2014-15 MUDEC Student Handbook - Miami University · activities from prominent Europeans remain...

COVER

2014-15

MUDEC Student Handbook

MiamiOH.edu/luxembourg

Contents

WELCOME - 3

IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION - 4

LUXEMBOURG & THE CHATEAU - 6• Map• LivinginLuxembourg• TheChateau

PRE-DEPARTURE - 11• Checklist(thingstodobeforeleaving)• Cross-CulturalEngagement&GoalSetting• MaintainingEligibility• Scholarships,FinancialAid&MakingPayments• Orientation• Academics• Passports&Visas• Housing• MoneyMatters• HealthPrep• GettingThere• Packing&Luggage

ON THE GROUND - 31• CultureShock&RevisitingGoals• ResidencyPermitReminder• ImportantPolicies• Transportation• RegisteringforNextSemester-Revisited• HousingRevisited• BudgetingRevisited• StudentActivities• TechnologyandStayinginTouch• HealthAbroad• SafetyAbroad• IndependentEuropeanTravel

POST-MUDEC 47• ReverseCultureShock• StayingConnectedtoyourStudyAbroadExperience

MUDEC Student Handbook { 3

WelcomeDear Student,

Congratulations on your acceptance and welcome to MUDEC!

Program Introduction Located in the historic Château de Differdange, the Miami University Dolibois European Center (MUDEC) has been a leader in international education since the program’s inception in 1968.

With over 45 years of superior educational opportunities in a historic yet grandly modernized European environment, MUDEC’s distinguished program boasts the expertise of past ambassadors, government officials, linguistic experts, and educators well known in the country for their excellence. Concerts at the Philharmonie (Luxembourg’s modern concert hall), visits to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, and weekly lectures and/or activities from prominent Europeans remain unique features of the program.

Students acquire foreign languages by linguistic and cultural opportunities and develop a cultivated repertoire of customs, travel and food—all of which easily attest to the high quality of the MUDEC program. Studying in Luxembourg is enrichment for the rest of your life and gives you the foundation to do anything!

The Château de Differdange Situated in a park at the center of Differdange, Luxembourg is MUDEC’s Château de Differdange, a 15th-century castle modernized to meet the needs of a 21st century education. Once a stopping point for Charles the Bold (Charles le Téméraire), the Château offers MUDEC students a computer lab, Wi-Fi, an extensive upper-foyer lounge, a library, a grande salle des fêtes (the Grand Hall), additional study lounges, staff and faculty offices, classrooms, and of course the Cave. Some faculty and staff, including the Dean, live in the Château.

The Cave, MUDEC’s student lounge (once the Château’s wine cellar), is a comfortable, quiet space. Appointed with couches, a study area, a TV, and Wi-Fi access, students can relax, do homework, and plan out their weekends. The Cave offers a kitchenette equipped with plates, silverware, microwaves, refrigerators, and a small dining area. The Cave also houses MUDEC’s laundry facilities, lockers, a foosball table and vending machines.

We urge you to read the contents of this handbook for important details concerning a variety of topics ranging from academics and pre-departure logistics to culture shock, health & safety, and housing. Feel free to contact our MUDEC staff members – in Oxford or in Luxembourg – for any questions, and we look forward to getting to know you better as you begin your exciting journey abroad!

Best regards,

The MUDEC Staff

4 } MUDEC Student Handbook

Important Contact InformationMiami University Dolibois European Center (MUDEC) in Differdange, Luxembourg1,ImpasseduChâteau,L-4524Differdange,GrandDuchyofLuxembourg

MainSwitchboard–Tel:011-352-58-22-221,Fax:011-352-58-22-22-204ChâteauHoursofOperationMonday-Thursday,8:00am–10:00pmFriday,8:00am–5:00pmSaturdayandSunday,closedexceptbeforemid-termsandfinals

Dr. Thierry Leterre,Dean Tel:011-352-58-22-22-201(office),Email:[email protected]:

• TheEuropeanExperiencecredit• Missing/lostpassports

• Disciplinaryissues• Generalhealth&safetyinformation

Raymond Manes,Assistant DeanTel:011-352-58-22-22-202(office),Email:[email protected]:

• Courseschedulesandtimeconflicts• Force-adds• Languagepetitions• Studytourinformation

• Cashlessaccounts• Outstandingbills• Independentstudies

Crici Dumont,Housing CoordinatorTel:011-352-58-22-22-206(office),Email:[email protected]:

• Homestayrequests• HomestayassistanceinLux• Studentresidencypermitprocess• Laundrytokens

• QuestionsaboutlivinginLux(transportation,hairdresser,medicalappointments,etc.)

MUDEC Student Handbook { 5

Carlo Specchio, IT Services/LibrarianTel:011-352-58-22-22-210(office),Email:[email protected]:

• Textbookorderingandtextbooksingeneral

• CheckingoutbooksfromMUDEC’slibrary

• ComputerandprintingassistanceattheChâteau

Katie Grady,Student Activities CoordinatorTel:011-352-58-22-22-205,Email:[email protected]:

• Studentactivities• Weeklymealschedules• JoiningtheStudent-FacultyCouncil

• Cultureshock• ParticipatinginlocalDiscoveryTours• Europeantravel

Miami University Dolibois European Center (MUDEC) Office in Oxford, Ohio217-222MacMillanHall,501E.SpringStreet,Oxford,Ohio45056,USA

MainLine–Tel:513-529-5050.Fax:513-529-5051Email:[email protected] Office Hours of OperationAcademicYear:Monday-Friday,8:00am–5:00pmSummer:Monday-Friday,7:30am–4:30pm

Lynn Butler,CoordinatorTel:513-529-9694,Email:[email protected]:

Gina Asalon,AdvisorTel:513-529-8372,Email:[email protected]:

• Theapplicationprocess• Academicadvisingandcourse

offerings• Pre-departureorientationsessions

inOxford

• Programdeposits• Scholarships• BecomingaMUDECStudent

Ambassador• LuxClub

• Theapplicationprocess• Academicadvisingandcourse

offerings• Pre-departureorientationsessions

inOxford

• Programdeposits• Scholarships• BecomingaMUDECStudent

Ambassador• LuxClub


Luxembourg and the ChâteauLiving in LuxembourgLuxembourg: More than 1000 years of history in the heart of Europe

Luxembourg,locatedbetweenBelgium,GermanyandFrance,isasmallcountryjust51miles(82km)fromnorthtosouthand35miles(57km)fromeasttowest.ThecharmoftheGrandDuchyisenhancedbyitstoweringcastles,famousabbeysandmedievalcities;itsoldbattlementsminglewithinthemodernLuxembourgCity.ThepassingoftheCeltsandthepresenceoftheRomanshaveleftsignificanttracesonitspresentterritory.WhenSiegfried,CountofthepowerfulHouseofArdennes,chosetobuildhiscastlein963onlandhepurchasedfromaTriermonastery,hesetintomotioncenturiesofexpansionandgrowth,violentandturbulentwarsandaculturethattrulyappreciatesindependenceandtherightofself-rule.ThefruitsofSiegfried’slaborsarestillvisibletodayneartheGrundinthecityofLuxembourg.

LuxembourgbecamethehomeofoneofthemostpowerfuldynastiesoftheMiddleAges,theHouseofLuxembourg,whichproducedfouremperorsfortheHolyRomanEmpire,fourkingsforBohemiaandonekingforHungary.ThenamesofHenryVII,JohntheBlind,aLuxembourgnationalhero,Wenceslas,CharlesIVandSigismundrecallthisperiodofLuxembourg’shistoryendinginthe15thcentury.Thenalongperiodofforeigndominationfollowed,whichendedonlyinthe19thcentury.Duringthe15thand17thcenturies,Luxembourgexperienceddevastatingdiseaseandstarvationwhichresultedinwavesofémigrés.AmericanPresidentFranklinDelanoRooseveltdescendedfromoneofthosefamilies.

Politicalunrestinthe1830’sledtothetransferofthewestern,French-speakingareasofLuxembourgtoBelgium.TheremainingLuxembourgish-speakingareaslaterbecametheindependentGrandDuchyofLuxembourg.Itwasonlyin1867withtheTreatyofLondonthatLuxembourgattainedtotalindependence.ThepriceofLuxembourg’sfreedomandneutralitywasacompletedismantlingofthemightyfortress,althoughsomepartsofitstillremaininthecitytoday.

Luxembourgwasnotimmunetotheworldwidedepressioninthe1920s,butreboundedwiththeindustrialrevolutionandthegrowingprosperityofthethreesteelandironfactories,whichremainamongtheworld’sleadingsteelproducers.TheoccupationofGermantroopsduringbothWorldWarsimposedaterriblehardshiponLuxembourgers,buttheyperseveredwithinspirationalradiomessagesofhopetransmittedbyGrandDuchessCharlotte,whowaslivinginexile.ThesecondliberationbyAmericantroopsin1945cementedarelationshipcharacterizedbyadeeprespectandtruefriendshipthathassincecontinuedbetweentheGrandDuchyofLuxembourgandtheUnitedStates.Excerpts from an address by George Koenig, quoted after Living in Luxembourg by the American Women’s Club of Luxembourg, 13th Edition, 1996-1997; and The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Press and Information Service, Luxembourg Government, 1993.

Luxembourg and the Château { 7

More Information about Luxembourg GOOD MANNERS SocialsituationsaregenerallymoreformalinLuxembourgthanintheU.S.Greetclerkswhenenteringpublicplaceswithmoien,bonjourorGuten Tagandsayaddi, au revoir,orAuf Wiedersehen beforeleaving.Shakehandswhengreetingandparting.Goodfriendsgreetoneanotherbykissingonthecheekthreetimes.Firstnamebasiswithadultscomesonlywhentheyknowoneanotherverywell.Nevervisitwithoutcallingfirstandnevercallbetweennoonand2pm,asthisiswhenfamiliesgatherforlunch.Thecontinentalstyleofeatingisused,withtheforkinthelefthandandtheknifeintheright.Bothhandsarekeptabovethetableatalltimesanditisnotpropertohavehandsinthelapduringameal.Itisalsoimpropertohaveelbowsonthetable.

SAFETY In Mercer surveys of the major world cities, Luxembourg City consistently scores among the highest for personal safety. LuxembourghasalowcrimeratebuttravelersanywhereinEuropeshouldalwaysbecautious,especiallyinairports,trainstations,andtouristyplazas,parks,orrestaurantswherepickpocketsarecommon.

RESTAURANTS Inarestaurant,thetipisusuallyincludedinthebill.Ifso,anextratipisnotnecessarybutappreciated.However,tippingisnotthesameinEuropeasinAmerica;aheftytip(10-20%)wouldsuggestthatthewaiterdoesnot“earnenoughmoney”andthusneedsextrachangeorbills.InEurope,thewaitersareconsideredprofessionalsattheirjobsandexpecttobetreatedwithrespect;roundingupby50Eurocentsforverygoodserviceisthecorrectamount.Also,toevengetthecheck,besuretoask.

FOODGastronomyinLuxembourghaswonderfuldiscoveriesinstore.Thefoodisofveryhighqualityandhighlyinternational,withmuchofthecuisinebeingFrenchandGermaninspired.PopulardishesareJuddmatgaardebounen(smokedporkwithbroadbeans,thenationaldish),Quetschentaart(plumtartmadefromspecialplums),Fritten(Frenchfries),HamanZalot(hamandsalad)andfreshwaterfish.Sausages,potatoesandsauerkrautarecommonfoodsandawidevarietyoffreshfruitsandvegetablesareavailableinseason.

LANGUAGETheofficiallanguagesforlegislativeandgovernmentalpurposesareFrenchandGerman.ThenationallanguageisLëtzebuergesch(Luxembourgish),averyoldMoselle-FrankishGermandialect.MostLuxembourgersarequadrilingualandspeakLëtzebuergesch,French,GermanandEnglishandmayspeakadditionallanguagessuchasPortugueseandItalian.

MostLuxembourgerswillnotaddressnewcomersinLuxembourgishandwilloftenoptforthemorecommonFrench,GermanorEnglish.ImproveFrenchandGermanskillsbeyondwhat

Say it in Luxembourgish So et op Lëtzebuergesch“Goodday” Moien(pronounced“moy-yen”)

“Goodbye” Addi(pronounced“ah-dee”)

“Please” Wannechgelifft(pronounced“voneshge-leeft”)

“Iwouldlike(that)” Echwëll(daat)

“Thankyou” Merci(pronounced“mer-see”)

“DoyouspeakEnglish?” SchwatztDirEnglesch?(“SchwetzdearAnglish?”)


ispossibleintheclassroombyspeakingitoutsideclass.Inshops,onthestreet,etc.peoplemayquicklyswitchtoEnglishwhentheynoticeanAmericanaccent;butifonewantstospeakinFrench,GermanorLuxembourgish,justtellthemandbepolitelypersistent.Languageisapricelesskeytounderstandingotherculturesandmakingfriends.Whenevertraveling,learnseveralbasicphrasesinthelocallanguage.Itisasignofrespectandevensimplephraseslike“hello,pleaseandthankyou,”cangoalongwayinbuildingrapport.

FAMILY: TheimportanceoffamilyiswellestablishedinLuxembourg,leadingittobeaveryfamily-orientedcountry.Manyfamiliesstillgatherforlunchfromnoonuntil2pmforthemainmeal,thoughthistrendisdyingout,anddinnersarebecomingmoreimportant.Theextendedfamilyhasastronginfluence,andmostfamilieshaveonlyoneortwochildren.

RECREATION: Cyclingandhikingarefavoriteactivities,mostlybecauseofthebeautifulscenery.ThefamousTourdeFrancepassesthroughthecountry.Soccer,joggingandvolleyballarealsoenjoyed.Therearefacilitiesforgolf,tennis,squashandwatersports.Huntingandfishingarepopular.Numerousparks,theaters,movietheatersandmuseumsareavailable.Gardeningandwatchingtelevisionarepopularleisureactivities.Theculturalartsareimportant.

THE ROYAL FAMILY: HisRoyalHighnessGrandDukeHenri(anhonoraryMiamialum)ascendedthethronein2000whenhisfather,theGrandDukeJean,abdicatedinhisfavor.Henriandhiswife,theGrandDuchessMaria,havefivechildren:CrownPrinceGuillaume,PrinceFelix,PrinceLouis,PrincessAlexandraandPrinceSebastien.ThefamilyisactivelyinvolvedintheLuxembourgcommunityandrespectedbytheirpeople.

GOVERNMENT: LuxembourghasaconstitutionalmonarchywiththeGrandDukeastheHeadofState.ExecutivepowersaresharedbytheGrandDukeanda12membercabinetofministers.LegislativepowerliesintheChamberofDeputies,membersofwhichareelectedbythepopulace.ThePrimeMinisteristheonlycabinetpositionthattheGrandDukeselectshimself.Inturn,thePrimeMinisterselectstherestofthecabinet,whomustbeLuxembourgishcitizens.Luxembourghas20embassiesonforeignsoil.ItisamemberofNATO,theUN,andtheBeneLuxembourgeconomiccoalitionwithBelgiumandtheNetherlands.

THE EUROPEAN UNION: LuxembourgwasafoundingmemberoftheEuropeanUnionandLuxembourgCityisoneofthethreecapitalsoftheEuropeanUnion.TheEUestablishedseveralinstitutionsinLuxembourgincluding:theEuropeanCourtofJustice,theCourtofAuditors,theEuropeanInvestmentBank,andtheSecretariatoftheEuropeanParliament.

ECONOMY: Luxembourgenjoysaveryhighstandardofliving,andastrongeconomywithverylowunemployment.ThesteelindustrystillplaysalargeroleintheLuxembourgisheconomy,albeitasmallerpartthanitdidinthepast.Inadiversificationeffort,thecountryincreasedthenumberofbankstobecomealeadingglobalbankingCenter.Today,LuxembourgCityhasmorethan200banksandisoneoftheworld’sleadingfinancialCenters.Tourismalsoplaysalargeroleintheeconomicsofthecountry.

