Pre-Departure Checklist - USC Dana and David Dornsife ...



USC Special Sessions Student Handbook 2018-2019Table of Contents TOC \h \u \z Pre-Departure Checklist PAGEREF _sv6gt9pkx3ko \h 3USC Policies PAGEREF _89cm62pnfagg \h 3International Travel PAGEREF _ulth5v4l55ew \h 4U.S. State Department Travel Information PAGEREF _g3xgznvekklj \h 4Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program PAGEREF _oay5c3wl2cvx \h 4Passports PAGEREF _ul86ch1rooho \h 4Visas PAGEREF _owbghwvqt7hq \h 4Entry Requirements PAGEREF _gk3952rnlbl7 \h 5Required Immunizations PAGEREF _skybvlfm28ta \h 5Students in F-1 or J-1 Visa Status PAGEREF _q2gn9ribqick \h 5Air Travel, Rail Passes, and Hostels PAGEREF _wbeooxr4yu49 \h 5Luggage PAGEREF _pr3akvngwfkw \h 6Duties and Tariffs PAGEREF _unnywbryxb5b \h 6Immigration and Customs Inspections PAGEREF _jp45jwnu7kcv \h 6Returning to the U.S. PAGEREF _nso559uuo240 \h 6Emergency Support and Procedures PAGEREF _1y244x6o4ql \h 6Be Prepared PAGEREF _qo6ez01wxm3y \h 6What to Do in an Emergency PAGEREF _6smzscg8ey8d \h 7International SOS Assistance PAGEREF _svjz358r4hot \h 7Office of Overseas Citizens Services PAGEREF _hkuamaxjm1sf \h 8Staying Safe and Obeying the Law PAGEREF _eomj41v13a17 \h 8Personal Responsibility PAGEREF _9tcoc6yxzoss \h 8Local and National Laws PAGEREF _dx0ccll2dszj \h 9Maintaining Health Abroad PAGEREF _jnf5etsdylp8 \h 9Health Insurance PAGEREF _pqnohb66gudj \h 9Immunizations and Health Review PAGEREF _2sivjkvunbyc \h 10Prescriptions PAGEREF _xjutw0ato39j \h 10Mental Health PAGEREF _ewv96r6brn56 \h 10International Travel Medical Services PAGEREF _9dkitayyxw1a \h 11Routine and Emergency Medical Care PAGEREF _frzpfvihkwua \h 11Drugs and Alcohol PAGEREF _ts7rd9x4okxo \h 11Jet Lag PAGEREF _9vud69118kwu \h 12Food and Water Safety PAGEREF _ukvqrhhckqnz \h 12Travelers’ Diarrhea PAGEREF _2mbdpal4i4s0 \h 12Environmental Conditions PAGEREF _3jokuha9isoz \h 12Sexually Transmitted Infections PAGEREF _6gb83py3sb6c \h 13Overseas Blood Transfusions, Blood Products, and Injections PAGEREF _ff3yg1ajolg2 \h 13Tattoos PAGEREF _7isa61dj0kvn \h 13Communication PAGEREF _1la4gub50yyi \h 13Cell Phones PAGEREF _snvczuxckvcc \h 14Text, Voice, and Video Chat PAGEREF _v0qq2ehqikat \h 14International Calls PAGEREF _mdplovclteb5 \h 14Data and Internet PAGEREF _wnq4wbpqktvp \h 14Email PAGEREF _c8ven8x0yz9c \h 15Time Zones PAGEREF _8rq1xnsvbrvm \h 15Mail PAGEREF _tkhfbywv5cut \h 15Money and Banking PAGEREF _i5xr845d6yat \h 15General Financial Information PAGEREF _9zurpqfp9cv5 \h 15Currency Exchange PAGEREF _ul1vekwchju3 \h 15Credit and Debit Cards PAGEREF _g5p02nu739ip \h 15Budgeting PAGEREF _wdbu2ps6ynn9 \h 16Adjusting to a New Culture PAGEREF _2dmhh56ll7ii \h 16Fitting in PAGEREF _yrnef2wd04q5 \h 16Discrimination Abroad PAGEREF _g43ikx1rrr65 \h 17LGBTQ Students Abroad PAGEREF _mubu4cclc8qu \h 17Gender Roles and Norms PAGEREF _qzw2j9l3tehv \h 17Sexual Harassment PAGEREF _xe4ujoyh6tq6 \h 18Readjusting to the U.S. PAGEREF _sg9hcaiantcf \h 18Packing Suggestions PAGEREF _mp86t5imd89m \h 18Clothing PAGEREF _yyke304zjeje \h 19Toiletries and Medical Kit PAGEREF _kevu24beklra \h 19Documents PAGEREF _85e2e5xm0f2o \h 19Gift Suggestions PAGEREF _gy63ino7vkfn \h 19Miscellaneous PAGEREF _iozkc7ltj6fw \h 20Pre-Departure Checklist ? Get your Passport! Most countries require your passport to be valid at least 6 months after your trip ends. If your passport expires during that 6 month time, if it is already expired, or if you do not have one, you need to apply as soon as possible! ? Visa and Entry Documents ? Travel Planning Appointment with your Doctor ? Book Travel (flights, trains, etc)? Make a budget and apply for financial aid or scholarships (like SURF)? Learn about your host country and city, including health, safety, culture, and current events? Get Health Insurance. If you already have health insurance, make sure it meets the requirements set forth by USC and know how to use it abroad? Review International SOS services and familiarize yourself with emergency procedures. ?Determine the 911 equivalent in your host country ? Register with US State Department 2 weeks before departure ? Photocopy all important documents and give them to someone you trust at home ? Notify your bank of travel and bring a list of international numbers for your bank ? Get $100 of local currency? Make a communication plan with your family. Look into international phone plans? Attend a general orientation and program specific orientation (if applicable) ? Read this entire handbook! ? If you are bringing/need a laptop, connect to USC’s VPN to access USC resources and get around firewalls in some countries ? Purchase electrical current and plug adapters? Pack lightly and appropriately ? Review the local language and learn key phrases? Bring USC ID and International SOS card ? Complete the Mental Health Abroad Checklist: Policies While you are enrolled in your USC-sponsored program and associated travel, you are held to USC standards of conduct, including USC’s policies on alcohol and drug use and sexual misconduct. You can find the standards of conduct in Scampus (). You will also be held to local laws and policies of any affiliated institutions. If you violate any policies or laws, you may receive disciplinary actions, including returning to the US at your own cost and possible hearings with SJACs.International Travel U.S. State Department Travel Information Please visit the following two websites created by the US State Department: travel. and studentsabroad.. These websites provide ample information about preparing for travel, as well as situations you may encounter abroad. Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program You must enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) through the Department of Stated. By registering, you will be provided with up to date information about the country you are traveling to, travel warnings, and travel alerts. Enrolling through STEP also allows the US State Department to help you in the event there is an emergency. You only need to sign up once, and then you can add and delete trips from your account based on your travel plans. Passports As soon as you are accepted to a program, check to see if your passport is valid at least 6 months after you will return to the US. If your passport is expired or will expire in 6 months after your return, apply for a new passport immediately. Applying for and receiving your passport typically takes 4-6 weeks, but could take up to ten weeks. Your passport is the most important item you will bring while you are traveling. You need your passport to enter a new country and to return to the US. You need to find a safe space to keep your passport while you are abroad or carry it with you. Make a copy of your passport to take with you abroad and leave a copy with a family member.If you lose your passport while abroad, immediately report the loss or theft to the local police and the US State Department’s Passport Services. You may visit travel.content/passports/english/emergencies/lost-or-stolen-passports-abroad.html for more information about a lost or stolen passport. Visas A visa is a stamp or document from a foreign government that grants official permission to enter that country on or after a certain date for a defined length of time and purpose, such as study, tourism, or work. Countries have varying visa requirements, so check your country’s requirements as soon as you find out that you are traveling. You can check the following website for country specific entry and exit requirements: travel.content/passports/english/country.html. Entry Requirements You may be required to present some documents upon arrival to a country. Check requirements from your country’s embassy website. Some of the documents you may be asked to present are: Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of your stay Acceptance letter to your overseas programProof of medical insurance and required vaccinesLetter of good conduct or background checkHIV/AIDS test results Required Immunizations Some countries require you to receive specific immunizations prior to arriving to their country. Your doctor or University Health Services will be able to provide you with an “International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis” that confirms your immunizations and the date(s) you received them. Be sure to have this form accessible to you when you arrive to your host country. Students in F-1 or J-1 Visa StatusTravel Signatures: To travel outside of the US, you must have a signature on page 3 of your I-20 form or in the lower right corner of your DS-2019 Form. If these signatures will expire before or during your abroad program, you must have one of these forms signed by a Designated School Official (DSO) or Alternative Responsible Officer (ARO). Applying for a New F-1 or J-1 Visa: You will need a valid F-1 or J-1 visa to re-enter the US. If your visa will expire while you are abroad, you must visit the US embassy or consulate while you are abroad to renew it. You will need a valid passport, valid I-20 or DS-2019 with a current travel signature, evidence of adequate financial support, and any other documents that might be required by the consulate to re-apply for a visa while abroad.Air Travel, Rail Passes, and Hostels You should book your air travel as a round-ticket trip as soon as you know the beginning and end dates of your program. Your program director may also ask you to purchase a rail pass; they will provide more information if you will be doing a lot of intra- or intercountry traveling during your program. Your program director will also let you know what arrangements need to be made for your room and board for the duration of your program. If you need to book a hostel, try to book them in advance. Hostels can help you save money while abroad. Luggage While you are packing, make sure you are adhering to airline requirements for size and weight of luggage. If you will be traveling on multiple airlines, you need to check all of the airline policies