(OSA) Student Handbook - KU News

Transcription

Study Abroad Handbook
The University of Kansas
The University of Kansas Office of Study Abroad
Lippincott Hall 1410 Jayhawk Blvd., Rm 108
Lawrence, KS 66045
Telephone / 785.864.3742
Fax / 785.864.5040
In case of an emergency, please call 785-864-3742 for assistance. After hours message will always have current contact information.
Ten Rules of Travel
1. D
o not expect to find things precisely as they are at home...for you left home to find
things differently.
2. D
o not take things too seriously... for a carefree mind is the basis for a good
experience.
3. Do not let other students get on your nerves... for you are paying good money to
learn.
4. Do not worry... he that worries has little joy... and few things are fatal.
5. Do not judge all people of a country by one person with whom you had a problem.
6. Do in Rome somewhat as the Romans do.
7. D
o carry your passport (or a photocopy) at all times... for a person without a passport
is a person without a country.
8. L
ucky is one who can say “Thank you” in any language... for it is worth more than
gold.
9. Lucky is one who can make change in any currency, for you will not be cheated.
10. You are welcome in every land... treat your hosts with respect and you will be an
honored guest.
.
-author unknown
1
Revised March 2010
2
Table of Contents
Academic Expectations & Study Abroad Enrollment.....................................5
Enrollment While Abroad..................................................................................................5
Changes of Enrollment.......................................................................................................5
Credit/No Credit Option ...................................................................................................6
Withdrawing from your Study Abroad Program...........................................................7
Grades for Study Abroad...................................................................................................7
Enrollment at KU for your Semester of Return .............................................................8
Adjusting to Life Abroad.....................................................................................9
What is culture?...................................................................................................................9
Cultural Adjustment...........................................................................................................9
Re-entry Adjustment.........................................................................................................12
Diversity in Study Abroad...............................................................................................12
Health and Medical Matters..............................................................................15
Health Insurance...............................................................................................................15
Assist America Global Emergency Services..................................................................15
Staying Healthy Abroad...................................................................................................16
Safety......................................................................................................................18
Pre-Departure Planning...................................................................................................18
Precautions to Take Abroad.............................................................................................18
Tips for Women Traveling Alone ...................................................................................20
Cultural Norms, Dating Behavior and Alcohol............................................................21
Date Rape and Sexual Violence.......................................................................................22
Money Matters......................................................................................................24
Accessing money abroad..................................................................................................24
Communications..................................................................................................25
Keeping in Touch . ............................................................................................................25
Shipping..............................................................................................................................25
Packing Tips..........................................................................................................26
How to Pack.......................................................................................................................26
What to Bring.....................................................................................................................26
What to Leave Behind.......................................................................................................28
A Few Things to Bring AND Leave Behind...................................................................28
Packing Check List............................................................................................................28
Pre-Departure Checklist.....................................................................................29
Useful Websites....................................................................................................30
Travel Warning on Drugs Abroad.....................................................................31
KU Study Abroad Policies and Conditions of Participation.......................32
Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities................................................33
3
4
Academics
Academic Expectations & Study Abroad Enrollment
Enrollment While Abroad
KU students studying abroad through the Office of Study
Abroad (OSA) remain enrolled at KU while abroad. NonKU students studying abroad through the KU Office of
Study Abroad are admitted to KU as non-degree seeking
students and are enrolled at KU while abroad.
Enrollment for study abroad follows one of two models
described below. If you have any questions about which
model your program follows, please check with your OSA
Program Coordinator.
a) Enrollment in KU Courses Abroad: Certain programs
have identified KU courses and credits. These include most
faculty-directed short-term programs and a few semester
programs such as those in Humanities and Western Civilization and Architecture Internships in France or China.
b) Direct Enrollment at a Foreign Institution: Other programs rely on direct enrollment in a foreign institution.
As the official record of enrollment (the transcript) is issued by a foreign institution, KU equivalent courses are
determined by KU faculty. The KU equivalent courses and
grades are posted on the KU transcript after the receipt of
official documentation from the foreign institution. Your
OSA Program Coordinator will provide information on
equivalencies.
Minimum & Maximum Enrollment
Semester and Year Programs: Undergraduate students
are expected to enroll at the foreign university in the
equivalent of 12 to 15 KU credit hours per semester, or
fewer in the summer. All students are expected to maintain full-time student status while abroad. Unless special
arrangements have been made in advance, study abroad
participants will be granted KU credit for no more than 18
hours per semester. Graduate students will usually earn
no more than six to nine graduate credits for the semester,
although exceptions are possible with prior approval of
the student’s academic department.
Summer and Short-term Programs: These programs vary
in the number of credit hours offered. Generally all participants on a specified program will take the same total
number of credit hours.
Changes of Enrollment
Enrollment in KU Courses Abroad: Adding,
Dropping, or Changing a Course Special add/drop deadlines are established by the KU
Registrar for each KU Study Abroad program. Your Program Director or OSA program coordinator will have the
deadlines as well as special add/drop forms. Since the time
frame of many programs is short, speak with the director
regarding enrollment changes as soon as possible.
You can add a course or change your enrollment once you
are overseas. However, all participants are encouraged to
carefully review and select their courses in cooperation
with their academic advisor prior to the program departure in order to avoid changes to enrollment overseas. If
you wish to add or change a course, consult your program
director immediately. The director will fax changes to the
OSA and the OSA will submit the changes to the Office of
the University Registrar at KU.
If you wish to drop a course once overseas, consult your
program director immediately. In general, it is not possible
to reduce the number of credit hours you are taking since
all students must maintain full time enrollment. If you are
allowed to drop a course, remember that reducing your
credit load may affect your financial aid status.
Enrollment at a Foreign Institution: Adding,
Dropping, or Changing a Course
Be sure to follow host institution rules and deadlines for
changing or dropping a course. ALL courses and grades
that appear on your transcript for study abroad will be
posted on your KU transcript.
It is your responsibility to stay informed about the effect of
enrollment changes on your KU (or home institution) academic program and graduation requirements. Fill out the
Academic Advisor Contact sheet, located in the back of this
booklet, in case you need academic assistance while overseas. KU students who wish to know the KU equivalent of
a host institution course (for courses not previously listed
on their Academic Plan for Study Abroad) must contact
the appropriate KU Faculty Advisor. A list of the Faculty
Advisors is on the KU OSA web site at www.studyabroad.
ku.edu. Non-KU students should contact the appropriate
advisors at their home institutions when considering enrolling in courses not previously approved by the home
institution.
Argentina
5
Academics
record. During the KU designated second drop period, a
grade of W appears on the student’s transcript. During
the third period, a student cannot withdraw from a course.
The course grade is determined by the student’s overall
academic performance. Retroactive withdrawal from a
course is not allowed. Certain courses cannot be dropped,
such as orientation or foreign language grammar courses
that form an integral part of the program. Be sure to carefully read the information about your program or consult
your OSA Program Coordinator to know which courses
fall under this category.
Credit/No Credit Option
Bonn, Germany
Bring back all course information, including course description, syllabus, texts or reading lists, assignments, and
your work. This is critical for establishing any KU course
equivalent that was either conditionally approved or that
was not listed on your Academic Plan.
All students must notify their OSA Program Coordinators,
in writing and with copies of their Academic Advisor’s approval, of any changes to their overseas enrollment.
Procedures for dropping a course vary from program to
program. If there is an on-site KU representative, students
must follow instructions provided by that person when
dropping a course. Otherwise, students must notify the
OSA Program Coordinator, in writing, no later than one
month before the end of the course, to request permission
to drop. Note that KU add/drop policies will apply – dropping a course during the designated first drop period, a
canceled course does not appear on the student’s academic
Most KU degree-seeking undergraduates may elect to recieve one course grade in a non-major subject as Credit/No
Credit eash semester under the same regulations that are
in force at the University of Kansas. Once you have elected
the Credit/No Credit option, you cannot alter your choice.
Non-degree seeking students (including Non-KU students
on KU study abroad programs) and students enrolled in
the Graduate School are not eligible to elect the Credit/No
Credit option while studying abroad.
See accompanying chart below and KU Credit/No Credit
Policy on the following page for more detailed information.
Enrollment in KU Courses Abroad
Special deadlines are established by the KU Registrar for
each KU Study Abroad program. Your program director
or group leader will have forms and deadlines by which
you must fax your request for the credit/no credit option
to the OSA.
School in which student is enrolled
Credit/no credit allowed for
Credit/no credit NOT allowed for
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Courses not in the major or minor
Courses in the major or minor
Allied Health
Electives or courses not in the major;
check with specific department
Required courses, electives in the major
Architecture, Design and Planning
Electives not in the major
Required courses; electives in the major
Business
Electives
Required professional (business and
economics) courses; required English
courses, PSYC 104
Education
Any course not required for graduation, up to 6 hours of courses required
for graduation
More than 6 hours of courses required for
graduation
Engineering (incl. Architectural
Engineering; not an option for Aerospace Engineering students)
Courses used to fulfill English, humani- All other courses
ties, social science, or oral communication requirements only
Journalism & Mass Communications
CLAS or miscellaneous electives, one
course per semester
Journalism courses or admission requirements in English
Music
Required courses; electives in the major
Nursing
Courses not in the major
Courses in the major
Pharmacy
All other courses
Social Welfare
Courses not in the major
Courses in the major
6
Academics
Enrollment at a Foreign Institution
Students must notify the on-site KU representative (if applicable) or the OSA, in writing, before 40% of the foreign
institution course is completed if they wish to take a nonmajor course Credit/No Credit.
Credit/No Credit Policy, from the University
of Kansas Undergraduate Catalog
A Credit/No Credit option is available to all degree-seeking
undergraduates. A student may enroll in one course per
semester under the option, if the course is not in the major
or minor. After the close of the option period, the student
cannot alter the choice. Under the option, a grade of Credit
is recorded for grades of A, B, or C; No Credit is recorded
for grades of D or F. Courses graded Credit or No Credit do
not count in computing the grade point average. Courses
graded Credit are included in the total hours counted toward graduation. Courses graded No Credit do not count
toward graduation.
