Transcript Slide 1

Welcome!
CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF
GLOBAL ISSUES
(GLOBIS)
UGA STUDY ABROAD
VERONA, ITALY
Spring 2015
Very Important:
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Read the Verona Spring 2015
Handbook
Visit the site of:
Office of International Education:
http://www.uga.edu/oie/satravel.htm
Contact information:
Dr. Han S. Park, University Professor of
International Affairs, Director of GLOBIS
[email protected]
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Silvia P. Mapp, Program Coordinator for
GLOBIS Study Abroad Programs
[email protected]
Szymon Stojek, On-Site Co-director
Spring 2015 Verona Study Abroad Program
[email protected]
Orsolya Farkas, On-site Co-director
Spring 2015 Verona Study Abroad Program
[email protected]
Before you leave the US:
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Ensure you have a valid passport (renew if your
passport is to expire within six months of the
return date)
Keep copies of your passport and credit cards in
a safe, waterproof place away from the actual
passport and credit cards.
For non-US citizens: ensure you have a valid visa
to enter ALL the countries we are visiting.
For US citizens: If you plan to stay in Europe for
more than 90 days, you WILL NEED A VISA.
Apply for such a visa at the consulate of the
country of first entry into the European Union
(most likely Italy).
DO NOT bring high valuable items. Only bring
what you can afford to lose.
Before you leave the US cont’d:
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Visit your doctor for a dental checkup and a
general physical
Bring any prescription medication that you
need + 1 week’s supply in ORIGINAL
CONTAINERS
If you wear glasses/contacts, bring a second
set and prescription
Discuss potential health concerns and impact
of international travel with your doctor
Students who are currently, or have utilized
mental health services in the past should
contact the UGA Counseling and Psychological
Services (CAPS) before going abroad.
Before you leave the US cont’d
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Visit www.cdc.gov and www.tripprep.com for
excellent health related travel information
Make an appointment with the Gilbert Health
Center Travel Clinic to determine whether you
will need any vaccinations.
We recommend:
• a basic First Aid kit
• Over the counter medication (Advil, etc. antacids, antidiarrheal medication [immodium, etc.], neosporin, etc.)
• Any other over the counter medication that you feel you
cannot do without in the US
Before you leave the US cont’d
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Packing:
• Pack only as much as you can comfortably
carry
• Travel backpacks, suitcases with wheels
recommended
• Check with your airline regarding luggage
restrictions.
• Bring about one week of clothing
• Leave room in your luggage for things to bring
back from Europe.
• Put a change of clothes in your carry-on in
case your luggage gets lost
• DO NOT bring: valuable jewelry, etc. and NO
appliances
Getting to Verona:
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You need to be in Verona, Italy at
the Residence all’Adige no later than
16:00 (4:00pm) on January 22,
2015.
Address: Residence all’Adige
Via Magellano 28
37138 Verona, Italy
Phone: 045 8340138
FAX: 045 8350448
Getting to Verona cont’d:
For those who do not fly directly into
Verona, (i.e. who fly into Venice, Milan or
Rome) and take the train, the name of the
Verona train station is:
Verona Porta Nuova
Once you are at the train station take a taxi to:
Residence all’Adige
Via Magellano 28
Cost is approximately € 10
KEEPING IN TOUCH
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Phones
• Only international access cell phones work overseas
• Pre-paid phone cards work well
• Calling cards—know access code for host country (obtain
before departing USA)
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E-mail
• Most affordable way to communicate
• Can access UGA account through ugamail
• Internet cafes (cost)
Packages
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If someone sends you a package, either by mail
or courier service, the cost does not include
European taxes.
When the mail service or courier service says
that the price of the shipment is all inclusive this
DOES NOT include the European tax.
Packages will not be delivered until the tax is
paid. This can delay a delivery from 6 to 14 days.
All items being sent from the US into Europe
must pay a European VAT tax that ranges from
7.5% to 30%, depending on the item.
If your package arrives at the Residence the
person on duty will notify you and ask you to
accept the package and make payment. If they
cannot contact you, the package will be refused
and returned to the sender
Accommodation in Verona:
•Modern one-bedroom apartments
•Fully furnished including cooking utensils, linens,
etc.
•Once a week: cleaning service of living area, not
the kitchen
•Modern gym facility (special price for students)
•Classrooms and program office are in the
Residence
•Quiet time: 22:00 to 7:00 (10 p.m. to 7 a.m.)
