UF Study Abroad Handbook
Congratulations on your decision to go abroad! You will have a life-changing experience as you
go out and explore the world. The following information has been compiled to help you prepare
for, participate in and reflect on your time overseas. As with any life-changing experience, the
success of your time abroad depends on a lot of careful planning and preparation.
Before Your Departure
Passports and Visas, Medical and Evacuation Insurance ………………………….………….3 - 4
Vaccinations……………………………………………………………………………………….4
Packing……………………………………………………………………………………...…4 - 6
Global Awareness……………………………………………………………………………........7
How to access consular information sheets, travel warnings, and public announcements
Cultural Awareness…………………………………………………………………………….7 - 8
Stereotypes: Knowing your own culture
Customs: Respecting your host culture
Homestays…………………………………………………………………………………………9
Student with a Disability…………………………………………………………………………..9
Miscellaneous ………………………………………………………………………………..9 - 10
During Your Stay
Register at the Nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate……………………………………………..11
What U.S. consular officers can and cannot do to help U.S. citizens abroad
Guidelines for Emergency Situations……………………………………………………….11 - 12
If you have something stolen
In the event of a medical emergency
In the event of an international crisis
General Travel Advice………………………………………………………………………12 - 15
Health, Lodging, Safety and Security, Clothing, Dating and Sex
Communication…………………………………………………………………………………..15
Cultural Adaptation…………………………………………………………………………15 – 17
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Upon Your Return
Reentry Challenges………………………………………………………………………………17
Suggestions for Readjusting to Home …………………………………………………………...18
Overseas Emergency Card……………………………………………………………………….19
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Before Your Departure
Passports and Visas
Students studying abroad must have a signed, valid passport and any required visas. A tourist
visa in some countries may not allow you to study. Check the State Department’s Foreign Entry
Requirements page at http://travel.state.gov for information on visas.
Other helpful hints:
It is a good idea for a relative to maintain a valid passport in the event of an emergency
that requires immediate travel.
Fill in the emergency page in your passport.
Make a copy of your passport’s biographical page as well as any visas. Keep one copy
of this information separate from the originals and leave another copy with a trusted
individual in the U.S. This will make it easier to obtain replacement documents in the
event the originals are lost or stolen.
Carry extra passport photos in case they are ever needed for documentation.
Students that wish to work while studying overseas should verify that their visa
classification allows for this and should not participate in any activities that do not
comply with the rules of their visa.
Medical and Evacuation Insurance
Every year, many students have health issues overseas. It is, therefore, required that all students
have medical insurance coverage during their time abroad. Failure to carry insurance can result
in the delay or denial of treatment. Adequate overseas health insurance provides coverage for:
1) Treatment and medication administered abroad
2) Emergency evacuation should you need to be rushed to a hospital abroad or back to the U.S.
3) Repatriation of your remains in the event of your death
If the study abroad program does not provide this coverage, students are advised to first contact
their regular insurance provider to see if any of their current coverage can be utilized overseas.
Note: Many U.S.-based insurance policies will cover medical treatment overseas, but regard it
as out-of-network. In addition, overseas medical treatment usually requires policy holders to pay
all costs up-front with reimbursement occurring upon filing of claims forms. In the event of a
costly procedure, this set-up may not be feasible and so it is highly recommended that an
insurance policy be purchased that negotiates payment directly with overseas medical providers.
Furthermore, many U.S.-based insurance policies do not provide for items 2 and 3 above. A
policy that includes all three types of coverage and arranges for payment directly with health
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providers overseas is optimal. For more information on overseas health insurance, you may
visit the following :
•HTH Worldwide ( http://www.hthworldwide.com/ )
•Cultural Insurance Services International ( http://www.culturalinsurance.com/ )
•CMI Insurance Worldwide ( http://cmi-insurance.com/ )
Although not required, it is highly recommended that students also purchase travelers’ insurance
in the event of trip changes or cancellations. The aforementioned companies may provide this as
part of their health insurance package.