to ensure you will not run into a problem while abroad. Put your local country contact information, as well as your US contact information on each piece of your luggage. It is best to pack lightly when you are travelling abroad, so try to limit the amount of luggage you are taking with you. Duties and TariffsKeep in mind that you may have to pay duties or tariffs on purchases you make abroad. Keep receipts for major overseas purchases and check policies with the US Customs and Border Services prior to departure. Immigration and Customs Inspections When you arrive to your host country, you will be asked to present your passport, visas, and proof of immunizations. Make sure you have these items in your carry-on luggage in a safe place. The immigration officer will ask you why you are visiting the country and how long you will be there. Then, your passport will be stamped and you will go through a customs inspection, where officers will examine your bags and determine if you are in violation of any regulations. Returning to the U.S. You are permitted to bring $800 or less of goods you purchased abroad when you return to the US. You will declare these items to a customs officer through a declaration form, likely on your flight home. Make sure that your items are not prohibited or restricted prior to bringing them on the plane. Emergency Support and Procedures Be Prepared You will likely have a safe and healthy experience abroad. However, we want you to be prepared for minor emergencies (theft, illness, injury) and major crises (natural and environmental disasters, civil unrest, political uprising, terrorist attack, etc). You should learn about your host country prior to leaving so you will understand what to do in an emergency. Language barriers and lack of familiarity in a different country could turn a minor problem into an emergency. Research the following before you arrive in the host country: Know where the nearest hospital is Know how to contact local police Keep your local contacts informed if you are traveling or going out beyond the activities planned for your programBe aware of the emergency procedures of your host organizationIn most cases, our program director will share important information with you. Look at safety bulletins and state travel warnings for your country. You should register through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) through the State Department to be up to date on emergency or health updates for your country.What to Do in an Emergency An emergency is any situation that poses a risk to your health, safety, and security. These situations could be medical, criminal, natural, or political in nature. In a crisis, you need to try to remain calm, keep yourself safe, and use good judgement. If you do have an emergency: Secure your immediate physical safety Contact International SOS Alarm Center If calling from North America, South or Central America: +1-21-5942-8226Europe, Africa, or the Middle East: +44-20-8762-8008 Asia, Australia, or the Pacific Rim: +65-6338-7800Call the local emergency number Call your on-site Faculty Director or use the 24 hour USC emergency line Keep your phone line open and check emails if you canContact the Office of Special Sessions at USC to inform them of your emergency In a medical (including mental health) emergency, immediately go to a hospital. If it is not a medical emergency, try to use your International SOS services. To use International SOS, call the nearest call center using a number on your SOS card. USC’s membership number is 11BSGC000010. You should also contact USC Student Affairs for crisis management and notify your Faculty Director. You can also make an anonymous report through Trojans Care for Trojans (TC4T). International SOS Assistance All USC students enrolled in an abroad program will be automatically added to USC’s International SOS Assistance. ISOS is a 24-hour emergency assistance program that can be of great help for your medical needs. ISOS is not insurance or medical care; ISOS can provide you with advice and is a great resource in helping you find medical care abroad. Some of their services include: information on travel health issues, referrals to English-speaking doctors, and emergency and routine medical advice. In addition to medical services, ISOS can help with legal referrals, lost document advice, and evacuation services.We strongly recommend that you download the ISOS App on your phone to access the information easily. For your reference, the USC group number you need to access International SOS services is 11BSG0000010. Their US phone number is 215-942-8478.Office of Overseas Citizens Services You may also find help in an emergency at the Office of Overseas Citizens Services. You may call the Office of Overseas Citizens Services at +1-202-501-4444. They can help you: Replace a stolen passport Contact family or friends Obtain medical care Address emergency needs as they arise as a result of crime Obtain general information about local criminal justice process