PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION
In order to complete the following self-orientation, you will need to have carefully read the Study Abroad Handbook (http://www.wellesley.edu/OIS/StudentInfo/handbook0607.html) as well as the materials provided by your host institution, the U.S. State Department and the Center for Disease Control.
PLANS FOR STUDY AWAY
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES 1. I have submitted a Leave of Absence Form. Yes No 2. I will submit signed Risk and Release Forms and Study Abroad Contract by May 1 (for fall) or November 1 (for spring). Yes No 3. Although it is a huge hassle, I will collect my parent's signature as well. Yes No 4. If I decide that I want to change the duration of my stay abroad, I will request permission from the OIS and my Class Dean before November 1. Yes No
ACADEMIC POLICIES 1. I have reviewed my program materials and understand what the "full load" is. I understand that I need to sign up for a full load of courses abroad and will send my course selections to the OIS for review well before the end of my program/host institution's drop/add period. Yes No 2. I plan to fulfill major, minor or distribution requirements abroad and have discussed what types of courses I can use to do so with the relevant department chair. Yes No (I do not plan to fulfill any requirements abroad. ) 3. I have thoroughly reviewed the section of the handbook which lists courses for which I might not get credit. I have checked with the OIS about any courses that might be problematic. Yes No 4. I understand that I need to remain at my program site for the duration of the semester, including the exam period. I know when the exam period ends and am able to stay through that date. Yes No 5. I understand that it is my responsibility to request that my program or host institution send an official transcript to the Wellesley College Registrar upon completion of my semester or year abroad. Yes No 6. I understand that no grades earned abroad will appear on my Wellesley transcript. However, graduate programs, fellowship administrators and potential employers may ask to see the study abroad transcript. Yes No 7. I have a basic understanding of how the academic system works in my program or host institution (and I am eager to embrace these differences!). Yes No
FINANCES 1. I understand that I will be billed regular Wellesley College tuition for my semester or year abroad. I will not pay room and board or other fees to Wellesley. I will pay any non-tuition costs directly to the relevant provider. Yes No 2. I have submitted my financial aid application for the upcoming academic year. Yes No (I do not normally receive financial aid. ) 3. I have looked into the best ways to access funds while I am abroad (ATM, local bank, travelers checks, etc.) and also have a plan in case I need to access additional funds in an emergency situation. Yes No
TRAVEL 1. I have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond my estimated return date. Yes No 2. I understand how to get a visa or entry permit for my semester or year abroad. Yes No (I do not need a visa or entry permit. ) 3. I have a place to stay when I arrive in my host country. Yes No
SAFETY 1. I have read the State Department Consular Information Sheet for my host country(ies). Yes No 2. I have spoken with someone who has lived or studied in my host country and have specifically talked about safety issues. Yes No 3. I will heed all advice about safety issues provided by my host institution and host family. Yes No 4. I will hang out in front of the American Embassy waving a U.S. flag, participate in political demonstrators, hitchhike and be out alone after midnight. Yes, all the time. No, I won't. 5. I am aware of the major political and safety issues in my host country and will continue to stay informed of current affairs in my host country prior to and during my semester or year abroad. Yes No 6. I have talked to other people who have experience in my host country about how I am likely to be received as a foreigner, a woman, woman of color, member of a non-dominant religion, heritage traveler, lesbian, or other. Yes No I know who I can go to if I am made to feel uncomfortable abroad. Yes No 7. I understand that I am subject to local laws while I am abroad and that it is my responsibility to know what these are. Yes No 8. If I travel away from my host city, I will make sure that someone has my itinerary/contact information. Yes No
HEALTH 1. I plan to purchase the Wellesley College health insurance, or I have waived this coverage because I already have equivalent or better coverage.Yes No 2. I know how to contact my health insurer and have proof of coverage that I can take with me abroad. Yes No 3. I have completed the Health Services Travel Information Form and have made an appointment for pre-Travel advisement with Student Health Services or with my own physician. Yes No 4. I have looked up my host country on the CDC web site and understand the major health risks. Yes No
COMMUNICATIONS 1. I will let my parent/guardian know that I have arrived safely within hours of arrival. Yes No 2. I will e-mail the OIS within 2 days of arrival with my contact information and I will check my e-mail regularly. If I will do have regular access to e-mail and have made arrangements to communicate in some other way. Yes No
PLANNING YOUR RETURN 1. I have selected a housing proxy and complete the Housing Preference Form. Yes No 2. I have talked with my faculty advisor or class dean about the courses I'll need to take in the semester following my time abroad. Yes No AND 1. I plan to attend the Mandatory Pre-Departure Meeting on May 4 from 5:30-8:00. Yes No 2. I plan to have a really successful semester or year abroad. Yes No 3. I think this survey is: a huge waste of my valuable time, better than sitting through an extra hour of talking heads, or a really brilliant idea.
I STILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:
PLEASE PRINT A COPY FOR YOUR RECORDS (BOTH FOR REFERENCE AND IN CASE OF TECHNICAL ERROR.) THANKS!