Pre-Departure Orientation |

Welcome

This pre-departure information is designed to arm you with the necessary information and cross-cultural training to ensure a successful and enjoyable study abroad experience, help you become a safe and smart traveler, develop useful cross-cultural skills, and understand the expectations program leaders, host institutions, and Georgia Perimeter College have of you.

Georgia Perimeter College's On-line Study Abroad Orientation was developed from an abridged version of the “USG Study Abroad Passport”, compiled by the staff of the Office of International Education at The University of Georgia.

Academics

Registration: Registration for classes taught on study abroad is handled through the Center for International Education. Students should communicate directly with the Center for International Education in selecting, changing, or withdrawing from study abroad courses. Registration for summer study abroad programs will typically occur between the end of March and the end of April. Tuition must be paid at the time of registration.

Drop / Add: Any changes to registration must be communicated to the Center for International Education. Study abroad students must be enrolled in at least one credit bearing course for the duration of the study abroad program.

Tuition and Fees: Program fees must be paid in full prior to registration. Tuition costs are determined when a student registers for classes each semester. Charges can be viewed online at SIS. It is the responsibility of the student to be informed of and to observe all regulations and procedures regarding the payment of fees and the entitlement of refunds. Registration is not complete until all fees have been paid in full. Payment may be either in cash, check, money order, credit or debit card.

Attendance: Students are expected to attend all classes and complete all homework assignments. Professors will provide syllabus with course assignments, outcomes, and grading policies. Study abroad is an academic program, and participants are expected to follow the rules set for class attendance and participation, including completing all assignments and taking all examinations. Noncompliance will result in a failing grade which will be reflected on the student's transcript. Participants will not receive academic credit for a failing grade. Participants are required to adhere to the GPC Code of Conduct at all times during the course of their study abroad program.

1. Read and review the GPC Student Code of Conduct.

3. Go to Study Abroad Money Matters, and find out what it says about sending money overseas in an emergency.

4. Go to Western Union (or another money wiring service of your choice), find the location of agents in your host country. You may want to print the information out, share it with whoever holds your emergency fund, and take a copy with you.

Calling Home

Pre-Paid Phone Cards: can be purchased upon arrival, are easy to use from both pay phones and standard phones, and are normally the cheapest way to place international calls. These cards are easy to find and can be purchased in various denominations.

Toll free access codes: Nearly all U.S. long-distance providers require an access code in order to call collect from overseas. You should obtain the access code of a long distance company prior to departure. The access code will connect you directly to an English-speaking operator of the long distance company. There is usually no charge for accessing this number.

Cell Phones: It may be possible to bill calls to your regular service provider or to take your own mobile phone with you overseas, though this can be very expensive. Contact your long-distance carrier for information on placing international calls. Be sure to compare calling card rates, as companies are competitive and may negotiate international rates.

Country Calling Codes: Every country, including the United States, has a unique calling code, similar to area codes for different cities or regions within the U.S. You will need to know the calling code for the U.S. from the country you will be visiting to call home, and your friends and family will need to know the calling code for the country and city where you can be reached.

*Tip: Place your international call, and have people in the U.S. call you back.

1. Visit Discount Telephone Marketplace

3. Download our Travel Information for Study Abroad Students document

Mail: In many countries, stamps are sold at post offices, tobacco shops, in hotels, and in stationary stores. It may be cheaper to send a postcard than a letter, and postcards are always enjoyed and appreciated.

Internet Access: Most any web based e-mail account should be accessible from abroad. Internet cafés are increasingly popular and should not be difficult to locate. Sometimes computer shops have a public computer that you can access for a fee, and the host institution where you are staying will often have some Internet computers available to students. In some European countries you may be able to access the Internet from a public telephone booth, though for this you will need a calling card and it is not always practical for long periods of time. Depending on Internet availability, you may want to try a VOIP telephony service such as SKYPE. You can also speak over some messenger services, such as MSN messenger, as long as the computer has a microphone.

1. (Optional) Go to SKYPE and follow the download instructions, practice phoning someone who also has SKYPE. (Microphone and speakers required for use.)
2. Go to Transitions Abroad Magazine and read the article about Internet Cafes Abroad.

Health & Safety

Responsibilities: Study abroad programs impose inherent risks, and neither the University System of Georgia (USG) nor Georgia Perimeter College (GPC) can guarantee your safety or eliminate all potential risks. While every effort has been made to ensure your safety, GPC cannot monitor or control all activities and behaviors of participants, nor can it assure U.S. standards in all situations.

As a participant of a study abroad program you-

Have responsibilities related to participation and behavior as guests in another country.
Must be familiar with matters relating to health concerns, legal issues, safety, and political conditions in the countries you visit.
Have an obligation to prepare and participate fully in group orientations.
Should disclose personal information if it necessary to ensure a safe and pleasant study abroad experience, including accurate and complete physical and mental health information.
Must comply with the terms of participation, code of conduct, emergency procedures, and should express any health or safety concerns to your program leader or the Center for International Education.
Should respect the rights and well being of others, and encourage others to behave in a similar manner.

It is up to you to accept a higher level of responsibility for your own behavior, safety, and actions. The decisions, behavior, and actions of study abroad participants impact health and safety for themselves and for other participants.