and information about your case Obtain information about local resources to assist victimsObtain a list of local English-speaking attorneys Staying Safe and Obeying the Law Personal Responsibility You can do many things while abroad to reduce your chance of emergency situations. First, you need to make two copies of your passport, visa(s), debit and credit cards (front and back), and other important documents. Take one copy with you abroad and leave it in a safe space. The other copy you should leave with your family. You may consider uploading scans of these documents to your Google Drive in a password protected document so you are able to access the information from anywhere. Second, take the time to research your host country prior to departure. Cultures can be very different than what you are used to, but taking the time to better understand the country’s culture may help you understand situations and avoid danger. Be aware of your surroundings while you are abroad, try to fit in, and trust your instincts; if something doesn’t feel right, remove yourself from the situation. The following is a list that with help you stay safe while abroad: Carry the US Special Sessions Emergency Number and your Faculty Director’s local number with you at all timesAt a minimum, know how to ask for help in the native language of the country and know local emergency telephone numbers Always keep an eye on your purses, cameras, and electronicsDo not carry large amounts of cash or keep all your important items in one bag Do not keep your phone or wallet in a back pocket Be alert in crowds Do not hitchhike Do not rent cars, motorcycles, mopeds, or scootersDo not stay out late at night alone, or walk alone late at nightWhen traveling long distance by train or bus, attach your bag to the luggage rack with a lockTry to blend in Avoid protests and rallies Keep your doors locked Make reservations at hotels or hostels prior to arriving Do not use ATMs in an isolated place or alone Leave an itinerary of your travel with your Faculty Director and family at home Local and National Laws It is your responsibility to understand the laws of your country and abide by them. Your legal protections in the US are not the same and when you are abroad. You are responsible for your actions and the consequences following your choices. Keep in mind that many country have more severe punishments than the US. Additionally, many countries do not have a bail system if you are put in jail. You are not guaranteed to be “innocent until proven guilty” in other countries. Drug, alcohol, and medical substances laws will likely be very different in your host country. Avoid drugs and other illegal substances while you are abroad. Check to see if any prescription medicine you take is illegal in your host country. Maintaining Health AbroadHealth InsuranceUSC students are required to have one of two forms of USC Health Insurance while they are abroad. You may either choose the comprehensive USC Health Insurance Plan, which covers you in the US and abroad, or waive the USC insurance and get the USC Overseas Insurance, paid for on a month-to-month basis. For abroad health care, you will be covered by ACE/Chubb under either plan. Pay attention to what is covered in the plans (emergency medical services) and what is not (routine care or dangerous activities). Please be aware that if you only opt into the USC Overseas Insurance, you will not be covered in the US for any amount of time; you must have your own health insurance that is separate for the US. In general, health costs abroad will be paid out of pocket and you will be reimbursed through your insurance after you file a claim. If for some reason there is an issue with this, International SOS is a great resource. You may also contact USC Health Services for information. Immunizations and Health Review Depending on your travel, you may be required to receive immunizations for your travel. We suggest you make a travel appointment with your doctor 10 weeks in advance of your departure to ensure that your medical requirements for travel are met. Additionally, you need to complete a travel appointment with your doctor. This can be completed at the same time as your immunizations. Prescriptions If you take a medication, you need to take enough medication to last you for the duration of time away from the US. Other countries have different prescription laws and it may be difficult or impossible for you to get your prescription abroad. You doctor can write a letter to the insurance company to release enough medication to you for the duration of your stay. Follow up with this during your travel appointment with your doctor. You may also need to take a signed letter from your doctor explaining the need for the medication, the dosage, and description of your condition. Keep your medication in its original container and do not mix medications in the same container. You should know the generic names for your prescriptions in case you need to find it abroad. While you