Cultural Differences

Experiencing cultural differences is a learning experience that you should take every advantage of.  Learn as much as you can about he culture you will be experiencing, before you get there.  This will help minimize "culture shock" that sometimes affects persons living/working in a culture different from their own.

To better fit into your new culture, you will need to know something about the social customs.  Social customs vary greatly from one country to another, so it is impossible to give complete guidelines. Generally speaking you should remain friendly, courteous and dignified.

As a student studying abroad, you are both a representative of Georgia State University and of the United States. Your actions could reflect on both your university and your country. Always keep in mind that you are a guest in someone else's country.  Your behavior should b regulated as if you were the guest in someone's home. As an outsider, it would be better for you to err on the side of being respectful.

Medical and Health

Living conditions and standards of sanitation and hygiene can vary in both developed and non developed countries. The key to health issues is to know what to expect and to prepare for them, before you get there.

When traveling to areas that are less frequented by tourists you not only enrich your education but you also run a greater risk of acquiring infectious diseases through exposure to water and/or food of uncertain quality.

Before your trip, you should discuss your trip with your doctor and obtain all required immunizations and preventative medications.  Some immunizations require a series of medications given over a period of time. You should also be familiar with the immunization requirements of the country you will be visiting and the recommended preventatives given by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Do not purchase medications "over the counter" while you are overseas unless you are familiar with the product.  If you need medications on a regular basis, take an adequate supply with you.  Prescription medicines should be accompanied by a letter from your physician.  This letter should include a description of the problem, the dosage and the generic name(s). This will assist medical authorities during an emergency. If you have any physical condition that may require emergency care, carry some kind of identification - a tag, bracelet, or card - on your person at all times indicating the nature of your problem that states clearly what must or must not be done.

Insurance

You are required to have full coverage accident and health insurance to study abroad.  Coverage should include reunification (emergency airline ticket), repatriation (preparation of remains and transportation to home country in the event of death) and medical evacuation. You and your family need to know, before you leave, what your insurance covers and what may not be covered, outside of the United States.

You also need to carry personal liability insurance against injury or damaged caused by or resulting from your acts or omissions and property insurance to cover losses of money or property.

Safety

Just because other countries have less crime and personal violence than the US does not mean that there is no need for caution.  The fact that you will be a foreigner and not know exactly what is and what is not safe behavior(s) may actually increase the possibility that you can be victimized. In certain areas it is also possible that you may get caught in the midst of political unrest.

Know local laws.  Do not assume that just because it is legal in the US that it is legal everywhere. Be knowledgeable about alcohol consumption and drug use in your host country.
 
Make sure that someone always knows where and how to contact you in an emergency and knows your schedule and itinerary when you are traveling, even overnight.
 
Develop a family plan for regular contact either via telephone, fax or e-mail contact, so that you will be able to communicate with your parents directly about your safety and well being.


• Do not call attention to yourself through expensive dress, personal accessories (cameras, radios, sunglasses, etc.) or careless behavior.  Dress conservatively to avoid unwanted attention. Avoid walking alone late at night or in questionable neighborhoods.
   
• Read local publications and learn about any potential civil unrest.  Do not get involved in political unrest.    The US government monitors political conditions around the world and publishes information. Contact the State Department or the local US Embassy for specific information.


• Be wary of unexpected packages.  Don't accept gifts from strangers.  Use local banks to exchange your money. Do not use the black market or exchange money on the street.

Everyone traveling between countries must have a passport.  It is your official identification as a United States citizen. You must have a valid passport on your person to show border and customs authorities when you enter or leave the US or when crossing most other national borders.

When traveling outside of the US you should always have it available to show.  Keep it in a VERY safe, but accessible, place. Losing a passport while out of the US can become a complicated and time consuming problem.

It is suggested that you make two (2) photo copies of your passport.  Give one to your parents, or guardians and take one with you.  Keep the copy separate from the original.  This will help in the event you lose your passport.

Note:  Do not delay in applying for a passport. A minimum of 2-4 weeks, or longer is required to complete the process Immigration and Customs

As you enter any country you must to show your passport and many require visas and proof of immunizations.  Keep in mind that admission to the country is entirely at the discretion of the immigration officer. It is advised that you be polite, dress neatly and answer their questions. Sometimes there is a fee levied at the time you leave a host country.  Fees are dependant upon the country you are leaving and all countries do not impose them.  Inquire before your departure, and have the exact amount, in the local currency, available to pay your exit fees. Otherwise there may be some delay in leaving.

Duties and Tariffs

Before you leave the United States, you will need to register any camera, tape recorder, radio, typewriter, personal computer, wrist watch, or other foreign-made items which you take with you.  By registering these items with the US Customs before you leave, you avoid being questioned about whether or not they are subject to any duty when you return. Contact the U.S. Customs Office in advance of your departure for further information.

You should obtain and save sales slips for any purchases you make overseas and intend to bring home. Have the receipts ready for inspection when you return to the US.

Resources For Information

Georgia State University

Office of International Affairs

http://www.gsu.edu/~wwwoia/
 

Study Abroad

studyabroad.com Handbook - On the Internet at:

http://www.studyabroad.com/handbook/handbook.html

or: $4.50 from:

Educational Directories Unlimited, Inc.

1450 Edgmont Ave., Suite 140

Chester, PA 19013

http://www.cdc.gov/

This site is searchable by country and gives health information on specific destinations and what to know before departure.

US State Department

http://www.state.gov/

On this site you can find American Embassies, travel warnings for particular countries and other information on traveling outside of the United States.

Passport Information

The Bureau of Consular Affairs

Office of Passport Services, Room 386

Department of State

1425 K St.

Washington, DC 20524

Phone: (202) 647-0518

Also, some US Post Offices offer Passport Services.

US Customs Office - Port of Atlanta, GA

(404) 675-1300

http://www.customs.treas.gov/

The Virtual Tourist - Languages via the Internet:

http://www.virtualtourist.com/lang/?s=@953558469-18673&lang=on

Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE)

http://www.ciee.org/