THE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF GEORGIA STUDY ABROAD ORIENTATION HANDBOOK

April 2003

Prepared by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia Office of International Education - Atlanta, GA http://www.usg.edu/oie

Passports, Visas, International Student Identity Card, International Calling, Mail and E-mail, Transportation, Travel Arrangements, Packing, Immunizations, Your Health While Abroad, Medical Insurance Coverage, Electricity, Conversions

Study Abroad Health Information, AIDS & Infectious Diseases, Food Safety, Alcohol and Drugs, Arrival, After Your Trip

Security, Safe Travel, Women’s Issues, Racial and Ethnic Concerns, Being Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Transgendered Abroad, Legal Matters, Customs, VAT Refunds, Your Responsibilities as a Study Abroad Participant

Money, Credit Cards, Traveler’s Checks, ATMs, Bank Transfers, Cash Advances, Budgeting Tips

Why it is Important to Recognize your "Americanism," American Cultural Patterns, How to Handle Anti-American Criticism

The Importance of Defining Culture, The Implications of Cultural Adjustment, Culture Shock

Making Arrangements, Preparing for Reverse Culture Shock, Levels of Readjustment, Length of Readjustment Period, Coping Strategies

Congratulations on your decision to study abroad! We hope this handbook will assist you in making many of the necessary preparations for a terrific experience abroad. Your study abroad program director should be your first source of information about your study abroad program- this handbook is intended to complement other sources of information about your study abroad program and may not contain all the information that directly pertains to your specific study abroad program.

If you plan to be abroad for more than ninety days, most countries require a student visa before allowing you to enter. These regulations vary by country, so check with your program sponsor or the embassy or consulate regarding specific visa requirements.

visa application form

a current, valid passport

one or more passport-style photographs

visa application fee

letter of acceptance from the host institution

proof of medical insurance and/or a physical from a medical doctor and evidence of financial support during the period of time you will be studying abroad

*Tip: Think about your travel plans before buying a railpass. There are a variety of pass options, and what you select should depend on your travel plans.

You should make flight arrangements as soon as you know the date you are expected to arrive in your host country to start your study abroad program. Keep in mind that some programs have pre-arranged travel plans which are included in the program costs, and some allow you to make your own travel arrangements. In addition to contacting a travel agent about transportation, always compare prices with student travel agencies, and ask about student fares or consolidator fares. If you plan to travel at the end of your program, you may want to consider buying an open-ended return ticket, which usually carries a one-year limit.

The sponsoring organization or host university can assist you with information about your arrival, including the distance from the airport to the campus/hotel and the best means of transportation to your destination. In some cases, your director may meet you at the airport or may require that you to get around on your own at first. To avoid panic when your plane lands, make sure you have a transportation plan already in place.

*Tip: Sign up for a frequent flyer program for the airline you’ll be flying.

It is impractical and impossible to pack everything. The trick is to pack what is essential and what you can carry.

Consider buying a backpack or rolling luggage - many students find backpacks to be ideal because they leave both hands free. If you are participating on a short-term program, one rolling suitcase and one small carry-on should suffice. Test your ability to manage your luggage. Pack your bags and carry them around the block and up and down some stairs to test whether they are manageable. If not, unpack items until you feel comfortable carrying both your bags with ease. Make sure to use a luggage tag and also write your name and address (U.S. and host country) inside your suitcase. Be aware that airlines have greatly increased their screening procedures and may require you to open and search checked luggage as well as carry-on luggage. Do not bring items of value that cannot be replaced if lost or damaged. Ask friends and family not to pack ‘surprise packages’ in your luggage. Be sure that your important documents are in your carry-on luggage, not your checked bag, and that copies of your documents are stored separately (perhaps in your checked baggage). It might be a good idea to carry a change or two of clothing, plus your toiletries, medication, irreplaceable items, and any items you may need on the plane in your carryon luggage.

*Tip: Never leave your bags unattended!