are abroad, do not share your medication and do not stop taking your medication. Mental Health Studying abroad is an exciting experience, but it can cause a lot of stress and worsen existing conditions. You should take a mental health assessment (available online through USC Health Services) and create a plan for your time abroad before departure. Include your doctor in making a plan with you. You should consider things like what you will do in an emergency, what your support system with look like, and access to medication. USC has many resources available to students, both on campus and online. We encourage you to use these resources prior to your program and during your program. Additionally, International SOS may be able to help you find medical support in your host country; however, these services are not usually covered in international insurance. Here are some strategies that may help you while you are abroad: Using cognitive techniques to get you out of negative thought patterns Try not to over-generalize Plan days to include some activities you enjoy Break down difficult tasks into smaller incremental parts Give yourself credit for the small things you do Get up and get dressed even if you don’t feel like it Get emotional support for a friend, support staff, or professionalStay involved in class Listen to or help someone else Get exercise Get as much sunlight as possible Eliminate sugar, caffeine and junk food from your diet Limit alcohol use International Travel Medical Services The USC University Park Health Center and USC Campus Pharmacy provide a service called International Travel Health Services. They can provide exams and letters required for certain visas, advise you on managing health issues overseas, and provide immunizations if needed. You can contact them at (213) 740-0472.Routine and Emergency Medical Care Routine medical care is typically not covered under international insurance. Prior to leaving the US, determine your routine medical needs, identify a doctor’s office to meet your needs, find the nearest pharmacy, and ask your insurance about your coverage abroad. You may need to pay for everything out of pocket and get reimbursed by your insurance at a later date. International SOS is a good resource to help you find a doctor and pharmacy while you are abroad. You should also locate the nearest hospital to you and understand how insurance works in the case of an emergency. Upon or before arrival, you should find out what arrangements exist locally for routine health care and the location of the nearest pharmacy. Make sure you also learn the name and location of the hospital nearest to your residence abroad and how to summon emergency medical care. You can find a list of emergency numbers at the following website: studentsabroad.content/pdfs/911_ABROAD.pdf. Drugs and Alcohol While you are abroad, pay attention to the laws surrounding drugs and alcohol and take more extensive precautions than you normally would in the USC. You are held to USC policies and your host country’s standards and laws during your program. It is wise to avoid drug use while abroad to ensure you do not encounter any medical or legal problems. If you are legally able to drink, keep in mind that many other countries drink alcohol as part of socializing; they do not typically drink to get drunk. Be responsible while you are abroad and exercise caution; you will be in an unfamiliar location and it is best to have your faculties in the event a problem arises. Many problems that students face abroad occur when alcohol is involved. Use the buddy system and common sense!Jet Lag It is likely that everyone will experience jet lag as they adjust to a new time zone and country. Some symptoms of jet lag are indigestion, daytime sleepiness, headaches, changes in blood pressure, fatigue, and poor concentration. Jet lag is not a serious issue unless the symptoms persist for longer than a week or two. If your symptoms are not getting better, seek medical attention. Food and Water Safety During your first week abroad, your body will be adjusting to the new food, water, and environment. You will likely experience minor stomach issues during this adjustment. However, you should be aware of the food and water safety in your host country and city. In extreme conditions, boiled water and bottled beverages may be the only safe drink while you are abroad. Tap water could be contaminated and should be avoided. If your water is contaminated, think about the food you are eating as well. Avoid fresh fruits and vegetables, ice, and unpasteurized milk products. Travelers’ Diarrhea Traveler’s diarrhea is very common and will likely show up in your first week abroad. Travelers’ Diarrhea comes from eating or drinking contaminated food or water and should not last longer than a week. If you have travelers’ Diarrhea, do your best to stay hydrated. You can drink canned fruit juices, hot tea, or carbonated drinks. If your diarrhea persists, consult a local physician immediately. Environmental