• Checklist
• Administrative Procedures
• Academic Policies
• Financies
• Travel
• Safety
• Health
• Communications
• Getting Ready To Go
• Cultural Adjustments
• Planning Your Return
• Bibliography

• Major Chair, to discuss program of study, honors, etc.
• Obtain pre-approval for major, minor and distribution courses (Section 3)
• Your doctor and dentist (Section 7)

• E-mail the OIS to confirm your safe arrival (Section 8)
• Submit Course of Study Form (Section 3)
• Notify the OIS of any changes to your Emergency Information Sheet

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2. Administrative Procedures

The Leave Of Absence Form

In order to confirm your participation on a study abroad program, you need to complete the Leave of Absence Form. The form is available on the Study Abroad Conference and online The OIS will forward this form to a range of offices and individuals on campus, including student accounts and financial aid, housing, health services and your class dean. If you make any changes to your plans once the form has been submitted, it is imperative that you contact the OIS.

Withdrawal From Study Abroad

Should you withdraw from a study abroad program after you have confirmed participation with the program provider or host institution, you will be responsible for all fees charged by the program as well as any expenses incurred on your behalf by Wellesley College. Please make sure that you understand the penalties involved in withdrawing from a program well in advance.

Assumption Of Risk And release Form

All students enrolling in study abroad and their parents are asked to complete and sign the Assumption of Risk and Release Form.

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3. Academic Policies

Earning Credit For Study Abroad

Students must register for a full load of courses while abroad and are not allowed to under-load on courses. Please refer to the chart in the appendix to determine what Wellesley normally considers a full load at your host institution. (If your program is not listed, please check with the OIS.) If you enroll in a full load abroad, on a program approved by Wellesley, you will be eligible to earn 4 units per semester for the courses you successfully complete abroad (with a grade of C or above). You will be required to confirm your course registration with the OIS as soon as you have selected your courses by submitting a Course Registration Form. Make sure to send this in well before the end of the drop/add period in case there are any problems.

Course Load Requirements at Approved Programs and Universities Abroad

The Office of International Studies maintains a database of course load requirements at all of the programs and universities on our List of Approved International Study Programs. Students who participate in international study are responsible for visiting the Office of International Studies to confirm their course load requirements before leaving campus to begin their programs. This information is kept in a binder called Approved Programs and Course Load Requirements.

Wellesley students studying at institutions outside the United States are required to file a A HREFCourse of Study form with the Office of International Studies once they have registered for classes at their program or university. Credit from abroad will be delayed in transfer onto Wellesley transcripts, if an approved course of study form is not on file in the Wellesley College Registrar's Office.

Everyone who files a leave of absence form will receive a copy of the booklet entitled Pitfalls to Avoid in Transferring Credit (from Institutions Outside the United States). The course of study form should be found in the center of this booklet. Please complete the form and mail it back to the Wellesley College Office of International Studies after you register for your courses abroad. If you will be away for a full year, remember to send your list of courses for second semester as soon as you know what you are taking.

Pass/Fail

No courses for which grades are normally given may be taken pass-fail. Where courses are offered only on a pass-fail basis, documentation must be provided that the grade received was C or better.

Credit For Major, Minor Or Distribution Requirements

Before you leave campus, it is important that you discuss any courses you intend to use to fulfill specific degree requirements. For each course, you need to complete a Degree Requirements Approval Form (available in the Registrar's Office) and collect the relevant departmental signature. If you will not know which courses you will take until you arrive abroad, or if your plans change, you will need to be in touch with the department chair by e-mail to get approval. Keep copies of all correspondence so that you can complete the Degree Requirements Approval Form upon your return.

Credit Outside The Major

Remember that it is a Wellesley degree requirement that at least 18 units be taken outside any one department. If you spend your junior year at Oxford or Cambridge, for example, you may run into problems, as these universities often require that the full year be spent studying only in the major. If this looks like it will be a problem for you, please discuss with your Class Dean.

Courses For Which You Might Not Recieve Credit

Single semester of a foreign language on the introductory or intermediate level:
Wellesley students may transfer back credit for one semester of an introductory or intermediate language so long as the language is not a Wellesley-taught language in which it is stipulated that the first semester MUST be followed by the second in order to retain credit for semester one.

Introductory foreign language courses:
Students at Wellesley may receive credit for introductory courses in only two modern foreign languages.

Ulpan courses in Israel:
Ulpan courses are usually not credit-worthy. See the Director of International Studies and Services before you leave campus to determine whether or not you will receive credit for your ulpan study.

Courses not considered liberal arts:
Examples of courses for which Wellesley generally does not offer credit are - oral communication, dance and theater (particularly theater-going courses), technical subjects, cooking and business. If the Wellesley course bulletin does not have an equivalent course to the one you wish to take, chances are you will not get credit for that course. Check it out!

Short preparatory courses prior to enrollment in the semester or year program:
Some programs have preliminary sessions which you must take but for which you will not receive additional transfer credit beyond the regular four units for a semester or eight units for the year, e.g., Wellesley-in-Aix, Sweet Briar and Smith.

Independent Study, Internships, and Research projects:
Ordinarily, Wellesley does not grant credit for independent research or internships done abroad unless the program has a required research or internship component (e.g., SIT and SFS programs). If you have the option of either taking a course or doing a research project/internship, you should take the course.

Courses that substantially duplicate courses you have already taken:
If you happen to take a course abroad which is similar in name to one you have already taken but which is entirely different in content, you should bring all relevant materials - syllabi, written exercises, exams - back to Wellesley to demonstrate the differences between the two courses, and upon your return to Wellesley, get a letter from the relevant department chair saying the material was not repeated. Better yet, check it out before you go.

