1 PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION- Winter Break 2016 – Spring Semester 2017 – Spring Break 2017 – Summer Education Abroad Office Love South 110
2 What do you know about…? Who is the head of the government?What is the political parties in power? What is the capital? What is the local currency? What is the exchange rate? What is the lingua franca or national language? What is the level of development? CIA World Factbook UNDP Human Development Reports Lonely Planet Travel Guides Insight Guides Rick Steves Travel Guides National Geographic Travel Maps
3 Do your research! Local restaurants, attractions, shopsOverview of city, government structure, Culture, holidays, history, traditional greetings, meal times, food Public transportation (maps and schedules) Location of police, fire, emergency response Cultural climate of host city Advice from locals
4 Safety and Responsible Choices …
5 Conduct Abroad Program-specific rules and expectations set by leadersGroup expectations from peers Education Abroad Agreement UNL Student Code of Conduct Dean of Students Record NOTE: You can be dismissed from the program at your own expense Local laws: they do vary! Different legal system May have more severe punishments Perception and role of police
6 Alcohol and Drugs Moderation when drinking alcoholLeads to poor decisions, vulnerability Local laws (age, public intoxication) Tolerance does not follow you abroad Know your limits! Cultural norms of drinking in host city Don’t try to keep up! Misconceptions of peers Have an “end-of-night plan” ahead of time Policy on alcohol in lodging/housing AVOID drugs entirely Harsher consequences for possession and use abroad Physical and emotional reactions unknown
7 Sex, Dating and RelationshipsFlirting, dating, PDA, and sexuality culture eye contact and smiling, “cat calls,” personal space LGBTQA+ norms, laws, and attitudes Be aware of American stereotypes, clothing Safe sex and responsible choices Country may have higher rate of STDs/STIs Birth control and condoms: access/cost, willingness to use Notions of consent vary widely around the world. Don’t assume! Learn key phrases and vocabulary.
8 Sexual Misconduct & Title IXSexual Harassment or Assault, Dating Violence, and Stalking are PROHIBITED. UNL policy applies! Sexual assault laws and support from law enforcement vary. If possible, seek help from leader and on-site team first. At least one of your leaders is a Responsible Employee (RE), who must report incidents to UNL’s Title IX Coordinator. You may also contact the Title IX Coordinator directly. You are encouraged to report. UNL’s Title IX Coordinator will investigate and offer support and guidance. The victim will be offered choices. Confidential Resources: victim advocates such as Voices of Hope or a mental health professional.
9 Bystander InterventionSupport your peers! Overcome the Barriers Don’t assume someone else will act! Ask Yourself Now or later? Alone or with help? Choose Your Action Confront, Distraction, Support Lead the Change involved.unl.edu/prevent
10 Vulnerability and VigilanceNot always “safer” or “less safe,” but different environment and level of vulnerability. More people can mean more protection or more risk Some threats (gun violence) may be lower than U.S. Different social cues Like in a large U.S. city: understand threats, know neighborhoods to avoid, remain vigilant. Don’t focus on rare events that you cannot predict or control. Focus on common events that you have some control over.
11 Safety Fundamentals You’re not invincible! Common sense and instinctsProtect your cash, credit cards, valuables, passport/visa Carry small amounts, don’t display Think about how you carry it, don’t ever leave it alone Common threats and “Stranger Danger” Be cautious of strangers who: Offer “gifts”, offer to guide you or give you a bargain, ask for personal info like travel plans and hotel, offer to give you a personal tour of the city Beware of pickpockets May work in pairs, intentional distractions
12 Acting like a local… How will you be perceived ?Avoid drawing attention. Try to blend in. “Fake it‘till you make it!” It’s ok to be RUDE when the situation merits it Keep informed about political and cultural climate. Avoid protests and demonstrations Careful conversations
13 Communication Create a plan for communication with family and friends at home once you are abroad Cell phones Adding international calling to U.S. plan Pay-as-you-go phone, local SIM card Be sure phone is always charged! Skype, , Gchat, Facetime, WhatsApp, etc. for non-emergency communication Set up an account for your family and friends Add Skype credit or set up automatic pay before you leave Wifi available in many cafes
14 Registering Travel PlansCommunicate all travel plans! (short term and long term) MyWorld Itineraries (dates and locations) Program-specific process for reporting travel plans Smart Traveler Enrollment Program: step.state.gov/step/ U.S. embassy knows you are in the country U.S. embassy sends you up-to-date notifications Education Abroad Office enrolls group for official program dates. If independent/personal student travel is allowed, students are responsible for enrolling all personal travel (dates and locations).