Vaccinations
It is important that you plan well in advance for any vaccinations you may need for your
trip. Some can take 6 or more weeks to become effective and so timing is crucial. The best
source for up-to-date information on vaccines is the CDC website
(http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/content/vaccinations.aspx). This website offers lists by country of
the vaccinations that are routine, recommended, and required. After consulting this list, it is
important to speak with your personal physician and/or the Cosiano Health Center to decide
which vaccinations you will need. The length of stay, the areas you will visit, and several other
factors will influence which vaccinations they recommend you take.
Packing
Remember that you will have to carry all of your things through the airports by yourself. Do not
pack more than you can handle on your own. Some airports and housing will not have elevators
available, so make sure that you can carry your luggage up and down stairs as well. Leave room
in your suitcases for keepsakes and gifts to bring home. Always remember: less is more!!!
Consider packing the following:
Clothing
Underwear (2 weeks’ supply)
Socks
4+ pairs of pants
2+ long-sleeved shirts
One heavy sweater
Comfortable footwear
Flip-flops
Swimsuit
Shorts/Skirts
6+ T-shirts
Pajamas
Indoor slippers
Waterproof jacket
Winter coat/warm clothing
Small backpack
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Toiletries
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Shampoo and conditioner
Soap and lotion
Deodorant
Brush and comb
Hair products and makeup
Shaving gear (Be sure to put
razor in checked luggage.)
Tampons or pads (Tampons
aren’t available everywhere.)
Contact lens solution and extra
pair of lenses
Eyeglasses and back-up pair
Nail clippers and file
Tissues
Small first aid kit and
prescription medications in
marked containers
Miscellaneous
Originals of passport, flight itinerary, travelers’ checks and insurance cards (Keep these on your
person while traveling within your host country. For longer periods of time carry the copies on
your person and leave the originals with your host family or in your apartment abroad.)
Copies of your passport and travel documents, and your travelers’ check stubs (Keep these in
your carry-on bag, separate from originals.)
Credit/debit card (Visa and
Mastercard are best. Always
kept separately.)
Phone numbers to contact
banks or your credit card
company in case of theft
Some local currency to use
upon arrival. This can possibly
be done at your local bank.
Money belt
Journal
Travel guide
Camera and accessories
Music device
Watch
Sunglasses
Umbrella
Towel
Hairdryer
Laptop
Address book
Dress clothes
Travel alarm clock
Water bottle
Plug adaptors and voltage
converters (if applicable)
Optional Items
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Swiss army knife (Remember
to pack in checked luggage.)
Hand sanitizer and travel-sized toilet paper (Restroom facilities
in many countries are quite different than what we are used to.)
What Not To Pack
Valuable items or things of great sentimental value
Weapons
Alcohol
Large amounts of cash (Use cards or get travelers’ checks instead.)
Some Other Suggestions
Take LESS luggage, clothing, and supplies than you think you will need. In most
countries, you can buy anything you might need.
Plan to spend MORE money than you think you will need. It may be helpful to plan a
weekly budget to keep your spending under control.
Check out www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/ for information on what you are/are
not allowed to take on a plane.
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Global Awareness
Safety and preparedness start with awareness. Get to know the country or countries which you
plan to visit, and make sure to do it ahead of time.
Read the State Department’s Consular Information Sheet on the countries you plan to
visit.
Check any Public Announcements or Travel Warnings for the country.
Learn about the history, culture, politics and customs. Obeying the manners and
customs of another culture is essential to a positive overseas experience and will help you
make new friends.