ConditionsIt may take some time to adjust to local climates and conditions in your host country. Try to dress in similar garb as locals; consider light layers and stay hydrated. The amount of sunshine in your host country may differ greatly from Los Angeles, which can cause mental health and emotional problems. You may also notice many people smoking in your host country, which may affect your breathing. Similarly, some cities are very polluted and can pose a problem, especially if you have a respiratory medical condition, like asthma. Research this before you leave so you know what to expect when you arrive. You may have allergies pop up in your host country; consider taking an antihistamine with you in case this happens. Sexually Transmitted Infections While you are abroad it is important the you practice safe sex procedures. Take condoms or other contraceptives with you, they may be difficult to obtain abroad. You should also research your host country in regards to sex and sexual encounters. You should also consider how to ask for consent in your host country and how to ask or ensure that you and your partner are using contraception. Cultures have different expectations about how to act, including how close to stand, what is considered appropriate touching, etc. You should be familiar with these norms. However, if you ever feel uncomfortable despite cultural norms, remove yourself from the situation and trust your instincts. Remember that even though you are abroad, all the risks of sexual interaction still exist. Safe sex practices will help you avoid Sexually Transmitted Infections or other consequences of sex. Overseas Blood Transfusions, Blood Products, and Injections While we do not anticipate you needing a blood transfusion abroad, we want to provide you with important information about blood and medical practices abroad. Be very careful if you are receiving a blood transfusion abroad, as many countries do not screen donated blood. You can check with the US embassy in your host country to find out information about blood safety in your host country. Make sure you know your blood type before leaving the US. Also keep in mind that some countries may reuse medical equipment, such as needles or syringes. You can sometimes buy your own needle or syringe, but it is best to avoid injections altogether while you are abroad unless there is an emergency. TattoosIf you would like to get a tattoo while you are abroad, research the safety of tattoo parlors and any cautionary steps you might need to take while travelling. Make sure the equipment is sterile and fresh. Communication It is important that you create a communication plan with your family or friends while you are abroad. We encourage you to experience the most that you can while you are abroad, so try not to spend all day on FaceTime or texting. However, it is important to check in with your loved ones back home. Cell Phones Most students use cell phones to call or text family members. However, unless activated, your US cell phone will not work abroad. You should call your cell phone provider to determine if there is a good plan for you to use while abroad, especially for a short trip. It may be ideal to get an inexpensive, pay-as-you-go phone when you arrive in the country, especially to communicate with locals from your host country. Remember that international fees can be quite high, so do your research well in advance of your departure! Text, Voice, and Video Chat Skype and FaceTime can be wonderful resources that allow you to connect to Wi-Fi and contact your loved ones. These programs are free as long as you can connect to Wi-Fi. Look into your housing while you are abroad and the amenities provided to you. It would be wise to set up one or both of these accounts prior to leaving and testing them to make sure you understand how they work. International Calls If you are calling from a foreign number, you will need to follow the following steps to ensure that your call goes through:The international dialing number/code for the country from which you are calling. For example, the international dialing code to call from the US to another country is 011. In the UK and many other countries, it is 00. Some countries may offer more than one number depending on the carrier and type of service. The country code of the country you are calling. For example, the country code for the US is 1. The country code is dialed after the international direct dialing code and before the city/area code. Country and city codes can be obtained from operator assistance or at The city/area code (if any) for the number you are dialing. The local number. Data and Internet You may be able to pay for Data on your current phone plan while you are abroad for a specific fee per day. Call your phone provider to see if there is a way to add international data to your plan while you are away. EmailEmail is a wonderful way to share information and pictures with your family. Check your housing accommodations to see if you will have access