Santiago Pre-Departure Orientation Fall 2017

SU Santiago:Center & Staff

Mauricio Paredes, PhDCenter Director

Paula LopehandiaAssistant Director

• All students require a visa to study in Chile

• Refer to the Santiago Visa Informationpage under Accepted Students.

• Visa application suggested dates:• Cuenca students – May 1• Santiago students – June 1(pending arrival of enrollment letters)

• Visa fee: $160

*Non-U.S. Citizens may be required to obtain additional visas for Ecuador, the Signature Seminar (Argentina/Uruguay), personal travel, or course/program related trips.

Visas

Health PreparationsBefore Departure:• Discuss continued medical/immunization/mental health treatment with your doctor.• Dental Exam• Compile all medical/health information and bring it with you in case of a medical emergency

Traveling with medication:• You CANNOT mail medication – bring enough for your entire time abroad• Pack all your medication in your carry-on only• Medication must be in original containers with a copy of your prescription• Notify SUA’s Assistant Director of Student Services of special storage requirements for medication

Questions: Contact Assistant Director of Student Services, Bridget Demorest brhughes@syr.edu

Insurance Abroad

• You are responsible for ensuring you are adequately covered abroad

• Review your current insurance policy for possible coverage

• You are expected to pay up front for the cost of a doctor’s visit

• For more information on insurance, visit the SU Abroad website

Insurance Abroad

International SOS Card

International Student ID Card (ISIC)ISIC Premium Plan – (included in your program fee)

• Ordered through SU Abroad, receive at on-site orientation

• Limited supplemental emergency health and travel insurance

• Over 41,000 discounts worldwide on travel, hotels, entrance fees, and restaurants

• For more details of what ISIC Premium Plan covers, call (855) 743-6739 (U.S. & Canada)

• SU Membership Number: 11BCPA000177

• Register with ISOS MyTrips travel locator for all travel

• Download the free ISOS Assistance app

• Medical referral services available 24/7 for phone and in-person consultation

• Contact the medical teams at ISOS for country-specific information

• Emergency evacuation services

• NOTE: The International SOS card does not provide medical insurance

Packing• There are very strict baggage policies on connecting flights in South America. • We recommend:

• 1 checked bag• 1 carry-on• 1 personal item (purse)

• Airlines will charge for excess & overweight baggage.• You may need to pay to check luggage on your flight from Quito to Cuenca• Contact a Global Ambassador for packing tips

Before Departure: All students must register with ISOS MyTrips .

Suggested Flight (Cuenca Immersion):• LA2461 flight departs Miami on June 9 at 2:05 a.m. (arrive to airport June 8)• LA531 flight departs from JFK on June 8 at 11:25 p.m.• Arrive at least four hours before the flight departs. • If you have a connecting flight be sure it arrives on the correct day, at least four hours before your international

flight departs• Complete the travel questionnaire in TDS and confirm the suggested flight

Independent Travelers:• Detailed information on where to meet the rest of the group will be provided• Complete the travel questionnaire in TDS and upload your itinerary

Departure

Cuenca, Ecuador Immersion: • Depart U.S. on Thursday, June 8th, arrive in Quito on Friday, June 9th

• Students participating in the Cuenca Language Immersion program will have an orientation in Quito from CEDEISantiago:

• Following Cuenca Language Immersion Program, the entire group will meet in Santiago for two days of orientation on Tuesday, July 11th

• Then you will go on the Signature Seminar (Uruguay, Argentina, and other areas of Chile)

• Checked luggage will be stored in Santiago during the Signature Seminar

• You will move in with your Chilean host family after the Signature Seminar

Arrival & Orientation

Homestays• One student per family

• Communicate with your host family and practice Spanish as much as possible

• Keep an open mind

• Use utilities sparingly

• Latino families are open, warm and will treat you like their own children.

• What you put into your homestay, is what you will get out of it

Personal Travel:• Let your host family know about your travel plans• Complete the SU Santiago travel form

HousingOn-campus housing must be canceled

by July 1st

Academics AbroadCourse Registration

• Academic packets are available in TDS

• All students must complete the Student Advising Form by April 28th

• Registration will be completed onsite; you will have two weeks to “shop” for classes

• Hold off on making personal travel plans until your registration is finalized abroad

Academic Accommodations: (if applicable)

• Complete the Request for Accommodations online questionnaire

• Contact your ODS counselor ASAP

Expectations Abroad• Students are bound by Syracuse University’s Academic

Integrity Policy

Curriculum:

• The majority of class work comes at the end of the semester

• Internships & volunteer opportunities are available

TechnologyCell Phones:

• Bring your US phone for use pre- and post-semester travel

•Students can purchase a tracking phone in Ecuador/Chile with a local number

•Students can use an unlocked U.S. phone with a SIM card

• Many apps provide free texting, calling, & video chatting with WiFi (Whatsapp, Viber, Skype, etc.)

Using Your Devices Abroad:

• You will need a plug adapter for all appliances

• You may also need a converter

• Pack all valuable electronic items in your carry-on only

Currency:• Ecuador - US dollars (Budget $10 a day)• Chile - Chilean Pesos

Contact your bank: • Let them know how long you will be living

abroad

• Notify them of your travel plans (while abroad)

• Ask about affiliate banks abroad

• Ask about international fees

• Do NOT bring large amounts of US Dollars

• Create a budget for shopping, traveling, & spending abroad

• Optional: bring a small amount of local currency

• Review the financial information section of the online Preparing to Go guide

Money

SU Community Abroad

• Office of Disability Services

• SU Housing Offices (main campus or south campus)

• Career Services

Behavioral Standards:

• SU Code of Student Conduct

• SU Sexual & Relationship Violence Policy

• SU Abroad Behavioral Standards

Bridget DemorestSU Abroad’s Assistant Director of Student Services

In Case of EmergencyKeep your phone on & charged at all times, always travel with your phone & charger.

Contacts before departure:• Suggested flight questions/concerns: GT Tours (305) 436-0933 • Emergencies: SU Abroad 1-(800)-235-3472

While abroad:• Students: call the SU Santiago emergency number provided at orientation• Parents: contact SU Abroad 24/7 on-call staff 1-(800)-235-3472• Email: important health and safety information from Santiago staff will be sent to your

SUMail account, check it regularly

Final Reminders• Read and review the online Preparing to

Go guide

• Complete your visa application

• Complete all post-acceptance forms

• Make health care arrangements (medication, insurance, etc.)

• Contact your bank about your travel plans

• Unlock your U.S. phone (optional)

• Research baggage restrictions & luggage fees for your airline(s)

• Connect with Global Ambassadors

• Review SU Abroad Safety Guidelines

Contact InformationSU Abroad

106 Walnut PlaceSyracuse, NY 13244

(315) 443-3471(800) 235-3472

suabroad@syr.edu

We wish you every success abroad!