Study Abroad

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), which will be available after you attend a pre-departure orientation meeting. 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 four times. You may attend any of these meetings, but you must attend one:

Tuesday, September 29, 7:00-8:00 pm

Tuesday, October 6, 12:30-1:30 pm

Wednesday, October 14, 6:30-7:30 pm

Friday, October 23, 2:00-3:00 pm

Lattimore 201

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 All quizzes must be completed by Friday, December 11, or your permission to study abroad may be rescinded.

Week #1:

Registration: Information about registering for your study abroad semester, and registering for courses in your return semester. Also, it will cover Study Abroad Status, as well as how to ensure proper transfer credit from study abroad courses.

Week #2:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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.

Study Abroad Checklist

How to Begin

Apply for or renew your passport. Allow six to eight weeks or more for processing. Be sure that the passport will be valid during the entire time you will be out of the United States. Be aware, also, that many countries require a passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your anticipated return date.
Attend a group information meeting. The schedule is posted on the website of the Center for Study Abroad: http://www.rochester.edu/College/abroad/programs/schedule.html. Printed copies are available in Lattimore 206.
Schedule an appointment with a study abroad adviser after attending a group information meeting.
If you are an Eastman student, visit the Office of the Dean of Academic Affairs at the Eastman School of Music, 274-1020
Research programs using the Study Abroad Resource Library in Lattimore 206. You will find information about study abroad programs sponsored by many different colleges and universities. There is a list of Peer Advisers who have recently participated in study abroad programs.
Talk to Peer Advisers (returnees) who have studied in the location or on the program you are considering.
Submit the Proposal for Study Abroad. Proposals are due September 15 for spring programs, and February 1 for fall and full-year programs. The Proposal is non-binding. Submit it by the deadline even if you haven't yet decided on a program or location. You may submit it even before meeting with a Study Abroad adviser.
Discuss your plans with your parents/guardians.
Complete the seven-week, Study Abroad Orientation Blackboard course. Attendance and participation at the in person session and Blackboard course are mandatory. The orientation covers important information about health and safety, cross-cultural adjustment, Study Abroad Status, billing, residence halls, and registration for the semester following your time abroad. The course schedule will be sent to you with your Proposal response. If you do not successfully complete the course by the stated deadline, your approval to study abroad will be rescinded.
Submit all UR-sponsored program applications to the Center for Study Abroad. Send non-UR program applications directly to the program. Be sure to keep a copy of your application.
Meet with your faculty adviser. Declare your major and discuss how it will be affected by a semester or year abroad. Bring catalogues and recommendation forms for programs to which you are applying. You may do this even if you have not officially declared your major.
Estimate costs for the study abroad programs to which you are applying. Study abroad staff and Peer Advisers can help you with these figures. The Center for Study Abroad can provide you with an Expenses and Financial Planning Sheet to help budget your expenses.
Meet with a counselor in the Financial Aid Office in Wallis Hall if you receive financial aid or hold a Stafford Loan (or plan to). Discuss how study abroad affects current and future benefits.
Work with a counselor in the Center for Study Abroad to apply for any special study abroad scholarships or financial aid. Some have extremely early application deadlines, so don't delay. All UR students who apply to IES & CIEE programs are required to apply for IES & CIEE scholarships.
Registration for study abroad: Your study abroad Pre-departure Handbook will provide detailed information on registration for your semester abroad. Register in April for Fall study and November for Spring study abroad.
If you have not been admitted to a study abroad program at registration and housing lottery time, register for next semester's classes and enter the housing lottery to keep your options open should your study abroad plans change.
Find out the visa requirements, if any, for the country in which you plan to study.
If you are an international student, or do not hold a U.S. passport, meet with an adviser in the International Services Office in order to discuss the logistics of leaving the U.S. and re-entering upon your return from abroad.
If you have a disability, meet with an adviser in Learning Assistance Services to discuss accommodations needed. 275-9049.

After being accepted

Apply for visa(s), if necessary. Initiate this process as soon as possible. Your study abroad program will give you information about how to apply for a visa. Also check on visa requirements for countries where you might want to travel during your time abroad.
Notify the Center for Study Abroad of your acceptance to a program.
Obtain course approvals for foreign language courses and for courses you wish to use toward a major, minor, or certificate. You will need to meet with your academic and faculty advisers. Bring along course descriptions and course approval forms. If you are going on a non-UR program, you will need to have all courses approved for transfer credit, including those for which you wish to receive elective credit.
Fill out financial aid renewal forms for your return semester.
Research the city and country where you will be studying; brush up on the language, read newspapers, and browse the internet. Many countries have informative and exciting sites.
Determine the health risks and requirements for the areas where you will travel and get any necessary vaccinations.
Find out about your banking options. Your program will most likely give you some information about banking in your host country. Having a checking account with a large, international bank (Citibank and HSBC are two examples) may be beneficial, but it does not necessarily mean that you will automatically have access to that account overseas by anything other than an ATM. Avoid unpleasant surprises!

Before you leave campus

Make several photocopies of your passport. If you lose your passport while you are abroad, having a photocopy will greatly facilitate getting it re-issued. If you bring a copy to the Center for Study Abroad, we will keep it on file in the office while you are abroad. You should also take a photocopy to carry with you while traveling and leave one with a family member.
Forward your UR email account to a web-based email provider such as Yahoo or Gmail. We cannot send email directly to those accounts. All official correspondence will only be sent to your UR email account.
Visit the River Campus post office to give a forwarding address and to maintain your CPU box. We will provide a form for this.
Pack this guide and your pre-departure orientation materials in your carry-on luggage.

While you are away

Send your overseas address and contact information to the Center for Study Abroad immediately. Notify us about any change of address.
Register for your return semester at the University of Rochester. Registration information is normally available online in mid-March for fall (and summer) courses, and in early November for spring courses. You may register online for your courses just as you would on campus.
Expedite your registration, housing, and parking materials, via email, airmail, or fax them without delay. Failure to do so can result in losing financial aid benefits, not receiving housing or parking for the following term, or being withdrawn from the College.
Notify our office of any changes in coursework.
Consider applying for graduate fellowships. Many fellowships (such as Fulbright and Marshall) are available for graduate study abroad. Fellowship handbooks are available at the Center for Academic Support, Lattimore 312. www.rochester.edu/College/CCAS/fellowships/
Have a great semester or year overseas! Send us a postcard!

When you return

Shortly after you return home you'll receive an electronic mailing regarding Re-entry issues.
Give us your new telephone number so that we can update our records. Visit our office; we would love to see your photos and hear all about your adventures.

Registering for Study Abroad Status

INSTRUCTIONS FOR STUDY ABROAD REGISTRATION / CHANGE OF STATUS

On-line registration is scheduled to begin on Monday, November 9. In order to ensure correct billing for the Spring 2010 semester, you must register for study abroad by Friday, November 13. It is essential that you check your registration carefully. Specific study abroad course titles, numbers, and CRNs are listed below. Please follow these instructions carefully.

If you are going on a UR-sponsored program (except Internships in Europe, Cologne Exchange program or Arezzo program) register for:

CRN 84669, 1SAB 301 Study Abroad UR Program (16 credits)

If you are going on Ort Braude Exchange Program register for:

CRN 84640, 1SAB 292

If you are going on an Internships in Europe (EPA) Program, register for:

the appropriate site e.g. EPA London Courses - UR (8 credits)

CRN	Course Number	Course Title
84749	1SAB 334	London Internship (EPA) semester
84728	1SAB 332	Brussels Internship (EPA) semester
84704	1SAB 330	Germany Internship (EPA) semester
84761	1SAB 336	Madrid Internship (EPA) semester
84787	1SAB 338	Edinburgh Internship (EPA) semester

2. Your internship type e.g. European Politics Internship (8 credits)

CRN	Course Number	Course Title
80434	1PSC 397	European Politics Internship
23554	1CAS 397A	European Health Science Internship
23563	1CAS 397B	European Business Internship
11004	1AH 397	European Arts Internship

If you are going on a non-UR program, register for:

CRN 84674, SAB 302 Study Abroad Non-UR Program (0 credits)

IMPORTANT NOTES:

If you are going on a non-UR program, you will be charged by UR only for the Study Abroad administrative Fee ($1200) for your semester away.
Credits associated with UR programs are anticipated, not actual, credits.
If you plan to study abroad two consecutive semesters (spring 2010 and fall 2010), you will register online for your second semester in April 2010.
Your Study Abroad Status /registration may be rescinded for the following reasons: if you do not successfully complete pre-departure orientation (Blackboard and in-person portions), your major is not officially declared, you are placed on academic or disciplinary probation, or if you have grades of I or N. Detailed information about Study Abroad Status is in ‘UR There’. Please notify us if you have any questions about registering for your semester(s) abroad.

Change of Status Information

All UR students studying abroad who wish to receive academic credit for their work are placed on Study Abroad Status. Study Abroad status maintains the student's classification as a full-time matriculated, University of Rochester student. All students studying on non-UR sponsored programs are assessed an administrative fee of $1200 per semester which is charged to the term bill. This fee covers costs incurred by the University for administrative services in connection with study abroad. It guarantees that credit will be awarded for courses taken abroad when we receive an official transcript and course approval forms when appropriate. Students may not declare Inactive Status (used for leave of absence from UR) and still receive academic credit for a study abroad program. Students on study abroad status are eligible for continuation of UR health insurance while abroad.

Registering for Courses Abroad

Registration procedures vary from program to program and from one overseas university to another. Many study abroad program applications will ask you to indicate a list of possible courses that you wish to take while you're abroad. If you're applying to an island program with a limited number of courses available, then you may be reasonably sure of the courses in advance, and your application form will serve to register you for the courses you choose.

However, many overseas universities do not conduct course registration on campus until a short time (a week or even less) before the classes begin, and so they do not publish an updated course schedule in advance. You may have to rely on the course schedule from a previous semester or year. In this case, in addition to choosing the courses that you hope to take, you should also choose several alternate courses, since you may discover upon arrival that courses that you hoped to take are not available or have been cancelled. In this case, your final registration will take place overseas, after you arrive in the country. This is typically the case for integrated programs, exchange programs, and direct enrollment.

Keep in mind, regardless of the program to which you're applying, that you must complete a full course load while you're abroad: that is, the equivalent of 16 Rochester credits per semester. Underloads are not permitted during study abroad.

In any case, try to have your courses approved BEFORE you go overseas.

Most programs will allow you to change courses (drop/add) at the beginning of the semester. Notify your UR advisers (including faculty advisers and advisers in the Center for Study Abroad) if you make any changes to your schedule.

Some programs allow students to complete courses on a Satisfactory/Fail basis (S/F option). Check with an adviser in the Center for Study Abroad before you sign up for this option. Because you must earn a grade of "C" or better in order to transfer credit to the UR, you may not be able to complete a course as S/F (unless the program can document that the "S" or "Pass" grade is equivalent to "C" or better on the UR scale).

For further guidelines about transferring credit, see the section below called 'Transferring Credit back to the University of Rochester'.

Registering for Courses for your Return Semester

Schedules, Courses and Registration

If you study abroad, you will be out of the country during the usual registration period next semester (April 5-April 9, 2010). Nonetheless, you'll be able to use the on-line course schedules and descriptions to select your classes and sign on to the Web Registration system using your Net ID and password, or University ID and PIN. Instructions for registration can be found on the Registrar's home page at: www.rochester.edu/registrar

Questions can be directed to: registrar@mail.rochester.edu

You will be able to register for classes on the first day of your eligibility during the normal registration period. Classes that are restricted--that is, those requiring instructor's permissions--will not be registered until you have obtained the appropriate permission code. This permission code will be provided to you by the appropriate faculty member. You may want to discuss these options with faculty before you leave Rochester next semester.

The Registrar's Office will do everything possible to assist you in seeing that you are registered for the classes you request. If you have questions at any time during the process you may call (585) 275-4654 or e-mail registrar@mail.rochester.edu.

Course schedules and descriptions are available on-line through the University of Rochester home page. The home page can be reached via the Internet at www.rochester.edu. You will be able to access the registration system at: www.rochester.edu/registrar

AFTER YOU REGISTER:

Use the UR ACCESS Plus system to view your schedule, grades, academic history, financial information and hold information. Go to the UR home page and follow the instructions above to use UR ACCESS plus. You will need your UID and PIN to use ACCESS. If you have forgotten your PIN or need instructions on using ACCESS, please come to or call the Registrar's office for assistance BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE COUNTRY.