Luxembourg and the Château { 9

CLIMATE: TheLuxembourgishclimateresemblesBritain’s.Itisvariable,withaveragetemperaturesrangingfrom32degreesFahrenheit(0Celsius)inJan.to67Fahrenheit(20Celsius)inJuly.Damp,coolweatherpredominatesanditisgoodtobepreparedforrain.Hotspellscandevelopinthespringandsummer;snowisminimalinthewinter,although‘blackice’doesoccur.

RELIGION: ThemajorityofLuxembourgersareRomanCatholic,theofficialstatereligion.MostCatholicobservancesarealsolegalholidays.

HOLIDAYS: • January 1, New Year’s Day: customarytovisitfamilyandfriendstowishthemahappy

NewYear.• Carnival isawinterfestivalmainlyoccurringtheweekbeforeAshWednesday.Major

CarnivalcelebrationstakeplaceonCarnivalSundayandShroveTuesday(MardiGras).Manydancesandballsarecustomduringthistime,oftenrequiringcostumedress.

• Easterisareligiousholidayandspringfeast.EveryfamilycolorsEastereggsduringthisseason,andonEasterSunday,childrenreceivetheeggsandothergiftshiddeninthegarden.

• June 23 istheNationalLuxembourgHoliday.TheGrandDuke’sbirthdayiscelebrated,eventhoughitisnothisactualbirthdate.Thecelebrationincludesfireworks,dances,andmilitaryparades

• The Schueberfouerisanancientannualamusementfair.TheholidayisthreeweeksoffuninAugustandSeptemberfilledwithgames,greatfood,amusementrides,andsouvenirsforsale.

• November 1, All Saints’ Day: Thisreligiousholiday,alsoknownasToussaint,isacelebrationofdeceasedlovedonesandiscommemoratedwithreunionsatcemeteriesforreligiousceremonies.

• December 6, St. Nicholas Day: Onthiseve,St.Nicholascomeswithsmallgiftsforwell-behavedchildren.

• December 25, Christmas Day: Christmasiscelebratedbyfeastingwithfamilyandexchanginggifts.GiftexchangingisnotemphasizedasmuchasitisintheU.S.

TIME: Luxembourgpracticesdaylightsavingstimewhichbeginsat2amonthelastSundayofMarchandendsat2amonthelastSundayofOctober.JustasintheU.S.:SpringForward–FallBack.Luxembourgersusethe24hourclockforeverything.Toconverttothe12hoursystem,subtract12startingat13:00(1pm).

• Businesshoursaregenerallyfrom9/10amto6:00pmor7:00pm,MondaythruFriday.Manyshutdownforfamilylunchtimebetween12:00-2:00pm(butthesupermarketandbakeriesremainopen).

The ChateauAMENITIES

• LoungeareawithTVandcouches(“TheCave”)• Kitchenwithrefrigeratorandmicrowaves• Vendingmachine• Foosballtable• Washersanddryers• Lockers• Largeoutdoorarea• Wi-fi• Library

MEALS• Continental breakfast atthehost’shomeisprovided7daysaweek(pre-paid

throughe-Bill).See the “Homestay” section for more details. • TheMeal Plan (pre-paidthroughe-bill)includesMonday-Thursdaylunchesatthe

castlewith2options:vegetarianandnon-vegetarian.MUDEC’sownchefpreparesthemealsdailyintheChâteau’skitchens.Afullystockedsaladbar,freshbread,andwaterareprovidedwitheachmeal.MUDECcanaccommodatevegetarianandveganpreferences&foodallergies.SeetheMUDECStafffordetails.

• OthermealsmaybepurchasedintownorcanbepreparedattheCenter’sstudentkitchenette,whichhasmicrowavesandrefrigerators(nostoves).

• TheChateaudoesnotprovidedinner.Students’hostsmayprovidedinner,buttheyarenotrequiredtodoso.See the “Homestay” section for more details.

• FoodpricesinEuropearegenerallyhigherthanintheUnitedStates.Taxes(andoftentips)arealreadyincludedintheprices.AmealoutinLuxembourgcosts$20-25.Thereareno24-hourfoodstores.Mostgrocerystorescloseat6.00p.m.

• Inquireaboutarestaurant’sabilitytosplitbillsbeforeordering.LAUNDRY

• TherearethreewashingmachinesandthreedryersattheCenter.Costperloadisabout$7.00.Donotoverloaddryersandallowplentyofextradryingtime.

• Somefamiliesmaybewillingtodostudents’laundry,buttheymaychargeforthisservice.Arrangethepricebeforegivingthemlaundry.

• ThereisonelaundromatinLuxembourgCity,butitspricesarehigherthanattheChâteau.

• TherearetwodrycleanersinDifferdangeandseveralinLuxembourgCity,buttheyareexpensive.

• Neverwashclothesinthesink/bathtuborhangwetclothesinthehost’shome!• BringFebreeze®tousewhennotimeforlaundry.

Pre-Departure { 11

Pre-DepartureChecklist of items to take care of before leaving for Luxembourg:

c Academic Advising: PlanyourcoursescheduleforMUDECandpost-MUDEC(youwillregisterforthefollowingtermwhileinLuxembourg).

• Consider doing an Independent Study while in Lux and earn 1-4 credit hours

c Grants & Scholarships: Completeanyapplicationrequirementsforgrantsorscholarships.

c Contact Information: Compilealistofnumbers/emailsforacademicadvisorsandMiamioffices,Europeanhosts,creditcards,U.S.medicalprofessionals,etc.foreasyaccess.

c Make copies of the following documents: • Passport,includingofficialsignaturepage(acopywillalsobeuploaded

inyourstudyabroadprofile) • TemporaryStayAuthorizationLetter(AST) • CreditcardandATM-debitcardnumbers • HTHcard • Housingletter(includingLuxaddress&contactinformation)

c Taking Medication?Getasemester’ssupplybeforeyougoormakesureyoucanobtainyourmedicinewhileabroad.

c Doctor’s visit: Whileitisnotrequired,itmaybeagoodideatogetacheck-upbeforeyougotoLuxembourg,especiallyifyouhaveanypre-existingconditions.

c Inform your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans:Letthemknowthespecificdatesyou’llbeabroadandanycountriesyouplantovisit(includinglayovercitiesonthewaythereandback).Otherwise,theymayfreezeyouraccountforsuspiciousactivity.

c Post-MUDEC Housing: PlanforhousinguponreturntoOxford.

c Address and mail: Cancel/changeaddresswiththelocalPostOfficeoff/oncampusinU.S.

c Power of Attorney: Considergivingaparent/guardianPowerofAttorney

c Voting while overseas?Checkoutthislinkformoreinfo:www.youthvoteoverseas.org

c Driver’s License: renewifitwillexpirewhileinLuxembourg

c Grad School Deadlines: Planforgraduateschoolexamsaccordingly(i.e.LSATs,MCATs,GREs,etc.)

http://www.youthvoteoverseas.org


Cross-Cultural Engagement & Goal SettingOneofthemostchallengingaspectsofstudyingabroadtodayismeetingthelocalsandinteractingwiththeminpersonal,meaningfulways.Manypeopleexpectthatdroppinginonanewcityandcountrywillbeeasy,thatgettingaroundwillbeseamless,andthatlocalswillnaturallywelcomethemwithopenarms.Therealityisthatmeetingpeopleandgettingpast“hello”ismoredifficultthanwemightexpect,especiallyifwestayforjustafewweeksormonths.Allofusneedtoadaptourthinkingandbehaviorasweenteranewcountryortraveltoanenvironmentthatisdifferentfromwhatwearefamiliarwith.Ifwedon’tchangeourbehavior,weoftenmissoutonopportunitiestointeractwiththelocalsandformfriendships.Wemightmisunderstandthelocalperspectiveoroffendpeople.Asaresult,theentirestudyabroadexperiencecanfeelincompleteorlesssatisfyingthanweexpected.

Manystudentsdealwiththestressoflivinginanewenvironmentbystayingina“bubble,”surroundingthemselveswiththefood,people,language,andtechnologyfromhome.Theyhangoutwithotherstudentsfromhome,speakEnglishortheirnativetongueoutsideofclassratherthanthelocallanguage,andtalkregularlywithfriendsandfamilybackhome.Althoughcellphones,theInternet,Skype,andothertechnologiesmakeiteasyforstudentstospeakwithfamilyandfriendsonadailybasis,theyalsomakeitpossibleforthemtoremaininsideabubble,unengagedwiththepeopletheycametomeet.

Wewantyoutouseyourexperienceabroadtoseetheworldthroughdifferenteyes,learnaboutdifferentwaysoflife,andengagewithlocalpeopleandtheirconcerns.Althoughwerealizeyouwanttotravelandseemanypartsoftheworld,wealsohopeyouwillinvesttimeinmeetingthepeople,interactingwiththemonapersonallevel,andunderstandinghowtheyseetheworld.Ifyouinvestthetime,youwillhaveopportunitiestoformfriendshipsandchangeattitudes,includingyourown!

Wealsoencourageyoutobepurposefulwithyourstudyabroadexperienceandsetgoalsforyourself.HereareafewquestionstohelpgetyoustartedunderstandingwhatexactlyyouwanttoaccomplishwhileyouareinLuxembourg.Bysettingsomepre-departuregoals,youwillmoreeasilybeabletoseejusthowmuchyou’veaccomplishedandgrowninjustfourshortmonths.

• StartbysimplyaskingyourselfwhyyoudecidedtogotoLuxembourginthefirstplace!WastravellingacrossEuropethemotivatingfactororwereyouinterestedinlearningmoredeeplyaboutLuxembourganditssurroundingareas?Trytomakealistofthingsyou’dliketodoand/orworktowardwhileyouareabroad.

• Trytosetgoalsfordifferentaspectsofyourlife.WhataresomethingsyoucandoinLuxembourgthatwillhelpyouworktowardyouracademicgoals?Yourcareergoals?Yourpersonalgoals?

Duringstudyabroadexperiences,therearemanychallengesthatarequitecommon.Goalscanalsobesetinanticipationofcertainchallengesduringyourstay.Someoftheanswerstothesequestionsmaybevaguenow,butkeeptheminmindandreviseasyougo.

• Howcanyouinteracteffectivelywithpeople,includingyourhosts,inLuxembourgin

Goals can be small or large, but make sure they are SMART: specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based.

Pre-Departure { 13

personalandauthenticways?• Whatcanyoudotostepoutsidethe“bubble”andmeetthelocals,learnabouttheir

interestsandattitudes,andseelifefromtheirperspective?• Whatcanyoudotoavoidmakingstereotypesaboutpeopleinyourhostculture?• Whataresomethingsyoucandotorelaxifyoufeelyourselfbecomingoverwhelmedor

stressedout?(Excerpts from Duke, S. T. (2014). Preparing to Study Abroad. Sterling, Virginia: Stylus Publishing.)

Maintaining EligibilityAcceptanceintotheprogramiscontingentuponmaintainingeligibility.ViolationsagainsttheCodeofStudentConductand/orfailuretomaintainaminimumcumulativeGPAof2.5couldrenderyouineligibletoparticipate.Insuchcases,youradmissiontotheprogramwillbewithdrawn–evenifyouhavealreadypurchasedyourplaneticketanditisonlydaysbeforeyourdeparture.AllstudentsaresubjecttoaseconddisciplinarychecksoonbeforedepartingforLuxembourgandGPAswillbechecked.

Scholarships, Financial Aid & Making Payments

ScholarshipsThankstothegenerosityofmanyindividualsandorganizations,MUDECisabletoofferscholarshipassistancetoanumberofqualifiedstudents.Throughtheuniversity,otherdepartmentalandgeneralscholarshipsarealsoavailable.Insomecases,theOxfordLuxembourgOfficespecificallyrecommendsstudentsforthosescholarships.ThemajorityofscholarshipsawardedbytheLuxembourgOfficeisbasedonbothmeritanddocumentedneed(asindicatedperFAFSAresults).Note:Studentsinterestedinscholarshipassistancemustmeetthegeneralcriteriaforprogramadmission.

FAFSA: FormostLuxembourgscholarshipsandmanygeneralMiamischolarshipsandformsoffinancialaid,Miamistudentsmustapplyforassistanceannuallybycompletingafederalaidform:theFAFSA(FreeApplicationforFederalStudentAid).Theentireprocesscanbedoneonline(www.fafsa.ed.gov)orstudentsmaypickupapaperFAFSAintheOfficeofStudentFinancialAssistancein121CAB(513-529-8734).Confirmationoftheapplicationshouldbereceivedimmediatelyifcompletedonlineorapproximately4-6weeksafterfilingapaperFAFSA.TherecommendedFAFSAsubmissiondeadlineisMarch15.

https://fafsa.ed.gov/


MUDEC SCHOLARSHIPS FOR SEMESTER /YEAR-LONG STUDENTS: TherearenumerousscholarshipsspecificallyavailabletostudentsattendingMUDECforasemesteroracademicyearwhohavefiledaFAFSA.

• TheDon and Susan KasleandFélix Chomé scholarshipsaretheonlytwoscholarshipsthatrequireanadditionalapplication,whichcanbeobtainedthroughthe“LearningContent”sectionoftheonlineapplication.

• For all other MUDEC scholarships,admittedstudentswhohavefiledaFAFSAareautomaticallyconsideredfortheseandNOseparateapplicationisrequired.

• MUDEC Scholarship amountsvaryeachyear.Forthe2014-15academicyear,awardsaveragedaround$2,000.Inadditiontodocumentedfinancialneed,thestudent’sGPA,essay,universityconductrecord,andletterofreferencearetakenintoconsideration.

MUDEC SCHOLARSHIP AWARD TIMELINE: ScholarshipsawardedthroughOxfordLuxembourgOfficewillbesubmittedtotheOfficeofStudentFinancialAssistance(SFA)inMayforFallstudentsandinOctoberforSpringstudents.Onceapproved,theSFAOfficewilldistributeawardnoticesandwillcreditthescholarshipnosoonerthan10dayspriortothestartoftheLuxembourgProgram.Ifthereisapositivebalance,studentswillreceivearefundfromtheMiamiBursar’sOffice.GotoBannerwebandsetupdirectdepositinordertoreceivethefundsasquicklyaspossible.NotethatNO scholarships can be disbursed without MUDEC course registration.

Note to year-long students: Ifstudyingabroadforanacademicyear,theamountwillbedividedinhalfandthesecondportionwillbeawardedapproximatelytendaysbeforethespringLuxsemesterstarts.

TRANSIENT STUDENTS FROM PARTNER UNIVERSITIES: Studentsfrompartneruniversitiesshouldconsulttheiruniversity’sfinancialaidandstudyabroadofficesforsourcesofaid.ThosewhoattendpublicuniversitiesinOhiocanapplyscholarshipsfromtheirhomeinstitutions,aswellasfederalfinancialaid,undertheOhioConsortiumAgreement.

OUTSIDE SCHOLARSHIPS: Thereareaplethoraofoutsidescholarshipsavailable.OneexcellentsourceofsupportistheGilmanScholarshipforstudentsreceivingPellGrants:http://www.iie.org/gilman.PickupaninformationalbrochurefromKarlaGuinigundoin208MacMillanHall.

AIRFARE GRANT (for semester- or year-long study abroad): Miamistudentswithdemonstratedneed(perFAFSAresults)areeligibleforupto$600intheformofagrantandmayreceivetheremainderoftheirairfareintheformofaninterest-freeuniversityloan.Youcanfindtheapplicationonlineathttp://MiamiOH.edu/admission/finaid/study-abroad/airfare-grant.htmlorcontacttheSFAOffice.

Visit StudyAbroad.MiamiOH.edu and click on FINANCES for more scholarship and financial assistance information.

http://www.iie.org/Programs/Gilman-Scholarship-Program

Pre-Departure { 15

Financial Aid Semester and Academic Year Programs:AllfinancialaidshouldbeapplicablewhenstudyingabroadontheLuxembourgProgram.FileaFAFSAandalsocheckwithafinancialaidcounselorin121CABtoascertaintheapplicabilityofscholarships,loansand/orgrants,andtoclarifyanyquestions.IfadditionalfundingforstudyingabroadinLuxembourgisneeded,youmaybeabletoapplyforadditionalstudentloansthroughtheOfficeofStudentFinancialAssistance.