Warning: Certain undesirable consequences may result
from exercising the option. Some schools, scholarship committees, and honorary societies do not accept this grading
system and convert grades of No Credit to F when computing grade-point averages for their specific purposes.
School of Architecture, Design and Planning. ARCH 690
and ARCH 691 can only be taken for Credit/No Credit.
School of Education. Students planning to enter education
programs who are not formally admitted to the school are
strongly discouraged from taking any course required for
graduation for Credit/No Credit.
Withdrawing from your Study
Abroad Program
If you are considering withdrawing from your program,
contact your OSA Program Coordinator immediately. Do
not just walk away from your program! Your OSA Program Coordinator will help you understand your options
and the consequences of withdrawing, both academically
and financially.
do not panic! Grades will be posted as soon as possible.
Your program director or OSA Program Coordinator will
be able to tell you whether he or she has submitted grades
for your program.
KU students - Soon after grades have been submitted
they will appear on your ARTS form. Obtain a copy of
your ARTS form online or from your major department.
Non-KU students - One official transcript will be sent to
the address you specified on the Transcript Request form
(one of the forms you filled out before departure). Additional copies of your KU transcript may be ordered online
at www.registrar.ku.edu/transcript.
Enrollment at a Foreign Institution
KU students should visit the OSA upon their return to
campus. Both KU and non-KU students should update
their current addresses at the OSA, in order to be notified
when the host institution transcript arrives.
For some programs, the foreign university contact or program director will send an official transcript directly to the
OSA. However, many students will have to either request
that the official transcript be sent to the KU OSA or collect
and bring back official documentation of their work abroad.
Check with your OSA Program Coordinator if you are not
sure whether you need to request the transcript yourself.
Make certain that the official transcript from the foreign
university is sent to the KU Office of Study Abroad and
NOT to the KU Office of Admissions. Photocopies of transcripts are not acceptable unless stamped with the original
official seal or mark of the university.
Consult your program information to find out approximately when you can expect your transcript to arrive.
Foreign transcripts generally arrive one to four months
following the end of the study abroad period.
All course work and grades will be posted before the end
of the semester following the period of study abroad. If the
student has not contacted the OSA during this time, grades
and course work will be posted as the closest equivalent
to courses approved on the Academic Plan. Other courses
will be posted as the nearest KU equivalent course as assigned by the academic unit.
Grades for Study Abroad
KU Courses Abroad
Winter Break and Spring Break programs
Credit for these programs is recorded on the Spring semester academic record. Grades and credit will appear on your
spring grade report at the end of the spring term.
Summer and Semester Programs
Summer grades are posted at the end of the summer term
on the KU Lawrence campus (late July). Semester grades
are posted shortly upon the return of the program. In some
cases, grades may be delayed pending receipt of academic
information from the host institution. If you view your
grades or ARTS form and a course is listed as WG (waiting grade) or zero credit hours instead of a grade, please
Copenhagen, Denmark
7
Academics
The OSA cannot guarantee that the posted coursework will
fulfill the student’s graduation requirements.
You may not eliminate classes and grades from the foreign
university transcript to post. All courses and grades will be
posted on the KU transcript. Once grades are posted on
the KU transcript, changes will not be made.
Grade Posting for KU Students
1. The OSA Program Coordinator assists the student and
the Academic Departments in determining the KU equivalent courses and grades. Once the transcript has arrived,
the student will meet with the OSA Program Coordinator
to discuss the Academic Plan and Approval Form (completed at the time of application) and any courses taken
abroad for which KU equivalents remain to be approved.
A Credit Worksheet form will be filled out.
2. The student will then meet with the appropriate Faculty
Advisor, who will review documentation the student has
brought back for any course which was conditionally approved before departure or which was not listed on the
Academic Plan. The Faculty Advisor will approve KU
course equivalents for each course taken in his/her academic department. The student should meet with his or
her Academic Advisor to determine how the KU courses
will fulfill graduation requirements.
3. The student will return the signed Credit Worksheet to
the OSA Program Coordinator.
4. The OSA Program Coordinator will send all completed
paperwork and documentation to the University Registrar.
Course work will be posted on the KU record within several weeks.
Grade Posting for Non-KU Students
1. One KU transcript will be sent to your home institution
to the address you specified on the Transcript Request
form.
2. It is your responsibility to verify that the transfer of the
KU credits to the home institution has been completed.
Stockholm, Sweden
8
Enrollment at KU for your
Semester of Return
(for KU students on Semester Programs)
A KU Course Enrollment Form for the Semester of Return
to KU was included with your acceptance forms. You
have the option of enrolling online through Enroll & Pay
(available through the KYou portal or the Registrar’s Office
main web page) or having OSA submit your enrollment
request to the Office of the University Registrar on your
behalf. Regardless of the option you choose, you must complete
and return this form before you depart. If you choose not to
submit an enrollment request, and do not enroll yourself
online, then you will have to go through late enrollment
upon your return to KU and pay late enrollment fees.
If you have selected to enroll online, you will need to log
on to Enroll & Pay (https://sa.ku.edu) during Main enrollment, find out when your enrollment period will begin,
and enroll yourself during that time.
•
Special Permission: For those courses that require
special permission, you will need to contact the
department in which the course is offered to request
special permission numbers.
•
Changes and updates to your request (Add/Drop):
You will be able to make changes to your enrollment
online at the Enroll &Pay website (https://sa.ku.edu)
after you are initially enrolled, or during online Add/
Drop once you return to KU.
•
You can print a copy of your schedule from the Enroll
& Pay website.
If you have requested that the OSA enroll you, you will
be enrolled at your predetermined enrollment time by the
Office of the University Registrar at KU. You must take
care of any enrollment holds prior to your enrollment time
or you can not be enrolled.
•
Special Permission: It is your responsibility to provide
the OSA with any special permission numbers for
enrollment in courses that require special permission.
Contact the department in which the course is offered
to request the special permission number.
•
The OSA cannot guarantee enrollment in all of the
courses you request. Its is important to always list
alternative courses.
•
Changes and updates to your request (Add/Drop):
Once your enrollment has been submitted to the Student Records Center, the OSA can still request changes
on your behalf. Please email request to [email protected].
You will also be able to make your own changes while
you are abroad or when you return to KU during online add/drop.
•
Your class schedule: Once enrolled, you can print a
copy of your class schedule from the Enroll & Pay
website (https://sa.ku.edu).
Adjusting to Life Abroad
Alumni will tell you that one of the great benefits of studying abroad is the experience of coming to know another
culture intimately. However, very few people escape the
feelings of culture shock in the process. While not always
easy to deal with in the moment, culture shock is an indicator that you are learning and adjusting to the ways of
another society, and it will subside as you make progress
toward integrating into your new host culture. In this section, we will take a look at culture and cultural differences,
describe the typical pattern of culture shock and provide
some techniques for weathering the less comfortable aspects of your period of adjustment.
What is culture?
Craig Storti describes culture as “a system of beliefs and
values shared by a particular group of people,” but adds
that “… it is behavior, the principal manifestation and
most significant consequence of culture, that we actually
experience.” (Storti, 14)
E.T. Hall, author of The Silent Language, identifies 10 primary message systems that all cultures use to communicate.
These message systems are made of rules and patterns or
“signs” used to communicate about such things as interaction between individuals or groups, livelihood and fundamentals such as eating, dating and mating, the use of space
and time, learning and play, self and communal protection, and the use of tools and materials. While all cultures
address these systems in order to live in harmony, each
culture develops its own patterns or behavioral norms for
each dimension. Can you identify some of the behavioral
norms for your own culture in these dimensions? Your
host culture probably has different behavioral norms for
several if not all of these message systems.
For instance, in the U.S. we value being on time and it is
reasonable for two people who have agreed upon a time,
date, and meeting place to expect each other to be ready
and available at the designated time. It is considered rude
for either party to make the other wait longer than the
acceptable error margin (perhaps 5-10 minutes). On the
other hand, in Latin American cultures the value placed
on human interaction and relationships overrides the need
to mind the ticking clock. The value system of a culture
affects its style of communication and thus the habits of
its members.
Cultural Adjustment
A large body of social research indicates that all newcomers to a culture pass through a similar adjustment process,
although each individual’s situation and responses are
unique. The length of time needed to adjust to new surroundings, and how deeply one is affected by these surroundings, depend on many things, including your own
background and culture, the difference between your
home and host cultures, and your role in the new culture.
The first few days and weeks abroad will probably be exciting and stimulating. All you see will be strange, new,
and rich with tradition. Sounds, smells, gestures and
movement will crowd your senses, leaving you exhilarated
and exhausted. This is the honeymoon period of cultural
adjustment.
At the same time you may begin to experience the first
symptoms of culture shock, the unpleasant feeling of
disorientation that afflicts every visitor who enters a
strange world. Culture shock or cultural fatigue is what
happens when your expectations don’t match up with
reality. You may be disappointed with what you see. You
may be frustrated with your American classmates--they
may seem naive, rude, loud, or provincial. Or, you may
feel constantly confronted with evidence that your culture
is truly superior and develop a negative attitude toward
your hosts. You may even be disappointed in yourself and
in your failure to be as articulate and sophisticated as you
are at home.
Model of Cultural Passage for Students
Anticipation
Exhilaration
Equilibrium
Accommodation
Emotional State
Bewilderment
Reconciliation
Impatience
Disorientation
Disenchantment
Discouragement
Integration
Renewed interest
Constructive
attitudes
9
While you cannot avoid culture shock you can take steps
to make it more bearable. If you are experiencing culture
shock, the following suggestions may help you cope:
Austria
“The principal cause of culture shock lies in the encounter
with differences-but not just the exotic differences of the
immediate senses, the sights, sounds and smells of the new
environment. It is the differences in the way the society is
organized and in the values, behaviors, styles of communication, and patterns of thinking that cause the problem,
since so much of what makes up these basic cultural characteristics is automatic and unconscious and is assumed to
be universal. (Hess, p. 10)
Triggers of culture shock include:
• Situational factors and the degree to which they are
different from your own culture or from your expectations.
