Transcript CAFNR Study Abroad General Orientation

cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
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“Study abroad is a life-changing experience.”
 Have you heard this before?
 Do you expect this?
 Is it true or false?
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FALSE
 Study abroad can facilitate life-changing
experiences
▪ It sets the mood and provides favorable conditions;
however,
 You are responsible for your own experience
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
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Take advantage of the opportunities
presented to you
Live in the moment and really experience
things
 Put down the camera, logoff the computer, etc.
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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.
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
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Health Insurance
 HTH coverage included in program fees
 We will enroll you
 Keep your card
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Medex Insurance
 Political & safety evacuation coverage
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Embassy Registration
 We will register you
▪ *Non-US citizens may need to register themselves
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
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Get a physical
Check with a travel health professional
 Available at the Student Health Center by
appointment only
 http://studenthealth.missouri.edu/services/trav
elabroad.html
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Go to dentist, optometrist, etc.
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
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Disclose and discuss early
 So that reasonable accommodations can be
made
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Research options likely to be able to
accommodate your disability
U.S. ADA standards do not apply overseas
 Building & infrastructure
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Be realistic about challenges
Verify health insurance coverage
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
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Diarrhea
Colds
Cuts
Insect bites
Allergies
Sunburns
Rashes
Asthma
Urinary tract infections
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Cultural sensitivity to customs
 Varying attitudes about sex
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Sexually transmitted diseases
 Some countries have higher rates of HIV/AIDS
and other STDs than the U.S.
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
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Emotional Issues
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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
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cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
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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
 Drinking water
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
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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!
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
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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
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
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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
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
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If you become ill within 12 months of
returning, see your physician
 Let him/her know that you have been abroad
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Continue anti-malarial meds for
recommended duration following travel
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
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Safety is not about avoiding bad areas, it’s
about being alert in all areas all the time.
Poor decision making is the #1 cause of
injury and death among foreign travelers.
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
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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
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
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Other countries have different attitudes
and laws about sexual harassment
 Cat calls
 Dress customs
 Gestures
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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
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
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Know emergency numbers
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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
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
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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)
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Don’t check important documents w/luggage
Scan copies of documents and email them to
yourself
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
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Key Tips
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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.
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
The overwhelming majority of the issues occurring
on study abroad programs are related to alcohol
abuse and/or misuse.
 Alcohol abuse and misuse are not tolerated
globally and will not be tolerated on CAFNR
abroad programs.
 Violation of CAFNR regulations or policies may
result in
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 immediate dismissal from the program
 academic withdrawal from the university for the
semester in progress
 disciplinary action upon return to campus
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
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When any of the following occur due to alcohol consumption
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Missing any scheduled event
Becoming ill
Being disrespectful of others sharing the same or neighboring housing
Engaging in inappropriate behavior toward other individuals
Becoming so intoxicated that he/she cannot walk unassisted
Engaging in destructive behavior toward property
Failing to abide by the laws of the country in which he or she is staying
Engaging in behavior that causes embarrassment to the other members of the group,
the faculty member(s) or the in-country host(s)
Engaging in behavior that causes his/her companions concern for the safety of the
individual or the group
Encouraging or ignoring a fellow student who is misusing or abusing alcohol
Transporting quantities of alcohol to program sites with the intent of sharing the alcohol
with members of the group
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
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No drinking on the bus, train, etc.
No drinking during the day unless it is part
of program activities
Dr. Schumacher, Brian, host country
leaders, and other MU leaders are the
final judge of what is/is not appropriate
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
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If there are significant issues with alcohol
abuse/misuse, the programs themselves
will be at risk of being discontinued
We want everyone to have a great time
abroad, but our primary concern is safety
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
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This is not a vacation, it is a study abroad
experience
You are a representative of CAFNR, MU,
Missouri, and the U.S.
 Even if you don’t want to be
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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
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
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Rule of thumb
 Lay out everything you think you’ll need
 Once that’s done…
 Immediately cut it in half!
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Up in the Air
I really like my luggage.
That’s exactly what it is—luggage. Do you know how much time you lose
by checking in?
I don’t know. Five? Ten minutes?
35 minutes a flight. I travel 270 days a year. That’s 157 hours. That makes
7 days. Are you willing to throw away an entire week on that?
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Luggage
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
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What do you think?
Bring layers & items to mix & match
Be prepared for rain
Comfortable walking shoes
Take some nice clothes
Be smart with your carry on
Laptops
Cell phones
Adapters & Converters
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
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Thoughts?
Electrical appliances
Anything you can live without
Clothing that identifies you as American
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
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Contact your bank & credit card
companies
Cash on hand?
ATM & credit cards
 Discover cards are not accepted
 Use Visa or MasterCard
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad
cafnr.missouri.edu/study-abroad