PREDEPARTURE ORIENTATION Winter Break 2016 Spring Semester 2017

PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION - Winter Break 2016 – Spring Semester 2017 – Spring Break 2017 – Summer 2017 Education Abroad Office Love South 110 educationabroad@unl. edu

What do you know about…? • CIA World Factbook • UNDP Human Development Reports • Lonely Planet Travel Guides • Insight Guides • Rick Steves Travel Guides • National Geographic Travel • Maps • Who is the head of the government? • What is the political parties in power? • What is the capital? • What is the local currency? • What is the exchange rate? • What is the lingua franca or national language? • What is the level of development?

Do your research! • Local restaurants, attractions, shops • Overview of city, government structure, • Culture, holidays, history, traditional greetings, meal times, food • Public transportation (maps and schedules) • Location of police, fire, emergency response • Cultural climate of host city • Advice from locals

Safety and Responsible Choices …

Conduct Abroad • Program-specific rules and expectations set by leaders • Group expectations from peers • Education Abroad Agreement • UNL Student Code of Conduct • Dean of Students Record • NOTE: You can be dismissed from the program at your own expense • Local laws: they do vary! • Different legal system • May have more severe punishments • Perception and role of police

Alcohol and Drugs • Moderation when drinking alcohol • Leads to poor decisions, vulnerability • Local laws (age, public intoxication) • Tolerance does not follow you abroad • Know your limits! • Cultural norms of drinking in host city • Don’t try to keep up! • Misconceptions of peers • Have an “end-of-night plan” ahead of time • Policy on alcohol in lodging/housing • AVOID drugs entirely • Harsher consequences for possession and use abroad • Physical and emotional reactions unknown

Sex, Dating and Relationships • Flirting, dating, PDA, and sexuality culture • eye contact and smiling, “cat calls, ” personal space • LGBTQA+ norms, laws, and attitudes • Be aware of American stereotypes, clothing • Safe sex and responsible choices • Country may have higher rate of STDs/STIs • Birth control and condoms: access/cost, willingness to use • Notions of consent vary widely around the world. Don’t assume! • Learn key phrases and vocabulary.

Sexual Misconduct & Title IX • Sexual Harassment or Assault, Dating Violence, and Stalking are PROHIBITED. UNL policy applies! • Sexual assault laws and support from law enforcement vary. If possible, seek help from leader and on-site team first. • At least one of your leaders is a Responsible Employee (RE), who must report incidents to UNL’s Title IX Coordinator. You may also contact the Title IX Coordinator directly. • You are encouraged to report. UNL’s Title IX Coordinator will investigate and offer support and guidance. The victim will be offered choices. • Confidential Resources: victim advocates such as Voices of Hope or a mental health professional.

Bystander Intervention Support your peers! 1. Overcome the Barriers • Don’t assume someone else will act! 2. Ask Yourself • Now or later? • Alone or with help? 3. Choose Your Action • Confront, Distraction, Support 4. Lead the Change involved. unl. edu/prevent

Vulnerability and Vigilance • Not always “safer” or “less safe, ” but different environment and level of vulnerability. • More people can mean more protection or more risk • Some threats (gun violence) may be lower than U. S. • Different social cues • Like in a large U. S. city: understand threats, know neighborhoods to avoid, remain vigilant. • Don’t focus on rare events that you cannot predict or control. Focus on common events that you have some control over.

Safety Fundamentals • You’re not invincible! • Common sense and instincts • Protect your cash, credit cards, valuables, passport/visa • Carry small amounts, don’t display • Think about how you carry it, don’t ever leave it alone • Common threats and “Stranger Danger” • Be cautious of strangers who: • Offer “gifts”, offer to guide you or give you a bargain, ask for personal info like travel plans and hotel, offer to give you a personal tour of the city • Beware of pickpockets • May work in pairs, intentional distractions

Acting like a local… • How will you be perceived ? • Avoid drawing attention. Try to blend in. • “Fake it‘till you make it!” • It’s ok to be RUDE when the situation merits it • Keep informed about political and cultural climate. • Avoid protests and demonstrations • Careful conversations

Communication • Create a plan for communication with family and friends at home once you are abroad • Cell phones • Adding international calling to U. S. plan • Pay-as-you-go phone, local SIM card • Be sure phone is always charged! • Skype, email, Gchat, Facetime, Whats. App, etc. for non-emergency communication • Set up an account for your family and friends • Add Skype credit or set up automatic pay before you leave • Wifi available in many cafes

Registering Travel Plans • Communicate all travel plans! (short term and long term) • My. World Itineraries (dates and locations) • Program-specific process for reporting travel plans • Smart Traveler Enrollment Program: step. state. gov/step/ • U. S. embassy knows you are in the country • U. S. embassy sends you up-to-date notifications • Education Abroad Office enrolls group for official program dates. • If independent/personal student travel is allowed, students are responsible for enrolling all personal travel (dates and locations).