Summer Programs:Typicallyafinancialaidpackageisdividedequallybetweenthefallandspringsemesters.Iffinancialaidisneededforthesummerworkshopprogram(andyouhavealreadyreceivedfinancialaidduringtheacademicyear),afinancialaidcounselorin121CABwillhavetodeterminewhataideligibilityremainsforthesummer.Aideligibilitywillbedeterminedonceyouregisterforsummercourses,haveaFAFSAonfile,andcompletealloutstandingrequirements.Ifyouarenotdeemedeligibleforaid,youmayapplyforaprivateloan,orparentsofdependentstudentsmayapplyfortheFederalDirectPLUSLoan.Ifyouhavenotalreadyappliedforfinancialaidduringtheacademicyear,aFAFSAshouldbecompletedtodetermineeligibility.

Note:YoucannotuseyourMiamischolarshipsforsummersession(s).BeginninginApril,youwillbenotifiedofyoureligibilityforsummerfinancialaiduponregisteringforsummerclasses.

Making PaymentsSemester/Year-long students:Adepositof$250isrequiredtosecureyourspotintheMUDECprogram.“Committing”totheprogramisnotcompleteuntilthisdeposithasbeensubmitted.

Summer students:Programfeesarepaidinthree(3)installmentstotheLuxembourgOfficebycheckormoneyorder,madepayabletoMiamiUniversity.PleasechecktheAcademicBulletinformoreinformation.

Mandatory OrientationsTwo(2)mandatorypre-departureorientationsareheldthesemesterbeforeyouattendLuxembourg.Donotscheduleanyworkshiftsorgroupprojectsduringthesetimes.Greekeventsorothersocialactivitiesarenotconsideredexcusedabsences.

OnarrivalinLuxembourg,youwillparticipateinamandatory2-3dayon-siteIntegrationProgramdesignedtoacculturateyoufurther.

Transient students from partner universities:Youaremorethanwelcometoparticipateintheseorientations,butifyouareunabletoattend,analternatedate/timewillbesetforyoutospeakwiththeLuxembourgadvisoraboutthematerialthatiscovered.

AcademicsRemember that you are first and foremost a student on the Luxembourg Program! While traveling is important, academics should be the number one priority.Attendanceisrequiredandexamsaregivenineachcourse.Forafulllistofcoursesandacademicrequirements,pleaserefertotheAcademicBulletin.(http://MiamiOH.edu/academics/bulletin)


RegistrationProperregistrationisextremelyimportantforreceivingfinancialaidandacademiccredit.All holds must be cleared from your account before you can register.

Semester /Year-long Students: Youwillenrollforatleast16hourseachsemester.AllstudentsmustregisterforaSemesterStudyTourCourseandtheLuxStudyTourComponent,aSprintStudyTourCourse,aForeignLanguage(FrenchorGerman)course,andthe1-hourLuxEuropeanExperiencecredit.Ifyoudonotregisterforand/ormaintaintheserequiredcourses,theDeanhastherighttodropyoufromtheprogram.SeetheAcademicBulletinformoreinformation.

Summer Program Students: Your3classes(totaling9credithours)canbecountedasaLUX3InterdisciplinaryThematicSequenceand/ortheGlobalPerspectivesrequirement.SeetheAcademicBulletinfordetails.

Registration for Return: Meetwithanacademicadvisorbefore leaving for Luxembourg inordertoworkoutascheduleforreturningtotheU.S.Youwillberegisteringforthefollowingterm’sclasseswhilestillinLuxembourg.

Study ToursAllstudentstaketwostudytourcourses(onesemester,onesprint)aspartoftheir16credithours.StudytoursareuniquetoourLuxembourgcampusandareoftenstudents’favoritepartoftheirinternationalexperience.Youwillbeginbylearningaboutthecoursetopicintheclassroom,butfor5-6daysduringthesemester,yourprofessorandaLuxstaffmemberwilltakeyou“intothefield”tolearnaboutthetopicincontext.Forexample,acoursetitled“TheRiseandFallofHitler”willtravelfor6daystoPolandandtheCzechRepublictoexplorethedirectimpactHitler’sreignhadonthesetwocountriesandthepeoplewithinthem.

Studytoursareavailableonafirst-come,first-servedbasisonthedayofregistration,soyoushouldalwayshaveback-upclassesplanned.Thereislittleflexibilityforforce-adds,butstudentscanbeaddedtoawaitlistforcoursesthatarefull.EmailAssistantDeanRaymondManes([email protected])tobeplacedonawaitlist.

Independent StudyStudentsarestronglyencouragedtocompleteanindependentstudyprojectwhileLuxembourg.Independentstudiesareanexcellentwayinwhichtostudyaparticulartopicin-depthwhilecontinuingtofulfillvariousacademicrequirementsoverseas.Anindependentstudycanbeundertakenas a rigorous extension of classroom work, a course of intensive guided reading on a topic not covered in a regular course, or as a chance to do research.PleasenotethatIndependentStudiesmustbearrangedpriortodepartingtheU.S.Independentstudiesmaynotreplacecoursesthataretaughtregularly(i.e.everyyear).Thisincludesregionalcampuscourses.

AnyMiamistudentiseligibletosubmitaproposal.Findinganinstructorwillingtomentoranindependentstudyisalwaysthestudent’sresponsibility,buttheinstructorwillassistinshapingandrefiningthestudy.

Pre-Departure { 17

Youmayonlyregisterfor1-4hoursofindependentstudyatMUDEC.Independentstudyprojectsmustbeapprovedbytheinstructorandthedepartmentchair.

• Ifusingindependentstudyhourstoreachtherequired16hours,writtenpermissionoftheMUDECDeanmustbeobtainedpriortoleavingforLuxembourg.

• Ifenrollingin20hoursormoreduetoanindependentstudy,writtenauthorizationfromtheMUDECDeanmustbeacquiredpriortoleavingforLuxembourg.

• AnindependentstudymaybecompletedasasubstituteforMUDEC’slanguagerequirement.Inthiscase,apetitionformwouldneedtobesubmittedtotheMUDECDeanwhichincludeswrittensupportfromanacademicadvisor.ContacttheOxfordLuxembourgOfficetoobtaintheformandsendthecompletedformtoMr.RaymondManesatmanesr@MiamiOH.edu.

• AcopyofyourcompletedIndependentStudyformwiththerequiredsignaturesoftheMiamifacultyanddepartmentchair(andtheDean’swrittenpermission,ifapplicable)shouldbeturnedintotheOxfordLuxembourgOffice.OriginalsshouldbesubmittedtotheRegistrarbeforethesemesterbegins.

• IndependentstudyprojectsmaybedirectlysupervisedinLuxembourgbyonlysomeoftheMUDECfaculty.OtherMUDECfacultymaybeabletoassiststudents,butwillnothavetheauthoritytosuperviseorgradeindependentstudies.

• SampleIndependentStudyPossibility:TheLuxemburgerWort(Luxembourg’smostimportantnewspaper)hasnowreleasedtheirwebsiteinEnglish.Studentsmaycontributetotheirwebsiteand/orsubmitarticlestouseasanIndependentStudy.Checkwithanadvisor/professorfordetailsaboutthispossibleIndependentStudyopportunity.(www.wort.lu-clicktheBritishflagforEnglish)

TextbooksYouwillberesponsibleforpurchasingrequiredtextbooksand/orcoursematerialsandgettingthemtoLuxembourg.CheckNiikhaandMiami’sbookstorewebsitewww.mubookstore.MiamiOH.edutoverifytextbookinformation.YoumaypurchasebooksattheMiamiUniversitybookstore,online,oratanoff-campustextbookvendor.Keep in mind, you must have all textbooks by the first week of classes.

Textbooks can be packed in suitcases or be shipped to the château priortothebeginningoftheterm.PleasethoroughlyreadthesectionMail & Packagesconcerningchâteauclosuredates,times,etc.priortoshipping.Ifnecessary,checkwiththeairlinesforthecostofanextrasuitcase.

Note to full year students: IfpurchasingbookswhileinLuxembourg,pleasehavebooksshippedtoparents,whocanthenforwardthemontothechâteau.

Academics & GradesMUDECcourseshavethesameacademicrigorandqualityasthoseofferedontheOhiocampuses.Consequently,itisimportantforyoutotakeyouracademiccoursesandstudyseriously.AswithallMiamicourses,classattendanceisrequired,andfinalandotherexaminationswillbeassigned.

AlthoughitispossibleforyoutotakeonecourseatMUDECascredit/nocredit(which

Note about course and program materials: You are encouraged to save all course materials (e.g. syllabi, exams, assignments, readings, and housing letter). These materials may be useful to ensure transfer credit or to apply for government jobs, bar exams, etc.

http://www.wort.lu/de

http://www.mubookstore.miamioh.edu/

http://www.mubookstore.miamioh.edu/


maybeincludedintheThematicSequence),itisimportanttonotethatstudentsarenotencouragedtotakeacourseforcredit/nocredit,ifthecoursemeetsadivisional,majororminorrequirement.

For Miami students: AllgradesfromtheLuxembourgProgramwillautomaticallyshowuponyourDARs.Notransferringofgradesorcreditsisnecessary.

Credit transfer & transcript requests for transient students from partner universities: PriortodepartingforandafterreturningfromLuxembourg,transientstudentsfrompartneruniversitiesshouldmeetwithanacademicadvisorfromyourhomeinstitutiontoensurethepropertransferofacademiccredit.RequestsfortranscriptsfromMiamicanbeobtainedfromtheRegistrar’sofficeatwww.MiamiOH.edu/registrar.Click“Transcripts”ontheleftandthenthefollowdirectionstoorderoneonline.Note:Miamidoesnotautomaticallysendatranscript,andtheRegistrar’sofficeWILLNOTfaxtranscripts.

Attendance Studentsmustfollowattendancepolicyofthecenter.

Semester and Year-Long Students: TheMUStudentHandbook,Chapter9(1.9.B)oftheUndergraduateAcademicRegulations,states,“Everystudentisexpectedtoattendeveryclasssessionforwhichthestudentisdulyregistered.”AtMUDEC,thismeansattendingclassfromMondaymorningthroughFriday,withclassesendingaroundnoononFriday.MUDECrecognizes,however,thatfromtimetotimetheneedmayariseforyoutomissaclass.However,thenumberofsuchabsencesmaynotexceedthetotalnumberofcredithoursofthecourseinquestion,and may in no case exceed THREE per course, even for a five-hour language course.

Ifthenumberofabsencesexceedsthepermittedlimit,youmaybedroppedfromtheclassbytheinstructor(whichcouldresultinfallingbelowthe16credit-hourminimumforattendanceatMUDEC,andthusbeinginviolationoftheconditionsforenrollmentatMUDEC).

Summer Program Students: TheMUStudentHandbook,Chapter9(1.9.B)oftheUndergraduateAcademicRegulations,states,“Everystudentisexpectedtoattendeveryclasssessionforwhichthestudentisdulyregistered.”AtMUDEC,thismeansfromMondaymorningthroughWednesday.MUDECrecognizes,however,thatfromtimetotimetheneedmayariseforyoutomissaclass.Attendancepoliciesareatthediscretionoftheindividualprofessor.Pleasecheckwithsummerworkshopinstructorsformoreinformation.

Disability Accommodations Ifclassroomaccommodationsareneededforadisabilitywhilestudyingabroad,pleasenotifytheappropriateuniversityofficeassoonastheapplicationforstudyabroadisaccepted.Forconvertingtextbooks,purchasetextbooksearlyandcontacttheRinellaCenterassoonaspossible.

• For Learning Disabilities and/or Attention Deficit Disorder: TheRinellaCenter,14CAB,(513)529-8741

• For Physical or Other Disabilities: StudentDisabilityServices,19CAB,(513)529-1541

http://www.units.miamioh.edu/reg/

Pre-Departure { 19

Withdrawing from the Luxembourg Program Priortothebeginningoftheprogram:Ifyouwithdrawbeforetheprogrambegins,youmustsubmitawrittenstatementofwithdrawaltotheOxfordLuxembourgOfficeadvisororviaemailat:Luxembourg@MiamiOH.edu.AwrittenstatementMUSTbereceivedinordertoswitchthecampusbacktoOxfordandenableregistrationforOxfordcourses.Pleaseindicatethereasonforwithdrawal(forprogramstatisticalpurposes).

After the start of the program:Ifyouwishtowithdrawoncetheprogramhasstarted,youshouldcontacttheMUDECDean.Youmaynotjustleavetheprogram.TheDeanandtheLuxembourgstaffwillinformyouofyouroptions.Rememberthattheremaybebothfinancialandacademicconsequencesforwithdrawingfromtheprogram.Studentsfrompartneruniversitiesmustcontacttheinternationalofficeattheirhomeinstitutiontoinformthemofthedecisionandtodeterminewhatproceduresmustbefollowed.

Passports & Visas

PassportYouwillneedapassportthatisvalid for at least six months beyond the date of the Luxembourg Program. Informationandformstoobtainapassportareavailableat:http://travel.state.gov/passport.Pleasenotethattheacquisitionprocessmustbestartedseveralmonthsaheadofdeparture.Unlessthepassportisexpedited(whichhasadditionalcosts),ittypicallytakes4-6 weeks to receive a passport.

Miami’sGlobalInitiativesOfficein216MacMillanalsoprocessespassportapplicationsMonday-Fridayfrom8am-5pm.Togetanewpassport,studentswillneedthefollowing:

• acertifiedbirthcertificate• aphotoID• twochecksormoneyorders(visitthelinkforcurrentcosts)• onepassportphoto(availableatthePrintCenteroroffcampus)

Moreinformationisonlineat:http://www.MiamiOH.edu/global/passport

A passport is the only universally accepted form of identification and is mandatory for traveling in the European Union.

You should carry your passport with you whenever traveling in Europe, including the first day of the Integration Program in Luxembourg!!!

Procedures to follow if passport is lost/stolen:• Gotolocalpolicestationandfileanofficialreport• ContactDeanLeterreimmediately([email protected])orcallhis

emergencynumber:+352582222911• LocateaU.S.Consulate/Embassyandbeginpaperworktoreissuenewpassport(Note:

ittypicallycosts~$100ormoretoreplacepassport)• Makesuretohaveenoughcashand/orfundsincaseit’snecessarytostayextratimein

thecountrywhileanewpassportisbeingprocessed.

Ask your parents/guardians or your designated emergency contact to obtain a passport, just in case they need to go abroad to assist in an emergency.

http://www.miamioh.edu/global/passport/


Residency Permit (Semester/Year-long Students Only)Step 1 – Prior to Departure:Youwillreceivea“TemporaryStayAuthorization”–also

referredtoastheAST–letterfromtheLuxembourgForeignAffairsMinistry.Thisletterservesasthefirst stepinobtainingaresidencypermit.

Step 2 – During the Program:Within90daysofenteringLuxembourg,U.S.,youwillneedtoregisterwiththeLuxembourgForeignAffairsMinistryandapplyforthe‘titre de sejour’orResidencyPermitcard.Anin-countrydoctorsvisitandTBtest(TBX-rayandinjection)isrequiredbytheEUandtheLuxembourggovernmenttoreceiveresidency.MUDECstaffwillprovidemoredetailsaboutobtainingtheResidencyPermitduringtheIntegrationProgram.

YouareprohibitedfromtravelingbeforeoraftertheLuxembourgprogramsemesterdates.MUDEC and Miami will not provide assistance for students who are arrested, detained, or deported due to overstaying permit dates. Please inform family and friends of this policy.

