Parent Study Abroad Pre-Departure Information Session

1. Parent Study Abroad Pre-Departure Information Session Center for Intercultural Advancement Wagner College 2013-2014

2. Academics • Students must obtain a grade of C or above for any credit to transfer towards graduation at Wagner College. • A Registrar Pre-Approval of Transfer of Credit form is required for all study abroad participants to insure appropriate course selection • Grades earned on Study Abroad are NOT factored into the GPA but appear on the transcripts • If course changes are required, students submit via email new course selections for approval

3. Health and Safety • Check-Up • It’s a good idea to have a general and dental check up before departure. • Make sure vaccinations are up to date. • Have information for on-site staff (mental health) and nearest hospital. • Continue a regime of plenty of water, good nutrition and exercise • Insurance • Carry the Wagner supplied EIIA Tag. • Check what your policy covers abroad and the policy for reimbursement. • Do this while still at home, it may prove difficult and time consuming while you’re abroad.

4. Medications • Prescriptions: • Bring enough for the duration of your time abroad. • Make photocopies of your prescriptions and bring them with you, be sure that your doctor uses the generic name for the prescription because brand names differ in other countries. • Some medicines are available over the counter that aren’t available in the U.S. Be cautious about taking unfamiliar medication. • Some medications commonly prescribed in the US are considered controlled substances in other countries, including some painkillers, antidepressants, etc. Check with the consulate of the country you will be staying in. • Bring all prescriptions in original containers, supply three month supply

5. Arrival • Make a plan to CALL HOME!! Dates and Time - U.S. phone rentals, phone cards, computer labs on site, Skype, instant messaging • Know residence number • Know international calling code – calling to U.S. 001 for international access • Calling out to overseas dial 011 for international access followed by the country code/drop zero after country code www.countrycallingcodes.com • Electric outlet converters/Know voltage • Provide contact information for residence staff • Know the location of the U.S. Embassy or Consular office in every travel destination. • Visits by family should not be at beginning of trip to allow for transition and hone decision making. Visits towards end of trip can rely more on student showing others around. • Research cultural do’s and don’ts, clothing norms, cultural activities • Adjust to new time zone

6. Misconduct • Know the rules (Wagner/on-site) • Be aware that culture and attitudes surrounding the consumption of alcohol in other countries varies greatly from the drinking culture in the United States. • Facilities differences (alcohol, mental health) • Most safety issues during study abroad – from theft to injury, even sexual assault – are related to alcohol misuse.

7. Finances • Finances Worksheet is required for all study abroad participants. Students submit this form when meeting with a financial aid advisor. • Financial Aid can be applied to the tuition and room and board for Wagner Affiliated Study Abroad Programs. Financial aid can only be applied for students who have met with the Center’s Director, and have handed in all of their paperwork.  Any questions can be referred to the Office of Financial Aid at Wagner College. • Clean out wallet; it is important to have a major credit card for emergencies. • It is a good idea to photocopy all credit cards, front and back side and keep the photocopy in a safe location in case a wallet is lost or stolen. If all of the numbers are accessible it will be easy to call and cancel cards. • Email credit card numbers to holder and backup. • Check with your financial institution to see if the ATM card will work at international locations • Bring a variety of methods of payment, credit card, cash, etc. • Notify credit card providers that the cardholder will be overseas; they may block your card when they see purchases made abroad. • Offer a variety of methods of payment, credit card, cash, etc. • Money/conversion exchange rates (www.xe.com) • If a wallet is stolen, let the on-site director know immediately

8. Travel Tips • Pack layers • Roll clothes in zip locks • Include good walking shoes • Luggage should not exceed 50 pounds or additional cost • Typically, flights within Europe have a very low weight allowance, you will not be able to bring large, heavy bags on these flights without paying extra. • Consider a traveler’s backpack. • Shipping rate expense (to and from) • Make sure passport is valid for the entire duration of stay. • Check visa requirements for the countries intending to visit. • Leave a copy of your passport with someone at home in case of emergency. • Center for Intercultural Advancement has a copy of passport in case of emergency and can fax/scan it. • Emergency Contact Sheet is on file at Wagner. Request a copy. • Students should carry a copy of passport on them at all times.

9. The Student Brain on Study Abroad • Each culture has a certain set of patterns (values, beliefs, behaviors)that has been developed for years in response to the surrounding environment and by growing up in a certain culture. • Inability to use old patterns to interpret a new environment; it takes time to develop new patterns. • Engagement/participation/reflection during study abroad strengthens new patterns. • Language is “pre-wired” but needs activation from environment. • Know the signs and symptoms of culture shock both physical and emotional.

10. Questions?? • Contact • Ellen Navarro, Director at (718) 420-4517 or intercultural.advancement@wagner.edu Office Hours: 8:30-4:30 daily (Union 204) Ellen.navarro@wagner.edu on Blackberry