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NMSU Office of Education AbroadPre-Departure OrientationMay 2nd, 2015

+Game Plan

I. Welcome, Introductions & Plan for the Morning (9:00-9:30)

II. Understanding Culture Shock (9:30-10:15)

III. Break (10:15-10:30)

IV. Study Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation (10:30-12:00)

V. Program/Country Specific Break-out Session and Meet & Greet (12:00-1:00)

+Congratulations on Your Decision to Study Abroad!

Enhance Global Awareness

Bolster Academic Learning

Increase Leadership Skills

Expand Career Opportunities

Experience Personal Growth

Provide an Opportunity to Learn Another Language

+True Outliers Less than 2% (283,382) of US students studied abroad

for credit in 2012-2013

At NMSU, less than 3% of students study abroad.

New Mexico was ranked 48th in the US in terms of the percentage of students studying abroad based on the total Fall 2012 enrollment in degree granting institutions (844/157,555/0.54%)

+Health and Safety

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgpYhz0awzo

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/registration/registration_4789.html

Know the law! Once you are on foreign soil, you are subject to that

country’s laws. Some laws will be stricter and some will be more lenient

than what you are used to in the United States and some will apply to situations that you just don’t encounter at home.

Before you go, learns as much as you can about the local laws of the places you plan to visit.

+Health and Safety

NMSU Health Center The Health Center provides a comprehensive educational and immunization

consultation for preparing international travelers for healthy and safe experiences.

Call Health Center at 646-1512 to schedule your consultation.

Medications Abroad: http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_4965.html If you currently require regular medication or injections (insulin, allergy shots,

birth control pills), be sure to check with your provider concerning supplies and recommendations for while you are abroad.

Prescription medicines should be accompanied by a letter from your provider describing the problem and the dosage of prescribed medication. Pack in your carry-on luggage and keep in original bottle with a copy of your prescription.

Travelers required to take a medicine containing habit-forming or narcotic drugs should carry a doctor’s certificate attesting to that fact. Due to differences in laws, it is best to consult the embassies of the countries you will visit prior to departing from the U.S.

Japan example: http://japan.usembassy.gov/e/acs/tacs-medimport.html

+Health and Safety

Obtain all necessary vaccinations as recommended by your doctor

Get a medical and dental check-up. Small problems that can arise, such as a cavity, can take on greater significance in a foreign country where you are unfamiliar with the medical system, insurance, etc.

Obtain appropriate insurance and understand how to use it if you have to. This can be a little complicated, so you do not want to have to figure it out while you are dealing with sickness or injury.

Get doctor-signed prescriptions for any medication you have to bring abroad and include your glasses or contacts prescription in case you lose these.

Give copies of all important health related documents to someone at home you can trust in case of emergency. These documents should include copies of prescriptions (including those for eyeglasses), insurance information, emergency contact numbers in the foreign country, in addition to anything your program sponsors recommend.

Get fit.  A healthy body will help you to fight off illness and recover faster. You can also expect to do a lot of walking, so it’s worth getting used to early on.

+Health Insurance Know your insurance company’s procedures for securing health care and

making a claim.

Country Specific Insurance and Beta Students studying in Australia, Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Canada on

semester exchanges will be required to purchase country specific health insurance upon arrival.

You will also be enrolled in Beta Insurance which is $18 for 6 months and will be charged to your MyNMSU student account.

ISEP Health Insurance Please see your IIS for insurance requirements for your country of study.

HTH Health Insurance The Office of Study Abroad will enroll all other semester/academic year students in

HTH health insurance. You will receive an email confirmation once you are enrolled. Print this information

and take it with you! Your study abroad advisor will also upload a copy of your HTH health insurance

cards into your study abroad account should you need copies while you are abroad. https

://www.hthstudents.com/login/entry.cfm?script_name=/service-request/provider-search-results.cfm

+Locating a Physician While Traveling Abroad

If you find yourself in a situation were your require a physician, you are not on your host campus, and you are not fluent in the language of the country, contact one of the following: U.S. Embassy of Consulate International Association for Medical Assistance for

Travelers (IAMAT) website for a list of fully licensed English speaking doctors abroad. www.iamat.org

Large travel agencies such as Thomas Cook Go to the front desk of a large hotel

To avoid communication breakdowns, be sure to locate an English speaking doctor.

