 3 months. By visiting www.cdc.gov I have familiarized myself with any pre-departure health recommendations for the region I will visit. I know the type of government in my host country.
I have checked the exchange rate for my host country in the past month and have practiced converting amounts in my head. I know how I’m going to take money overseas, and know how I will get emer- gency funds if necessary. I can sing the national anthem of my host country.
I have copied all credit cards and other important documents to leave at home in case of loss or theft. I know the predominant religion of my host country.
I can draw freehand a reasonable map of my host country and surrounding coun- tries. I know the time difference between my hometown and my study site. I know how to call the US from my host country. I know the name of the head of government of my host country. I know how much a meal will cost in my host country. I am receiving financial aid and I have seen the Director of Financial Aid to make sure arrangements are in place. All my payments and forms for study abroad are in and up to date.
How many yes responses did you get?
20 or more: You’re a regular Marco Polo! Have a great adventure studying abroad! 15-19: Almost ready! You just need to polish a few globes before you go. 10-14: You have more than just packing to do before departure… Less than 10: Are you sure you know where you are going? Use the time before you go wisely!
What You Need to Know
& Do Before You Go…
No doubt you’ve heard of culture shock and you may be thinking, “I know enough about the country so the cultural differences won’t present a problem for me.” It’s true the more you know about your host country, including the language, the easier it will be to adjust. Expecting the differences is helpful, but keep in mind it’s the actual cultural confrontation that brings about the physical and emotional reactions. In most cases, culture shock is caused less by one single incident and more by a gradual accumulation of anxiety, frustration, and confusion from living in an unfamiliar environment. Some prefer the terms “culture fatigue” or “culture bumps.” And while not everyone experiences some kind of “shock,” every- one does go through some adjustment to their environment. Many people who have been abroad discuss their experience in terms of stages:
Stage 1: Cultural Euphoria. At the start of your study abroad there is an initial excitement about being in a new culture. This is often called the “honeymoon stage.” Everything is new and wonderful, and you are eager to explore it all.
Stage 2: Cultural Confrontation. In the next stage (typically one third to one half the way through an experience), the initial excitement you felt when you arrived diminishes and the process of cultural ad- justment begins.
This stage is typically characterized by confusion and frustration and, as such, is the most difficult stage. Your feelings can shift from very positive to very negative.
Stage 3: Cultural Adjustment. This stage represents the transition out of culture shock into significant cultural adjustment. You feel increasingly comfortable and competent in the culture, and these feelings prevail over the times you have felt frustrated or out of place.
Stage 4: Cultural Adaptation. In this stage, you have reached a point at which you have a great deal of confidence in your ability to communicate and interact effectively. You have a deeper understanding of the influence culture has in peoples’ lives. You have acquired considerable cultural knowledge, but you also recognize that there is much you still don’t know or understand.
Stages of Adjustment
Homestay Expectations
It is a good idea to take some time to think about the homestay in terms of your own expectations, particularly be- fore you meet your host family. Rank from 1 to 5 the following expectations for the homestay, taking into account what you hope to gain from your home- stay:
Get support in adjusting to the culture
Improve my language skills
Make new friends
Participate in family life and learn the culture
Other
What will be your responsibilities as part of the homestay?
A Thoughtful Return
Since time upon re-entry may be scarce, we encourage you to record in your journal your thoughts on these questions to prepare you for returning home: In what ways have I changed? In what ways might my family and friends have changed? How would I like my family and friends to treat me when I return home? What am I looking forward to the most? What are the lessons I have learned that I never want to for- get? What are some skills I have learned? Many say the re- entry shock is more challenging than initial culture shock. What are some things I might do to make the transition eas- ier? What have been the important things about this study abroad experience that I want to share with family and friends? What do I want to do with the experiences I’ve had (e.g., continue studying the language)?
Conduct & Safety
Student Conduct
While overseas, you are not only subject to the Rhodes Social Regulations Code and Honor Code, but also to the local laws and sanctions of the particular country in which you are studying. In many coun- tries, the punishment for possession and/or distribution of controlled substances and for driving while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances is much more severe than in the United States. You should be aware that if arrested for a crime overseas, there is little Rhodes College or the local U.S. Consular authorities can do to intercede on your behalf.
The Buckman Center for International Education also has the authority to establish rules of conduct nec- essary for the operation of the program and to reserve the right to require a student to withdraw from the program.
General Safety in Public Places
You will soon be entering a city and culture that is probably foreign to you. Because of this, you may miss some of the danger signals that a local person would automatically take into consideration. You should also realize that in our shrinking world it is inevitable that many cultures exist within one coun- try. For this reason, one must be aware of, and sensitive to, the majority culture, as well as the minority cultures prevalent in the host country. Please read the following sections carefully; they are not meant to frighten you, but rather to inform you about issues you should be aware of upon your arrival to your new setting. This advice is applicable no matter where you are in the world.