We look forward to serving you while you are studying abroad. If you have problems, questions or comments, email the Registrar's Office at registrar@mail.rochester.edu or call us at (585) 275-8131.

Transferring Credit back to the University of Rochester

If you go abroad on a program sponsored by an accredited American college, or if you enroll at an overseas university which issues an American-style transcript, credit is transferred as from any American college. The institution simply sends a transcript to the Center for Study Abroad, and a study abroad adviser evaluates the transcript and applies the credits toward your University of Rochester record, as appropriate. This process usually takes 2 to 4 months after you finish your studies overseas, so do not expect your credits to appear instantly on your transcript.

Credits may be transferred for elective and major credit. Course Approval Forms for this purpose are available at the Center for Study Abroad and the Center for Academic Support. You may transfer courses toward Clusters if you go on a UR-sponsored study abroad program. Consult with the authorized faculty member in the relevant department.

Credit for Language Courses

The Department of Modern Languages and Cultures and the Department of Religion & Classics will NOT grant credit to students who enroll in a class (in particular a language/grammar class) that is at the same or a lower level as a class they have taken before their semester abroad. For example, if a student has taken an intermediate language course at the U of R, they may not receive credit for taking a basic or beginning language or the same intermediate class abroad. In addition, courses that duplicate the literature, film, or culture content of MLC courses taken before study abroad will not be granted credit. In order to avoid credit transfer confusion or problems it is imperative that each student consult with the appropriate adviser in MLC before departure and registration.

Elective Credit

Bring or send an official catalogue description of each course to the Center for Study Abroad, preferably before you leave for your semester abroad. Courses that are comparable to those offered at the University of Rochester will be approved for elective credit. An example of an approved course is "REL/AAS 241 African Religions: An Introduction" (from Syracuse University's program in Strasbourg, France). An example of a course not approved is "Agronomy" (from the IES program at the University of Sydney, Australia). In some cases, you may be asked to submit the description to a faculty member for approval. All foreign language courses need approval from the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures or the Department of Religion and Classics.

Major and Minor Credit

Bring a Course Approval Form, along with the description(s) of the course(s) in question, to the appropriate faculty member. The names of the faculty members in charge of approving transfer credit are posted at the Academic Information Counter at the Center for Academic Support and may be found online at: www.rochester.edu/College/CCAS/Authsign.html.

Clusters

The College's Curriculum Committee will allow students to transfer courses from UR-sponsored study abroad programs into Clusters. This may be done by proposing an exception to an existing, departmental Cluster, or by proposing an individualized interdepartmental Cluster. Please note that approval is not automatic. Consult with a study abroad adviser for details.

How you'll get credit

Transcripts

On completion of the program, it is your responsibility to see that the college which sponsored your program sends an official transcript to the Center for Study Abroad. Credit will be granted for all approved courses in which you have earned a C or better.

Be aware that grades and transcripts are often issued by study abroad programs several months after you complete your studies overseas. Transcripts from spring semester programs may arrive in our office from July until October. Fall program transcripts normally arrive between February and May. If you go abroad as a first-semester senior, it is essential to request your transcript from the program as early as possible.

Credits

Many American colleges and universities are based on a 120 credit system, in contrast to UR, which requires 128 credits to complete the undergraduate degree. Transfer credit is awarded on a proportional basis. If you take five three-credit courses on another school's program, credit will be evaluated according to this formula: 15/120 = x/128; x = 16 credits. In most cases, a full semester (or year) of study completed elsewhere is worth a full semester (or year) at UR. In any event, study abroad students must complete the equivalent of 16 Rochester credits per semester. Underloads are not permitted during study abroad. Even if the program allows for an underload, Rochester students are required to carry a full load.

Internships and Independent Study

With the exception of the University's Internships in Europe program, independent studies or internships taken on study abroad programs cannot receive pre-approval for transfer credit. While completing the independent study or internship, be sure to keep documentation of all academic work. Upon return, you will need to submit this documentation to an appropriate faculty member in order for transfer credit to be granted. It is in your best interest to discuss your plans with faculty before going overseas because some departments do not grant transfer credit for independent studies or internships, even for elective credit.

Grading

Grades for courses graded by University of Rochester faculty appear on the transcript and are calculated into the grade point average (GPA). In most cases, study abroad courses are not graded by Rochester faculty. The two most notable exceptions are the "Rochester in Arezzo" program, and the internship portion of the "Internships in Europe" programs.

Grades received on University of Rochester-sponsored programs appear on your UR transcript but do not count in your GPA.

Grades earned on programs sponsored by other colleges do not appear on your University of Rochester transcript and do not count in your GPA.

Study Abroad Finances

Financing Study Abroad

Listed below are general guidelines regarding financial aid eligibility for students on study abroad programs. However, as each student's financial situation is unique, it is your responsibility to meet with a financial aid counselor while planning your semester(s) abroad.

Financial Aid Counseling

Financial Aid Counselors are available to meet with students by appointment to discuss their specific study abroad plans and their financial aid eligibility. To set up an appointment with your counselor, please call the Financial Aid office at 275-3226, stop by our front desk, or email your counselor directly. Counselor assignments and contact information are listed online at www.enrollment.rochester.edu/financialaid.

Application Requirements

You must complete the Financial Aid Application to be eligible for any need-based aid (including loans) while on a study abroad program. A completed application includes the following items:

FAFSA
University of Rochester Returning Undergraduate Application
Copies of Federal Tax returns for both student and parents, including parent W-2 forms
Business supplement form if your parent is self-employed

With the exception of your family's federal tax returns, the forms listed above are all available through FAOnline (https://faonline.rochester.edu).

Returning students who do not submit their financial aid application with all supporting documentation by the April 15th deadline should be aware that they are not guaranteed full consideration for need-based assistance and may have their aid reduced due to limited funding.

Costs

UR Programs: All students studying on UR-sponsored programs will be charged UR tuition and room costs for their semester abroad. These charges will appear on your UR term bill. The bill will not reflect the registration for your specific study abroad program, but will show any anticipated or expected financial aid.

Cost figures are estimated by the Center for Study Abroad in consultation with program sponsors. These figures will include UR tuition and room charges, fees, board, personal expenses, international airfare, books, and other required expenses. Optional expenses, such as additional travel, restaurant dining, visa fees, and souvenirs are not considered when calculating educational costs for the semester/year. These discretionary costs are the student's responsibility.

Non-UR Programs: Each non-UR program has a different fee depending on what the program includes (room, board, tuition, etc.), as well as cost of living in the host country, currency exchange, and other factors. Keep in mind that studying in Paris, London, or Tokyo will prove much more costly than a semester in Jerusalem or Lima.

Financial Aid Eligibility

UR Programs: If you are a financial aid recipient you will be eligible to receive financial aid during your semester abroad. If your total program cost is less than the cost of studying at UR for that semester, your need-based aid will be reduced proportionately. Merit awards will not be reduced. Please see your financial aid counselor to discuss your specific situation, including which awards are need-based.

Non-UR Programs: If you choose to study on a non-UR program, you will not be eligible to receive the same financial aid. Most importantly, you will not be eligible for any University of Rochester assistance. It is especially important to discuss your plans with your financial aid counselor to determine what types of aid you will eligible for while abroad and to ensure the continuation of your aid when you return. A small number of study abroad programs have their own financial aid available; applications are available from the sponsors.

Federal Direct Loans and Federal Pell Grants may be used while on a non-UR program, provided that you have completed a Consortium/Contractual agreement and the Financial Aid Office has verified the program sponsor's eligibility. TAP awards for NYS residents can be used if the non-UR program is sponsored by a NY college or university.

In order to be eligible for these funds (as well as for a Parent PLUS or alternative loan(s)) for the semester you are abroad, you must complete a Consortium/Contractual Agreement. This can be obtained from the Financial Aid Office, or online through FAOnline. Detailed instructions on completing the Agreement are included. A Consortium/Contractual Agreement involves multiple steps and requires several signatures, so do not delay in completing this requirement. Your coursework must be approved before the UR Dean can sign the Consortium Agreement.

Non-refundable Deposits

Once students are admitted to programs, they are required to inform the Center for Study Abroad and the program sponsor of their plans as quickly as possible. Many programs ask for a non-refundable deposit to hold a student's place in the program. Deposits range from $100 to $1000 and are discussed in acceptance materials. The average is around $300. Upon admittance to an IES program, UR students will be asked to submit an Intent to Enroll form, rather than submitting the $500 confirmation deposit. If a student submits the Intent to Enroll form and subsequently does not participate in the program, they will be responsible for the $500 deposit.

Billing

If you are participating in a study abroad program in the fall, you will receive your fall semester bill in July. If you are participating in a study abroad program in the spring, you will receive your spring semester bill in December. You will not receive a bill in November unless you have a balance from the fall semester. Students participating in a full-year program will be billed on a semester basis.

Your balance must be paid in full from the prior semester in order to register for a study abroad program. If you have a past due balance, you may settle your account with the Bursar's Office, 330 Meliora Hall, 275-3931. Your registration for a study abroad program is subject to cancellation if payment is not kept current and your past due balance is $5,000 or greater, or if you submit a check that is returned by the bank, unless acceptable arrangements are promptly made.

If you are participating in a non-UR program, UR will bill you for the study abroad fee (currently $1200). You will be billed directly for the program cost by the college or university that sponsors your program. In most cases, for non-UR programs, sponsoring institutions must pay your costs to the overseas program before you leave the U.S., so you will be expected to pay the balance of your program fee prior to going on the program.

Before You Leave

Update your billing address with the Bursar's Office before departure, and again when you return, if the billing address should change.

Contact the Bursar's Office before you leave if you are receiving an outside scholarship or alternative loan that requires your endorsement. We will make arrangements with you to have the check(s) signed so that you will be credited with the funds. If someone other than you will be handling your financial affairs while you are abroad, please be sure to share this information with that individual.

Refunds

If you are expecting to receive a refund of financial aid (your financial aid exceeds your charges), you need to contact the Bursar's Office before you leave to make arrangements to receive this refund. If you are participating in a UR-sponsored program, the Bursar's Office cannot issue a refund until at least ten days prior to the start of classes at UR, so you should not plan on having this money to pay for initial expenses. If you are receiving NYS TAP, which is usually certified in October for the fall semester or in March for the spring semester, you will not receive that portion of your refund until those funds can be credited.

If you are on a non-UR program and have completed a Consortium Agreement, the Bursar's Office will need to verify your registration before financial aid can be credited to your account and a refund check issued. Your registration cannot be verified until your program start date; you should therefore plan to cover a minimum of one month's expenses before the refund will be available.

In Section III of the Consortium/Contractual Agreement, students are required to indicate how their refund check should be made payable. If you want your refund check to be issued to your study abroad program, this must be indicated on the Consortium/Contractual Agreement. If this section is left blank, the refund will be made payable to you and sent to your billing address. Payment will not be sent to the Consortium School unless you have requested this in Section III of the Consortium/Contractual Agreement.

Students sometimes receive outside scholarships from study abroad program sponsors (e.g. IES, CIEE, or ASE). These are credited to the students’ accounts as a discount on the tuition.

If your Financial Aid Application is complete and if your anticipated aid will more than cover the study abroad charges on your account, then the Bursar's Office may be able to advance funds to cover airfare or other expenses prior to departure. Contact the Bursar's Office to inquire about this possibility.

Budgeting

Don't spend all your money in once place! Your spending money will need to make it through the several months of your study abroad program. Although there are many exciting things to do and purchase while you are abroad, pace yourself. Devise a budget and stick to it as closely as you can to avoid any problems while you are abroad!

Managing Your Money Abroad or "Life Without Flex"

Study abroad usually entails a drastic shift in the way you manage your money. No longer will you have a University of Rochester "flex account," or a meal plan. Instead, you'll find yourself paying for daily expenses out of pocket with cash or credit. Many students use ATM cards to withdraw cash (in the local currency) from a money machine. Not all cards work in all machines: make sure that your ATM card has the "Cirrus" or "Plus" logo on the back. Parents or family here in the U.S. may be able to monitor (or feed, if necessary) the bank account from this end while you withdraw from abroad. Some students have found it convenient to open an account at a major international bank, such as HSBC, which has branches overseas. However, this has not proved to be effective in all countries. Check with the bank before opening an account, in order to be sure that you will be able to access your account in the country where you'll be studying.

