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Please review the four parts of the Pre-Departure Guide prior to leaving for your program. The Guide is intended for use by students whose programs take place abroad, but students on domestic programs may also find many aspects of the Guide helpful. All students participating in programs off-campus are encouraged to review the Pre-Departure Guide. A PDF version is available to download. An budget worksheet is also available. Choose to Study Abroad Why Study Abroad? Study abroad is an educational tool that allows for the development of skills-critical, reflective, cross-cultural and intrapersonal-that are integral to a liberal arts education. Studying and living in another culture can also be an exhilarating challenge that, with the proper outlook and preparation, can open windows to the world and to a self you hardly knew existed. By participating in a study abroad program, a student can achieve personal growth and a new perspective on the world. The knowledge and skills acquired by studying abroad are also attractive to prospective employers as well as graduate schools. Primary Questions and Considerations for Students to Answer: Note: As you read through the following questions, ask yourself, "Which of these questions make the most difference to me?" Your answers are crucial in helping the Director of International Education to guide your efforts in finding the program best suited to you.
Step 1: Visit the Office of International Education (McGlothlin-Street Hall 120) Services We Provide:
Talk to students who have studied abroad. The Office of International Education can provide you with names of students who have studied abroad and would be happy to talk about their experiences. Use the Internet. Check out the information on the Emory & Henry College website. In addition to using search engines like Google or Yahoo, you might want to try these sites: StudyAbroad.com, GoAbroad.com, and IEEPassport.org. Step 3: Choose a Program
There are two application processes for you to complete:
You need to get these travel documents and have them with you abroad: Passport When studying on an overseas program, you will need a valid passport. Obtaining a passport is your responsibility. It can take up to twelve weeks to process a passport application, but please be aware that the process may take longer, especially during peak travel times. Many local post offices will accept applications for passports. For more information and to find a location that accepts applications, visit http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html. In the Emory area, you can apply for a passport at the Abingdon post office. You must have the following documents to apply for a passport:
For more information, visit http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html Once you receive your passport, make 3 photocopies of the information page of your passport.
Visa(s) A visa is written permission to visit a country granted by the government of that country. Your program will let you know if a visa is necessary and how to obtain one. For country-specific information about about visas, visit http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html or contact the embassy or nearest consulate of the country(ies) you plan to visit. Some countries require transit visas for people to change planes at their airports -- particularly the Schengen countries in Europe. For more information, see: http://www.eurovisa.info/SchengenCountries.htm.
Accident and Sickness Insurance Card & Claim Form Keep a copy of your medical insurance card in your wallet. If your insurance agency does not provide a card, write down the name and number of your policy and the address of the insurance company. Bring copies of your insurance claim forms. International Student Identity Card (ISIC) While this card may not be required by your program, it is can be very useful. Your ISIC will provide basic insurance as well as proof of student status required for student discounts around the world. For more information and to purchase your ISIC, visit www.myisic.com Airline Ticket Airfares depend on city of origin and whether you are traveling in peak or off-peak season. Investigate discount fares for any restrictions. Many companies specialize in discount student airfares and require you to have an International Student Identity Card (ISIC). Your odds of finding low fares increase if you are flexible with your arrival and departure dates. If possible, schedule at least one of your flights outside of peak season (Europe: June 1-August 31; South America: December 31-March 1) to save money. For low airfares, check with the companies listed under the "Helpful Resources" section of this guide. Before departing, make two copies of your ticket(s). You may not realize how valuable your airline ticket is - and what a hassle it is to attempt to replace a lost or stolen ticket. It is best to copy the final control page of each ticket, as it contains all the information you need in case your ticket is lost or stolen. One copy stays at home, the second copy stays with you packed separately from your original ticket. If you have an e-ticket, make sure to get a printout of your itinerary and keep track of your confirmation number. Train Passes A rail pass is a one-time expense providing access to a region's train system. There are many to choose from, and most must be purchased prior to departure. For more information, see www.raileurope.com, www.japanrailpass.net or www.routesinternational.com. Detailed information about Eurail passes can be found here: http://www.ricksteves.com/rail/rail_menu.htm Calling Cards Check with your U.S. long distance carrier to obtain an international calling card for calls home. Most of the long-distance companies offer these cards or special calling plans for international calls. Also, check http://www.idt.net or http://www.globalcalling.com/NAFSA. Make sure you know how to call home once abroad, and tell your family and friends how to make an international call from the US. For dialing instructions and country codes, visit http://www.countrycallingcodes.com/index.php. Birth Certificate Bring a photocopy of your birth certificate. This is handy in the event you have to replace a lost or stolen passport. Traveler's Checks/ATM Card: Avoid carrying large amounts of money. Use traveler's checks and an ATM card. Although you must bring some money in Traveler's Checks for emergencies, ATM machines are now available in many countries and are often the most convenient and cheapest way to get cash. Using an ATM card allows you to have someone in the U.S. deposit money in your checking account while you are abroad. Keep the following in mind:
Credit Card These can be extremely useful in an emergency. Again, inform your home bank that you will be abroad. Step 6: Finalize Your Plans These are a few things to do before you leave: Make at least two copies of your important documents. Leave one copy with your family and take the others with you. Keep them separate from the original documents. Documents to copy:
International Insurance Students participating in faculty-led international education programs, E&H exchange programs, and study abroad programs through CIEE, CAPA, and other providers must purchase insurance from HTH Worldwide (http://www.hthstudents.com/) in addition to any other insurance provided by the program. The cost of this insurance is included in the fee you pay to Emory & Henry to participate in the program. This plan provides adequate coverage for accident, illness, hospitalization, accidental death and dismemberment, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation while outside the United States. HTH handles claims in various languages and from medical providers around the world. Property and liability insurance Despite students' best efforts to safeguard their property, it is still possible for it to be lost, stolen or damaged when traveling or living abroad. As Emory & Henry does not insure students' property while they are overseas, all student participants are urged to purchase property insurance for the entire duration of their stay abroad. Students should investigate their parents' homeowner's insurance to verify if all the items to be brought on the trip will be covered by their policy. It is recommended that all valuable items (e.g., laptop computers) be insured. Trip Cancellation Insurance Similarly, the Office of International Education recommends that students consider trip cancellation insurance. Trip cancellation insurance is effective in the case of a sudden illness or injury that necessitates canceling or interrupting a trip. Most policies also provide coverage due to a wide variety of unforeseen events. Some reputable companies that offer this type of insurance are: AccessAmerica (http://www.accessamerica.com/), HTH Worldwide (http://www.hthworldwide.com/), and Travel Insured (http://www.travelinsured.com/). Cultural Learning Basic Things You Should Know Before You Go: Having knowledge about your host country helps you get into conversations and shows your respect for the culture. We suggest that you go through the following list of questions and try to answer as many as you can. Next, try to find the answers to the rest by reading about the country, browsing the Internet, or by talking to someone here who is from your host country. There are several student organizations and faculty members at E&H who could be a great resource for finding out information about your new home. Take the questions you have remaining with you abroad and utilize the relationships you form with your host country's nationals to help you find the answers. People will most likely be flattered by your interest and will be eager to help you fill in the gaps.
Stereotypes & Generalizations: Stereotype The unfair, often inaccurate, prediction that a person will be, act, look, feel, or believe a certain way based on one's often incomplete or uncontextualized observations about the person's culture, nationality, race, gender, age, socio-economic status, etc. Consider carefully whether your assumptions about your host country are based on fact or on stereotypes. Stereotypes, both positive and negative ones, are harmful and can impair your ability to get the most from your study abroad/away experience. What's the alternative? A generalization. This means using initial ideas about a group to form hypotheses. For example, you've been watching British television and note the dry sense of humor that forms the basis for several sitcoms. Then you meet several Brits who also have a dry sense of humor. You begin to form a hypothesis about British humor. Generalizing recognizes there may be a tendency for people within a culture group to share certain values, beliefs, and behaviors. Becoming Familiar with Culture: The Iceberg Analogy The tip of the iceberg represents the pieces of culture that we can see. The area below the water represents deeper cultural meaning. The iceberg analogy has some key points for learning about a culture:
Consider changing the structure of your journal from a daily "diary" to a "travel journal", like the one developed by Nancy Taylor Nicodemus, which divides your journal into four different sections: Impressions, Descriptive, Narrative, and Expressive
What Are Your Goals? It is important that you identify goals and objectives before leaving in order to make the most of your experience. The following questions may help you with this self-evaluation. Personal