Take interchangeable clothing that can be layered. In many cases, people in other countries dress up more than most Americans, so take clothing that can be "dressed up" if necessary. Be sure to bring a good pair of comfortable, sturdy walking shoes as well as one or two pairs of long pants or jeans. Plan to dress on the conservative side. While tank tops, midriff-baring t-shirts, and shorts skirts may be normal attire for you to wear on campus, these kinds of outfits may be inappropriate in some countries. Keep in mind that colors and styles are more understated in many countries, so you won’t be seeing a lot of plaid, stripes, or bright colors. Avoid clothing with logos, English writing and Greek letters as well as baseball caps, expensive jewelry, tennis shoes, and flip flops – you will instantly stick out as an American and will have no chance of blending in with locals! It’s important to spend some time trying to learn about how people dress in your host country. Consider buying a few inexpensive outfits once you arrive in your host country so that your clothes will blend in with locals’ attire.

Travel-sized items are ideal for shorter study abroad trips and can save on space when packing. Certain brands may be very expensive or unavailable in many areas, so if you must, bring an adequate supply of the product with you. Otherwise, purchase your items once you are in the host country.

Passports and other important documents, money, credit cards and traveler's checks should be carried with you, not packed. These items should be secure but readily accessible for inspection at airports and customs. Consider purchasing a small travel pack or money belt that may be worn underneath your clothing and keep all valuable items in this pack at all times. Make a few copies of your passport, visa, airline tickets, credit card, and insurance card. Store them in a safe place separate from where you are carrying the actual items. Leave a copy at home with your emergency contact. If your passport gets lost or stolen, report it to local police, get a written confirmation of the theft or loss, and take the report plus the copy of your passport to the nearest U.S. consulate.

Students interested in receiving accommodation for a disability during a study abroad program should speak with their director before going abroad. The earlier the request is made, the more likely that measures can be taken to provide reasonable accommodations in the host country. Please note that "reasonable accommodations" at the home campus may differ significantly from the host country.

Be clear about your health needs when applying for a program. Thoroughly and honestly describe serious allergies, illnesses, disabilities, psychological treatments, dietary requirements, and medical needs to your program director. Keep in mind that resources and services vary widely by country and region - if you have a disability or special need, understand ahead of time exactly what accommodations can and cannot be made. Try to identify medical resources before you leave.

Remember to ask questions, such as:

What illnesses are endemic to the region?

What medications should be taken to prevent these illnesses?

What precautions are recommended for health practices?

What are the laws governing the importation of medications, medical supplies, and contraceptives?

What are the customs, beliefs, and laws in the host country concerning sexual behavior and the use of alcohol and drugs?

What is the quality of water and food?

What kind of insurance is necessary and how much coverage is needed?

Sources for information include:

Family physician

Campus health service or public health department

It is recommended that all students get a thorough physical examination before participating in a study abroad experience. Discuss with your physician your intent to study abroad and get advice for managing your physical and emotional health while in another country. Discuss your health (allergies, disabilities, illnesses, psychological treatment, dietary requirements, and medical needs) with your physician, and seriously consider the appropriateness of your participation in study abroad in your chosen host country. In addition to your general practicitioner, a visit to your specialist, gynecologist, and dentist will insure that you are in good health before you leave and may prevent emergencies from occurring while abroad. While you are at the doctor, be sure to update your health records. If you expect to need regular medical care abroad, get a letter of introduction from your physician at home which provides details on your medical conditions, necessary care, and specific needs. Make copies of all medical records, prescriptions (in generic form), eyeglasses/contact lens prescriptions, and other pertinent information to take with you. Carry these with you in your carry-on luggage and secure them in a safe place upon arrival at your destination.

*Tip: Be careful with your insulin. Do not store it in a car or other vehicle since insulin may deteriorate if it is frozen or exposed to temperatures of 100°F or higher. The best way to transport insulin on international trips is to carry it with you in a specially designed insulin insulator pack, which is sold at most pharmacies. Once you arrive at your destination, promptly refrigerate your insulin. Consult with your program director prior to departure to ensure adequate access to refrigeration/storage.

It is a good idea to have some basic supplies with you during your study abroad experience. Useful items to pack might include: adhesive bandages, sunscreen, anti-diarrhea medication, antibacterial ointment, disinfectant, tweezers, and pain reliever. You may also want to include water purification tablets, salt tablets, skin moisturizers and insect repellent. In addition to a medical kit and your prescription medications, you may also wish to pack contraceptives, feminine hygiene products, and any other products you think might be unavailable in the host country. Check the expiration dates of all medications before you leave.

Not all countries have mental health support services similar to what we are accustomed to in the U.S. Whether students have utilized mental health services in the past or not, it is important for students to know the availability of services in their host country.