+Rules and Regulations for Host Country

As a visitor of your host country, you are subject to the laws and regulations of their judicial system.

Refusing to obey local laws, especially those that concern alcohol and the use of illicit drugs, can get you kicked out of your program and thrown into jail.

The Bureau of Consular Affairs, a branch of the U.S. Department of State, is responsible for protecting the interests of the US citizens abroad. They should be contacted if you find yourself in a legal problem.

+Alcohol and Drugs

Intoxication and a lack of familiarity with your environment is a dangerous combination. Losing control makes you very vulnerable, and there are always people who will take advantage of that.

Don’t drink alone. If you want to go a party, implement a buddy system so that one person stays completely sober.

If drugs are illegal, don’t use them. Some countries laws are extremely strict and there will be no way to weasel out of being caught with them.

+Personal Safety

The major crimes that occur abroad are robbery and pick pocketing.

Keep important documents in a money belt or neck wallet under your clothing to keep them out of reach of a pick pocket. If your money belt is difficult to get to, keep small amounts of money in a more accessible place.

Don’t display your valuables or cash any more than necessary.

Don’t walk alone at night; always travel in pairs or groups.

Wear clothing appropriate to the locations. Know the culture of the country and conform to it.

+Psychological Challenges to Students in New Cross Cultural Settings Culture Shock

Connect With Others Anticipate Returning Home

Managing Healthy Transitions Saying "Goodbye" Farewell Event

Relationships Long-Distance Relationships

Support Structure Explore New Activities

New Relationships Making Friends

Dealing with Anti-American Sentiment

+Psychological Challenges to Students in New Cross Cultural Settings Dating and sexual norms

Information Gathering Clarify Boundaries The Importance of Planning Ahead

Abuse of Alcohol and Other Drugs Behavioral Contracts and Consequences

Depression Connect with Mental Health Professional Encourage Activity

Grief and Coping with Loss

Managing Anxiety Encourage Good Self Care Limit Stress-Inducing Chemicals Increase Recreational/Relaxing Activities Monitor Stress-Inducing Thoughts

+Political Instability and Natural Disasters

If your host country falls on the U.S. Department of State travel warning list while you are abroad, you must return home immediately as per NMSU policy.

If you are in a politically unstable country, avoid crowds. Check the U.S. Department of State’s Consular Information Sheets for current conditions in your host country.

If natural disasters (earthquakes, hurricanes, etc.) are common in your host country, check with your International Office at your host university for emergency procedures.

If something does occur, notify your family AND the Office of Study Abroad as soon as you can so that we know you are safe. Email: stdyabrd@nmsu.edu

+Passports

If you haven’t already, apply for your passport now! It can take 4-8 weeks to process a passport.

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after you will return from studying abroad. If it is not, it needs to be renewed.

How to apply for a Passport: Applications and information about requirements can be

found on the U.S. Department of State webpage. El Paso Passport Agency provides in person passport

services and can process passport applications much quicker than a post office.

+Visas

It is YOUR responsibility to apply for your student visa if necessary. General “rule of thumb”: Needed if >90 days

Visas: You can NOT apply for your visa until you have received your

passport and your official acceptance letter from your host university.

Check out http://projectvisa.com for a list of foreign consulates and embassies world wide.

Application process can be long and unpredictable so starting look at the requirements for your visa now!

If you are unsure about whether or not you need a visa, ask your Study Abroad Advisor.

+Flight Booking Tips

We recommend that you wait until you have received your official letter of acceptance from your host university before booking your flight. This letter will have your official semester dates on it.

Booking a Flight Online: Typically airfares are highest during the weekends. Try to fly

on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Search for tickets at midnight EST during the week. Fares

are usually lower. Early morning flights are usually cheaper.

+Flight Booking Tips

Recommended Online Search Engines: STA Airfare Deposit Program 1-800-777-0112

$300 deposit and price of ticket is guaranteed. Full payment is due 7 days prior to departure.

Kayak.com, Cheaptickets.com, Orbitz.com, and Expedia.com

Local Travel Agents in Las Cruces can often offer better prices than what you can find online, and they provide more support. Atlas Travel-414 Main Street, 575-524-1444 Adventure Travel-2460 Missouri Avenue, 575-523-5681

+Contact and Travel Information

Leave a copy of your passport, power of attorney, travel dates, flight information and itinerary with your family.