Travel Warnings: Knowledge of current events in your host country not only makes you aware of potential safety concerns, but showing an interest in current events and the political history of the country you visit makes you a better ambassador for your own country.

Food Safety: In a new country, many elements in the environment may affect your health. You will be eating different foods, living in a different climate, and reacting emotionally in some way to this new experience. Your program leader cannot force you to disclose personal medical information, however, it will help them know how best to help you in case of a medical emergency. Be clear about your health needs when disclosing medical information. Thoroughly and honestly describe allergies, disabilities, psychological treatments, dietary requirements, and medical needs.

Water-borne illnesses and diseases: Swimming in non-chlorinated water puts you at risk of contracting illnesses and diseases, especially in tropical areas. Infections such as hepatitis, cholera, and other skin, ear or respiratory infections can result from swimming in warm, stagnant water or water contaminated by sewage or waste-water runoff. Be sure to obey posted “no swimming” signs.
Food and beverage contamination: Watch what you eat. Travel brings your body in contact with different bacteria, and this change can upset your stomach and digestive tract. Water, ice, unpasteurized milk or juices, raw cheeses, and other raw fruits and vegetables can make you ill. Beware of contaminated foods due to poor refrigeration or unsanitary preparation methods.
Vegetarians and vegans: It may be difficult, or even impossible, to maintain a vegetarian or vegan diet while abroad, and refusal to eat meat or other “delicacies” may be considered offensive in your host country. Develop strategies to deal with this possibility, especially if you will be living with a host family. You may want to bring dietary supplements, protein powder, or vitamins with you while abroad. Be sure to transport supplements in their original packaging.

Legal Matters

Legal Issues: All study abroad participants should be aware of the legal conditions present in their host country. The most important thing to remember is that you are subject to the host country’s laws and judicial systems.

Jurisdiction: The American legal and judicial systems do not have any jurisdiction in foreign countries, and the American Embassy has little or no ability to help students who break the law, behave recklessly, or act with disregard to, or ignorance of, the laws and customs of their host country. Once travelers leave U.S. jurisdiction, American laws and constitutional rights do not apply. Adhere to local laws strictly- don’t assume that what is legal in the United States is also legal in other countries. Where laws are alleged to be more lenient, do the research! Do not trust rumor and hearsay- especially when it comes to drugs and alcohol. Ignorance of the law is no argument in any country.

In addition to the laws of your host country, GPC expects good conduct from all study abroad participants. There are certain rules and regulations that participants are expected to observe, and failure to do so can lead to disciplinary action both at your study abroad destination and upon return your return to Georgia. This applies to all participants, regardless of your home institution. Remember, only you are responsible for your conduct and for being a good ambassador for your country, state and your college. This section is designed to inform you of your rights and responsibilities as a GPC study abroad participant.

DO NOT transport or possess illegal drugs: The U.S. government can assume no responsibility if you are arrested for drug use. Even in places where the use of drugs by local citizens is accepted by authorities, foreign students are dealt with very differently from locals. You can jeopardize your experience abroad, your freedom, and even your human rights by taking such a risk. You will be dismissed from your study abroad program and sent home at your own expense if you are caught using drugs by your program director. If approached by someone selling drugs, walk away. Do not even talk to that person, because a conversation with a suspected narcotics dealer is seen as an act of intent to purchase in some countries.

Penalties in many countries are much more severe than in the U.S., and the U.S. embassy will be powerless to intervene on your behalf. Legal systems and civil rights are vastly different in some countries; many countries do not offer the possibility of bail, a jury trial, or an English-speaking attorney. Learn the laws of the host country and obey them.

Legal Matters Concerning the Use of Alcohol & Drugs Abroad: There are a number of common legal matters you should be aware of regardless of your host country. The most important thing to remember is that you, as a foreign visitor to your host country, are subject to the host country’s laws and judicial systems.

1. Read the GPC Drug and Alcohol Policy on the GPC website.

When an American Student is Arrested Overseas for Drug or Alcohol Violations
What U.S. consular officers CAN do:

Insofar as it is possible, ensure that the detainee's rights under local law are fully observed and that humane treatment is accorded under internationally accepted standards.
Visit the U.S. citizen as soon as possible after the foreign government has notified the U.S. embassy/consulate of the arrest.
Provide the detainee with a list of local attorneys from which to select defense counsel.
Contact family and/or friends for financial or medical aid and food, if requested to do so by the detainee.

What they CANNOT do:

Demand the release of a U.S. citizen.
Represent the detainee at trial, give legal counsel, or pay legal fees or other related expenses with U.S. government funds.
Intervene in a foreign country's court system or judicial process to obtain special treatment.

Your program leader will dismiss you from your study abroad program immediately if you are caught using drugs. You will be sent home at your own expense.

Customs: You will be required to go through Customs Inspection and Immigration Control upon arriving in your host country. Be prepared to show your passport and visa as well as any prescriptions for medications you are carrying.

If your laptop computer, watch, camera, camcorder, or similar device was made outside the U.S., you can register the item with U.S. Customs before you depart to avoid having to pay a duty on it when you return to the United States. Documents that fully describe the item - for example, sales receipts, insurance policies, or appraisals - are acceptable forms of proof that you owned the item prior to your trip abroad.

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