cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad. “study abroad is a life-changing experience.” have you heard...

cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad

CAFNR ASM Study AbroadOrientation


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


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.


Administrative Issues


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


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


Forms

CAFNR forms International Center


Health & Safety


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


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.


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.


Situations to Avoid


Alcohol

CAFNR Alcohol Policy


Vehicle & Water Safety


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


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


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


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


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


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!


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


Common Medical Issues

Diarrhea Colds Cuts Insect bites Allergies Sunburns Rashes Asthma Urinary tract infections


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


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


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.


Jet Lag

1 day adjustment for every time zone

Tips Exercise & sleep well before departure Drink fluids▪ Avoid alcohol!

Walk in aisles


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


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


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


Travel Preparations

PackingMoney & Finances


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


Packing

Bring layers & items to mix & match Be prepared for rain Comfortable walking shoes Take some nice clothes Be smart with your carry on


Money

Contact your bank & credit card companies

Cash on hand? ATM & credit cards

Discover cards are not accepted Visa & MasterCard are two best options


Questions?