School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia UniversityPre-Departure Orientation

December 2014

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Today’s discussion

• Introduction

• Health issues for study abroad

• Safety

• Security

• Travel and Logistics

• International team work

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SIPA, Office ofStudent Affairs

Columbia University,Office of Risk Management

SIPA and the Office of Risk Management staff are available to support you

Authorized Person (Assistant Dean) Stefan Brown

Director, Office ofRisk Management Laura Schon

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SIPA resources to support your research trip

CU on the Road Travel Medicine and On-Call Travel Assistance and Insurance – travel medicine. Vaccinations and immunizations:http://www.health.columbia.edu/travel-medicine

International SOS (ISOS) – travel partner

SIPA International Travel Policies: https://sipa.columbia.edu/students/policies/international-travel-policies

Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) – pre-departure assistance

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Today’s discussion

• Introduction

• Health issues for study abroad

• Safety

• Security

• Travel and Logistics

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What are the most important health issueswhile studying abroad?

• Upper respiratory• Flu & Allergies• Gastrointestinal

Basic infectionsBasic infections

• Sexually transmitted diseases• Injury, negligent behavior

while intoxicated

Behavioral health issues• Sexual health• Alcohol use

Behavioral health issues• Sexual health• Alcohol use

• Culture shock• Anxiety/DepressionEmotional and

mental healthEmotional and mental health

Seek medical attention!

All are potentially serious if left

untreated

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Health issues – before you go• Student Health or family physician

–Get a physical and review additional immunization requirements – CDC, I-SOS

• Check your health insurance for global coverage

• Disclose pre-existing or medical issues requiring continuing care to your health care provider prior to the trip to receive clearance

• Learn about the symptoms that require immediate medical follow up

• Learn about self care options for travelers’ diarrhea, jet lag and motion sickness

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Health – while abroad• If you take prescription medications, vitamins, over-

the-counter medications–Can you travel across country borders?–Carry with you a written prescription–Take what you will need for your entire trip –

including possibility of delayed return

• If you get sick – consult your program directors –ISOS also can help coordinate care and medical

evacuation–Local consulate can also provide guidance

• Country specific information is available through the CDC, World Health Organization and the State Department

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Alcohol, drugs and sexual health• Stay sober and stay with others

–Don’t abandon intoxicated friends–Know what you are drinking –Respect local culture – different alcohol laws may

allow for ease of access but observe local customs

• Penalties abroad more stringent for possession of illicit drugs and narcotics–Small amounts may be enough to trigger strict

penalties and immediate incarceration–Ivy league students recently arrested and jailed for

drug possession

• Sexually transmitted diseases can cause a lifetime of problems–Be responsible and careful–Seek medical attention immediately for any concerns

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Emotional and mental health

• Adjustment can be difficult – it is normal• Symptoms can be physiological and psychological• Pay attention if you feel “overwhelmed” and need some “down time”• Watch out for others who frequently say they are “overwhelmed” and seem to need too much “down time”

Culture shockCulture shock

Usual worries can intrude Usual worries can intrude

• Emotional/relationship/family/academic concerns travel with you• Seek guidance of CPS counselor if you need some support before the trip

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• Introduction

• Academic Issues

• Health issues for study abroad

• Safety

• Security

• Travel and Logistics

Today’s discussion

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What are the greatest safety dangers/riskswhile studying abroad?

• 3,000 killed daily worldwide in traffic accidents

• Leading cause of death or injury abroad

• 13% involve motorcycles

Traffic accidentsTraffic accidents

• Drowning -13% of deaths abroad

• Death of pedestrians 7% of accidentsPhysical injuriesPhysical injuries

• Water and therefore ice may be unsafe

• Avoid food from street vendors

• 115 people per 1,000 return early from a trip as a result

Food & WaterFood & Water

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• Introduction

• Academic Issues

• Health issues for study abroad

• Safety

• Security

• Travel and Logistics

Today’s discussion

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• Crowded cities and unfamiliar locations

• Thefts of personal property from residences and bagsPetty crimePetty crime

What are the greatest security risks while abroad?