Learn as much of the language as possible. Even basic phrases will be a big help and
will show your willingness to make an effort to communicate.
o Important phrases to learn before travelling: “I need help”, “Stop! Thief!”,
“This is an emergency”, “Where is the police station”, “Please take me to the
hospital”, “I am not feeling well”, “How do I get to the (doctor, hospital)?”, “I am
allergic to penicillin/aspirin etc.”, “I am lost”, “My name is…” “I do not
understand”, “Where is the nearest (bathroom, telephone, bank etc.)?”, “What
(time, date, day) is it?”, “Where can I get something to eat?”, “Is this safe
drinking water?” , “I can’t/don’t eat meat/pork, etc.”, “Please call the American
embassy/consulate immediately”, “I am an American citizen”, “I have a right to
call the American embassy/consulate”
Read the State Department’s Background Notes on the country. These notes include
useful information and are a great resource for beginning to learn about a destination
country.
Learn about the local laws in the countries you will visit. Remember, while you are
in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws!
Check the Centers for Disease Control website to get information about health issues
and recommended vaccines for your destination. (http://www.cdc.gov/)
How to Access Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings, and Public Announcements
(as well as other important information): http://travel.state.gov.
Cultural Awareness
Knowing and respecting your own culture and that of your host country is absolutely essential to
have a successful experience abroad.
Stereotypes: Knowing your own culture
People identify themselves according to a number of different factors such as religion, race,
country of citizenship, etc. There are many different cultures even within one country: regional
vs. national, rural vs. urban, ethnic, religious, and so on. But as you prepare to study abroad it is
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important for you to realize that in a foreign land all of your unique distinctions will melt away
and to the typical person abroad you will simply be viewed as an American, representing these
qualities:
*Outgoing and friendly *Informal *Loud, rude, boastful *Hard-working *Living to work,
not working to live *Ignorant of other countries or world affairs *Extravagant and wasteful
*Showing little respect for authority *Promiscuous *Generous *Materialistic *Arrogant and
self-righteous *Always in a hurry *Racially prejudiced *Blunt, direct communication style
*Self-assured and independent
Notice that some of the qualities listed are positive, some negative. You may agree or disagree
with some these conceptions. Either way, you are encouraged to consciously avoid stereotypes,
ethnocentric views, and judgment of other cultures and societies based on the assumptions of
one’s own societal attitudes.
Cultures can only be understood relative to one another, and particular behaviors can only be
understood within a cultural context. This is your opportunity to leap outside the “box” and see
what the world is truly like. Do not obstruct this opportunity with skewed opinions and
uninformed assumptions.
Customs: Respecting your host culture
Be a sensitive traveler! The following are some guidelines to consider:
Travel in a spirit of humility with a genuine desire to learn more about the people of your
host country.
Realize that people in the country you visit have time concepts and thought patterns
different from your own.
Be sensitive to the feelings of other people, especially when taking photographs. Try not
to take photos of people without their permission.
Instead of looking for a beach paradise or a fancy hotel as a home away from home,
discover the enrichment of experiencing a different way of life.
Cultivate the habit of observing and listening. Respectfully ask questions. Talk less and
listen more.
Acquaint yourself with local customs. People will notice your sensitivity and be happy to
help you.
Remember that you are only one of the thousands of visitors in the country – do not ask
for special privileges.
Do not make promises to people in your host country unless you are certain you can carry
them out.
Spend time reflecting on your daily experiences in an attempt to deepen your
understanding. Keep a journal, writing not only about your experiences but what they
mean to you, what you learned from them, and what needs further study.
Ultimately–BE RESPECTFUL!
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Homestays
Many study abroad programs require or provide an opportunity for homestays in which students
stay with local families in their homes. Spending time with host families is one of the best ways
to learn the culture and language of the country. If you will be participating in a homestay,
research what behavior is appropriate in that culture, and bring a few small gifts for your host
family. Some ideas for gifts include: t-shirts, pens, caps, bags, watches, pins, patches, etc. with
the University of Findlay logo; items related to U.S. movies and television shows; Ohio related
(or other "home" state) calendars; pictures of you and your family; non-perishable food; scenic
post-cards; stationery; books with pictures and captions; sports team caps or t-shirts; bath soaps
and perfumes; cookbooks with typical American recipes (pancakes, chocolate chip cookies,
brownies); music CDs or cassettes; scenic potholders, aprons, mugs, plates, etc.; picture frames;
or anything else creative. It may be difficult to adjust to living with a family that may have rules
regarding curfew, when you can eat or shower, etc., but you must learn to respect their requests
and culture ( or learn to politely negotiate) for a successful homestay experience.