A copy of your passport is also uploaded in your study abroad account. You can access a copy while you are abroad.

Carry a copy of your passport and visa in your carry on luggage, or somewhere safe (wallet, email, dropbox all good options).

It is YOUR responsibility to know your arrival details (school/housing address) and in-country contacts: Program Coordinator Abroad (know this person!) International Programs Office Have a PLAN B ASK YOUR ADVISOR FOR HELP IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS/DOUBTS

Make sure your friends and family know how to contact you.

+Packing

Carry-on Luggage: Documents: Passport, original acceptance letter from host university,

tickets, rail passes, student ID, Driver’s License, cash, travelers checks, and credit card. Check with the Embassy of your host country to see what other documents you may need to entire the county at your first port of entry.

Change of Clothes and a toothbrush in case your luggage is lost.

Check-in Luggage: Make sure your luggage is not oversize or overweight. You will be

bringing home MORE than you are packing and oversize/overweight charges are expensive! Check airline for requirements.

What NOT to bring: Toiletries: Only pack small amounts, you can buy this when you arrive; Bedding and towels: Don’t use your valuable luggage space for these

items. Buy inexpensive sheets and towels upon arrival.

+Documents to Turn in by May 1st

Copy of Passport

Course Equivalency Form

OEA Health form

Verification of Financial Aid Form

All signature documents

Remove all holds on your account!! Make sure you have a $0.00 balance on your MyNMSU student account.

We will not register you for the NMSU ISE courses until all documents and signature agreements are

completed.

*THIS WILL BE DONE DURING THE WEEK OF MAY 5TH*

This will affect financial aid!!

+MyNMSU Student Account

If an outstanding balance on your student account is not paid by the 2nd week of September, you will be charged $10 each month you have an unpaid balance and put on a payment plan.

Your financial aid will be disbursed the first week of NMSU classes, the same time as all other NMSU students on campus. If you receive a scholarship from NMSU Study Abroad, it will be disbursed with your financial aid.

+Scholarships

A Legacy student is one who started in Fall 2012 or earlier. Legacy students may take12 credit hours, and get the award for 8 semesters.

A non-Legacy students is one who started after fall 2012. They must take 15 credit hours and only get the award for 7 semesters

All major state awards (Regents, Honors Excel, High Achiever & President’s) still get the award for 8 semesters and they must take 15 credit hours.

You will lose your Lottery Scholarship if your study abroad transfer credit is less than 2.5 or 3.0 for the Regents Scholarship

+Academic Credit

For Spring semester students, you MUST be a full time student while you are abroad.

If you fail any of your classes abroad and drop below full time status, you will lose your financial aid.

You must maintain the equivalent GPA while you are abroad to keep your scholarships.

At NMSU, the Office Education Abroad will enroll you in a placeholder of 15 credits. When you return, this will be removed and replaced with your actual credits.

All the classes you take abroad will transfer back to NMSU as transfer credit and will show up as “CR” on your transcript not a letter grade. Your GPA will remain the same.

Our Office does NOT evaluate transfer credit. See your academic advisor regarding transfer equivalencies.

IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY CHANGES IN YOUR INTENDED ACADEMIC SCHEDULE ABROAD (e.g. courses are not offered or not instructed in English) CONTACT YOUR HOST AND HOME ADVISORS IMMEDIATELY TO FIND ALTERNATIVE COURSES.

+Academic Credit

Studying Abroad the Final Year Before Graduation Contact your college to see if a waiver needs to be completed and

on file for you to study abroad within your last 30 credit hours. If you are graduating at the end of the Spring semester , you

should apply for graduation via your MyNMSU student account. You won’t receive your diploma until we receive your official transcript from abroad.

Viewing A Wider World Just by studying abroad one of your VWW classes will be waived! Must be a degree seeking student and studying abroad for more

than 4 weeks. Evaluation of VWW will be done by you and your department. You

will need to meet with your advisor to complete the necessary paperwork to get credit AFTER you return from studying abroad.

+Power of Attorney

This is optional, however HIGHLY recommended.