Many students find that a convenient method of managing their finances while overseas is through the use of credit cards. The acceptability of credit cards varies greatly from country to country; in order to find out which credit card is accepted in the country where you're planning to study, check with the card issuer. Also visit the websites for the card(s) that you carry, such as Visa or MasterCard.

Just as you would in any unfamiliar setting here in the U.S., avoid carrying large amounts of cash with you. Also, when you do carry cash on your person, divide up the money so that some is in your money belt, some in a pouch beneath your shirt, some in a front pocket and some in a back pocket. This is a safeguard against theft.

You may want to change some money into the foreign currency before you depart. However, if you're going to a smaller country, U.S. banks may not carry the currency. Some students still choose to purchase travelers' cheques (such as American Express or Thomas Cooke). These are a safe way to carry your money, but they're not universally accepted, and not necessarily the cheapest way of handling your money (there is a fee for purchasing and cashing the cheques).

Remember that credit cards can be as risky as they are convenient. Without a certain amount of discipline and budgeting, you might return from abroad with a staggering credit card debt. The Credit Education Bureau, which has an office in Rochester, can suggest smart and effective ways to keep track of your credit card expenses.

Other required reading about credit card debt for college students: http://www.nelliemae.com/library/cc_use.html

Communication

Keeping in touch with faculty, family and friends from far away

Keeping the Lines of Communication Open

One of the countless benefits of being a University of Rochester student is the ease and abundance of communication between students, families, faculty, and staff. This also holds true while you are studying abroad. You've already discovered that we begin our regular communications with you long before you depart. We have also mailed an information packet to your parents/guardians describing study abroad policies, costs and billing procedures, and information about health and safety.

Overseas Address Form

Common sense and recent world events necessitate that your parents provide us with their contact information. You also will need to provide us with your overseas address, phone number and e-mail, once they become available. A form for this purpose is included in your Pre-departure packet, which you received when you attended the mandatory meeting. You can also submit your overseas address using an on-line form on the web site of the Center for Study Abroad.

Contacting UR

The Pre-departure Handbook also includes contact information for key UR offices. If you need to contact the Parking Office, for example, when you are abroad, you'll have that information at hand. Space is provided for you to write down the name and contact information of your UR advisers: academic, major, minor, and certificate. Even if you speak to these advisers and obtain their approval of your courses before you go abroad (as well you should), your course schedule may change. If, for example, you discover a new course once you arrive overseas, it will be essential to have your adviser's e-mail address available to secure approval for that course.

You are welcome to contact the Center for Study Abroad while you are away. We especially like to receive postcards (hint, hint) from the exciting places you are visiting. Here is a worldwide list of zip codes and postal codes http://www.escapeartist.com/global10/zip.htm

We are always available during regular office hours by mail, e-mail, fax or telephone. Keep in mind when contacting anyone at UR that there is a time difference of anywhere from two to 16 hours. This means that you normally won't get an immediate response to your electronic communication. Please allow 24-48 hours; faculty and staff are just as busy as you are!

Program Directors

Most of you will have on-site Program Directors and we ask you to provide their contact information, as well as yours, on the Overseas Address Form. Their roles are very important and they should be your first line of contact. They will not only orient you to your study abroad location, but will be available for all kinds of assistance: academic, housing, everyday living, health and safety issues, and more. If you have a question or concern, for example, about your housing situation overseas, consult them first, since they are on location and have the knowledge necessary to help you get what you need to make your studies successful.

Mailings While You're Abroad

While you are abroad, you may be out of sight, but not out of mind. We will send you occasional group e-mails, if a situation necessitates. The Office of Residential Life and the Parking Office may also be in touch with you to help you plan for your return semester. When you return, we will send you a study abroad questionnaire as part of a "Welcome Back"

e-mailing.

Web Access

Most of you will be in places with relatively easy World Wide Web access, either at your program center, university computing center, residence, or cyber cafes. Don't be surprised to find time limits and/or fees assessed for this service. Be considerate of any regulations, and above all, read the section in your Pre-departure Handbook, which explains your e-mail options while overseas. After you've gotten over any initial homesickness, spend less time on-line and more time exploring your new surroundings and community.

Phone Service and Email

You may wish to consider obtaining a cell phone for your stay overseas; some programs even include them as part of the program. Most programs will help students to acquire cell phones, either by selling recycled phones or directing them to purchase one. If you already own a cell phone, check with your service provider, as most American phones do not work outside the United States or are prohibitively expensive to use. As you would here, be sure you've read (or get help to read) the fine print on the contract. Failure to do so can result in staggering phone bills.

Minimally, you will want to look into phone cards, which can make the expense of international calling slightly less acute. If you have questions about telephones, direct them to your program provider or to study abroad returnees. For more information on telephoning to/from overseas locations, including international calling codes, try the AT&T website. Remember, of course, to take into account the difference in time zones when making international calls.

Likewise, be aware that few American students (normally only those directly enrolled in an overseas university) have free and relatively unlimited access to email. Computer labs and internet cafes are generally not open as late as they are here. Shopping around can save you a lot, because the high demand is lowering prices everywhere. One huge British chain, http://www.easyeverything.com is opening new locations all over Europe and the price changes hourly according to number of users. You may also find that pre-buying hours is your best option. You'll need to strike a balance; stay in touch, but don't live vicariously back at UR. Periodically, during the semester, the Center for Study Abroad will communicate with you via email (faster and more reliable than overseas mail).

The Center for Study Abroad will use your UR email account to send you official correspondence. Therefore, you are responsible for maintaining and checking your UR mail account. The Center for Study Abroad will not send emails to alternate email accounts. See below for information about how to access your email account from abroad. Keep in touch!

Using Email From Overseas

Important Information from University IT

What you should do before you leave for your trip abroad:

Setup a password secret question and answer in case you forget your password. Go to http://mail.rochester.edu/password.html and click “setup a security question & answer”. If you have an @mail.rochester.edu account choose the first option listed. If you do NOT have an @mail.rochester.edu account choose the second option listed. Make sure you remember your password.

There are two ways to check your UR Gmail account while you are abroad:

1. Use the new UR Gmail web interface to email available at https://mail.u.rochester.edu

2. Forward your UR Gmail account to another account.

To set forwarding on your UR Gmail account access the account via http://mail.u.rochester.edu

Access your UR Gmail account using your netID/password combination. In the upper right corner of your account page click the "Settings" link. You will see a tab called "Forwarding and POP/IMAP". The first section of this tab provides forwarding options.

Do not forget your password!

If you plan on accessing your email account while you are studying abroad, do not forget your netID and associated password for your account! If you forget your password, University IT WILL NOT reset your password over the phone. If you forget your password AND you have already set a security question you can do the following:

To try to reset your password using your security question please go to http://www.rochester.edu/its/netid. On that page you will see a link entitled "Forgot my password" Click the link to get started. Then click the link for "Reset your password". If you have an @mail.rochester.edu account choose the second option listed. If you do not have an @mail.rochester.edu account choose the third option listed. You will be asked for your username/netID and your 8 digit student URID#. Once you add in the information and click submit your security question will appear. You will need to answer the question exactly as you did when you originally set up the question/answer.

If this fails you must fill out a "Long Distance Password Reset Request" form and send University IT proper identification by mail or fax to get your password reset. To get a copy of this form on-line, you can go to: http://www.rochester.edu/its/forms/ldpassword.html

The vacation responder option in UR Gmail

The vacation responder option allows you to notify people that you are studying abroad. It will automatically reply to any email message you receive directly and notify the sender that you are not reading your email. The vacation responder option will still save all of the email you receive in your account so that you can read it when you return. To set the vacation option on your UR Gmail account please go to http://mail.u.rochester.edu

Access your UR Gmail account using your netID/password combination. In the upper right corner of your account page click the "Settings" link. On the General tab there is an option called Vacation Responder. Set the option to "on" and complete the subject/message criteria. To find out more about this option click the "Learn more" link located in the option box.

When you return from your study abroad experience you will need to go back to the vacation responder option in your UR Gmail account settings page to disable the vacation messages from going out to users sending to your UR Gmail account. If you do not plan to check your email while abroad:

If you will not be checking your email regularly, UNSUBSCRIBE from any mailing lists that you may belong to so that your inbox does not fill up while you are away.
DO NOT tell anyone your password or allow them to read your email while you are away.
Set the vacation responder option before you leave to send an automatic reply to any email you receive, letting the sender know that you are away from your email. See above for more details.

A few final words about email

NEVER give anyone your PASSWORD, SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER, or any other important information about you through email. Email is a very insecure medium for transferring this information. The Systems Administrator and UNIX Consultants will NEVER ask you for your password or social security number.

Review University IT policies and procedures before going abroad so you can make sure you understand how to get help if you need it.

To find out more about University IT policies, please go to the following UR website: http://www.rochester.edu/it/. You will find information including our policies, on-line documentation, etc.

If you have any questions or problems while you are away, please send them to: UnivITHelp@rochester.edu

Housing & Student Life Abroad

Housing Overseas

Study abroad programs typically offer several housing options. You might live in a dorm with students from the host country or you might live in a homestay, with a family. Alternately, you may live in an apartment with other students who are studying there. Finally, some programs arrange for you to spend part of the semester in one type of housing and the rest of the semester in another type.

Whatever the housing arrangements on your program, remember that housing standards in other countries may be different than what you're used to here. Specifically, rooms may tend to be smaller, buildings may be older, windows might be more drafty, or plumbing more fragile. So it's especially important to be flexible with your expectations. Also, be aware that published housing arrangements may change prior to your arrival on the program.

Residence Halls

Dormitory life abroad will be quite familiar to UR students, given the residential structure of The College. Programs that offer residence halls will often afford you the opportunity to live near or with students from your host country or other international students. This is a great opportunity to get to know them. In-room cable TV and speedy internet connections are not common overseas, so don't be surprised to find fewer such luxuries. Just as in the UR dorms, remember that there are rules that you must follow when living in such close proximity to others (e.g. quiet hours). When you break the rules in the UR dorms, you're a lousy roommate or hallmate and are subject to disciplinary action.

When you break the rules abroad, in addition to being a lousy roommate/hallmate, you're an "Ugly American," and you're still subject to UR disciplinary action, including being removed from the program and sent home.

Homestays

Homestays are a great way to get an intimate view of life in your host country, including practicing the language. Homestays are more common (and arguably more effective) in some countries than in others. Spain and Italy, for example, have a social structure that makes homestays quite feasible. Even there, homestays sometimes are more like a boarding arrangement, and you may see your host family regularly, but may not have extensive contact with them other than passing greetings. Students often fear that homestays will be too limiting, in terms of not being able to come and go as they please. It is true that homestays require a high degree of cultural sensitivity--indeed, that's precisely why they are an effective way to learn about your host country. This will require you to be respectful of when your host family eats meals and goes to bed. Moreover, you'll need to be sensitive to issues of food tastes, use of utilities and water, standards of timeliness, and financial issues. For example, if your host family is traveling to visit a historic site, be sure that it won't inconvenience them before inviting yourself along.

Apartments

Apartments afford you a great deal of freedom while you're abroad, but they can also serve to isolate you from the people and the culture of your host country, especially if you're sharing an apartment with other U.S. students. Some programs arrange an apartment for you, which will be ready upon your arrival. Other programs require you to find your own apartment once you arrive in the country: this is a challenging exercise in finding your way in your new environs.

You may find that preparing your own meals in your apartment is a good way to budget your money (it costs less than eating out all the time). At the same time, you should challenge yourself to get out and meet the people of your host country, and to see the sites.

In any case, you should be prepared to pay a security deposit upon move-in. If you damage the apartment (or residence hall, or homestay) at all during your stay, be prepared to pay for those damages with your security deposit (and with additional payments, if necessary). If you leave your place of residence undamaged, your deposit will be refunded to you. Realize that in many countries (especially in Europe), apartment buildings may be many decades old, and plumbing may be even older. Take special care, as these facilities may be easily damaged.