Schengen Area Members(i.e. countries you may not visit before or after the program): Austria,Belgium,TheCzechRepublic,Denmark,Estonia,Finland,France,Germany,Greece,Hungary,Italy,Latvia,Lithuania,Luxembourg,Malta,TheNetherlands,Poland,Portugal,Slovakia,Slovenia,Spain,Sweden,Iceland,Norway,Switzerland.

Travelingtoanon-Schengenmembercountry(ex.UKandIreland)ISpermittedastheyarenotpartoftheSchengenTreaty.However,ifyouvisitoneofthesecountriesaftertheprogram,youmustflybacktotheUnitedStatesfromthatcountry.

Visa for Non-U.S. or Non-European StudentsIfyouarenotacitizenoftheUnitedStates,Canada,MexicoortheEuropeanUnion,an additional D visa is needed to participate inthefull-yearorsemester,orsummerLuxembourgProgram.Pleasevisithttp://Washington.mae.lu/en/consular-section/visastodeterminevisarequirements.PleasealsovisittheOxfordLuxembourgOfficetogetstartedontheprocessassoonacceptanceintotheprogramhasbeenconfirmed.Allowtimetogatherdocumentsandthen an additional three months to get the visa.Be aware that you will need to go to Washington DC to be fingerprinted in order to obtain the visa,sopleaseapplywhileinOxford.

Note:Pleasedoublecheckthedestinationsofanystudytoursincaseadditionalvisasareneededforthoseparticularcountries!!

IMPORTANT: The Residency Permit Card allows students to stay and travel within the Schengen area only between the dates which the Ministry for Foreign Affairs has indicated on the permit, but not before or after.

Pre-Departure { 21

Housing

The European HomestayAllstudentslivewithaEuropeanhostduringtheirtimeatMUDEC.Youareapayingguestintheirhomes.Thereareawiderangeofhosts:somemaytreatstudentscordiallyasaboarder,whileotherhostsmaydevelopacloserelationshipwiththeirstudent(s).Somehavehostedfor25years!Previousstudentshavefounditveryrewardingtomaketheefforttodevelopacloserelationshipwiththeirhosts.Keepinmindthatsucharapportismoredifficulttodevelopifyouareneverathomeontheweekendsand/orevenings.Somestudentshavenointerestinchattingandbondingandthereforedisappointthehosts.Sometimesthereverseistrue.Beconsiderateofhosts’rules,evenifindisagreementwiththem;youareaguestintheirhomes.

Housing Basics• Housing letters aredistributedapproximately1-2monthspriortoyourdeparture.• What’s included? Hostswillprovidearoom,heating,lighting,adailyshower,desk/table,

chair,lampandcontinentalbreakfast7daysaweek.Afewstudentswillhavetoshareadoubleroom,butyouwillbenotifiedinadvanceifthisisthecase.

• What’s NOT included? Europeanhostsarenotrequiredtoprovidelunchordinner,laundryfacilities,orinternet.Seethe“The Chateau” sectionforinformationonmealsandlaundryandthe“Communication & Etiquette Tips” sectionbelowforinformationonusinginternetatyourhost’s.

• Writing to your host:YouMUSTwriteyourhostanoteuponreceiptofyourHousingletter.Sendtheletterviaairmailandallowatleasttwoweeksfordelivery.Apictureisalsoappreciated.Emailisacceptableifanaddressisprovidedonthehousingletter.Don’tbediscouragedifthereisnoreply.NotallEuropeansusetheiremailasfrequentlyasAmericans,andsomehaveahardtimereading/writingEnglish.Pleasedon’tworry;allwillbereadyforarrival!

• Traveling independently?It is your responsibility to get to your host’s home. GivethemadetailedtravelplanforarrivalinLuxembourg(includingairlineandflightnumbers).Checkforbesttimetoarrive.

Communication & Etiquette Tips for a Positive Homestay ExperienceProperetiquetteisessentialtomakingyourhomestayexperienceaspleasantaspossible.Pleaseadheretoordiscussthefollowingtopicswithone’sEuropeanhostinordertoavoidpotentialmisunderstandings.

• Communication is the key. Discusshouserulesthefirstweekoftheprogram.Ifanyoftherulesareunclear,besuretoaskquestionsformoredetailedinformation.

• Continental breakfast:AEuropeancontinentalbreakfasttypicallyconsistsofbreadsandjams,cereals,coffee,tea,milkorjuice.Shouldyouhavefoodallergiesorspecialdietarypreferences/restrictions,pleasecommunicatetheseearlyontothefamily.Askwhatthebreakfastarrangementswillbe(i.e.,willitbesittingoutorispermissiongrantedtousethekitchentoprepareitoneself).Inquireaboutwhattodointheeventthatvariousbreakfastitemsarerunninglow.

• Phone and internet usage: Askifitisallowabletousethehosthomephone(tocallparentsuponarrivaland/orcallLuxprogramfriends)andifso,adheretotheirpreferred


callinghours.RememberthatLuxembourgersarechargedforeachcallbytheminute.Europeanhostsarenot requiredtoprovideinternetservices.

• Cleaning: Askspecificallyabouthowandwhenyourroomandbathroomwillbecleaned.RememberthatkeepingpersonalbelongingsstoredneatlyisasignofrespecttoyourEuropeanhost.Inquireabouttheavailabilityofcleaningsuppliesincaseadditionalcleaningisneeded.Spillaglassofjuice?Pleasetakeresponsibility,inquirewherecleaningsuppliesarelocated,andcleanituppromptly.

• Linens and towels: Findoutearlyonwhenlinenswillbechanged/cleaned.Askaboutwhentostripbedand/orwheretobringdirtytowelsandsheets.Asareminder,pleaseusethehosttowelsandsheetsonlyinthehost’shome–donotpackthemfortravels.

• Kitchen use: Askifandwhentheuseofthehostkitchenisallowed.Pleaserespecttheirrulesregardingmealpreparationatthehomeandinquireaboutrulesregardingfoodstorage.

• Dinner: Familiesarenot required toprovidedinner.However,ifinvitedtodinner,besuretobeontimeanddonotcancelatthelastminute.Itisalsogoodetiquettetobringasmallgiftuponarrivalatdinner(ex.smallbunchofflowersorboxofcandy).Somestudentsmaycookathomeiftheyhavetheirhost’sapproval.Youarenotexpectedtohelpwithyardwork,etc.inexchangeformeals.

• Daily living at the home: SometimesEuropeanhostsaccommodateguestsinabuildingand/orroomthathaveaseparateentrythantheimmediatehouse.ThisdoesnotsignifythatyouarenotwelcometointeractwiththeEuropeanhostorcomeintothemainhome.EstablishtheexpectationsregardinghomeaccessduringthefirstweekasEuropeansaremuchmoresensitivetoprivatelivingspacethanAmericans.Noovernightguestsarepermissibleinthehost’shome.

• Bathroom usage: Ifnecessary,asktoarrangeabathroomscheduletomeeteveryone’sneeds.Also,mostfamiliesdoNOTappreciatestudentstakingashowerafter10p.m.

• Keys:Guard host’s key carefully by bringing a lanyard or key-chain. Lostkeysusuallyrequirereplacingallthelocksinthehomeandmaycoststudents$400ormoretoreplace.Makesurethatthefrontdoorisalwaysclosedandlocked!

• Bring a small gift:Thearrivalgiftdoesnotneedtobeexpensive(~$10).Tryfindingsomethingspecialfromyourhometownorstate.HostshaveprobablybeengivenlotsofMiamithings,andpicturebooksoftheU.S.,sotrytothinkofsomethingdifferent-apictureframe,locally-madecandy,cookies,crafts,etc.Alsobringafewfamilyphotostoshowthem.

• When leaving a room,especiallyforanextendedperiod,makesurethattheheatandalllightsareturnedoff.Electricity,waterandheatingfuelareconsiderablymoreexpensiveinEurope.Doorsarekeptclosedtopreserveheat.Remembertoalsoclosethedoorsandwindowswhenleavingandtobequietwhencominghomelateatnight.

• Do not air-dry your laundry atyourhomestay.Notwohomestaysarethesame,norarerelationshipsbetweenthehostsandstudents.Donotexpecttohavethesamesituationasanotherstudent,evenwiththesamefamilyasafriendwhohadthembefore.If in doubt about ANY aspect of the homestay,pleasecontactCriciDumont([email protected]).Mutualcommunicationcanavoidmisunderstandingsandconflicts.

Pre-Departure { 23

Housing After MUDEC • Plan early for return housing!• SeekingSubletPartners?LetFacebookhelp!OnFacebook.com,Searchfor“Miami

UniversityStudyAbroad.”Clickon“housing.”Listrequestorsubletwithcontactinformation.The Luxembourg Office and Global Initiatives department do not assist students with sublets, nor do they keep advertisements or other promotions.

• On Campus Housing (MU students):IfyouarecurrentlyresidinginMiamiresidencehalls,youMUSTnotifytheHOME(Housing)OfficeofthesemesteryouwillbeinLuxembourgsoroomandboardchargesforthatsemestercanbecanceled.Ifthesechargesarenotcanceledsoonenough,theywillappearonyourbillalongwithLuxembourgcharges.TheBursar’sOfficewillnotclearfeesuntilthesechargesarecanceled.Notethatmodificationstohousingarrangementsmustbedone IN PERSON! VisittheHOMEOfficein111ShriverCenterorcontactthembyphone(513-529-5000)orbyemail([email protected]).

• If,afterarrivalinLuxembourg,youdecidetoliveoncampusuponreturnandhavenotpreviouslysignedacontract,notifytheHOMEOfficeassoonaspossible.

• Off-Campus Housing: Ifyouplantoliveoffcampusuponreturn,workoutthedetailsbeforeleavingcampus.Thisisespeciallyimportantifleavingfallsemesterandcomingbackinthespring.BeverycarefulaboutsigningaleaseandhavingtosubletpartofitinordertogotoLuxembourg.OxfordRents,Miami/OxfordCommons,FoxandHounds,andCollegeSuitesmayhavealimitednumberofone-semesterspotsavailable.

Money MattersHowmuchmoneyyouneedwhileabroadvariesaccordingtoyourinterests,budget,andpersonalspendinghabits.However,theaveragestudentspendsanadditional$5,000-$7,000persemesterfortravelexpenseswhileinEurope.Becausesmallexpensesaddupquickly,itisveryimportanttobudgetfunds.Mostimportantly,expecttohaveunexpectedfees!Thecurrentestimatedcostsheetcanbeaccessedatwww.MiamiOH.edu/luxembourg/academic-programs-schedule/calendars-course-offerings-handbooks.

MUlaa YouwilluseyourMUlaaaccountstomakepurchasesattheChâteau.YouwillneedyourUniqueIDandpasswordinorderfortheMUDECstafftoprocessanytransactions.PleasenotethatnocashtransactionswillbeacceptedattheCenter(exceptforvendingmachinepurchases)andMUlaawillberequiredforon-siteprinting,copying,souvenirpurchases,andobtaininglaundrytokens.FundsintheMUlaaaccountarenon-refundableandnon-transferablebutwillremaininyouraccountuntilused.

ToaddfundstoyourMUlaaaccount,youshouldlogintoyourMyCardpage(accessedthroughtheMyMiamiportal)andclickthe“addmoney”linkontheright-handsideofthescreen.Fromthatlink,youand/oryourparents/guardianswillbeabletoelectronicallydepositfundsintoyourMUlaaaccount.

Add money to your MUlaa account PRIOR to leaving for Lux. Adding funds while in Lux can take from 24 to 48 hours to post.

http://www.units.miamioh.edu/luxembourg/academic-programs-schedule/calendars-course-offerings-handbooks

http://www.units.miamioh.edu/luxembourg/academic-programs-schedule/calendars-course-offerings-handbooks


• MUlaaHomepage:www.hdg.MiamiOH.edu/MiamiIDcard/MUlaa/• MUlaaCashnetLog-inScreenforstudents/parents/guardians:https://commerce.

cashnet.com/cashnetb/SelfServe/eBillLogin.aspx?client=MUOPROD

Doing Lux on a Budget• Ifyouareworkingwithinalimitedbudget,itcanbeeconomicaltospendweekends

inLuxembourg,participateintheDiscoveryTours,and/ortakeshorterdaytripsintoFrance,GermanyandBelgium.Someoftheworld’smostbeautifulandhistoricsitesarewithinaradiusof2-3hours.Don’tforgettoexplorehistoricLuxembourgCity!

• Plantospendabout€120during the weekinLuxembourg.Thisfiguremayincludelaundry,extrameals(includingdinners),groceries,postage,eveningsout,etc.

• Planonapproximately€160-€200per weekend oftraveloutsideLuxembourg,dependingonthedestinationandifstayinginhostels.

• Makeweeklyanddailybudgets,andsticktothem!Beonalertforspecialstudentratesanddiscounts.

• AttendfreeeventsaroundthecommunityorattheDoliboisCenter.• Shopinstreetmarketsormajorchainsupermarkets.• Putoffmakingpurchasesuntillearningabouttherangeofavailableproductsand

prices.• Whentraveling,stayinyouthorstudenthostels.Donotethatsometimesyoumayfind

good,evenlessexpensiveratesatcertainhotelsandB&Bs,sodefinitelyresearchyouroptionsbeforemakingabooking!

Spending & Obtaining Money in Lux (Recommendations)• Copy and/or scan all credit card, ATM, bank account, and passport information,

andkeepthesedocumentsinthefoldertheOxfordLuxembourgOfficeprovidesatorientation.

• Take several forms of money:WhenarrivinginLuxembourgandtravelinginEurope,alwayscarryseveralbackupformsofmoneyincaseofdifficultieswithATMs,creditcards,etc.Somestreetvendors,cafésandsmallshopsdonotacceptVisaorMastercard(ex.ifunder20Euros)oratall,sohavesomeEurosasaback-uporincasecreditcardsfail,ortheATMmalfunctions.TaketwoATMcards-incaseoneislost,stolen,oreatenbytheATMmachine.

• Obtaining foreign currency in the U.S.:Manybankscanprovideyouwith€200-€300beforeleavingforLuxembourg.AdditionalEuroscanbeobtainedfromATMsinLuxembourg.

• Credit Cards:Twodifferentcardsontwodifferentaccountswouldbeideal-justincasethefirstcardisstoppedduetoidentitytheft.VisaandMasterCardarethemostwidelyaccepted;DiscoverandAmericanExpresscardsarenotwidelyknowninEurope.Inform credit card companies in advance of plans to study abroad. Give specific dates otherwise they may freeze accounts for suspicious activity.

• ATM-Debit cards: Cirrus or Plus ATMsareeasytofindinEurope.UsingATM-debitcardsaremorepopularthancreditcards. If possible take both types of cards – a regular credit card PLUS an ATM-debit cardsoparents/familymemberscandepositcashintoaU.S.accountandthenitcanbewithdrawnanywhereinEurope.

Inquire about overseas ATM withdrawal fees versus foreign transaction fees to determine which way of making purchases will save you more money. Also inquire about daily withdrawal limits prior to departure.

http://blogs.miamioh.edu/home/miami-id-card-services/

Pre-Departure { 25

• Smartcards,alsoknownas“chipandPINcards,”arestandardinEurope.Thesecardsincorporatemicrochipsthatcanbeprogrammedwithuserinformationandsecuritydata.Normally,you’llneedtoenterafour-digitPersonalIdentificationNumber,orPIN,whenyoumakeapurchase.Thismakesitharderforthievestousestolencardsorcardnumbers.MostEuropeanmerchantscanswipeolder,cheapermagnetic-stripcards,suchasVisaandMasterCardfromtheUS,butsuchcardsmaynotworkeverywhere.InFrance,forexample,magnetic-stripcardsaren’trecognizedbynewerrailroadticketmachines,whichiswhyyou’llseelonglinesoffrustratedtravelersattheRERticketmachinesinCharlesdeGaulleAirport.

• HavetheEuropeantelephonenumberavailable(andperson,ifpossible)tocallifthereisaproblemwithcreditorATM-debitcards.

