PreDeparture

Orientation Guide

Office of International Affairs

200 Willoughby Ave

Brooklyn ,NY 11205

Telephone: ( 718 ) 636 – 3674

Fax: ( 718 ) 636 – 3497

Email: oia@pratt.edu

Pratt Institute

CONTENTS

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I N T R O D U C T I O N

C U LT U R E S H O C K

P E R S O N A L S A F E T Y

S E X UA L H A R A SS M E N T

I N T E R N AT I O N A L S T U D E N T I D E N T I T Y C A R D

C U R R E N C Y A N D M O N E Y T R A N S A C T I O N S

PA C K I N G

C U S T O M R E G U L AT I O N

U S E F U L I T E M S F O R S T U D Y A B R O A D A N D T R A V E L

I M P O R T A N T D O C U M E N T A T I O N A N D I D E N T I F I C A T I O N

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INTRODUCTION

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Congratulations! You are about to embark on a journey that will change you forever! Does the thought of change make you a little nervous? Does it make you excited? Perhaps you are simply feeling content about the decision you've made to study overseas. Whatever you’re feeling, don’t worry! The semester exchange program will open your eyes and your mind to new ways of understanding the world around you. And that kind of experience can be nothing but positive! Life is never certain. And your experience while participating in semester exchange is no exception to that rule. No one can prepare you for everything or everyone you will encounter while abroad. However, the Office of International Affairs wants you to travel abroad feeling like you know the basics.

General

INTRODUCTION

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 This is your individual experience. It's up to you to navigate the nuts and bolts of your time, such as making friends, studying hard and finding the best hangouts near your university! This guidebook aims to help you get the most from your studies and experience as well as show you some of the ropes and enable you to cut out some of the red tape. Whatever your plans, you'll want to be the best you can be. Semester exchange can help you do that!We hope you find this pre-departure guide useful and welcome any comments you may have upon your return. If you think we've missed something you dire, please don't hesitate to let us know.

Be open and friendly:

 Remember that happiness

is catching. If you are positive and outgoing people will respond to you. Keep in mind that

you are both an academic student and a student of

the world. Learn from and about the new people you

meet.

General

Difference makes the world

go round: Every culture, every neighborhood, every

family, has a different way of doing things. 

Keeping an open mind and a positive attitude

about those differences is crucial to your semester

exchange experience.

Try new things:

Be spontaneous! Be adventurous!  Don't be

afraid to experiment. This is an opportunity to eat things you have never eaten and see places

you've never seen.

CULTURE SHOCK

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 The term, culture shock, was introduced for the first time in 1958 to describe the anxiety produced when a person moves to a completely new environment. This term expresses the lack of direction, the feeling of not knowing what to do or how to do things in a new environment, and not knowing what is appropriate or inappropriate. The feeling of culture shock generally sets in after the first few weeks of coming to a new place.

We can describe culture shock as the physical and emotional discomfort one suffers when coming to live in another country or a place different from the place of origin. Often, the way that we lived before is not accepted as or considered as normal in the new place. Everything is different, for example, not speaking the language, not knowing how to use banking machines, not knowing how to use the telephone and so forth..

Symptoms:

Sadness, loneliness, melancholy

Preoccupation with health

Aches, pains, and allergies

Insomnia, desire to sleep too much or too little

Changes in temperament, depression, feeling vulnerable, feeling powerless Anger, irritability, resentment, unwillingness to interact with others Identifying with the old culture or idealizing the old country

Loss of identity

General

CULTURE SHOCK

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The symptoms of cultural shock can appear at different times. Although, one can experience real pain from culture shock; it is also an opportunity for redefining one's life objectives. It is a great opportunity for leaning and acquiring new perspectives. Culture shock can make one develop a better understanding of oneself and stimulate personal creativity.

Symptoms:

Trying too hard to absorb everything in the new culture or country Unable to solve simple problems

Lack of confidence

Feelings of inadequacy or insecurity

Developing stereotypes about the new culture

Developing obsessions such as over-cleanliness

Longing for family

Feelings of being lost, overlooked, exploited or abused

General

CULTURE SHOCK

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Culture shock has many stages. Each stage can be ongoing or appear only at certain times. The first stage is the incubation stage. In this first stage, the new arrival may feel euphoric and be pleased by all of the new things encountered. This time is called the "honeymoon" stage, as everything encountered is new and exciting.