Actions:

All students should be prepared for cultural adjustment before studying abroad. Although advanced reading and preparation will not prevent students from experiencing cultural adjustment problems, it will prepare them for the symptoms, the cycle of adjustment, and some helpful advice for a successful adjustment.

Students who are currently using/have utilized mental health services in the past should contact their campus mental health clinic or physician before going abroad in case a telephone consultation is required while abroad.

Students under the supervision of a mental health care practitioner should seriously discuss the advisability of participating in study abroad and issues related to cultural adjustment.

Learn how to get medical help, whether routine or emergency, before the need arises. Determine how to access emergency services in the host country. Ask the program director for specific information on emergency protocols in all types of emergency situations. Find out about the host country’s emergency services access number (911 in the U.S.) and the services it can access (fire, police, hospital).

*Tips:

Investigate the health issues present in your host country.

Be sure you are adequately prepared to manage all your health care needs while abroad.

Be familiar with your insurance coverage and procedures for filing claims.

Inform your program director of all medical needs.

1 inch (in) = 2.54 centimeters (cm)

1 foot (ft) = .3 meters (m)

1 yard (yd) = .91 m

1 mile (mi) = 1.61 kilometers (km)

1 cm = .39 in

1 m = 3.28 ft and 1.09 yd

1 km = .62 mi

30° Farenheit (F) = -1.1° Celcius (C)

40° F = 4.4°C

50°F = 10°C

60°F = 15.5°C

70°F = 21.1°C

80°F = 26.7°C

90°F = 32.2°C

100°F = 37.8°C

5°C = 41°F

10°C = 50°F

15°C = 59°F

20°C = 68°F

25°C = 77°F

30°C = 86°F

35°C = 95°F

40°C = 104°F

50 °C = 122°F

100°C = 212°F

1 ounce (oz) = 28.3 grams (g)

1 pound (lb)= .45 kilograms (kg)

1 g =.04 oz

1 kg = 2.2 lb

1 teaspoon (tsp) = 4.9 milliliters (ml)

1 tablespoon (Tbsp) = 14.8 ml

1 fluid ounce (fl oz) = 29.6 (ml)

1 cup (c) = 236.6 ml

1 pint (pt) = .47 liters (l)

1 quart (qt) = .94 l

1 gallon (gal) = 3.78 l

1 l = 1.06 qt

1 l = 1.76 pt

1 l= .26 gal

There are a number of important academic matters that must be taken care of before you leave to study abroad as well as when you return. Please review this section regarding procedures and consult your program director and/or home campus study abroad advisor if you have any questions.

Check with your program director about the correct procedure to register for the courses you will take while abroad. Follow his/her instructions and be sure to ask questions if you are not clear about the process.

Every college or university has its own policies regarding the transfer of credit. If your study abroad program is not through your home campus, check with home campus officials to determine how the transfer credit process works. It is likely that you will need to get prior approval to transfer your study abroad credits back to your home campus. It is important to also find out where to send your study abroad program transcript so that you do receive academic credit for your study abroad experience. Make arrangements with your program director and/or sponsoring organization to have an official transcript sent back to the appropriate office at your home institution.

Make arrangements to register for your next semester’s courses before you go. Speak with your academic advisor about this process. Keep a copy of all names, phone numbers, postal and e-mail addresses of campus staff that you MIGHT need to contact during your time away. Declare your major if you have not already done so. Clear all registration flags and make sure all outstanding balances are paid.

It is likely that you can utilize most, if not all, of the same financial aid that you would qualify for while on campus. Check with your financial aid office as soon as possible to determine how to use your financial aid for study abroad. Examples include: federal financial aid, state financial aid (including the HOPE Scholarship), institutional scholarships, and most external scholarships. The financial aid office at your school should reassess your need, based on the actual cost of studying abroad, and will make appropriate adjustments to your financial aid package.

Adjusting to life in a new country means excitement, challenges and the unexpected. Since you are not a citizen of the host country, you are not usually given the same medical care benefits as its citizens. Arranging and paying for medical care while abroad is your responsibility.

Medical facilities and services will not be the same in every country. It is important to understand as much as possible about the facilities and services in your host country before you need them. Be sure you know where to go for minor illnesses and major medical emergencies, and learn how to say a few key phrases in the local language to describe your medical needs.