Often, courses abroad are different from courses here-more specialized and few, if any, "survey" courses. Perhaps there will be no quizzes, mid-terms or term papers with success in the courses depending on the final exam (oral or written). In a foreign university, you may be in a lecture hall with 50 to 1,000 other students. In many U.S. college-sponsored programs, courses will be much like those here. Expectations of Campus Life Abroad In the U.S. we generally take students out of society for four years and isolate them in a little utopia that we call a campus. Often, everything you need is available on campus, and there is not much reason to ever leave it. Abroad, students are an integral part of society. In foreign universities, there is little of what we call "campus life." The university buildings are usually in the heart of the city, but scattered over a considerable area and separated from each other by residences, stores, and factories. You may live in one part of the city, attend classes in another part, work in the library somewhere else, and eat your meals in the student restaurant on the opposite side of the city. You will thus participate in the "hassle" of everyday city life: mass transportation, strikes, impersonal attitudes, tourists, etc. So, expect much less "student life," fewer clubs, fewer social affairs, and fewer organized sports than in America. Expectations of Foreign Students Because students you encounter abroad are products of a more specialized system of education, you will probably find them older and better prepared to meet the academic demands of the university situation. Most likely they will have begun studying their major earlier than their American counterparts, so expect them to have a much more extensive knowledge of the subject. You may also find them serious and tending to act, even among their peers, with great formality and reserve. (You could conceivably sit next to a local student in class for a year without ever striking up a conversation.) You will be surprised at how politically knowledgeable the overseas student is-it's a good idea to bone up on your knowledge of history and politics of the U.S. and of the host country before you go, and don't forget your sense of humor. Expectations of Friendly Relationships Contacts in many societies, particularly in Europe, are not as facile as American social acceptance. For example, the concept of a "friend" is distinct from the concept of an "acquaintance." It takes many months to make a "friend," but once friendship is formed, it will last a lifetime. If you are "living with a family," don't expect to be immediately welcomed to the bosom of the family like another son or daughter. It does happen, but it is the exception. More typically, your relationship will start off as that between boarder and landlord/landlady. Therein lies the challenge: to make the relationship grow into something more than the formal, distant relationship it will initially be. Expectations of Adjusting to Life Abroad Be prepared to undergo a fairly typical adjustment cycle during the first few weeks (or months) of your stay. It could be compared to a roller coaster ride. It will have its ups and downs. You'll start out with a great deal of excitement and euphoria; wherever you are studying will be the most fantastic place on earth. You'll be riding high with enthusiasm. After a while, the novelty will wear off, and you may feel lonely, frustrated, disappointed, depressed, homesick, and irritable. You'll complain about everything and everyone; you'll probably wish you hadn't gone there and long to be back in Emory. Early feelings of inadaptation will tend to disappear and you'll finally figure out who you are, where you are, and why you are there. As you complete the adjustment cycle, you'll come to accept and then to enjoy everything, including the academics, food, drinks, habits, and customs of the host country. At the end, you won't want to leave. You'll try to figure out a way to stay or get back there very soon. Your Academic Plan What about coursework abroad? When should this be taken care of? Students should know, as early as possible in the application process, how their coursework abroad can be incorporated into their overall academic program. Therefore, it is important to discuss your program with you academic advisor. Confirm Your Academic Plans To help with academic planning, make an appointment to meet with your academic advisor. Provide your advisor with full information concerning course offerings on your program. Confirm which courses you may take to fulfill major, minor and departmental requirements, and which courses you may take for an elective credit. Use this advising session to review course pre-approvals you have obtained for those courses you will take abroad. Plan with your advisor the courses you will need to take upon your return. Remember, credit earned at institutions via exchange programs and through programs sponsored by other institutions or agencies is treated as transfer credit. What to Bring
Selecting your luggage Take only bags that are light, easy to carry, and sturdy. If you are buying luggage for this journey, choose bags that are soft-sided and made of heavy-grade nylon or similar material. Do not invest in expensive luggage; sturdy, mid-priced bags are good enough. If your luggage does not have wheels, you might want to buy a small luggage carrier. Also, divide your load. Remember, you can carry some things over your shoulder or on your back, which leaves one hand free for doors, etc. The best set of luggage might include one large suitcase, one smaller bag or backpack, and one shoulder-type bag. Packing Remember that you will be carrying these bags around with you when you get off the plane and you will be carrying them if you travel after the program. You will likely be walking at least a block and up stairs or escalators with your bags, as well as carrying them on public transportation. Keep in mind that storage space is limited, so keep packed luggage to a minimum. Do not pack valuables (cameras, money, jewelry, items of sentimental value, etc.) in checked baggage. It is helpful to pack a complete change of clothes inside your carry-on luggage. This is helpful in the event that your checked luggage is lost or delayed or if you have long layovers or extremely long flights. You may also want to bring some sort of snacks and small toiletry items. Luggage Restrictions All airlines have restrictions on the size, weight, and number of luggage items that you can take without incurring any additional, and significant, expenses. Airlines outside of North America are especially strict. Most airlines allow two checked pieces of luggage