Presentation Transcript

1. Welcome to Pre-Departure Orientation March 29th, 2012 5:30 p.m. 5:30 – 6:30 Plenary 6:30 – 7:30 Regional Break-out sessions 7:30 – 8:00 Refreshments (Leacock Building main floor and 2nd floor) 8:00 – 9:30 Medicine Breakout sessions continue IMPORTANT! In your regional break-out session, you will be asked to complete the PINK SHEET found in your information package. IF you will be traveling to the U.S., please complete it and leave it with a staff member on your way out after this presentation.
2. Speakers André Costopoulos Associate Dean Student Affairs Faculty of ArtsMcGill University Sylvie Fafard Deputy Director Outreach and Partnership Programs Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT) Dr. Kirsten Johnson, MD, MPH Director, Humanitarian Studies Initiative Prof., Dept. of Family Medicine McGill University Carla Jensen International Education Admin. Office of International Education McGill University
3. Canadian Consular Services Sylvie Fafard Deputy Director, Outreach and Partnership Programs Consular, Security and Emergency Management Branch Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT)
4. Canadian Consular Services Your best source of safe-travel advice and information
5. In this presentation… Overview of the Canadian Consular Services- role- services - tools Smart-travel tips Questions?
6. What is the role of Canadian Consular Services? Prevention - To help Canadians prepare for foreign travel Assistance - To provide services and help to all Canadians abroad - To coordinate the Government of Canada’s response to international emergencies affecting Canadians abroad
7. Who we are… More than 260 Canadian embassies, high commissions and consulates in over 150 countries worldwide Q: Whatis the differencebetween an embassy, a high commission and a consulate?
8. Embassy: in the capital city of another country (Washington D.C., Paris, Brasilia) High commission: in the capital city of a Commonwealth country (London, Canberra, New Delhi) Consulate: in a major but not capital city (Los Angeles, Nice, Rio de Janeiro)
9. Who we are… Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa Assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Call collect to 613 996-8885 or e-mail sos@international.gc.ca
10. Consular officials in Canadian offices abroad and in Ottawa are there to… Assist in medical emergencies by providing a list of local doctors and hospitals Transfer funds if urgent financial assistance is required ($) Contact next of kin, with your authorization, in case of emergency Provide assistance in cases of missing persons
11. Consular officials in Canadian offices abroad and in Ottawa are there to… Assist victims of robbery or other violence Seek to ensure that Canadians are treated fairly under the country’s laws if arrested or detained Replace lost or stolen passports ($) Notarize certain Canadian documents ($)
12. Consular officials do not provide the following services: Perform marriage ceremonies Store personal effects Accept mail on your behalf Assist with job or apartment hunting Get you out of prison
13. A bit more on the prison issue… 1,800 Canadians currently imprisoned abroad Most of them for drug-related offences And most of them are in… the United States The rest are in prisons in almost 100 other countries
14. Your basic tool kit For travelling and studying abroad
15. travel.gc.ca
16. Risk levels and Travel Warnings
17. Registration of Canadians Abroad Who should register? All Canadians travelling or living abroad Why? So that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, or to inform you of a family emergency at home
18. Smart-travel publications
19. Before you go… Learn about your destination What documents do you need? Valid passport Student visa Work permit Proof of AIDS testing Certificate of vaccination International driver’s licence
20. Travel YOUR way, the SMART way! Travel health insurance: don’t leave without it! Protect your passport. Make photocopies of all your travel documents Prescription medication and syringes: yes, but… Dual citizenship: is it an issue? Illegal drugs: Zero Tolerance Local culture and laws: learn ahead of time
21. Contact us General information 1-800-267-6788 (Canada and U.S.) or 613-944-6788 travel@international.gc.ca Emergencies 613-996-8885 (call collect from abroad) sos@international.gc.ca travel.gc.ca