If you require regular medical care for any condition you have, tell those in your host country who can be of assistance. Make sure to notify the program coordinator, resident advisor, host family, or proper program supervisors of your disabilities and special needs.

Swimming in non-chlorinated water puts you at risk of contracting certain illnesses and diseases, especially in tropical areas. Infections such as hepatitis, cholera, and other skin, ear or respiratory infections can result from swimming in warm, stagnant water or water contaminated by sewage or waste-water runoff. Be sure to obey posted "no swimming" signs.

Food and beverage contamination

Watch what you eat while abroad. Travel brings your body in contact with different bacteria, and this change can upset your stomach and digestive tract. Water, ice, unpasteurized milk or juices, raw cheeses, and other raw fruits and vegetables can make you ill. Also watch for contaminated foods due to poor refrigeration or unsanitary preparation methods.

Study abroad accidents and injuries are often related to the use of alcohol and drugs. Many study abroad participants will be in countries where they will be of legal age to consume alcohol. Resisting social and cultural pressures to drink may be difficult for some students. If you find that your drinking habits have changed, ask yourself why. Make yourself aware of the impact drinking or use of drugs has on yourself and others. If you find that your drinking or drug use has led to unpleasant or embarrassing situations, this may be a telling sign. Establish rules for yourself to guide your drinking habits, such as setting a personal limit or deciding to drink only with meals. Seek out Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous organizations if you need help. Some cultures do not consume alcohol in the way Americans do. Public drunkenness is not acceptable behavior in many countries. Remember you are an ambassador for your U.S. college or university. Behave in a way that is respectful of others, and encourage others to do the same. Last year, over 30% of Americans arrested abroad were arrested for the use, possession, purchase, sale or transport of illegally banned substances. Some drugs may be legal in some countries but not in others. Violation of drug laws abroad may result in very serious consequences, including consequences as serious as the death penalty. Don’t take the risk.

Depending on where you fly, you may experience jet lag or traveler's stress. Some helpful ways to counteract jet lag include: getting plenty of rest, eating healthy food, drinking plenty of fluids (particularly non-carbonated juice and water), avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and wearing loose, comfortable clothing.

Call home when you arrive to reassure family and friends that you arrived safely. While it is a good idea to keep family and friends informed, it is important to keep in mind that you should avoid calling home when you are upset or feeling homesick. If something is bothering you, discuss your problem or concern with your program director, but hold off on calling home until the next day. Often you will discover that the situation has improved with time, and you will have successfully avoided upsetting your parents/guardians or friends unnecessarily.

Lifestyles in your host country may be different from those at home. Many of the experiences and everyday practices you may take for granted in the United States may be perceived and accepted differently in your host country. Find out how this new culture views relationships, dating, leisure time, holidays, and other customs. An exciting world awaits you.

Campus life in other countries is different than it is in the United States, especially in urban areas. Traveling may give you a new sense of freedom and a false sense of security. It is very important to be aware of your environment and take necessary measures to ensure your safety at all times.

SECURITY

No matter how safe your campus and community appear to be, you should acquaint yourself with your new environment by reading information provided by your home campus or host institution once you arrive on-site. Explore your new neighborhood and campus during the day and become familiar with areas around you. Ask fellow students or staff members about risky areas you should avoid, especially those to avoid at night.

Exercise the same precautions you would in any U.S. city; in unfamiliar surroundings, you may not be aware of safety concerns.

Always carry your local address and telephone number with you.

Do not give out your name or address to unknown people.

Meet guests in the lobby of your hotel.

Know where the nearest police station and hospital is and keep emergency numbers handy.

When traveling, avoid a late-night arrival, especially if you have not made arrangements for lodging beforehand.

Always let someone know your whereabouts, and try to avoid going out alone.

Take the same precautions you would at home, and follow your instincts- if something makes you uneasy, there is a reason.

Before you go, learn about the issues and news in your host country. Ask your program director for the names of newspapers that provide good international coverage and analysis of local issues.

Once in your host country, continue to keep up with local and regional news.

Become familiar with common laws and customs of the host country.

Be aware of your surroundings, including unknown individuals "hanging out" in your building or any strange activity occurring nearby.

Don’t allow yourself to be distracted while reading street signs, bus schedules, or while talking on a pay phone on the street.