Afterwards, the second stage presents itself. A person may encounter some difficult times and crises in daily life. For example, communication difficulties may occur such as not being understood. In this stage, there may be feelings of discontent, impatience, anger, sadness, and feeling incompetence. This happens when a person is trying to adapt to a new culture that is very different from the culture of origin. Transition between the old methods and those of the new country is a difficult process and takes time to complete. During the transition, there can be strong feelings of dissatisfaction.

The third stage is characterized by gaining some understanding of the new culture.  A new feeling of pleasure and sense of humor may be experienced. One may start to feel a certain psychological balance. The new arrival may not feel as lost and starts to have a feeling of direction. The individual is more familiar with the environment and wants to belong. This initiates an evaluation of the old ways versus those of the new.

Stages of Culture Shock

CULTURE SHOCK

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In the fourth stage, the person realizes that the new culture has good and bad things to offer. This stage can be one of double integration or triple integration depending on the number of cultures that the person has to process. This integration is accompanied by a more solid feeling of belonging. The person starts to define him/herself and establish goals for living.

The fifth stage is the stage that is called the "re-entry shock." This occurs when a return to the country of origin is made.  One may find that things are no longer the same. For example, some of the newly acquired customs are not in use in the old culture.

These stages are present at different times and each person has their own way of reacting in the stages of culture shock. As a consequence, some stages will be longer and more difficult than others. Many factors contribute to the duration and effects of culture shock. For example, the individual's state of mental health, type of personality, previous experiences, socio-economic conditions, familiarity with the language, family and/or social support systems, and level of education.

Stages of Culture Shock

CULTURE SHOCK

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The majority of individuals and families that emigrate from other countries have the ability to positively confront the obstacles of a new environment. Some ways to combat stress produced by culture shock are:

How to Fight Culture Shock

Develop a hobby

Don't forget the good things you already have!

Remember, there are always resources that you can use

Be patient, it is going to take time to adapt to new situationsLearn to be constructive. If you encounter an unfavorable environment, don't put yourself in that position again. Be easy on yourself

Don't try too hard

Learn to include a regular form of physical activity in your routine. This will help combat the sadness and loneliness in a constructive manner. Exercise, swim, take an aerobics class, etcRelaxation and meditation are proven to be very positive for people who are passing through periods of stress

Maintain contact with your ethnic group. This will give you a feeling of belonging and you will reduce your feelings of loneliness and alienation

Maintain contact with the new culture. Learn the language. Volunteer in community activities that allow you to practice the language that you are learning. This will help you feel less stress about language and useful at the same time

Allow yourself to feel sad about the things that you have left behind: your family, your friends, etc

CULTURE SHOCKThe majority of individuals and families

that emigrate from other countries have the ability to positively confront the obstacles of a new environment. Some ways to combat stress produced by culture shock are:

How to Fight Culture Shock

Recognize the sorrow of leaving your old country.  Accept the new country.  Focus your power on getting through the transitionPay attention to relationships with your family and at work. They will serve as support for you in difficult times

Establish simple goals and evaluate your progress

Find ways to live with the things that don't satisfy you 100%Maintain confidence in yourself. Follow your ambitions and continue your plans for the future

If you feel stressed, look for help. There is always someone or some service available to help you

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CULTURE SHOCKStudy abroad in a non-English

speaking country entails specific challenges. If you will be studying abroad in a country where English is not the first language, practice as much as possible before you leave. Even if you have taken language courses in high school and college, using a foreign language in daily interaction and in the classroom will be difficult at first. Native speakers will have a regional accent, speak quickly and use idioms, expressions, slang and cultural references that you may not have heard before. You will learn the language quickly when you are immersed in the culture, but understanding more from the beginning will make adjusting to the host country and meeting people easier.

Speaking a Foreign Language

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PERSONAL SAFTYOne of the problems associated with

coming into a new environment is that you are not immediately aware of situations that might be dangerous. Personal safety is largely a matter of common sense. Obviously, you need to be more on your guard in big cities than in smaller villages and towns. That is not to say that you should ever throw caution to the wind. Pick pocketing, car theft, vandalism, fraud, and physical attack are realities in every country. However, the threat of guns and other attacks involving weapons is much less likely than in the US. Should you have the unfortunate circumstance of becoming a victim of crime, report it to the local police force, and if necessary seek support from your university. Nothing is more important than your personal safety and security abroad! Temper your admirable spirit of adventure with care and precaution. Our world has shrunk through mass communication and technology, but the global village is neither uniformly safe nor always user friendly.  

