URI Faculty Led Education Abroad Handbook 2013

Transcription

1 THE UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND URI Faculty Led Education Abroad Handbook 2013 Office of International Education 37 Lower College Road Kingston, RI P: E:

2 Table of Contents PART I: MUST DO... 2 Passports:... 2 Visas... 2 Photocopies... 2 Letter of Admission... 2 PART II: PRE-DEPARTURE TASKS... 2 Enrollment... 2 Billing Policies and Procedures... 2 Health Insurance... 3 Travel Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Plan... 3 Student Conduct... 3 Sanctions... 3 PART III: PREPARING FOR A HEALTHY AND SAFE EXPERIENCE... 3 The US State Department Students Abroad Website... 3 American Embassies & Consulates... 3 Preparing for a Healthy Experience... 3 Country Specific Health Information... 3 Prescriptions... 4 Vaccinations Abroad... 4 Crime... 4 PART IV: HELPFUL TIPS... 4 For Women Travelers... 4 For GLBT Travelers... 5 For Travelers with Disabilities... 5 International Flight Arrangements... 5 Packing... 5 Hotel & Hostel Safety Tips... 5 Cell Phones and International Calling Cards... 5 Money Matters... 5 PART V: CROSS-CULTURAL IMMERSION... 6 Culture Stress/ Culture Shock:... 6 Reverse Culture Shock (RCS)... 7 PART VI: RETURNING HOME... 7 Requesting your Transcript... 7

3 PART I: MUST DO Passports: Your most essential requirement for overseas travel is a passport. If you currently hold a passport, be sure to check the expiration date. Many countries require that your passport is valid at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from the host country. If your passport expires within that time frame, you might encounter problems when reentering the U.S. If you do not have a passport, apply for one immediately. For more information regarding passports, visit: studentsabroad.state.gov Visas: In some instances, a tourist visa is required to enter the host country. A visa is a permit or seal stamped on your passport by the government of the country you intend to visit. It allows you to enter the country and permits you to stay for a specified purpose and duration of time. For more information about visas, visit: studentsabroad.state.gov Photocopies: We strongly recommended that you make several photocopies of all travel documents, admission letters, health insurance cards, credit cards, ID cards, etc. Keep one copy with you, separate from the originals, and one back home. These copies can help facilitate the replacement of lost, stolen, or damaged documents while abroad. Letter of Admission: Bring your faculty led education abroad letter of admission with you when you travel. Immigration officials in many countries may want to see the letter, along with your passport, before clearing you through immigration. PART II: PRE-DEPARTURE TASKS Enrollment: Students enrolled in a faculty led education abroad program will be registered for their course(s) by the Office of International Education. Once you are registered, you will be sent a notification, via , so you can review your course details online through e Campus, URI s course management system. Billing Policies and Procedures: Students enrolled in a URI Faculty Led Program will be billed through e Campus. Remember to check your term bill online to ensure all billing matters are resolved prior to departure for your program. Please Note 1. For an itemized description of your program fee, please contact Kelly Watts, kwatts@mail.uri.edu. 2. If your plans change and you will not be studying abroad, contact Kelly Watts ( ) immediately. 2

4 Health Insurance: The University of Rhode Island requires that all students are covered by a health insurance plan. Before going abroad, learn what medical services your health insurance provider will cover overseas. Remember to carry both your insurance policy identity card and a claim form when traveling outside the United States, Travel Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Plan: The University of Rhode Island also requires that education abroad participants obtain medical evacuation and repatriation insurance. As part of a faculty led education abroad program, you will be enrolled in the URI authorized Travel Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Plan through the organization MedEx. A copy of your insurance card and details of the MedEx plan will be provided to you. Student Conduct: It is URI s expectation that students in education abroad programs will maintain conduct that exemplifies the rules and regulations of the University, the host institution, as well as the host country. Conduct that does not fall in line with these rules and regulations will be deemed terms for immediate dismissal from the program, at the student s expense. Sanctions: URI retains the right to sanction a student if and when s/he has been dismissed from a program due to misconduct. A dismissal will nullify a student s right to any refund for the program fee or any other fees affiliated with attending an overseas program. PART III: PREPARING FOR A HEALTHY AND SAFE EXPERIENCE We strongly advise you take steps to prepare for any kind of emergency and to protect your wellbeing. The US State Department Students Abroad Website studentsabroad.state.gov: This website provides comprehensive information and materials on all aspects relevant to students living abroad. Below, we have listed some of the topics found at this website: American Embassies & Consulates: For more information regarding US Embassies and Consulates and their role, travel emergencies including health emergencies, evacuations or natural disasters, and planning for a safe trip, visit: studentsabroad.state.gov Preparing for a Healthy Experience: Visit your health care provider(s) to discuss your travel plans. S/he will be able to discuss your medical needs, as well as current healthcare information and medication requirements for your destination. Country Specific Health Information: Learn as much as possible about your host country and be aware of prevalent illnesses, water and food conditions, and other travel alerts. 3