If you must consult a map, do so before venturing out, or duck into a store to read it and get your bearings.

Walk briskly, with confidence and a sure stride, even if you are lost.

Try to ask for directions from a police officer, bus driver, store clerk, or some other individual rather than just someone random on the street.

When carrying your camera, be discreet, and never leave it unattended in a bus, train, or taxi.

Do not go into unsafe or unknown areas alone, especially after dark.

Don’t take shortcuts through alleys or poorly-lit areas.

Take a cab or walk with a friend.

Do not accept food or drink from strangers, and don’t leave your drink unattended.

Avoid public demonstrations or protests.

Know how to use a pay phone.

Learn a few key phrases in the local language so that you could ask for help if necessary.

Keep your eye on your luggage at all times- many thieves pose as porters or taxi drivers.

Use money belts or a concealed neck pouch for your passport, visa, money, credit cards and other documents.

If possible, avoid carrying a handbag or purse – it advertises that you are carrying money or valuables. If you must carry a purse or bag, be sure it is of sturdy fabric that cannot be ripped or cut, and keep it tucked under your arm, with your hand on the zipper or closure. If it has a shoulder strap, wear the strap over one shoulder and across your body instead of allowing the bag to dangle off your shoulder.

If you must carry a wallet, carry it in your front pocket with a rubber band wrapped around it, or use an empty "decoy" wallet for your back pocket. Only use authorized money-changing agents (bank or exchange kiosk).

Don't leave your luggage unattended in an unlocked area. If you want to explore a new city, leave your belongings in lockers or a secure "checked luggage" area at a train or bus station.

The majority of students participating in study abroad never experience an emergency while abroad. However, any emergency is less traumatic when you are prepared to deal with it effectively and efficiently. It will make you feel more comfortable if you take the time to prepare an emergency protocol when you arrive at your host location.

Actions:

Carry some form of identification with you at all times (your name, your host country address, host country phone number, passport and visa number).

Carry emergency numbers and contacts with you:

o local police

o program coordinator in host country

o parent/guardian/emergency contact at home

o home campus police and international office

contact information

o U.S. embassy in host country

o insurance contact information

o physician and mental health practitioner at home

Know where the local hospitals and police stations are located and how to get there.

Travelers are often victims of crime because they are unfamiliar with their surroundings, may not speak the local language, are traveling with valuables, and stand out as foreigners. To ensure your safety while traveling, follow these tips:

Do not display money, wallet or other valuables.

If you travel independently, leave your travel itinerary with the host coordinator.

Use a money belt or neck pouch to carry your passport and money.

Never leave any luggage or bags unattended or unlocked.

Beware of pickpockets and purse-snatchers in overcrowded areas; thieves tend to bump into you casually and take what they can while you are distracted.

Do not stand on the edge of a train or subway platform.

Be careful on overnight trains. Choose a car or compartment in a train or subway in which others are riding. Lock your compartment while you sleep. Keep your valuables on your person.

Note the location of emergency equipment and exits.

If someone is bothering you, inform the driver or train operator.

Avoid unwanted attention and confrontations.

No two students studying abroad ever have quite the same experience. This is true for students of color and those from U.S. minority ethnic or racial backgrounds. Reports from past participants vary some students feel exhilarated by being free from the American context of race relations; others report varying degrees of ‘innocent’ curiosity about their ethnicity; and some feel they met both familiar and new kinds of prejudice and had to develop new coping strategies. Very few minority students conclude that racial or ethnic problems encountered in other countries represent sufficient reasons for not going abroad. Remember, you will probably be viewed primarily as "American" regardless of your racial or ethnic heritage.

There are a number of common legal matters you should be aware of, regardless of your host country. The most important thing to remember is that you, as a foreign visitor to your host country, are subject to the host country’s laws and judicial systems. The American legal and judicial systems do not have any jurisdiction in foreign countries. Once travelers leave U.S. jurisdiction, U.S. laws or U.S. constitutional rights do not apply. Adhere to local laws strictly don’t assume that what is legal in the United States is also legal in other countries.

Some countries require international students to register with the local police. Your host coordinator will likely advise you if you need to do this. It is also a smart idea to register with the U.S. consulate or embassy once you arrive in the country. Registering helps you to stay informed during times of crisis.