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General

PERSONAL SAFTYYour decision to study abroad has

been made in consultation with Pratt Institute, semester exchange advisors, your faculty advisors, and other resources. Your host country has been judged sufficiently safe and secure for your sojourn abroad, but no one can predict future events or guarantee your safety. Pratt Institute staff are in direct contact with program directors and university representatives abroad and receive information from the State Department and other sources in the US and abroad regarding rapidly changing political situations. Unless the State Department restricts travel to a particular area, Pratt Institute does not usually recommend that a student modify or defer travel or semester exchange plans. Pratt Institute will notify students immediately if the State Department issues travel restrictions. Students are encouraged to register with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate upon arrival in the host country.

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General

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

As in the United States, sexual harassment can arise anywhere. Attitudes toward women abroad vary widely and may be utterly different from what you have come to expect at home.

Be as inconspicuous as possible in your dress and behavior

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Keep these safety recommendations in mind:

Stay in touch with the staff of your semester exchange program.Be careful about divulging information about yourself and your program to strangersBe aware of the people and circumstances around you and report any suspicious behavior to the program staff

When you travel, leave your itinerary and contact information with the program staff, your family, or someone who can be contacted in case of an emergency

Have sufficient funds on hand to purchase a return ticket home

When traveling, do not leave your bags unattended and do not agree to transport a package, parcel, or suitcase for anyone

Avoid political demonstrations

Keep copies of your credit cards, passport and other important documents to expedite cancellation and replacement in the event they are lost or stolen while you are abroadEnter an emergency contact number into your cell phone under the contact name “ICE” (in case of emergency)

ISICThere are a number of special privileges and discounts available to students throughout the world, including such things as reduced or free admission to museums, theaters, concerts, and cultural as well as historical sites. To qualify for them you have to be able to affirm your student status. The ISIC does this, wherever you go. You can purchase an ISIC in the US through the Council on International Education Exchange (CIEE) or STA Travel. It is the most widely recognized form of proof of your student status. Other ISIC benefits include low airfares, and discounts on travel. In the event of serious injury or death, it also provides emergency evacuation and the repatriation of remains –coverage which may supplement what is covered by your college or other private health care plans. Purchase of this card is highly recommended. The ISIC is valid for one January-to-January calendar year, and can be purchased in advance. Information on benefits and the card itself can be obtained directly from any STA Travel office. You can also visit them on the web at www.myisic.com.

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General

International Student Identity Card

Currency & money transactions

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General

AUSTRALIA

ENGLAND

GERMANY

ITALY

JAPAN

KOREA

NETHERLANDS

SCOTLAND

AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR ($) (AUD)

POUND STERLING (GBP) (£)

EURO (€) (EUR)

EURO (€) (EUR)

YEN (¥)

SOUTH KOREAN WON (KRW)

EURO (€) (EUR)

POUND STERLING (GBP) (£)

Currency & money transactions

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Bank Account

In some countries, it is not possible to set up a bank account unless you can prove that you will be there at least a full year. However, some programs have special arrangements with local banks (check with your university). Tell your parents not to send you personal or bank checks in US dollars. American Express offices, however, will cash checks written on a US bank account for up to $200 for cardholders.

Currency & money transactions

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TRAVELER’S CHECKS

Travelers checks are a good means of transporting money abroad because you are given a record of the check numbers and stolen checks are replaced. Keep check numbers recorded in a safe place. Traveler’s checks are especially useful if you plan to travel to several countries with different currencies. American Express will cash their traveler’s checks without charging a commission. Banks usually offer good exchange rates, but may charge a commission. Hotels, railroad stations, and commercial “exchanges” tend to give expensive rates and charge the highest commission. Traveler’s checks are a safe way to keep emergency funds.

Currency & money transactions

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AUTOMATIC TELLER MACHINE (ATM) CARD

An ATM card is the most commonly used method for obtaining money in most countries. If you plan to use an ATM card to withdraw money from a US bank account, make sure that there are ATMs in your host city which are on NYCE, PLUS, or CIRRUS. Your bank should have a list of ATM locations around the world. Be sure you have sufficient funds in the account designated to your bank in the US for international access. Do not plan to reply exclusively on ATMs to obtain cash; the machines may charge high usage fees and are not always reliable, especially in developing countries. You may want to take two cards in case a machine eats one.

