Pre-Departure Orientation Interdisciplinary Thai Studies

Thammasat University, Summer April 27, 2015

Welcome to the Orientation

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UCEAP – Systemwide Office

Program Specialist

Student Finance Accountant

Program Advisor

Academic Specialist

May Pothongsunun mpothongsunun@

eap.ucop.edu

Eva Bilandzia ebilandzia@

eap.ucop.edu

Ann Rotlisberger arotlisberger@ eap.ucop.edu

Jarrett Dutra jdutra@

eap.ucop.edu

Pridi Banomyong International College (PBIC)

Ms. Jiraporn “Kungking” Makkaew Mr. Bhathravej “Patr” Fungfueng thaistudies.pbic@gmail.com Office Phone: (02) 613-3701 Emergency Phone: (080) 233-7596, (085) 483-0073

Pre-Departure Checklist (PDC)

This presentation covers highlights that apply to everyone. Details concerning questions, problems, or situations you may have while in Thailand are at the links below. Bookmark them!

Participants Portal (guides, calendars, insurance, petitions, more…)

UCEAP Guide to Study Abroad (includes detailed academic policies)

Thailand Program Guide (details about Thailand program)

Your signed Student Agreement confirms that you have read and understand the policies and information in these guides. You can always contact UCEAP with any questions.

GETTING READY & ARRIVAL

Before You Go

Review the program calendar on your Participants page and make travel arrangements to arrive before the official start date.

Obtain your student visa as required. Follow the instructions on the PDC.

Check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for health information.

Register with U.S. Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

Contact returnees and current participants through the UCEAP Thailand Facebook page.

Pack light! You can buy almost everything you need in Thailand.

Hand carry the arrival instructions from your PDC.

Print your UCEAP insurance card, read both sides, and place it in your wallet.

Thailand Visa

See Visa Instructions on PDC

Apply 3-4 weeks prior to departure through the Royal Thai Consulate in Los Angeles

Tourist Visa grants a 60 day stay

Program is about 45 days

The cost is US$40

Traveling outside of Thailand

Arrival

International flights arrive at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK)

Thai Immigration and Customs declaration

Disembarkation Card

UCEAP students can request airport pickup for 700 baht using the Flight Itinerary Form on your PDC

Students will receive an email prior to departure to confirm flight information, transportation requests, and housing reservations

On-Site Orientation

There will be a mandatory onsite orientation for UCEAP students:

Friday, June 19, 2015 9am-12pm PBIC 201, 2nd floor, Anekprasong

Building 3

Staying in Touch

As a UCEAP participant, you are obligated to: Contact a family member to notify them of your safe arrival Keep in touch and provide up-to-date contact details in MyEAP Check your UC email address regularly Provide a local cell phone number after arrival

Send an email, text, and/or complete the Travel Signout form to notify UCEAP that you will travel out of town.

LIVING ABROAD

Make It Count!

While abroad, you will be a representative of not only the University of California, but also the state of California and the United States of America.

Think about what this means and how it will affect your behavior while abroad.

This is an amazing opportunity to meet people from other societies, make friends from other countries, and to make a difference in your life and in the lives of others.

“I wish I could be you all over again. I didn't know what I was getting into before I came here. Looking back now, I knew very little about the country, none of the language, and really no idea what I was going to be doing when I got here or what it was going to be like. And then I got here. My whole life just got flipped on its head as I discovered how freaking awesome this place is. All of my fears about travelling or living here subsided in about a day or two. So my suggestion to you is come in, keep an open mind, be adventurous, and get ready to fall in love with Thailand.”

– UCEAP Thailand Student

Housing

Be certain of where you want to stay before signing a rental agreement.

Optional pre-arranged housing 3J Court Apartments

Amarin Mansion

Resources See PDC Item 9

Money & Banking

Currency Exchange US$1 = 32 baht ID required

Cash ATMs are the easiest way to get cash, but

there will be fees added. Check with your bank before leaving for details about ATM fees while abroad.

Credit Cards Accepted at larger establishments

Thai Bank Account Documentation from Thammasat

Communication

Cell Phones Bring an unlocked phone or buy a

phone after arrival

Purchase SIM card and reload (ID required)

Many students use Skype to communicate with family & friends in the U.S.

Internet Access Wireless Internet

Computer Labs

Internet Cafes

“If you get homesick try to do something fun with people in your program or even make a skype date with a loved one back home. Remember that you are lucky to experience studying abroad so make the most of it!”

– UCEAP Thailand Student

Meals Campus canteens

Street vendors

Food courts

Restaurants

http://travel.cnn.com/bangkok/eat/40-bangkok-foods-we-cant-live-without-342900

“Be sure to bring a really empty stomach because you're about to eat more than you probably ever have since your conception on this earth.”