The impressions many people hold of Americans come from what they see on television shows such as “Friends” and “Frasier.” Americans are portrayed as wealthy, particularly in developing countries, and in many locations you really will be more well-off than the local population. Americans are easily no- ticed. We dress differently, we speak loudly in groups, we carry backpacks, we wear tennis shoes, and our American accent is unmistakable. By following the suggestions below, you can minimize your ex- posure to unsafe situations:
- Do not leave bag(s) or belongings unattended at any time. Security staffs in airports or train stations are instructed to remove or destroy any unattended bag(s). Do not agree to carry or look after pack- ages or suitcases for anyone, under any circumstances. Make sure no one puts anything in your lug- gage.
- When traveling use a waist pouch to carry your passport, credit cards, and travelers checks. Wear the pouch under your clothes. Keep a separate record of your travelers checks in another part of your belongings so that you will have a record if the checks are lost or stolen. Also, make photocop- ies of all essential documents and leave them with someone at home.
- Be as inconspicuous in dress and demeanor as possible. Downplay those elements of your appear- ance and manner that broadcast the message that you are an American.
Here are some “tip-offs” to avoid if you don’t want to be pegged quickly as an American:
- Wearing U.S. college or university insignia clothing or heavily patriotic American clothing
- Wearing baseball caps
- Talking loudly with a group of friends
- Keep your cash and other valuables (traveler’s checks, passport and visa, airline ticket) in a locked suitcase in your room or a safe in the program’s headquarters, if available.
- Do not take jewelry that has sentimental value. It could be lost or stolen. Be aware that it is common in some cities for thieves on motorcycles to pull gold chains off the necks of women. Students have lost jewelry in hotels and dorm rooms. Leave valuables at home.
- Avoid putting things in the back pocket of your pants or backpack. Wear your backpack in front of you in crowded places. It is highly recommended that you bring a money belt to wear concealed around your waist under your clothes.
- Do not handle or display large quantities of money (dollars or local currency) on the street. Only bring as much money with you as you need for the day or night.
- Always keep an eye, and/or hands, on your purse/bag/wallet, especially in crowded public areas (public transportation, crowded sidewalks, markets, and metro stations).
- Be particularly vigilant in areas where there have been numerous reports of pick pocketing and purse snatching, especially tourist areas. Be aware that thieves on mopeds snatch purses, so have your bag face away from the street.
- If working at an internship, do not leave purses or backpacks unattended.
If you suddenly find yourself being “crowded” in a market, move away from the crowd. Thieves may be slicing open your purse or backpack with a razor.
Money
Local Transportation and Travel
- If a package is left unattended near you by someone, in any crowded public place (i.e. airports, train stations, “the tube” in London or on a bus or other public transportation) notify the driver or other authority and get away from it as quickly as possible.
- Be careful with whom you ride in a car. Some countries are less adamant about drinking and driv- ing, therefore driving under the influence of alcohol is more common.
Public Transportation
Most of you will be using public trans- portation on a regular basis. You may see other passengers who do not appear to be paying for buses or other public transportation. Be careful not to copy them. Many of them have passes that are shown only when asked by an inspector. If you are caught without a bus ticket or pass, you can be pulled off the bus or tram and taken to the police station. Consider a monthly pass if you will have to take the bus or subway every day. In the long run, it is cheaper than fines that can be 50 times the original cost of the ticket.
General Travel During
Weekends and Breaks
- Do not travel alone. Always try to travel with at least one other person.
- Be careful whom you allow to join your group. Make sure that anyone who joins your group is well known by someone you know. Terrorists and thieves have used unsuspecting travelers as a cover when traveling.
- Update yourself on your destination and consider postponing a visit to a place if there have been prob- lems there recently. It is better to be safe than sorry. Check for U.S. Consulates near you (commonly found in most large cities), stop and get their safety information bulletins about the country in which you are planning to visit. Knowledge of current events is important. Read the paper and watch some TV to stay informed.
Relationships
Entering a relationship overseas should be approached with the same precautions as at home. It is tempting to be charmed by the idea of a once-in-a-lifetime foreign romance, but you should consider any relationship carefully, particularly when you are overseas. There are different cultural values and rules regarding dating and relationships. Proceed cautiously, realizing that you are only in that country for a short period of time. Evaluate your reasons for entering into a relationship. Are you attracted to the in- dividual or are you struggling with homesickness?
Travel & Relationships