to the internet while you are abroad. Time Zones Keep in mind the time difference between your host country and where your family or friends are. You can find the time zones for the world at . Mail If you need to receive a package or mail a package, look into airmail, which is faster than surface mail. Shipping costs internationally can be expensive. Look at your local post office, FedEx, DHL, or UPS to compare costs. Money and Banking General Financial Information You must notify your bank and credit card companies that you will be traveling out of the country. Let them know the dates you will be traveling and the cities or countries. Your bank may freeze your account if you try to use your card in a different country without letting them know! We recommend using your card in your country as much as you can, but check with your bank or card to see if there are transaction fees. Currency ExchangeBefore you leave, we suggest that you get $100 in local currency to use when you arrive. Each country has a different exchange rate, which change daily. You can look online for the exchange rate for your host country. It is best to exchange money at a bank; if you try to exchange money at a restaurant or store, they will likely give you a much worse rate than a bank or hotel. Credit and Debit Cards We suggest taking both a credit and debit card on your trip; we recommend Visa or Mastercard, as they are the most accepted cards internationally. Credit cards are a great resource to have in case of emergency. However, some cards have large international feeds. Call your credit card company prior to leaving to ensure that you can use your card abroad without fees. Be careful while spending abroad. It can be easy to overspend, especially if you are only using credit and debit cards. You want to plan a budget and stick to it. You should be able to access ATMs abroad in the event that you need cash. Look for the same logos or companies on the back of your card and make sure they match the ATM to avoid high transaction fees. You need to remember your four digit PIN to access your debit cards and you may need a PIN if you want to use your credit card at an ATM. You should make a copy of the front and back of any cards you are taking, in case one gets lost or stolen. There are international phone numbers to call on the back of your card, so make sure you are calling the correct number from your host country. Before you leave, call your card company to let them know the dates and locations of your travel. If you do not call, they may freeze your accounts and you will be stuck in a foreign country without access to money. BudgetingBased on the exchange rates and the country you are visiting, the cost of living can vary drastically. It is always important to budget when you are taking a trip; it is easy to overspend when you are abroad! Prior to leaving, look at your estimated cost sheet or talk to other students who have been on the trip previously. Adjusting to a New Culture The biggest difficulty that students report to us is adjusting to the new culture. Feelings of homesickness and culture shock are normal and may cause you to feel overwhelmed or frustrated. You may be uncomfortable while you are there for at least part of you trip; remember this is normal! Initially, many students feel excitement and euphoria, but these feelings may fall to discomfort, anxiety, or depression. It is difficult to prepare to adjust to to a new culture. It is helpful to research new cultures prior to leaving, but you won’t truly understand the culture until you have been immersed in it. You may have some preconceived notions about a culture you are visiting, but keep in mind that locals may have opinions of you based on their understanding of American culture. As you adjust, keep an open mind; observe local people, do not judge, and ask questions politely. Fitting in Your experience abroad will be best if you try to fit in with the culture. Not only will it enhance your experience, but it will also help you be more safe. Here is a following list of cultural aspects to think about as you try to fit in with your host culture. Speak the Language Politeness Small Talk and Personal Questions Physical Contact Romantic and Sexual RelationshipsDrinking and Drunkness Humor Price BargainingDiscrimination Abroad Discrimination exists in our country and internationally and can be based on race, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, age, religion, gender, or physical ability. While you are abroad, you may be a minority or you might face Anti-American attitudes. Researching your host culture and talking to previous participants about their experiences may help you feel prepared for situations you may encounter. LGBTQ Students Abroad Your host culture’s views of LGBTQ culture may differ than what you may have experienced in the US. You might consider researching your host country’s climate for the LGBTQ population. In some countries, you may want to research legality, restrictions on