Dear Off-Campus Programs Participants

Dear Off-Campus Programs Participants,

Welcome to Orientation! As you prepare to depart on your off-campus program, our hope is to be able to assist you in any way possible in addition to being excited with you as you begin what promises to be a significant experience.

There are a multitude of ways in which you will grow from this experience and countless things you will carry away with you from this time abroad. This process of gathering up what you experience and learn is a three-phase experience that begins before you leave and extends well into the time after you return. The orientation and re-entry process will provide the framework that will allow you to benefit the most from your experience personally and academically.

This handbook, like the orientation session and other information given to you, is designed to serve as a tool to help get the ball rolling – a foundation on which you will build as you prepare to depart on your off-campus program. In these limited pages and during our brief time together we will only begin to cover both the practical and profound. Hopefully, this handbook will not only provide useful information but also begin your process of processing, reflecting upon, and responding to all that you will learn about yourself as an individual and as a global citizen in the world at large.

We firmly believe that off-campus programs are valuable because they heighten our awareness of the world by placing us in new situations. These new situations are invaluable learning experiences that also serve to reveal and stimulate our personal and character development. These opportunities give us the chance to practice the skills and sympathies vital to being an effective follower of Christ in the world and to practice discernment of the central core of Christianity and what we are called to in life. Certainly, this is a life-long task but you have found a fantastic, enriching way in which to dive in and begin!

Please read this handbook carefully and use it as a resource in the coming weeks and months. You might also want to share it with your family and friends as they think about and prepare for your experience as well. Please feel free to contact us at any time with questions, problems, and dilemmas over which shoes to pack…and remember how much we love to get your postcards! We are here to be of service to you…anytime.

Blessings on you in your travels.

Sincerely,

Dr. Bill Wright Barbara Pointer

Director of Off-Campus Programs & Associate Provost Off-Campus Programs Coordinator

TABLE OF CONTENTS AND

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

INTRODUCTORY LETTER 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 2

SELF ORIENTATION 4

IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION 5

HELPFUL RESOURCES 6

BEFORE YOU GO 7

WESTMONT DETAILS 7

PROGRAM DETAILS 8

PACKING 8

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS 9

OTHER DETAILS 10

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF TRAVEL 10

MONEY AND BUDGETING 11

AFFORDING STUDY ABROAD 11

BUDGETING 11

ATM CARDS 13

TRAVELERS’ CHECKS & EXCHANGING MONEY 13

CREDIT CARDS 13

SENDING MONEY 14

HEALTH ISSUES 14

IMMUNIZATIONS 15

MEDICATIONS AND DRUGS 15

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH 15

WATER AND FOOD-BORNE ILLNESS 15

OTHER ISSUES TO CONSIDER 16

SELF CARE KIT 17

MEDICAL CARE ABROAD 18

INTERNET RESOURCES 18

TOILET TRAUMA 18

SAFETY AND SECURITY 20

RESPONSIBILITIES OF OFF-CAMPUS PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS 20

OBEYING NATIONAL AND LOCAL LAWS 20

DRUGS 21

TRAVEL SAFETY TIPS 21

GUIDELINES FOR THE RESPONSIBLE USE OF ALCOHOL 22

HARASSMENT 23

INTERNET RESOURCES 23

SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND PREVENTION IN COLLEGE 24

STUDENTS STUDYING ABROAD by Nancy Newport

EMERGENCIES AND INSURANCE 28

AMERICAN EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES 28

OFFICE OF OVERSEAS CITIZENS SERVICE 29

WESTMONT INSURANCE AND SERVICES 29

CULTURAL DIFFERENCE AND CULTURE SHOCK 29

COMPARING AND CONTRASTING CULTURES 29

CULTURAL STEREOTYPES 30

CULTURE SHOCK 31

TIPS ON ADJUSTING ABROAD 32

RELATIONSHIPS 33

GENDER ISSUES 33

WHEN IN ROME, THINK AS THE ROMANS THINK by Catherine Watson 34

REENTRY 38

WHAT ABOUT FAMILY AND FRIENDS 39

DOCUMENT YOUR EXPERIENCE 40

SCRAPBOOKS 41

PHOTOGRAPHS 41

A WORD ON PHOTOGRAPHY: HOW TO BE A 41

SENSITIVE PHOTOGRAPHER

SHARING YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH OTHERS 43

JOBS AND CAREERS ABROAD 43

That which we are, we are,

and if we are ever to be any better,

now is the time to begin

Tennyson

a lot of stuff has to be left behind when embarking for adventure. That fact in itself is reason enough

to get out of dodge.