• The presence of structure where you don’t want it
and a lack of structure where you need it.
• Increased ambiguity and uncertainty that makes it
impossible to predict what is likely to happen next.
• Self-doubt
• A lack of common identity reinforcements that are
present in your own culture
Reactions to culture shock vary from person to person.
Many students who experience culture shock cite feeling
some (or all) of the following:
• Fatigue, discomfort, generalized frustration
• A feeling of helplessness, the inability to cope with
the demands of the day
• Excessive preoccupation with personal cleanliness or
personal health.
• Excessive fear of being taken advantage of and subsequent negative feelings toward the host culture.
• Irritability and anger over minor frustrations
• Loneliness and reluctance to be social
• Dependence upon members of your own culture
• Longing for home, being disengaged from the present
• Get a good start. Be sure you embark on your journey
rested and in good health. Do your research before
you go.
• When you first arrive, try to get a good physical
sense of your new environment. Spend some time
exploring and mapping the neighborhood. Figure
out where and how to do mundane tasks such as
laundry and shopping as well as where to go for
medical or police assistance.
• Keep regular hours. Eat, sleep, and study at about
the same time every day.
• Get some exercise! Maintain your regular exercise
habits, or start some new ones.
• Observe people closely and try to pick up the silent
language.
• Go to your classes every day. It is important to work
every day on your language skills if you are in a nonEnglish speaking country. The more you fall behind,
the more overwhelmed you are likely to feel.
• Avoid clustering with your American friends; join a
club or sports group at your university.
• Keep a journal and write about your feelings and
experiences.
• Moderate your expectations. Be proud of your ‘baby
steps.’ In the first few weeks, your accomplishments
will probably include such lofty tasks as changing
money at a local bank or exchanging pleasantries
with a person at the coffee shop.
• Have some fun! Look for a place that is comfortable
for you. Spend some time there. Try to do some
things that you enjoy every week.
• Seek help if you need it. If you feel sad, angry or
homesick for a long time ask for help! The foreign
student office or program contact at your host university may be able to refer you to a counselor with
whom you may discuss your concerns.
Argentina
10
• Keep an open mind and try to accept the people and
culture rather than resist them. This requires great
maturity, perceptiveness and skill in cross-cultural
communication.
• Above all, keep reminding yourself that culture
shock is temporary and that you will eventually get
through it. The satisfaction that you have overcome
your period of adjustment will be its own reward.
As you begin to understand the behavior and values of
your host culture, you will notice yourself more willing
to become involved, developing a daily pattern of life,
adapting to new ways of doing things, and having more
satisfying interactions with your hosts.
Eventually, you will move into the final stage of adjustment, putting your host culture into perspective with your
own culture and your personal values. You will have a
solid level of comfort in your host culture and will have
regained confidence in yourself and your ability to participate in your host culture.
At some point after you have gotten over your initial culture shock, you might experience another bout of cultural
fatigue. It may be during the long bleak weeks in November
or December when you remember your family celebrating
holidays at home while you are still abroad. This second
bout sneaks up on you. Where the first episode of culture
shock was alarming and exciting, subsequent recurrences
are mostly dull. Some students identify it as homesickness.
You might feel tired and inclined to daydream about the
things that you miss most. You might feel weary of having to be constantly polite instead of natural. Everyone’s
timeline of adjustment is different, but most travelers on a
prolonged sojourn in another culture experience a recurrence of culture shock symptoms on their path of cultural
learning and integration.
As you can imagine, each traveler’s experience and situation is different. The pattern of adjustment described above
is a generalization. Progress toward cultural integration is
not always steady! Remember, you spent much of your
pre-adolescent years learning the behavioral norms of
Siena, Italy
your own culture. It takes time to learn the nuances of your
host culture and to gain a sense of acceptable behavior in
various contexts.
Re-entry Adjustment
You may think that it will be “no sweat” to return home to
family and friends, but that is not the experience of most
U.S. students. Students report the same type of adjustment
experience when they come back to the U.S. as they felt
when they first arrived abroad.
Reasons for re-entry shock
1. Expectations vs. experience. Students expect that their
return home will be easy, and that the changes they feel
in themselves will be recognized and valued. Friends and
relatives expect that they will return unchanged, to resume
the same patterns as before.
2. Confrontation between new and former self. Since the
expectation at home is that students will not have changed,
students frequently experience a sense of conflict between
the image of themselves as they were before their trip, and
the way they feel they are now.
Americans with culture shock: 4 common patterns of behavior
The fugitive avoids contact and spends a lot of
time in the room. Hard study, lots of reading,
and outpouring of letters and long hours of
sleep are signs of this reaction. Blame falls on
the foreign culture, but even more on oneself.
Feels ashamed to feel homesick and miserable
after having dreamt of a great year abroad.
The critic draws no comparisons and casts
blame on all sides, playing no favorites. The
weather is intolerable, the prices exorbitant, the
people dull. The academic program is trivial,
the teachers uninspiring, the students infantile
and everything is going wrong.
The native cuts down the U.S. and wants to
melt into the crowd. A loner, he shuts off all
contact with other Americans and feels tempted
to never return to the States, that land without
culture or refinement.
The chauvinist talks endlessly to those who will
listen, underlining the contrast between the U.S.
and abroad. His appreciation for his homeland
has surged upward and he puts the locals down
hard. His sneers are sometimes public and his
unhappiness mounts.
11
For more information on re-entry and capitalizing
on your study abroad experience, visit the
Returning Students section of the OSA website:
www.studyabroad.ku.edu/returnees/index.shtml.
Bibliography
Gochenour, Theodore. Beyond Experience. Intercultural
Press, Inc., 1993.
Hall, Edward Twitchell. The Silent Language. Greenwood
Press., 1980.
Hess, Daniel J. The Whole World Guide to Culture Learning. Intercultural Press, Inc., 1994.
Seelye, H. Ned. Teaching Culture. National Textbook
Company, 1997.
Strasbourg, France
3. Impossibility of sharing the experience. No one seems
to understand what returning students have experienced,
and no one seems to understand the difficulties they face
on their return.
4. Lack of opportunity for using new skills. Particularly
for those students who have been studying a foreign language, the return home means that new skills and perspectives are undervalued or even resented. Under these
circumstances, it is hard to maintain them.
Coping with re-entry shock
1. Take care of yourself. Your diet and exercise patterns will
change when you return. You will have jet lag again, or you
might feel tired or depressed. Rest, exercise and maintain a
healthy diet. Continue any medications you require.
2. Moderate your expectations. Your trip abroad does not
change those who stayed behind. Problems that existed
when you left may still await you when you return, or
change may have occurred in your absence. On your return, be prepared to realistically face enduring issues or
problems in both your circumstances and relationships.
3. Take time to share your experience. Tell your friends
and family about your time overseas. If you feel lonely, or
would just like to talk more about your overseas experience, talk to faculty, your study abroad advisor, and other
returning students. They can all empathize. Share the most
important parts of your trip, and show pictures and mementos. But be prepared for those who have not traveled
abroad to listen only for a short period of time.
Storti, Craig. The Art of Crossing Cultures. Intercultural
Press, Inc., 1990.
Diversity in Study Abroad
We include the following two sections because attitudes
toward women and minority groups vary greatly among
cultures. Consider that even if you are not in the minority
at home, you might be in your host culture. The following
is taken largely from the Council on International Educational Exchange student handbook
A Note to Women
Women may experience some particular difficulties while
abroad resulting from immersion in an unfamiliar environment. Women may not have the same status or role
in the host country as in your home country and female
students may find themselves in situations where they
experience anxiety, confusion, fear, powerlessness and/or
anger. Some past participants have found that many host
country nationals have a distorted and stereotyped image
of American women (often acquired though advertising,
television, and movies). While staff can provide insights
into the host culture’s view of women and provide suggestions for reducing anxiety and ensuring personal safety,
you are your own best resource in preparing to face a range
of possible situations.
4. Hold on to your experience. Read books or watch movies
from the host country, take out a subscription to a magazine
from the host country, choose term paper projects that can
build on this new knowledge, write to friends abroad, take
classes or go to conversation hours so that language skills
do not deteriorate, find a student from the host country to
befriend.
5. Become a global citizen. Take classes with an international focus, learn a foreign language, join an international
organization, and plan your next trip abroad.
Australia
12
Before leaving, take the time and initiative to learn as much
as you can about the religion, language, customs, and dress
of women in your host country. Talk to male and female
students from previous semesters to gain a better understanding of the female student experience. Talk to native
women of your host country about their roles in society
and the expectations placed on them. Finally, ask yourself
how you will respond to the differences you encounter.
If women are expected to behave in a way that does not
match your sensibilities as an American woman, will you
choose to behave in the same way in order to blend into
the culture of your host country? If not, will you be able
to explain your decision and deal with the consequences?
Educating yourself and thinking through the many scenarios you might encounter will better prepare you to deal
with life abroad.
Websites for women traveling abroad:
Journey Women On-line Magazine:
www.journeywoman.com
University of Michigan International Center:
http://internationalcenter.umich.edu/swt/study/women_
abroad.html
Transitions Abroad: Women Travel Portal:
www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/travel/women/index.
shtml
Please also see the section beginning on page 21 titled
“Tips for Women Travelers.”
A Note to Minority Students
Students who are members of minority groups (ethnic minorities, participants with disabilities, participants who are
overweight, religious minorities, gay and lesbian students),
may face particular challenges in the study abroad setting.