300-level credit:
300-level credit is not ordinarily given for courses done abroad. If you would like 300-level credit for a course taken abroad, ask the chair of the appropriate department to write or e-mail the Registrar, Ann Hamilton, indicating that he/she feels the course should be accepted for 300- level credit. The Registrar will make the final decision.

Financial Accounting:
Wellesley will only transfer one unit of credit for a Financial Accounting course.

Exams in the UK and Ireland

Wellesley requires you to take examinations in all courses in which they are offered. If you are given the option of taking the exam, you are required to do so. Likewise, you may discover that your university will not allow you to take certain exams, in which case you should follow the host university policy. If the university offers a dissertation option to all students, including degree candidates, you may take that option. The only exception to the above is St. Andrew's where students who earn a certificate of merit or distinction may be exempt from the examination for that course. Please contact the OIS if you need further information.

Language Study Abroad

Students who wish to study a foreign language abroad on a program not sponsored by Wellesley should confer with the relevant language department to determine what type of credit will be awarded. Most departments will require you to take a language placement exam or enroll in a course in the department in order to transfer language courses from abroad to the major or minor. Students who begin a foreign language abroad must complete the equivalent of a full year of beginning or intermediate (either abroad or at Wellesley) to earn credit.

Processing Of Transcripts/Credits

Before you leave your host university, it is your responsibility to ensure that a transcript of your work be sent to the following address:

Wellesley College Registrar 106 Central Street Wellesley, MA 02481 USA

The Registrar cannot accept transcripts that are issued to the student. In the case Oxford and Cambridge, tutors' evaluations serve as transcripts. These should also be sent directly to the Registrar's Office.

You may also wish to ask that an official transcript be sent to you at your home address, for your records, as well as to the Wellesley Center for Work and Service to be kept on file for you since you may have difficulty obtaining them from the foreign university later on.

Be sure to keep copies of all graded course work done abroad, as well as contact information for each faculty member, should any issues arise with your host institution transcript.

Grades

Course titles will appear on your transcript but grades earned will not. Courses taken abroad do not figure in GPA calculations.

Differences in Academic System

Wellesley students will find, almost universally, that the academic system they encounter is very different from that at their small, single sex, liberal arts college. And while the demands made on the student are often much less strenuous than those at Wellesley, this is more a reflection of a different approach to education than it is an indication of a poor institution. It would be inappropriate to infer that, because the approach is different and may seem less demanding, it is inferior. Your challenge is to figure out how to meet your academic and personal goals within this very different system.

Among the most frequently heard complaints by students returning from a semester or year abroad are that courses were not as "demanding" or as "organized" as on the student's home campus, that the faculty tended to go off on tangents in their lectures, or that not enough attention was paid to the syllabus.

From time to time, you may also feel that there is some truth to these statements. Certainly there is the possibility for stronger or weaker course offerings on any program, just as there is on your home campus. But beyond the question of individual courses, you will find significant differences in the requirements, expectations, attitudes, and teaching styles of education. If you are able to adjust to and appreciate these differences, you will be well on your way toward a unique and rewarding time abroad. If not, you may be continually frustrated and disappointed. We would like to provide you with a few tips about what to expect when you arrive abroad.

The trend in American education in recent years has been toward the compartmentalized mastery of certain bodies of knowledge. The lecture and discussion format that is now the most common instructional method on U.S. campuses is often devoted to the thorough exploration, or explanation, of a specific body of assigned reading. Through quizzes, exams, questions in class, and papers, students are asked to demonstrate their familiarity with the instructor's assignments. Course titles reflect rather precisely defined subjects which are covered during a semester or quarter. Syllabi are followed closely.

It is also commonly understood in American education that the professor is and should be accountable for getting the information across to the student. If the complete syllabus is not covered, or if a question is asked on an examination that was not part of the assigned reading or lectures, the instructor has in some way been negligent.

In many colleges and universities around the world, courses tend to be offered on a full year basis only, and even then the course is only one more segment of a process that is leading toward the mastery of a subject over a three year or four year period. Most countries require at least one year more of secondary education than U.S. colleges do before entry to the university, and it is assumed that first year students have done their liberal arts study at the high school level. Consequently, students often begin their specialization, or "major" in the first year. The process that begins here depends very little upon the demonstration of competence in a particular course, but is aimed at what the student knows at the end of his or her time at the university. In some countries, there are ordinarily no course examinations at all. A student's competence is tested in comprehensive examinations after several years of study. Consequently, unless your instructors frequently have American students in their classes, or have some experience teaching or studying in the U.S., they may find your natural concern for how well you're doing, or whether you'll get an A, to be rather odd.

Inside the classroom it will be an entirely different world from what most U.S. students are used to. Faculty may not be "accountable" in the same way that U.S. instructors are. It is assumed that the student is aware of what is to be covered in the course, and that it is his or her responsibility to identify the appropriate readings or resource materials, to select the relevant sections to be read, and to become knowledgeable on the subject. The professor may or may not speak directly tothe subject in his or her lectures. In some cases the instructor may, for example, devote significant amounts of time to talking about his or her research in one small area, or the time may be devoted to ideas that seem only tangentially related to the course title. Either of these may be fascinating, but they may not give you any of the answers on the final exam.

As you may imagine from the above, the concept of a syllabus is not the same around the world as it is in the U.S.. Although an instructor may mention or recommend certain texts during a lecture, you might not be given specific reading assignments. If you are taking a course on Proust, your assignment will be to read what Proust wrote, to read what was written about Proust, and to think about both. Your coursework will more closely resemble the type of study undertaken by an American graduate student, with a great deal more independent responsibility than you are probably used to here. In many ways, this makes study at a foreign university excellent preparation for graduate school.