Currency & money transactions

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CREDIT CARDS

Credit cards often give you the best exchange rates for purchases, but many small restaurants, stores, and cafés do not accept them. You should also find out which card is most commonly accepted in your host country. When using a credit card abroad, always verify the amount on the bill and keep your receipts. Notify your credit card company of your study abroad plans to avoid the cut off or blocking systems activated by out of pattern charges to your card. Purchases made overseas are not subject to US purchase protection policies for damaged or stolen goods. Some credit card companies charge high interest rates immediately on a cash advance unless there are sufficient funds in your credit card account.

Currency & money transactions

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WIRE TRANSFERS

Wire transfers are yet another option. Banks, American Express offices, and commercial agencies will wire money to a bank account or agent abroad in 3-4 business days. There may be a large transaction fee both to send and to receive the money. Ask about these fees both at home and abroad before wiring money. 

You will probably spend relatively large sums of money in your first few weeks abroad as you learn your way around a new setting and buy what you need to get settled. It takes a few days to adjust to a new currency and understand its value. If you are responsible for your own housing, keep in mind that you may be required to pay a deposit of one month’s rent or more. You will learn quickly about the best inexpensive restaurants, shops and student rates for concerts, movies, plays, and clubs. Don’t be embarrassed to ask for advice at your university’s international office.

NOTES:

PACKINGDo not pack more than you can carry by yourself for at least two blocks unless you have enough money for taxis. The most common mistake returned students report making is taking too much with them. Pack light! Most airlines have baggage restrictions. Overweight or excess baggage charges can be costly. Some airlines may even require you to repack your belongings in separated bags, because the weight limits are set to protect the safety of their workers. You should check with your airline for current size and weight allowances for international travel to your destination as well as excess baggage charges. Contact the airline in advance if you plan to bring large items such as skis, bicycles, or guitars.

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General

PACKING

 Weather conditions in the host country—

Take clothing that will allow you to be comfortable in the climate of the host country. Get information about the weather, seasons, and useful clothes from people who have lived and studied there, as well as from guidebooks. Rain gear comes in handy in many areas of the world.

Academic program and activities abroad —

Think about what you intend to do while you are abroad (field research, field trips, travel, hiking, social or cultural occasions, exercising, religious services, theater, local transportation, etc.) and bring appropriate attire. In most places it makes sense to have at least one semiformal outfit (jacket & tie or dress) 

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When packing consider the following factors:

1 .

2 .

PACKING

 Local customs and cultural norms —

What you wear at Pratt will be suitable in most areas of Western Europe, although you may find life in European cities more “dressy” than in Brooklyn. You should be aware of cultural norms and dress accordingly. You will accumulate a lot of clothing, gifts, and souvenirs while abroad, and you will want to bring everything home. Save some extra room in your luggage. Shipping overseas is usually quite expensive and requires four to six weeks. You may want to have someone send a box of large and/or heavy items that you won’t need immediately to you once you know your overseas address. Generally, shipping from overseas to the US is more expensive than vice versa. Try to take all of your belongings home in your suitcases and carry-on bag. 

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When packing consider the following factors:

3 .

4 .

5 .

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

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General

Be sure to check custom regulations if

you plan to bring prescription

medications with you when you go abroad.

If you plan to take expensive items abroad, such as high quality camera, video camera, or laptop computer, you should register them with US customs officials before you leave and be sure to keep the receipt. To register, take your passport and valuable items to the customs office located in the international airport. Allow plenty of time to register and keep in mind that the customs office hours may be limited. Also, do not plan on sending electronic equipment such as personal computers, by mail from the US as you may be charged considerable import taxes (that could amount to hundreds of dollars!). You should be able to enter or leave Western European countries with any items intended for personal use. There is no duty for an individual to take one camera, a reasonable amount of film, and up to 200 cigarettes. If you have questions about taking a particular item abroad, look at the customs website at: www.cbp.gov/. For information regarding customs regulations for bringing items back into the US, please refer to the “Know Before You Go” Brochure under the Travel section of the customs website.

This list of semester exchange essentials may be helpful as you pack battery operated travel alarm clock

camera and film/extra memory cards

travel pouch to carry passport and money

portable player with radio and lots of batteries (check on voltage conversion and adapters for rechargeable units)

large backpack for travel during weekends and extended breaks

Journal

comfortable footwear for walking and hiking

compact sleeping bag, or sleep sack for hostels

pictures of family, friends, home, and Pratt

Useful Items for Study Abroad & Travel

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This list of semester exchange essentials may be helpful as you pack

luggage locks and tags

guidebooks (such as Let’s Go, The Lonely Planet, or the Rough Guide)

Watch

address book

one month supply of toiletries

small gifts for new friends from your hometown or university

nice outfit for theater, formal occasions

first aid kit with band aids, aspirin, cold medicine and prescription medications

travel umbrella

Tampons

THIS BOOK!