For example, African-American students in St. Petersburg
and white students in the Dominican Republic may experience similar feelings of discomfort and may learn that
host country nationals hold misconceptions about ethnic
groups. Non-visible minority groups, such as gay students
in China or Japanese-American students in Japan may face
different challenges. The gay student, who could be openly
gay on the home campus, may feel pressure to modify his
behavior in a culture where homosexuality is not accepted
or is against the law. For some students the culture shock
may be double: an African-American student who attends
an all-black college in the U.S. might find him or herself a
minority among program participants and a minority in
the host country. Educating yourself and thinking through
the many scenarios you might encounter will better prepare you to deal with life abroad.
Websites for minority students abroad:
Diversity Issues in Study Abroad:
www.brown.edu/Administration/OIP/resources/articles/
resource_links.php#diversity
Mobility International:
www.miusa.org/
USC Safeti Clearinghouse:
www.globaled.us/safeti/index.html
Lesbigay community and international travel:
www.indiana.edu/~overseas/lesbigay
Costa Rica
13
Both Feet
Excerpts from an article written by Alexzia Plummer, University of
Leicester, England and University of Costa Rica participant. For the full
text of Alexzia’s article, visit the OSA’s website,
www.studyabroad.ku.edu.
Before studying abroad, I did the standard research on my
prospective countries. During my searches, I didn’t run
across much guidance or advice for minority students.
At each of my study abroad orientations, I had to ask the
awkward but necessary question: What’s it going to be like
as an African-American student? I want to share my experiences on two separate study abroad programs in order to
help minority students in the future.
The biggest shock about studying in Leicester, England
was the diversity. It was different than anything I had ever
experienced or expected. Leicester has the largest Asian
population of any city in England. I had to confront my
own ignorance, because this Asian population wasn’t predominately the Eastern Asian I had envisioned (Japanese,
Chinese, Korean, etc) but Asian from the Indian subcontinent. I had to question my assumptions on what Asian
meant. I also had to admit that I didn’t know much about
religious diversity. I had never had a Hindu friend before
my semester in Leicester nor had I ever lived in a city with
sizable Hindu, Muslim or Sikh populations.
I didn’t have any trouble finding other Black people while I
was there. It is a predominately white country, but Leicester
does have a good number of Black people. I immediately
found an Afro-Caribbean society (they don’t call student
organizations “clubs.”) I received helpful information,
like where to get my hair done. I also had the opportunity
to meet people. It was an interesting experience being a
foreign Black. Just as there is distinction between African
and African-American students here in the U.S., in England I didn’t fit into the Afro-English grouping. A minor
frustration occurred when other Black people would ask
me where I was from. They never seemed satisfied with
just “America.” I explained to them that because of slavery
I couldn’t rattle off any one country of origin. I found some
Black English to identify themselves with their countries
of ancestry (Nigeria, Barbados, Jamaica) even if they were
born in England.
Like any study abroad student, I did feel some pangs of
loneliness and culture shock. I could usually go to my
fellow American students for comfort. Sometimes I felt
separate from them too, because while we could discuss
our common bonds as Americans, I was still a minority
among them. I would sometimes experience what I call
Black people withdrawal, just wanting the company of one
person who could better understand my perspective.
For my semester in Costa Rica, I did a lot more research
on the racial climate, keeping in mind what I had failed to
ask before going to England. I found that Costa Rica has
an even smaller percentage of Blacks, around 2% or 3%.
14
Alexzia Plummer (top row, 2nd from left) and other
KU students on a hike in Costa Rica
The largest percentage of Blacks live in the Limon province on the eastern coast of the country. Whenever I would
feel the symptoms of Black people withdrawal, I would
plan a weekend trip to Limon. I was actually ecstatic to
find hair weave and hair oil on sale in a supermarket in
Limon. Signs of blackness. It was a wonderful feeling just
to be able blend into a crowd. I also found it fascinating to
experience another part of the African Diaspora through
the Afro-Caribbean culture of Costa Rica. Although the
culture was different than mine, I did find signs of similarity. I thoroughly enjoyed going to carnavales, a Columbus
Day celebration celebrated in Limon.
I found it hard at times to live in a city with so few Black
people. Sometimes I just ached to see a reflection of myself.
I had felt prepared for the experience, growing up in a
predominately white town and attending predominately
white schools, but this situation was even more severe.
I didn’t experience any overt racism or discrimination. I
found the Ticos to be friendly and polite, and I didn’t have
to face any rude racial remarks. However, I am thankful
that I was warned about the use of the word “negrita.”
Ticos are more open with physical descriptions than North
Americans; they won’t hesitate to call someone by their
hair color, weight or skin color. “Negrita” can be a form of
endearment and is never meant to offend. Knowing that
these racial descriptions were harmless was helpful to me.
Even though there were inconveniences during both semesters, I would definitely do it all over again. I grew as a
person over those semesters in a way I don’t think would
have happened without studying abroad. A little bit of discomfort couldn’t dampen the richness of experiences I had.
And in the end, I always got to come home to my comfort
zone filled with the people who mattered most. Along the
way I had to confront my own pockets of ignorance while
I was faced with the ignorance of others. In a way, I got
a glimpse of race relations in other countries. More than
that I had the privilege of experiencing college in two other
countries. I would encourage anyone to study abroad. As
my little brother says “Only a fool tests the water with both
feet.” Consider my testimony as your test. Now you can
study abroad equipped with all the knowledge I didn’t
have.
Health
Health and Medical Matters
Your safety and well-being are top priorities of the Office
of Study Abroad, and the Office works hard to help you
have a safe and healthy experience. Remember, however,
that you are ultimately responsible for informing yourself
and making decisions about what is best for you and your
situation. By asking questions, evaluating your needs, and
planning ahead, you can work to make your experience a
safer and healthier one.
It is also a good idea for you and your family to review the
insurance and liability forms you signed as part of your acceptance materials. The University of Kansas cannot take
responsibility for illness or accident expenses.
Health Insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
All students studying through the KU OSA are required
What is Assist America?
Enrollment in Assist America’s Global Emergency Medical
Assistance Program is included in your KU study abroad
program fee. Assist America provides assistance to overseas travelers in the way of consultation about and coordination of local medical services. In addition, Assist America
provides services and, if necessary, cost for emergency
transportation to a medical facility (not including initial
transport to a hospital for evaluation) where adequate
care is available. Some restrictions apply. A membership
card and a brochure describing in detail the services and
benefits of Assist America are included in your orientation
materials. Read the brochure carefully. Contact your program coordinator if you have any questions.
to provide notarized proof of major medical insurance to
cover all eventualities while abroad. A few programs include some health insurance. Check your program-specific
information for details about health insurance relating to
your particular program.
If you do not have major
medical insurance coverage,
check the OSA Resource Library or the OSA website at
www.studyabroad.ku.edu
for information about plans
available specifically for
study abroad participants.
Please check with
your insurance
company and be
certain that your
parents are aware of
the possibility that
they might have to
transfer funds to you
in an emergency
The International Student
Identity Card (ISIC) provides
limited insurance, supplemental to major medical
coverage. The ISIC card does not provide major medical
insurance coverage and is not acceptable as your only
health insurance for study abroad.
Inform Yourself
You are advised to check into the coverage available to you
while outside the U.S. by your insurance policy. Find out
their preferred procedures in the event that you should
need the care of a doctor or be hospitalized. Many companies in the United States will only reimburse you or your
family after the fact, with verifiable receipts (duly translated), and physician statements. There is a good chance
that you will be personally liable for immediate payment
in the host country.
Assist America Global
Emergency Services
What are some of the services that Assist America
provides?
Assist America will help students during medical and
personal emergencies while traveling. Services include
medical consultation and evacuation, medical referrals
and medical monitoring, and transportation to the nearest
medical facility in which adequate care can be provided.
In addition, Assist America provides a number of personal
services including emergency message transmission, return of mortal remains, prescription assistance and legal,
counseling, and interpreter referrals.
Why is Assist America included in my program fee?
KU Study Abroad includes Assist America Services in the
program fee to provide students and their families with
international assistance in the case of a medical emergency
and to protect them from the costs associated with emergency medical evacuation and repatriation. These kinds of
services and transportation costs can easily run into tens
of thousands of dollars. Usually, they are NOT covered by
health insurance policies.
Is Assist America Health Insurance?
NO! Assist America is not health insurance and does not
provide for any of the costs of medical care. All students
studying abroad on KU programs must provide their own
major medical health insurance.
Cusco, Peru
15
Health
Does Assist America pay for Emergency Medical
Services?
NO! Assist America does not pay for any medical expenses
and services do not replace medical insurance for emergencies away from home. Each student or his/her health
insurance plan is responsible for all incurred medical expenses.
Are there exceptions to Assist America Services?
YES! The Assist America brochure lists Limitations and Exclusions on the back page. Examples include services arising from illness or injury as a result of “the use of illegal
drugs”, “attempted suicide”, “commission of an unlawful
act”, “participation in acts of war or insurrection”, and
evacuation or repatriation of “members with advanced
pregnancies of over six months” and members “with mental or nervous disorders unless hospitalized.”
How does the student access care?
Students must contact Assist America prior to seeking
services by calling the worldwide access phone number
provided on the Assist America identification card (included in pre-departure materials). It is important to note
that all services must be arranged and provided by Assist
America. Assist America will not reimburse for services
that it has not provided.
What is an example of services provided by Assist
America?
A student becomes suddenly ill with appendicitis in a small
town in Italy. Surgery is necessary. Assist America determines that the local medical facilities are not adequate for
the surgery. Assist America arranges for transporting the
patient to the nearest adequate facility – in this case, Rome
– in order for the student to receive appropriate care.
Staying Healthy Abroad
Check with your Student Health Services inoculation nurse
for current recommendations for your country, or with the
Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia (phone:
800-232-4636, website: www.cdc.gov/travel). All students
received a detailed CDC report for their country or region
in their acceptance packet or in their orientation packet.
