Transcript Pre-departure Orientation

STUDY ABROAD
Spring 2010
Pre-Departure
Orientation
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 & Visas
5.Port of Entry
Process
6.Health Issues &
Local Laws
7.Money
8.Travel Tips
9.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
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•
•
•
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
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•
•
•
•
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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