Another major difference in the classroom is that, whereas many American colleges combine the lecture and discussion format in each class, universities in other countries often separate them. In a lecture class, the professor has the floor for the entire time and does not expect to be interrupted. Even seminars may be structured so as to discourage open discussion, even though students are giving presentations.

If all of this sounds a bit intimidating to you, your initial impression of the foreign university life may be quite the opposite. Many students report that there seems to be a lack of "academic pressure" in their courses, or that little seems to be expected of them. This is reinforced also by the rate of student absenteeism that may be higher than at U.S. colleges. All of this is understandable when placed in the context of the educational system as described above, but it can also be very deceptive, since it doesn't take into account what the student may be doing outside the class.

The message, then, is to try to be aware of these differences from the very beginning, and also to realize that your ultimate goals will be different from those of your counterparts. Whereas they may be looking more toward longterm goals and are, therefore, less concerned about performance in a particular course, you may well have to work harder, and certainly more independently than you are used to, in order to achieve the results you desire.

We feel that it is very important for you to be aware of these differences between educational systems before you depart. The sooner you can make the adjustment to a "local consciousness," the happier and more productive your time will be. It is certainly a good idea to talk to students who have studied in in your host country before preferably those who have spent an entire year abroad. Unfortunately, it is sometimes only in the second half of the year that this awareness and appreciation of the local system becomes clear.

Adapted from a handout from Institute of European Studies, Chicago, IL

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4. Finances

Program Costs

Students participating in Wellesley sponsored or affiliated programs will be billed by Wellesley and may apply their financial aid packages to the study abroad semester or year. These programs are:

• Argentina: University of San Andrés
• Austria: Wellesley-in-Vienna
• France: Wellesley-in-Aix
• Italy: ICCS and ECCO
• Japan: Associate Kyoto Program, Japan Women's University
• Korea: Ewha Woman's University
• Mexico: PMCSP
• Russia: Middlebury College School in Russia
• Spain: PRESHCO
• United Kingdom: Manchester, Lancaster, and St. Peter's Oxford
• Canada: McGill and University of Montreal (Killam Scholars only)

To go to a complete list of Programs: Click Here

Federal/State Aid & Wellesley Study Abroad Scholarships

Students enrolling in other programs will take a leave of absence, pay nothing to Wellesley and pay all fees directly to the program provider or host university. In most cases, federal or state aid will transfer, as will Wellesley study abroad scholarships. To arrange for this, students must submit a completed Cost Verification Form to Student Financial Services. Once this is received, Student Accounts will forward any financial aid funds received to the provider indicated on your form. Please check with Student Financial Services to verify that you are all set before leaving campus.

Your Money Abroad

In most countries, the best advice is to use your credit and ATM/debit cards. These cards will allow you to access funds from your home account(s) and make purchases at the most favorable exchange rates. MasterCard and Visa are the most commonly accepted credit cards. However, please be aware of the following:

• Check with your bank to make sure that your ATM card allows you to access international ATM networks (e.g., Cirrus, Plus)
• Some countries do not have letters on their ATM keypads, so be sure you know the corresponding numbers if you have letters in your PIN
• Be sure that you have a PIN for your credit card in the event you need to get a cash advance
• Check with your bank or credit card company about fees for withdrawals, purchases and cash advances overseas
• Take travelers checks in the local currency as a back-up method
• If you must exchange US currency overseas, beware of high commissions (often hidden in unfavorable exchange rates), and avoid changing money at airports because of high rates
• Be sure to have $100-200 in local currency when you arrive. You can obtain foreign currency at larger US banks or by using an airport ATM upon arrival

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5. Travel

Passports

All students traveling abroad for any amount of time need a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of return. It can take up to two months to obtain one, so apply early for new passports or renewals. Passport applications are available in the Wellesley Post Office in the Village. More information about applying for a passport is available here (www.travel.state.gov).

Visas

Many countries require visiting students to obtain a visa in addition to a valid passport. Visa requirements vary from country to country and are different depending on the student's country of origin. To determine whether or not you need a visa, you may either contact your program provider or consult the relevant consulate. A list of consulates with contact information is available here (www.travel.state.gov/visa/americans1.html)

Some consulates require that you appear in person to submit your visa application, while others allow you to process the visa by mail or online. Allow time for any possibility. Check with the consulate where you will apply about their own application procedures (as this may vary by consulate, or by who is on duty when you call!). If you apply through the mail, keep a copy of all documents sent. Include a pre-paid self-addressed return envelope. It is safest to send and receive all materials via FedEx or another reliable courier service. Also, keep in mind that if you will travel through other countries on the way to your destination, you may need to obtain a visa to pass through that country. Check on this well before departure. For a fee, it is possible to expedite the visa process by employing a visa processing agency. Two that you may want to investigate are Travisa (www.travisa.com/amex) and Zierer Visa Service (zvs.com).

Travel Arrangements

Many programs will require you to make your own travel arrangements. Student travel agencies such as STA Travel (617-266-6104) and AESU (800-638-7640) offer competitive prices as well as flexible ticketing (allowing students to utilize one-way fares, change return dates, and arrive and depart from different cities). You can also consult travel web sites such as Expedia, Priceline, or Travelocity. Most rail or airline passes must be purchased in the US prior to departure. For information on Eurail passes for train travel within continental Europe, call 800-4EURAIL or click here (www.raileurope.com)

Student ID Card

Students may wish to purchase the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) prior to departure. This care carries supplemental and travel insurance, is recognized worldwide and can be used to obtain student discounts in many destinations-on everything from travel, museums and theater to haircuts, meals and movies. The ISIC card can be purchased from STA Travel or other another authorized agency. Click here (www.isicus.com) for details. The cost of the card is approximately $25.

Temporary Accomodations

If you plan to arrive prior to the start of your program or travel during breaks, you will need to make arrangements for you own lodging. Youth Hostels (www.hostels.com)are available in most destinations and are usually an inexpensive alternative to hotels.