Immunization requirements often change. Keep in mind
that certain countries will require proof of up-to-date immunizations (such as polio, diphtheria, tetanus, etc.) before
granting residency permits. Take copies of these records in
case they are necessary.
Prescription Drugs and
Contraceptives
KU students can
make an appointment at Watkins
Health Center
Travel Clinic
(864-9500) to
discuss their
personal health
needs for the
countries they
will visit
If you require special prescription
drugs, such as medications for
asthma or diabetes, you must take
an adequate supply with you for
the duration of your study abroad
program and know how to administer them. You should also carry a
copy of the prescriptions, including
the generic names for the drugs,
and written instructions from your
physician in case of emergency. If
a medication is unusual or contains narcotics, carry a letter from your doctor attesting to
your need to take the medication. If you have any doubt
about the legality of carrying a certain drug into a country,
consult Assist America or the embassy or consulate of that
country prior to departure. Keep medicines in their original, labeled containers to avoid problems when passing
through customs and pack medications in your carry-on
luggage. In many countries of the world, contraception
is not readily available. If you are sexually active, take an
adequate supply of contraceptives with you.
Make your medical conditions and
medical needs known
If you require regular medical care for any condition you
have, tell those in your host country who can be of assistance. This may mean simply identifying a doctor or other
practitioner who will provide your care. Or it could mean
discussing your condition with your program director, onsite coordinator, or people in your dormitory and classes if
you may need emergency intervention during your stay.
Coping with Jet Lag
Here are some suggestions for minimizing the foggy feeling you may experience after traveling across time zones.
In flight:
Costa Rica
16
• Get plenty of rest before your trip begins.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which interfere with your
body’s natural “clock” and cause dehydration.
• Drink plenty of liquids, such as fruit juice or water.
• Exercise at your seat, in the aisles or at the back of the
plane.
• Sleep for a few hours rather than watching the
movie.
• Try resetting your watch to the destination’s time as
soon as you get on the plane. If it is daytime in your
new destination, try to stay awake. When it is nighttime there, try to sleep.
Health
On arrival:
• Take a short walk outdoors, if possible. Try to stick to
the local bedtime—you’ll adjust faster that way.
• Don’t schedule important meetings for the hours
right after your arrival. Arrange these appointments
for the second day, when you’ll have a clear head.
Attend to your well-being
Despite the change in your environment, you can still keep
some of your daily routines from home. Get enough rest—a
challenge during the few days of jet lag. Eat nutritiously,
which may mean trying some foods you’re not accustomed
to. Get plenty of exercise to keep your mind and body
working well. Don’t isolate yourself. You will probably
have to make the first move in developing friendships, but
they are an essential part of any overseas experience and,
more importantly, your emotional well-being.
General Precautions in Less-Developed
Countries
The following health precautions, taken from the U.S.
Public Health Service Bulletin, are recommended for travelers in less-developed countries. Keep in mind that you
will need time to adapt to differences in food, water, and
climate.
• Drinking water and water for brushing teeth should
be boiled. Remember that ice is water.
• When it isn’t possible to boil your drinking water, we
recommend that you purchase bottled water.
• Fruits and vegetables should be thoroughly cooked,
except for fruits that you can wash and peel.
• Wash your hands often to avoid spreading germs.
• Milk should be pasteurized or boiled. Avoid eating locally prepared dairy products such as cottage cheese
and ice cream that may not have been pasteurized.
• Have on hand the names of physicians and the addresses of hospitals in the area in case of emergency.
Devise a plan of what to do in case of a medical emergency. It’s a good idea to give a copy of any pertinent
medical information to someone on site that you trust
(e.g. info about allergies, prescription drugs, etc.)
Be aware that some countries may require HIV antibody
tests, a test for antibodies to HIV that cause AIDS. Travelers should also know that some countries may not have
the resources to adequately screen blood or provide sterile
needles.
For those traveling abroad who are HIV positive, contact
the consulate or the embassy of the country(ies) you plan
to visit. Each country may have specific entry requirements, or requirements regarding carrying medicines, that
you should know about before you leave.
For additional information, contact the following resources:
CDC National HIV/AIDS Hotline: 1-800-342-AIDS In
Spanish: 1-800-344-7432
For the Hearing Impaired: 1-800-243-7889 CDC National
Clearing House: 1-800-458-5231 World Health Organization: 1-202-861-3200
Portions of the Health section are taken from a brochure written
by Judith A. Green, Director of International Student Affairs,
Fuqua School of Business, Duke University and Joan Elias Gore,
and produced in coordination with NAFSA: Association of International Educators.
AIDS and International Travel
AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases can be much
more prevalent and much less discussed than they are
here in the United States. Simultaneously, in many of these
same countries contraception is not easily accessible. If
you are a sexually active person, consider taking condoms
with you, rather than relying on their availability overseas.
Remember that AIDS can also be transmitted through
contaminated needles, including tattoo and skin piercing
instruments.
India
17
Safety
Safety
By preparing in advance and approaching safety intentionally and before incidents occur, you will increase your
confidence in your new environment, reduce your risk
of becoming a victim of crime or sexual assault, and free
yourself up to enjoy your experience abroad.
Pre-Departure Planning
Read Consular Information Sheets
The Department of State’s Consular Information Sheets
are available for every country of the world. They describe
entry requirements, currency regulations, unusual health
conditions, the crime and
security situation, political
Visit the Bureau of
disturbances, areas of instability, and special informaConsular Affairs Web
tion about driving and road
site:
conditions. They also provide
http://travel.state.gov
addresses and emergency
telephone numbers for U.S.
In addition to travel inembassies and consulates.
formation for countries
In general, the Sheets do not
around the world, the
give advice. Instead, they describe conditions so travelers
site offers information
can make informed decisions
about:
about their trips.
All students received a U.S.
Department of State Consular information sheet for
their country or region in
their acceptance packet or
in their orientation packet.
You can also access Consular
Information Sheets, Travel
Warnings and Public Announcements on the web at
http://travel.state.gov.
-passport and visas,
-travel publications,
and
-international legal
assistance.
Precautions to Take Abroad
Protect Passport and Valuables
Make two photocopies of your passport identification
page, airline tickets, driver’s license, travelers checks and
the ATM or credit cards that you plan to bring with you.
Leave one photocopy of this data with family or friends at
home; pack the other in a place separate from where you
carry your valuables. Pack an extra set of passport photos
along with a photocopy of your passport information page
to make replacement of your passport easier in the event it
is lost or stolen.
Take the minimum amount of valuables necessary. Keep
them hidden, preferably in a locked container, while you
are out of your residence. When you are not traveling,
secure your passport in your residence and carry a photocopy of it with you for identification. Write your local
address and an emergency contact on the back.
While traveling, your passport, cash and credit cards are
most secure when locked in a hotel safe. When you have
to carry them on your person, you may wish to conceal
them in several places rather than putting them all in one
wallet or pouch. Avoid handbags, fanny packs and outside
pockets that are easy targets for thieves. Inside pockets
and a sturdy shoulder bag with the strap worn across your
chest are somewhat safer. One of the safest places to carry
valuables is in a pouch or money belt worn under your
clothing.
For current foreign affairs information, access
the U.S. State Department home page, http://
www.state.gov.
Learn Local Laws
and Customs
When you leave the United States, you are subject to the
laws of the country where you are. Therefore, before you
go, learn as much as you can about the local laws and customs of the places you plan to visit. Good resources are
your library, your travel agent, and the embassies, consulates or tourist bureaus of the countries you will visit. In
addition, keep track of what is being reported in the media
about recent developments in those countries.
18
Japan
Safety
Safety on the Street
Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you
would at home. Be especially cautious in or avoid areas
where you are likely to be victimized. These include
crowded subways, train stations, elevators, tourist sites,
market places, festivals and marginal areas of cities.
Don’t use short cuts, narrow alleys or poorly-lit streets. Try
not to travel alone at night.
Keep a low profile and avoid loud conversations or arguments. Do not discuss travel plans or other personal matters with strangers.
Avoid scam artists. Beware of strangers who approach you,
offering bargains or to be your guide.
Beware of pickpockets. They often have an accomplice
who will jostle you, ask you for directions or the time, or
distract you by creating a disturbance. A child or even a
woman carrying a baby can be a pickpocket. Beware of
groups of vagrant children who create a distraction while
picking your pocket.
Wear the shoulder strap of your bag across your chest and
walk with the bag away from the curb to avoid drive-by
purse-snatchers.
Try to seem purposeful when you move about. Even if you
are lost, act as if you know where you are going. When possible, ask directions only from individuals in authority.
Know how to use a pay telephone and have the proper
change or token on hand.
Learn a few phrases in the local language of the country
you will be visiting so you can avoid offending its citizens
and signal your need for help, the police, or a doctor. Make
a note of emergency telephone numbers you may need to
carry in your wallet: police, fire, your hotel, and the nearest
U.S. embassy or consulate.
If you are confronted, don’t fight back. Give up your valuables. Your money and passport can be replaced, but you
cannot.
Safety on Public Transportation
If a country has a pattern of tourists being targeted by criminals on public transport, that information is mentioned in
the Consular Information Sheets under the “Crime Information” section.
Taxis: Only take taxis clearly identified with official markings. Beware of unmarked cabs.
Trains: Well organized, systematic robbery of passengers
on trains along popular tourists routes is a serious problem. It is more common at night and especially on overnight routes.
Cambridge, England
Where possible, lock your compartment. If it cannot be
locked securely, take turns sleeping in shifts with your
traveling companions. If that is not possible, stay awake. If
you must sleep unprotected, tie down your luggage, strap
your valuables to you and sleep on top of them as much
as possible.
Do not be afraid to alert authorities if you feel threatened
in any way. Extra police are often assigned to ride trains on
routes where crime is a serious problem.