Student with a Disability
U.S. laws and regulations related to disabilities are not generally paralleled in other countries.
Study abroad sites vary greatly in their capacity to accommodate different needs. Therefore, it
would be wise to speak with a disabilities contact at your program site prior to and upon arrival.
Waiting to disclose special needs until after classes begin may mean that you will not receive the
accommodation you need. Because most programs require documented proof of disability, you
should bring a full copy of your disabilities documentation with you to the program site.
Some helpful websites for students with disabilities: Mobility International USAwww.miusa.org; Association on Higher Education and Disability- http://www.ahead.org
Miscellaneous
Complete the UF Travel Abroad Information Form and hand it in to your trip leader or the
Buford Intercultural Student Services Center.
Contact your banks and credit card agencies: Sudden irregular activity, such as purchases
made internationally on your debit and credit cards, may cause them to be automatically
cancelled. Avoid this by alerting your financial institutions about your plans to be abroad, and
for how long (doing this in advance saves time and money that may be spent on international
calls). Also, find out what fees are charged for using your cards internationally. Check and see if
it is feasible to use your card(s) in ATMs abroad. Some schools may arrange for you to open a
bank account at a local institution.
Filing income tax: If you currently pay income tax and will be out of the United States during
the spring semester, you can request an extension of the deadline for filing federal, state and
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local tax returns. If you choose to file from abroad, then you can ask your family or friends to
send you the necessary paperwork. You can also find out if the closest American embassy or
consulate has forms. The embassy and consulate staff may also be able to find someone to help
you complete the forms.
US Customs and Duties: If you plan on taking expensive items, such as cameras, MP3 players,
laptops, smart phones, etc., you should consider registering them with US Customs before you
leave. That way those items won't be subject to duty when you return. Save receipts for major
purchases made overseas, as you may be able to get reimbursed for the taxes (VAT) paid. You
are allowed to bring up to $400.00 of gifts and souvenirs duty free. Above that amount, you will
be charged an import duty equivalent to ten percent of the value of the items. A good resource
for more information on this is: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/.
You may also want to consider:
Purchasing property insurance especially if you are taking a laptop computer.
Giving your parents access to your bank account so that they can deposit money into it while
you are abroad, or consider purchasing an international travel Visa card from your personal bank.
Frequent Flyer Miles: You’re a world traveler….start accumulating those miles! Be sure to
research which airlines you find most dependable and useful both abroad and domestically.
Absentee Voting: If you are a U.S. citizen and will be out of the country during an election, you
can find information on how to complete an absentee ballot by visiting
http://studentsabroad.state.gov/
Paying bills while abroad: There are several options available when paying bills while
travelling abroad. Frequently, credit card, cell phone, and some debt payments can be completed
online. Consider paying bills in advance, before travelling abroad. Otherwise, leave payments
with a trusted close friend or family member if he or she is willing to send in your payments for
you. Lastly, contact the companies you plan to pay while abroad at least one month before you
leave to inform them of your plans, and organize any authorizations or account changes.
Power of Attorney: Giving a family member or trusted friend power of attorney while you are
abroad is a good idea. Power of attorney gives that person the power to act on your behalf in case
a legal document requires your signature while you are away. This is especially important if you
receive financial aid, because checks that you receive to cover educational costs must be
endorsed by you before they can be deposited. It may also be helpful when completing and
signing other financial aid forms, such as FAFSA, that must be completed while you are gone.
You can also give someone power of attorney by simply writing what duties that person will be
allowed to perform on your behalf and having the paper notarized.
