Co-operative Education & Career Action (CECA)

1. Co-operative Education & Career Action(CECA) International Pre-Departure Orientation Merrirose Stone December 2012

2. uWaterloo Contacts • Lisa ter Woort – Account Manager terwoort@uwaterloo.ca, 519-888-4567 x37366- job verification • Merrirose Stone – Student Advisor mmstone@uwaterloo.ca, 519-888-4567 x38626 - mid-term e-Visit, work term concerns • Sandra Shantz – Employment Specialist sandra.shantz@uwaterloo.ca, 519-888-4567 x33926 - visa inquiries, document submission • UW Police 519-888-4911 (24hr emergency assistance)

3. So, who does what? Student Responsibilities: • Pre-departure research • Visa documentation • Risk management • Health insurance • Personal security • Travel & Housing • Emergency notification

4. Who does what? Employer Responsibilities: • Financial compensation • Arrival orientation • Job supervision • Mentoring • Professional development • Evaluation

5. This is what we’re here for: University Responsibilities: • Visa & process advice • Pre-departure briefing/resources • Student connections • Work term & travel advisory monitoring • Emergency response • Provide support throughout your work term abroad

6. Before you go…. • Submit a copy of your employment authorization (local passport, Visa, Work Permit, ID Card) to Sandra (sandra.shantz@uwaterloo.ca) • Scan copies of ALL your important documents and email them to yourself!! • Register with nearest Canadian consulatehttps://www.voyage2.gc.ca/Registration_inscription/Register_Inscrire/Login_ouvrir-une-session-eng.aspx • Confirm & understand health insurance coverage (O.H.I.P. extended stay, vaccinations, check up)

7. Before you go…. • FEDS Health & Dental Plan: • www.ihaveaplan.ca • We are not the insurance experts…so you should direct all of your inquiries to EuropAssist or the uWaterloo Health & Dental Office (SLC 1112) • If you’re NOT on the uWaterloo Health & Dental plan, please be sure that your plan covers you! • See your doctor/dentist before travel to get a check up, prescriptions etc.

8. Before you go continued… Research/prepare for travel (personal safety, emergencies, local laws, ambassador role) Establish housing – know your address(arrival plans, contact information) Financial preparations Travel tips (pack light, comfort, documentation - 3 copies, currency)

9. What do I need to send to CECA? • Scan your passport photo page, including the bar code • First & Last name • Date of Birth • Place of Birth • Date passport was issued • Date passport expires • Encoded information for security measures

10. Visa – Employment AuthorizationsWhat will this look like? • The Visa is either a stamp or a sticker added to your passport • Send a scanned copy of the Visa to Sandra • Also scan the stamps that you receive upon entry to the country you are working in

11. Once you arrive: Contact CECA! You MUST email Sandra to let her know you have arrived! Send your mailing address where you will be living Register with local authorities if necessary Set up local bank account Set up internet/phone access Set personal and professional objectives

12. SMARTCHOICES?

13. Risk Management – Cultural/Social Norms • how you perceive yourself vs. how you are perceived by the locals • What are your personal assumptions about social norms? • What about the dress code, language, business etiquette, touching, gestures? **Ask your co-workers, supervisors **

14. Risk Management – Personal Safety • prevention (minimizing risk) • risk management plan: do you know what to do if there was an emergency? Develop a personal risk plan so you are prepared! -identification - communication • not just attack/theft (solo travel, night travel), also… • occupational health & safety, legal, political, environmental, health

15. Judgement Calls for “Risky Situations” If you wouldn’t do it at home...don’t do it away from home! Sometimes we leave our common sense behind when we go abroad and develop a “once in a lifetime” mentality and believe “It will never happen to me!”

16. Blake wanted to try something extreme. Why not now?

17. Blake wanted to try something extreme. Why not now? SMART CHOICES? • Ensure that the health insurance you purchase is appropriate for your personal health and for the activities you will take part in while abroad. • Know what will NOT be covered. • 2 out of 3 people make “spur of the moment decisions” while abroad and end up doing something that they regret in the end.