Buses: The same type of criminal activity found on trains
can be found on public buses on popular tourist routes.
Safety at your Study Site
Upon arrival, register yourself at the nearest branch of the
U.S. Embassy.
Room security: Make sure all outside doors and windows
close and lock. Immediately report any doors or windows
that don’t close or lock properly. Keep doors locked at all
times. Know the layout of your building and how to exit in
an emergency.
Get to know your neighborhood. Who are the residents?
Who works in your building? Know where streets and alleys lead in your vicinity and the normal pattern of activity
in the area. This will help you identify strangers and suspicious events.
Be cautious and choosy about whom you invite into your
residence. If you live in a dormitory or apartment, meet
visitors in the lobby.
Let someone you trust know your destination and estimated return time when you go out, especially if you will
be gone for a full day or more.
How to Handle Money Safely
To avoid carrying large amounts of cash, get cash from
an ATM or change travelers checks only as you need currency.
Deal only with authorized agents when you exchange
money, buy airline tickets or purchase souvenirs. Do not
change money on the black market.
19
Safety
Keep a small amount of money in your pocket to pay for
small purchases so you do not have to open your wallet in
a busy place.
Make sure your credit card is returned to you after each
transaction.
Notify your bank and credit card company of your planned
travel abroad. Provide a list of the countries you will be
visiting.
Get Cash Safely…Look for ATM’s that display the logo on
the back of your card, or those recommended by your bank
for your card.Whenever possible, use ATM machines located in larger cities and operated by reputable banks. Try
to use ATMs with a “card swipe” reader versus a “card insertion” reader. This way, your card will always be in your
hands! Be alert and look around! If too many people are
loitering around an ATM machine, go to another ATM.
If your possessions are lost or stolen, report the loss immediately to the local police. Keep a copy of the police report
for insurance claims and as an explanation of your plight.
After reporting missing items to the police, report the loss
or theft of:
• travelers checks to the nearest agent of the issuing
company,
• credit cards to the issuing company,
• airline tickets to the airline or travel agent,
• passport to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
• inform the Office of Study Abroad of the loss or theft of possessions.
How to Avoid Legal Difficulties
When you are in a foreign country, you are subject to its
laws and are under its jurisdiction NOT the protection
of the U.S. Constitution. You can be arrested overseas for
actions that may be either legal or considered minor infractions in the United States. Be aware of what is considered
criminal in the country where you are.
Drug Violations: More than 1/3 of U.S. citizens incarcerated abroad are held on drug charges. Some countries do
not distinguish between possession and trafficking. Many
countries have mandatory sentences - even for possession
of a small amount of marijuana or cocaine. A number of
Americans have been arrested for possessing prescription drugs, particularly tranquilizers and amphetamines,
that they purchased legally in certain Asian countries and
then brought to some countries in the Middle East where
they are illegal. Other U.S. citizens have been arrested for
purchasing prescription drugs abroad in quantities that
local authorities suspected were for commercial use. If in
doubt about foreign drug laws, ask local authorities or the
nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. See the Travel Warning on
Drugs Abroad, Appendix B.
Photography: In many countries you can be harassed or
detained for photographing such things as police and military installations, government buildings, border areas and
transportation facilities. If you are in doubt, ask permission
before taking photographs.
Protection Against Anti-Americanism
Although we do not expect any student to fall victim of
terrorism, it is important to prepare yourself to take the
appropriate, measured responses in each instance. This is
not intended to frighten you, but to give you recommendations on how to handle yourself if international politics
become tense while you are overseas. The following are
some general suggestions:
Keep in touch with your family and have a clear understanding of what they want you to do in case of emergency.
Try not to stand out in a crowd. Avoid public demonstrations or other civil disturbances, even if it’s your cause. If
you’re in a group that is attracting undue attention, leave.
Do not mistake academic arguments about the U.S. in the
classroom, from either professors or students, as a sign that
people are personally turning on you. In many courses you
will encounter both professors and students whose philosophies run counter to the way Americans traditionally
interpret their politics or history. You should take advantage of learning from their points of view. It may help you
to argue your own beliefs more clearly, or it may help you
frame a new opinion.
The Office of Study Abroad monitors travel conditions
and civil disturbances abroad, both through our overseas
representatives and through U.S. State Department travel
advisories. The office will contact you and your families, if
necessary, as conditions warrant. Tell your parents to call
us if they are concerned about a specific situation, or to call
the State Department Travel Advisory Office (24 hours), at
(202) 647-5225.
Tips for Women Travelers
Each country and culture has their own views of what is
appropriate behavior for women. Although you may not
agree with these views, it is wise to abide by the local laws
and customs to avoid problems.
Women traveling alone often are more vulnerable to problems in certain cultures. Keeping in mind the following
information can help make your trip as safe and rewarding
as possible.
Barcelona, Spain
20
Safety
Safety and Security
Hotels
Use common sense and be alert and aware of your surroundings. If you are unsure in general about the local
situation, feel free to check with the American Citizens
Services section of the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate for
the latest security information.
Choose a hotel where security is good and transportation
is readily available and nearby. Check that all the doors
and windows in your room have locks and that they work.
If you feel uncomfortable, ask hotel security to escort you
to and from your room at night. Always use your peephole and common sense about letting strangers into your
room.
Clothing
There is no doubt that fashion makes a statement. Unfortunately, not everyone will interpret how you dress the same
way you would. What you consider casual clothing might
be seen as provocative or inappropriate in other cultures.
Thieves might choose you over another potential target
based on your style of dress or the amount of jewelry you
are wearing. Others might single you out for harassment or
even physical violence because they find your clothing offensive, based on their cultural norms. By taking your cues
from local women, or at least by dressing conservatively,
you could save yourself a great deal of trouble.
Cultural Norms, Dating
Behavior and Alcohol
Cultural norms for consuming alcohol and for social and
dating behavior vary greatly among cultures. Many students would agree that dating behavior and sexual cues
are difficult enough to learn in one’s own culture, and
far more difficult to decipher in your host culture! Communications as simple as smiles and eye contact can have
different meanings in different cultures. For instance, in
some cultures, the ready friendliness that Americans often
offer to acquaintances and strangers may be mistaken for
a sexual invitation.
China
Don’t announce that you are traveling
alone!
Display confidence. By looking and acting as if you know
where you’re going, you may be able to ward off some potential danger. Some guides for women even advise wearing a wedding ring if you’re single. If you feel like you’re
being followed, step into a store or other safe place and
wait to see if the person you think is following has passed.
Do not be afraid or embarrassed to ask for someone to
double check for you to see if all is safe.
Ask for directions before you set out.
No matter how modest your lodgings are, your hotel concierge or other hotel staff should be able to help. If you
find yourself lost, do not be afraid to ask for directions.
Generally, the safest people to ask are families or women
with children. Getting the right information may save you
from ending up in a potentially unsafe area.
In navigating the field of dating behavior in your host
culture, we advise
you to:
Trust your instincts - If you are
1) expect differences;
2) observe before
you act;
3) communicate
your boundaries
clearly; and
4) move away
from situations
that make you feel
uncomfortable.
uncomfortable or if the situation
doesn’t feel right, refuse the offer
or move away.
Learn how to say ‘no’ in the social
language of your host culture.
Observe your host country
counterparts - can you read the
social cues?
As you gain friends
from your host culture, they may be able to help you interpret social behavior. Or, consult your on-site program staff
or the KU OSA if you have questions or concerns. If you
are experiencing an acute or on-going situation, be sure to
seek assistance from your on-site program staff or the OSA
to resolve the situation.
21
Safety
Alcohol can complicate social interaction when it is consumed aggressively—as in binge drinking—by you or the
people around you. Since alcohol suppresses inhibition,
normal social rules and boundaries may be pushed to, or
over, the lines of acceptability and respect.
If you choose to drink alcohol, realize that:
• intoxication may flag you as a good target for being
robbed, taken advantage of sexually, or assaulted;
• alcohol can impair your judgment and your ability to
recognize risky situations; and
• alcohol can impair the
judgment and change the
behavior of companions
as well as strangers in the
vicinity.
• Go out with friends and
look out for one another
until you all get home.
Beverages: Practice Your Usual Precautions
• Only drink beverages that you open yourself. DON’T
take drinks from punch bowls or from open containers.
Don’t share or exchange drinks with anyone.
• Know how you will get
home when you go out.
Will buses be running?
Will you call a cab?
• If someone offers you a drink from the bar at a club or
a party, accompany the person to the bar to order your
drink, watch the drink being poured, and carry the drink
yourself.
• Keep your boundaries
with new acquaintances
as well as with strangers.
Paris, France
Date Rape and Sexual Violence
Behaviors and attitudes toward sex and sexual assault vary
across cultures. Perhaps you are aware that most rapes are
not perpetrated by strangers. In fact, about two-thirds of
rape victims know their assailants, as intimates, friends or
acquaintances. Therefore, being among people you know
or are familiar with does not necessarily protect you from
sexual violence. Being close to home doesn’t ensure safety,
either. Over half of rapes or sexual assaults occur within a
mile of the victim’s residence. In addition, alcohol and/or
drugs are involved in the majority of sexual assaults and
rapes. Studies have shown that “as the consumption of
alcohol by either the victim or perpetrator increases, the
rate of serious injuries associated with dating violence also
increases.” (data from www.rainn.org)
To reduce your risk of becoming a victim of sexual violence, beware of wandering into a secluded area alone or
with just one other person, even when you are out with
a group of acquaintances; practice safe habits and being
alert in your local environment as well as when you are in
unfamiliar territory; and be cautious in social situations involving alcohol, especially if heavy drinking is going on.
22
Incidents of robbery and sexual violence that involve ‘rape
drugs’ appear to be rising. Rohypnol and GHB are two
drugs commonly used to subdue or incapacitate a victim
for the purpose of robbery or sexual assault. While both
of these drugs are illegal in the U.S., Rohypnol and GHB
are legal drugs in many countries around the world. These
drugs cause confusion, disorientation, impaired judgment,
impaired motor skills, reduced levels of consciousness,
and complete or partial amnesia about the period after ingestion. When combined with alcohol or other drugs, the
effects can be life-threatening.