Hotels, Hostels and Other Lodging

Most students spend part of the semester abroad staying in hotels and other lodging during travels. Many programs will house you temporarily in a hotel upon your arrival. Notice that the hotel industry may be far less developed and less regulated in your host country than it is in the U.S. The disadvantage is that you may find yourself in substandard accommodations if you're not careful (no elevators, less than pristine sanitary conditions, and thin walls are a few common pitfalls). The good news is that you may find lodging far more affordable than it is here in the U.S. For example, while you may not be able to find a room here for less than $35, you might be able to rent a decent room abroad for $20, or even less in some countries. Youth hostels are a great example of affordable housing for college students, and a good way to meet other travelers. Consider getting a Hostelling International Card before you go abroad. Of course, for the weak of heart, the sore of feet, or the well-to-do, you'll find Sheratons, Marriotts and better five-star hotels in most cities around the world.

While your housing abroad may sometimes serve as a refreshing retreat from your new surroundings, remember that it is not an oasis of American life. You're still a guest in the country, even when you're in your own living space. Be respectful of your neighbors and of your landlord or host family.

Housing for Your Return Semester at UR

Office for Residential Life

Pre-departure Information for Housing Students

Spring 2010

Housing Contracts

Your housing contract and room assignment will be cancelled and room charges deleted when Residential Life receives official notification that you are officially going on a study abroad program. Once this occurs, that room is no longer available even if you change your mind at a later date about going abroad.

It is ok to submit a housing contract for the room draw if you were not sure whether you will be accepted to a study abroad program or if you are unsure about whether you are going. However, please realize that if you decide to go abroad, this can affect your friends in suites and apartments. We will not be able to keep your room vacant for fall semester due to very heavy demands for housing during the fall semester. Please advise your suitemates that a person will be assigned to the vacancy – this may affect their strategy for the upcoming room draw.

No Storage Available

Residential Life does not have any available storage. If you need information about local storage facilities, check your Area Office or come to the Office for Residential Life, 020 Gates for details.

Housing When You Return:

For students going abroad for fall semester only:

The Office for Residential Life will be emailing information to you in late March-early April regarding fall semester 2010 housing. If you request, we will also send it to your parents/guardian. Please be sure the Study Abroad Office has your abroad email address as soon as possible - we rely upon them for this information. Students may mail or fax the housing contract to the Office for Residential Life.

If students have specific questions, they can be addressed this week in the discussion portion of this course or by contacting the Office for Residential Life at 5-3166 or email housing@reslife.rochester.edu.

Dining Plan Information

Students abroad are not required to purchase a UR meal plan during their time abroad. You will need to purchase a meal plan when you return from your time abroad. For a full description of the University’s selection of dining plans, please refer to the Dining Options publication, visit the University Dining Services Web site at www.rochester.campusdish.com, visit the Customer Service/ID Office, or call the office at (585) 275-3975 or (800) 661-1118 or email at mealplans@services.rochester.edu.

DINING PLAN CHANGES AND CANCELLATIONS

Fall and spring dining plan changes and cancellations are permitted only during the designated change periods.

A $25 fee is charged for any plan-level decrease or cancellation that is requested during any modification period except the October open modification period. Parents or legal guardians cannot make dining plan changes/cancellations for the participant. Changes or cancellations must be submitted via the Dining Plan Change/Cancellation form. Phone or oral requests are not accepted. Changes or cancellations must be made at the Customer Service/ID Office in Susan B. Anthony Halls.

The Modification period for the fall semester runs the first full week of classes in September. The Open Modification period for the spring semester will be the first full week of November. The Late Modification period for the spring semester for meal plan changes will be during the first full week of classes in January.

REFUND POLICY

Club Meal and Declining Plans

Unused fall semester declining balance dollars carry forward to the spring semester. Remaining declining balance dollars at the close of the spring semester are nonrefundable.

Refunds of unused declining balance and flex funds will be issued for any participant who withdraws from the University or whose status changes to inactive during a semester, as certified by Academic Support, the Registrar’s Office, or the appropriate dean. Refunds will be credited through the University’s Bursar account. Club Meal Plan costs are also credited through the University’s Bursar statement and are subject to proration based upon the official date of cancellation.

URos Accounts

URos Account balances will carry over from year to year, or until your permanent departure from the University of Rochester. Should you withdraw or resign from the University at the close of a semester or upon graduation, any unused balance of $20 or more will be refunded to you.

DINING PLAN EXEMPTIONS

Participants requesting exemption from dining plan requirements must request and submit a Dining Plan Exemption and Change Appeal Form to the Customer Service/ID Office in Susan B. Anthony Halls. The request will then be forwarded to the University Dining Advisory Committee. Requests for exemption for religious reasons will be reviewed with appropriate University authorities. They will make recommendations to the committee.

Exemptions for special dietary needs or medical reasons must be submitted in letter format from the participant’s medical doctor on the physician’s letterhead. This request should be mailed to: University of Rochester, Auxiliary Operations & Dining Services, C/O Director, PO Box 270319, Rochester, NY 14627-0319.

For all such requests, we ask that the student provide a description of the special diet that needs to be followed due to his/her medical condition. The request will be reviewed, and recommendations will be made to the University Dining Advisory Committee. Decisions of the University Dining Advisory Committee are final. Only one exemption per participant will be considered in a semester.

Meals Abroad

Few study abroad programs offer meal plans such as those that are available on campus at UR. Your university or program may have a dining hall (as is often the case in Australian residential colleges, for instance) or—more commonly—a variety of on-campus eateries. However, in many cases, you’ll have a greater degree of independence and flexibility in planning your meals. You may be able to choose from a number of local restaurants. This can be a great way to try out the local cuisine, but it can also be a very expensive way to feed yourself, depending on the cost of living and the caliber of the restaurant. Also, pay attention to the sanitary conditions wherever you eat. For example, the food stalls at the local farmer’s market might be very cost-effective and culturally authentic, but they might also serve up a sure recipe for traveler’s diarrhea (see the section on “Health Care While Studying Abroad” for more on this topic).

In many cases, your best bet will be to prepare your own meals. This is usually the most affordable option, and a good way to stay within your budget. It may sound intimidating if you’re accustomed to relying on a Platinum Plan here on campus, but most students find cooking and food shopping an exciting aspect of overseas living. Your program staff can give you advice about the best places to buy groceries (don’t expect to find a Wegman’s nearby), and your housing will often include kitchen facilities. Particularly if you’re staying with other students, it makes sense to share meals and take turns cooking. Preparing your own meals allows you to regulate the sanitary conditions of your food preparation. So, for example, you can avoid raw vegetables if you’re not confident about the quality of the water used to wash them. And while you might be able to find boil-and-serve comfort foods such as macaroni and cheese, you can experiment with local delicacies, too.

Last but not least, if you’re living in a homestay, your host family will typically provide at least one meal per day. This, of course, is a wonderful way to sample some home cooking typical of your host country. Sometimes it can also present awkward dilemmas which require you to balance sensitivity against dietary requirements. It’s important to be clear up front about any special dietary limitations you may have. That way, if you’re a vegetarian, your host mother will know not to put chicken feet in your soup. Also, your program staff will usually provide the host families with guidelines for food preparation, since foods that seem ordinary to them might present gastronomical challenges for someone newly arrived in the country.

Parking Information

The Parking Office holds a lottery for Resident Student parking permits in the spring before students leave for summer break. Students studying abroad during the fall semester will participate in this lottery. For those students who will be abroad during the spring semester, the registration form for the lottery will be emailed to you while you are abroad. This will enable you to join your classmates for the space allocation for the 2010-2011 academic year. This space allocation is done by seniority. Permit prices are included and payment must be made by the specified date to hold the space for the following school year. If for some reason you do not receive the emailing and need parking for the following year you may contact the parking office at (585) 275-3983 or mail 109 Fauver Stadium, University of Rochester NY 14627 or email rcpark@facilities.rochester.edu.

Daily Life

"Campus life" is generally an American concept, with the exception of some British universities. Buildings are often in the heart of a city, and may be scattered over a considerable area, separated from each other by residences, restaurants, and shops. You may live in one part of the city, attend classes in another part, work in the library somewhere else, and eat your meals in a student restaurant. You will participate in everyday city life: mass transportation, pollution, strikes, impersonal attitudes, different gender issues, etc. Generally, expect less planned or "pre-packaged" student life, fewer clubs, fewer social affairs, and fewer organized sports than in the United States. An exception to the above rule would be universities in smaller cities, so this might affect your choice of where to study. On the other hand, study in a larger city will offer greater varieties of independent cultural and social activities.

Most study abroad programs do not have a full array of student service offices, but all have a program director or site administrator. This person variously serves the roles of academic adviser, residence hall director, counselor, and tour guide, and will be an invaluable resource throughout the course of your program. Get to know your program director.

Local Students

There are study abroad programs in over 100 countries, so it is impossible to generally characterize the local students you might encounter. In some countries, the host country students you encounter will have gone through a more specialized system of education. As a result, they tend to be somewhat older and better prepared to meet the academic demands of their university education.

Most likely they will have begun studying their major subject earlier than their American counterparts, so expect them to have a much more extensive knowledge of the subject. They may seem more serious, tending to act with formality and reserve, even among their peers. It is conceivable that you might sit next to a local student in class for a year without ever striking up a conversation. On the other hand, in other location, local students may be surprisingly like the American students you are used to.

Students in your host country will be politically knowledgeable; work on improving your own knowledge of history and politics of the United States and of the host country before you go. We recommend reading The Economist, Washington Post, Asian Wall Street Journal, or The International Herald Tribune, all of which can be found in the Messinger Periodical Reading Room at Rush Rhees Library. Many newspapers and news magazines have internet sites. You can access them at http://news.yahoo.com.

Class schedules on study abroad programs are often organized differently than those at UR. For instance, classes may meet only once each week for three hours at a time. In many cases, the class may involve fewer exams and quizzes than at the University of Rochester. At the same time, expect to do more independent learning.

Talk to Peer Advisers who studied in the countries you are considering. They will be able to give you more insight into host country student life.

Meeting People

In many societies, particularly in Western Europe, it is not as easy to make friends as in the United States. For example, the concept of a "friend" is quite distinct from the concept of an "acquaintance." It takes months to make a "friend," but once a friendship is formed, it will last a lifetime.

If you are living with a family, your relationship will typically start off as that between boarder and landlord/landlady. It will be up to both of you to create something more than the initial, formal relationship. It may take time to adjust to the customs and habits of the family and to develop a warm relationship. Be patient: it does happen, but it takes time and flexibility.

Culture Shock

Be prepared to undergo a fairly typical adjustment cycle during your stay; in other words, expect some ups and downs. You'll start out with a great deal of excitement; the host country seems to be the most fantastic place on earth, and you will be high with enthusiasm. After a while, the novelty will wear off, and you may feel lonely, frustrated, depressed, homesick, and irritable. You will complain about everything and everyone; you may wish you had never left home and long to be back in Rochester. Don't worry! Things will get better. The petty frustrations will disappear. As you complete your adjustment cycle, you will come to accept and then to enjoy everything, including the academics, food, drinks, habits, and customs of the host country. By the end of the term, you may not want to leave, and you will try to figure out how to get back again as soon as possible.

Some required reading on Culture Shock: The "What's Up With Culture?" website was created by Dr. Bruce LaBrack, an anthropologist at the University of the Pacific in California. It is specifically designed for students traveling abroad. It is a wonderfully thorough, informative, engaging and interactive presentation about crossing cultural boundaries. If you're majoring in anthropology, you may already be familiar with some of this material; for all students, this is an essential crash course in cross-cultural communication and adjustment. If you find yourself at a low point when you're abroad, refer back to this site: it can help you understand some of the cultural complexities that may be making your life difficult.

Dealing with Culture Shock and Cross-Cultural Adjustment

by Peter Lai '99, who studied abroad in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Spring 1998

Culture shock is a term widely known and a condition widely feared. It involves emotional and physical responses to the accumulated stresses and strains which stem from being forced to meet one's everyday needs in unfamiliar ways. But culture shock isn't all bad, as you may discover.

As you approach that anticipated day when everything is packed, addresses have been exchanged, and you are ready to board that plane, a million different questions would have raced through your mind: "What if I don't fit in?" "How will I know how to act in certain situations?" "I don't know the language; how will I get around?"