Navigating your host city • Buddy system • Avoid traveling alone at night • Stay on the beaten path • Do not use short cuts, narrow alleys, or poorly lit streets. • Taxis • Look for official markings (common scam) • Learn the pricing system! (day vs. night, zones) • Know the best route or pretend like you do! • When in doubt, sit in the back! • Uber (available? safe? ) • App: maps-me

Public Transportation • DON’T DRIVE AUTOMOBILE/MOTORCYCLES ABROAD (don’t rent a car) • Make sure you trust the driver in any private vehicle • Pedestrian crossing – traffic laws • Trains / Buses / Metro System • Do not leave your valuables unattended • If you are in your own train compartment make sure your door is locked while inside. • Know the schedule (day vs. night) • Women: look for other women, children, elderly • Always pay! (honor system) • CHOOSE SAFE OVER CHEAP! Know your options at all times

Crime • Know the local laws! • Different legal system • Perception and role of the police • Victim of a crime • Notify your program leader immediately • Contact the U. S. Embassy/Consulate • Contact the local police department if recommended • Request a copy of the police report • Accused of a crime • Follow instructions of local law enforcement • Notify your program leader immediately • Contact the U. S. Embassy/Consulate: • They CAN: visit; provide list of attorneys; explain judicial procedures; notify family • They CANNOT: demand the immediate release of a U. S. citizen; represent a U. S. citizen at trial, give legal advice, or pay legal fees and/or fines with U. S. Government funds.

Before you go…

Travel Documents • Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of return to the U. S. and have at least two blank pages • Does a family member or friend have a valid passport? • Visas • Bring your NCard! • Driver’s License • International Student Identity Card (ISIC) • Student Discounts: Airfare, rail passes, theater, opera, museums

Airport Check-In & Security • Ticket must match information on passport exactly • Check and re-check monitor for gate changes • Keep important documents on your person (preferably in an inside pocket within your carryon luggage) • TSA regulations plus security specific to country/destination • Body scan, pat down, look in luggage, shoes, belts, liquids, charged electronics, random screenings • Arrive at the airport early – may be increased security at airports

Customs & Immigration • Respond to questions formally and politely • Unique to each country: • Right to search luggage, may need to complete paperwork on plane, answers should be consistent with type of experience/visa requirements • Local address of campus/hotel, etc. • Look for appropriate line! • Do not transport items for other people! • Passport Control and clearing Customs • You are responsible for entry/exit requirements associated with personal travel (outside program activities)

Money • Understand exchange rates! • Debit & Credit Cards • Withdrawal fees and other fees unique to each card • Alert your bank and credit card company about change of location/destination • Keep international phone number with you • Some countries do not use credit cards frequently • Ensure that you have access to at least 2 cards • Look for ATMs with for specific brands associated with your card • When possible, use ATMs within bank/corridor • Cash • Local currency from bank when you land • Bring U. S. currency with you to exchange in country • Avoid carrying too much cash at any time

Health and Wellness…

Vaccinations and Preparations • Understand host country environment in relation to your personal needs. • What did you learn when you read the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) traveler’s health page? • Department of State Students Abroad: travel. state. gov/content/studentsabroad/en/health. html • General guidance, plus information on prescriptions, mental health, disabilities, etc. • UNL Health Clearance Process • Travel Clinic @ University Health Center: • Pre-travel health counseling • Immunizations: Make an appointment at least 4 weeks before departure date • World Health Organization (WHO) Yellow Card

Medications • Prescription Medications • Check local laws to make sure any prescriptions you are taking will be legal in the host country • Type of medication • Amount of medication • Keep in original container with label • Take more than you need if allowable (refills) • Pack your own First Aid Kit • Limit yourself to essentials. If you’re feeling bad on Day 1, what do you want on hand? • Essential toiletries: not all brands available abroad

International Health Insurance • International insurance included on all UNL programs • Covers medical care, worst case scenarios, and natural disaster and political evacuation. • Mental health and pre-existing conditions covered. • Utilize the HTH website resources and the app! Log in before you leave: www. hthstudents. com. • Drug Translation Guide • Be prepared to pay for your expenses, KEEP YOUR RECEIPTS, and file your claim! • What’s not covered? Adventure sports like skydiving!

Health & Wellness Abroad • Everything is NEW: routine, culture, language, climate, food, water, bacteria = STRESS on mind and body! • Rest = stronger immune system • Stay hydrated… buy that water! • Diet and exercise: vegetarian, food allergies, walking than in U. S. • Access to your basic comforts abroad • Restrooms/showers • Sharing rooms and living out of a suitcase • Access to basic toiletries • Personal space and privacy • Heat and air conditioning kosher/halal, more

Mental Health Abroad • International travel can be stressful for all - even those who have not previously had mental health concerns • UNL Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) • Office Phone Number: 402 -472 -5000 • 24/7 After Hours Phone Number: 402 -219 -8050 • University of Michigan Resilient Traveling: • resilient-traveling. umich. edu/ • Loneliness, Culture Shock, Group Conflict, Personal Struggles • Student testimonials from abroad, self-assessment, resources • Speak up! Confide in someone you trust as soon as possible!

While abroad, you will represent…

Questions?