‘Dosing’ is usually accomplished by adding the drug to the
victim’s drink - either alcoholic or non-alcoholic - while s/
he is distracted or out of sight. The drug dissolves completely and causes no change in color, taste, or odor of the
beverage. Thus the victim is unaware that s/he has been
drugged. Rohypnol usually acts within 15-30 minutes and
its effects may last many hours.
Practice ‘sane partying’:
• Beware of becoming
isolated from the group.
Predator Drugs
• Keep your eye and your hand on your drink at all times.
If you have left your drink unattended while talking,
dancing, using the restroom, or making a phone call,
DISCARD IT.
• Don’t drink anything that has an unusual taste or appearance (e.g., salty taste, excessive foam, unexplained
residue).
Senegal
Safety
Resources available at the University of Kansas:
Watkins Health Center - Rape exams and medical
assistance 785 864-9500
Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) - Services
for students 785-864-2277
Douglas County Rape Victim-Survivor Service (RVSS)
- Hospital & court advocacy Through Headquarters at
785-841-2345
Headquarters Counseling Center - 24-Hour Crisis Line
785-841-2345
Freiburg, Germany
What should I do if I am sexually
assaulted?
• Find a safe environment - anywhere away from the attacker. Ask a trusted friend stay with you for moral support.
• Preserve evidence of the attack - don’t bathe or brush
your teeth. Write down all the details you can recall
about the attack and the attacker.
Bert Nash Community Health Center - Counseling
Services 785-843-9192
Lawrence Memorial Hospital - Rape exams/medical
assistance 785-749-6100
Information in the Safety section was taken from “A Safe Trip
Abroad,” Department of State Publication 10942, Bureau of
Consular Affairs, March 2002, and “Tips for Women Traveling
Alone,” http://travel.state.gov. KU OSA thanks the KU Emily
Taylor Women’s Resource Center for assistance with developing
the section “Safety Notes for Women” References for the section
beginning with Date Rape and Sexual Violence: Rape, Abuse and
Incest Network (www.rainn.org)
• Contact your on-site program coordinator or the OSA for
support and assistance. OSA maintains strict confidentiality for any victim of violence.
• Get medical attention. Even with no physical injuries, it
is important to determine the risks of STDs and pregnancy. To preserve forensic evidence, ask the hospital
to conduct a rape kit exam. If you think you have been
drugged, ask for a urine test as well.
• Report the rape to law enforcement authorities. OSA will
assist you in finding an experienced guide who can help
you understand the legal process in your host country.
• Consider working through your recovery with a counselor. Your on-site coordinator or OSA can assist in linking you with appropriate professionals. Assist America
also has English-language counseling services available
24 hours a day.
• Remember it wasn’t your fault.
• Recognize that healing from rape takes time. Give yourself the time you need.
• Know that it’s never too late to call. Many victims do not
realize they need help until months or years later.
Taxco, Mexico
23
Money Matters
Money Matters
Keep abreast of the official currency used in your host
country and of the approximate rate of exchange to the US
dollar. You can find the current exchange rate for most international currencies at http://www.xe.com/ucc/ It is also
highly recommended that you stay advised of the rates on
a regular basis while abroad.
Make a small guide that lists various amounts of money in
U.S. dollars, and their value in the other country’s currency
that you can keep in your wallet to refer to while shopping
(i.e. $10=6 GBP, $50=31 GBP). A small calculator or currency
converter is invaluable when traveling.
It is wise to obtain a small amount ($100-$200) of foreign
currency before you depart, as this will allow you to
survive comfortably until you can find an ATM or bank
to exchange larger amounts of money. This is especially
important if you arrive on the weekend, since many more
essential services are closed on weekends and official holidays than what you will encounter in the States. Foreign
currency can be obtained through larger banks and even
through the Internet.This can take up to a week so do not
wait until the last minute! You can also exchange money
in the airport before your international flight departs.
However, exchange only a small amount of currency in the
airport since airports have poor exchange rates.
Accessing money abroad
Debit/Credit Cards
The quickest, easiest, and cheapest way to access and carry
money worldwide is through the use of ATMs. ATMs are
readily available throughout most of Europe, Asia, and
Latin America. When you obtain money through a debit
card, you get the best possible exchange rate. Be sure to
check on the terms of your ATM cards to find out the maximum withdrawal allowed per day and the interest rate or
fee charged for international transactions. Call your bank
for information on the ATM network (PLUS, Star, Cirrus)
that will accept your card and the location of ATMs in your
host country. Remember that you can only use your ATM
card with a Personal Identification Number (PIN). Your
PIN needs to be a four-digit number and not a word.
A second option for retrieving cash abroad is to use your
credit card to obtain cash advances from ATM machines.
It is important to note, however, that you will be charged
a very high interest on the cash withdrawn using a credit
card. Credit cards are also a good option for making
purchases abroad. American Express, Visa, and Mastercard are widely accepted worldwide, but Visa is the most
common. Note that Discover Card is rarely accepted. As
with debit cards, be sure to check the daily spending limit
and expiration date on each of your cards before traveling
abroad.
If you plan to use ATM or credit cards abroad, it is
recommended that you do the following prior to
departure.
24
• Obtain the numbers for the global customer assistance
offices for all of your financial institutions (banking
and credit cards) in case of loss or theft of your ATM
or credit cards. Toll-free 800 numbers cannot be
called from outside the United States.
• Contact each bank that issues your debit and credit
cards and let them know the places to which you will
be traveling and the dates of your trip.
• Get contact information for a person at your local
bank branch. Request a business card, phone
number, and e-mail address, and ask permission
to contact them should you have trouble with your
account while abroad.
• Sign up for online banking and online credit card
statements so that you can view the daily activity on
your account from abroad. Make sure you receive
your PIN number for the online banking system
before you leave the country and that it is working
properly.
• Make sure that each credit and debit card company
has your correct mailing address. If there will not
be anyone at your residence while you are abroad,
or if you are having your mail held at the post office
or forwarded to a different address, change your
registered address to that of someone who would be
able to send a replacement card to you in the event
your card is lost or stolen.
While abroad, always keep a copy of all ATM transactions
and all sales receipts for purchases made by credit or
debit card. Check these against your online or written
statements.
Travelers checks
Travelers checks are a safe way to transport your money
and can be a good back up in case your ATM or credit card
is lost or stolen. Travelers checks can be cashed at most
banks and/or American Express offices as needed. Using
travelers checks is not as easy as using ATM machines since
you are limited to regular banking hours, some banks will
not exchange traveler’s checks, and there are frequently
very long lines at the larger banks.
If you do have to exchange travelers checks overseas, it is
best to change your checks into foreign currency at a bank
rather than a restaurant or hotel in order to receive the most
favorable exchange rate. Remember to have your passport
with you as I.D. when you exchange money. Countersign
your travelers checks only when finalizing a purchase.
It may also be possible to purchase travelers checks prior
to departure from the U.S. in the currency of the country
you will be visiting. Traveler’s checks in the local currency
do not need to be converted into cash and are accepted at
more locations.
Communications
Communications
Keeping in Touch
E-mail
E-mail is frequently available through the host institution
abroad or at internet cafes around town; however to use it
you will need to get an email account that can be accessed
through an internet service. KU Webmail can be accessed
from abroad, and other providers such as Hotmail or
Yahoo are also easily accessible (to contact these services
simply log on to www.hotmail.com or www.yahoo.com
and follow the directions.)
Phone calls
The easiest and most economical way to call home will vary
from country to country. Check your program materials,
ask returnees, or talk to your program coordinator about
the best ways to communicate in your host country.
Cell phones
Many students choose to purchase a mobile phone while
abroad, which allows for cheaper communication. Mobile
phones are frequently inexpensive and your friends and
family from the U.S. can call you easily. Of course you
can call them as well, but it is much cheaper if they call
you - especially since you can often receive incoming calls
without having any credit on your phone! Most foreign
cell phones do not require that you sign contracts as most
cellular providers in the U.S. do. Rather, most cell phones
function with SIM cards - pre-paid calling cards that insert
into the phone.
Australia
Some U.S. cell phones can be used overseas. Check with
your cellular service provider for more information.
US Calling Card, billed to a US address
Check with your long-distance provider to ask about options and rates. Of course, you’ll need to know where your
bill will be sent and who will pay it while you are abroad.
US pre-paid calling card and message service
Zaptel and Ekit are two companies that provide pre-paid
international air time plus services such as voice mail that
you can retrieve anywhere.
Local international phone card
More and more frequently, pre-paid phone cards purchased abroad are the least expensive and most convenient
option for calling home.
Shipping
Thinking of shipping items to your study abroad site or
shipping items home while you are abroad? There are
special customs regulations for shipping/mailing items.
Surface mail is the least expensive method, although it can
take up to several months. Check carefully to be sure that
the mail systems are reliable, particularly if you are using
surface rates.
London, England
25
Packing
Packing Tips
Pack light! Remember that you will be responsible for carrying your own bags on and off trains, through subways,
up and down stairs and escalators and racing through
terminals, so be sure that you can handle the burden. The
biggest mistake that an inexperienced traveler makes is
bringing too many clothes and too many suitcases. Students are advised of this every year, yet repeatedly they
bring too much with them and, inevitably, they regret it.
The best luggage is lightweight canvas or nylon (not heavy,
hard material). Consider bringing a backpack, as it will
come in handy as you take short trips abroad. An expandable bag with “fat” wheels is a good carry-on for flights
and short trips, too.
There are regulations on the weight and dimensions of
baggage on international carriers. Be sure to read your
airline ticket for the regulations specific to your airline as
the regulations change from time to time, or check with
your travel agent.