expressions and freedom of association, anti-discriminatory laws, and sodomy. You may find some LGBTQ resources at: Univeristy of South florida LGBT Student Guide: educationabroad.global.usf.edu/_customtags/ct_FileRetrieve.cfm?File_ID=51978Michigan State Study Abroad for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered Students: studyabroad.isp.msu.edu/forms/glbt.htmlUS State Department LGBT Travel Information: travel.content/passports/english/go/lgbt.htmlInternational Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Intersex Association: NAFSA Association of International Educations Rainbow Special Interest Group: Center for Transgender Equality: Issues/travel.html Gender Roles and Norms Every culture has different views of gender and what roles each gender is expected to take. These roles and norms may be very different than what you are used to in the US or at USC. You may want to research how your host country views dating and relationships, and how women and men are expected to speak and behave. You will have to spend time and carefully observe your host culture to understand unwritten rules of your host culture. If you feel uncomfortable, remember that your own personal values and expectations may conflict with those of your host country. Try to For women traveling abroad, consider specific safety concerns you may have abroad. Women are particularly targeted in crimes of mugging and sexual assault, although these same crimes still affect men. Be extra careful when you are abroad, especially at night, in crowds, or by yourself. Sexual Harassment As mentioned previously, some countries exhibit different norms regarding appropriate touching and gender norms. Despite these different norms, sexual harassment still occurs and your own personal boundaries regarding sexual harassment do not have to change. If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, it is best to remove yourself as best as you can. Be aware of your surroundings, be cautious with alcohol use, and always use the buddy system. If you are the victim of sexual assault, know that it was not your fault and you have a support network. If you are assaulted: Go to a safe place Do not shower or change clothesGet help from a trusted personInform your Faculty Director Follow the guidance of the Faculty Director for medical, psychological, and legal supportIt is critical to inform your Faculty Director in the event of an assault; they can provide you support and assist you in finding resources. Readjusting to the U.S.After traveling abroad, some students find it difficult to return to campus. Students usually feel excited to be home again, but may miss the relationships they built abroad or may feel like their friends at home can’t understand their experiences. This is a very normal feeling and it usually goes away quickly. Packing Suggestions Make sure you pack light! Many students report that they over-packed for their trip abroad. Remember you can buy a lot of the things you need abroad and you may want to leave a little space to bring items back. Bring items that are comfortable and practical for the activities you have planned while abroad. Many countries dress more formally than the US day-to-day, so keep that in mind while you pack! Clothing Basics: socks, underwear shorts (if appropriate), skirts/pants, shirts, pajamas, sweater/sweatshirtWaterproof walking shoes, flips-flops, shower shoes Rain jacket, light jacket or winter coat, gloves, hat, scarf (as appropriate) Bathing suit Sun hat and sunglasses One or two nice outfits Toiletries and Medical Kit Basics: toothbrush, toothpaste, comb/brush, deodorant, razors, moisturizer, chapstickSunscreen Prescription medicines (carry a copy of prescription and letter from physician) Non-prescription drugs:laxative, antacid, pain reliever, antidiarrheal medication, motion sickness pills, decongestant, antihistamine, anti-fungal cream, cough suppressantInsect Repellent and itch cream Bandages, gauze, tape, antibiotic cream Oral thermometer Contraceptives and condoms Tampons/sanitary napkins (enough for whole stay) Extra eyeglasses and contact lenses with cleaning solution Tweezers, nail clippersPre-moistened towelettes Water disinfectant (iodine or chlorine solution) Gatorade/electrolyte replacing powder Documents Passport and visa(s) and photocopies of each International SOS card Airline ticket and rail passes Medical insurance card and coverage plan Driver’s license Emergency contact information Credit Card, Debit car, etc and copies for lost/stolen cards Gift Suggestions You may want to bring a small gift to a host family (if applicable) to show your gratitude for allowing you to be with their family. An item from USC, such as clothing or pin, or non-perishable traditional American food may be good options. Miscellaneous Money belt or neck wallet Umbrella Watch Camera Flash drive Flashlight Day backpack Alarm clock Adapter and voltage converter Small locks for luggage ................
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