• Use ATMS located within buildings and beware of people around you

• Beware of crime rings focusing on tourists and/or students

Targeted crime/ robberyTargeted crime/ robbery

• Unwanted attention due to personal appearances

• Friendship “boundaries” are different

Sexual harassment/ assault

Sexual harassment/ assault

• Strikes

• Riots, anti US sentiment, regional conflictsCivil unrest/ terrorist actionsCivil unrest/ terrorist actions

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Security

Do your research: know about the country, city and neighborhood where you will be residing• Do not travel alone- especially at night • Register with the U.S. Consulate or U.S. Embassy – or your own embassy• Research the country you will be visiting - US State Department, Australian

Department of Foreign Affairs, UK Foreign Commonwealth, International SOS• Talk to returning students about their experiences

Personal security issues – BE ALERT!

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Personal documents and finances• Back up your computer – (need Web sites)

• Keep copies of U.S. Passport, credit cards and travel document–Secure original passport and travel documents –Don’t carry them with you all the time–Check the expiration date on your passport–Make sure there is a copy with the program office

• Keep some emergency funds in cash –Beware of local scams

• Personal finances–Make sure credit cards are current and will not expire –Confirm with your banks and credit card companies

that you are traveling overseas

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Personal safety

• Be discrete and conservative in your actions and conversations

• Be aware of local issues and the worldwide political environment– Anti-U.S. sentiment– Local ethnic, religious and racial profiling– Local elections may be a time of increased protests– Avoid demonstrations

What if ….

There is an earthquake or natural disaster in your host country?

• If you are affected - Seek a safe environment immediately• Once it is safe – contact your program directors, family and/or SIPA• Follow the directions provided by program directors• Advise the local consulate that you are in the region• Contact International SOS if you are in need of assistance

• If you are not affected but it has happened in close proximity or the region• Contact your family immediately – they will worry• Check in with the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) – as we will worry• If you receive an email from OSA – please respond

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• Introduction

• Academic Issues

• Health issues for study abroad

• Safety

• Security

• Travel and Logistics

Today’s discussion

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Who is International SOS (ISOS)?

Not Health Insurance!

International SOS is the world’s leading international healthcare, medical assistance, and security services company.

•Worldwide network of 27 Assistance centers and 31 clinics as well as a fleet of air ambulances

•Over 10,000 employees and more than 1,000 medical professionals, operating in more than 70 countries

•Established global network of over 68,000 credentialed medical, legal, security and aviation providers

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CU Travelers Stay Healthy, Safe and Secure

CU Traveler can use our membership when they are outside their home country if they have:

Medical Question or Concern

Medical Emergency

Safety Concern

Security Emergency

Travel Assistance

“I’m ill, should I see a doctor? Where should I go?

“I have pain on my right side, I think it’s appendicitis!”

“Is it safe to venture outside my hotel for coffee?”

“There are rioters outside my hotel!”

“I’ve been pick-pocketed.”

When you need help, International SOS is there for you.

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Medical Assistance

24-Hour Worldwide Medical Information & Assistance

Medical & Dental Referrals

Dispatch of Medication & Medical Supplies*

Medical Monitoring

Emergency Evacuation

Medically Supervised Repatriation

Repatriation of Mortal Remains

Medical Expense Guarantee*

Emergency Translation & Interpreter Services

Access to International SOS Clinics

* Additional fees for services rendered

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Personal & Travel Assistance

Legal referrals

Emergency message transmission

Lost document advice and assistance

Assistance with documentation for insurance claims

Compassionate visit or family travel assistance

Emergency personal cash*

Return of minors

* Additional fees for services rendered

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Security Services

International SOS offers:

• 24-hour Security Information and Analysis

• 24-hour Security Assistance

• Traveler Awareness and Tracking

• Security Evacuations

• Travel Security Consulting

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Emergency Protocol

Who should you call when you receive an emergency call from a student abroad?

Medical Emergency Security Situation Legal or Other ISOS ISOS OGC

Advisor/ Program Lead/ Advisor/ Program Lead/ Advisor/ Program Lead

Office of Global Programs Office of Global Programs Office of Global Programs

Family Family Family

Student Health Public Safety Risk Management

Risk Management Risk Management ISOS

Share your itinerary

• International SOS will require flight information

• Share in country cell phone numbers with program directors and OSA staff

• Travel during your program should be shared with program directors

• Have a communication plan with your family • Let your family know if you are not going to be available in

advance

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Columbia University – ISOS Portalhttps://www.internationalsos.com/MasterPortal/default.aspx?membnum=11BSGC000064