Relax. Undoubtedly you will feel some jolts as you try to get along in a strange culture, but they can help you to develop more effective ways of coping and accomplishing your aims in being abroad. For many people, culture shock and cross-cultural adjustment progress through stages, sometimes in cycles, sometimes in conjunction with each other, and sometimes in haphazard order. The following contains the general stages I went through in coming to grips with culture shock and the progression towards cultural integration.

1) Honeymoon stage. The emotions associated with this stage can hit you almost immediately when you arrive in your host country. Appropriately named the Honeymoon Stage due to an overwhelming sense of euphoric fascination, this stage is characterized by elevated emotions (usually happy and excited) from lots of unusual stimuli, exhilaration from novel activities, a heady sense of having done yourself proud in getting to another culture, and an early fascination with all the sights and sounds. Undoubtedly, your new environment will be nothing like the one you're used to in America. You will want to see, taste, smell, and discover every fascinating nook and cranny of your incredible new world. But take caution. You are going to be living in this new place for at least the next semester. Don't swallow the whole pill at once. Cultural adjustment and integration don't happen overnight.

2) Post-Honeymoon Depression Stage. This stage is the most troublesome for many. After a brief but rousing ride of the senses during the first few weeks, you are faced with the harsh reality that you are a stranger in a strange place. You may feel a sense of mild to acute depression coupled with confusion and frustration, fatigue, and irritability at slight provocation and criticism. The most difficult part of this stage for me was an overwhelming sense of loneliness, the sense of being a naive American amidst a sea of strangers. I felt a need to meet others, but a reluctance to take the initiative. I felt a fear of getting lost, anxiety over language demands, and a strong desire to interact with and be dependent upon other Americans. Many will experience, as I did, a terrible longing for home and a preoccupation with maintaining close contact with friends and family back home.

There is no cultural aspirin, though talk is a good antidote to homesickness. Try to talk with people who are experiencing it at the same time as you are, but don't let the discussion degenerate into mere griping. The most effective way is to identify loneliness and depression early on and then explore ways to overcome them productively. Telltale signs of early stress may be evidenced in ways so mild you may not even know they are products of depression and homesickness. Symptoms such as change in appetite, prolonged and distressed sleep, loss of inventiveness, spontaneity and flexibility, and decline in school work quality may be the manifestations of your anxiety and depression.

I didn't know why, after three weeks of seemingly nonstop exploration of the city, I was sitting at home, night after night, watching American re-run TV programs, and retiring to bed early in the evening. One of the problems in dealing with homesickness is that frequently people don't realize (or even deny) they are experiencing it. The feelings are ascribed to other causes and it is difficult to counteract something you don't believe is affecting you. But once you do recognize what is happening, there are a number of things you can do.

The first thing I did was to find a willing ear in someone to listen to my grievances. Confide in friends (by this time, you should have already befriended at least one other person on the program), and even your host family, that you are sad and homesick. You may be surprised at how supportive they can be.

Next, I tried to come up with productive solutions to counteract my feelings of loneliness. I surrounded myself with some familiar things--a favorite photo, postcards from friends back home, etc.--to make my new environment pleasant and reinforcing. I cut back on writing postcards and letters, refrained from making daily email checks, and stopped overseas phone calls altogether. You may feel an overpowering need to dial back home to hear a comforting and familiar voice. But take heed: Not only will you end up paying through the nose for overseas phone tolls, but in the end, it may serve to just prevent you further from integrating yourself into your new culture and making new friends.

There is no easy solution to overcoming homesickness and depression. Each person's situations different and each person will find his or her own way of dealing with stressful times. Be assured that, however stressful, homesickness and depression will pass if you are willing to let the process of cultural learning and cross-cultural adaptation take its course.

3) Cultural Acclimation Stage. For many, this stage overlaps the previous in that, while you are searching for solutions to maladjustments, you are at the same time meeting new friends and becoming involved in the new culture. You are learning new procedures and establishing new patterns to old routines, adapting to new ways, and seeing things in a new light. This is the stage in which you grab yourself by the bootstraps and make your slow ascent toward cultural integration.

For me, this stage was a rediscovery of old interests and a realization that those things that once elicited fear now bring joy. With my new-found vigor and curiosity, I forced myself to discover parts of the city (and parts of the country) that I had never visited before. I took the initiative to familiarize myself with cultural etiquette and norms, and with this knowledge, I went out and made new friends.

4) Cultural Integration Stage. This is the stage in which you are putting together everything you have learned so far. You are redefining your own cultural borders while accepting the highs and the lows of the new culture. Essentially, you are trying to become a part of the host culture and comfortably traversing its various terrains.

By this time, I felt very integrated and comfortable with my new culture. I knew the city streets by heart and was recognized by neighbors and patrons alike as being a part of the community. Unfortunately, this also came at the time when my program was on its last leg. Many may experience feelings of not wanting to leave this "second home" that they have worked so painfully and diligently to become a part of. Many will feel cheated at the fact that this feeling of comfortable integration is a process and most processes take a great deal of time and investment to make them work out right. If for no other reason, take comfort in the thought that your next visit to your "second home" will be a much more pleasurable one. Remember, study abroad is a dynamic learning experience. Part of this learning experience involves testing your independence and flexibility in adapting to a new environment. Have faith in yourself and trust that each high point and low point is part of the natural process of cultural adaptation. Relax, be confident, and above all, HAVE FUN!

Dealing with Your Parents

by Jeremy M. Cooper '97, who studied abroad in Madrid, Spain, Spring of 1996

Today's the big day. You've been waiting for this day to arrive for at least an eternity, if not longer. Today is the day that you board that jet-plane, anxiously awaiting what many tell you will be the best semester of your college life. Little to no "real work", seemingly endless fun. Or so you've heard. "They" tell you that it’s an educational experience, a chance to see the world – a growing experience that will return you to American society a more mature, cultured, and responsible young adult. You're worried whether or not you'll be too jetlagged to go out the first few nights or not.

That's right, today is the day that you embark upon your study abroad journey. It's the day that the world seemingly revolves around no one else but you: your anxieties, your expectations, your fears. Today is the day that your parents completely freak out.

“Do you have your passport, your visa, your plane tickets, all the important addresses and phone numbers, a toothbrush, a camera . . . enough clean underwear? “What if it's cold or raining when you get there? Should you pack an extra coat? Do they have phones where you're going? If they do, call us to let us know that you got in OK....”

You already know or can probably guess the rest. You're scared to death and excited and they're worried whether or not you have enough underwear! But don't panic! They're your parents . . . they don't know any better and they're just as scared or excited as you are. You see, study abroad isn't just about the experience of living and studying in a foreign country, or at sea. There's so much more to it. It's about becoming a mature young adult, it's about assimilating, it's about finding yourself, it's about making new friends and seeing amazing places. It's about dealing with your parents!

From the moment you get that letter of acceptance into a study abroad program your relationship with your parent(s) or guardian will change considerably. It's like that first day you left for the U of R. . . .Your parents bugged you to death and all you wanted to do was get away. You were nervous, but you had to play it cool. They were nervous too . . . they cried. However, don't think that just because you're going abroad your relationship with your parents has to suddenly become problematic (or in some cases, more problematic).

The following page contains some points of advice that should help you in dealing with your parents before and during your study abroad experience.

(1) Be honest. Tell your parents all your thoughts, your feelings, your hopes and your fears. Don't beat around the bush. You are the one who is going abroad and you are the one who ultimately has to be happy. An invaluable means by which you can work towards this happiness, without starting World War III, is by maintaining an open and an honest relationship with those concerned for your well-being. With honesty comes trust, and with trust comes understanding.

(2) A semester of study abroad is not a semester at the U of R. Believe it or not, your study abroad experience will be nothing like the rest of your Rochester experience. That's just the point! Although your parents may not want to believe this, your time spent studying abroad will not revolve around academic pursuits. Study abroad, like all of college, is an experience. Whether you are going to England or Kenya a major part of this experience will have absolutely nothing at all to do with academics. Academic pursuits, in this case, take a back seat to having a worthwhile experience. There's so much more to studying abroad than just studying, and your parents need to be made aware of this fact.

(3) The news and the media are often misleading. From your local news station to CNN, the media has a tendency to sensationalize the news. If they didn't do this nobody would pay much attention. So, if your parents start to freak out when they turn on CNN and hear that a bomb blew up in Ireland and you are in England and the two countries are close to one another so you should come home immediately, you have to let them know that they shouldn't panic until you do. After all, their news will always be second hand; thus, what you tell them is usually more accurate.

(4) The "Safety Issue". Many parents tend to think that their son or daughter will be less safe abroad than at Rochester. This is almost never the case. What your parents need to understand is that theft, assault, and all kinds of crime in general occur far less often in other countries than in the United States. Most foreigners in fact view the United States as very dangerous country and cannot fathom the idea of a persistent concern for one's personal safety. Therefore, it is important that your parents understand that not every country shares in our country's crime problems.

(5) Someone is watching out for you while you are abroad. This is a big one. Many parents tend to worry that there will be no one looking out for the well-being of their "precious" sons and daughters while they are abroad. However, any recognized study abroad program will certainly have one if not numerous individuals watching out for you at almost all times. While nobody can be there for you all the time, there will always be a program director or liaison near by ready to lend a helping hand or to give advice, whether it be a minor problem or a major emergency. You are not alone. However, it is important to remember that a big part of study abroad is learning to watch out for yourself and learning to deal with problems on your own.

Remember, study abroad is meant to be a learning experience and above all else, a fun time. Part of this learning experience involves forming a new relationship with your family. This relationship needs to be based on trust. Hopefully, both you and your parents will always be able to look back at your study abroad experience with a smile. Sooo, sit back and relax because the ride has just begun. HAVE A GREAT TIME!!!

Questions About Your Host Country and Culture

Take a proactive approach to encountering difference in your host country. These questions are designed to help spark your curiosity about the country, to direct your reading and research, and to sharpen your knowledge. How many can you answer? Once you arrive overseas, you might use them to fill a quiet moment with your host family, or to strike up a conversation at a pub.

People:

How many people can you name who are prominent in the affairs (politics, athletics, religion, the arts, etc.) of your host country?
Who are the country's national heroes and heroines?
Are other languages spoken besides the dominant language?
What are the social and political implications of language usage?
What things are taboo in this society?
How do people greet one another? Shake hands? Embrace or kiss?
How do they leave one another?
What does any variation from the usual greeting or leave-taking signify?

Customs:

Can you recognize the national anthem?
What are the most common forms of marriage ceremonies and celebrations?
What is the attitude toward divorce? extra-marital relations? plural marriages?
What is the attitude toward gambling?
What is the attitude toward drinking?
Is the price asked for merchandise fixed or are customers expected to bargain?
How is the bargaining conducted?
If, as a customer, you touch or handle merchandise for sale, will the storekeeper think you are knowledgeable, inconsiderate, within your rights, completely outside your rights? Other?
How do people organize their daily activities?
What is the normal meal schedule?
Is there a daytime rest period?
What is the customary time for visiting friends?
On what occasions would you present (or accept) gifts from people in the country?
What kinds of gifts would you exchange?
Do some flowers have a particular significance?
What are the important holidays? How is each observed?
How are children disciplined at home?
Are children usually present at social occasions? At ceremonial occasions? If they are not present, how are they cared for in the absence of their parents?
How does society observe children's "coming of age?"

Religion:

What is the predominant religion? Is it a state religion?
What are the most important religious observances and ceremonies? How regularly do people participate in them?
How do members of the predominant religion feel about other religions?

Food and Entertainment:

What foods are most popular and how are they prepared?
If you are invited to dinner, should you arrive early, on time or late? If late, how late?
What is the usual dress for women? For men?
Are slacks or shorts worn? If so, on what occasions?
What are the favorite leisure and recreational activities?
What sports are popular?
What kinds of television programs are shown?

Gender Issues:

What are the special privileges of age and/or sex?
What are the minority groups in your host country? Are you a minority in that country?
What are men's, women's, and minorities' roles (social, professional, religious, etc.) in your host country?
Do men, women, and minorities have equal opportunity/protection under the law?
Do men, women, and minorities have the same educational opportunities? Job opportunities?
Do women and minorities serve in the military?
Do women work outside the home?
What type of leadership roles do women and minorities hold?
How do men treat local women? American women?
How does your host country view minorities within the country and elsewhere?
Are pay scales equal for men, women, and minorities?
Is there a women's rights or civil rights movements?
Are there special concerns/issues that women and minorities should be aware of before they study abroad in your host country?
Where do women and minorities fall within the social hierarchy?