George Dubinkey

“I’m the distraction that’s going to England with her, sir.”

Say anything

Not all those who wander are lost

VW bus bumper sticker on Hwy 101

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Special thanks to sources from the Office of International Studies at Bethel College, the studyabroad.com handbook by Bill Hoffa, Survival Kit for Overseas Living by Robert Kohls, plus the Office of International Studies at St. Olaf College, the University of Minnesota Global Studies and International Study Center, University of Colorado, Boulder, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, the Department of State, University of Southern California and the SAFETI consortium, of which Westmont College is a member.
SELF-ORIENTATION

Ultimately, you are responsible for how prepared you are for your off-campus program experience. Attend all orientation and program predeparture meetings. Read and keep all information and materials sent to you. Inform yourself as much as possible about where you will be living and studying for the next weeks or months. Do some reading on current events and issues on websites or in newspapers and magazines that report on the area of the world in which you will be. Find a travel guide with good information on the history, culture, government, and geography of your host country(ies) in addition to the customary information on the tourist highlights.

Give some thought to some of the following issues and attitudes about them in the US. Compare and contrast your American sensibilities to the ones you encounter in your host country once you arrive:

Current national and international concerns Relations with the US

Political and economic systems Role of the military

Human rights Political unrest and terrorism

Population distribution Crime patterns

Health and welfare Law enforcement

State of technology Religion

What are other issues not covered on this list? Are you prepared to answer the questions of your new friends or host family about these issues and how they are thought of in North America? Is your opinion on these issues the only North American opinion on these issues? Will the views shared by the people you encounter be the only opinion on these issues in your host country?

Review the program materials for information regarding your future academic experience on your off-campus program. Do you have an idea of what the educational philosophy, role of faculty, and styles of learning will be like for your program? This can vary widely from culture to culture and program to program, even among programs operated by Westmont College. Do you know the institutional policies and procedures for your program? Do you know who to speak with on-site when you have questions or a problem to solve?

Take some time for some self-reflection before you depart. Once you’ve done some reading, talked with others, and thought about your concerns and questions, take some time to meditate and pray about what this experience holds for you. List or journal about the ideas and questions you have, the concerns you might be worried about, the excitement you feel. You, by no means, have to be eloquent: this is for you. Think and write a bit about what you are already learning and what you are expecting from your experience. Prioritize them into goals.

SPIRITUAL:_______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________

ACADEMIC::_______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________

Personal:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ACADEMIC:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

This time of preparation will be a time of addressing both the practical and the profound. That balance will continue during your off-campus program and beyond. Taking time now to think about and pay attention to what you are thinking and where you are will help as you grow and figure out what all that you learn and experience means – both abroad and once your return. If nothing else, it’s fun to be able to look back and see the things you were hoping, expecting, and excited about before you began your adventure!!

Important contact information

Worldwide assistance inside the US: 1-800-527-0218 or outside the US call direct: 1-410-453-6300

Off-campus programs office 805-565-6009

Barbara Pointer, Off Campus Programs FAX: 805.565.7142

Email:

Westmont College 805.565.6000

Business office 805.565.6021

Campus security 805.565.6222

Health center 805.565.6164

Housing office 805.565.6037

Registrar’s office 805.565.6060

Risk management 805.565.6848

Your Program U.S. Office

Your Program Director

Home

Office

Address

US Embassy in Host Country

Address

Other important names, telephone numbers, and e-mails:

___ ______

HELPFUL RESOURCES

INTERNET RESOURCES

v It is often helpful to compare the advice different countries give for various regions of the world:

US State Dept. Consular Information & Travel Warnings –

http://travel.state.gov/travel/travel_1744.html

Canadian Dept. of Foreign Affairs Travel Information & Advisory Reports – www.dfait- http://www.voyage.gc.ca/index-eng.asp

United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office Travel Advice – http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/

Australian Department of Foreign Affairs Travel Advice – http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/

v Department of State Services

Visas and foreign entry requirements – http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html

Tips for a safe trip abroad – http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips/tips_1232.html