•Walking through the lobby: no bare feet
•Share the Residence with the
business/professional community
•Laundry/dryers (cost), irons, etc. on premises
Avoid Jet Lag
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During the flight:
• Try to sleep
• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol
• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes
Upon arrival
• Follow local time schedule for meals and sleep
• Moderate exercise
• Eat healthy, drink lots of fluids (water and juices)
Electrical connections:
For cell phones, i-pods,
laptops, cameras, etc. i.e.
small electronic appliances
will require an adaptor
Classes cont’d:
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Every student is required to take at
least one class per block.
No changes, drop/adds, or withdrawals
are possible once in Verona.
Check your classes to make sure you
are registered for the right classes.
Print copy of schedule for your
records.
Studying in Verona, cont’d:
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Study hard: regular credit, regular effort
Required course load: nine credits minimum
(three classes)
First and foremost: an academic experience not a
vacation.
Be on time for classes (being late and unexcused
absences will result in grade reductions).
Get your books/readers HERE and BRING them to
Verona
You are subject to UGA Academic honesty policies
as if you were on campus
No travel related modifications to class schedule
will be allowed
Studying in Verona cont’d:
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UGA Study Abroad programs are required to
provide reasonable accommodations for
students with documented learning disabilities
Make arrangements ASAP
• At least 4 weeks before departure!
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Your responsibility to contact Academic
Support Services—Clark Howell Hall
Complete appropriate section on health form
and discuss needs with Program Director
General ground rules and
regulations:
•Zero tolerance on drug possession/dealing will result in immediate dismissal
•Renting of cars, motorcycles, scooters, etc.
is strongly discouraged
•Students are responsible for meeting
departure deadlines.
•Attendance and preparation for all classes
coursework, scheduled tours, field trips, and
other program activities are mandatory
•If planning to be away for the weekend,
provide staff with as detailed travel plans as
possible, i.e. which country you’re going,
what hotel you’re staying, phone number, email address, fax number etc. of that
lodging.
Student Conduct
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Any student misconduct on a study abroad
program that is considered to directly or
indirectly negatively impact the academic
learning environment will not be tolerated.
In addition to the UGA Code of Conduct,
the following will apply to all students on
Globis’ Study Abroad programs.
NOTE: Detailed version of student
conduct policies is in your handbook
Student Conduct Expectations
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Conduct themselves in a manner consistent
with Globis’ academic mission
Behave in a manner consistent with relevant
UGA policies, codes, standards, and rules.
Student are expected to be sober (not
intoxicated) when present in the program
residences.
Student Conduct Cont’d
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No alcohol or drugs are permitted on any
program group/common transportation, with
the exception of gift items.
No alcohol may be consumed until after the
last program activity of the day.
Use, possession, distribution, or facilitating
the use, possession, or distribution of narcotic
or other controlled substances will result in
immediate dismissal from the program.
ALCOHOL POLICY
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UGA Alcohol Policy as it applies to Study Abroad
Abuse of alcohol impairs judgment, increases risk of
accident/injury
Respect host country norms re: alcohol consumption
and behavior
Verona program prohibits the possession and use of
alcohol on common carriers (bus, or train, etc.),
during classes, or any program activities.
Subject to UGA Student Conduct Code
Student Conduct: Nota Bene
Public drunkenness is less common among
university age young people in most other
countries, including Italy. Such displays can
reinforce negative stereotypes of U.S. citizens
and make one look foolish in the eyes of citizens
of the host country.
Examples of Misconduct
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Failing to show (by more than 15 minutes) for a
scheduled departure from an accommodation;
Disruption or obstruction of the academic (teaching,
research, or administration) learning environment;
Substance intoxication - this will result in at minimum an
official report to Student Conduct Office
Failure to comply with the directions of program staff
(e.g., adhering to program curfews, accommodation
quiet time, keeping a minimum distance from wildlife);
Deliberating taking, damaging, or destroying program
property or property of sub-contractors used on the
program or items belonging to other participants
Student Misconduct Sanctions
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All violations will be reported to the GLOBIS
Director and may be reported to Office of
Student Conduct and to student’s academic
Dean.
For egregious cases of misconduct (including,
but not limited to, illegal activities and/or
repeated misconduct – i.e., two or more
violations of the policy), a student may be
dismissed from the program, at the
discretion of the program faculty committee.
Student Disciplinary Action
Procedures
In case of student misconduct in terms of
lateness, unexcused absences, the UGA
alcohol policy, or other prohibited behaviors,
the following disciplinary action procedures
are in place (although some behaviors such
as drug possession among others, can call for
immediate dismissal).