• Emergency money – Western Union:Inemergencies,moneycanbewiredtotheDifferdangepostoffice(P&T)viaWesternUnionwithin24hoursforafee.MoneycanalsobetransferredintoaU.S.bankaccount.Visitwww.westernunion.comformoreinformation.

• The exchange ratefluctuatesbetweentimeofpurchaseandtimeofprocessingatransaction.Watchcreditlimits,especiallyifcardsaresharedwithparents!

• Cash only!Manysmallmerchantsorcafésonlytakecash(especiallyintheDifferdangearea),somakesuretoaskbeforeordering!

Power of AttorneyConsidergivingaparent/guardianPowerofAttorney.ThiscanbeusefulforpayingbillswhileinLuxembourg,processingtransactionswithMiami(i.e.orderingatranscript,transactionswiththeOfficeofStudentFinancialAssistance)andanyothersituationwhereasignatureorapprovalwouldberequired.FormsmustbesignedbyaNotaryPublic.AnotarizedcopyshouldbesubmittedtotheOfficeofStudentFinancialAssistancein121CABalongwithanyfinancialaidpaperwork.

Health PrepBeforegoingabroad,considerschedulingadoctorand/ordentistcheck-uptoaddressanyconcerns.Whileitisnotrequiredthatyoudoso,itmaybeneficialespeciallyifyouhavepre-existingconditionsorneedtorequestanentiresemester’sworthofmedication.Foradditionalinformationregardinghealthabroad,pleaserefertothe On the Ground – “Health Abroad” section.Thissectionincludesinformationonmentalhealth,physicalhealth(workingout),sexualhealth,andemergencies.

Prescription Medications & Medical Care• No Immunizations are required to participate in the program. ChecktheCenterfor

DiseaseControl’s(CDC)TravelHealthwebsiteforcountryspecificrequirementsandrecommendations.

• If you have long-term medical issues(heart,diabetes,epilepsy,depression,etc.),havehadrecentmajorsurgery,orhaveallergiestocertainmedications,pleasebringalegible(typed)doctor’srecord.ThisshouldbegiventotheMUDECstaffuponarrival.Donotstudyabroadwithoutdoctor’spermissionandadvice.

https://www.westernunion.com/us/en/home.html


• Concerning medication & medical prescriptions: 1.Bringthewhole semester stock along,OR 2.Buy medication in Europe.Ifchoosingthisoption,contactthemedicalcabinet

nearMUDECtocheckwhichEuropeanequivalentisavailableformedication;oftenthesamemedicationisavailablebutunderadifferentname.Aprescriptionfromalocaldoctorwillbeneeded,notonefromtheStates.Seealocaldoctortogettheprescription.

Forfurtherquestions,contactthelocalmedicalcabinetinDifferdangetodeterminethedetailsinadvance.Dr.WagnerisfluentinEnglishandknowsMUDECstudents’needswell:

Centre Médical – Dr. Wagner 17, ave Charlotte L-4530 Differdange Grand Duchy of Luxembourg Phone (+352) 58 48 48 - Fax (+ 352) 58 94 46

• Contact insurance company 4-6weekspriortodeparturetodiscussmedicationoptionswhileinEurope.

• Do not ship medications to Luxembourg through the mail or FEDEX! Typicallypackagescontainingmedicationsorvitaminsareheldupseveralweeksforspecialinspection.IftheingredientsarenotallowedintheEU,thepackagewillneverarrive.

• A small first aid kit: BringapacketofBand-Aidsandbasicmedicinesfor:stomachaches,headaches,allergies,sorethroat,motionsickness,cold/cough,etc.Theseitemsareusuallyonlysoldinpharmacies,andmanypharmaciesinEuropeareclosedonweekendsandevenings.

• Allergy shotscanbegivenatthelocalhospital.Donotbringmedicationinunlabeledbottles.

• Letter from doctor: Bringatypedletterexplainingthereasonforanymedication.Thisisespeciallyimportantifbringingsyringes.

• Contact lenses and eyeglasses: Considerbringingextrapairsofcontactlensesorglassesandtheirprescriptions.Contactlenswearersshouldbringspareglassesandplentyofcleaningand/orlensfluids.ThesolutionssoldinEuropearenotalwaysthesameandcanbeexpensive.

HTH Worldwide: Overseas Accident & Sickness InsuranceMoststudentshaveaperfectlysafestudyabroadexperienceinLuxembourgandreturntotheU.S.withouteverhavingamajorincident.However,accidentsandsituationscananddooccur,andnothavingproperinsurancecancauseaheavyfinancialburden.

StudentsparticipatinginanyMiamistudyabroadprogramare required to purchase HTHAccidentandSicknesscoverage.Itisaffordableandprovidesmanybenefitsaboveandbeyondone’scurrentinsuranceprovider,includingemergencyevacuationandrepatriationofremains.MiamihasnegotiatedanaffordableplanforallstudyabroadstudentsthroughHTHWorldwide.

MakesuretoregisterwiththeHTHStudentssiteatwww.hthstudents.comuponreceiptofHTHcardandcertificatenumber.Registeringwillallowaccesstovaluablehealthresources/tools,aswellasanadditionalcopyofHTHcardshoulditbelost.

https://www.hthstudents.com/

Pre-Departure { 27

Getting ThereFlight to Luxembourg

• YouareresponsibleformakingflightarrangementstoandfromLuxembourg.Thereisanoptionalgroupflight.

• All students mustcompletetheLuxembourg Arrival Detailsquestionnaireaspartoftheironlineapplicationregardlessofwhetheryouaretravelingindependentlyorwiththegroup.YoumustalsoincludethisinformationinthelettertoyourEuropeanhost.

• Arrival date:ItisimperativethatyouarriveinLuxembourgbytheofficialarrivaldayindicatedbytheprogramcalendar.Verifythesemester/summerarrivaldatesbycheckingtheAcademicBulletin.

• Group Flight (optional):Thelocaltravelagency,TravelUnlimited,hasofferedallinterestedMUDECstudentsgroupflightsformanyyears.MiamiUniversityisnotaffiliatedwithTravelUnlimited,nordoesMUhaveacontractwiththetravelagency.

Travel Unlimited 102W.HighSt.,Oxford,OH45056.Tel:(513)523-7555x.52603.Fax:(513)523-7777

• If you are taking the group flight, you will either be picked up by your host family at the airport or alternate transportation arrangements will be made by the Luxembourg staff.

Independent Travelers: • You are responsible for contacting your host family directly. If you do not take the

group flight, you must let your hosts know when you will be arriving so they can pick you up from the airport. If you are unable to make arrangements directly with your hosts, let Crici ([email protected]) know as soon as possible. She can facilitate contact with your hosts or arrange transportation.

• Thehostisnotobligatedtobehomeortoprovideaccommodationifyouarrivepriortothebeginningofthesemester.PleasemakesureyourEuropeanhostknowsyourtravelandarrivalplans.

• TheCenter is closed Aug. 3rd – 9th, and 11 days over the Winter break,andmanyEuropeanhostsgoonvacationinAugust.Contactthehostearlytofindouttheirplans.

• Ifarrivingindependentlyafter9:00p.m.withNOpriorarrangementswithyourhost(s),itisyourresponsibilitytofindlodgingforthenight.Donotdisturbhostsafter9:00p.m.

Packing & LuggageTakedurableclothesthatrequireminimumcare.Donottakevaluablejewelryoritemsofsentimentalvalue.Donotover-pack,butrememberclothes,especiallymajoritemslikejackets,coats,andshoes,canbeexpensiveinLuxembourg.ItwillbecoldinJanuary(thetemperatureshoverinthe30s,andit’sadampcold).Trytotakeasmanywaterproofthingsaspossible.Do not pack more than can be comfortably carried alone!A suggested packing list is provided in this section.

• Carry-on:Checkwiththeairlineorwithatravelagenttoseehowmanycarry-onbagsarecurrentlyallowed.Alsocheckonrulesaboutcarryingliquidsasthisoftenvariesfromairporttoairport.Put all medications and other vital things in carry on—nothing vital should be in suitcases!

• Backpacks:Abackpackisthemostconvenientwaytotravelonweekendsandduringweek-longtripsinEurope.Asmalloneisadequateforshortweekendtrips,alarger

ALL Travelers

Attendance at the on-site Integration Program is a MANDATORY component of the MUDEC experience! Please check the program calendar before scheduling a flight.


oneforlongtrips.Alargebackpackwillcountasonesuitcaseattheairport(Tip:packsmallbackpackinsidealargerone)

• Suitcases: Checkwiththeairlineoratravelagenttodeterminehowmanysuitcasescanbecheckedinandacceptabledimensions.Dimensionsaremeasuredbyheightpluslengthpluswidth.Themaximumweightforsuitcasesisoften50lbs.perbag,thoughthisvariesfromairlinetoairline.Carrierswatchthemaximumcarefullyandwillchargeextraifbagsgooverthelimit.

• Extra Baggage:Ifthesize,quantity,orweightlimitsareexceededforbags,theairlinehastherighttochargefortheextrabag.Moststudentsfinditeasiertopayfortheextrasuitcase,however,ratherthanshipittoLuxembourg.

• Baggage claim tickets: Hangontotheminordertotracebagsthatarelostforafewdays–thismayhappen!

• Always carry phone numbers and addresses of your European host, the Château, (hotels, if appropriate), and a map.Ifluggagedoesnotarrivewithflight,givetheairlinestheaddressoftheChâteau,andhaveluggagedeliveredthere.

• Storage:StoringluggageintheChâteauispossible;however,MUDECcannotberesponsibleinthecaseoftheftorloss.StudentsmaypickuptheirluggageonlyduringhourswhentheChâteauisopen.

Medications Pleaserefertothe“HealthPrep”sectionformoreinformationonbringingmedicationtoLuxembourg.

Electrical Appliances

Appliancescanonlybeusediftheyarebattery-runorcanconverttorunon220volts,50Hertz.Electricalconverter/adaptersaremuchcheaperandeasiertofindintheU.S.thaninEurope.

• Becausesocketandplugsizesvaryfromcountrytocountry,somestudentsprefertobuycheapappliancesinLux(especiallyhairdryers,curlingirons,etc.).Studentscansharethecostwithroommates.Alsocheckwithhostfamilies-sometimespreviousstudentsleavethemforotherstouse.

• Besureanyadaptersboughtmatchtheappliances’plugs.Transformerscost$10andup.AdaptersfortheUK,ItalyandIrelandaredifferent.

Packing ListEssentials to pack in your carry-on(s)

c Passportandcopiesc “TemporaryStayAuthorization”or

ASTletterc Housingletterc Airlineticketsc ATM,creditand/ordebitcardsc HTHAccident&Sicknesscard

c EmergencyContactcardandothercontactinfoyoudeemnecessary

c Phonechargerc Travelpillowc Earplugsc Thispre-departurehandbook

Medical/Toiletries

US Jack LUX Jack

Plug-adapterFront Back

Pre-Departure { 29

c Prescriptionmedicationinoriginalcontainersc Eyeglasses(sparepair),contacts,lensprescription,

solutionc Smallfirstaidkit(Band-Aids,blisterointment,

painrelievers,coldmedications,motionsicknessmeds,diarrheamedications)

c Shampoo,conditionerandsoap(bringjustenoughtogetstartedandbuymoreinLux;don’tusehost’sproducts!)

c Tampons/sanitarynapkinsc Washclothc Towels(2recommended;mosthostfamilies

providetowels,butnotfortravel.“Traveltowels”arebest.)

c Comb/brushc Toothbrush/toothpaste/flossc Deodorantand/orantiperspirant(antiperspirantis

notavailableinEurope)

Clothingc Sturdy,comfortablewalkingshoes(waterproof)c Showershoes(forshoweringinsharedbathrooms,

likeinhostels)c Slippers(Europeansdon’twearstreetshoesinthe

house;socksorslipperspreferred)c Dressshoesc Athleticshoesc Socks,hose,tights(2-3weeks’worthofwool&

cottonsocksrecommended)c Underwear(2weeks’worthormore)c Warmpajamas(homeswillbemuchcooler)c Longunderwear(1pair;goodforlayering)c Work-outwear,bathingsuit(Sweatsniceathome

orinchateau,butnottypicallyworninpublic.)c T-shirts(7-9)andlong-sleevedshirts(5-7)c Pantsandskirtsc Shirtsandtopsc Sweatersorfleeces(3-4)c Niceoutfit(sportcoat&tieformen,dressorskirt

forwomen)c Rainproof,windproofjacket/coat(lined,layerable,

andwithhoodpreferred-climatecanberainy;

darkcolorrecommended)c Heavierouterwear(coat,hat,gloves,scarf)c Belt

Miscellaneous (suggested)c Luggagelocks,tags,luggagestrapc Moneybeltorneckwalletc 2locks(1foryourlockeratMUDEC,1for

securingyourpackinhostels)c Lanyardorkey-ring(forhousekey)c Alargeoutdoor/hikingbackpackforlongertrips

(makesurethereisawaiststrapforbacksupport)c Asmallbackpack(forshorterexcursionsand

coursework)c Collapsibleumbrellac Smallsewingkitc Travelalarmclock(batteryoperated)c Adaptersandconverterc Cameraandfilmormemorysticks(insureif

possible;consideredacarry-onwhentraveling)c Amini-flashlightc Picturesandpostcardsoffamily,friends,

hometown,Miami,etc.c MP3playerc Journalc Academicplanner(MUDECwillnotprovide

MiamiMemoswithyourbooks)c Severalnotebooksandpensc Travelguidebookc Plasticcontainersforleftoverlunchmeals

(microwavesaferecommended)c Febreze®andTide-to-Gopens(difficulttofindin

Europe)c Handsanitizerc ExtrapassportphotosfromPrintCenter(greatfor

replacementphotos)c ______________________________(other)

c ________________________________________

c ________________________________________

c ________________________________________


On the GroundCulture Shock & Revisiting GoalsCulture Shock Cultureshockreferstotheanxietyandfeelings(ofsurprise,disorientation,uncertainty,confusion,etc.)experiencedwhenoperatingwithinadifferentandunknownculturesuchasonemayencounterinaforeigncountry.Itgrowsoutofthedifficultiesinassimilatingthenewculture,causingdifficultyinknowingwhatisappropriateandwhatisnot.Thisisoftencombinedwithadislikefororevendisgustwithcertainaspectsofthenewordifferentculture.Itisnormalformoststudentstoexperiencesomedegreeofcultureshock(i.e.homesickness,fatigue,feelingsofhelplessnessandhostilitytowardsnewculture)becauselivingabroadisastressfullife-transition.However,itisusuallyshort-livedandstudentscandevelopstrategiesforeffectivelymanagingcultureshockincluding:

• Helpinitialfightjetlagbydrinkinglotsofwater,avoidingalcoholenroute,andimmediatelyshiftingone’ssleepschedule

• Learnhowtomakephonecalls,travelarrangements,andobtaininformationinLuxfrom“Day1”

• Learnhowtoimmediatelynavigatebusand/ortrainroutesaroundLux• Makepersonalspace“personal”(photosoffamilyandfriends,posters,cards,etc.)• MakethemostoutoftheMUDECIntegrationProgramandaskquestions!• Beproudofsmallaccomplishments(i.e.learningtofindthewaytoMUDECwithout

gettinglost,havingthebakerunderstandwhenorderingsomething,etc.)• Exercise!• Maintainsenseofhumorandhavefun!• Beginajournalorablog

Ifyouareexperiencingprolongeddistress,contacttheon-siteMUDECstafforHTHWorldwideforreferralstoEnglish-speakingmentalhealthprofessionalsinLuxembourg.Someconditions(i.e.depression,anxietydisorders,difficultyadjustingtochange,etc.)maymakeyoumoresusceptibletoexperiencingprolongedcultureshock.YoumayalsoconsultwiththeMUStudentCounselingServicesprofessionals(513-529-4634)ifanynegativereactionsabroadareexpectedorwithanygeneralquestions:www.MiamiOH.edu/saf/scs/.Emotionalhealthisimportantformakingthemostoutofone’stimeinLuxembourgandEurope!