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During Your Stay
Register At the Nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate
If you will be abroad for more than a couple of weeks, you should register with the U.S. State
Department. This is helpful to students and their families if there is a need to locate family
members in the event of an emergency. Go to https://travelregistration.state.gov to register your
travel with the State Department.
What U.S. Consular Officers Can and Cannot Do To Help U.S. Citizens Abroad
If students find themselves in trouble overseas, the Consular Officer at the nearest U.S. embassy
or consulate can provide certain assistance and advice. Consular Officers can also help in the
event of illness, injury, natural catastrophe, evacuation, destitution, or death. In the United States,
the Office of Overseas Citizens Services can also assist U.S. students abroad and their families in
the USA in an emergency. There is a 24 hour number to call: (202) 647-5225.
There are certain things that consular officers at U.S. embassies CANNOT do for U.S. citizens
abroad. For example, they cannot cash checks, lend money, or serve as your attorney.
Guidelines for Emergency Situations
If you have something stolen
1. File a police report. Go to the nearest police station, report the robbery, and ask for a copy of
the police report. Presenting this at your embassy will expedite the issuance of a new passport or
other legal documents. Your insurance company will also want a copy.
2. Call your bank and credit card companies to cancel your stolen cards and request replacement
cards. If you need cash for the interim until your replacement cards arrive, Western Union
(www.westernunion.com) or Money Gram (www.moneygram.com) can assist, as long as you
have someone to deposit money for you.
3. Call your embassy and ask for an appointment to get a new passport. Take a copy of your
stolen passport with you along with a couple of passport photos.
In the event of a medical emergency
1. If you need medical attention while studying abroad, report this to your on-site director. Your
on-site director can help you to navigate the medical system of the country in which you are
studying.
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2. If your on-site director is unavailable, then be sure to take a trusted friend (preferably one who
speaks the local language) with you to the emergency room or doctor’s appointment. In an
emergency, have a friend call the on-site director’s emergency telephone number.
3. U.S.-based insurance companies will reimburse you for medical services rendered outside the
country. If you plan to utilize your U.S.-based insurance or ISIC, be prepared to pay up front for
the medical attention you receive, and then submit receipts and claim forms to your insurance
company to be reimbursed.
4. Be sure to fill any prescriptions prescribed to you and follow the directions given you by the
medical staff. Be sure that you understand the diagnosis, the medications being prescribed, and
the directions for your prescription. If you don’t understand, ASK! You don’t want to risk your
health due to a misunderstanding.
5. If your medical emergency is of a serious nature, then The University of Findlay will
communicate with your emergency contact once it receives information from the on-site director.
In the event of an international crisis
1. Seek medical attention, if necessary.
2. Return immediately to your living accommodations or to another safe place and inform
yourself of the situation through reliable media sources.
3. Contact your on-site director to inform them of your safety and location. Let them know how
you can be contacted and await their instructions.
4. Contact your parents or legal guardians to inform them of your location and safety.
6. Contact Chris Sippel, Coordinator of International Education, at [email protected], 419-4345467 (office), or 419-672-9849 (cell).
7. Your on-site director, The University of Findlay, and/or the U.S. State Department will assist
you with clear directions in the event of an international crisis. Follow the instructions provided
to you.
General Travel Advice
Each country and culture has its own views of what is appropriate behavior for women and men.
Although you may not agree with these views, it is wise to abide by the local laws and customs
to avoid problems.
•Being a foreigner makes you stand out; a woman traveling alone can be even more of an oddity
in some places. Women traveling alone can be more vulnerable to problems in certain cultures. It
is recommended that you do not travel alone, but if you do, be smart and take precautions.
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•Establish certain check-in dates when you will either call or e-mail to let someone know that
you are all right, especially if you are traveling alone. But remember that if you happen to miss a
check-in, your loved ones may assume that you are having a problem or are in trouble.
Therefore, have alternative methods of contacting them—the internet is not always reliable in
every area.
•Leave any valuables, extra credit cards and jewelry – even fake jewelry – at home. Thieves
often won't know the real from the fake until after they take it, so why risk your personal safety?
