Transcript Document

Pre-departure Orientation
Health and Safety
Abroad
International Student Exchange Office,
University of Toronto
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Pre-departure Orientation
Introduction
Who We Are
Objectives of Orientation
Goals of Going Overseas
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Pre-departure Orientation
Introduction
Who We Are
ISXO
Safety Abroad Advisor
Student expectations of workshop
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Pre-departure Orientation
Introduction
Objectives of Orientation
Legal responsibility
Share in health and safety risk
assessment
Students participate fully in risk
management
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Pre-departure Orientation
Introduction— Shared Responsibility
University
Students
Choose sites carefully; provide info
regarding risk; provide on-going
support
Evaluate risk; make decisions
regarding participation; employ
sound safety practices; report
problems
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Pre-departure Orientation
Getting There
Waivers
Registering on-line
Budget and Money Issues
Health Issues
Travel Documents
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Pre-departure Orientation
Getting There
Waivers
Participation is optional; waivers are mandatory
Take all waivers, T.O.P. home and read carefully
Contact us if you have any concerns
Bring copy of DFAIT country specific advisory
with you when you return health & safety form
Emergency Info will be forwarded to DFAIT and
shared with UofT offices as needed
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Pre-departure Orientation
Registering On-Line
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Pre-departure Orientation
Registering On-Line
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Pre-departure Orientation
Registering On-Line
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Pre-departure Orientation
Getting There– Preparing To Go
Research prior to going overseas can
minimize problems overseas
PDO is general review; up to you to do the
research on specifics
FAC has website containing information regarding
health and safety for over 220 travel destinations
http://voyage.dfaitmaeci.gc.ca/destinations/menu_e.htm
ISC Work/ Study Abroad Library has books,
magazines related to cross-culture travel
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Pre-departure Orientation
Getting There– Money Issues
Financing Your Sojourn
Bursary Help
OSAP
• Power of Attorney
Scholarships
Fundraising
TALK TO STUDENTS
CURRENTLY LIVING
IN HOST AREA
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Pre-departure Orientation
Getting There– Money Issues
Accessing Money
Consider all options that are available to you
Plan on at least two backup plans for accessing
money
Bring (if possible) local currency
Have access to an emergency fund
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Pre-departure Orientation
Getting There– Money Issues
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Pre-departure Orientation
Getting There– Money Issues
Safety Tips
Avoid unregulated money vendors
Fanny Packs
Money Belts
Carry Small Currency (separate from money belt)
The ‘Fake Wallet’
Don’t leave your wallet with a stranger! (Even
another Canadian)
If available, store valuables in hotel safe
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Pre-departure Orientation
Getting There– Health Issues
OHIP Extension
Required for students planning on being outside
Ontario for more then 153 days in a 12 month
period
Students may apply for Continuous OHIP for
work, study and vacation (limits apply)
Extension required for many supplementary
health plans
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Pre-departure Orientation
Getting There– Health Issues
Mandatory Supplementary Health Insurance
Compare various policies
Include coverage for pre-existing medical
conditions and for all aspects of your sojourn
Easy to extend and make claims
War, SARS
Know How To Use Insurance
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Pre-departure Orientation
Getting There– Health Issues
Mandatory Supplementary Health Insurance
Repatriation of remains
Emergency room expenses
Med-Evac
Deductibles
Up-front coverage
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Pre-departure Orientation
Getting There– Health Issues
Mandatory Supplementary Health Insurance
IT IS UP TO YOU TO DECIDE WHAT IS
SUFFICIENT HEALTH INSURANCE
Insurance may not cover all aspects (eg.