Transport:

What kind of local public transportation is available? Do all classes of people use it?
Who has the right of way in traffic: vehicles, animals or pedestrians?

Politics:

Is military training compulsory?
Are the largest circulation newspapers generally friendly in their attitude toward the United States?
What is the history of the relationships between this country and the U.S.?
How many people have emigrated from this country to the United States? Other countries? Are many doing so at present?

Medicine:

What kinds of health services are available?
What are the common home remedies for minor ailments?
Where can medicines be purchased?

Education:

Is education free? Compulsory?
What kinds of schools are considered best: public, private, parochial?
Where are the important universities of the country?
If university education is sought abroad, to what countries and universities do students go?

Peer Advisers:

These students studied abroad recently, and are an excellent source of detailed information about student life overseas. They will be able to answer questions about topics such as: packing, making friendships abroad, dating, culture shock, travel arrangements, gender roles, differences in instructional methods & study techniques, advice on learning foreign languages, and how to research the history, culture and current events of your host country.

Name	Major(s)	Study Abroad Site(s)	Email Address
Jonathan Chester	Chemistry/Global Studies in Sustainability	China/India	jcheste3@mail.rochester.edu
Sonia Halasova	Psychology	Australia	sona.halasova@rochester.edu
Chris Aguilar	Environmental Studies	Austria	christopher.aguilar@rochester.edu
Chris Bierasinski	Russian	Russia	cbierasi@mail.rochester.edu
Rachel Carstens	English	Sweden	rachel.carstens@rochester.edu
Stephanie Diebold	Biology	Spain	sdiebold@mail.rochester.edu
Camille Enriquez	Biomedical Engineering	Japan	cenrique@mail.rochester.edu
Annabelle Estera	Music in Contemporary American Society	New Zealand	Annabelle.estera@rochester.edu
Jessica Gambacurta	Religion and International Relations	Egypt	jessica.gambacurta@rochester.edu
Adelaide Kuehn	French	Morocco	akuehn@mail.rochester.edu
Sarah Townsend	English and History	England	stownse3@mail.rochester.edu
Hannah McKillop	Psychology	England	hmckillo@mail.rochester.edu
Natalie Scott	International Relations	Ghana	natalie.scott@rochester.edu
Judith Tulkoff	Political Science	Belgium	jtulkoff@mail.rochester.edu
Rachel Twardowski	Biomedical Engineering	Australia	rtwardow@mail.rochester.edu
Victoria Yam	French and German	Berlin	vyam@mail.rochester.edu
Krista Wentworth	Psychology and Religion	New Zealand	kwentwor@mail.rochester.edu
Michael Yee	Biology	China	Myee3@mail.rochester.edu

If you have questions about your study abroad plans such as: "What should I pack?" or "What can I expect from my program?" email a study abroad returnee at: returnee@mail.rochester.edu Your fellow students are your best resource for these types of questions. Click the link above to send a message and a study abroad returnee will respond to you directly!

Related Web Sites

GUIDES:

http://www.lonelyplanet.com

http://www.letsgo.com

http://www.roughguides.com

U.S. and WORLD NEWS

http://www.msnbc.com

http://www.cnn.com

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/index.shtml

BRITISH NEWSPAPERS

http://www.timesonline.co.uk

http://www.guardian.co.uk/

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/index.jhtml

U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL

http://www.state.gov/travel/

U.S. TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm (List of items permitted and prohibited on U.S. flights)

EUROPEAN INTERCONTINENTAL FLIGHTS

http://www.statravel.com

http://www.ryanair.com

http://www.go-fly.com

http://www.cheapflights.co.uk

http://www.expedia.co.uk

EUROPEAN TRAIN SCHEDULES

http:// www.eurail.com

http://www.bahn.de/international/view/en/index.shtml

GENERAL TRAVEL INFORMATION:

http://www.travel-library.com/ (Rec Travel Library)

GENERAL DESTINATION DATABASES:

http://www.virtualtourist.com/vt/ (Virtual Tourist)

LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL INFORMATION:

http://www.travlang.com/languages/ (foreign languages for travelers)

AUSTRALIA:

http://www.about-australia.com/about.htm (About Australia)

BELGIUM:

http://europa.eu/index_en.htm (Europa-information)

THE CZECH REPUBLIC:

http://www.czechsite.com/ (The Czech Republic)

FRANCE:

http://www.franceway.com/ (France Way)

GERMANY:

http://www.bundestag.de/ (Everything about the German Parliament)

http://www.germany.info (German Embassy)

ITALY:

http://www.itwg.com/ (Italian Tourist Guide)

http://www.arca.net/florence.htm (Your Way to Florence)

SPAIN:

http://www.sispain.org/english/politics/index.html (Everything About Spanish Politics)

http://www.red2000.com/spain/madrid/index.html (Madrid by All About Spain)

http://www.softguides.com/index_madrid.html (Softguide Madrid)

UNITED KINGDOM:

http://www.ukonline.com/ (U.K. Online)

http://www.londontown.com/ (The Official Internet Site for London)

http://www.virtual-london.com/ (Virtual London)

http://www.britainusa.com/ (Britain USA: the website of the British Embassy in the U.S.)

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

http://www.rochester.edu/College/abroad/programs/resources.html

YOUR HEALTH

INTRODUCTION

Scheduling an appointment with your primary care provider (PCP) at the University Health Service prior to leaving the university is a good idea even if your program does not require you to do so. You may find it helpful to talk with your PCP about your health concerns, diet/nutrition concerns, prescription renewals, and other questions you may have. Female students may want to schedule an annual gynecological exam before going abroad.

To schedule an appointment at UHS, call 275-2662. It will be helpful to let the receptionist know you will be studying abroad and are scheduling a pre-departure health visit.

TRAVEL IMMUNIZATIONS

Many countries require you to have specific immunizations before coming into the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (www.cdc.gov/travel) tells which immunizations are required for every country. Travel advisories are also listed on this site.

If you need immunizations before you travel, you can receive them at UHS. There will be a charge for the immunizations, but not for the visit to UHS. You may prefer to go to your physician at home, to your county health department, to Passport Health (located in Helen Wood Hall across from the Medical Center), or to another health care facility. You may want to inquire about the cost when you call to schedule. Since some immunizations require more than one visit or cannot be taken in combination with others, it is recommended that you take care of your immunizations well in advance of your departure.

HEALTH INSURANCE

All full-time UR students must have health insurance coverage while studying abroad. Students who will be studying abroad must complete the online Health Insurance Selection Process before the start of the semester or year in which they will begin their program. The link to the selection process is on the UHS home page (www.rochester.edu/uhs).

You need adequate health insurance coverage while abroad. You can enroll in the Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) insurance plan offered through UHS, or you can remain on your parent’s or your own health insurance.

§ If you enroll in the UR-sponsored BCBS health insurance, your coverage includes the mandatory health fee and Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance. The charges for the mandatory health fee and BCBS insurance will be billed to your tuition bill. The “BCBS Summary of Benefits” is available on the UHS web site.

§ You can waive the UR-sponsored BCBS health insurance if you have your own insurance. If you choose this option, you will not be charged for the mandatory health fee, which means you are not eligible to participate in the Student Health Program through UHS. When you return to the University after your time abroad, you can come to UHS on a fee-for-service basis until you resume paying the mandatory health fee.

The University-sponsored BCBS plan provides coverage for hospitalization, surgery, and diagnostic lab tests anywhere in the world. Visits to a doctor’s office are not covered by the plan. If you are on another insurance plan, it is a good idea to check your coverage outside the U.S. We recommend carrying your insurance card with you at all times.

If you have questions about health insurance and/or completing the Health Insurance Selection Process, contact the UHS Insurance Advisor, at insurance@uhs.rochester.edu or (585) 275-2637.

UHS CAN HELP YOU

All full-time students have a primary care provider (PCP) at UHS. When you are abroad, you can communicate with your PCP through the UHS web site (See “Contact UHS” on the UHS home page.) Contacting UHS can help you with general health questions, not replace or provide direct care you may need while abroad. When sending a message to UHS, it would be helpful if you mention that you are abroad. The UHS web site provides immediate access to information on several health topics, as well as links to reputable health-related web sites.

ITEMS TO TAKE WITH YOU

If you have a known and ongoing medical problem, such as allergies or diabetes, take special precautions in preparing for and managing your situation overseas. Living in a new environment, along with the stresses of studying abroad, can have an impact on your health. Scheduling an appointment with your UHS primary care provider and/or your doctor at home prior to departure will help you anticipate and prepare for medical situations that could arise while you are abroad. To schedule an appointment at UHS, call 275-2662.

A. Medications

If you are taking a prescription medication (including birth control pills), bring a supply to last you throughout your time abroad. Prescription medications vary in name, potency, and purity from country to country and cannot be sent through international mails.

If you have over-the-counter (OTC) medications you prefer, it is a good idea to take a supply with you rather than assume you will be able to purchase the same medicine abroad. For customs purposes, keep all medicines (prescription or over-the-counter) in the original containers. If you bring syringes with you, be sure to bring a doctor’s note. Syringes could be construed as drug paraphernalia.

Keep the medications in the original container(s) and carry any medications you take daily in a carry-on bag in case your luggage is misplaced while traveling. It is also wise to bring the written drug information provided by your pharmacy with you through customs in case the officer has questions about your medication. If you have questions about your prescription medications, ask your primary care provider and/or a pharmacist for advice.

B. Glasses/Contact Lenses

If you wear glasses or contacts, it is a good idea to bring a typed copy of your prescription and an extra pair of glasses or contacts with you.

C. Your Medical Record

Bringing information from your medical record when you study abroad is recommended. It is advisable to carry these documents in a place that is both secure and accessible by you at all times while traveling. Be sure to make a photocopy of your medical records in case of loss. We suggest bringing:

§ Medications you are currently taking.

§ List of chronic illness, allergies, and hypersensitivities.

§ Your immunization history.

§ Your blood type (if available)

§ Your eyeglass and/or contact prescription.

§ The name of your PCP at UHS and at home.

§ The name and policy number of your health insurance company.

D. Medic Alert Emblem

Medic Alert emblems are recognized internationally. If you wear a Medic Alert identification tag or bracelet, be sure to wear it while abroad. If you carry a card, you should carry the card with you at all times. This identification should indicate the specific nature of the problem and clearly spell what must or must not be done should you be unable to communicate this information yourself (e.g., in case of unconsciousness).

E. First Aid Kit

You may want to bring a small first aid kit with you. The availability of specific over-the-counter drugs and hygiene products is uncertain in other countries. Many of these products will have different brands in the countries you will be traveling to, so it is a good idea to have what you need for the duration of your stay before you leave home.

Items to pack in a first aid kit:

§ Acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol), Ibuprofen (e.g., Advil, Motrin), or Aspirin for pain or fever.

§ An antihistamine (e.g., Benadryl) for allergies, for motion sickness, and to ease the itch from insect bites or stings.

§ Loperamide (e.g., Immodium) for diarrhea.

§ Bandages and band-aids for minor injuries.

§ Antiseptic, e.g., povidone-iodine (e.g., Betadine) and antibacterial (e.g., Neosporin) for cuts.

§ Calamine lotion or 'AfterBite' to ease irritation from bites and stings.

§ Acetaminophen or ibuprofen, throat lozenges, cough suppressants (e.g. Robitussin DM), decongestant for cold symptoms.

§ Condoms and contraceptives. If you are taking birth control pills, bring enough for the duration of your stay.

A few other things to consider including in your first aid kit:

§ Multivitamins (especially for long trips when dietary vitamin intake may be inadequate)

§ Feminine hygiene products

§ Insect repellent

§ Sunscreen and chapstick

§ Scissors and tweezers (packed in your suitcase)

YOUR PERSONAL HEALTH

Taking care of your personal health will help you have an enjoyable and successful time studying abroad. Living in another culture often entails a change in diet, different expectations about alcohol consumption, and stresses from living in a new place and culture. In this section, you will find information about nutrition, alcohol & other drugs, sexual health, cold self care, and the flu.

