WINTERTemplatePre-Departure

Orientation2012-2013

BSU Office of Study Abroad

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01Turn in Documents in Office

• Passport copy• Participation agreement• Health Form• Acceptance letter• Transfer of credit form

(semester study abroad students)

http://www.bridgew.edu/study

abroad/forms

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03Passports and visas

• 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.gov

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04Meetings

• Each Study Abroad program will have program specific orientation meetings that are mandatory!

• You will receive email with information about the meetings

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05Packing

• Carry on luggage– Laptops, cameras, etc– No liquids over 3 oz. in carry on

luggage• What to pack

– Multi purpose clothing– Comfortable shoes– Different outlets?– Hand sanitizer

• 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

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06Contact and Travel Info

• Leave a copy of your passport, flight information and itinerary with your family

• Leave copy of the Student handbook and the BSU Study Abroad website

• Make sure friends and family know how to contact you

• Let your bank & credit card company know you’ll be in another country

• Register your trip with Smart Travel Enrollment Program at https://step.state.gov/step/

• Identify In-country contact :

– faculty leader

– program director

– international programs office

– resident director

07• Study Tours

– 3 BSU undergraduate or graduate credits

– Grades are calculated towards your GPA

– Register for the study tour online through Infobear.

Academic Credits

08Academic Credits

Academic Year/Semester Programs– Students have to maintain a full time

status that equals 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 calculate in GPA

09• Experiencing Culture Shock

– Happens to everyone– Everybody may experience

different degrees of culture shock

• Intercultural Communication• Represent us well

– BSU Conduct Code

– Host university Code

– Host country laws

• Appropriate dress– Flip flops = shower shoes, not

appropriate for going out

While Abroad

10• Faculty Leader

distributes the syllabus

• 3 credits include coursework before and after dates of travel

• All activities and meetings in country are mandatory

Study Tours

11• 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.

Semester/AY In University

12• Lecture

• Courses may meet once a week

• Accessibility of faculty/professors

• Participation may not be part of your grade

• Teachers’ titles are important part when you address them

• See what other students are doing

Style of Instruction

14•Send back to BSU Study

Abroad any course changes you make

•Complete new transfer credit form via email

•Before you leave your host university – make sure you request to have your transcript sent to BSU Study Abroad Office

•Keep in touch: OSA social networks, newsletter, BSU email

While Abroad

15Safety

• Use COMMON SENSE• Do not be overly trusting• Do not advertise yourself as American• Let someone know where you are

going• Use alcohol responsibly• Do not use any illegal drugs or

substances.• Do not engage in un-safe behavior• Be aware of your surroundings• Do not go out alone at night• Know emergency information in-

country

17Health Insurance Information

• CMI/Medix (www.cmi-insurance.com)– Study Tours– Exchanges– Summer programs– Undergraduate Research– International Service

Learning• All students should

maintain personal health coverage

• Carry insurance cards• If in hospital-save receipts

and you can be reimbursed

Affiliate participants provide their own

insurance

18• 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

• Language – basics are helpful– Hello, Goodbye, Please, Thank

you, etc

– Numbers

Get the most out of being abroad

19• Credit/Debit cards• Cash• Traveler’s Checks• Diversify your sources of

currency• Be aware of ATM fees and

exchange rates• Plan ahead• Ask for exchange rates in your

US bank

Money

20• International phone card

and Cell phones– Usually is better to purchase

in country when you arrive

• Social Networks• Email• SKYPE and other IMs

Communication

21• Course registration

– http://www.bridgew.edu/Registrar/• On-campus housing

– http://www.bridgew.edu/RLH/– Global Village: International Residential Learning

Community, coming fall 2013• Study tours—any final projects• Semeseter/AY Programs – if you haven’t completed

your Transfer of Credits – do it once you return from your Study Abroad program

• Study Abroad Ambassadors – Mentor incoming international exchange students– Point of contact for other students interested in

Study Abroad

Planning Your Return

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Questions?

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• Dr. Mary Lou FriasBSU Health Services

• Captain Michael Froio

Campus Police

• Rita CamaraResidential Life and Housing

Additional Information

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Happy Travels!

Additional Information