22. Questions?... Thank you, merciBon voyage!
23. Kirsten Johnson, MD, MPH Director, McGill Humanitarian Studies Initiative Asst. Professor, Family Medicine McGill University Personal Health Abroad

24. Know before you go

    Kirsten Johnson, MD, MPH Director, Humanitarian Studies Initative Assistant Professor, Department of Family Medicine
25. Things I’m Going to Talk About Medical check up Immunizations Supplies Packing Insurance Getting sick abroad Travel tips
26. But first… a test! What is the most common cause of death for missionaries and peace corps volunteers?
27. Go see your doctor… May be required Cost for international students May include laboratory tests Associated costs: forms, labs, imaging Student Health Book early
28. Immunizations Country or region specific Make appointment 3 months prior to departure Where: McGill sudent health Centre for Tropical Diseases MGH Clinique Sante-Voyage, 1001 Saint-Denis Medisys Travel Health Clinic, 500 Sherbrooke W Cost SSMU plan covers $300.00/year Attach your immunization book to your passport
29. Supplies: Medicines Traveler's diarrhea: Vaccine Pepto-bismol (if not allergic to aspirin) Immodium Ciprofloxacin and/or flagyl Laxative Anti-emetic (Gravol) Antihistamine (Benadryl) 1% Hydrocortisone Cream Tylenol, Motrin/Ibuprofen Polysporin Canesten/Anti-fungals Malaria pills Altitude sickness medication (Diamox) Ventolin Iodine tablets Other prescriptions unique to you
30. Supplies: Medicines If you take medication: Make sure you have enough Carry all medication in original bottles with original label from pharmacy Enough syringes for entire trip and med certificate Some OTC meds legal in Canada may not be in other countries Contact embassy of country where you are travelling to make sure meds you are carrying are legal where you are going
31. Supplies: Health Sterile dressing, bandaids, blister aids Insect repellant – DEET > 30% Water resistant sunscreen > Spf 30 Thermometer Disposable gloves Syringes and needles Permethrin infused mosquito net Water purification Feminine hygiene products
32. Packing Passport (plus copy) Airline Ticket (plus copy) Visa (plus copy) SOS/insurance card (plus copy) Medical License (plus copy) Immunization record (plus copy) Passport/visa photos Money belt Money/Cash Lonely Planet/Travel book Language book Computer/Palm/IPhone (with back up) Jump Drive Blank CD-ROMs Letter from accepting organization or institution Initial contacts upon arrival Cell phone (unlocked) Purel/antibacterial liquid Headlamp/Flashlight Water bottle (+/-) Mosquito net-treated Permethrin Mosquito Repellant Sun screen Sleeping sac Duct Tape, string
33. Insurance International SOS Benefits Medical Assistance Services 24-hour access to physicians for medical advice and emergency assistance Medical and dental referrals Emergency medical evacuation Medically-supervised repatriation Medical expense guarantee and payment Ground transportation and accommodation for family members Assistance with documentation for insurance claims Dispatch of prescription medication and medical equipment
34. Insurance Security Assistance Services Security evacuation assistance Access to security crisis center Travel Assistance Services Legal referrals Emergency message transmission Lost document advice and assistance Advance of emergency personal cash Emergency translation services
35. “F” Diagram Fluids Fingers Food Feces New Host Flies Fields
36. Getting sick abroad: Diarrhea Prophylaxis: Peptobismol 3 loose stools = travelers diarrhea = antibiotics +/- immodium Stay hydrated! If: It lasts more than a week, there is blood, you have a fever = seek medical attention
37. Getting sick abroad: Heat stroke Wear loose fitting clothing, light color Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sun light Certain medications/alcohol are dehydrating Drink fluids regularly (not including beer) Heat stroke symptoms: feeling faint, nausea, vomiting, increased temp, headache, goosebumps, chills, muscle cramps, unsteady gait
38. Getting sick abroad: Altitude sickness Altitude is the great equalizer Risk above 8,000 feet or 2,500m (Peru, Nepal, Tibet) Time to acclimatize Consider taking diamox No alcohol Symptoms: headache, fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath, confusion
39. Getting sick abroad: Malaria, Dengue Prevention is key! Mosquito repellent and nets Stay in at dawn and dusk Take your anti-malarials: lariam, malarone, doxycycline Symptoms: Headache, fever, nausea, delirium, myalgias
40. Tips
41. Tips: Personal safety Risk assessment: outline risks or dangers pertaining to health, personal safety and a plan for emergency evacuation Don’t look like a tourist = target Precautions getting into taxis Women should not be alone/do not walk home alone after dark