Revisiting GoalsYoumadeit!Isitwhatyouexpected?Isitcompletelydifferentthanwhatyouenvisioned?Isthetownwhereyou’llbelivingbiggerorsmallerthanyouthoughtitwouldbe?Haveyougottentoexplore?Whatabouttheotherstudentsontheprogram,haveyouconnectedwithanyoneyoudidn’talreadyknow?Haveyouspentanytimewithyourhosts?Nowthatyou’reinLuxembourg,inthesefirstcoupleofweeks,youshouldrevisityourgoalsandadjustthemifnecessary.It’sbesttorevisityourgoalssoonerratherthanlaterbecausethesefourmonthsaregoingtoflyby.

http://miamioh.edu/student-life/student-counseling-service/index.html

On the Ground { 31

Herearesomequestionstorevisit:• WhataresomethingsyoucandoinLuxembourgthatwillhelpyouworktowardyour

academicgoals?Youcareergoals?Yourpersonalgoals?• Howcanyouinteracteffectivelywithpeople,includingyourhosts,inLuxembourgin

personalandauthenticways?• Whatcanyoudotostepoutsidethe“bubble”andmeetthelocals,learnabouttheir

interestsandattitudes,andseelifefromtheirperspective?• Whatcanyoudotoavoidmakingstereotypesaboutpeopleinyourhostculture?• Whataresomethingsyoucandotorelaxifyoufeelyourselfbecomingoverwhelmed

orstressedout?

Residency Permit ReminderWithin90daysofenteringLuxembourg,U.S.,youwillneedtoregisterwiththeLuxembourgForeignAffairsMinistryandapplyforthe‘titredesejour’orResidencyPermitcard.Anin-countrydoctorsvisitandTBtest(TBX-rayandinjection)isrequiredbytheEUandtheLuxembourggovernmenttoreceiveresidency.MUDECstaffwillprovidemoredetailsaboutobtainingtheResidencyPermitduringtheIntegrationProgram.

Important PoliciesAttendance Policy Semester and Year-Long Students:TheMUStudent Handbook,Chapter9(1.9.B)oftheUndergraduateAcademicRegulations,states,“Everystudentisexpectedtoattendeveryclasssessionforwhichthestudentisdulyregistered.”AtMUDEC,thismeansattendingclassfromMondaymorningthroughFriday,withclassesendingaroundnoononFriday.MUDECrecognizes,however,thatfromtimetotimetheneedmayariseforyoutomissaclass.However,thenumberofsuchabsencesmaynotexceedthetotalnumberofcredithoursofthecourseinquestion,and may in no case exceed THREE per course, even for a five-hour language course.

Ifthenumberofabsencesexceedsthepermittedlimit,youmaybedroppedfromtheclassbytheinstructor(whichcouldresultinfallingbelowthe16credit-hourminimumforattendanceatMUDEC,andthusbeinginviolationoftheconditionsforenrollmentatMUDEC).

Summer Program Students: TheMUStudent Handbook,Chapter9(1.9.B)oftheUndergraduateAcademicRegulations,states,“Everystudentisexpectedtoattendeveryclasssessionforwhichthestudentisdulyregistered.”AtMUDEC,thismeansfromMondaymorningthroughWednesday.MUDECrecognizes,however,thatfromtimetotimetheneedmayariseforyoutomissaclass.Attendancepoliciesareatthediscretionoftheindividualprofessor.Pleasecheckwithsummerworkshopinstructorsformoreinformation.

Conduct & Disciplinary PoliciesMiamiUniversityanditsstudentsareguestsofthecountryofLuxembourgandmustcomplywiththeirlaws,rules,andcustoms.ThereputationoftheCenter,ofMiamiUniversityandoftheU.S.A.restsoneachstudent’sshoulders.Thissensitivityisvery

IMPORTANT: The Residency Permit Card allows students to stay and travel within the Schengen area only between the dates which the Ministry for Foreign Affairs has indicated on the permit, but not before or after.


importantfortheCenter’sgoodrelationshipwiththecommunityandwillbecrucialtoapositiveexperienceinLuxembourg.Improperbehaviorathomestaysissubjecttodisciplinaryactionagainststudents.

RulesatMUDECareshapedbothbyMiamiregulationsandbylocallaws,rulesandcustoms.MiamiruleswithregardtoautomaticsuspensionforcertainrepeatoffensesapplyatMUDECalso.SeetheMUStudent Handbookonlineatwww.MiamiOH.edu/univpubs/handbookandtherelevantinformationdistributedatthefirstorientationsession.

Withdrawing While In Luxembourg Ifyouwishtowithdrawoncetheprogramhasstarted,youshouldcontacttheMUDECDean.Youmaynotjustleavetheprogram.TheDeanandtheLuxembourgstaffwillassistyoubyexplainingthefinancialandacademicconsequencesforwithdrawal,articulatingtheoptionsavailabletoyou,andprovidingsupport.Transientstudentsfrompartneruniversitiesshouldcontacttheinternationalofficeattheirhomeinstitutiontoinformthemofthedecisionandtodeterminewhatproceduresmustbefollowed.

Alcohol Policy & RulesAlthoughthelegaldrinkingageinLuxembourglowerthanintheUS,alcohol consumption is prohibited at the châteauexceptatcertainofficialeventssuchastheEuropeanhostreception.

Consumptionofalcohol is also prohibited during MUDEC-sponsored eventsoutsidethecastle,exceptasotherwiseannouncedinadvance.Thisbanalsoapplieswhen:

• Travelingbybusortrainduringactivitiessuchasstudytoursorfieldtrips• Stayinginaccommodationswheretheconsumptionofalcoholicbeveragesisalready

prohibitedortheprohibitionofalcoholisdeemednecessarybyfacultyorstaff• Attendingactivitiessuchaslecturesbyguestspeakers,companyvisits,etc.

BeingintoxicatedandexhibitingnegativebehaviorinvolvingtheuseofalcoholarecodeviolationsinLuxembourg,justastheyareinOxford.

Drug Policy & Penalties• DrugusewillbecauseforimmediatedismissalfromtheCenter.• Thepenaltiesfortransportation,possession,sale,oruseofdrugsinEuropearesevere.• Youaresubjecttothelawsofeachcountryyouvisit.Ifyouareinviolationofthose

laws,NO special treatment will be given regardless of being a Miami student or U.S. citizen. TheU.S.Embassycanonlyassistwithfindingalawyerandensuringafairtrial.

TransportationCommuting to the Chateau

• The JUMBO Pass:Allstudentsunder26willreceiveaJUMBOpassonthedayof

http://miamioh.edu/search/index.html?x=0&y=0&num=10&q=Student+Handbook

On the Ground { 33

arrivalforalltypesofpublictransportationanywhereinLuxembourg,validforoneyear.TheMUDECstaffwillhavemadeallthearrangementsforobtainingthecard.

• WhentakingthetraintoDifferdangefromLuxembourgCity,makesurethecarofthetrainisgoingtoone’sfinaldestination.Sometimesthetrainsplitsoffintotwodifferentroutes.Thereshouldbeasigndisplayedinawindowofeachcarthatindicatesthefinaldestinationofthatparticularcar.

• OnlyafewstudentswilllivewithinwalkingdistanceoftheCenter.ManywilltakethebusortraintoMUDECeachday.ThoselivinginoraroundLuxembourgCitywillhaveatleastanhourormorecommutetoandfromtheCenter.

• Studentsshouldhavehostsgivethemarun-throughoftheircommutepriortothefirstdayofclass.

Registering for Next Semester - Revisited

Registering for next semesterRegisteringfornextsemester:PleasebesuretotouchbasewithyourAcademicAdvisorbeforeleavingOxfordabouttheclassesyoushouldbetakingthefollowingsemester. You will register for next semester’s courses while you are in Luxembourg.DonotwaituntilthedaybeforeregistrationtocontactanyoneonOxford’scampus.Becauseofthetimedifference,youwilllikelyberegisteringbeforeanyonehasachancetoreplytoyouremail.

Housing – RevisitedReminders:

• Hostswillprovidearoom,heating,lighting,adailyshower,desk/table,chair,lampandcontinentalbreakfast7daysaweek.Afewstudentswillhavetoshareadoubleroom,butyouwillbenotifiedinadvanceifthisisthecase.

• Notwohomestaysarethesame,norarerelationshipsbetweenthehostsandstudents.Donotexpecttohavethesamesituationasanotherstudent,evenwiththesamefamilyasafriendwhohadthembefore.If in doubt about ANY aspect of the homestay,pleasecontactCrici Dumont, Housing Coordinator([email protected]).Mutualcommunicationcanavoidmisunderstandingsandconflicts.

• For full housing details, tips, and expectations, please refer to the Pre-Departure – “Housing” section.

Budgeting – RevisitedReminders:

• YouwilluseyourMUlaaaccountstomakepurchasesattheChâteau.YouwillneedyourUniqueIDandpasswordinorder

While traveling in Europe, it may be prudent to carry your passport, important papers, cash, debit/credit cards in a hidden pouch – not in a purse or wallet, which can easily get lost or stolen.

Keep all travel bags and luggage very close while in public places and restaurants. These simple proactive measures will keep valuables out of the hands of Europe’s many pickpockets


fortheMUDECstafftoprocessanytransactions.PleasenotethatnocashtransactionswillbeacceptedattheCenter(exceptforvendingmachinepurchases)andMUlaawillberequiredforon-siteprinting,copying,souvenirpurchases,andobtaininglaundrytokens.FundsinyourMUlaaaccountarenon-refundableandnon-transferablebutwillremaininyouraccountuntilused.

• Ifyouareworkingwithinalimitedbudget,itcanbeeconomicaltospendweekendsinLuxembourg,participateintheDiscoveryTours,and/ortakeshorterdaytripsintoFrance,GermanyandBelgium.Someoftheworld’smostbeautifulandhistoricsitesarewithinaradiusof2-3hours.Don’tforgettoexplorehistoricLuxembourgCity!

• Emergency money:Inemergencies,moneycanbewiredtotheDifferdangepostoffice(P&T)viaWesternUnionwithin24hoursforafee.MoneycanalsobetransferredintoaU.S.bankaccount.Visitwww.westernunion.comformoreinformation.

• For full details and tips on MUlaa, doing Lux on a budget, or how to spend/obtain money, please refer to the Pre-Departure – “Money Matters” section.

Student Activities

Discovery ToursTheStudentActivitiesCoordinator(analumofbothMiamiandMUDEC)organizesFridayactivitiesforstudentswhowanttoexploremoreofLuxembourganditssurroundingareas.Thesetripsarefreetostudents.SampleDiscoveryToursincludebikingintheMosellewineregionalongtheborderofLuxembourgandGermany,kayaking,hiking,andchateau/museumvisits.

BloggingTravelblogsaregreatwaysnotonlytokeepintouchwithfriendsandfamilybackhome,butalsotogiveprospectivestudentsasneakpeekintowhatlifeislikeabroad.IfyouareplanningonstartingormaintainingablogwhileyouareinLuxembourgandwouldliketohaveitfeaturedonMiami’sofficialLuxembourgwebsite,pleaseemailtheLuxembourgofficeatluxembourg@miamioh.edu.Yourblogwillneedtoadheretocertainguidelinesandwereservetherighttonotfeatureyourblogifwefeelitincludesinappropriatecontent.

Technology and Staying in TouchPrinting

• TheLibraryhaslaserprintersforstudents’use.• AsinOxford,studentswillbecharged(viaMulaa)forprintingservices.Therateis

approximately€0.05perpage.

Internet & Wireless Access• Wirelessaccessisavailablethroughoutthechâteauanditsgrounds.

https://www.westernunion.com/us/en/home.html

On the Ground { 35

• Desktopcomputersareavailableinthechâteau library• Internet cafésareeasytofindineverymajorEuropeancity.• Semester and year-long students:Youwillbeprovidedwitha3Gdatastick(PCand

Maccompatible)uponarrivalaspartofthepre-paidtelecommunicationspackage.IncludedinthispackageisunlimiteddataaccessinLuxembourgandalsotheabilitytocreateamobilehotspotfortabletsandsmartphones.

• Summer students: YouwillhavetheabilitytopurchaseanoptionaltelecommunicationspackagethroughOrangethatincludesinternetaccess.The3Gdatastick(PCandMaccompatible)includedinthispackageallowsforunlimiteddataaccessinLuxembourgandalsotheabilitytocreateamobilehotspotfortabletsandsmartphones.

Telecommunications Package Thepackage(offeredbyOrange)includesaLuxembourgcellphoneand3Gdatastick(PCandMaccompatible):

• Semester/Year-long Students:Youwillhavepre-paidapproximately$175persemesteronyourBursare-Billforthetelecommunicationspackage.UponarrivaltoLuxembourg(onthegroupbusoratthechâteau),youwillreceiveyourcellphoneand3Gdatastick(PCandMaccompatible).

• Summer Students:YouwillhavetheabilitytopurchaseanOPTIONALtelecommunicationspackageuponarrivalinLuxembourg.

What’s included in the telecommunications package? • Unlimitedcallsandtexting(SMS)inLuxembourgwithintheMUDEC“fleet”• 2hoursofcommunications(calling&SMS)outsidethe“fleet”availableinLuxembourg• UnlimitedfreeincomingcallsinLuxembourg(tothestudent),makingiteasyforfamily

andfriendstocallyou!Optional international capability IfyouareinterestedinusingtheOrangephoneforinternationalcallingbyactivatingroamingfeatures,youmustprovideMUDEC’sITServicesSpecialist(Mr.CarloSpecchio)withyourcreditcard’sCVVcodeandthePDFformwithinthefirstfewdaysofarrivaltoLuxembourg.

Key points about the optional international roaming: • Thisisa“payasyougo”feature.Ifyoudecidenottouseit(evenafter

signingupforit),youwillNOTbecharged.• PreferredratesapplytocalltheUSandtoothercountriesoutsideof

Luxembourg.• ThisofferwillONLYbeavailableduringthefirstweekinLuxembourg,

sodecidewellinadvancehowyouintendtohandleinternationaland/orlongdistancecalling!

• Ifyouhavenotactivatedinternational(outsideofthecountryofLuxembourg)roamingcapabilities,neitherout-goingnorincomingcallswillbepossible.IncomingcallsareNOTfreeoutsideofLuxembourg,butreceivingtextmessagesisafreefeature.

• Questionsaboutinternationaland/orlong-distancecharges(i.e.


monthlyinvoices)shouldalwaysbedirectedtoOrangeLuxembourg–hotlineavailableinEnglishorviaemailatamsupport@orangeluxembourg.lu.Pleasenotethatroamingchargeswillbeincurredonyourcreditcard,butyouwillalsoreceiveamonthlyinvoicereflectingyourbillingactivity.

For any questions prior to U.S. departure, please contact Mr. Specchio directly at [email protected].

Calling Home• Computer-based communication:Therearemanyinternet-basedoptionssuchas

Skype,Facetime,andGoogleHangoutifyouwishtocallfriendsandfamilybackhome.Manyoftheseoptionsarefree,downloadablecomputerprogramsthatallowcallsfromcomputertocomputer.Internet-basedcommunicationisaveryeconomicalwaytostayintouchwithfriendsandfamilybackhomeoranywhereintheworld.Instantmessagingisalsooftenpossible.

• Optional International Roaming:Semester studentsmayalsoregistertheirpre-paidLuxembourgcellphoneforinternationalcallingbyactivatingroamingcapabilitiesusingacreditcard(seetelecommunicationspackagesectionsabove).Preferredratesapply.

• Cell Phones from the U.S.:ManyU.S.phoneswillworkinEurope.AskthecarrierifphonewillworkinEuropeandaboutthefeesassociatedwithusageinEurope.Note,however,thatroamingchargescanbeveryhighonAmericanphones.