– UCEAP Thailand Student

Transportation

Bus Taxi Boat Tuk Tuk Motorcycle Skytrain (BTS) Subway (MRT)

Activities

Health

Review your UCEAP Insurance Plan so you understand all your health coverage and how to use it.

Research any required medication to find out if you can obtain it in Thailand, or if it is even legal! Remember, all medication must be carried in their original, labeled containers.

Review services offered by Europ Assistance. They are a tremendous resource should you require medical care.

If you become ill while abroad (including mental health issues):

Contact Europ Assistance.

Notify PBIC. They are there to help! In fact, notify PBIC about any issue that is impacting your academic performance and/or attendance.

Safety

Scams You will stick out as a foreigner (“farang”), and thus a mark for scams

Theft Be aware of pick-pockets, especially in tourist areas, airports, public transportation

Political Tension Military Coup and Martial Law, Pro-Government and Anti-Government demonstrations Southern provinces: Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla Thai/Cambodia border: Disputed Preah Vihear temple Thai/Burma border: Drug trafficking and government opposition groups

Nightlife Alcohol consumption impairs our judgment and increases risky behavior, which increases the risk

for crime. Maximum capacity laws not enforced and emergency exits are not always accessible Police occasionally conduct raids and drug tests

Monsoon Season Heavy rains and floods are frequent during the May-October rainy season

“Research scams so you know to avoid them. Common scams include taxi drivers who refuse to use the meter, tuk tuk drivers who claim they offer tours at cheap prices, and individuals who approach you and tell you the tourist attraction you want to visit is closed and try to direct somewhere else.”

– UCEAP Thailand Student

Cultural Adjustment Stress abroad is not unique or uncommon. There may be times when you feel UCEAP just

isn’t working for you. It’s normal to feel homesick, isolated, have family or breakup issues, or academic or money concerns. You may experience emotional ups and downs, and even depression, or illness.

You may also experience “culture shock.”

Follow the lead of the locals. Exercise, journal/blog, do activities that you enjoy at home, try new activities, laugh at mistakes, make friends & get involved in the community. Learn about your new culture and try to fit in. Reach out to others.

You might even consider withdrawing, but be sure to seek advice to explore all other solutions before reaching this important decision. Consult with UCEAP and, if necessary, an onsite counselor before filing paperwork to leave. There can be academic and financial consequences.

“Overall, be open, patient, humble, and you will enjoy your time here. The most important thing is to come with an open mind and heart…the people you will study with here will be one of a kind. Be ready for an incredible experience.”

– UCEAP Thailand Student

ACADEMICS

Thammasat University

One of the top ranked universities in the country Tha Prachan campus University student uniforms Respect

UCEAP Academics

Your MyEAP Study List is your official UC record. Make sure it accurately reflects the courses you are taking in this program. Do not try to enter anything into MyEAP until after you have received instructions.

Keep all course material and assignments – you will need them to petition for major, minor, GE credit when you return to campus.

Grades can take up to 90 days to get from Thammasat University to your campus registrar.

Courses

12 UC quarter units

Thai Language and Culture Thai Buddhism: An investigation of the role of Buddhist institutions in Thailand today such

as sects, organizations of Buddhists, practices as well as the functioning and roles of the various Thai religious institutions in the past.

Thai Society and Culture: The focus of this course is on the exploration of Thai society and culture through historical, anthropological, sociological, and cultural studies approaches. Topics to be covered include: the ways of Thai, the rural-urban divide; Thai identity and notions of “Thainess”; Thai social relations; development; migration, and socioeconomic change; gender; religion; and arts.

Format of Instruction

Class schedule Lectures and mandatory field trips Attendance policy

Field Trips

Bangkok Ampawa

Chiang Mai Ayutthaya

Returning Home

Pay all outstanding fees to Thammasat University and to UCEAP. Program costs, housing charges, library fines, utility bills, or more will delay the release of your grades and may block on UC registration.

Bring home course materials to assist you in petitioning for course approval to satisfy major requirements – especially syllabi and any returned graded work, but also any other assignments that will demonstrate what you did.

Check your airline’s luggage restrictions.

Read about reverse culture shock and be aware of common reactions to returning home.

Upon your return, please complete surveys or questionnaires sent to you by UCEAP! Your feedback helps us maintain the quality of the programs, and improve them for future students.

Questions?

“Carpe diem should be the recurring phrase that echoes in your head while you're out here! I know there are times when we all get tired but make sure you make it a point to explore as much as you can! There's so much history, culture, and overall interesting things that are waiting to be discovered by you, and you never know where or how these may appear! The possibilities and potential for personal growth and learning are there, you just have to be willing to be keep an open eye out for them! Keep an open mind and a fire inside you to keep exploring, learning, and growing as people and you won't be let down by everything Thailand has to offer you. Have a great time peoples. I'm really excited for you all!”

- UCEAP Thailand Student