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2 MyTrips

3 Emergency Record

1 Global Risk Ratings and Security Headlines

MyTrips Create Profile Pagehttps://mytrips.travelsecurity.com/Login.aspx?ci=7uQTCJZptEU%3d

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Traveler needs to identify her/himself with school or center/institute for TravelTracker reports to filter to the right administrators

MyTrips Create Profile Pagehttps://mytrips.travelsecurity.com/Login.aspx?ci=7uQTCJZptEU%3d

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MyTrips Trip Pagehttps://mytrips.travelsecurity.com/Login.aspx?ci=7uQTCJZptEU%3d

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Trip Details: •flights (each leg has to be entered), •trains•accommodations•local transportation

Trip Information: •contact information (while traveling) •2 emergency contacts for this trip•program/institution (in country)•trip approver•Institute/Center/Office coordinating trip

If traveling with a different University, school/department traveler can enter it here

Enter your data in the ISOS MyTrips registry (cont.)

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Step 3: Enter Trip Information (cont.)

When entering the address for an accommodation, you should click on ‘Find Address’ button. It will opena pop-up box where you can enter the address. Once you click Find Address button on this pop up, thesystem perform a search and provide you a list of matching addresses. Select the closest address andclick Ok. The address will then be prepopulated into the address fields.

Source: Columbia University; ISOS MyTrips User Guide

International SOS Membership App

BlackBerryOS 4.5 and higher

iPhoneiOS 4 and higher

Android2.1 and higher

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Create a communications plan

Communications – stay in touch•Consider purchasing an in-country

cell phone – share the number•Skype – free and easy•Non-SIPA e-mail addresses – share

with SIPA and family, friends

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Working in collaborative teams abroad

•Communicate

•Be alert

•Be patient

•Embrace change and new challenges

Some simple guidelines to follow

Establish group norms

Take time to review accomplishments and adjust your plans

Ensure you have time for fun amidst the hard work

• Set basic expectations on time, work products, communication, meals, etc.• Share responsibility for logistics, other support equally

• Things may get off to a slow start, recalibrate when needed• Invest in time to build rapport and professional relationships – it works

• Take time to celebrate your successes• Allow for “scheduled down-time” -- everyone needs to refresh once in awhile

Cultural cues and miscues (1 of 3)

Be alert to your own emotions • Emotional thresholds and acceptable emotional displays vary widely by culture and within cultures by age, gender, and class

• Empathy is extremely powerful if you practice it yourself

But I’m a graduate student, I don’t have

to be concerned about emotions—this is a required internship.

But I’m a graduate student, I don’t have

to be concerned about emotions—this is a required internship.

Cultural cues and miscues (2 of 3)

Behold the righteously indignant!

• Some concepts are tightly bound to one’s sense of self and basic rights and responsibilities. These concepts are hard to translate and can get you into trouble if misapplied

• Rather that assert how your rights are being violated, ask for guidance. “I’m a guest in your country, how can I get assistance in this matter? Who has the authority to help me?”

How dare you restrict my access to

necessary supplies! Don’t you understand,

I’m here on an approved project?

How dare you restrict my access to

necessary supplies! Don’t you understand,

I’m here on an approved project?

Cultural cues and miscues (3 of 3)

Humor is a universal • Humor can ease great strains or can lead to multiple misunderstandings

• Laugh at yourself, learn the polite local words for “Clearly, I know very little about how things work here”

• Observe first, be invited to participate, and then share your sense of fun with others

“It is truly a great honor to meet your *&^%$@ family on

this holy day.”

“It is truly a great honor to meet your *&^%$@ family on

this holy day.”

Cultural cues and miscues

Be alert to your own emotions

Behold the righteously indignant!

Humor is a universal

• Emotional thresholds and acceptable emotional displays vary widely

• Some concepts are tightly bound to one’s sense of self and these concepts are hard to translate

• Humor can ease great strains or can lead to multiple misunderstandings

Watch out for problems

Burn-out

Physical exhaustion

Illness

• Simple conflicts escalate • Language and communication problems • Frustration with basic logistics• General irritability

• Not able to catch up on rest• Lack of appetite• Lack of engagement in common interests

• Physical and/or emotional symptoms • Withdrawal from the group• Changes in weight (loss or gain)• Reactions to medications

Open discussion: Q & A

Are there additional topics that we need to address?

What kinds of additional materials will be useful for you?