42. Tips: Drugs A no-no unless you want a jail cell to be your residence abroad Be careful of your luggage Pack your own Don’t bring anything for anyone else
43. Tips: Communications Unlocked cell phone for use with local SIM card Necessary contacts before you leave Remove unlawful material from your computer
44. Tips: Eating Boil it, cook it, peel it or forget it! Best rules Avoid salads or raw vegetables Drink bottle water, filtered water, or treated water Avoid drinks with ice cubes Hot recently cooked food Wash hands before eating
45. Tips: Long Distance Travel DVT Not common in young people but can happen Drink plenty of fluid Don’t sit for long periods Walk around Avoid alcohol, caffeine May manifest up to 2 weeks after a flight Seek medical advice if: Pain and swelling of legs Sudden chest pain Sudden shortness of breath
46. Tips: Sexual Orientation and Sex Probably not a good idea – use a condom Check the local regulations on GLBT Is it legal where you are going? Being militant at home may be a good thing but not in another country Amnesty International web site good source of information
47. Upon your return See a doctor if: Ongoing diarrhea, stomach cramps STI check – if had sex Fever Unusual rashes Any thing else that is weird and that you are worried about
48. Resources http://www.voyage.gc.ca http://www.cdc.gov/travel/ http://www.amnesty.org info@santevoyage.com www.internationalsos.com/en/
49. Questions?
50. Managing your Success Abroad Carla Jensen International Education Administrator Office of International Education McGill University
51. Participation in a pre-departure orientation. Approval by your academic unit or research supervisor. Completion of a travel registry form. Once your activity has been approved, a travel registry form will be created on Minerva. Find your travel registry Minerva or check with your Departmental or Faculty Student Affairs office for details. McGill Travel Guidelines
52. Students going abroad are required to complete the online Travel Registry which can be accessed via Minerva.
53. Prior to departure: Verify your faculty’s requirements for recognizing credit for exchanges or internships. During your stay: If you encounter changes while abroad, you must communicate these changes to your academic advisor. Academic Credit
54. The overall cost of living abroad may be higher than Montreal. Be sure to budget for emergencies (contingency fund) Finances Prepare a Budget Money & Banking Obtain some foreign currency before departure Take more than one source of money with you Make arrangements with your bank to use your ATM card abroad Advise your credit card company that you will be away Financial Aid Students with financial need can consult the Scholarships and Student Aid Office: http://www.mcgill.ca/studentaid/ Possible funding opportunities: Travel (Mobility) awards, External Awards , Student Aid.
55. Insurance Students are fully responsible to ensure that they are sufficiently covered during their stay abroad. Provincial or territorial health insurance plans for extended stays: To ensure continued coverage, students must contact their regional health insurance provider (e.g. Regie de l’assurancemaladie du Quebec) before they leave. General Information
56. Insurance Does your policy include: Emergency Health Coverage? Emergency Evacuation Coverage? Travel Insurance and Trip Cancellation and Interruption? What is not included? Limitations and Restrictions Exclusions and Caveats Consequences of Travel Warnings and Advisories Travel Health Policy Coverage
57. Insurance Canadian Students: ASEQ (www.ihaveaplan.ca) Only for students who have not opted-out International Students: Extended health insurance for study away programs now available Students must complete an online registration form available on ISS website: www.mcgill.ca/internationalstudents/health/study-away-program For more information contact international.health@mcgill.ca All students: TravelCuts Bon Voyage Policy Options
58. Examples of restrictions: “Sickness, injury or medical condition you suffer in a specific country or area for which the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Canadian Government has issued a travel advisory or formal notice before your departure date.” “Your participation in and/or voluntary exposure to any risk from: war or act of war, whether declared or undeclared; invasion or act of foreign enemy; declared or undeclared hostilities; civil war, riot, rebellion; revolution or insurrection; act of military power; or any service in the armed forces.” Insurance Policy Restrictions and Travel Warnings