Useful Items for Study Abroad & Travel

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A passport officially identifies you and your country of citizenship. You must present a passport (and possibly a visa) when you travel to other countries. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the intended date of return from your host country. You cannot travel with an expired passport, and your application for a visa will not be processed if your passport will expire less than six months after your planned return to the USA. Apply immediately if you do not already have a passport. To obtain or renew your passport: Go to the US State Department website: www.travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html for helpful directions. Be sure that the name on your passport and the name on any visa application are exactly the same, and that your program sponsor is aware of this name. This is the legal name under which you will travel abroad, and you should also use it, exactly as written, on all airline bookings. Non-US CITIZENS should contact the embassy of their home country to inquire about passport renewal. 27

Passport

Important Documentation & Identification

A visa is a stamp or document inserted in your passport which authorizes you to enter and travel within a particular country, often for a particular purpose such as tourism, or business.  Visa requirements vary from country to country and may vary according to your country of citizenship. For information on Foreign Entry Requirements for US citizens or consulate contact information for a specific country please visit the State Department’s website.

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VISAS

Important Documentation & Identification

Try to take care of foreseeable medical, dental, gynecological, or optical needs before you go abroad. Take an adequate supply of any prescription medications you may need with you, and be sure to transport the medication in the original containers. If you are being treated for any preexisting medical problems and/or have to carry a large supply of medication, be sure to have a letter from your doctor describing your medical condition and any prescribed medications, including their generic name, and stating that the medication is for personal use. If you wear glasses or contact lenses take an extra pair or, at least, a copy of your prescription. Contact lens wearers are advised to take cleaning and wetting solutions, which may be expensive or unavailable overseas. Electrical disinfecting units may not function properly overseas without an electrical current converter.

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Medications &Inoculations

Important Documentation & Identification

Plan to make your own international travel arrangements for your semester exchange. Make travel reservations well in advance in order to take advantage of advance purchase ticket prices. It is advisable to purchase a round trip ticket. Although a one-way ticket from the US may seem inexpensive, purchasing a one way ticket for the return trip can be very expensive.  The Office of International Affairs does not endorse any travel agency or service. You may want to check fares with agencies specializing in student travel, such as www.statravel.com, www.studentuniverse.com, or www.fellowship.com. These may provide a useful baseline as you seek your fare.

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Travel Arrangements

Important Documentation & Identification

www.travel.state.gov/travel_1744.html www.studyabroad.com www.thomascook.com www.usembassy.gov www.bahn.de/international/view/en/index.shtml www.ryanair.com (cheap travel in Europe) www.statravel.com www.studentuniverse.com www.fellowship.com www.travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html www.cbp.gov http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/kbyg_regulations.ctt/kbyg_regulations.pdf 31

Useful Website

Important Documentation & Identification

FIRE SAFETY ABROAD

Read more about fire safety on:http://www.firesafetyfoundation.org/

Fire safety may not be your first concern when traveling abroad, but nevertheless this is a matter to take seriously. Fire regulations and laws looks different in all countries and therefore it is important that you take the necessary action to protect yourself.

Here are some tips to keep in mind:• See that you smoke alarms and emergency lightning in your apartment, on campus etc. Test it so it works!

• Look for, and be aware of, alternate escape routes, fire escapes and fire exits. • Know you local emergency number, see the next page

•Fallow the local news so you are a where of what is happening in your surroundings.

•Keep contact with your family on a regular basis and always have a reliable and charged cell phone at hand.

Sweden: 112 Israel: 102

Bon Voyage!!

Office of International Affairs

200 Willoughby Ave

Brooklyn ,NY 11205

Telephone: ( 718 ) 636 – 3674

Fax: ( 718 ) 636 – 3497

Email: oia@pratt.edu

With special thanks for contributions from NAFSA members.

Plan to arrive on the date recommended by your university or program. You may want a

few days to recuperate from jet lag and adjust to your new surroundings before classes begin.

Be sure you have direction and information about transportation to your accommodation or meeting place before you leave. Plan your return to the US based on the official closing

date supplied by the university.