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6. Safety

Understanding Your Destination

It is extremely important for you to educate yourself about the risks associated with traveling to your overseas destination. In addition to official reports issued by organizations such as the State Department, you should:

• Research your host country using resources such as travel guides, newspapers and magazines from your destination, and online information from tourist information web sites and the local embassy (see bibliography for suggestions)
• Talk with study abroad alumni, OIS peer advisors and staff, Wellesley faculty and international/exchange students who have studied or lived in that country. (A list of students who studied abroad during 2003-04 is available on the Study Abroad Conference in the Returning Students sub-conference.)
• It is important to understand that the possibility for non-violent and violent crime exists everywhere. Use your best judgment to avoid situations that may put you in danger.
• Some countries or areas may have political and/or social instability. Avoid demonstrations or large political gatherings.
• Pay close attention to all health/safety information given by your host university or study abroad provider.
• Ask locals for safety tips/information regarding where you should and should not go.

Safe Road Travel

Driving customs vary a great deal, and pedestrians are frequently not given the right of way. Find out which roads are safest and whether it is safe to travel on overnight trains and buses. Inquire about the safety record of various modes of transportation. Avoid renting a car unless you feel very comfortable with the driving habits of the locals. Form more information on international road travel contact the Association for Safe International Road Travel (www.asirt.org)

Safeguarding Your Belongings and Valuables

Non-violent theft is the most common crime directed at travelers. Please become familiar with the following tips:

• Wallets should be carried in front pocket; purses should be slung over one shoulder and under the opposite arm; backpacks should be carried in front of you in crowded places (such as subway trains)
• Be aware of groups of people (even children) who work together to distract or confuse travelers in order to rob them.
• Keep alert for ploys to distract your attention. Always watch your belongings
• Money belts or neck pouches are best to use when traveling. Never count your money in public. Be careful with credit card numbers and receipts.
• Leave your passport in a secure place when you are not traveling, and carry a copy with you at all times. Do not leave passport, money, tickets and other valuable belongings in a hotel room when you are not there
• Do not wear expensive jewelry
• Travel by bus, train, local transportation, or car - but DO NOT HITCHHIKE
• Try to avoid traveling in large groups. It will be much easier to meet local people and will be less of a hassle (in terms of plans for sightseeing) to travel in smaller groups.
• Always carry a small amount of local cash. Keep the equivalent of $50 in a hidden reserve while traveling. It is always better to have an extra cash supply in case of emergency
• If you are mugged, do not struggle - your safety is worth more than the loss of your belongings

Women Abroad

While it is widely recognized in our society that women are equal, capable and independent, and that it is their right to do anything and go anywhere, this American attitude is not necessarily found or accepted worldwide. Attitudes toward women vary tremendously, and awareness of this is an important aspect in preparing to enter a new culture. Before you leave the U.S., you should speak with others who have lived in the country you will visit to get an idea of how women are viewed at your study abroad destination, particularly in terms of safety or harassment issues. Here is some very basic advice:

• Women alone can encounter harassment. Pretend you don't hear or that you are preoccupied
• What you may perceive as harmless chatting can be interpreted as sexual or inviting; be mindful and take nothing for granted
• Dress conservatively, and never sit in empty areas
• Be as aware when traveling abroad as you are when you travel at home. Be aware of yourself and your surroundings, and make smart decisions

Sexual Assault

The risk of sexual assault exists abroad just as it does at home. Your program provider or host institution should inform you both of ways to minimize your risk of being assaulted and also the procedure to follow in the instance that you are the victim of assault. If you are the victim of any time of crime you should immediately:

• Go to a safe place
• GET HELP
• Get a friend or someone you trust to be with you
• Call your program provider or the international officer at your host university
• In addition, in the case of sexual assault, you may wish to request advice from individuals at Wellesley College who have appropriate training and skills to help you:
  
  • The Health Service @ 781-283-2810
  • The Stone Center @ 781-283-2839
  • The Boston Area Rape Crisis Center @ 617-492-RAPE
• If you can, write down everything you can remember about the assault, or have a friend write it for you

Obeying Local Laws and Customs

As a U.S. citizen in another country, you are subject to that country's laws. It is your responsibility to learn about the local laws and obey them. Be aware that local customs regarding alcohol and drugs are different in other countries. Local laws controlling alcohol and drugs may also be more strict than those in the U.S. (and the penalties for disobeying them more sever). Laws and practices will differ in terms of arrest, court and punishment procedures, and conditions may be harsh in many countries. You could face stiff fines or sentences if found guilty of a crime.

Registering With The Local Authorities & The US Consulate

In many countries, you will be asked to register with the local police; please make sure to follow your program or host institution's instructions in this regard. In addition, you should register with the U.S. Consulate (www.travel.state.gov) In addition, it is extremely important that you share all of your contact information including your mailing address and local phone numbers and e-mail with the following individuals/organizations:

• Your family or close friends at home
• Your study abroad program and/or host university
• The Office of International Studies at Wellesley
• Your major department
• Anyone else you can think of who might need to reach you

Traveling During Your Program

• Research your destination and check the U.S. State department (http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html) and/or the British Foreign & Commonwealth (www.fco.gov.uk) for travel advisories
• Always notify on-site staff and your family when you plan to travel
• Take your passport with you if leaving the country, and leave a copy in a safe place at your residence in your host country
• Use only sturdy luggage that locks and be sure it is easy to identify. Avoid carrying expensive luggage
• Never leave your bags unattended. Always put your arm through the strap of your bags while using public transportation (make sure your bags are secure if you decide to sleep)
• Use caution when driving or riding vehicles