• Smartphones (iPhone, Blackberry, etc): AsmartphoneshouldalsoworkjustfinewhileinEurope.Thebiggerquestionis-do you want to use it? Internationaldataplanscanbequiteexpensive!AbetteroptionistouseitforwifiduringyourtravelsonAirplaneMode.AmoreimportantreasonnottouseitisthatitmakesitmuchmoreexpensiveforyourfriendstocallyouiftheyhaveaLuxembourgishphone.

Laptops• BothWindowsandMacintoshlaptopsaresupportedonthenetwork.Itis

recommendedtouseWindowsXPProfessional,WindowsVistaorMacintoshOSX10.5orlater.

• Laptoppowerpacksshouldread“Input100-220V–50/60Hz”.Ifitdoesnot,orderonethatdoes.ElectricityinLuxembourg,asinmostofEurope,is220volts/50Hz.Donotcountonusingaconverter–gettheproperpowerpack.

• PlugadaptersareneededtoturntheU.S.two-prongplugintoastandardEuropeanplug.

• LaptopsmustuseDHCPforInternetaccess.Toensureone’scomputerisconfiguredcorrectly,visittheKnowledgeBaseathttp://ithelp.MiamiOH.eduandsearch“DHCP”.

• MacintoshcomputersrunningMACOSXversion10.4orlatercanusestandardoperatingsystemutilitiesforfileandprintservices.

• Spaceisprovidedtoconnectlaptopstothenetwork.ConsidertestinglaptopsforanInternetconnectionbeforeleavingforLux.Alsobesuretobackupallfiles.

• IBM,Dell,Compaq,andAppleallprovideworldwidewarranties.InLuxembourgthisisnottoodifficulttoarrange.Checktheavailabilityofserviceforotherbrands.

• Makesuretheneededsoftware(Word,PowerPoint,Virusprotection,etc.)isinstalledbeforeleaving.VisittheSoftwareDownloadpageathttp://software.MiamiOH.edufor

Never ship phones from the U.S., just get one in Europe! Electronic materials automatically go through customs and could be held up for weeks.

On the Ground { 37

sitelicensedsoftwareavailabletoMiamistudents.• Installingprintdriversorsoftwarefortheoperatingsystemmayrequireacopyof

operatingsystemCDs/DVDs(WindowsorMac).Bringingcopiesoftheseisalwaysagoodidea.

• Pleasemakesureoperatingsystemandvirusprotectionareup-to-datebeforeleavingforLux(thereisaMacstoreinLuxembourgCity).

Mail & PackagesMailAllmailshouldbesenttoyouatthechâteaubyairmail.Mailarrivesatthechâteaueachmorning,exceptforSaturdaysandSundays.YourEuropeanaddressattheChâteauisasfollows:

Student’s Name c/oM.U.DoliboisEuropeanCenterChâteaudeDifferdange1,ImpasseduChâteauL-4524DifferdangeGrandDuchyofLuxembourg,Europe• AnairmailletterfromtheU.S.toLuxembourgusuallytakes7-10days.Allowforthis

delayattheendofthesemesterorstudentsmaynotreceivemailforseveralmonthsaftertheprogram.

• Pleasedonothavemailsenttohost’shomesunlessgrantedpermission.

PackagesPackagesshouldbesenttostudentsatthechateauaswell.Keepinmind,packages can be heavily taxed comingfromtheU.S.

• Tohelpavoidthe16%Value-Added-Tax(VAT)and28%CustomsDuty,markpackageswith“Used personal property of no commercial value.” .

• Allowapproximately2weeksforUSPSdelivery,longerifrightbeforeChristmasandmajorholidays.

• ApackagesentfromacompanywillbeassessedtheVATandCustomsDuty.• PackagesreceivedinLuxembourgfromanon-EUaddressusuallyenterduty-freeifthe

declaredvaluedoes not exceed €50.• Packagescanbeopenedandsearchedforsecuritypurposesbycustomsauthoritiesin

Luxembourg.• Askthatallpricetagsberemovedfrompurchaseditemspriortohavingapackage

sent.TherecipientwillbechargedtheVATofatleast16%ofthevalueofthegoodsinthepackagesimplytoreceivethepackage.

• DoNOTshipmedicationstoLuxembourgthroughthemailorFEDEX!(refertopage25forfurtherinformationin“PrescriptionMedications&MedicalCare”section)

• Electronicmaterialsautomaticallygothroughcustoms.

US Jack LUX Jack

Plug-adapterFront Back

When sending mail or packages, do not shorten “Grand Duchy of Luxembourg” to “Luxembourg.”


FEDEXWhenusingFEDEX,beawarethatpaymentforVATand/orcustomsdutiesisusuallyexpectedupondelivery.Sometimes,however,theinvoiceconcerningdutiesandtaxescomesmuchlater.Thisbillcanbequitehigh,sometimesmorethanthevalueofthecontents.Besurethattheinsuredvaluedoesnotexceed€50.

Social MediaTherearemanywaystokeepintouchwithfriendsandfamilyorletusknowwhatyou’reupto!

Facebook: • SearchMiamiUniversityJohnE.DoliboisEuropeanCenter(theURListoolong…)• Aftertheprogram,jointhealumnigroup–facebook.com/MUDECalumni• facebook.com/MiamiUabroad

Twitter: FollowDeanLeterre!Twitter.com/MUDECdean

Instagram: Instagram.com/MUDEC_Luxembourg

Health Abroad

Starting Out Right• Livinginaforeigncountrycanbestressfulonthebody,sotakecare!Getenoughsleep,

exercise,andeatbalancedmeals!• Ifregularmedicalcareisrequiredforanycondition,informtheMUDECstaffwho

couldbeofassistance.Thiscouldbeidentifyingadoctortoprovidecareabroad,ordiscussingconditionwithroommateorEuropeanhostincaseemergencyinterventionisrequired.UtilizetheHTHwebsiteatwww.hthstudents.com.Theyhavealistofmedicalterminologyandprescriptiondrugtranslations,listsofEnglish-speakingdoctors,andextensiveinformationonhealthandsafetyincitiesaroundtheworld.

Prescription Medications & Medical Care• No Immunizations are required to participate in the program.ChecktheCenterfor

DiseaseControl’s(CDC)TravelHealthwebsiteforcountryspecificrequirementsandrecommendations.

• If you have long-term medical issues (heart,diabetes,epilepsy,depression,etc.),havehadrecentmajorsurgery,orhaveallergiestocertainmedications,pleasebringalegible(typed)doctor’srecord.ThisshouldbegiventotheMUDECstaffuponarrival.Donotstudyabroadwithoutdoctor’spermissionandadvice.

• Concerningmedication&medicalprescriptions: 1. Bringthewhole semester stock along, OR 2. Buy medication in Europe.Ifchoosingthisoption,contactthemedicalcabinetnear

MUDECtocheckwhichEuropeanequivalentisavailableformedication;oftenthesamemedicationisavailablebutunderadifferentname.Aprescriptionfromalocaldoctor

The Center is closed the first week of August and two weeks during the Christmas holidays (email the Assistant Dean for exact dates) and CANNOT accept FEDEX packages during these times.

#MUDEC #MiamiOHabroad on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook

@MiamiOHabroad @MiamiUniversity on Twitter


On the Ground { 39

willbeneeded,notonefromtheStates.Seealocaldoctortogettheprescription. Forfurtherquestions,contactthelocalmedicalcabinetinDifferdangetodetermine thedetailsinadvance.DrWagnerisfluentinEnglishandknowsMUDECstudents’ needswell: Centre Médical – Dr. Wagner 17, ave Charlotte L-4530 Differdange Grand Duchy of Luxembourg Phone (+352) 58 48 48 - Fax (+ 352) 58 94 46

• Contact insurance company 4-6weekspriortodeparturetodiscussmedicationoptionswhileinEurope!

• Do not ship medications to Luxembourg through the mail or FEDEX! Typicallypackagescontainingmedicationsorvitaminsareheldupseveralweeksforspecialinspection.IftheingredientsarenotallowedintheEU,thepackagewillneverarrive.

• A small first aid kit: BringapacketofBand-Aidsandbasicmedicinesfor:stomachaches,headaches,allergies,sorethroat,motionsickness,cold/cough,etc.Theseitemsareusuallyonlysoldinpharmacies,andmanypharmaciesinEuropeareclosedonweekendsandevenings.

• Allergy shotscanbegivenatthelocalhospital.Donotbringmedicationinunlabeledbottles.

• Letter from doctor:Bringatypedletterexplainingthereasonforanymedication.Thisisespeciallyimportantifbringingsyringes.

• Contact lenses and eyeglasses: Considerbringingextrapairsofcontactlensesorglassesandtheirprescriptions.Contactlenswearersshouldbringspareglassesandplentyofcleaningand/orlensfluids.ThesolutionssoldinEuropearenotalwaysthesameandcanbeexpensive.

HTH Worldwide: Overseas Accident & Sickness InsuranceMoststudentshaveaperfectlysafestudyabroadexperienceinLuxembourgandreturntotheU.S.withouteverhavingamajorincident.However,accidentsandsituationscananddooccur,andnothavingproperinsurancecancauseaheavyfinancialburden.

StudentsparticipatinginanyMiamistudyabroadprogramarerequiredtopurchaseHTHAccidentandSicknesscoverage.Itisaffordableandprovidesmanybenefitsaboveandbeyondone’scurrentinsuranceprovider,includingemergencyevacuationandrepatriationofremains.MiamihasnegotiatedanaffordableplanforallstudyabroadstudentsthroughHTHWorldwide.MakesuretoregisterwiththeHTHStudentssiteatwww.hthstudents.comuponreceiptofHTHcardandcertificatenumber.Registeringwillallowyouaccesstovaluablehealthresources/tools,aswellasanadditionalcopyofHTHcardshoulditbelost.In Europe, carry the HTH card at all times!!

Please note that you do not have to go to HTH contracted providers for your accident and sickness benefits to be covered. You may go to other providers. The difference is with the contracted providers, it is a guaranteed cashless transaction.



Procedures to follow in the event of medical concern:Shouldtherebeaperceivedorrealmedicalconcern,HTH should be contacted immediately. AnyHTHclaimshouldbeopenedimmediatelybycallingtheGlobalHealth&SafetyServices,+1.610.254.8771(Call Collect).Customerservicerepresentativesareavailable24/7.ThetollfreenumberwhencallingfromtheU.S.:+1.800.257.4823orviaemailassist@hthworldwide.com.Benefitstocallingimmediatelyareasfollows:

• Facilityrecommendation• Physicianonthephonetoassistinmanagedcare(regardlessoflanguagebarriers)• Generallyaguaranteeofpaymenttothefacility,whichresultsinlittleornoout-of-

pocketcosttothestudent/group• CallingHTHopensupthecase,butalsogetsaninitialreviewbymedicalprofessionals

atHTHtomanagethecarebeingreceivedbythestudent.What to do in the event of a medical emergency?ThestudentshouldbetakentothenearestphysicianorhospitalandthenHTH’sHealth&SafetyServicesshouldbecontactedimmediately.Callcollectat+1-610-254-8771orviaemailassist@hthworldwide.com.ThehospitalnearesttheChateauisCentreHospitalierEmileMayrisch,RueEmileMayrisch,L-4240Esch/Alzette,+352-5711-79310.Iftheparticipant/studentcontactsHTH’sHealth&SafetyServices(callcollectat+1-610-254-8771orviaemailatassist@hthworldwide.com24/7)theycan,andoftendo,makearrangementsforaguaranteeofpayment(GOP)withnon-contractedproviders.Accidentsorsicknesscausedbyalcoholordrugusecanbedeniedcoverage.Allcostassociatedwithcarewillbethestudent’sresponsibility.NOTE: IfyouincurmedicalexpensesnotcoveredbyHTH,youshouldsubmitthemtoyourregularhealthinsuranceproviderforreimbursement.

Mental HealthAsmanyas1in3collegestudentstakemedicationdesignedforpsychologicalpurposes.Forthemostpartstudentstakingmedication(orthosewithpsychologicalissuesnotonmedication)dowellonstudyabroadprograms.However,thereareseveralthingstokeepinmindifinthiscategory.Thepressuresofadjustmenttoanewwayoflife,thelackoffamiliarsupport,andanewlanguagecanallpresentuniqueconcerns.StudyabroadisNOTanescape.ProblemsandissuesthatstudentshaveintheU.S.areoftenexacerbatedinaforeigncountrywhencoupledwiththestressofanewcultureandenvironment.Itisimportanttokeepinmindthefollowthesuggestionsbelow(fromStudyAbroadFoundation):

• StudentsundergoingtreatmentformentalhealthconditionsshouldindicatethisontheirAttendance&Medicalwaiverpacket.TheMUDECstaffinLuxembourgmaybeabletoassisttheminfindingcounselingsupportinLuxembourg.Anyinformationofthistypeiskeptcompletelyconfidential.

• Studentsonmedicationforamentalhealthconditionshouldcontinuetheirtreatmentunlessadvisedbyaphysiciantostop.Toooften,temporarychangesmakestudentsfeeloverconfidentandthattheynolongerneedthemedication.

On the Ground { 41

• Need Mental Health Assistance? Shouldyouneedamentalhealthprofessionalwhileabroad,pleaserememberyoucanalwayscontactHTHWorldwideforareferraltoanEnglishspeakingprofessional.HTHwillassistyouinmakinganappointment,managingthefinancialandlogisticalaspectsofyourcase.Refertoyouremergencycardforcontactinformation.

Physical Health: Working OutFacilitiesarelocatedclosetotheChâteau.SunnyFitnessinDifferdangeandSmartGyminOberkorn,asuburbofDifferdange,offermonthlyratesandoftengivediscountstoMUDECstudents.OberkornSportsPark&“Aquasud”offers7indoorandoutdoorswimmingpoolsandawellnesscenter(Notethatifyouisethepools,youwillneedtopurchaseaswimsuitfromAquasud).BothplacesinOberkornareconvenientlylocatedafewminutesfromtheOberkorntrainstation.TherearealsofacilitiesinLuxembourgCity.AsktheStudentActivitiesCoordinatorformoreinformation.

Sexual Health AbroadWhateverdecisionsmadeaboutsexabroad,besurethattheyaresmartandhealthy.Bemindfulofthefollowing:

• ProtectyourselfagainstSTDsandHIV/AIDS• Keepinmindlong-termconsequencesofactions,andtakeproperprecautions.• Bemindfulofalcoholanddaterapedrugs.• Recognizedifferentgenderrolesandculturalcuesinromanticrelationships o Observebeforeactingandcommunicateboundariesclearly.Moveawayfrom

situationsthatareuncomfortable. o BeawareofthestereotypespeopleinLuxembourg/EuropehaveofAmericanmen

andwomen,rangingfrom“Puritan”to“easy.”• InvestigateGLBTQnormsandbehavioralexpectationsinEurope.• Itisdifficulttoleaveromanticrelationshipsbehind,buttakeadvantageoftimeabroad!

Foranyquestions,contactMUStudentHealthServicesat:http://www.MiamiOH.edu/saf/shsor529-3000.

Safety Abroad

General Safety TipsTakethesamecommonsensesafetyprecautionsabroadthatyouwouldathome.Beawareofyoursurroundings,keepyourvaluablesconcealed,beprudentaroundstrangers,andheedsafetyadvicefromMUDECstaffmembers.Belowaresomegeneraltipsforstayingsafeeverydayandwhiletraveling:

• ThroughouttheterminLuxembourgmoststudentswillstudyortraveltoothercitiesduringvacationsorweekends.Becomefamiliarwith“homebase”asquicklyaspossibleandalsotrytobecomefamiliarwithcitiesbeforevisiting.Checkattrain

http://www.miamioh.edu/student-life/student-health-service/


stationinformationboothsforareastoavoid.Usecommonsenseanddonottakerisks.Alsoremembertoinformothersoftravelplans,especiallyparents/guardians.

• DuringtheOxfordpre-departureorientationsessions,studentswillreceivealaminatedcardwithphonenumbersandemailsofkeycontacts(includingtheCenteranditsemergencynumber)intheeventofthatemergencyassistanceisneeded.Carrythecardatalltimes!

