Pre-departure Orientation
SAB 090
Syllabus
Fall 2008
Introduction
The University of Rochester has a rich tradition of international education. Our faculty members have studied abroad, enjoyed international fellowships, or began their education elsewhere in the world. These experiences bear great influence on the research and teaching that takes place here. The University's commitment to international education and to preparing students to take their place in the global political and economic community has led to enthusiastic support for students who choose to enhance their education by studying abroad.
Both the University of Rochester and the City have a vigorous awareness of global issues. Rochester has a multitude of "Sister Cities" the world over, and is a lively center of international business. The University of Rochester is host to over 1000 foreign students, and hundreds of Rochester students travel abroad each year.
Since the late 1950s, when the Boeing 707 was introduced, international travel has become more and more accessible. Our casual expectation of global mobility was transformed on September 11, 2001. The horrific attacks challenged the freedom of movement that we had come to take for granted. Many of us continue to exercise that freedom, but it is impossible to do so without realizing the inherent risks involved, and without taking responsibility for those risks and their potential consequences, both good and bad.
Consult with us as you continue to make your plans. We are here to help you, to share your excitement, and to provide you with detailed and accurate information about conditions overseas, so that you and your family can make informed decisions about your travel plans. We also want you to continue to live the experience when you return from your time overseas.
As you will see from this course, there is much to think about before you leave for your studies abroad. We hope that you will share this information with your parents. If they would like a copy of the Pre-departure Handbook or the Guide to Study Abroad, we'll be glad to provide it. Also, to ensure that you have all the necessary information handy, be sure to pack these publications in your luggage when you travel overseas.
The Staff of the Center for Study Abroad
- Jacqueline Levine, Assistant Dean and Director
- Heidi Kozireski, Assistant Director
- Nicole Bissell, Administrative Assistant
Office Address:
Center for Study Abroad
Lattimore Hall, Room 206
R.C. Box 270376
University of Rochester
Rochester, NY 14627-0376
585-275-7532
585-461-5131 FAX
abroad@admin.rochester.edu
Office Hours:
- Monday-Friday, 9:00 am-noon, 1:00 - 5:00 pm
Advisers are available for walk-in appointments each weekday. Walk-in appointments are brief meetings designed to answer quick questions, and are limited to a maximum of 10 minutes. If you have a more in-depth question, please schedule a 30-minute appointment with one of the advisers.
The Center for Study Abroad is open during academic breaks and throughout the summer.
Course Overview
The Study Abroad Pre-departure Orientation has several purposes. First, it is designed to provide "one-stop shopping" for all of the logistics that you need to take care of before you depart for your term overseas. Second, the Orientation offers you an opportunity to learn about the cross-cultural transitions inherent in international education, and the implications of those transitions, especially with regards to health and safety. Finally, the orientation provides a framework for integrating the study abroad semester or year into your undergraduate studies. Study abroad optimally becomes an educational experience that contributes to the methods of inquiry that you employ in your courses, and it facilitates civic engagement on a global scale.
All students who submitted a Study Abroad Proposal form have been enrolled in a non-credit class (SAB 090) for the Orientation. This class starts with on-line presentations in Blackboard (a web-based course software package) beginning on Monday, October 20, and continuing through Friday, December 5. The presentations will include web-based reading assignments, and quizzes to test for understanding. The Orientation will also include a class meeting for all students preparing to study abroad next semester. The meeting will address health, safety, and cross-cultural matters in an interactive format. For your convenience, the class meeting will be offered twice. You may attend either of these meetings, but you must attend one:
Monday, October 20, 6:00-8:00 pm -OR- Thursday, October 23, 6:00-8:00 pm May Room, Wilson Commons |
The orientation will include an on-line quiz on each weekly topic. You may repeat the quizzes as many times as necessary to provide the correct answer for each question. All quizzes must be completed by Friday, December 5, or your permission to study abroad may be rescinded.
Week #1: October 20-24
Registration: Information about registering for your study abroad semester, and registering for courses in your return semester. Also will cover Study Abroad Status, as well as how to ensure that proper transfer credit from study abroad courses.
Week #2: October 27-31
Study Abroad Finances: This week the Study Abroad Orientation will focus on managing your finances for your semester abroad. Topics covered will include financial aid, UR billing, costs, currency exchange, budgeting and credit card debt.
Week #3: November 3-7
Communication: Keeping in touch while you're abroad. Topics covered will include: e-mail access, calling home, UR mailings, keeping in touch with program staff and UR, and emergency contact information.
Week #4: November 10-14
Housing and Student Life Abroad: Covers housing while you are abroad as well as for your return semester at UR. Topics will also include pointers on cross-cultural adjustment, traveling, packing, calling home, food, shopping and other advice about differences in everyday student life overseas, including input from students who studied abroad previously.
Week #5: November 17-21
Health: Representatives from the University Health Service will supply students with essential tips on how to stay healthy and what to do in case of emergencies. Other topics covered include: health insurance, alcohol use abroad, safe sex, emergency preparedness, and vaccinations.
Week #6: November 24-28
Safety Abroad: The Dean of Students and Security will present information about staying safe while abroad. The Study Abroad Code of Conduct will be reviewed; representing UR while abroad; how to be a street-wise traveler; how to avoid being targeted for petty crime; how to avoid being an "Ugly American"; and emergency preparedness.
Week #7: December 1-5
Life After Study Abroad: The Center for Study Abroad and Career center will present various opportunities for study abroad returnees. Also, important reminders about how to prepare yourself for these while you are abroad. Topics covered will include: resume building, fellowships for graduate study and further overseas travel, Take 5, MCATs, GREs, and Internships in the Study Abroad Office.