Staying In Hotels And Hostels

• Always try to have your accommodations in advance
• Lock your suitcases when you leave your room and do not leave valuables lying around your room. In a hostel you may want to sleep with your valuables under your pillow.
  ((note: that last part sounds absurd - instead recommend locking up valuables, and to travel with a combination lock because all hostels have cabinet/lockers))
• Be aware that most hostels have a lock-out period during the day when you will not be able to access your room or any belongings left there

Preventing And Handling Emergencies

• If you find yourself in a potentially bad situation, try to walk or run away. If you cannot, try to seek assistance or distract attention to yourself
• Know how to say "help" in the local language, or try another word such as "fire" in order to attract attention.
• Familiarize yourself with the local telephone system. Know the local emergency numbers
• Notify your local on-site contact
• Provide your family (and any others who may need to know) with emergency contact information. Keep them informed of your travel plans
• Always have an emergency plan (eg, letting someone know where you are at all times; arranging to call a specific person in an emergency; having a pre-determined rendez-vous point when traveling with friends in case of separation)
• If an emergency, politically volatile situation, or natural disaster occurs where you are traveling, be sure to contact a friend or family member as soon as possible to let them know you are safe
• In an emergency, you can also call the Citizens Emergency Center in the U.S. (202) 647-5255

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7. Health

Medical Insurance

• Please verify that you have adequate U.S.-based medical coverage in order to study abroad
• If you are billed by Wellesley for your program you will automatically be billed for the Wellesley health plan, as usual. If you pay the program provider directly, you will need to subscribe to either the Wellesley Health Plan or an equivalent policy. To subscribe to the Wellesley Health Plan you will need to make a request in writing to Student Financial Services
• Students may be required, or have the option, to purchase additional insurance plans upon arrival overseas. However, these plans do not replace the required coverage through an American carrier.
• You should verify all aspects of medical insurance well in advance of your scheduled departure
• If you have any medical conditions that the Office of International Study or your host institution should be aware of, please contact the Wellesley Director of International Study before you leave

Wellesley Medical Insurance

If you keep the Wellesley medical insurance plan (see above) it is important to review the coverage included in your current policy to ensure that your medical needs will be met at your particular destination. If you have any questions about the Wellesley insurance plan's overseas coverage, call or email the Insurance Agency (www.universityhealthplans.com/letters/letter.cgi?school_id=9) directly

Supplemental travel insurance

All students who submit a leave of absence form for study abroad will be subscribed to a supplemental travel insurance policy through WorldNet International (www.worldnet-intl.com/home.html) providing 24-hour emergency medical, evacuation and repatriation assistance. See the appendix in your hard copy of the Study Abroad Handbook, for details regarding coverage. Or consult www.studyabroadinsurance.com You will receive a card from the Office of International Studies with the policy information and contact numbers. Please keep this card with you at all times while you are abroad

Preparing for a healthy International Experience

• Have routine medical and dental examinations before you go abroad. Be sure you are in good health, and check that your vaccinations for measles, meningitis, mumps, rubella, polio, diphtheria, and tetanus are current. Some need to be given months in advance
• Certain countries may require or recommend vaccinations against certain diseases such as yellow fever, cholera, and typhoid. Check to see if any vaccinations are recommended or required for all travel destinations. Consult the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) for information or call (404) 639-3311
• Remember that once you arrive overseas your resistance will be lowered (new environment, changes in eating, sleeping patterns, etc.), and it is easier to get sick

Foreign Medical Practices

Be aware that the manner in which medical help is obtained, the way patients are treated, the conditions of overseas medical facilities, and how health care is afforded may be quite different from US practices. U.S. health care values, assumptions, and methods are not universally practiced, and even notions regarding illness onset or the timing of expert attention may be culturally based.

Students With Chronic Illness

• If you have a physical or psychological condition that requires ongoing treatment or surveillance by a doctor, you should consult with your physician about the prospect of studying abroad (eg, if you are on medication, discuss the type of care you may need abroad and the best way to continue your regimen)
• Seriously consider the consequences of stress from cultural adjustment and relying on different medical practices
• CIPP encourages you to discuss any of these matters with your ISA, another CIPP staff member, or a member of the University Counseling department. All information will be kept confidential

Prescription Medicine, Glasses And Contact Lenses

• When traveling, bring your own drugstore supplies such as aspirin or Tylenol, motion sickness medication, antacids, antihistamines, decongestants, antiseptics, and band-aids. Depending on where you are going an dhow long you are staying, your doctor may recommend that you take antibiotics with you in the event that you become ill abroad
• Be sure all medications are in their original labeled bottles, and carry a copy of the written prescriptions with the generic names. Do the same with glasses and contact lenses
• You may want to bring an extra pair of contact lenses. Also, be sure to bring contact solution since you may not find the kind you need abroad
• If you have a serious health condition (such as diabetes or an allergy to penicillin) wear a Medic Alert bracelet

Stomach Problems

One of the most common ailments for travelers is diarrhea caused by contaminated food/drink. To avoid this ailment, be very careful with food/water.