59. Be sure to ask whether your policy: Continues to provide benefits after a travel advisory has been issued. Includes an in-house, worldwide, 24-hour emergency hotline. Covers doctor’s visits and prescription medicines. Pays for hospitalization and related medical costs. Provides direct payment of bills and cash advances abroad. Covers emergency transportation, such as ambulance services. Provides for medical evacuation to Canada. Pays for a medical escort to accompany you during evacuation. Covers pre-existing medical conditions (get an agreement in writing). Covers emergency dental care. Excludes any countries or regions you intend to visit. Insurance Policy Coverage
60. Be Prepared… When you arrive, locate the nearest reputable clinic or hospital. Ensure that you are familiar with how your policy works. Carry details of your insurance policy and emergency hotline with you. Tell a friend or relative at home, and in your host country how to contact your insurer on your behalf. In case of an emergency… Get a detailed invoice for services obtained before you leave. Always submit original receipts for medical services or prescriptions received. Insurance While Abroad…
61. Culture shock is an inevitable experience. Research your host country: History and current political situation living conditions and cultural norms. Know which languages are spoken. Center for Intercultural Learning Country Insights: provides information on countries’ characteristics and provides useful insights on cultural perspectives. www.intercultures.ca Cultural Awareness
62. During Your Stay Check-in: let a relative at home know when you have safely arrived. Emergency Contact: Leave a copy of your emergency contact information with your host institution. Updates: send regular updates to your emergency contact at home to let them know how you are doing. Email: Ensure that you check your McGill email regularly.
63. Emergency Plan In case of an emergency… Who would you contact first, second, and third? Where is the nearest hospital and police station? What steps do you need to take to ensure that costs will be covered by insurance? Will you have access to a cell phone? How much emergency money will you carry on you? If you had to leave the country, what would be the first, second, third things that you would do to accomplish this?
64. Keep the following documents in a safe place, separate from originals. Also leave a copy with a relative at home. Photocopy of your passport identification page. Photocopy of any visas or work permits you require. Phone number and policy number of your insurance provider. A copy of your “Emergency plan of action”. Emergency Contact information. Flight details/itinerary. Local embassy’s contact information McGill Campus Security 24/7 emergency number (514-398-3000) DFAIT 24/7 emergency number (Call collect: 613-996-8885) Safe Travel Tool Kit
65. Share the experience: Become an International Blogger! Blog about your international experience to Reflect on your experience Communicate with friends and family at home Connect with other students abroad Build a portfolio – highlight professional development To begin Send an email explaining why you want to be an International Blogger to: predeparture.dpsll@mcgill.ca
66. http://www.mcgill.ca/students/international/faqs
67. Before you leave: Complete McGill’s Travel Registry on Minerva. Check the passport and visa requirements for your host country. Consult your insurance provider. Photocopy important documents (e.g. passport, itinerary). Contact a travel health clinic. Prepare a budget. Learn about your destination country. Put your credit cards, ATM cards in order. Register with the local embassy/consulate. Understand your responsibilities to McGill and your host institution. Summary
68. Before you go… At your Breakout Session, please turn in: Pink sign-in sheet Evaluation form (back of the agenda in your info packet) ** Students travelling within Canada and the U.S., turn in these forms to event staff on your way out After the Breakout Session: Refreshments will be served on the 1st and 2nd floor of the Leacock Building between 7:30pm and 8:00pm Medicine students: breakout sessions continue from 8:00pm – 9:30pm
69. The Americas Central America, South America & Mexico, LEA 26 Africa LEA 132 Asia East Asia, ARTS 160 Southeast Asia, LEA 517 South Asia, LEA 210 Please proceed to your Regional Break-Out Session… Australia  Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, LEA 232  Caribbean LEA 638 Medicine *By FIRST name* A – B: LEA 819 C – I: LEA 738 J – K: LEA 429 L – P: LEA 808 Q – Z: LEA 834 Europe Western Europe, LEA 219  The Mediterranean, Arts B-20 (lounge) Eastern Europe, LEA 917 Note: There is no break-out session for North America