Since you will be participating in an academic program, you should take full advantage of the opportunity to study and travel. If you would like to work abroad after the completion of your program or at a later point in time, you can get information on work abroad opportunities from the Internet or the campus international office. Keep in mind that most countries require visitors to obtain a special work permit or work visa in order to be legally employed. Working illegally or "under the table" can result in imprisonment or deportation.

DO NOT travel with any illegal drugs. Not only will you will jeopardize your experience abroad by taking such a risk, you will also be dismissed from your study abroad program if you are caught using drugs. The U.S. government can assume no responsibility if you are arrested for drug use. Even in places where the use of drugs by local citizens is grudgingly accepted by authorities, foreign students are dealt with very differently from locals. If approached by someone selling drugs, walk away. Do not respond, because a conversation with a suspected narcotics dealer is seen as an act of intent to purchase in some countries. Penalties in most countries are much more severe than in the U.S., and the U.S. embassy will be powerless to intervene on your behalf. Legal systems and civil rights are vastly different in some countries; many countries do not offer the possibility of bail, a jury trial, or an English-speaking attorney.

What U.S. consular officers CAN do:

Insofar as it is possible, ensure that the detainee's rights under local law are fully observed and that humane treatment is accorded under international standards.

Visit the U.S. citizen as soon as possible after the foreign government has notified the U.S. embassy or consulate of the arrest.

Provide the detainee with a list of local attorneys from which to select defense counsel.

What U.S. consular officers CANNOT do:

Demand the release of a U.S. citizen.

Represent the detainee at trial, give legal counsel, or pay legal fees or other related expenses with U.S. government funds.

Intervene in a foreign country's court system or judicial process to obtain special treatment.

If your laptop computer, watch, camera, camcorder, or similar device was made outside the U.S., you should probably register the item with U.S. Customs before you depart to avoid having to pay a duty on it when you return to the United States. Documents that fully describe the item - for example, sales receipts, insurance policies, or jeweler's appraisals - are acceptable forms of proof that you owned the item prior to your trip abroad. Take the items to the nearest Customs Office and request a Certificate of Registration (Customs Form 4457). You will be required to go through Customs Inspection and Immigration Control upon arriving in your host country. Be prepared to show your passport and visa as well as any prescriptions for medications you are carrying.

If your signature will be needed for any official or legal document during your absence, you should make arrangements for "power of attorney" to be held by an appropriate person to act on your behalf. You can do this by writing out in detail the specific duties that the person you choose will execute. Take this to a notary public and have it notarized.

Managing your finances is one of the most important and challenging aspects of a successful and enjoyable academic experience abroad. Dealing with a new currency and cost of living are just the beginning of the challenge. Before you leave home, know the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and your host country's currency. Become familiar with the local currency and its dollar value equivalent, and bring with you a pocket calculator to help with the conversion.

It is very difficult to make recommendations on the amount of money you will need while abroad, but it is likely that you will spend as much as you take. Since items included in your program fee will vary, make sure you know how much money you will require beyond what you pay for the program fee. The amount you will need for incidental expenses will depend on your lifestyle as well as local costs. Take a close look at your expenses and prepare a budget for yourself based on the estimated expenses you identify.

It may be wise to have some cash in the host country’s currency before leaving for your trip abroad. You may purchase foreign currency in most banks in the U.S., but it is advisable to wait until you are in your host country to change larger amounts of money. Always change money at an official money exchange kiosk or bank; never change money on the street. If you do carry cash, do not keep it all in one place. Never carry your wallet in an outside pocket of your backpack or purse or in your back pocket.

Traveler's checks are a convenient and safe way to carry money. In addition to being easy to cash, they are accepted for payment of goods and services at many establishments and are usually treated like cash. (Keep in mind however that not all countries accept traveler’s checks, so to be sure to check before you go.) Keep the receipt of the traveler’s check numbers separate from your checks. If the traveler’s checks are lost or stolen, they can be replaced as long as you have a record of the serial numbers of the lost or stolen checks. Traveler's checks can be purchased at just about any bank in the United States, usually at the rate of one percent more than the value of the checks you are buying. American Express also issues traveler’s checks, and American Express has offices in major cities around the world. If you are a member of AAA, you can get American Express traveler's checks without any surcharge. Traveler's checks issued in dollars can be exchanged for local currency at banks and money changing houses overseas for a small fee. Keep in mind that you will need your passport as identification to cash or change traveler’s checks.

