GLOBIS CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF GLOBAL ISSUES

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Welcome!

• GLOBIS (CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF GLOBAL ISSUES)
• UGA STUDY ABROAD
• VERONA, ITALY
• SUMMER 2008
• ORIENTATION MARCH 20, 2008

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Overview of orientation

• Whos who?
• Before you leave the US
• Getting to Verona
• Keeping in touch
• Accomodation in Verona
• Culture Shock
• Jet Lag
• Studying in Verona classes, resources and
  expectations
• General ground rules and regulations
• Alcohol Policy
• Money matters
• Security
• Health issues
• Weather
• Anti American Sentiment

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Most important

• Read - STUDY the Verona Summer 2008 handbook
• Visit this site of Office of International
  Education for further information
• http//www.uga.edu/oie/satravel.htm

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Whos who and contact information

• Dr. Han S. Park, University Professor of
  International Affairs, Director of GLOBIS
• (706 542-6633, hanpark_at_uga.edu

Dr. Markus M. L. Crepaz. Professor of Political
Science and Associate Director of GLOBIS (706)
542-2947 mcrepaz_at_uga.edu
Silvia P. Mapp, Coordinator for GLOBIS Study
Abroad Programs [phone], spmapp_at_uga.edu
Martin R. Collins, Business Manager of the
European Office of GLOBIS, European Coordinator
of the Study Abroad Program (011-39-33-969404163
(cell) mrcollin_at_uga.edu
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Before you leave the US

• Ensure you have a valid passport (renew if your
  passport is to expire within six month 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
• Do NOT bring valuables. Only bring what you dont
  mind losing

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Before you leave the US contd

• Visit your doctor for a dental checkup and a
  general physical
• Bring any prescription medication that you need
  1 weeks supply in ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.
• If you wear glasses/contacts, bring a second set
• Discuss health concerns and potential 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.

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Before you leave the US contd

• 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, anti-diarrheal medication immodium,
  etc., neosporin, etc.)
• Sun-screen lotion, hat, and insect repellent
  (with DEET)
• Any other over the counter medication that you
  feel you cannot do without in the US

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Before you leave the US contd

• Packing
• Carry only as much as you can comfortably carry
• Travel backpacks, suitcases with wheels
  recommended
• Airline regulations allow you to bring two bags
  each one not exceeding 50 lbs. (weight cannot be
  combined) and one carry-on.
• Bring about one week of clothing
• Leave room in your luggage for things to bring
  back from Europe.
• Put a change of underwear in your carry-on in
  case your luggage gets lost
• DO NOT bring valuable jewelry, etc. and NO
  appliances

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Getting to Verona

• You need to be in Verona, Italy by 1600 (4p.m.)
  at the Residence allAdige on May 16, 2008.
• Address Residence allAdige
• Via Magellano 28
• 37138 Verona, Italy
• Phone [phone]
• FAX [phone]

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Getting to Verona contd

• For those who do not fly directly into Verona,
  (i.e. who fly into Venice, or Milan) and take the
  train, the name of the Verona train station is

Verona Porta Nuova
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Once youre here Expect to have a great time in
Europe!

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KEEPING IN TOUCH

• Phones
• Only international access cell phones work
  overseas
• Pre-paid phone cards work well
• Calling cardsknow access code for host country
  (obtain before departing USA)
• E-mail
• Most affordable way to communicate
• Can access UGA account through ugamail
• Internet cafes (cost)
• Mail do not have packages sent to Verona after
  the middle of the program as they may not arrive
  before we leave.