15 Navigating your host cityBuddy system Avoid traveling alone at night Stay on the beaten path Do not use short cuts, narrow alleys, or poorly lit streets. Taxis Look for official markings (common scam) Learn the pricing system! (day vs. night, zones) Know the best route or pretend like you do! When in doubt, sit in the back! Uber (available? safe?) App: maps-me
16 Public TransportationDON’T DRIVE AUTOMOBILE/MOTORCYCLES ABROAD (don’t rent a car) Make sure you trust the driver in any private vehicle Pedestrian crossing – traffic laws Trains / Buses / Metro System Do not leave your valuables unattended If you are in your own train compartment make sure your door is locked while inside. Know the schedule (day vs. night) Women: look for other women, children, elderly Always pay! (honor system) CHOOSE SAFE OVER CHEAP! Know your options at all times
17 Crime Know the local laws! Different legal systemPerception and role of the police Victim of a crime Notify your program leader immediately Contact the U.S. Embassy/Consulate Contact the local police department if recommended Request a copy of the police report Accused of a crime Follow instructions of local law enforcement Contact the U.S. Embassy/Consulate: They CAN: visit; provide list of attorneys; explain judicial procedures; notify family They CANNOT: demand the immediate release of a U.S. citizen; represent a U.S. citizen at trial, give legal advice, or pay legal fees and/or fines with U.S. Government funds.
18 Before you go…
19 Travel Documents Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of return to the U.S. and have at least two blank pages Does a family member or friend have a valid passport? Visas Bring your NCard! Driver’s License International Student Identity Card (ISIC) Student Discounts: Airfare, rail passes, theater, opera, museums
20 Airport Check-In & SecurityTicket must match information on passport exactly Check and re-check monitor for gate changes Keep important documents on your person (preferably in an inside pocket within your carry- on luggage) TSA regulations plus security specific to country/destination Body scan, pat down, look in luggage, shoes, belts, liquids, charged electronics, random screenings Arrive at the airport early – may be increased security at airports
21 Customs & Immigration Respond to questions formally and politelyUnique to each country: Right to search luggage, may need to complete paperwork on plane, answers should be consistent with type of experience/visa requirements Local address of campus/hotel, etc. Look for appropriate line! Do not transport items for other people! Passport Control and clearing Customs You are responsible for entry/exit requirements associated with personal travel (outside program activities)
22 Money Understand exchange rates! Debit & Credit CardsWithdrawal fees and other fees unique to each card Alert your bank and credit card company about change of location/destination Keep international phone number with you Some countries do not use credit cards frequently Ensure that you have access to at least 2 cards Look for ATMs with for specific brands associated with your card When possible, use ATMs within bank/corridor Cash Local currency from bank when you land Bring U.S. currency with you to exchange in country Avoid carrying too much cash at any time
23 Health and Wellness…
24 Vaccinations and PreparationsUnderstand host country environment in relation to your personal needs. What did you learn when you read the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) traveler’s health page? Department of State Students Abroad: travel.state.gov/content/studentsabroad/en/health.html General guidance, plus information on prescriptions, mental health, disabilities, etc. UNL Health Clearance Process Travel University Health Center: Pre-travel health counseling Immunizations: Make an appointment at least 4 weeks before departure date World Health Organization (WHO) Yellow Card
25 Medications Prescription MedicationsCheck local laws to make sure any prescriptions you are taking will be legal in the host country Type of medication Amount of medication Keep in original container with label Take more than you need if allowable (refills) Pack your own First Aid Kit Limit yourself to essentials. If you’re feeling bad on Day 1, what do you want on hand? Essential toiletries: not all brands available abroad
26 International Health InsuranceInternational insurance included on all UNL programs Covers medical care, worst case scenarios, and natural disaster and political evacuation. Mental health and pre-existing conditions covered. Utilize the HTH website resources and the app! Log in before you leave: Drug Translation Guide Be prepared to pay for your expenses, KEEP YOUR RECEIPTS, and file your claim! What’s not covered? Adventure sports like skydiving!
27 Health & Wellness AbroadEverything is NEW: routine, culture, language, climate, food, water, bacteria = STRESS on mind and body! Rest = stronger immune system Stay hydrated… buy that water! Diet and exercise: vegetarian, food allergies, kosher/halal, more walking than in U.S. Access to your basic comforts abroad Restrooms/showers Sharing rooms and living out of a suitcase Access to basic toiletries Personal space and privacy Heat and air conditioning
28 Mental Health Abroad International travel can be stressful for all - even those who have not previously had mental health concerns UNL Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) Office Phone Number: 24/7 After Hours Phone Number: University of Michigan Resilient Traveling: resilient-traveling.umich.edu/ Loneliness, Culture Shock, Group Conflict, Personal Struggles Student testimonials from abroad, self-assessment, resources Speak up! Confide in someone you trust as soon as possible!
29 While abroad, you will represent…
30 Questions?