Study Abroad 101: Planning a Successful Study Abroad Experience
Cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad. “Study abroad is a life-changing experience.” Have you heard...
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Transcript of Cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad. “Study abroad is a life-changing experience.” Have you heard...
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
CAFNR ASM Study AbroadOrientation
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
Consider this…
“Study abroad is a life-changing experience.” Have you heard this before? Do you expect this? Is it true or false?
FALSE Study abroad can facilitate life-changing
experiences▪ It sets the mood and provides favorable conditions;
however, You are responsible for your own experience
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
Make the right decisions
Take advantage of the opportunities presented to you
Live in the moment and really experience things Put down the camera, logoff the computer,
etc. Make sure that, in all you do, you make
wise decisions that reflect well on you, your fellow participants, CAFNR, MU, Missouri, and the U.S.
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
Administrative Issues
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
Course enrollment
Late registration forms to complete for late commitments
CAFNR students You sign Advisor signs Submit to 2-64 Agriculture
Non-CAFNR Same form, contact your advisor/dean’s
office
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
Billing
Budgets Financial Planning Worksheets▪ See me
Non-MO residents will be charged non-MO resident fees We will refund 80% of non-MO resident
fees
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
Forms
CAFNR forms International Center
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
Health & Safety
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
Health & Safety
Health Insurance HTH coverage included in program fees We will enroll you Keep your card
Medex Insurance Political & safety evacuation coverage
Embassy Registration We will register you▪ *Non-US citizens may need to register
themselves
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
Health & Safety
Strategies for safety abroad Safety is not about avoiding bad areas,
it’s about being alert in all areas all the time.
Behavior is the #1 cause of injury and death among foreign travelers.
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
Safe Travel “To Do” List
Key Tips Expect the unexpected Be aware of your surroundings Travel with others or in groups Know how to summon help in an emergency Avoid isolated areas▪ 3 “I”s▪ Inebriated, Isolated, Inattentive
Decline drinks from strangers Keep a low profile▪ Demeanor, dress, jewelry, expensive items, etc.
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
Situations to Avoid
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
Alcohol
CAFNR Alcohol Policy
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
Vehicle & Water Safety
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
Sexual Harassment & Assault Other countries have different attitudes
and laws about sexual harassment Cat calls Dress customs Gestures
You always have the right to feel safe Contact faculty leader, on-site coordinator,
or study abroad director if you feel unsafe A victim of sexual assault is never to blame
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
Communication
Know emergency numbers 911 equivalent Program emergency contact U.S. embassy Local hospital (insurance information) Reliable transportation CAFNR Academic Programs Office▪ 573-882-8301▪ Matt’s personal mobile number (see cards)
MU Police▪ 573-882-7201
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
Safeguarding Documents Keep passports, IDs, money, etc. in a belt
or pouch attached to you Make 2 copies of ID page of your
passport (and visa, if applicable) Leave a copy w/your emergency contact Keep a copy with you (separate from original)
Don’t check important documents w/luggage
Scan copies of documents and email them to yourself
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
To Remember
We attempt to alert you to risks, but neither MU nor CAFNR can guarantee your absolute safety while abroad
YOU are your own risk manager Be cautious Travel with friends Use good judgment
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
Our Expectations
You are a representative of CAFNR, MU, Missouri, and the U.S. Even if you don’t want to be
We expect safe & appropriate behavior Your behavior impacts not only you, but
other participants (current & future)▪ You owe them your best behavior
We don’t enjoy taking corrective actions, but we will do so
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
Medication
Prescription Bring a supply to last duration of program + a
little extra Keep in original bottles▪ Ask your MD for a copy of prescription with chemical
name (not brand name) Keep most in your carry-on (airline regs) Please let me know a.s.a.p. if you will need
special accommodation▪ e.g., access to a refrigerator for insulin
Make sure your prescription is legal in your host country!
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
Medication
Non-Prescription (Over the Counter) Bring supply of OTC meds you have used
in the past Syringes▪ Accompany w/a Dr.’s note
Feminine hygiene products
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
Common Medical Issues
Diarrhea Colds Cuts Insect bites Allergies Sunburns Rashes Asthma Urinary tract infections
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
First Aid Kit
Consider including Pain/fever meds ▪ Tylenol or Advil
Antihistamine▪ For allergies, insect bites, motion sickness
Antidiarrheal▪ Pepto-Bismol or Imodium
Antibacterial▪ For cuts/scrapes (Neosporin, band-aids, etc.)
Cold care Sexual health▪ Birth control pills, condoms
Insect repellant Sunscreen
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
Disability & Access Abroad Disclose and discuss early
So that reasonable accommodations can be made
Research options likely to be able to accommodate your disability
U.S. ADA standards do not apply overseas Building & infrastructure
Be realistic about challenges Verify health insurance coverage
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
Sexual Health
Cultural sensitivity to customs Varying attitudes about sex
Sexually transmitted diseases Some countries have higher rates of
HIV/AIDS and other STDs than the U.S.
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
Jet Lag
1 day adjustment for every time zone
Tips Exercise & sleep well before departure Drink fluids▪ Avoid alcohol!
Walk in aisles
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
Food, Water, Hygiene
Standards vary from country to country Food precautions
Avoid: raw or undercooked foods, salads, uncooked vegetables and fruit, shellfish, ice cubes in your drink, unpasteurized milk, anything washed in local water
Cooked foods that are still hot are generally safe
Drink bottled or boiled and filtered water
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
Post Travel
If you become ill within 12 months of returning, see your physician Let him/her know that you have been
abroad Continue anti-malarial meds for
recommended duration following travel
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
Mental Health
Emotional Issues Culture shock Homesickness Anxiety Depression Eating disorders Alcohol abuse
Conditions may be affected or triggered by your study abroad experience
Don’t be afraid to ask for help If you have been or are currently being treated for an
emotional or psychological problem, please include a note from your counselor or physician with your International Center health form
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
Travel Preparations
PackingMoney & Finances
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
Packing
Rule of thumb Luggage What not to take
Electrical appliances Anything you can live without Clothing that identifies you as American Knives Ammunition Anything that looks dangerous
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
Packing
Bring layers & items to mix & match Be prepared for rain Comfortable walking shoes Take some nice clothes Be smart with your carry on
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
Money
Contact your bank & credit card companies
Cash on hand? ATM & credit cards
Discover cards are not accepted Visa & MasterCard are two best options
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
Questions?