Warning regarding drugs – http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/tips_1232.html#drug_offenses

v US Customs Service Traveler Alerts – http://www.customs.gov/

see the sections entitled: Know Before You Go, Restricted/Prohibited Merchandise, Medications/Drugs, Frequently Asked Questions

v Embassy World, a searchable database of hosted embassies and world-wide embassy/consulate locations for most countries – http://www.embassyworld.com/

v CIA Factbook, country profiles with basic information – https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/

v Newsdirectory.com, links to English online additions of newspapers and magazines worldwide – http://www.aboutus.org/NewsDirectory.com

v International Calling Codes -- http://countrycodes.boomja.com/

v Local Times Around the World – http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/

v Mobility International USA, students with disabilities abroad – www.miusa.org

v Armchair World: The Well-Informed Traveler – www.armchair.com/info/netinfo.html

v European Road Signs & Conventions – www.travlang.com/signs

v The Virtual Tourist – www.vtourist.com

v Lonely Planet Destinations (by country) – http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations

v Fodor’s Travel Online – www.fodors.com

v Rough Guides Travel – www.travel.roughguides.com

v CNN.com Travel Guide – www.cnn.com/TRAVEL/index.html

v Hostelling International: American Youth Hostels, the US branch of the non-profit International Youth Hostel Federation – www.hiayh.org

v Tourism Offices Worldwide Directory - www.towd.com

HELPFUL PUBLICATIONS

v Axtell, John. Do’s and Taboos Around the World: A Guide to International Behavior. John Wiley & Sons.

v Hess, J. Daniel. Studying Abroad/Learning Abroad. Intercultural Press.

v Kohls, L. Robert. Survival Kit for Overseas Living: For Americans planning to live and work abroad. Intercultural Press.

v Mobility International USA (MIUSA). A World Awaits You (AWAY). Includes personal experience stories, accommodation information, and opportunities for people with disabilities. Free.

v Piet-Pelon, Nancy and Barbara Hornby. Women’s Guide to Overseas Living. Intercultural Press.

v Real Guide Series. Able to Travel. Prentice Hall

v Rose, Stuart, MD. The International Travel Health Guide. Travel Medicine, Inc.

v Schroeder, Dirk, MD. Staying Healthy in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Moon Publications.

v Sorti, Craig. The Art of Crossing Cultures. Intercultural Press.

v Zepotas, Thalia. Journey of One’s Own: Uncommon Advice for the Independent Woman Traveler. The Eighth Mountain Press.

BEFORe you Go

WESTMONT DETAILS

You are responsible for taking care of the details necessary to return to campus or to graduate upon completion of your off-campus program. These include registration, housing, financial aid, application for degree, parking, etc. You are not approved to participate in an off-campus program until the following steps are completed:

o OCP application is submitted with your advisor’s signature and approval granted

o Program application and support paperwork are completed and submitted

o You receive clearance to register—this requires that you be in good standing with both the student accounts and chaplains offices

o Participation in Orientation

Registration: Once you are approved to participate in an off-campus program, you will automatically be registered as an OCP student for the semester or Mayterm that you will be gone. Participants in semester-long programs will be contacted via email while they are gone sometime mid-semester to register for the semester that they return. Participants in Westmont-operated semester programs (Europe Semester, England Semester, Westmont in Mexico, Mediterranean Semester and the Urban Program) are required to register for their specific classes during their designated registration time. Also, before leaving on a semester or year program, be sure you have declared your major and are on track with your Application for Degree.

Course Approval: To obtain pre-approval of credit for courses taken on programs not operated by Westmont, submit a pre-approval of credit form with attached course descriptions to the Registrar’s office before your departure. Forms are available from the Records or Off-Campus Programs Offices.

Housing and Parking: You are responsible for submitting housing requests and parking permit applications by the designated deadlines. Contact the Housing Office for more information or to check on the status of your requests for housing and parking for your return.

Financial Aid: Before you depart, make sure the financial aid and student accounts offices have all the signatures, promissory notes, and clearances necessary to receive and award your funds. Convert scholarship awards and loan checks to EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) in order to expedite the deposit of those funds to your tuition account while you are gone. If you are leaving on a spring semester program, be sure you have completed the tax and financial aid paperwork that is processed in the spring prior to your departure.

PROGRAM DETAILS

Your specific program will have its own set of forms and tasks that you will be required to complete before departure. These may include, but are not limited to: health forms, visa applications, travel arrangements, course selection, and/or predeparture academic assignments. Pay careful attention to your acceptance letter and the handouts and information you receive from your program. These tasks and deadlines are designed to make it possible for you to participate in your off-campus program and for that experience to be as smooth as possible. Every hoop you jump through will be helpful to you in the long run. Contact the Off-Campus Programs Office with any questions or for any assistance you may need.

PACKING

The most important thing to remember when packing is to pack lightly. Why?

Ø Heavy bags are burdensome and restricting.

Ø You will be much safer if you can easily manage your bags.