long-term disability, natural disasters)
U of T is NOT liable for any limitations in
insurance
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Pre-departure Orientation
Getting There– Health Issues
Immunization and Travel Care
Visit all health (mental/ physical) care providers
that are currently providing you care
Discuss accessing medical info while away
Evaluate any medical conditions and how they
might affect trip
Consult with travel clinic well in advance of
travel
Visit FAC website for additional information
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Pre-departure Orientation
Getting There– Health Issues
For detailed travel health advice, visit a
Travel Clinic
Appointment for UofT Travel Clinic should be
made 3 months in advance (more for some
destinations)
Fees waived with ISXO letter
Costs for immunizations can vary widely
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Pre-departure Orientation
Getting There– Travel Documents
Passport
Most destinations require passport valid 6
months beyond the expected date of return
For Canadian passport application, visit
www.ppt.gc.ca
Make copies of passport photo and ID page;
consider making electronic copy and emailing it
to yourself
Tape copy to inside of all luggage
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Pre-departure Orientation
Getting There– Travel Documents
Visa
Contact Consulate of host country for details
concerning visa
Obtaining correct documentation to work/ study
is the full responsibility of the participant
Understand what your visa entitles you to do
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Pre-departure Orientation
Getting There– Travel Documents
Dual Citizenship/ National of Host Country
Having citizenship of host country does not
necessarily mean that you can work/ study in
that country
Travelling to a country to which you are either
citizen or considered a national may include
additional obligations such as military duty,
special tax
Travel on Canadian passport
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Pre-departure Orientation
Getting There– Travel Documents
Permanent Resident
Landed residents residing outside of Canada run
the risk of losing permanent resident status
Apply for a Returning Residence Permit in
advance of departure
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Pre-departure Orientation
Getting There– Travel Documents
Preparing documents for travel
Make copies of all essential documents
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Passport, visa
Prescriptions (medical, eye wear)
Introductory letters
Important numbers
Travellers cheques
Leave copy at home and have duplicates with
you
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Pre-departure Orientation
Getting There– Emergency Contact
Emergency Contact
Contact should clearly understand and agree to
responsibilities
Contact should be someone you trust with
financial/ personal information
Contact should be good in emergency situations
Leave copies of important documents and travel
itinerary
Emergency contact should be your contact back
home
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Pre-departure Orientation
Getting There– Packing
Luggage
Pack lightly
Carry-on luggage kept to minimum
If needed, consider shipping items in advance
Separate essential belongings in the event that
one piece of luggage is stolen
All luggage should be carried keeping
one hand free
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Pre-departure Orientation
Getting There– Packing
Carrying Medicine
Keep all medicine in original containers
Ensure that all medicine is legal in country that
you are traveling to
Bring copy of prescription and if possible also
bring doctor’s note
If you need to carry syringe bring doctor’s
certificate
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Pre-departure Orientation
Getting There– Packing
What to Pack
Mosquito repellent, sun tan lotion
Items from home
Small gifts/ tokens
Basic medical kit
Conservative clothes that match the culture
PRE-DEPARTURE MANUAL
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Pre-departure Orientation
Getting There– Packing
What NOT to Pack
Things of value (monetary or sentimental) that
you cannot afford to lose
Flashy clothes items, items that mark you as a
tourist
Clothes that are too casual, also indicating that
you’re a tourist!
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Pre-departure Orientation
Preparing for Life Overseas
Life as Ambassador
Researching Host Culture
Observing Local Laws
Drugs
Understanding Culture
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Pre-departure Orientation
Preparing for Life Overseas
Life as Ambassador
Knowledge of Canadian culture
Familiarity of host culture
U of T Code of Student Conduct
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Pre-departure Orientation
Preparing for Life Overseas
Researching Host Culture
Do classes start on time?
How formal are the relations between
professors and students?
What is an appropriate gift?
How far apart do people generally stand? Does
it change between persons of opposite gender?
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Pre-departure Orientation
Preparing for Life Overseas
Researching Host Culture
Try to familiarize yourself with
the food before leaving
Know dining customs (Do you
finish your plate or not)
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Pre-departure Orientation
Preparing for Life Overseas
Researching Host Culture
Academic or work environment
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ISC library
Talk to past participants
Flora and Fauna
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Fear of animals more of a risk
then actual risk
Take local warnings seriously!
