OCS PreDeparture Orientation Grinnell College FallFullYear 2019 2020

OCS Pre-Departure Orientation Grinnell College Fall/Full-Year 2019 -2020

Off-Campus Study: More than a Break or a “Trip”

Common Challenges � Limited knowledge of host country history, values, current issues � Intersecting identities � Frustration with things that are different than expected � Difficulty meeting people (and feeling “integrated”) � Communication: Local patterns (plus tech ties to home)

Stages of Culture “Shock”: A Story in Patience and Resilience

A (Longer-Term) Technique: Intercultural Competencies Sponsored by the CEPA Foundation – Cultural and Educational Programs Abroad Intercultural competence is the ability to communicate and act appropriately and effectively across cultural differences.

Developing Intercultural Competencies Learn about the program’s offerings and local setting in detail • Research the history, economy and political system/structure • Talk with someone from the host country • Set goals for engaging with the local communities • � BBC, State Dept Background Notes, Diversity Abroad � Grinnell. Share returned student list + blogs � International students, Office of Alumni Relations � Guidebooks and travel websites � Diversity Abroad and ILGA

Practical Matters I: Personal Identification �Passport �Visa, if applicable �(ISIC Card)

Practical Matters II: Money Matters � How is eligibility for aid determined for OCS? ◦ Visit the online financial aid office to determine if your financial aid application is complete. Apply for scholarships… � Let the financial aid office know about any scholarships you have been offered for OCS. � � � Plan ahead for early expenses like the program deposit, visa fees & airfare. Prior to your departure: ◦ Read everything your program provides regarding budgeting, banking and Visas. � Heading outside of the US? Know the currency exchange rate & practice the math. � What does your program recommend…take a small amount of US dollars? Get some foreign currency to take with you? Can debit/credit cards be used easily where you are going? How much money will you need for indirect expenses (meals, personal, or other expenses)? � Let your credit/debit card holders know you where and when you plan on traveling. Make note (safe location) of your card number(s) & the phone number on the back of each card, in case your card is lost or stolen. Ask about fees and when they are charged. ◦ Visit the online financial aid office to see if you need to accept/decline any offered loans. ◦ View your online billing statement � Do you have a credit balance? | Is the any program deposit that you paid reflected? Note: the deposit won’t be reflected until the Office of Student Accounts receives the billing statement from the program. | If you are offered a scholarship for OCS by the program or other organization, is it reflected on your online award letter and student account statement? � To schedule an appointment with Gretchen Zimmermann visit: https: //calendly. com/zimmerma/30 min

Practical Matters III: Academics �For transfer credit: Liberal arts curriculum, grade of C or above (no pass/fail, no incompletes) �Grinnell and program transcripting �Grinnell’s language commitment �Notify the Office of OCS and your adviser(s) of any changes you make to the courses originally proposed in your four-year plan. �Review travel. global. grinnell. edu for additional details.

Assessing and Addressing Your Own Health and Safety Needs • • • Research your host country and any countries you may visit Use the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Travelers’ Health website to learn about vector-, food-, & water-borne diseases; recommended immunizations Communicate with us/your program about physical and emotional health needs (allergies, dietary restrictions, accommodations, prescriptions, counseling, etc. ) Pay attention to mental health and well-being while away; know your stress relievers and find ways to continue or adapt them Understand your domestic and international health insurance policies (Grinnell’s Geo. Blue) Protect your personal safety and property • “Assume nothing”

Alcohol and Other Drugs �Living in a society where you are of drinking age, including differences in standard drinks and lack of tolerance transfer �Understand host country perspectives on consumption of alcohol and other drugs �Consider harm reductive strategies if you choose to drink alcohol �Home country embassies can do little or nothing for citizens who have been arrested for drug-related crimes.

Sexual Health and Sexual Respect �Plan for your sexual health as you would for any other health concerns �Local norms and laws differ �Communication and expectations regarding consent have added layers �Programs include variable information in their orientations �Office of OCS and Grinnell’s Title IX office (Bailey Asberry) are a resource �Title IX card and NAFSA brochure

Emergency Risk Management • Follow your program’s protocols • Review your home country’s Consular Affairs information • Register for info on safety conditions through the U. S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): non-U. S. citizens can receive alerts, U. S. citizens would also receive assistance from nearest U. S. Embassy • Download Grinnell’s free Alert. Traveler app

Program and Grinnell policies �Review the Grinnell and program waiver forms ◦ e. g. withdrawal from program or conduct violation �Procedures for violating program rules are likely different from Grinnell’s processes �Know your rights �Grinnell policies at travel. global. grinnell. edu �Contact the Office of OCS with any concerns.

Some Thoughts on Observation and Reflection While Away � Please refer to the second part of your handouts! � Don’t take our word for it, listen to what some of our returned students have to say. �Consider registering for SST 295: 02 Multi-Media Workshop (online, 1 credit) for second half of Spring 2019 semester.

Questions? Comments? Familiarize yourself with the OCS website, travel. global. grinnell. edu, and Grinnell. Share student lists. • Email ocs@grinnell. edu. • Staff and faculty at Grinnell are always available in the background to complement local resources. •