• Find out if water is safe to drink. If in doubt, boil it for at least 5 minutes or use a water filter or iodine tablets to purify it. Do not avoid drinking fluids, however, as you risk dehydration
• Ensure that dairy products are fresh before you consume them. Do not drink unpasteurized milk
• Eat only meat and fish that has been thoroughly and recently cooked. Avoid raw or undercooked eggs and vegetables, and peel all fruit. Avoid street vendor food or food that has been left outside for a long time
• Try to get adequate rest, and maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet. If you find this is not possible, you may want to check with a doctor about taking vitamin supplements

HIV And AIDS

• HIV/AIDS remains a serious health threat to millions of people worldwide. Rates of infection in some areas of the world are skyrocketing. HIV is a severe public health issue in sub-Saharan Africa, Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union, China, and Southeast Asia. HIV still remains a serious risk worldwide, including Western Europe, Australia, and the Americas. Be informed of the HIV/AIDS situation where you will be going
• HIV is spreading rampantly in many regions due to IV drug use and prostitution. Students indicate that nearly 100% of sex workers in certain areas are HIV posotive
• ALL travelers should protect themselves when engaging in sexual activity. Latex condoms (used with water-based lubricant) are the most effective form of protection should you be sexually active. WOMEN are at the greatest risk, but these precautions apply to hepatitis and other STDs which are prevalent worldwide
• Sterilization and hygiene practices in some developing nations are not adequate. If you are in a developing area and need to seek medical treatment, as for a "western" doctor and be cautious about any use of needles
• If possible, delay any blood transfusions until you arrive in the U.S. or at a medical establishment

HIV Antibody Testing

Some countries require you to take an HIV test prior to arrival. Check with the CDC (www.cdc.gov) before you depart. You will be turned away at the airport if you do not have the proper documentation proving you have had an HIV test.

Malaria

Malaria is one of the most frequent problems faced by travelers to the tropics and sub-tropics. The mosquito-borne infection is most common in Central and South America, Africa, India, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and the South Pacific Islands. Four different forms of malaria have a variety of impacts from fever and chills, to vomiting and diarrhea. Untreated, serious infection can lead to death. Students traveling to the above regions should consult their physicians and the CDC (www.cdc.gov) regarding preventative steps.

Hepatitis

A recent survey noted that 20 million Americans risk Hepatitis A infections when traveling to areas such as the Caribbean, Mexico, Africa, Central and South America, and Asia. Ask your doctor about getting Immune Globulin injections to help protect you from this disease.

Health Conditions Abroad

Become aware of any public health service recommendations or advisories before you travel. For current health conditions abroad contact local officials, the Country Desk (www.state.gov) at the State Department (202) 647-4000 or the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) (404) 639-3311. The US State Department's Overseas Citizens Emergency Center (202-647-5225) is also a good source for obtaining information on medical problems while abroad.

Travel Health Online

You can also consult Travel Health Information here (www.tripprep.com). This site offers health and safety information on all world destinations, information on specific travel illnesses, and a resource of international medical providers.

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8. Communications

With the Office of International Studies

Emergency Information Sheet

Prior to your departure, you need to complete the Emergency Information Sheet (blank forms available on the Study Abroad Conference) and return it to the OIS. It is essential that both Wellesley and your family have this information available should any emergency situation arise.

By Phone and Fax

The Office of International Studies is normally open from 9-5 Monday to Friday:

• Telephone: 781-283-2320
• Fax: 781-283-3532

E-Mail Contact

The preferred method of contact with the OIS is by Email. (jthomass@wellesley.edu) Within 5 days of your arrival abroad, you will need to check in with the OIS. Your Wellesley e-mail account will be the primary means of communicating information to you while you are abroad, so it is essential that you forward your Wellesley e-mail to any other account you may use while you are abroad. To do this, follow these steps:

• Edit > Preferences, (on Mac OS X: FirstClass > Preferences) > Messaging > Mail Rules
• The Automatically forward section allows you to forward a copy of every e-mail message received in your Mailbox to another e-mail address. The forwarded messages will also remain in your mailbox.
• To turn automatic forwarding on, in the Local mail and Internet mail fields, choose whether or not you would like to forward copies of each of these types of mail. In the Forward To field, type the destination e-mail address. The Method field should be set to Forward .
  
  In most destinations, you will continue to have access to First Class. Please keep the Study Abroad Conference on your desktop to keep up with announcements and events that may be useful to you as you plan your return to Wellesley. If you do not currently have the conference on your desktop, you can access this by going to Wellesley Conferences--> Departments--> Administrative--> Study Abroad. Also be sure to read through the sections for Students Currently Abroad and Returning Study Abroad Students

With Your Family & Friends At Home

Please do not forget to call home upon your arrival, and make sure your family always knows how to reach you. Keep in mind that telephone calls are much more expensive abroad than in the U.S. Many students work out a regular time each week for their family members to call them. You may also wish to obtain a phone card from a U.S. carrier(these generally work well in even the most remote destinations)or to join an international calling service such as “KALLBACK” (www.kallback.com) which re-routes your calls so that they originate in the U.S. For more information on this service, visit . Different arrangements will work best in different countries, so ask returnees and the locals for advice.

With Your Major Department

Make sure you leave your overseas mailing address with individuals in your major department to ensure that you do not miss out on any opportunities to do honors or apply for seminars, etc. during your senior year.

With Each Other

While you are out, you may well wish to stay in touch with some of your classmates who are also out in the world, and perhaps make arrangements to meet up with them during holidays or for long weekends. To facilitate this, we have included in your packet a list of students going out, organized by destination. Also, there is a sub-conference on the Study Abroad Conference, called “Out Now” which is a convenient way of keeping in touch with your friends around the world. Do chat with each other about what you are experiencing; you'll be a great support network and resource for one another.

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9. Getting Ready To Go

Learning Abour Your Destination

It may seem obvious, but it is essential to find out as much as possible about the city, country and local culture before you arrive. You want to find out about the laws, customs, dress, gift-giving, politics, religious practices, etc. If you have a pre-existing health condition, such as asthma or diabetes, you need to inform yourself how you will treat this condition while you're traveling abroad. The following are some resources:

People

• Returned Study Abroad Students (in person & written evaluations)
• International Students on Campus (check with the Slater International Center (www.wellesley.edu/SICISS/sic/sic.html) to find out if there are students on campus from your study abroad region)
• Faculty whose teaching and research interests focus on the region

Books

Read, Read, Read. See the bibliography section for some ideas.