and one small carry-on piece, which will be placed under the seat or in the overhead locker. Check with your airline for specific information on luggage restrictions. Housing and Money Housing Housing opportunities vary by program and range from a local household or an apartment to an international dorm or kibbutz. Given that standards of living vary from country to country, you should expect certain fundamental differences with respect to comfort. Electrical systems, heating systems, even the water pressure may be different from what you are accustomed to at home or on campus. Storage room, including closet space, is usually at a premium in the program housing, so keep packed luggage to a minimum. If you are planning to bring electronic equipment, make sure to pack the proper adapters for the system overseas. You can check a travel guide to that country to find out what you'll need. Keep in mind that housing is not the reason you have decided to go abroad. Determine your Budget for the Semester You (and your parents) will find it helpful if you put together an estimated budget for your semester abroad. Depending on the program, in which you are enrolled, fees may include tuition, housing, airfare, board, and/or excursions. You should plan to bring additional money to cover personal expenses, textbooks, and course materials, and any other costs not included in your program fee. Also, remember to factor in the possibility of exchange rate fluctuations. To get the most from your money, follow these tips from the Maryville College Study Abroad Handbook:
If you will not be at E&H at the time the application for financial assistance is due for the coming academic year, make arrangements in advance to obtain the forms you need or request the financial aid office to forward the forms to your family for action. Health Visit the Travel website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/ for health information specific to your destination. Another useful source of current information is http://travel.state.gov, where you can view travel warnings released by the US Department of State. Medical Expenses Should you incur medical expenses abroad, you and your family may have to meet some of these expenses up front. Be sure to pack several copies of your insurance company's claim forms. Having the necessary claim forms on hand will speed up processing in the event that you have to make a claim, and therefore helps speed reimbursement. Visit Your Doctor Please remember that study abroad can be both physically and mentally stressful. If you are experiencing any physical or emotional problems, please address them before leaving the U.S. If you haven't felt well, make an appointment with your doctor for a check-up; if you anticipate any dental work, get it done before departure; if you are experiencing any emotional, eating, or substance abuse problems, seek professional advice and consider deferring you participation in an overseas program until you have the problem well under control. The pressures which lead to eating disorders, emotional, or dependency problems are only exacerbated when you are coping with adjustment to a new culture, language, and way of life. Leaving the country will not make you problems go away-if anything, it will make them worse. It is important to note that the range of counseling services available to students at E&H and other college campuses will not be available overseas. For your safety and well being, it is vital that you inform us of any physical, emotional, or psychological difficulties or special needs you may have. On the other hand, if you are simply nervous about experiencing a different culture, do not worry. You are not alone. Stop by or call our office to talk about your concerns. Immunizations Depending on your program, you may need immunizations. Check to see what is required. Some immunizations must be given in a specific sequence, so do not delay in getting them. Immunizations are available from your doctor or local health department. Obtain Copies of Your Prescriptions You should be sure to bring copies of prescriptions for any medications you may need and for glasses or contact lenses. Since medications tend to be expensive overseas and because it can be difficult to get the appropriate equivalent medication, we recommend that you bring an adequate supply of whatever you may need while abroad. Any medications you bring should be in the original, properly labeled containers. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring an extra pair in case you damage or lose your original pair. Diet The food available in your destination will likely differ from the food you are used to at home. Be open to new foods, as this is an important part of a country's culture. Research common foods and national dishes in your host country, and let your program know if you are vegetarian or have any other dietary restrictions. Know that it can be difficult to be a vegetarian abroad. You may want to ask your doctor about taking supplements. Miscellaneous Communication Email is available almost anywhere in the world. If you choose to set up a web-based email account such as hotmail or gmail, be sure to give this address to your advisors and to continue checking your E&H email while abroad. Your E&H email easiest way for advisors and college staff to contact you regarding registration for the coming semester and other important information. Voting If you will be abroad on Election Day but would like to vote, be sure to request an Absentee Ballot from your local voter registration. Income Taxes If you will need to file income taxes while you are abroad, you can request an extension. Talk about your plans with the person who will be handling your finances while you are abroad. Take a Quiz This quiz will help you to prepare for your study abroad program. It is not a comprehensive checklist or to-do list, but might give you some ideas for making your own list. Have Fun! Circle "YES" if a statement is true, "NO" if it is not ... yet. Then count your "yes" responses. Is This True of You?