•Health: If you have any physical or psychological condition that might develop complications,
check with your doctor before you go abroad and alert your institution if necessary. If you
experience complications, a medical evacuation might still take several precious hours to
arrange.
If you take prescription medication, make sure you have enough to last the duration of the trip,
including extra medication in case you are delayed. Take medications with you in your carry-on
luggage so that it cannot be lost or delayed with checked luggage. Always carry your
prescriptions in their labeled containers as many countries have strict drug-trafficking laws and
might be suspicious of pills in unlabeled bottles. Bring your prescription information and the
names of their generic equivalents with you just in case.
∙Jetlag:
Before Departure: Get plenty of exercise several days before departure, and get a full night’s
sleep the day before travel.
During Flight: Drink plenty of water to combat dehydration, limit your alcohol and caffeine
consumption, dress comfortably in layers, get out of your seat and walk around often, and change
your watch, cell phone, and other devices so the time displayed is the current time at your
destination.
Upon Arrival: If it is daytime, make sure you can see the morning or afternoon light to help
your body systems adjust, because daylight is a key factor in adjusting to a new time zone. Limit
your first day’s activities, and try not to sleep until it is nighttime at your destination.
∙Food and Water Safety: Be wary of eating any raw food, including salads and uncooked
vegetables, fruit (unless you wash and peel it), and undercooked or raw meats or seafood. Avoid
un-pasteurized milk and milk products. Eat only properly cooked food that is still hot. Avoid
cooked food that has been left in the open for several hours. Do not eat food that has not been
properly refrigerated. Be cautious of food sold by street vendors abroad. Water may also present
a health risk in some countries. Choose bottled water over tap water. Avoid ice cubes as they will
most likely be made from the local tap water. Tea and coffee made with boiled water are safe
options. Drink canned or bottled beverages including water, carbonated mineral water, and soft
drinks. Drink directly from the original containers rather than pouring into glasses first. Check
the food and water quality standards of the countries you’ll be visiting before you go.
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•Lodging: Choose accommodations where security is good and transportation is readily
available nearby. Check that all the doors and windows in your room have locks and that they
work. If you feel uncomfortable, ask a security officer to escort you to and from parking lots or
your room at night. Always use your peephole and common sense about letting strangers into
your room. If staying in hostels, make sure that there are lockers in the rooms and take along a
padlock so that you can safely lock your belongings. Have the address of where you are staying
with you at all times. It may come in handy if you get lost while exploring the area or need to tell
a taxi driver where to take you, especially if you do not know the local language.
Ask for directions before you set out. No matter how modest your lodgings are, someone
should be able to give you directions. If you find yourself lost, do not be afraid to ask for help.
Generally, the safest people to ask are families or women with children. Getting the right
information may save you from ending up in a potentially unsafe area.
•Safety and Security: Use common sense and be alert and aware of your surroundings. If you
are unsure in general about the local situation, feel free to check with the American Citizens
Services section of the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate for the latest security information.
Avoid demonstrations or any kind of civil disturbances. Even innocent bystanders can be hurt or
arrested when demonstrations become unruly, which can happen quickly. Anti-U.S. sentiments
may be expressed and U.S. citizens may easily become targets in such an environment, even if
they agree with the sentiments being expressed.
Don't announce that you are traveling alone, even if you are. If you feel like you're being
followed, step into a store or other safe place and wait to see if the person you think is following
has passed. Display confidence! By looking and acting as if you know where you're going, you
may be able to ward off some potential danger.
•Clothing: There is no doubt that fashion makes a statement. Unfortunately, not everyone will
interpret how you dress the same way you would. What you consider casual clothing might be
seen as provocative or inappropriate in other cultures. Thieves might choose you over another
potential target based on your style of dress or, if you’re a woman, based on the amount of make
up or jewelry you are wearing. Others might single you out for harassment because they find
your clothing offensive, based on their cultural norms. By taking your cues from the locals, or at
least by dressing conservatively, you could save yourself a great deal of trouble.