Web Sites

There are thousands of web sites that will provide you with information on your study abroad destination. A few very general sites are listed below, but you should do a search for sites dealing with your specific destination. Let us know which sites are of most use to you, and we'll include them in this handbook! So far we have:

• U.S. Department of State (www.travel.state.gov)
• U.S. Center for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov)
• CIA World Fact Book (www.odci.gov/cia/publications/factbook/index.html)

Thinking About How You Will Be Percieved Abroad

One of the most surprising and difficult aspects of culture shock is dealing with how you are perceived abroad. Already, Americans are viewed differently in different countries; young Americans traveling as a group are almost never thought well of! Please keep that in mind.

In addition, depending on your destination and your ethnic/racial background you might be treated differently. African Americans, Asian Americans, Latin Americans all have special issues abroad, as do women with light skin and blonde hair or red hair and freckles or people who are disables or are overweight. People who are gay, or Jewish or Catholic or Republicans or Democrats! The list really goes on and on. It is essential that you make a point to talk to other students who have studied or lived in the region you will be going to get a feel for some of the issues that might confront you and to reflect together on strategies for how to deal with situations that might arise. It is possible that you will face some unpleasant experiences during your semester or year abroad, but you need to be prepared for them and to view them within context so that they will not color your overall experience.

Packing

The golden rule of packing for a semester or year abroad is to pack light! Take light-weight sturdy luggage and a backpack and/or daypack. Put a secure luggage tag on all of your luggage and a piece of paper with your contact information (U.S. and abroad) inside each bag. While what you need will vary with your destination, here are some general suggestions.

What To Take

• As few clothes and as much money as you can. (Most students outside the US own fewer clothes and other things than most Wellesley students.)
• Money hider (such as a money belt) for traveling
• Any prescription medications (leave in labeled container) as well as prescriptions for refills
• Spare contact lenses (with a month's supply of solution) and glasses
• Photos of family, friends, home and Wellesley to enjoy and to show friends abroad (people really like to see photos)
• Small sewing kit for traveling
• Personal stereo or Mp3 player, if you wish
• Pocket dictionary (English ....) of the country you'll be living in (handy for carrying around town with you)
• Favorite recipe(s), esp. simple ones, as you may want to or be asked to cook something from home
• Gift, representative of something American if possible (e.g. maple syrup), if staying with a host family
• Wellesley t-shirt(s) to leave as a memento /gift for a friend
• Some cash in local currency (see finances section) and two credit cards (one for usual expenses and one only for emergencies)
• One or two good travel guides
• Camera and film (expensive abroad) or, better yet, a digital camera
• Non plug alarm clock
• Wellesley College course catalog, PINs and passwords for access to on-line services
• Copies of your passport, visa, credit cards and medical prescriptions in case they are lost or stolen. Leave another set with a family member or friend at home

What Not To Take

• Too much: generally you should be able to pack all you need yet still be under your flight's luggage limit. Also, keep in mind that you'll come back with more than you take, and shipping is very expensive.
• Anything you can buy while abroad (e.g., too many toiletries, school supplies, towels)
• Expensive or sentimental jewelry
• Electrical appliances, incl. hair dryers. It's better to buy inexpensive appliances on site.
• Anything prohibited by the federal government, FAA or airline. Check www.faa.gov before packing your bags for a list of prohibited items

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10. Cultural Adjustment

Culture Shock

Talk to almost any student who has studied abroad and you will hear glowing accounts of the wonderful experience she or he had, stories that may have inspired you to go abroad yourself. The fond memories that students relate, while demonstrating the profound impact of study abroad, often mask the challenges that accompany this great learning experience-and may give the impression that you will be able to easily adjust to your new environment. The truth is that everyone who leaves to live abroad can experience "culture shock," the symptoms of which may include:

• homesickness
• a sense of being lost and out of place
• frustration
• fatigue

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11. Planning Your Return

Registering For Courses At Wellesley College

All information regarding registration at Wellesley will be communicated to you by your First Class e-mail account. If you do not normally consult this account, please arrange for your messages to be forwarded to your usual account. See section 8 on Communications.

You may register for classes in any of the following ways:

• on-line at your normal registration time
• by e-mailing course preferences to the Registrar's Office (regoffice@wellesley.edu) before you registration date
• by faxing course preferences to the Registrar's Office before your registration date
  Fax No: 781-283-3680

Housing At Wellesley College

In order to prepare for your return to Wellesley College in the fall, you will need to make arrangements for a proxy to represent you during the room selection process according to the following schedule:

• March 29: Pick up "leave of absence lottery slip" in the Housing Office
• April 12: Return lottery slip to housing office
• April 28: Visit your assigned residence hall and make room selection

Summer Internships

The Center for Work and Service will continue to work with you while you are abroad to identify appropriate internship opportunities. Before you leave campus, you should verify the schedule of deadlines that are of interest to you and make arrangements for references to be sent to the Center For Work And Service (www.wellesley.edu/CWS/students/internships.html) on your behalf.

Preparing For Felloships

Many students, once abroad, are keen to learn about ways to pursue graduate studies overseas and may wish to pursue national fellowships that will help them do so. Keep in mind that many of the major fellowship programs of interest to students who return from study abroad, such as the Rhodes, Marshall, Fulbright and others, have early fall deadlines. Students who are considering applying to one of these programs should look into the requirements and the application process before leaving campus, ideally, or during the spring semester at the latest. For more information, please visit the Center For Work And Service (www.wellesley.edu/CWS/students/fellowships.html)

Collecting Contact Information And References

Before you leave your study abroad site, make sure to collect names and contact information for your local friends, professors and key administrators so that you may get in touch with them at a later date if necessary. (Just having them in your e-mail address book is not sufficient.) If you developed a good relationship with any faculty members, you may wish to have them write a letter of recommendation for you to be added to your CWS file. That way you will have this on hand when applications for fellowships, jobs or graduate programs are due. Have them mail an original directly to the CWS at the following address:

Center for Work and Service Wellesley College 106 Central Street Wellesley, MA 02481 USA

You may wish to provide the referee with an addressed, stamped envelope to make things easier.