20 or more: You're a regular Marco Polo! Have a great adventure studying abroad! 15-19: Almost ready! You just need to polish a few globes before you go. 10-14: You have more than just packing to do before departure ... Less than 10: Are you sure you know where you are going? Use the time before you go wisely While You're There You've arrived at your program site! You are probably attempting to recover from jet-lag while adjusting to your new environment. This part of the study abroad experience can be very challenging and may take you by surprise. Remember to give yourself the time and attention you need in order to make a successful transition between studying at Emory & Henry and studying in your new setting. Coping with Culture Shock Experiencing a period of adjustment to a new place and culture is normal. Do not react passively. Try to keep busy taking advantage of the cultural and historic resources around you. Make plans to go somewhere (e.g. local cafe, or market, a museum, the theater). Set goals for yourself: explore a new part of the city each week; learn ten new foreign phrases a day. Remember that your feelings of confusion will not last forever. While it may be somewhat painful, culture shock can be a very valuable learning experience that will leave you with broader perspectives, deeper insight into yourself, and a wider tolerance for other people. Cultural Differences Americans share certain living habits. When living at home, you take for granted that everyone follows similar cultural norms; but when you go abroad, the local cultural norms may be unfamiliar. Encountering cultural differences is part of the excitement of going abroad, but it also poses a challenge. Upon arrival in a foreign country, you may experience an immediate sense of euphoria as everything that is new seems intriguing and exciting. Inevitably, however, the newness wears off. You may feel frustrated or isolated; what was once an inviting cultural difference may become annoying. Gradually, though, you will adjust to the foreign culture and become comfortable living in it. As your familiarity with the local language and customs increases, you may become so comfortable in your new environment that upon returning to the U.S. you experience "reverse culture shock". There are peaks and valleys in the process of cultural adjustment. Just when you are feeling positive about your adjustment to the new culture, you may suddenly feel uncomfortable again and vice versa. Ultimately, you will adjust. When the idiosyncrasies of a culture begin to frustrate you, you may notice that at the same time you are wrestling with a bout of homesickness or slight depression. You may blame these problems on the cultural differences to which you are adapting. However, more than likely the root of your problem is something other than adapting to cultural particularities. You may be lonely, missing family gatherings at homes, or having unusual academic difficulties in your new setting. It is important to discover the source of your troubles and not succumb to the temptation to blame and disparage the new culture you are experiencing. Take an Active Role Prepare to learn from your experience:
Stages of Adjustment There's no doubt you've heard of culture shock, and you may be thinking, "I know enough about the country so the cultural differences won't present a problem for me." It's true the more you know about your host country, including the language, the easier it will be to adjust. Expecting the differences is helpful, but keep in mind that it's the actual cultural confrontation that brings about the physical and emotional reactions. In most cases, culture shock is caused less by one single incident and more by a gradual accumulation of anxiety, frustration, and confusion from living in an unfamiliar environment. Some prefer the terms "culture fatigue" or "culture bumps." And while not everyone experiences some kind of "shock," everyone does go through some adjustment to their environment. Many people who have been abroad discuss their experience in terms of stages: Stage 1: Cultural Euphoria At the start of your study abroad there is an initial excitement about being in a new culture. This is often called the "honeymoon stage." Everything is new and wonderful, and you are eager to explore it all. Stage 2: Cultural Confrontation In the next stage (typically one third to one half the way through an experience), the initial excitement you felt when you arrived diminishes and the process of cultural adjustment begins. This stage is typically characterized by confusion and frustration and, as such, is the most difficult stage. Your feelings can shift from very positive to very negative. Stage 3: Cultural Adjustment This stage represents the transition out of culture shock into significant cultural adjustment. You feel increasingly comfortable and competent in the culture, and these feelings prevail over the times you have felt frustrated or out of place. Stage 4: Cultural Adaptation In this stage, you have reached a point at which you have a great deal of confidence in your ability to communicate and interact effectively. You have a deeper understanding of the influence culture has in peoples' lives. You have acquired considerable cultural knowledge, but you also recognize that there is much you still don't know or understand. Homestay Expectations/Responsibilities It is a good idea to take some time to think about the homestay in terms of your own expectations, particularly before you meet your host family. Rank from 1 to 5 the following expectations for the homestay, taking into account what you hope to gain from your homestay:
American Consuls Visit http://usembassy.state.gov/ to find the location of the nearest American embassy or consulate while you are abroad. These offices can replace lost or stolen passports (make sure you have copies of your passport's information page), help you get in touch with family in the US in case of an emergency, help you get emergency medical attention, and arrange legal representation. If you register with the nearest embassy or consulate at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/, you can be contacted in case of an emergency. Your family will also be able to reach you by calling the Office of Overseas Citizens Services at 202-647-5225. Student Conduct While overseas, you are subject not only to the Emory & Henry Code of Conduct and Honor Code, but also to the local laws and sanctions of the particular country in which you are studying. In many countries, the punishment for possession and/or distribution of controlled sub-stances and for driving while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances is much more severe that in the United States. You should be aware that if arrested for a crime overseas, there is little Emory & Henry College or the local U.S. Consular authorities can do to intercede on your behalf. The Office of International Education also has the authority to establish rules of conduct necessary for the operation of the program and to reserve the right to require a student to withdraw from the program. General Safety in Public Places You will soon be entering a city and culture that is probably foreign to you. Because of this, you may miss some of the danger signals that a local person would automatically take into consideration. You should also realize that many cultures may exist within one country. Please be aware of, and sensitive to, the majority culture, as well as the minority cultures in your host country. Many people's impressions of Americans come from what they see on television shows such as "Friends" and "Fraiser." Americans are portrayed as wealthy, particularly in developing countries, and in many locations you really will be more well-off than the local population. The following "American" traits will clearly tell the local residents that you are from the United States:
Use common sense and be as cautious as you would be in any large city in the United States. Be aware of your surroundings. If you want to visit a new neighborhood, try to go during the day first. Find out from local people which areas of the city are unsafe. Look at a map before you leave, and note the nearest metro stops and bus/trolley routes. Walk at your own pace, but look alert and purposeful. If you find yourself in uncomfortable surroundings, act like you know what you are doing and where you are going, and move to a place where you are comfortable. Always give someone your itinerary when you are traveling, even if you are just leaving for a weekend. They will know when to expect you back and will be the first to know if you are missing. Emergency Action Plan To be prepared for an emergency, you need to know the following information:
Money
Local Transportation and Travel If a package is left unattended near you by someone in any crowded public place (i.e. airports, train stations, "the tube" in London or on a bus or other public transportation), notify the driver or other authority and get away from it as quickly as possible. Most of you will be using public transportation on a regular basis. You may see other passengers who do not appear to be paying for buses or other public transportation. Be careful not to copy them. Many of them have passes that are shown only when asked by an inspector. If you are caught without a bus ticket or pass, you can be pulled off the bus or tram and taken to the police station. Consider a monthly pass if you will have to take the bus or subway every day. In the long run, it is cheaper than fines that can be 50 times the original cost of the ticket. General Travel during Weekend and Breaks
A guidebook designed for the student or budget traveler is essential for finding safe, clean, and inexpensive lodging. Try the Let's Go and Lonely Planet series. The best lodging choices are private boarding houses/pensions, YWCAs/YMCAs (an international directory is available at http://ymca.net/international/InterDir/intdir.htm), and youth hostels such as those run by Hostelling International (http://www.hihostels.com/). Relationships Entering a relationship overseas should be approached with the same precautions as at home. It is tempting to be charmed by the idea of a once-in-a-lifetime foreign romance, but you should consider any relationship carefully, particularly when you are overseas. There are different cultural values and rules regarding dating and relationships. Proceed cautiously, realizing that you are only in that country for a short period of time. Evaluate your reasons for entering into a relationship. Are you attracted to the individual or are you struggling with homesickness? Political Conflict
It is important to keep the following in mind so that you do not find yourself in a situation that could lead to violation of the Emory & Henry Code of Conduct:
What may be appropriate or friendly behavior in the U.S. may bring you unwanted, even dangerous, attention in another culture. Try not to take offense at whistles and other gestures, regardless of whether they are compliments, invitations, or insults. Realize these gestures are as much a part of the culture as its food, history, and language, but if your intuition tells you a situation is dangerous, then act as if it is. Be extra careful with giving your trust. This applies generally, but is especially important when traveling alone. After You Return A Thoughtful Return Since time upon re-entry may be scarce, we encourage you to record in your journal your thoughts on these questions to prepare you for returning home: In what ways have I changed? In what ways might my family and friends have changed? How would I like my family and friends to treat me when I return home? What am I looking forward to the most? What are the lessons I have learned that I never want to forget? What are some skills I have learned? Many say the re-entry shock is more challenging than initial culture shock. What are some things I might do to make the transition easier? What have been the important things about this study abroad experience that I want to share with family and friends? What do I want to do with the experiences I've had (e.g., continue studying the language)? You've been focused on the journey, but returning home is often an equally challenging experience. To make the most of your international education, learn what to expect after your travels. Re-Entry Challenges Ten Immediate Re-Entry Challenges 1. Boredom After all the newness and stimulation of your time abroad, a return to family, friends, and old routines (however nice and comforting) can seem very dull. It is natural to miss the excitement and challenges that characterize study in a foreign country, but it is up to you to find ways to overcome such negative reactions. 2. "No One Wants to Hear" One thing you can count on upon your return: no one will be as interested in hearing about your adventures and triumphs as you will be in sharing those experiences. This is not a rejection of you or your achievements, but simply the fact that once they have heard the highlights, further interest on your audience's part is probably unlikely. Be realistic in your expectations of how fascinating your journey is going to be for everyone else. 3. You Can't Explain Even when given a chance to explain all the sights you saw and feelings you had while studying abroad, you will likely to be unable to relay them coherently. It is very difficult to convey this kind of experience to people who do not have similar frames of reference or travel backgrounds, no matter how sympathetic they are as listeners. You can tell people about your trip, but you may fail to make them understand exactly how or why you felt a particular way. 4. Reverse "Homesickness" Just as you probably missed home for a time after going abroad, it is just as natural to experience some "reverse" homesickness for the people, places, and things that you grew accustomed to as a student overseas. To an extent it can be reduced by writing letters, telephoning, and generally keeping in contact, but feelings of loss are an integral part of international sojourns and must be anticipated and accepted as a natural result of study abroad. 5. Relationships Have Changed It is inevitable that when you return you will notice that some relationships with friends and family have changed. Just as you have altered some of your ideas and attitudes while abroad, the people at home are likely to have experienced some changes. These changes may be positive or negative, but expectation that no change will have occurred is unrealistic. The best preparation is flexibility, openness, minimal preconceptions, and tempered optimism. 6. People See the "Wrong" Changes Sometimes people may concentrate on small alterations in your behavior or ideas and seem threatened or upset by them. Others may ascribe any "bad" traits to the influence of your time abroad. The incidents may be motivated by jealousy, fear, or feelings of superiority or inferiority. To avoid or minimize them it is necessary to monitor yourself and be aware of the reactions of those around you, especially in the first few weeks following your return. This phase normally passes quickly if you do nothing to confirm their stereotypes. 7. People Misunderstand A few people will misinterpret your words or actions in such a way that communication is difficult. For example, what you may have come to think of as humor (particularly sarcasm, banter, etc.) and ways to show affection or establish conversation may not be seen as wit, but aggression or "showing off." Offers of help in the kitchen can be seen as criticism of food preparation, new clothing styles as provocative or inappropriate, references to your host country or use of a foreign language as boasting. Be aware of how you may look to others and how your behavior is likely to be interpreted. 8. Feelings of Alienation/Critical Eyes Sometimes the reality of being back "home" is not as natural or enjoyable as the place you had constructed as your mental image. When real daily life is less enjoyable or more demanding than you had remembered, it is natural to feel some alienation, see faults in the society you never noticed before or even become quite critical of everyone and everything for a time. This is no different than when you first left home. Mental comparisons are fine, but keep them to yourself until you regain both your cultural balance and a balanced perspective. 