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Accommodation in Verona

• Modern studio apartments
• Fully furnished including cooking utensils,
  linens, etc.
• Once a week cleaning service of living area, not
  the kitchen
• Gym center in basement at extra cost
• Classrooms and computer labs are in the hotel
• Quiet time 2200 to 700 (10 p.m. to 7 a.m.)
• Walking through the lobby not barefoot and no
  swimming clothes
• Share the Residence with the business/art
  community
• Laundry/dryers, irons, etc. on premises

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JET LAG

• During the flight
• Try to sleep
• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol
• Wear comfortable clothing
• Change watch to local time at destination
• Upon arrival
• Follow local time schedule for meals and sleep
• Moderate exercise
• Eat healthy, drink lots of fluids (water and
  juices)

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CULTURE SHOCK

• NORMAL reaction to new environment
• May feel overwhelmed, lonely, homesick, dislike
  things about host culture
• Cope by
• Recognizing it
• Talking with others in program
• Keeping a journal
• Concentrating on positive aspects of host culture
• Establishing new routines
• Not calling/e-mailing home too much
• Reverse Culture Shock

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Electrical connections
For cell phones, i-pods, cameras, etc. i.e. small
electronic appliances will require an adaptor
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Studying in Verona classes, resources and
expectations
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Studying in Verona, contd

• Study hard regular credit, regular effort
• Required course load six credits minimum (two
  classes)
• First and foremost an academic experience not a
  vacation.
• Be on time for classes to begin (being late and
  unexcused absences will result in grade
  reductions).
• Get your books/readers HERE and BRING them to
  Verona
• Subject to UGA Academic honesty policies as if
  you were on campus
• No travel related modifications to class schedule
  will be allowed

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Studying in Verona contd

• 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!
• Your responsibility to contact Academic Support
  ServicesClark Howell Hall
• Complete appropriate section on health form and
  discuss needs with Program Director

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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 youre going, what hotel
  youre staying, phone number, e-mail address, fax
  number etc. of that lodging.

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ALCOHOL POLICY

• 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

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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
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Money Matters
In most European countries, including Italy, the
currency is the EURO The current exchange
rate 1 Euro 1.58 1 .63 Euro For current
exchange rates http//www.x-rates.com/
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Money matters contd

• Getting money while away
• ATMs are widely available in Europe best
  exchange rates
• DO NOT use travellers checks
• 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

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Money matters contd

• Bargaining is common in Italy particularly in
  markets and with
• Street vendors
• Tipping should reflect quality of service and
  food

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Traveling in Europe

• 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

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Safety issues

• Foreigners are more vulnerable to crime
• Keep a low profile
• Try to blend in behavior and appearance
• Avoid baseball caps, T-shirts with American
  emblems
• Speak English quietly
• Be aware of your surroundings spatial awareness
  (avoid walking with your MP3 player on)
• 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

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Safety issues, contd

• US constitution does NOT protect you abroad
• You are subject to Italian, German, etc. law
• In case of legal problems, US Embassy or
  Consulate can provide assistance
• Nearest US consulate in Milan
• http//milan.usconsulate.gov/

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Safety issues, contd

• 24/7 EMERGENCY NUMBER
• 33-96940416 (CELL)
• MARTIN COLLINS

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GREATEST DANGERS FACING U.S. STUDENTS ABROAD

• Traffic accidents
• Petty crime such as pickpockets and con-artists
• Illness
• Imprudent behavior such as being drunk, flashing
  lots of cash, joining in political
  demonstrations, protest actions, strikes, etc.

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Safety for women

• 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

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Safety issues contd gender and relationships

• 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

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Health issues

• 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.

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STUDY ABROAD INSURANCE

• 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
• Pay for minor services up front
• Submit claim for reimbursement
• Provides coverage for
• Medical care
• Emergency medical evacuation
• Repatriation of remains
• Family reunification

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ISIC CARDS

• 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
• GLOBIS will provide ISIC cards

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Weather
Average temperature in Celsius May Highs 73
Lows 56 June Highs 79 Lows 61
Average rainfall in millimeters June 2 inches
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What clothes to wear

• One warm fleece jacket
• One water proof raincoat
• For women in some places such as St. Peters 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.

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ANTI-AMERICAN SENTIMENT

• What is it?
• Usually written or verbal criticism related to
  U.S. foreign policy and/or cultural influence
• How to deal with it
• Dont 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 persons beliefs,
  national sentiment on particular issues
• Share your thoughts and experiences

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Be an informed, respectful traveler

• 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

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Most important

• Give Europeans a reason to like Americans.

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Ci vediamo in bella Italia!