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12. Selected Bibliography

Preparing For Study Abroad

• Maximizing Study Abroad: A Student's Guide to Strategies for Language and Cultural Learning and Use , R. Michael Paige et al. (2002)
• The Art of Travel, Alain de Botton (2000)
• The Unofficial Guide to Study Abroad, Ann M. Moore
• Traveler's Tool Kit, Rob Sangster
• The Traveler's Handbook, Jonathan Lorie, ed.
• The Travel Detective, Peter Greenberg
• Do's and Taboos Around the World, Roger E. Atell
• The Art of Crossing Cultures, Craig Storti
• The Survival Kit for Overseas Living, L. Robert Kohls
• The Whole World Guide to Culture Learning, L. Daniel Hess
• The Art of Coming Home, Craig Storti (Deals with reverse culture shock)
• Short Term Job Adventures, Michael Landes (1997)
• Work Abroad: Complete Guide to Finding a Job Overseas, Clayton A. Hubbs

Research Your Destination

Africa

• Into Africa, Yale Richmond an Phyllis Gestrin
• South Africa, Lesotho, and Swaziland, Barbara McCrea (1999)
• Let's Go: South Africa, Coverage of Southern Africa, Let's Go Publications

Asia

• Encountering the Chinese, Hu Wenzhong & C.L. Grove (1991)
• With Respect to the Japanese, John C. Condon
• The New Japan, David Matsumoto (2002)
• Learning to Think Korean, L. Robert Khols (2001)

South Pacific & Australia

• Culture Shock! Australia, 2001, Ilsa Sharp
• In a Sunburned Country, Bill Bryson
• A Fair Go For All: Australian and American Interactions, George W Renwick, Revised by Reginald Smart and Don L. Henderson
• Considering Filipinos, Theodore Gochenour

Great Brittain

• Divided By a Common Language, Christopher Davies et al. (1998)
• Lonely Planet Britain
• Lonely Planet British Phrasebook, Elizabeth Bartsch-Parker et al (1999)
• Contemporary authors (Helen Fielding, Nick Hornby, Ben Elton, JK Rowling)

Ireland

• Ireland Since 1690: A Concise History, Roy Douglas et al. 1999.

Continental Europe

• Let's Go: Europe, Let's Go Publications
• Hostelling International Guide (Volume I) - Europe, Hostelling International
• Exploring the Greek Mosaic, Benjamin J. Broome
• French or Foe?, Polly Platt
• From Da to Yes: Understanding the East Europeans, Yale Richmond
• From Nyet to Da: Understanding the Russians, Yale Richmond
• Spain is Different, Helen Wattley Ames
• Culture Shock! France, Sally Adamson Taylor (1991)
• Culture Shock! Spain, Maire Graff (2001)
• Culture Shock! Italy, Raymond Flower (2003)
• Los Espanoles de Hoy, John Hopper
• Culture Shock! Successful Living Abroad: Work Holidays Abroad, Mark Hempshell

Latin America

• Cuba Diaries, Isadora Tattlin (2003)
• Good Neighbors: Communicating with the Mexicans, John C. Condon
• Let's Go: Central America, Let's Go Publications
• Let's Go: Mexico, Let's Go Publications
• The New Key to Costa Rica, Beatrice Blake (1999)
• Understanding Spanish Speaking South Americans: Bridging Hemispheres, Skye Stephenson (2003)
• Lonely Planet series
• Culture Shock series

Middle East

• Culture Shock: Morocco, Orin Hargraves (2001)
• Border Crossings: American Interactions with Israeis, L. Shahar and D. Kurz
• Discovering Islam: Making Sense of Muslim History and Society, A.S. Ahmed
• Understanding Arabs: A Guide for Westerners, Margaret K. (Omar) Nydell

Women Abroad

• Expat: Women's True Tales of Life Abroad, Henry de Tessan, Christina, ed.
• Maiden Voyages: Writings of Women Travelers, Morris, Mary, in collaboration with O'Connor, Larry. New York: Vintage Books, 1993.
• Safety and Security for Women Who Travel, Swan, Sheila and Laufer, Peter. San Francisco: Traveler's Tales Inc., 1998.
• Are You TwoáTogether? A Gay and Lesbian Travel Guide to Europe, Van Gelder, Lindsay and Brandt, Pamela Robin. New York: Random House, 1991.
• A Journey of One's Own: Uncommon Advice for the Independent Woman Traveler, Zepatos, Thalia. Portland, OR: The Eighth Mountain Press.
• East Toward Dawn: A Women's Solo Journey Around the World, Nan Watkins. 2002, Seal Press, NY.
• Without Reservations. The Travels of an Independent Woman, Alice Steinbach, 2000, Random House, Inc., NY.
• Women in the Wild, True Stories of Adventure and Connection, Lucy McCauley, 998, Travelers' Tales, Inc., CA.
• Gutsy Women-More Travel Tips and Wisdom for the Road, Marybeth Bond, 2001, Travelers' Tales, Inc., CA.
• Women Travel: First-Hand Accounts from more than 60 Countries, Natania Jansz, 1999, Rough Guides, London.

Bookstores

Most of the books are available from one or more of the following websites:

• www.lonelyplanet.com
• www.letsgo.com
• www.roughguides.com
• www.cultureshockconsulting.com
• www.interculturalpress.com
• www.amazon.com

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Created by: Maria Nassen
Date Created: April 21, 2005
Last Modified: April 27, 2005