OCS PreDeparture Session Grinnell College Fall 2018 OffCampus

OCS Pre-Departure Session Grinnell College Fall 2018

Off-Campus Study: More than a “Trip”

Different forms of preparation 1. General (this presentation) and specific (location/program) 2. Cooperate with and use your program’s resources, suggestions, and orientations AND inform yourself independently § Representatives at OCS Fair: Wed. , 9/26 11 -2 pm in JRC 101 3. Learning/experiential and practical

Common challenges for students � Limited knowledge of host country history, values, current issues � Identity (and intersectionality) � Frustration with things that are different than expected � Difficulty meeting people (and feeling “integrated”) � Communication: local patterns (plus tech ties to home)

Culture Shock: feelings of anxiety caused by exposure to unfamiliar surroundings, customs, and attitudes that may result in mood swings and/or physical exhaustion Four Stages: 1) Euphoria 2) Depression/Irritation 3) Gradual Adjustment 4) Adaptation

Stages of culture shock: A story in patience and resilience

A (longer-term) solution: Intercultural Competence 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.

Working on these intercultural competencies Research the program’s offerings and local setting in detail • Research the history, economy and political system/structure • Interview a native of the host country? • Set goals for getting outside of your comfort zone • � 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: 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 �Know your rights �Contact the Office of OCS with any concerns.

Practical Matters II: Attending to the Academics �Liberal arts curriculum, grade of C or above, grades show on transcript �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.

Practical Matters III: Personal Identification �Passport �Visa �(ISIC Card)

IV: Money matters � Financial Aid Matters…. � Check your billing statement before you start your program. ◦ Credit balance? Program deposit will not reflected until cashier receives a billing statement from program. � Budgeting: ◦ Read all of what your program provides on this topic. ◦ Plan ahead for early expenses like program deposits, visa fees & airfare. ◦ Check the Grinnell College website for estimated cost information. � Banking � Visas

V: Emergencies • 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

VI: Health and safety Health Insurance Familiarize yourself with any program-provided health insurance • For international coverage, consider Grinnell’s comprehensive policy through Geo. Blue, which offers pre-departure advice on on-site services and prescriptions, direct pay through in-network providers, country/city profiles, medical/political/natural disaster evacuation services, etc. ($12. 55/week) • Common exclusions: SCUBA diving, mountaineering with climbing equipment, sky diving, bungee jumping •

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-, & waterborne 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 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

VII: Some thoughts on observation and reflection while on OCS

Questions? Comments? Be familiar with the OCS website, travel. global. grinnell. edu, and Grinnell. Share student lists and discussions. • Email ocs@grinnell. edu. • Staff and faculty at Grinnell are always available in the background to complement local resources. • Representatives at OCS Fair: Wed. , Sept 26 th 11 -2 pm JRC 101 •