Credit cards are useful for store purchases, emergencies and cash advances (though higher interest rates are often charged for cash advances). Most major credit cards are honored abroad, but American Express, Visa and MasterCard are the most universally accepted. Be aware that credit cards are not accepted in some developing countries. Before departure, be sure to determine whether or not payment by credit card is universal and common in your host country, and do not rely on a credit card as your sole source of funding while abroad. If credit cards are universally accepted and used, they are often a good way to make purchases as they tend to offer the best exchange rate. Be aware that credit card purchases do add up, and the interest charged on an outstanding balance adds up quickly. If you are abroad for more than four weeks, you should make arrangements to have someone pay your monthly credit card bill to avoid late-payment charges. To safeguard your credit card, know the customer service number, and keep a photocopy of your actual credit card in case it is lost or stolen.

Cashing personal checks is typically not a convenient or efficient way to obtain local currency. While it is becoming easier to transfer money from a home account to a bank overseas for withdrawal, these advances are often treated as loans, so you can only obtain an advance that is equal to your line of credit. A high interest rate is also charged. Any bank that honors your type of credit card will help you draw funds in foreign currency as a cash advance. Consider using American Express- any American Express office will cash personal checks from a U.S. bank account at no charge for American Express customers.

If you think you might need to use bank transfers or have funds sent to you in the form of a bank draft, visit your bank before you leave and ask them for a list of the corresponding banks in your host city. Let them know who is authorized to initiate cable transfers for you. Once abroad, you can contact your home bank and usually receive the money within 48 hours. Be advised that you will probably have to pay the cabling charges both ways in addition to a commission charged by the host bank. Money can also be wire transferred from home through American Express; this type of transfer will take two to five days and the charge varies according to how much money is sent. Alternatively, you can notify your home bank and request that a bank draft in your name be mailed to you, but keep in mind that this may be less reliable than a wire transfer.

When formulating a budget, consider length of stay, your spending habits, style of living, amount and method of travel, and academic costs. Think about any expensive souvenirs you hope to buy and any gifts you will want to purchase. It is recommended that you take approximately 20% more money than you think you’ll need. Your best resource is to talk to other students who have been on the same or similar programs and then factor in your personal spending habits and needs while abroad.

plane ticket (if not included in the program price)

travel within host country or continent (rail, plane, boat, ferry, bus, car, etc.)

local travel (train, bus, subway, taxi, etc.)

passport

insurance (if not included in the program fee)

student ID card

shipping

travel books

food

entry fees for museums/attractions

school supplies, textbooks

entertainment costs

film

Internet/email/phone charges

stamps/mailing supplies

gifts

souvenirs

laundry, personal expenses

Don’t develop your film overseas.

Always present your ISIC or other student ID card for discounts.

Bypass expensive restaurants during the day – opt for fruit or bread at local markets.

Try some local favorite dishes or specialties.

Call your nation’s tourist board for information about student discounts.

Don’t waste money on "junk" souvenirs.

Take overnight trains to save the cost of overnight accommodations.

Remember that spending a little bit of money will be worth the experiences and memories; don’t skimp on museums, must-see attractions, or travel opportunities just to save a few bucks.

Are you Swedish-American, Mexican-American, African-American, or just American? How do you identify yourself? Whoever you are, however you define yourself, you will bring some "cultural baggage" with you wherever you go. Cultural baggage can be defined as the assumptions you have about yourself, your family, friends, and the world based on your own experience. Cultural baggage can weigh you down at times, but it can also be used as a resource to help you through uncomfortable situations. Understanding your own cultural baggage will help you in the quest to understand someone else's.

Meeting people from other places is exciting. It is a shock when you are met with negative feedback because you are an American. When faced with negative reactions, it may feel as though you are being attacked personally and criticized for being American. As you spend more and more time in your host country, you will begin to recognize several cultural patterns that are quite different from your own. These cultural patterns include differences in style, assumptions, values, cultural norms, perception, motivation, forms of achievement, etc. Although these differences are just the tip of the iceberg, it is still important to recognize your own "American" patterns and what they mean to you.