9. Inability to Apply New Knowledge and Skills Many returnees are frustrated by the lack of opportunity to apply newly gained social, linguistic, and practical coping skills that appear to be unnecessary or irrelevant. To avoid ongoing annoyance, adjust to reality as necessary, change what is possible, be creative, be patient, and above all use all the cross-cultural adjustment skills you acquired abroad to assist your own re-entry. 10. Loss/Compartmentalization of Experience Returnees often worry that somehow they will "lose" the experience after returning home to the pressures of job, family, and friends; it may seem that the experience will somehow become compartmentalized, like souvenirs or photo albums kept in a box and only occasionally taken out and looked at. You do not have to let that happen. Maintain your contacts. Talk to people who have experiences similar to yours. Practice your skills. Remember and honor both your hard work and the fun you had while abroad. The list was compiled by Dr. Bruce La Brock from the University of the Pacific. Reacting to the Changes Returning to one's home environment isn't easy for a number of reasons, including how much you have changed, how much you understand these changes, and how much your friends and family accept these changes. It's important to take time to consider what the particular frustrations are for you. Record your reactions to these questions and statements:
1. Prepare for the Adjustment Process The more you consider your alternative, think about what is to come, and know about how re-turning home is both similar to and different from going abroad, the easier the transition will be. Anticipating is useful. 2. Allow Yourself Time Re-entry is a process that will take time, just like adjusting to a new foreign culture. Give yourself time to relax and reflect upon what is going on around you, how you are reacting to it, and what you might like to change. Give yourself permission to ease into the transition. 3. Understand That the Familiar Will Seem Different You will have changed, home has changed, and you will be seeing familiar people, places, and behaviors from new perspectives. Some things will seem strange, perhaps even unsettling. Expect to have some new emotional and psychological reactions to being home. Everyone does. 4. There Will Be Much "Cultural Catching-up" To Do Some linguistic, social, political, economic, entertainment and current event topics will be unfamiliar to you as new programs, slang and even governmental forms may have emerged since you left. You may have some learning to do about your own culture. (Note: most returnees report that major insights into themselves and their home countries occur during reentry.) 5. Reserve Judgments Just as you had to keep an open mind when first encountering the culture of a new foreign country, try to resist the natural impulse to make snap decisions and judgments about people and behaviors once back home. Mood swings are common at first and your most valuable and valid analysis of events is likely to take place after allowing some time for thorough reflection. 6. Respond Thoughtfully and Slowly Quick answers and impulsive reactions often characterize returnees. Frustration, disorientation, and boredom in the returnee can lead to behavior which is incomprehensible to family and friends. Take some time to rehearse what you want to say and how you will respond to predictable questions and situations: prepare to greet those which are less predictable with a calm, thoughtful approach. 7. Cultivate Sensitivity Showing an interest in what others have been doing while you have been on your adventure overseas is the surest way to reestablish rapport. Much frustration in returnees stems from what is perceived as disinterest by others in their experience and lack of opportunity to express their feelings and tell their stories. Being as good a listener as a talker is a key ingredient in mutual sharing. 8. Beware of Comparisons Making comparisons between cultures and nations is natural, particularly after residence abroad; however, a person must be careful not to be seen as too critical of home or too lavish in praise of things foreign. A balance of good and bad features is probably more accurate and certainly less threatening to others. 9. Remain Flexible Keeping as many options open as possible is an essential aspect of a successful return home. Attempting to re-socialize totally into old patterns and networks can be difficult, but remaining aloof is isolating and counterproductive. What you want to achieve is a balance between maintaining earlier patterns and enhancing your social and intellectual life with new friends and interests. 10. Seek Support Networks There are lots of people back home who have gone through their own re-entry and understand a returnee's concerns. You might consider talking to: faculty, exchange students, international development staff, diplomatic corps, military personnel, church officials, and/or business people about the concerns you have as a returnee. University study abroad and foreign student offices are just a few of the places where returnees can seek others who can offer support and country-specific advice. The list was compiled by Dr. Bruce La Brock from the University of the Pacific. |
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