•Dating and Sex: It is important to recognize that different countries have different gender
norms that determine behavior. Men and women should be aware of the norms governing dating
and sexuality in the countries in which they will be living and traveling. Such things as eye
contact, the way one dresses, and body language can send very different messages depending on
the countries and cultures.
While not advocating or condoning intimate relationships while abroad, The University of
Findlay advises students to be cautious and prudent in their choices for engaging in sexual
activity. If you choose to be sexually active, practice safe sex and protect yourself and your
partner against sexually transmitted infections, HIV/AIDS, unintended pregnancy, and
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misunderstandings about the meaning of the relationship. If you think you will be sexually active
while abroad, take condoms with you as availability may be limited and quality may vary
considerably between different countries.
Communication
In many ways, technology has simplified staying in touch with friends and family while you are
abroad. You have quick and convenient options such as e-mail, instant messaging, landlines,
Skype, Facebook, cell phones, and more. Things are slightly more complicated, however, in that
you need more knowledge to use this technology.
Using a Foreign Telephone: The best method of payment is usually a pre-paid card bought
in the country. This website is useful for you and your family about dialing internationally:
www.countrycallingcodes.com
Mobile Phones: Cell phones are used widely in many countries. They can be bought or
sometimes rented. It is recommended to buy a mobile phone and pre-paid service in your
host country, rather than taking your own mobile with you. Most standard U.S./Canada
mobile phones will not work in other countries. Dual-system mobiles (North American and
World systems) can be found in the U.S. but are very expensive to use.
Internet Phones: Skype: www.skype.com, other options are Google Talk, MSN, AOL
Time Zones: Remember to take into account any differences in time zones when contacting
people in the United States.
Be sure to research the best communication option and the costs for these options before leaving
the United States. Also, blogs are a great way to journal and share experiences and photographs
with friends and family. Websites include: Facebook, Blogger.com, Twitter, Tumblr, Flickr, and
www.weebly.com.
Cultural Adaptation
Living in a foreign culture is an experience to look forward to with excitement and enthusiasm.
However, many travelers are unprepared for the extent of cultural dissimilarity that is
encountered once abroad. This frustration and confusion is often called ‘culture shock.’
Culture shock is a real phenomenon and most travelers entering a foreign country are affected by
it in some way, as all people experience some degree of stress when adjusting to completely new
surroundings.
Symptoms can include anxiety, depression, sleeping difficulties, homesickness, trouble
concentrating, an urge to isolate one’s self, and irritation with the host culture. You should feel
relieved to know that the frustrations associated with culture shock are likely to solve themselves
as you become more knowledgeable and competent within your new environment. There are
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some things you can do both before your departure and during your stay abroad to minimize
culture shock:
Research your host country before you go abroad.
Contact international students or faculty from your host country to discuss their culture.
Realize that some degree of frustration or stress is natural.
Relax your grip on your home culture and try to adapt to new rules and roles.
Don’t give in to the temptation to ridicule that which you do not understand.
Look for logical reasons behind everything that seems strange or confusing, while
realizing that U.S. logic may differ from that of your host culture.
Learn as much as possible from local residents about their culture.
Identify a mentor.
Seek out other U.S. students who will be able to understand your situation, but at the
same time will be open to experiencing and enjoying the new surroundings with you.
Keep yourself busy with things you enjoy.
Keep in contact with family and friends at home.
Give yourself “quiet time” if you need it.
Get enough exercise and sleep, and eat well.
Maintain a healthy sense of humor.
Read or study things you enjoy.
Meet with a counselor or spiritual/religious advisor.
Learn to laugh at yourself.
Express yourself creatively through journaling, drawing, or painting.
If you miss food from home, offer to cook a meal for your host family or friends.
Don’t overdo any of the preceding suggestions or you risk never making the adjustments to your
new environment.