Alcohol Consumption • Alwaysknowhowtogethomeandwhattimethepublictransportationstopsrunning.• DrugsknownasRohypnal,roofies,GHB,andthe“daterape”drugexist.Becautious

aboutdrinksinordertonotbecomeavictim.• Watchallbeveragesbeingopenedormade.• Neverleavedrinksunattendedorletanyoneelsecarryorholdthem.• Knowyourlimits.Alcoholreducesinhibitionsandmakesforaneasytarget,from

robbery,tosexualassaultandrape.Anti-American Sentiment

• Avoidpoliticaldemonstrations,especiallythosewithanti-Americanmotivation.Terrorism

• Studentsarenotnecessarilyatagreaterriskforterrorism,butmostwilllikelybevisitingcitiesthatarebiggertargetsthanOxford,Ohio.

• Americans/American-heavylocationsareoftentargetsforterrorism.Blendingin&avoidingtheselocalesmayhelp.

• Terroristattacksoftenhappenintwos.Ifanexplosionisheard,doNOTgotowardsthesound.Takecoverorgotheotherdirection.

Traffic • Drivingrulesaredifferentindifferentcountries,andsometimespedestriansdonot

havetherightofway.• Learntherulesoflocalpublictransportation.• Rememberthatmostaccidentswhichhappenabroadoccurwhendriving.

Crime/TheftCon-artistsinlargecitiesoftenworkingroupsandevenemploysmallchildren.Somescamstowatchoutfor:sobstoriesthatrequiremoney,cuteelderlypeoplewithlittlekidsworkingasateam,rollsofbills‘found’onthestreet,mustardspilledorsalivaspitonone’sshoulderasadistractionwhiletheysnatchone’sbag.Watchoutforpickpocketsincitycrowds,onpublictransportation,intrainstations,parks,restaurantsandinanypublictouristyplace.

Whenstandingorsittinginthetrainstationoraplaza,keep suitcase or backpack as close as possible, never a few feet behind or off to the side.Beespeciallycarefulonbusesandtrains,assleepingtravelersareeasypreyforthieves.Sleepinshiftsiftravelingwithothers.Ifalone,usegoodjudgmentwhenpickingatraincompartment:neverstayinanemptyone,andusealocktosecurepacktotheluggagerack.Alwaystrytosleepinatopbunkwithluggagesecuredaboveornearby.

On the Ground { 43

Additional tips to avoid crime/theft:• Touristsareeasytargets.Blendintosurroundings,inbothdressandbehavior.• Protectyourpassport!(U.S.passportstreetvalueis$10,000)• Bemindfulwhenholdingpurseand/orhandbag.• DoNOTleaveluggageunattendedinpublicareas.• Wheneverpossible,stayingroupsandusethe“buddysystem.”• Ifasituationdoesn’tfeelright,itprobablyisn’t.Beingsafeismoreimportantthan

beingpoliteoravoidingembarrassment.Hotels/Hostels:

• Keephoteldoorlockedatalltimes.Meetvisitorsinthelobby.• Usethehotelsafeorhostellockertostoreitemswhileout.• Readfiresafetyinstructionsinsideroomandknowwheretheexitsarelocated.

The U.S. Embassy• TheMUDECstaffwillregisterallstudentsattheU.S.EmbassyinLuxembourgduring

theon-siteIntegrationProgram.• Duringanaturaldisaster,politicalupheaval,orotheremergency,consularofficerswill

assistAmericancitizenswithtransportation,evacuation,andkeepingthemsafe.• ItisalwaysagoodideatocarrycontactinformationfortheU.S.Embassy/consulatesin

anycountryvisited.

Safety Issues for Women & GLBTQ StudentsWomentravelingalonecanbemorevulnerabletoproblemsincertaincultures.Thefollowinginformationcanhelpmaketripsassafeandrewardingaspossible:

• Usecommonsenseandbealertandawareofsurroundings.• Don’ttravelalone!• Askfordirectionsbeforesettingout.Gettingtherightinformationcanhelptoavoid

unsafeareas.• Takecuesfromlocalwomen(oratleastdressconservatively)inordertoblendinto

surroundings.For GLBTQ Students:Itisimportantforgay,lesbian,bi-sexual,transgender,andqueer(GLBT)studentstobeawarethatthewaysexualidentitiesaredefinedandunderstoodwillvarycountryandculture.Considerhowapossiblethreatofdiscriminationofpunishmentmightaffectexperiencesoractivitiesinone’shostcountry.Generally,acceptanceandtoleranceofGLBTQissuesisincreasinginsomepartsoftheworld,butsomecountriesandindividualsremainintolerant.MakesuretoresearchtheprevailingsentimenttowardGLBTQissuesabroad,aswellaslawsrelatedtothem.Toavoidlifestylecompromises,orifconcernedthatsexualorientationmaybeanissue,thenperhapsbeselectiveintravelingchoices.Note:In2014,same-sexmarriagewaslegalizedinLuxembourg.Shortlyafter,Luxembourg’sPrimeMinisterXavierBettelannouncedthathewasengagedandismakingplanstowedhispartnerin2015.


Drugs & the Local LawHard Facts

• Each year, 2,500 Americans are arrested overseas. Onethirdofthearrestsareondrug-relatedcharges.Manyofthosearrestedassumedthat,asU.S.citizens,theycouldnotbearrested.Aroundtheworld,Americancitizensarefindingoutthehardwaythatdrugpossessionortraffickingequalsjailinforeigncountries.

• There is very little that anyone can do to help if caught with drugs.• Itisthestudent’sresponsibilitytoknowwhatthedruglawsareinaforeigncountry

beforevisiting.“Ididn’tknowitwasillegal,”isNOTareasontostayoutofjail.• AnumberofAmericansarrestedabroadondrugchargespossessedmarijuana.Many

ofthesepossessedoneounceorlessofthesubstance.Theriskofbeingputinjailforjustonemarijuanacigaretteisnotworthit.

• Oncearrestedorjailed,theAmericanconsular/EmbassyhasNOauthoritytoenforcerelease.

Independent European TravelIndependenttravelisnotsanctionedbyMiamiUniversity.Itisyourresponsibilitytoarrangeyourowntransportationandaccommodation.VisittheMUDECPinterestpageforalistofsuggestions:www.pinterest.com/MUDEC.MiamiUniversityisnotaffiliatedwithanycompanyororganizationlistedonthesite.

Helpful tips:• MUDECstaffcanhelplocateplacestobuyindividualtraintickets• Eurail Passes: TheEurailpassisoneofseveraltraveloptionsandisnotrequiredfor

theprogram.TheEurailcanbepurchasedatthroughTravelUnlimitedat513-523-7555oranyothertravelagency.The10dayYouthFlexipassisthemostpopularoption.

Tip:PencilisnotacceptablewhenfillingouttraveldatesontheEurailandonecanincurfines.

• TherearevarioustrainpassesoptionsavailabletopurchaseonceinEuropeotherthantheEurail.Thefollowingareexamplesofothertypesofpasses:

• BIJ (Billet International de Jeunesse):inexpensiveyouthticket • Belgium Go Pass:Provides10,2ndclassridesanywhereinBelgium.Availableto

travelersbetween6and26. • Go Pass:FortravelintheBeneLuxembourgcountries • EuroDomino:cardforallEuropeancountries--availableinLuxembourgafter6

monthsresidenceinLuxembourg.Full-yearstudentsshouldaskfordetails.• Whenusingpublictransportation,rememberthatmanyEuropeansunderstand

Englishquitewell.YouwillimmediatelyberecognizedasanAmerican,sobeagoodambassadorforMiamiandtheU.S.Alsobeawarethatfinescanbeincurredifyouarecaughtwithyourfeetonthebus/trainseats!

• Hostelsarethehuboftheyoungbudget-travelersubculture.Theyaregenerallylaidoutdorm-style,oftenwithlargeroomsandbunkbedswithacommonbathroomandaloungearea.Someofferprivaterooms.Besuretocheckstipulationsand

http://www.pinterest.com/MUDEC/

On the Ground { 45

requirementsinadvance.Abedinahostelaveragesaround€14-26inWesternEurope&inEasternEurope.Makesuretobringalockwhenstayinginahostel.Whileoutsight-seeing,mosthostelswillprovidelockerstostorebelongings.

• InternationalStudentIdentityCard(ISIC):Whilenotmandatory,theISICcanbeusedfordiscountsandserviceswhileinEurope.Studentscanusetheircardtotakeadvantageofoffersontravel,shopping,museums,andmore.Checkoutwww.isic.orgformoreinformation.ISICcardsmaybepurchasedthroughTravelUnlimited(102W.HighStOxfordor513.523.7555).

• CustomsintheEU:TherearenocustomscontrolsattheinternalEUborders,sotravelersarefreetotransportwhateverlegalsubstancestheylikeaslongasitisfortheirownpersonaluse.

Reverse Culture Shock ReturningtotheU.S.afteranextendedtermabroadcanbeaschallengingasinitialdaysinLuxembourg.Thedifferentpace,attitudesandopportunitiesintheUSmayrequireonetomakesomeadjustmentsafterthediversityofmonthsinEurope.Sometimes,studentsfindreversecultureshock,bothathomeandatMiami,tobemoreseverethantheinitialcultureshock.Reversecultureshockconsistsoffeelingoutofplaceinone’sowncountry,orexperiencingasenseofdisorientation.Whileeverythingisfamiliar,onefeelsdifferent.

Whileabroad,studentsgrow,change,meetpeople,andexperiencethingsandplacesthatfriendsandfamilydonot.Studentsadjusttoaforeignculture,makenewfriends,andmaynowconsidertheirhost’shomeastheirown.Formonths,studentshavebeentreatedastheforeigner,someonethatpeoplenoticeandarecurioustomeet.NowbackatMiami,studentswillfindthatclassesanddailylifearenotquiteasexcitingasLuxembourg.It’simportanttotaketimetoreadjusttolifeintheU.S.andlearntoincorporatenewfoundpassions,ideas,andbeliefsintodailylife.Someofthestrategiesbelowmayhelpwithreversecultureshock:

• TheKohls’Survival Kit for Overseas Living bookhassomegoodinsights.Availableinlocallibraries.

• VolunteerintheLuxOfficewithrecruitment,orientationandcontributionstotheAlumniNewsletter.

• ApplytobeaStudentAmbassador!• Becomeinvolvedinsomeoftheinternationalstudentclubsandactivitiesbackon

campusintheU.S.• Considerpickingupaminorthatwillhelpkeepupnewlyacquiredlanguageorother

cross-culturalskills(e.g.EuropeanAreaStudies,InternationalBusinessorlanguageminor).

• KeepintouchwithyourEuropeanhostandplantoreturntoEuropesomeday.• Getinvolvedinhomecampuslife,with‘old’aswellas‘new’MUDECfriends.• VisitMUCareerServicestoexploreoptionsforinternationalcareers,graduate

programs,orinternships.• Signupforthe1credithourIDS156StudyAbroadRe-entrySprintcourse

http://www.isic.org/


Staying Connected to your Study Abroad Experience

MUDEC Student AmbassadorsEachsemesteryouwillhavetheopportunitytoapplytoworkasaMUDECStudentAmbassador.Ambassadorsdoavarietyofthings:participateinpre-departureorientationsandleadbreak-outgroups,presentinformationaboutMUDECtostudentgroupsacrosscampus,representMUDECatstudyabroadfairsandotherevents,assistwithourmarketingandoutreachcampaigns,andothertasksasnecessary.StudentAmbassadorsarealsoabletousetheirskillsandintereststogetthemostoutoftheposition!Areyouaneducationmajorandwanttohelpdesignorientationsessions?Areyouagraphicdesignerandwanttohelpmakeposters?WereyoucompletelytransformedbyyourMUDECexperienceandyouwanttopassyourenthusiasmforeducationabroadtoothers?Thesearepaidpositionsandrequire2-4hoursofworkperweek.ContacttheOxfordLuxembourgOfficein216MacMillanHalltoinquire:(513)[email protected].

• Volunteers:AlthoughwecanonlyhireafewMUDECStudentAmbassadors,westillwanttoofferyoutheopportunitytomakeadifferenceinouroffice.VolunteerswillworkwithMUDECstaffandambassadorstohelpensurethatwereachourgoalsandhavefundoingit.ContacttheLuxembourgOffice(detailsabove)togetinvolved!

Career ServicesArecentstudybyIESAbroad,oneoftheoldestandlargeststudyabroadprogramorganizers,foundthatreturnedstudyabroadstudentsreportedthattheyearnedstartingsalariesapproximately$7,000abovethenationalaverageof$28,000.Otherstudieshavealsofoundpositivecorrelationsbetweenstudyabroadanditsinfluenceonthedevelopmentofinterpersonalskillsandcareeradvancement.Arecentsurveyof367companiesinninedifferentcountriesfoundthatthevastmajorityrankedinterculturalskillshighlyamongpotentialnewemployees.Theinterculturalskillsmosthighlyvaluedbytheorganizationsstudiedwere

1.demonstratingrespectforothers2.workingeffectivelyindiverseteams3.understandingculturaldifferences4. adjustingcommunicationtofitdifferentsituations

CareerServicesiswell-equippedtoassistyouinbothincorporatingyournewlydeveloped(orhoned!)cross-culturalskillsintoyourresumeandusingyourexperiencetoenhanceyourresponsesinajobinterview.Inordertoeffectively“sellyourself ”inajobinterview,you’llneedtospendsometimethinkingaboutthelessonslearnedwhileabroadandhowyournewglobal-mindedskillsetcanbenefittheorganizationtowhichyou’reapplying.CareerServicesislocatedin200HoytHallandcanbereachedbyphone(513)[email protected].

Post MUDEC { 47

(Someofthetextfromabovecanbefoundhere:Duke,S.T.(2014).PreparingtoStudyAbroad.Sterling,Virginia:StylusPublishing.)

Lux ClubIfyouareinterestedinreunitingwithyourMUDECfriendsorgettingtoknowotherMUDECalumni,jointheLuxClub!StudentsintheLuxClubcoordinateeventsandactivitiesthroughoutthesemester,aswellasnetworkwithMUDECalumniwhohavegraduatedfromMiami.Comeseeusin214MacMillanHall,callusat(513)529-5050oremailusatluxembourg@miamioh.eduifyouhavequestionsorwouldliketojoin!studyabroad@miamioh.edu.

Sending PhotosHopefully,youweresendinguspicsorpostingtoInstagram(#MUDEC)whileyouwereinLuxembourg,butifyouweretoobusystudyingtodoso,nowisthetime!Sendusanyandallpics!Besuretolabelthemwithwheretheyweretakenand/orincludepertinentinformation(i.e.ifthepicwastakenonstudytouroradiscoverytour).Weareinterestedinalltypesofcontent(exceptonesthatincludealcohol),butweareespeciallylookingforpicsthatshowthefollowing:

• Inandaroundthechateauandclassrooms(Miamistudentsstudying!)• Inandaroundyourhomestayand/orwithyourhosts• InandaroundLuxembourg• MUDECevents• Candidshots

IDS156Sometimesstudentswhogoabroadforanextendedperiodoftimestarttofeelfrustratedforavarietyofreasons.Maybetheexperienceisn’tquitewhatyouexpectedormaybetherewasacross-culturalmisunderstanding.Orperhapsyouhadawonderfultimeandnowyou’reinterestedinmoredeeplyunderstandinghowyourperspectivesonlife,culture,politics,etc.havechangedsincereturningtotheUnitedStates.This1credit-hourclassexploresthemeaningsofyourinternationaleducationexperienceandhowtoapplythelessonslearnedtoyouracademic,careerand/orpersonalgoals.Enrollmentislimitedtostudentsintheirfirstsemesterfollowingastudyabroadexperience.

Post-MUDEC

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2014-15 MUDEC Student Handbook - Miami University · activities from prominent Europeans remain...

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Transcript of 2014-15 MUDEC Student Handbook - Miami University · activities from prominent Europeans remain...