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| Health, Safety and Security While Overseas |
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| The more prepared a student is for a study abroad program, the better equipped s/he will be adjust to the host culture. However, students will inevitably feel disorientation as they settle into their new "homes". This sense of discomfort is called culture shock and accompanies all travelers who spend a significant time outside of the United States. Many students also experience homesickness. In addition to culture shock, there are a number of issues that students must be aware of during their time overseas. Some pertain to all students and some are specific men and women when travelling abroad. These include handling emergencies from abroad, managing the academic program,developing a personal budget, and avoiding offenses that could involve expulsion from the program. All students should understand the nuances of the culture, particularly if they choose to live with a host family. Most students will travel while overseas and should become familiar with all of the options as well as the related risks. In an effort to fully internalize and remember a study abroad experience, the SAO recommends that students keep a journal during their time overseas. Journaling can help preserve memories of the wonderful experiences you have had and help you cope with re-entry shock, a phenomenon experienced by many students when they return home. |
Most study abroad programs have pre-planned procedures for emergency evacuations in times of crisis. However, you may not be made aware of the specific procedures due to national security. If a situation should occur in which these plans need to be activated, you would be informed about how to proceed. Remember, at any given time, in any given place, a situation could occur. For this reason, students should take general precautions while living overseas. For example, be alert to the possibility of being under surveillance and report anyone loitering around your residence, following you, or acting suspicious. Also, pay attention to daily news reports.
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Study abroad programs are, by nature, academic. Students are expected to make academics their top priority, realizing that they may have to sacrifice travel and entertainment in order to complete their work. While students will certainly have the opportunity to experience new things, they must complete their academic program in order for the program to count toward graduation.
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| Personal Budgeting Tips While Overseas |
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- Share traveling expenses
- Pack lunches from grocery stores for long trips or for everyday.
- Eat where the locals eat, which is often at home.
- Stay away from "western" hotels and restaurants; they are typically very expensive.
- Ask local people where the cheap places are, and the best ways to travel.
- Do not make phone calls from hotels; calling cards are least expensive to make phone calls.
- Beware - Postage is very expensive in most countries, including postcards.
- Courier Travel is often less expensive than traditional airline companies, although travel dates are very restricted. Be sure to check out the agency prior to contracting with them.
For additional information on budgeting for a study abroad program, visit the Finances pages.
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| Offenses related to welfare, health, or safety is committed when a student: |
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1. Uses, possesses, or manufactures, without University authorization, firearms, explosives, weapons, or other dangerous articles or substances injurious to person or property.
2. Refuses to vacate buildings, street walks, driveways, or other facilities of the University when directed to do so by an official of the University or any other lawful authority having just cause or fails to vacate a University building, including residence halls, when a fire alarm sounds.
3. Uses, possesses, distributes, sells, or is under the influence of narcotics, hallucinogenics, dangerous drugs, controlled substances except as permitted by law, or possesses drug paraphernalia which can be demonstrated to be linked to drug activity, such as bongs with drug residue.
4. Students who are knowingly present during the commission of the violation(s) of "uses, possesses, distributes, sells, or is under the influence of narcotics, hallucinogenics, dangerous drugs, controlled substances except as permitted by law, or possesses paraphernalia which can be demonstrated to be linked to drug activity, such as bongs with residue," will be subject to disciplinary proceedings.
5. Possesses or consumes alcoholic beverages if under the age permitted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or if in facilities where prohibited by the University; or dispenses alcoholic beverages to an individual who is under the age permitted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, or violates any provision of the University alcohol policies.
6. Students who are knowingly present during the commission of the violation(s) of "possesses or consumes alcoholic beverages if under the age permitted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or if in facilities where prohibited by the University; or dispenses alcoholic beverages to an individual who is under the age permitted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, or violates any of provision of the University alcohol policies," will be subject to disciplinary proceedings.
7. Falsely reports a fire, or activates emergency warning equipment, or communicates false information regarding the existence of explosives on University property.
8. Abuses, removes, or damages fire safety equipment.
9. Engages in games of chance for money or other gain in violation of the law.
10. Ignites or burns materials which cause a fire.
11. Ignites or burns incense, candles, and/or like materials.
12. Violates University restrictions on smoking.
Also read University of Pittsburgh Student Code of Conduct and Judicial Procedures: www.studentaffairs.pitt.edu/usjs/
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- Be natural. Be you.
- Always keep an open mind and observe, observe, observe.
- Spend time with your host family/students in your residence from the start. Some families are going to be more open than others.
- Pictures of your home and family are a great icebreaker, and lead to great conversations.
- Do not run up to your room after dinner. Get involved. Stick around, watch TV, and chat with the family/students. Ask a lot of questions--take an interest in your city/country!
- Try to be as flexible as possible and your anxiety will decrease. Always remember that your family is in the same position as you are.
- Do not be tense. The first week will seem hard and you may be a little nervous, but just ask questions no matter how stupid the question seems to you.
- Talk openly with family members/students, especially if there is a problem.
- Be assertive. Do not wait for them to ask you everything - ask them too. They will not bite! Try to feel at home.
- Be conscious of the way your host(s) likes to live and be considerate of that.
- Remember that you are always a guest in your host's home, treat them with respect.
- Don't be bothered by first reactions or tone of voice. Inflections in certain languages could seem stern or disapproving.
- Remember that other cultures have different expressions (facial, body) which may seem rude by American standards, but may be perfectly normal in their own culture.
- Avoid conflict. Observe a lot the first few days and try to adapt or fall into the host's way of life (i.e. eating times and habits, sense of humor, etc.)
At first, living with a host family may be frustrating and difficult. Once your hosts know you're interested and are really trying to get to know them and the host country, they will help a lot. The student should make an effort. Do not be afraid to speak another language. After all, that's probably one of the main reasons you are studying abroad. It is very important to accept corrections and not care that you make mistakes. Try to speak with the family as often as possible.
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Next: Travel Tips
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