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Pre-departure Orientation
Preparing for Life Overseas
Observing Local Laws
You are subject to the laws of your host country
Caution about how and what information you
communicate; never admit wrong doing or sign
anything
Right to access Consular Representative;
request appropriately
Canadian Consulate will keep all information in
strict confidence
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Pre-departure Orientation
Preparing for Life Overseas
Most tourists are arrested forDrug Violation
Possession of Firearms
Photography
Purchasing Antiques
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Pre-departure Orientation
Preparing for Life Overseas
Drugs
Rules governing drugs may differ for locals and
tourists
Drugs available in other countries may be
stronger then what you are used to; may be
more dangerous
Careful while crossing border
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Pre-departure Orientation
Preparing for Life Overseas
Sex and Dating
Bring condoms with you!
Remember that etiquette surrounding gender
can be completely different from what you are
used to
HIV/ AIDS is more prevalent in many countries
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Safe sex practices reduces chance of infection
If you are required to have HIV test, be prepared
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Pre-departure Orientation
Preparing for Life Overseas–
Understanding Culture
“Culture is Communication”-- Edward Hall
Direct versus Indirect
Reading between the lines
Personal space
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Pre-departure Orientation
Challenges Overseas
Culture Shock
Culture Clash
Issues of Diversity
Opportunistic Crime
Sexual Harassment
Traffic Accidents
Site Specifics
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Pre-departure Orientation
Challenges Overseas– Culture Shock
4 Stages
Euphoria
Anxiety
Rejection
Adjustment
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Pre-departure Orientation
Challenges Overseas– When Culture’s Clash
“One barely has time to participate in the host
society and not nearly enough time to become a
prophetic voice for social change.”
--Dr. Brian Harley (Transitions Abroad, Jan/ Feb 2001 vol. xxiv, No. 4)
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Pre-departure Orientation
Challenges Overseas– Stress
Common signs of stress feelings of
loneliness, sadness, feelings of isolation
and exhibiting certain behaviour such as
excessive drinking, smoking
Learn ways to manage stress
Explore your new home
Become involved
Adopt techniques used at home for overseas
Maintain a sense of humour!
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Pre-departure Orientation
Challenges Overseas— Stress
Leaving Loved Ones Behind
Arrange to keep in touch with friends and family
at home
Be careful not to live in two places at once
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Pre-departure Orientation
Challenges Overseas—
Diversity
Race and Ethnicity
Dealing with racism abroad
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Assumptions about what makes a “Canadian”
Fitting into a culture of similar heritage
Being a visible minority for the first time
Absence of multiculturalism
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Pre-departure Orientation
Challenges Overseas—
Diversity
Gender Conflict
Understand customary etiquette between
genders
Consider how you will deal with aggressive
situations
When in a new area, monitor to see if other
women are around
If confronted with verbal hostility, walk within
hearing range of elderly/ local women
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Pre-departure Orientation
Challenges Overseas—
Diversity
Queer Issues
Coming Out for the first time
Coming out again
Know the legal/ social implications of
homosexuality
Consider how you will deal with homophobia
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Pre-departure Orientation
Challenges Overseas
Opportunistic Crime
Foreigners tend to be at greater risk to many
opportunistic crimes; criminals simply have
more opportunity to commit crimes against
travellers
Be cautious particularly in crowded and tourist
areas
Act confidently; avoid being over confident
Beware false sense of anonymity or belonging
U of T does cover lost of students personal
property
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Pre-departure Orientation
Challenges Overseas
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is a source of stress for
many travellers
Cultural sensitivity is important, however, should
not replace common sense, gut reaction or
ability to define personal boundaries
Concept of male/ female friendship differs from
culture to culture
Deeper meaning in (mis)communication
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Pre-departure Orientation
Challenges– Vehicle Accidents
Over 1 million people die in road crashes per year
Road crashes cost developing countries twice what
they receive in developmental assistance
Avoid driving at night, in unsafe buses or when
drivers appear over-fatigued or intoxicated
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Pre-departure Orientation
Challenges
Food and Drink
Don’t cut costs by cutting back on nutrition
Take advantage of local foods
Consider any dietary needs in advance (eg.