Dr. L. Robert Kohls, Director of International Programs at San Francisco State University, is a renowned literary contributor to the research on cultural patterns. He has developed a list of 13 commonly held values that help explain to first-time visitors to the United States why Americans act the way they do. As an American, do you recognize these traits in yourself? Whether you are willing to accept these generalizations about Americans or not, it is important to recognize that these stereotypes exist.

Americans do not believe in the power of fate. In the American context, to be "fatalistic" is to be superstitious, lazy or unwilling to take the initiative. Americans believe that everyone should have control over his or her own environment and think that problems stem from laziness and unwillingness to take responsibility, not fate or bad luck.

In the American mind, change is seen as indisputably good, leading to development, improvement, and progress. Many older, more traditional cultures consider change to be disruptive and destructive; they value stability, continuity, tradition and a rich and ancient heritage - none of which tend to be highly valued in the United States.

Time is of utmost importance to most Americans. Americans are more concerned with getting things accomplished on time than they are with developing interpersonal relations. This philosophy has enabled Americans to be extremely productive, and productivity is highly valued in the U.S.

Americans believe that all people are "created equal" and that all should have an equal opportunity to succeed. This concept of equality is strange to many people of the world; status, rank and authority are more important.

Americans view themselves as highly individualistic in their thoughts and actions. In the U.S., you will find people freely expressing a variety of opinions anywhere and anytime. Individualism leads to privacy, which Americans see as desirable. The word "privacy" does not exist in many non-Western languages. If it does, it is likely to have a negative connotation, suggesting loneliness or forced isolation.

Americans believe that competition brings out the best. Value is reflected in the economic system of "free enterprise" and it is applied in the U.S. in all areas - medicine, business, education and sports.

Americans value the future and the improvements the future will surely bring. They tend to devalue the past and, to a large extent, the present. Since Americans believe that humans, not fate, can and should control the environment, they are good at planning short term projects and value what the future will bring.

Most Americans routinely schedule an extremely active day. The United States may be one of the few countries in the world where people speak about the "dignity of human labor." Such a "no-nonsense" attitude toward work has created a class of people known as workaholics - people addicted to, and often wholly identified with, their profession. The first question people often ask when they meet each other in the U.S. is related to work: "What do you do?" or "Where do you work?" or "Who do you work for?"

Americans are informal and casual. Clothing and our manner of speaking are two areas where American informality is very noticeable. Dressing down is a national norm, and occasions on which Americans dress up are rare. The use of formal, honorary titles is also very rare.

Many other countries have developed subtle, sometimes highly ritualistic ways of informing others of negative or unpleasant information. Americans prefer the direct approach. They are likely to be completely honest in delivering their negative evaluations, and consider anything other than the most direct and open approach to be "dishonest" and "insincere."

Americans have a reputation for being realistic, practical and efficient. The practical consideration is likely to be given highest priority in making any important decision. Americans pride themselves on not being very philosophical or theoretical. The "bottom line" is often the most important consideration. This pragmatic orientation has caused Americans to contribute more inventions to the world than any other country in human history. The love of practicality has also caused Americans to view some professions as more favorable than others. Americans belittle emotional and subjective evaluations in favor of rational and objective assessments.

Foreigners consider Americans to be very materialistic. Americans tend to give a higher priority to obtaining and protecting material objects than they do in developing and enjoying relationships with other people. Since Americans value newness and innovation, they sell or discard possessions frequently and replace them with newer items. Americans would like to think that their material objects are their reward for working hard.

As you meet people outside of the United States, you will begin to discover that others don't always think the way we do. People from other countries are often presented with a very different view of Americans. As a representative of the United States, people will be very curious to see if the stereotypes they hold are true. You will be probably expected to answer questions about American politics, geography, values and other issues.

Commonly asked questions include:

Why are Americans so materialistic?

Why are they so wasteful of natural resources?

Why are Americans so racist?

Why are Americans so ignorant of other countries?

Why does America give so much foreign aid to countries that abuse human rights?

Why are there so many homeless people in "the richest country in the world?"

Why are teachers so poorly paid in a country that claims to have one of the best educational systems?

Why does the U.S. try to behave as the policeman of the world?

At times, you may experience direct criticism. There is no one right or wrong way to respond to attacks made against the United States or yourself for being American. The best method for dealing with confrontation is to defuse hostility or anger by responding calmly, without defensiveness, and subsequently removing yourself from the situation. This is not the time to feel that you must defend the<