In sum, culture shock can be a period of intense self-assessment and learning. Experiencing the
process itself can be beneficial. Overcoming even a mild case of culture shock will result in your
feeling more confident, self-reliant, independent, and capable of coping with cross-cultural
experiences. For most students, the symptoms of culture shock wane after the first few weeks or
months, as they begin to understand their host culture better. However, if you find that feelings
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of irritability and depression linger, you may need help from a doctor or counselor. Your on-site
director or the International Office at your host institution will be able to direct you to counseling
or support organizations.
Upon Your Return
Challenges upon your return:
1. You will find out that life continued in the States while you were gone. Things at home, your
relationship with your family and friends – all of these things might have a different feel after
your study abroad experience. You need to realize that it is unrealistic to believe that everything
at home will be the same when you return.
2. It might be difficult to adequately explain to others how you changed or how the experience
influenced you. This can be frustrating, but you must realize that you are the only one who
experienced what you experienced.
3. You might experience reverse culture shock. You might find that you miss your home abroad.
Being back home may not be as exciting as your overseas post, and you may find yourself
missing the sights and sounds of your study abroad location. Find ways to stay in touch with the
culture and experiences you had overseas.
4. Your interest in sharing your overseas experience with others will exceed that of your friends
and family who will be greeting you upon your return. You need to be realistic in regards to how
much everyone else will be interested in hearing about your adventures.
5. You may feel lonely even though you are home again. While overseas, your concept of home
might have become idealized, and you may find yourself upset when you realize that everything
is not so and when the normal trials of everyday life start occurring in the U.S. In turn, you
might begin to idealize your experiences abroad, forgetting some of the troubles and challenges
of everyday life overseas. This is a natural result of distance, but you will need to make sure
that you have a balanced view of life both at home and overseas.
6. You might begin to feel that the value of your overseas experience is diminishing, especially
as you readjust to everyday life at home. This does not have to happen. Rather, make sure you
maintain your contacts overseas and continue to assess the value of your study abroad
experience.
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Suggestions for Readjusting to Home
1. Realize that things will have changed while you were away. This change will happen on
numerous levels and in different spheres of life. Be ready for it.
2. Your reentry into your home culture will take time. Understand that you will need to reflect to
understand how you are reacting to things around you. Let yourself know that it is okay if the
transition takes time.
3. Make sure that you show interest in those people you are now reestablishing contact with in
your home environment. While you were away, these people were also experiencing life. Be
inquisitive to changes they have experienced, and in doing so, you will reestablish rapport and
find people interested in hearing you tell your stories.
4. Try not to compare your home with your overseas home. It is natural to do some comparison,
but this is a dangerous game. Have a balanced view of life in both locales that recognizes that
there are good and bad aspects to every home.
5. Find support networks and others that can help you readjust to home. Talk with trusted
faculty members, international students, and other students who have gone abroad. Find ways to
still engage with the culture you just visited.
6. Provide support to students wishing to go abroad. If you are interested in talking about your
experience and helping other students find their way abroad, talk with the Director of
International Education and ask if you can volunteer. You will find an avenue for sharing your
experiences as well a way to help support others wishing to have an abroad experience. This is a
wonderful way to give back to your university community upon your return.
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Overseas Emergency Card
Overseas Emergency Card
Emergency Contacts at The University of Findlay
In-Country Emergency Contacts
Chris Sippel –Director of Int’l Education
Study Abroad Program Contact:
Work Phone: 419-434-5467
Local Phone:
Cell Phone: 419-672-9849
Local Cell Phone:
E-mail: [email protected]
E-mail:
UF Security Office: 419-434-4799
Local 911 Emergency Phone:
Or you can e-mail: [email protected]
Embassy/Consulate Phone:
DIAL THE HOST COUNTRY’S EXIT CODE & COUNTRY
CODE FOR THE UNITED STATES (1) TO MAKE CALLS:
Embassy Address:
exit code + 1 + area code + telephone number
12/3/12
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