A Power of Attorney allows another individual that you authorize to act on your behalf and serve as your legally authorized decision maker. You may need to write an additional letter if the task falls outside of the first five points on the form.

If you are over 18, our office can NOT release any information about you or your NMSU student records to anyone unless you give us permission to do so in a Power of Attorney.

Forms are available to you via your study abroad student account. Forms can be notarized in the Office of Study Abroad.

+Money and Banking Abroad

Check in with your bank/ credit card company Most require you to fill out forms to allow your credit or debit card to be

used abroad. Find out how much you will be charged for withdrawing cash at ATMs

abroad. Be aware of exchange rates. Check with your U.S. bank for the most

accurate exchange rates.

Traveler checks are not advisable, the preferred method of payment is credit card, debit card, or cash.

You should always travel with $100 USD as an emergency fund. Before departing the U.S. it is advisable to exchange about $100 USD for

the currency used in your host country. This will help with incidentals like cab/bus fares from the airport.

DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE HOW MUCH MONEY YOU WILL NEED!

+Host Country Contact Information

Once you are abroad, please fill out the required “Host Country Contact Information” Questionnaire in your study abroad account with you updated contact information including your mailing address and your local phone number.

Once you have completed the questionnaire, send an email to your Study Abroad Advisor to let her/him know that it is complete and she will check the item off your checklist.

+Communication

Cell Phones Usually better, and CHEAPER to purchase in country when you arrive.

Ask local students or your International Office at your host University for recommendations on providers.

Some American providers also offer international text and data plans for your existing phone.

It is important that you are accessible while you are abroad in the event of an emergency and a cell phone greatly helps to expedite communication.

Email Check your NMSU email regularly!! This is the primary method of

community between you and our office while you are abroad. Forward to your personal email if you have a different primary email account.

Social Networks, Skype and other IMs.

+Get the Most Out of Being Abroad

Unplug Being online all the time hinders culture assimilation.

Prepare in Advance Learn about your host country: geography, places of

interest, politics, etc. Language-the basics are helpful

Get Involved and Take Advantage of Opportunities Clubs, sports, music, academic groups

+Host Families

Some host families will host other NMSU students in the future, so represent NMSU well.

Be respectful of cultural differences and be considerate.

Respect any house rules.

Be responsible and take care of yourself. You are a guest in their home, and they are not there to serve you.

Be open-minded and take advantage of opportunities to practice a second language.

+Be Respectful

Abroad, you represent yourself, your university, and your country. Don’t make a bad impression.

Be respectful of those around you. Don’t get drunk or shout in public places. People find this disrespectful in America, and they will feel the same abroad.

Remember that you are a guest in the country. Be gracious to your hosts and they will return the favor to you and to future NMSU students.

+Course Registration

You can register yourself for the semester following your study abroad experience and acquire your personal registration access date and time through the NMSU website.

Our Office cannot remove advising holds or any other types of holds on your student account that would prevent your from registering.

If you believe a course you plan to take abroad fulfills the prerequisite requirement for a course you want to take the following semester at NMSU, speak with your appropriate NMSU professor or advisor PRIOR to leaving campus about an override.

If you have problems with registering for classes, please contact your academic advisor in your department.

A copy of your course equivalency form is uploaded in your Study Abroad account if you need to access a copy while you are abroad.

+Transcripts

All officials transcripts should be sent to the Office of Education Abroad NOT to the Office of the Registrar.

Your official transcript from your host university may not arrive before Spring 2016 and some even may take as long as when the Summer 2016 semester begins.

Your financial aid may therefore NOT be released on time unless you submit an unofficial transcript to the Office of Financial Aid while your official transcript is being processed by your host university abroad.

It will be YOUR responsibility to obtain an unofficial copy of your transcript or grades and submit it to the Office of Financial Aid.

+Credits/Transcripts

Upon your return to NMSU, the Office of Education Abroad will contact you when your official transcript/certificate has arrived and you will be asked to come and collect your copy and the transfer credit form letter.

Once you have collected these items, you will make an appointment with your academic advisor to review your coursework and finalize the credits that will transfer.

We also recommend that you order extra official transcript to hold in your records for future use (graduate school, jobs, etc.) as they can be difficult to obtain upon returning to the United States.

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Questions?

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Group Time!Country-specific informationExchange contact informationPlan your vacations!