5 Prescriptions: Bring a copy of all medical prescriptions from your physician in the event that customs officials request to confirm the legitimacy of any medication you are carrying. Vaccinations: Contact your doctor to discuss where you plan to visit and any suggestions s/he may have about your need for immunizations. URI students can also visit Health Services on the Kingston campus to discuss and receive immunizations. Note: Health Services does not carry all vaccinations at its facility. 911 Abroad: If you are in an emergency situation abroad, you will need to know how to contact the police, an ambulance, or even the fire department. Not every county uses 911 as its emergency contact number, as we do in the United States. Visit the Emergencies tab at studentsabroad.state.gov to inform yourself what to do in case of an emergency. Crime: If you become the victim of a crime, speak with the Program Director immediately. The Program Director will contact the local police to report the incident, and the nearest US Embassy or Consulate for assistance. Arrest or Incarceration: Become familiar with the local and national laws of your host country as well as of other countries you may visit while abroad. Remember, while in a foreign country, you are subject to the laws of that country. Most importantly, listen to your program director advice regarding local laws. Driving Abroad: We strongly discourage students from driving while abroad. If you choose to drive while abroad, make sure you obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) before you go, learn about insurance requirements, and inform yourself about the local advisories and rules of the road. Drinking & Drugs: When traveling overseas, it's important to obey the laws and regulations of the country you're visiting, especially those pertaining to drug and alcohol use. IMPORTANT: Every year, many American students are arrested abroad on drug charges or because of their behavior under the influence. Ignorance of the law is no excuse. Avoid underage and excessive alcohol consumption. Many arrests, accidents, rape, and other violent crimes have occurred because of alcohol abuse. PART IV: HELPFUL TIPS For Women Travelers: Researching safety and local customs while abroad is especially important for women travelers. Always try to stay with a group when exploring locally and avoid walking alone at night. Do not feel the need to be overly polite if you are bothered by someone. 4

6 For GLBT Travelers: Some countries offer many legal protections to those who identify as GLBT, while other countries criminalize homosexual behavior. Most GLBT travelers encounter no problems when overseas, but it helps to prepare before you travel abroad. For Travelers with Disabilities: Thoroughly research your location(s) and its accessibility wheel chair ramps can be narrower, hotel bathrooms may not have safety bars, and crossing lights may not have a sound indicator. Accessibility laws vary from country to country, so it is better to be prepared for what you may encounter before you go. International Flight Arrangements: Some programs include group flight arrangements that allow you to travel to your study site with other program participants. On many programs, participants are required to make their own arrangements but must inform their program director of their flight information and if they will be arriving before or after the program start date. Do not make travel arrangements until you have been admitted into your program and have spoken with the Program Director. Packing: Pack light! Your program director will provide a list of items that are helpful for you to have during your stay. You will be able to shop for needed items locally. Hotel & Hostel Safety Tips: If you pursue independent travel before or after the program, it is important to research these destinations as well. While hostels are an affordable and student friendly alternative to expensive hotels, be aware of safety issues while staying in hostels. Cell Phones and International Calling Cards: Many U.S. pre paid calling cards will not work from abroad. Many students have found better rates overseas or online. Shop around and ask your program sponsor for recommendations. Money Matters: It is recommended that students take a variety of funds abroad (cash, credit and debit/atm cards). Be sure to notify banks and credit card companies that you will be traveling abroad. How Much to Take: Your program director should be able to provide you with estimates on how much spending money you will need per month. Remember that if you are receiving financial aid to help finance your program that disbursement of your financial aid can only be made 10 days prior to your first day of class. Currency Exchange: You can exchange American money at most international airports, major banks, and train stations. The exchange rate will vary from place to place and day to day. Banks usually offer the best rates. 5

7 1. ATM Cards: In many countries you can use your debit ATM card at banks to withdraw cash in the local currency. Inquire with your bank about the withdrawal fees, as they can be quite substantial internationally. 2. Major American Banks that have global ATM alliances with international banks that do not charge international transaction fees. Researching these options prior to departure can save money. 3. Many ATMs overseas might not have letters on the keypad so having a PIN with just numbers is easier. ATM exchange rates are usually very good but there will be a limit to the amount you can withdraw each day. 4. Credit Cards: Most major credit cards are accepted abroad. They are convenient as they allow you to access cash through ATMs while overseas. Consult your credit card company for fees charged for cash advances. 5. Transferring Money from Home: If necessary, Western Union provides international services and allows you to receive money at a foreign bank or 6. post office directly from your family in only a couple of days PART V: CROSS-CULTURAL IMMERSION Cross cultural immersion requires many types of skills that may include knowledge of other languages, acceptance of cultural differences, understanding of new intellectual, physical, and emotional environments, etc. Without a doubt, there are instances where the experience of living abroad becomes challenging. In general, those instances are known as periods of cultural stress or culture shock. Culture Stress/ Culture Shock: Culture stress, commonly known as cultural shock, can affect us when we leave a familiar environment for an unfamiliar one. How much cultural shock an individual person will experience depends on how much s/he incorporates or resists the new experiences. It is important to be aware of the signs of culture shock and accept them as normal outcomes. Remember, your Program Director is always there to help if you are experiencing any difficulties. Common signs of cultural shock include, but are not limited to: Homesickness Lack of energy Confusion Negative attitude towards the host culture Seeking isolation from the host culture Seeking to be mostly with people from your own culture 6

8 Helpful strategies for dealing with cultural shock: Setting realistic and attainable goals Being tolerant of differences in others Having a sense of humor Participating in the local culture Reverse Culture Shock (RCS): The journey is not over. When you return to the U.S., you may experience reverse culture shock as you try to re adapt to your own culture. In other words, you might find it difficult to settle back into your old habits, routine, family and friends. Now that you are back, nothing fits because maybe the home, family, friends and environment also changed while you were away. PART VI: RETURNING HOME Requesting Your Transcripts: Academic Transcripts are ordered through the Office of Enrollment Services. There is no charge for the service. Please note that students must fulfill all financial obligations to the University before receiving transcripts. Requests can be submitted in person, by mail or fax, Requests sent through the mail should be addressed to: Transcripts, University of Rhode Island, Office Enrollment Services, Green Hall, 6 Rhody Ram Way, Kingston, RI To access the transcript request form, visit: Program Evaluation: Upon your return, you will receive an from the Office of International Education with a link to a short a survey. We strongly urge participants to complete the evaluation as it will help to improve the programs in the future. Your feedback is very valuable to us! 7