Beijing Pre-Departure Orientation Fall 2017

SU Beijing: Center & Staff

Caroline Tong PhDCenter Director

Jane XinAssistant Director

Before Departure:• Discuss continued medical/immunization/mental health treatment with your doctor.• Dental Exam• Notify SUA’s Assistant Director of Student Services of special storage requirements for medication

Traveling with medication:• You CANNOT mail medication – bring enough for your entire time abroad• Pack all your medication in your carry-on only• Medication must be in original containers with a copy of prescription • Compile all medical/health information and bring it with you in case of a medical emergency

Questions: Contact Assistant Director of Student Services, Bridget Demorest brhughes@syr.edu

Health Preparations

• You are responsible for ensuring you are adequately covered abroad

• Review your current insurance policy for possible coverage

• You are expected to pay up front for the cost of a doctor’s visit

• For more information on insurance, visit the Health and Safety of Preparing to Go

Insurance Abroad

International SOS Card

International Student ID Card (ISIC)ISIC Premium Plan – (included in your program fee)

• Ordered through SU Abroad, receive at on-site orientation

• Limited supplemental emergency health and travel insurance

• Over 41,000 discounts worldwide on travel, hotels, entrance fees, and restaurants

• For more details of what ISIC Premium Plan covers, call (855) 743-6739 (U.S. & Canada)

• SU Membership Number: 11BCPA000177

• Register with ISOS MyTrips travel locator for all travel

• Download the free ISOS Assistance app

• Medical referral services available 24/7 for phone and in-person consultation

• Contact the medical teams at ISOS for country-specific information

• Emergency evacuation services

• NOTE: The International SOS card does not provide medical insurance

Packing• Pack one carry-on with all of your valuables/medication(s)

• Pack one larger suitcase for the semester (your checked luggage)

• DO NOT pack items not easily replaced (birth certificate, social security card, etc.)

• Check with your airline(s) for baggage restrictions and fees

• Contact a Global Ambassador for packing tips

Flights & ArrivalsBefore Departure: All students must register with ISOS MyTrips.• Check with Mary Fedorko (mmfedork@syr.edu) for confirmed program dates before

purchasing flight• Complete the travel questionnaire in TDS and upload your itinerary• All students will be met at the airport and taken to the Tsinghua University dormitory

• If you arrive in Beijing after 8pm, you will need to stay in an airport hotel at your own cost

OrientationA mandatory orientation will take place during the first two days.

Topics and Activities:

• Registration with the Office of International Students

• Health and safety issues

• Cultural adjustment

• Overview of the SU Beijing program and services offered

• Tsinghua University campus tour

• Meet Tsinghua University “helpers” who will assist students with purchasing SIM cards, phones, and other items as necessary

• Overview of the upcoming Signature Seminar

• You will live in the International Student Dormitory on Tsinghua’s campus.

• International students from around the world will also be living in the dormitory.

• Single rooms with private bathroom.• Bedding and linens are provided.

Towels are not provided.• Weekly cleaning service & sheet-

changing• Internet access• Access to campus facilities – library,

health clinic, gym

On-campus housing must be canceled by July 1st

Housing

Academics AbroadCourse Registration

• Complete the Student Advising Form (SAF) by May 1st

• Course registration will be completed in Beijing

• Hold off on making personal travel plans until your registration is finalized abroad

Academic Accommodations

• Complete the Request for Accommodations online questionnaire

• Contact your ODS counselor ASAP

Expectations Abroad• Students are bound by Syracuse University’s

Academic Integrity Policy

Internships

• If you are considering an internship abroad, complete the Internship Request Form and upload a resume

TechnologyCell Phones:

• Bring your US phone for use pre- and post-semester travel

• Students can purchase a prepaid cellular phone plan or a SIM card for an unlocked U.S. phone

• A student buddy will assist you during orientation.

• Many apps provide free texting, calling, & video chatting with WiFi (WeChat, Viber, Skype, etc.)

Using Your Devices Abroad:

• You will need a plug adapter for all appliances

• You may also need a converter

• Pack all valuable electronic items in your carry on only

MoneyContact your bank:

• Let them know how long you will be living

abroad

• Notify them of your travel plans (while

abroad)

• Ask about affiliate banks abroad

• Ask about international fees

• Do NOT bring large amounts of US Dollars

• Create a budget for shopping, traveling, & spending abroad

• Optional: bring a small amount of local currency

• Review the financial information section of the online Preparing to Go guide

SU Community Abroad

Bridget DemorestSU Abroad’s Assistant Director of Student Services

• Office of Disability Services

• SU Housing Offices (main campus or south campus)

• Career Services

Behavioral Standards:

• SU Code of Student Conduct

• SU Sexual & Relationship Violence Policy

• SU Abroad Behavioral Standards

In Case of EmergencyKeep your phone on & charged at all times. Always travel with your phone & charger.

Contacts before departure:• Emergencies: SU Abroad 1-(800)-235-3472

While abroad:• Students: call the SU Beijing emergency number provided at orientation• Parents: contact SU Abroad 24/7 on-call staff 1-(800)-235-3472 • Email: important health and safety information from Beijing staff will be sent to your

SUMail account, check it regularly

Final Reminders• Read and review the online Preparing to Go

guide

• Complete all post-acceptance forms

• Apply for your Chinese student visa in early July

• Make health care arrangements (medication, insurance, etc.)

• Contact your bank about your travel plans

• Unlock your U.S. phone (optional)

• Research baggage restrictions & luggage fees for your airline(s)

• Do research about Beijing and China

• Connect with a Global Ambassador

• Review SU Abroad Safety Guidelines

Contact InformationSU Abroad

106 Walnut PlaceSyracuse, NY 13244

(315) 443-3471(800) 235-3472

suabroad@syr.edu

We wish you every success abroad!