Step 1: Verbal warning
Step 2: Written probation
Step 3: Dismissal from program
Money Matters
In most European countries,
including Italy, the currency is
the EURO (€)
The current exchange rate:
1 Euro = 1.30 $
1$
= .77 Euro
For current exchange rates:
http://www.x-rates.com/
Money matters cont’d
Getting money while away:
 Traveller’s checks are not recommended
 ATM’s are widely available in Europe: best
exchange rates
 Notify your bank that you are traveling to
Europe
 Carry a money belt or pouch around your
neck under shirt
 Bring a major credit card as a back-up
 DO NOT CARRY LARGE AMOUNTS OF
CASH
Money matters cont’d
•Bargaining is common with
street vendors and at street markets
•Tipping is not required in Europe.
Lose change is the most that you
should leave for quality service and
food
Traveling in Europe:
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When traveling by
yourself on weekends:
• When checking into a
hotel/hostel you will need
to show your passport.
• Once you check out, it will
be returned to you.
• Most important: tell us
where you are going
before departure
Safety issues:
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Foreigners are more vulnerable to crime
Keep a low profile
• Try to blend in behavior and appearance
• Speak English quietly
Be aware of your surroundings: spatial awareness (avoid walking
with your IPOD)
Walk with purpose (check maps in private)
Ignore unwanted attention
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash/valuables
Take precautions against pick pocketing (money belt/pouch)
Limit alcohol intake
Avoid political demonstrations
Have more than one way to access funds
Keep others informed re: your whereabouts
Safety issues, cont’d
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US constitution does NOT travel with
you and will not protect you abroad
You are subject to Italian, German,
even EU (depending on country) law
In case of legal problems, US
Embassy or Consulate can provide
assistance
Nearest: US consulate in Milan
http://milan.usconsulate.gov/
GREATEST DANGERS FACING
U.S. STUDENTS ABROAD
1. Traffic accidents (we strongly
advise you NOT to rent cars,
scooters or motorcycles!).
2. Petty crime such as pickpockets
and con-artists
3. Illness
4. Imprudent behavior such as being
drunk, flashing lots of cash, joining
in political demonstrations, protest
actions, strikes, etc.
Safety for women:
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Do not hitchhike or walk alone at night
Do not wander away from the group
All students, but particularly women
should travel in groups
Women may want to review the personal
safety guide provided by UGA police:
http://www.police.uga.edu/personalsafety
.html
Safety issues cont’d: gender and
relationships
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Unintended messages
Gender roles as defined by host culture
Appropriate/inappropriate behavior
Assess safety of new acquaintances
Deal with unwanted attention:
• Avoid eye contact
• Dress appropriately for local culture
• Ignore it, walk with purpose
Health Issues
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Tap water in Italy and in most of Western
Europe (except Portugal) is generally safe
to drink. Still, be cautious.
When in doubt, buy bottled water,
particularly carbonated one (“frizzante”).
If in doubt, do NOT use ice cubes in your
drinks, do NOT rinse your toothbrush and
your mouth with tap water.
In addition to bringing your prescribed
medication, bring prescription also.
While at the Residence, house calls by
doctors are available for 35 Euro.
STUDY ABROAD INSURANCE
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Included in program fee for all UGA programs
Can extend coverage up to 8 weeks ($1/day)
• Contact T.W. Lord to make arrangements for extension
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Pay for minor services up front
Submit claim for reimbursement
Provides coverage for:
• Medical care
• Emergency medical evacuation
• Repatriation of remains
• Family reunification
ISIC CARDS
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International Student Identity Card
Serves as pre-paid phone card
Provides limited insurance coverage
Can get discounts on:
• Flights
• Admission to museums, movies, shows, tourist sites
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GLOBIS will provide ISIC cards
Weather
Average temperature:
March:
Highs: 55 F
Lows: 37 F
Average rainfall:
March: 1 inch
What clothes to wear:
• One water proof raincoat
• One warm fleece jacket or a warm winter coat,
hat, and gloves.
• Pair of good, warm, water proof walking shoes.
• For women: in some places such as St. Peter’s
in Rome and the catacombs, a long skirt and
long sleeved shirt is required (no tank tops, no
spaghetti straps, etc.)
• For men: long pants, no tank tops
• In most situations, style of clothing is rather
informal.
ANTI-AMERICAN
SENTIMENT
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What is it?
• Usually written or verbal criticism related to U.S. foreign
policy and/or cultural influence
How to deal with it:
• Don’t take it personally
• Ignore unwanted attention from strangers
• Be well-informed of history and current events
• In conversations:
 Use it as an opportunity to learn more about host
country
 Ask questions about the person’s beliefs, national
sentiment on particular issues
 Share your thoughts and experiences
Be an informed, respectful traveler:
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Learn as much as you can about the
countries you/we are going to visit
Respect local culture
Attempt to speak in their language
Avoid careless judgements
Do not judge, just observe
Remember: you are a guest in their
country
Most important:
Give Europeans a reason to like
Americans.
Ci vediamo in bella Italia!
(See you in beautiful Italy!)