vegetarian, kosher foods)
If allergic to certain foods, know how to
communicate this to locals
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Pre-departure Orientation
Challenges
Food and Drink– hygiene and contamination
Choose food that have been freshly cooked or
boiled, peeled in front of you, or sealed
“Western Food” often not what is expected
Make sure plates are washed with detergent,
rinsed in clean water. Otherwise rinse with
alcohol swab and flame cutlery with candle
Avoid salads, ice, food set out for too long
Food handled by dirty fingers
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Pre-departure Orientation
Challenges
Food and Drink– hygiene and contamination
Don’t drink the water
Don’t eat ice
Don’t eat uncooked food washed with water
Don’t eat use bottled water if the cap was not
secure
Do bring your own water purifier/ tablets! (Cut
down on plastic waste)
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Pre-departure Orientation
Challenges - Climate
Know what type of climate to expect
Warm climate
Protect yourself from sun!
Drink lots of water and if necessary add salt to
your diet
Be aware of fungal infection such as athlete’s
foot
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Pre-departure Orientation
Challenges
Site Specifics
Observe the customs of the locals but check in with
other travellers
Avoid swimming in unmarked areas
Research! (www.lonelyplanet.com/postcards)
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Pre-departure Orientation
When Things Go Wrong
Help While You Are Away
Staying in Touch
What to do in an Emergency
Emergency U of T Card
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Pre-departure Orientation
When Things Go Wrong
Foreign Affairs Canada
Register prior to going abroad
Limited support available to students not
travelling under Canadian passport
Students travellling under other passport should
research what support is available to them from
their Consulate
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Pre-departure Orientation
When Things Go Wrong
Department of Foreign Affairs can-Contact your relatives for emergency funds
Help you during emergencies such as natural
disasters or civil and military uprisings
Direct you to sources of information regarding
local laws, regulations, cultural customs
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Pre-departure Orientation
When Things Go Wrong
Department of Foreign Affairs can-Assist with medical emergencies
Replace passports
If arrested, they can try to ensure equitable
treatment under local law
Notify your next of kin regarding accident or
death
Locate missing persons
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Pre-departure Orientation
When Things Go Wrong
Department of Foreign Affairs cannotMake travel arrangements
Transfer of funds or paying local bills
Storing or searching of personal items
Translating or interpreting information
Visas for other countries local permits or
licenses
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Pre-departure Orientation
When Things Go Wrong—
U of T Emergency Card
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Pre-departure Orientation
When Things Go Wrong
University Emergency Support System
Contact University 24/7 in an emergency
Call in cases of critical incidents such as serious
injury or threat of injury, sexual assault, arrest
Regional disaster– call and let us know that you
are okay!
Prepare to leave contact information so that staff
member can call you back (may take up to 24
hours)
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Pre-departure Orientation
When Things Go Wrong
Staying In Touch
Participants are obliged to stay in touch
Check utoronto Email account
In event of regional emergency, report back to
exchange office/ UofT regarding status
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Pre-departure Orientation
When Things Go Wrong—
On-line Information
Go Global Guide
Program Sponsor Manual
Workshops & Pre-departure for Students
Workshops for Staff
Database
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Pre-departure Orientation
Returning Home
Re-entry Shock
Using Your International Experience
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Pre-departure Orientation
Returning Home
Re-entry Shock
Euphoria
Anxiety
Adjustment
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Pre-departure Orientation
Returning Home
Using Your International Experience
Cross-cultural skills, gaining a global perspective
Visit Career Centre to learn how to highlight
experience in resume
Join international organizations
Volunteer for ISC Buddy Program
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For more information:
http://www.utoronto.ca/safety.abroad
Holly Luffman
Safety Abroad Advisor, University of Toronto
[email protected]
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