A. Nutrition

Living in another culture often entails a change in diet and changes in daily eating routines and assumptions. Diets in other countries can be significantly more or less nutritious than diets in America. It is important to be aware of what you are eating. Traveling will bring your body into contact with new and different bacteria than you are used to. These bacteria are not necessarily harmful in themselves, but the change can unsettle your stomach or cause health problems.

Food should be selected with care. Any raw food could be contaminated, particularly in areas of poor sanitation. Foods of particular concern include salads, uncooked vegetables and fruit, raw meat, and shellfish. If you peel fruit yourself, it is generally safe. Food that has been cooked and is still hot is generally safe. In addition, water, including ice cubes, unpasteurized milk, and milk products, could upset your digestive system until your body adjusts to new surroundings.

If you are a vegetarian, you may find it particularly challenging to maintain a healthy diet. You may want to research the foods offered in your host country. You may want to bring protein powder, vitamins, and other dietary supplements with you to provide good nutrition while abroad. Talking with other vegetarians who have studied abroad may be helpful, as well.

B. Alcohol & Drug Use

If you decide to drink while abroad, drink wisely. Alcohol abuse can lead to unsafe choices, poor academic performance, higher risk behavior, and/or regretted sexual activity. Do not endanger yourself, others, or property. Use good judgment whenever consuming alcohol.

Students studying abroad may abuse alcohol due to a mistaken impression of how alcohol is used in your new surroundings, the cheaper cost to purchase alcohol, a lower minimum drinking age, different portions of alcohol, different types of alcoholic beverages, more lenient laws against drunkenness, and/or a desire to experiment or fit in. Although alcohol abuse may not carry the same legal penalties as use of illegal drugs, it can create dire circumstances for you and your personal safety.

Remember, you will be in a new environment and will often have to rely on public transportation to get you home at night. You may also have to make the journey home at night alone, so be sure to use caution and stay in control and aware of your surroundings. Use of inebriating or hallucinogenic drugs has very serious cultural and legal consequences (e.g., incarceration, deportation, removal from your program), as well as innumerable health risks.

Although there may be no minimum drinking age in your host country, the customs regarding alcohol use may be very different from ours. Most countries, with the exception of those with religious prohibitions, tolerate social drinking; however, alcohol abuse and drunken behavior are not socially acceptable or tolerated. Remember that you are serving as an ambassador for the University of Rochester and the United States and the rules of the University uphold while studying in another country.

If you or a fellow student becomes incapacitated due to alcohol overuse and/or is in need of medical attention, the local emergency medical service and your program director/faculty should be notified immediately to protect the student’s health and well-being.

C. Sexual Health

It is important for you to be aware of your host culture's view towards gender, dating, sex and morality. If you choose to be sexually active, protect yourself and your partner against unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and HIV/AIDS. Be responsible if using alcohol or other drugs because they can affect your judgment and your behavior. Take a supply of condoms and other birth control methods with you, as the availability of condoms in your new country may be limited. Additionally, the conditions of manufacture and storage may be questionable. If you are taking birth control pills, bring an extra pack in addition to what will be needed for the duration of your stay. For more information on sexual health topics, check “Health Topics” on the UHS web site.

D. Cold Self Care

It is likely you will experience cold symptoms while you are abroad. Unfortunately, there is no cure for the common cold. Upper respiratory infections or colds are an inflammation of the upper respiratory tract caused by many different virus strains that cannot be cured by antibiotics. Most colds generally last 4-5 days. Over-the-counter medications may reduce your symptoms. The UHS web site provides recommendations for self-care for four common cold symptoms (cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, and fever). Also included is advice to help you decide if you should seek medical care.

Colds are spread mainly from person to person through coughs, sneezes, and mucus on a person's hands. You can pick up the virus from books, towels, door handles, etc. that people with a cold virus have touched.

The best ways to reduce your chances of catching a cold are:

§ Wash your hands with soap and warm water often and every time you touch your face.

§ Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing.

§ Discard your tissue after using it once.

§ Avoid kissing and sharing towels, utensils, cups, etc.

§ Get an adequate amount of sleep.

§ Eat well.

E. About the Flu

The UHS web site also provides information about the flu. Symptoms of the typical flu come on quickly and usually include fever, chills, weakness, aches and pains, headaches, and a dry cough. If you suddenly develop these symptoms at a time when influenza is present in the community, you probably have the flu. Since flu is caused by viruses, antibiotics are not effective. The only real cure for flu is time. In cases of uncomplicated flu, the fever lasts three to four days and recovery occurs within a week. While most flu symptoms disappear within a week, a dry cough and lack of energy may persist for a couple of weeks. Once the worst symptoms have passed, it is especially important to eat and rest well so that full recovery takes place as quickly as possible.

If you will be studying abroad during the spring semester, we recommend you receive a flu shot in November or December prior to leaving the U.S. The flu shot will help protect you from the most common strains of the flu for the upcoming flu season. To be protected, you need to receive a flu shot every flu season.

YOUR EMOTIONAL HEALTH

Living in a new place and culture can cause stresses that may or may not be anticipated. There will be ups and downs to adjusting to new academics, surroundings, food, habits, customs, people, etc. Feelings of loneliness or frustration will pass as you make these adjustments. If they persist, however, consider it a possible medical problem and seek assistance from a counselor or physician.

Going abroad is not a magic "geographic cure" for concerns and problems at home. Both physical and emotional health issues will follow you wherever you go. In particular, if you are concerned about your use of alcohol and other controlled drugs or if you have an emotional health concern, you should address it honestly before making plans to travel. Contrary to many people's expectations, travel does not minimize these problems; in fact, it often exacerbates them to a crisis stage while you are away from home.

A. Cultural Shock

It is normal to experience stress when studying abroad. You are not only adjusting to being a student in a new and different setting, but you are also adjusting to a new living environment. Quite likely, you will be far away from friends and family and will experience feelings of loneliness and homesickness. These feelings are very natural. The difference between what you expect and what you actually experience may contribute to the level of distress you feel.

It may help to know that most people go through five fairly predictable stages as they adjust to their new environment.

The initial excitement about being in a new place is called orientation & honeymoon.
This stage is followed by a period of initial culture shock in which you may feel lonely, frustrated, and depressed.
This stage will pass in time to a point of adjustment, where you will start feeling more comfortable with your surroundings and your acquaintances.
As you complete the adjustment cycle, you will find yourself feeling integrated into the host culture and may find you enjoy most aspects of host country.
Returning to the United States may send you into a reverse culture shock. You may not want to leave and may find yourself trying to figure out how and when you can return.

B. Dealing with Stress

Many emotions and reactions are to be expected when you are stressed. Some common manifestations are:

§ Irritability over small things

§ Difficulty concentrating

§ Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

§ Queasy stomach

§ Desire to run away

§ Constant feeling or tiredness

§ Psychosomatic illness

§ Excessive criticism of others

§ Poor work performance

§ Difficulty making decisions

§ Being unusually introspective

§ Feelings of guilt, worry and anxiety

Based on feedback from numerous students, the following techniques are especially helpful in dealing with the stresses and strains of adjustment:

§ Immerse yourself in study/reading that is satisfying.

§ Find a local person with whom you can talk regularly.

§ Practice your faith through prayer, meditation, reading, etc.

§ Write letters/e-mails (or make audiotapes) to family and friends.

§ Visit fellow students.

C. Coping Strategies

You may find it helpful to think about the coping strategies that have worked for you in the past. You may also want to develop some new strategies to help you when you are experiencing periods of loneliness, sadness, or depression. It helps to anticipate that you may have non-peak times, so you can be prepared to work through them. Whenever your usual coping mechanisms are not working for you or you find yourself making coping choices that are not in your best interest, realize that you may need more support and seek help. You may find it helpful to talk with your program director/faculty to talk about the stress you are feeling.

You should be aware of the signs of a serious problem, either in yourself or in a fellow student, which require intervention. The signs include:

§ Prolonged depression

§ Marked changes in eating or sleeping patterns

§ Excessive anxiety that interferes with the ability to function

§ Self-destructive or violent behavior

§ Alcohol or substance abuse

§ Failure to comply with medical recommendations

(Adapted from "Maintaining Strong Mental and Emotional Health" module, Pre-Service Health Training for Volunteers Binder, Peace Corps Office of Medical Services)

Student Conduct and Safety Abroad

Code of Conduct for University of Rochester Study Abroad Students

General Guidelines

You are required to read and to understand the following Code of Conduct.

You are required to be familiar with and to adhere to the UR "Standards of Conduct." These Standards are outlined in the UR "Handbook on Student Discipline: Conduct Standards, Policies, and Procedures." A copy of this handbook is included in this packet and can be found on-line at: www.rochester.edu/College/dos/conduct/conduct0708.pdf. The same behavior expectations exist overseas, in matters relating to student-to-student relationships, class attendance, and academic honesty.

The following are examples of behaviors on study abroad programs which will subject the participant to discipline and penalties. Discipline may include, and is not limited to: loss of privileges, community service projects, fines, and/or dismissal from the program, in the sole discretion of University of Rochester administration. The University of Rochester may, at any time, contact your parents (and your home school, if you are not a matriculated UR student) if program officers believe that your behavior is inconsistent with the terms of this agreement.

1. The use, distribution, or possession of any quantity of illegal drugs, including marijuana. Prescription drugs will be allowed, for use by the individual for whom it was prescribed.

2. The use or possession of firearms, ammunition, explosives, fireworks, and other weapons, including, but not limited to pistols, rifles, shotguns, handguns, BB guns, paint guns, swords, knives, spears, and dangerous chemicals.

3. Physical violence, including sexual assault.

4. The theft or damage of personal property of another individual or company, or University of Rochester equipment; jeopardizing the safety and the property of others by neglecting to secure common spaces (e.g. failure to observe directions for locking doors, windows, shutters; loss of keys).

5. Public conduct (in host countries and in the program location) deemed offensive by ordinary standards of courtesy (e.g., indecent exposure, drunkenness or abuse of alcohol, personal injury, property damage), or any other behavior, which directly impinges on the rights of others.

6. Unwillingness to participate fully in the academic program, such as refusal to attend classes or to turn in assignments.

7. Failure to read and to comply with written directions and pre-arrival materials provided by the University of Rochester and your study abroad program concerning your safety, adjustment and academic success.

8. Failure to respond in a timely fashion to any communication received from the University of Rochester, and from your program, prior to and during your time abroad. This includes failure to monitor and to keep in working order your UR email account. This also includes failure to provide your overseas mailing address to the College Center for Study Abroad at the beginning of your program.

9. Harassment, directed toward individuals or groups. Harassment may include, but is not limited to, threats of physical violence, coercion, intimidation, or persistent verbal or written statements (beyond a reasonable expression of opinion), which are likely to cause another person humiliation, stress, psychological harm.

10. Returning to the program late, intentionally missing the train, bus, or other type of transportation, or traveling to a prohibited area during elective travel. Failure to inform the local site director, to the best of your ability, of your whereabouts during elective travel

11. Knowingly furnishing false or misleading information to a representative of the University of Rochester, and the falsification, alteration, duplication, or misuse of the official identification card, passport, and/or other documents issued to participants.

12. Creating excessive noise resulting in the disruption of others' rights to a peaceful environment, privacy and rest in the living areas during quiet hours and failure to respect the rights of others during the remaining time periods.

13. Assisting with or bringing unauthorized visitor(s) or substances in program housing or premises. Animals, including dogs, cats, reptiles etc. are prohibited in housing on study abroad programs.

14. Unauthorized use of University of Rochester property and/or unauthorized entrance into offices, and common spaces.

15. Creating a fire, safety or health hazard; tampering with fire safety equipment of any kind, including sprinklers, smoke detectors, and/or operating a fire alarm or emergency signal without the existence of a fire or a similar emergency situation.

16. Failure to comply with the terms of any disciplinary sanctions.

17. Operating motor vehicles of any type (automobiles, moped, motorcycles, etc.), or engaging in behavior such as hitchhiking.

18. Failure to abide by smoking, drug, and alcohol policies established by the program.

19. Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty or facilitating any such act inconsistent with the standards of academic integrity established by the University of Rochester.