18. Risk Management – Your Health • maintain/supplement normal diet (vitamins) • food preparation / sourcing water • personal needs (plan ahead), local clinics/doctors

19. Richard was having a great time in Germany, especially after meeting Robin. They’ve been dating for the past 2 months. They’ve slept together only once.

20. Richard was having a great time in Germany, especially after meeting Robin. They’ve been dating for the past 2 months. They’ve slept together only once. SMART CHOICES? • Some common Sexually Transmitted Infections: herpes, syphilis, hepatitis B, gonorrhoea, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). • Consider bringing your own barrier protection and contraceptives as the standards, costs and availability in some countries can be different from that in Canada. • Access to health care may be limited or restricted.

21. Sexual Decision Making Make good decisions regarding sexual encounters. Be wise about risky sexual situations:- don’t leave your drink unattended- if at all possible, stay with a “buddy” when at a bar- say “NO” to ANY unwanted touch or sexual advancement- know where to get condoms and practice safer sex

22. Greg was having fun while on his work term in Tokyo Japan when the earthquake and tsunami happened 200 km away. The story was carried in the news in Canada and around the world.

23. Greg was having fun while on his work term in Tokyo Japan when the earthquake and tsunami happened 200 km away. The story was carried in the news in Canada and around the world. SMART CHOICES? • Family and friends at home want to stay connected to you while you’re abroad. So do we! • If you are a Canadian National, you MUST register with the Canadian Consulate - Family members may not know the exact location of your whereabouts. • We have assisted students in making decisions about relocation, safety issues surrounding returning to work, liaising with the Canadian Government on our student’s behalf and other issues. We can’t help if we don’t know how to get in touch with you!

24. Risk Management - Harassment • offensive/suggestive language (be prepared) • local norms • take cue from the locals (dress, behavior) • behave confidently • crowded places (inappropriate behavior, appropriate response)

25. Michelle thought she knew the way to the embassy.

26. Michelle thought she knew the way to the embassy. SMART CHOICES? • Avoid opening your map or guide book in the middle of the street. • Study maps beforehand and pick a route, remembering key names of streets. • Consider stopping at a café or store to consult map. • Carry phone numbers of local friends and police; know how to use a public phone beforehand.

27. Culture Shock “That won’t happen to me!” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFbPCj_cajY&feature=related Wanna Bet?! Everyone gets it to varying degree & at varying times

28. Arun hadn’t expected to feel so alone when he went back to his childhood home.

29. Arun hadn’t expected to feel so alone when he went back to his childhood home. SMART CHOICES? • While some travelers are able to return to their country of origin and fit in seamlessly, many will still feel culture shock. • This type of culture shock, because it is often not anticipated, may present very different challenges. • You may feel like, or be treated as, an outsider in your country of birth, and at the same time not be seen as a Canadian either.

30. Culture Shock – What is that? Feelings of anger, sadness, frustration, withdrawal, avoiding contact with locals, negative feelings about host country, excessive sleep etc. Coping Strategies:Get involved, learn the language, travel the region, make friends and develop relationships, maintain contact with friends and family back home, do something that reminds you of home, keep a blog

31. Nadine returned home hoping to share her experiences with everyone.

32. Nadine returned home hoping to share her experiences with everyone. SMART CHOICES? • Friends and family may not understand your experience or may not be as interested as you had anticipated. • Be sensitive to the fact that friends and family did not accompany you on your journey and have had their own unique experiences while you were away. • Find ways to share your experiences by becoming involved with your home institution and/or with community groups

34. While you’re there: Work smart, not too hard Stay informed on global & security issues Maintain a sense of humor Make the most of your opportunity! Be prepared for an emergency (contacts, forms, back ups) Evaluations & reports

35. CECA Photo Contest We need photographs and lots of them! Here is where you come in! While on your work term capture: Scenery outside your apartment or around the city You at your place of employment Places you have visited and /or toured while on the work term A nice sunset, or the view of the rocky mountains A group shot of all the uWaterloo co-ops working at your location The city centre, local attractions or famous sites

36. Review • CECA requirements: • JIF (if applicable) • Risk Management Form completed • Visa/Employment Authorization scanned and sent to Sandra • Arrival notice - complete mailing address • Register with Canadian Consulate or your countries Embassy