Pre-Departure Orientation

STUDY ABROADSpring 2010

Topics for Discussion

1. What To Do:• Before you go• While you’re

away• After you return

2.Academic Responsibility

3.Packing & Communication

4.Passports & Visas5.Port of Entry

Process6.Health Issues &

Local Laws7.Money 8.Travel Tips9.Culture Shock

Before you go…..

• Make sure all your study abroad paperwork is 100% complete.

• Overseas Course

Approval Form

• Financial Aid

Agreement Form

• Housing Form

• Medical Forms

• Health Insurance

Proof/Waiver

• Registration

Academic Responsibility •Teaching & Grading Styles

•Class Attendance

•Electives vs. Pre-Approved Credit

•Your grades DO count in your GPA (unless you’re on a non-SUNY program)

• While overseas, you are bound by SUNY Fredonia Standards of Behavior.

While You Are Abroad…1. Email your address and list of

overseas course numbers and names to Mary Hills.

2. Make sure you can access Your Connection – if you cannot, ask a parent or friend to be ready to register for you for the semester you return to Fredonia.

3. The IEC will meet with your advisor during advising week and then send you an email with your pin number and registration date and time.

4. Register at your designated (US) time.

Packing & Communication

• Airline Restrictions

• Avoid Over Packing!

• Converters/Adaptors

• Laptops

• Cell Phones

Airport Packing Restrictions

Passport & Visa

• Required Documents• Immunizations• Do I need a Visa?• PHOTOCOPY!!• Leave a copy of all important

documents with someone at home

• Parents should also have a passport!

Port of Entry Process

• Know your final destination’s phone number and address

• Get familiar with Immigration and Custom Process

• Be prepared for

Airport Transfers

Health and Local Laws

• Food & Drug Allergies

• Prescriptions (medical, contacts or eyeglasses)

• Review Consular Information Sheet

• Drinking, Smoking, Driving Laws

Money• Credit Cards, ATMs, Foreign Transaction Fees• Traveler's Checks (not user friendly)• Stick to a Budget• Carry some cash with you ($ and foreign currency)• Working Abroad• Notify your credit card companies that you are

traveling

Travel Tips

• Register at Local US Embassy

• Travel Book (Lonely Planet, Let’s Go, Fodor’s)

• ISIC Cards ($25)• Ryan Air (Europe)• Eurail/Brit Rail• Hostels• Keep a Travel Journal/Blog

Culture Shock

When You Get Back….

• Request transcript from U.S. sponsoring school

(Non-SUNY programs only)• Delay of transcript (Expect to wait several weeks)

• Have you turned in all your work? • Do you have an outstanding bill at home or abroad?

• Grade change procedure - (X to Final Average Grade) IEC will process grade changes for you.

• Join the Global Student Ambassadors group on campus

• Become a fan of SUNY Fredonia Study Abroad on Facebook

QUESTIONS