20. Unauthorized use of computers, or use that is inconsistent with the local computer use policies. This can include downloading any files to public machines in cases where students have been forbidden to do so, violating time limits set by the program, or using applications not permitted on program computers, which might include Instant Messenger or music download software.

21. Failure to promptly meet financial responsibilities to the University of Rochester, including, but not limited to, knowingly passing a worthless check, money order, credit card, or other methods of payment to the University of Rochester or a member of the University of Rochester Study Abroad community acting in official capacity.

22. Unauthorized distribution of flyers, advertisements, informational materials, etc. The University of Rochester does not permit any type of unauthorized sales and solicitations for individual or company for private gain.

23. Failure to comply with the directives of University of Rochester staff or faculty acting in the performance of their duties.

24. Disruption or obstruction of teaching, administration, disciplinary proceedings, other study abroad activities.

25. Failure to follow the standards of conduct and behavior as established for all students while in the host country and on field trips, including failure to learn and to obey local laws as outlined by your program director.

Steps Involved in Progressive Discipline

If you engage in any of the prohibited behavior mentioned above, you will be subject to disciplinary action. The disciplinary process through which sanctions may be imposed will vary from location to location, however administrators in each location will generally consider the following:

Seriousness of the conduct
Student's academic and behavioral record
The student's ability to correct conduct
Surrounding circumstances
Should the individual have been aware of the rule or behavioral violations
Is there a reasonable excuse for the infraction?

If a student is deemed responsible for engaging in prohibited behavior the program administrator will determine appropriate sanctions for the student. Typical sanctions include verbal warnings, written warnings, community service, revocation of privileges, and dismissal from the program. Some behaviors, including, but not limited to the use and/or possession of drugs, firearms, and physical assault, may result in immediate dismissal. Any case may involve the entire range of sanctions; however, in general, the University of Rochester administrators will use progressive discipline when addressing issues of student misconduct.

Safety Tips

University Security wants your study abroad experience to be a rewarding and safe one. Please review the information contained in the two U.S. State Department publications, as well as these common sense guidelines.

Remember, you are an ambassador for the University of Rochester, and of the United States. Bad impressions are lasting impressions.

Learn about the country in which you will be studying.

Learn about local laws and the consequences for their violations. What appears to be a minor infraction in the U.S. can have major repercussions in your host country.

Stay aware of your surroundings, no matter where you are.

Learn how to summon help in any emergency, either for you or someone else. Know how to use a pay phone and have the correct change or token on hand.

Inform yourself about the safety of areas that you will commonly frequent (residential, academic, social). Consult with your program director.

Ask about, and learn, the emergency exit routes in your residence and school buildings.

Have a safe place to store valuables at your residence.

Carry only the cash or credit cards that you'll need. Use travelers checks in place of cash.

When traveling, carry cash and credit cards in a money belt.

Whenever possible, travel with another person or in groups.

Keep your host program informed of your whereabouts. When traveling, let someone know with who you'll be, along with the date/time of your departure and return.

Keep a low profile in demeanor and dress. Conceal jewelry, or don't wear it at all.

Don't shout in public.

Do not hitchhike, even though local citizens may.

Exchange currency only at authorized and/or reputable establishments.

Before you go, make a copy of the identification page of your passport. Take the copy with you, but keep it separate from your passport.

Keep a record of your passport number, and the date and place of issuance.

Know the location of, and register at, the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Keep up on current events, in the U.S. and your host country, especially as they relate to U.S. citizens in your host country.

Review on a regular basis all U.S. State Department Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts & Country Specific Information pages for the areas and regions you'll be residing in and visiting.

If taking a cell phone, make sure you have an appropriate calling plan.

More Advice About Safety and Conduct While Overseas

Clothing that immediately identifies you as a U.S. college student, such as fraternity/sorority logos, or baseball caps worn backwards, may hamper your efforts to blend in to your new surroundings and peers. More seriously, criminals often are able to seek out tourists or international students, simply because of their appearance. Many returnees recommend wearing black clothing, especially in Europe. If the locals don't wear white athletic shoes unless they are engaged in sports, don't use them for street wear!

Be especially careful to be polite and to observe signs and regulations in public places.

Whenever possible, travel with another person. Leave the following with your program director: name of travelers, dates of departure and return.

Inform yourself about the safety of areas you commonly frequent.

If you are staying with a host family, bring gifts from the U.S. --inexpensive, lightweight and representative of our culture, UR, or your hometown.

Don't be insulted or make a judgment until you have had time to think it over and discuss it with someone.

Make an effort to immerse yourself in your new culture. Become more than a guest. You will be a resident...act like one. Adapt to their way of life; don't try to change it. (That doesn't mean you need to compromise your own moral standards.)

Keep a journal or a log while you are abroad. Journals provide a wonderful opportunity to record all of your adventures overseas. This will be one of the most valuable pieces of memorabilia to look back at after you return to the United States.

Expect the unexpected. So you get off the plane and your luggage isn't there! Have those few necessities in your carry-on bag. Counteract something you don't believe is affecting you. But once you do recognize what is happening, there are a number of things you can do.

Flexibility, a sense of humor, patience, and counting to ten before you speak are all keys to a successful international experience!

Useful Links

REQUIRED READING. Review the information from the following two web sites:

U.S. State Department publication, Tips for Traveling Abroad, http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/tips_1232.html

U.S. State Department publication, A Safe Trip Abroad, http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html

Recommended Web Sites to Review:

*University of Rochester Center for Study Abroad: http://www.rochester.edu/college/abroad

*U.S. State Department information on Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts & Country Specific Information:

Travel Warnings are issued when the State Department recommends that Americans avoid a certain country. They contain information on continuing conditions throughout a country.http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html

Travel Alerts are reports about conditions that are expected to be of limited duration and scope (previously known as Public Announcements).http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1766.html

Country Specific Information are reports on all nations about various issues, including the health conditions, crime, unusual currency or entry requirements, any areas of instability, and the location of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in that country (previously known as Consular Information Sheets).http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html

http://www.studentsabroad.state.gov/

U.S. State Department information on Assistance for Victims of Crime: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1748.html

U.S. State Department information on Overseas Road Safety: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1179.html

U.S. State Department information on The Office of Overseas Citizens Services: http://travel.state.gov/travel/about/who/who_1245.html

U.S. State Department Background Notes on Foreign Countries: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/

U.S. Education Department, Network for Education Information: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/international/edlite-going-abroad.html

Life After Study Abroad

Introduction

Perhaps you've been looking forward to study abroad for a long time, or maybe you just decided to study abroad a couple of months ago. Whatever the case, most students who study abroad remark that it was one of the highlights of their undergraduate studies. Many find that it changes their lives in profound ways. It may be that you'll finally achieve the level of foreign language fluency for which you've been striving for years. Maybe you'll form relationships that will lead your life in new directions. Maybe you'll discover an academic topic that will become the emphasis of your doctoral dissertation. Or maybe you'll find yourself navigating both physical and emotional geographies that you never thought you could explore on your own.

Right now, you can't be certain what might come of your overseas studies, but you can prepare yourself for this transformative experience. A key part of that preparation is to consider how your studies abroad might affect your career and your life plans. Most jobs and graduate programs require you to function in transnational contexts. You may find employment abroad, or you may be stationed overseas for employment or graduate study. If you remain in the U.S., you'll still find yourself constantly interfacing with colleagues across national boundaries. Your study abroad experience will provide you with relevant preparation for these challenges. Think about how to articulate this on your resume, and as you go overseas, be prepared to make contacts that can help you with your career plans.

Students often return from abroad only to begin scheming how they might get back overseas again as soon as possible. The "Take 5" Scholars Program and the fellowships for graduate studies are two avenues for accomplishing this goal. Other opportunities include the Peace Corps and similar international volunteer programs. Some of these opportunities have early application deadlines, and may require you to begin the process while you're overseas.

The Center for Study Abroad organizes a variety of programs to help study abroad returnees readjust to life back in Rochester. You can look forward to attending a "Welcome Back" reception, and to participating in a student-to-student "chat room" during your return semester. You can become a study abroad "peer adviser" and share your experiences with underclassmen who are interested in overseas study. If you'd like to get more involved, there are always opportunities to work in the Center for Study Abroad, to help organize future orientations, design bulletin boards, work on the UR There guide, or other projects.

In summary, don't wait until you return from overseas to consider how study abroad might impact your future.

Tips from the Career Center

UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER CAREER CENTER

Meliora Hall Box 270028

Rochester, NY 14627

Phone: (585)275-2366 | Fax: (585) 461-3093

www.rochester.edu/careercenter

Before You Leave...

Clarify post-baccalaureate or summer plans, make contacts, and inform potential employers how they can contact you while you are away.
Schedule an appointment with a Career Counselor during the semester before you leave. Make sure you are familiar with the Career Center's website, including CareerLink, our web driven recruiting and job posting database, so you can utilize it while you are abroad.
Ask Career Center Counselors about other programs and events that you can participate in while abroad.
If you are considering graduate school after graduation, determine what kind of test preparation will be required for standardized tests and when is the best time to take those tests.
Create a resume to take with you. Once you add new experiences, update this document, but always feel free to use this networking tool.

While you are abroad...

In most countries you will have access to the Internet. Use the Career Center Website to search Internship Listings, Full-time Job Postings, Recruiting Information, and keep up on what's new at the Career Center.
If you are working in an internship, make the most of your experience! It is strongly advised that you get recommendations from your supervisor(s) while you are there. Not only will you be less likely to forget to follow up when you return home, but your contributions will still be fresh in the recommender's mind. Also, you avoid the risk that the supervisor may not be in the same position or even with the same company after you leave.
If you are considering graduate school, visit the Career Center website for information and helpful links. Register for any admissions tests or preparation courses you wish to take when you return.
Develop a network in your host country. Collect contact information from businesses, including that may be of interest to you in your job search. Document your relationships via business card collection or e-mail mailing lists.
If you obtain a summer internship while abroad, consider applying for Reach Funding. Reach Funding is a small stipend from the Career Center for an unpaid or poorly paid career related internship. Applications are available after February 1st and can be emailed from abroad.

When you return...

Mail or email thank you notes and update letters to all of your contacts.
Update your resume with information about study abroad experience. Stop by the Career Center to have a counselor look it over and assist you in posting it in CareerLink.
Schedule an appointment with a counselor, if you haven't already, so you can learn how to participate in on campus recruiting, maintain awareness of postings, and discuss your plans for the future!

Information About the "Take 5" Scholars Program

Many study abroad students are interested in participating in the "Take 5" Scholars program once they return from their study abroad experience. Check out the following website to learn more details. http://www.rochester.edu/College/CCAS/TakeFive/

Information About Fellowships & Scholarships for Graduate Study Abroad

While you are abroad, investigate academic fellowships opportunities for international or domestic study, or teaching English abroad, after you graduate. Many senior-year awards competitions, such as the Fulbright and Rhodes, have early fall deadlines, and application preparation should begin before the end of the junior year. Check out the following website for more details:http://www.rochester.edu/College/CCAS/fellowships/

Information About Pre-Med

If you are interested in medical, dental, optometry, osteopathy, physician assistant or veterinary school, please read the following information. Every year the University of Rochester has students who go abroad in the spring and successfully apply to the Health Professions school of their choosing. The key to pursuing an interest in the Health Professions while studying abroad is to familiarize yourself with the application process and deadlines before you go abroad. Advanced planning is key. Please be advised that you are expected to adhere to all listed deadlines.

The Health Professions Handbook, available on the Health Professions website sponsored by the College Center for Academic Support: http://www.rochester.edu/College/CCAS/healthprofessions.html, is an essential tool to assist you in the application process. The Handbook contains information on the type of test needed to apply, an overview of the timeline, the application service available for applicants, the Health Committee letter, and much more. A consideration that is especially important for students studying abroad relates to the Health Committee letter. It is possible to request a Health Committee letter while abroad in the spring. You will need to complete the Health Professions Questionnaire (HPQ) and submit it via email to a Health Professions adviser in the spring semester. The required meeting with a Health Professions adviser to review a submitted HPQ can be done over the phone if necessary when the student returns to the United States.

There are two Health Professions advisers available to answer your questions, Scott MacPhail (smacphai@mail.rochester.edu) and Kate Sgabellone (ksgabell@mail.rochester.edu)