How to Pack
Main bags
Rolling your clothes into cylinders and tying them with a
rubber band saves space in your suitcase and keeps your
clothes less wrinkled. It may be useful to divide items in
plastic bags (for example, placing all toiletry items in one
bag and socks and underwear in another). The separation
of items makes it much easier to grab items out of your
suitcase.
Carry-on
All the items you’ll need during the trip, essentials such
as medication and glasses, and one change of clothing (in
case your luggage is delayed) should be carried in your
carry-on luggage.
Passport
Always carry your passport on your person, never in your
luggage. A concealed neck or waist pouch is best. Second
choices would be in your wallet, zippered jacket pocket, or
shoulder bag.
Florence, Italy
Luggage Tags and Locks
Put your name, address and telephone numbers inside
and outside of each piece of luggage. Consider including
a local address or contact at your study site. Use covered
luggage tags to avoid casual observation of your identity
or nationality. Many bags look alike, consider attaching a
colorful ribbon or tag to your luggage handle to make it
easier for you to identify at baggage claim. Luggage locks
are not advised for travel in the United States as airport
security will cut them off your bags. However, you may
wish to take luggage locks with you to use internationally.
What to Bring
Clothing
Keep in mind that in very few other cultures (if any) do
students have the large number and variety of clothing
items that the typical American student does. No one will
be surprised to see you repeatedly in the same outfit. Bring
clothes that go well together in a variety of combinations.
To avoid being a target of crime, dress conservatively.
Don’t wear expensive looking jewelry. A flashy wardrobe
or one that is too casual can mark you as a tourist. As much
as possible, avoid the appearance of affluence.
Dominican Republic
26
Think utility. Are your clothes easy to launder (shrink-,
fade-, bleed-, pill- and wrinkle-resistant)? Can they be easily washed by hand? Will they dry quickly? Are they heavy
or bulky? Do tops and bottoms mix and match?
Packing
The electrical current in many foreign countries differs
from that of the U.S., which operates at 110 volts alternating
at 60 cycles. In much of the rest of the world the standard
current is 220 volts at 50 cycles. In addition, plug prongs
are often different. If you don’t use the proper converter or
transformer, and plug adapter, you risk burning out your
appliance and causing an electrical short. The best advice
is to do without gadgets or purchase them overseas.
Vitoria, Brazil
Consider climate. For instance, students going to Britain
might consider that the weather is not as severe as one
might expect, due to the fact that the Gulf Stream serves
to moderate temperature extremes. The actual climate,
however, is much wetter than here, so that the cold seems
colder and the warmer temperatures seem warmer. Another factor to consider is that generally residences and
classrooms abroad are not heated to the same extent as
here (the average temperature indoors is between 50 and
60 degrees). Therefore, the best way to keep warm is to
dress in layers.
Casual items such as jeans, shirts, sweater, and appropriate
outerwear are essential on all programs. You should also
bring a sturdy pair of comfortable walking shoes that will
adequately support your feet. Remember, dress casually
but you will need to dress up occasionally for the opera,
concerts or dining out.
Toiletries
Although everything will probably be available abroad to
meet your needs and wants as far as toilet articles, cosmetics, and non-prescription drugs, many of these items will
be more expensive than in the U.S. It is usually worth paying the higher price abroad than going to the trouble to
take a year’s supply of everything thing that you will need
with you.
Should you bring a laptop computer? A computer is a
large, visible and valuable item that you will have to watch
carefully and constantly. Check with returnees on the advisability of bringing a computer. There are no programs
that require a laptop. If you do decide to bring one, however, remember that you must have a special transformer,
not just a converter or adapter, to operate your computer
abroad.
Miscellaneous Items
What will your residence supply? Check with specific program information in your orientation packet to learn exactly what will be supplied in your living situation. Sheets are
usually provided in all living situations. Students housed
with families, in dormitories, or in apartments should plan
to bring their own towels, washcloths and soap.
If you plan to stay in hostels during your travels, a sleep
sack is essential. You can make a sleep sack by folding a
twin flat sheet in half and sewing up the bottom and half of
the side. Or, you can purchase one from a travel store.
Other miscellaneous items you could consider bringing
include an American cookbook, photographs from home
and of your institution, books in English if you are an avid
reader, and an address book (or mailing labels) filled in
with the names and addresses of everyone you will write
to during your stay abroad. Some gift items such as Jayhawk pencils, notepads, or magnets are useful too.
Prescription Medicines
Bring an adequate supply of prescription medications for
your entire trip and keep them in the original pharmacy
containers. See Health Section, p. 16.
Glasses
If you wear glasses or contact lenses, take along an extra
pair and your lens prescription. You may also want to include enough contact lens solution for your time abroad
since it may be difficult to obtain in certain countries and is
often very expensive when it is available.
Photographic Equipment
Bring your camera and a moderate supply of film or a
spare memory card. These items are generally available
abroad but tend to be more expensive.
Electronic Equipment
In most parts of the world, electricity is not as cheap as it
is in the U.S. Especially if you will be living with a host
family, please take note of the everyday use of electricity in
your host country.
Teotihuacan, Mexico
27
Packing
What to Leave Behind
Don’t bring anything you would hate to lose. Leave at
home:
• valuable or expensive-looking jewelry,
• irreplaceable family objects,
• all unnecessary credit cards,
• Social Security card, library cards, and similar items
you may routinely carry in your wallet.
Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at
home in case they need to contact you in an emergency.
A Few Things to Bring AND
Leave Behind
Make two photocopies of your passport identification
page, airline tickets, driver’s license and the credit cards
that you plan to bring with you. Leave one photocopy of
this data with family or friends at home; pack the other in a
place separate from where you carry your valuables.
Leave a copy of the serial numbers of your travelers’ checks
with a friend or relative at home. Carry your copy with you
in a separate place and, as you cash the checks, cross them
off the list.
Packing Check List
Documents and Essentials
Medical/Toiletries
 Money belt or neck wallet
 Passport
 Visa(s), if necessary
 Airline tickets
 Emergency Contact Numbers
 Photocopies of all documentation
 Traveler’s checks
 ATM, Credit or Debit card
 Health insurance information
 Assist America card
 Phone card
 Rail pass, youth hostel card, etc – if desired
 OSA student handbook
 other: ___________________________________
 other: ___________________________________
 Prescription medicine in original containers,
and copies of prescriptions
 Eyeglasses or contacts, spare pair, and lens
prescription
 Health kit, including: prescription medicines,
bandages & band-aids, cold & flu tablets, motion
sickness medicine, pain reliever, Pepto-Bismol,
throat lozenges, antibiotic cream, yeast infection
medication, sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent
 Wash cloth and small towel
 Bath/cosmetic supplies
 Contraceptives
 other: ___________________________________
 other: ___________________________________
Miscellaneous
 Luggage locks and tags
 Backpack for school and short trips
 Swiss army-type multi-purpose knife
 Sewing kit
 Alarm clock (battery-operated)
 Adapter, converter, transformer – if needed
 Camera and film or memory card
 Favorite music – your IPod, MP3 player, or a
couple of CD’(and portable player)
 Laptop computer (if desired)
 Address book/stationery
 Journal
 Phrase book and dictionary, if visiting a nonEnglish-speaking country
 Travel guide for host country
 Photos of family and friends
 Gift for host family, if applicable
 Sleep sheet for hosteling, if desired
 other: ___________________________________
 other: ___________________________________
28
Clothing
 Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes
 Shower shoes or slippers
 Athletic shoes
 Socks, hose, tights
 Underwear
 long underwear (check recommendations)
 Pajamas
 Sports clothes/athletic shoes
 Swimsuit, sunglasses, hat/cap
 Clothes for school: jeans/slacks/skirts, shirts
or knit tops, sweaters (Think layers! Refer to
program-specific information)
 Sweater, sweatshirt, light jacket or fleece
 Nice outfit (shirt and tie for men, nice dress or
outfit for women, and dress shoes)
 Rain jacket,umbrella
 Heavier outerwear, as recommended (coat,
hat, gloves, scarf)
 other: ___________________________________
 other: ___________________________________
Pre-Departure
Pre-Departure Checklist
Academics
Money Matters
 All courses I will take abroad have been pre-approved
 The program fee will be paid in full by deadline, or
by my home institution.
 I have filled out the Home Institution Advisor Contact
Information on the back cover of this handbook.
 I have packed a copy of my academic advising form.
 I have packed a copy of the Enrollment for Semester of
Return form (KU students).
 I have packed a copy of my transcript or ARTS form.
 I understand that all credits and grades received
abroad will be posted on my KU academic record.
Health
 I have read the CDC report for the country I am visit-
ing. I have received appropriate vaccinations as recommended for the region.
 I have checked with my health insurance company and
understand how payment/reimbursement works if I am
treated overseas.
 I have informed the program staff or director of any
pre-existing conditions which may affect my participation
or which may be critical to know if I am ill/injured.
 I have packed my Assist America card.
 I have packed an adequate supply of condoms and/or
other forms of contraception, if appropriate.
 I have obtained a supply of regular prescription medications that is adequate for the duration of my stay plus
two weeks. Prescriptions are in original containers from
pharmacy, and I have packed copies of prescriptions.
Safety
 I have read the Consular Information Sheet for the
country I am visiting, and have researched safety issues
particular to the area.
 I have given the folks at home my contact information
and itinerary. I will keep them and the Office of Study
Abroad updated of any changes.
 I have made 3 copies of my passport: one to leave at
home and 2 to take with me.
special arrangements have been made with the OSA.
 I have notified my bank and credit card company that I
am traveling abroad.
 Student Financial Aid awards have been accepted and
paperwork has been completed.
 Financial aid disbursement arrangements have been
made with the Study Abroad Financial Advisor.
 I have obtained a small amount of local currency to
bring with me.
 Credit, Debit and/or ATM cards have 4-digit numerical
PIN numbers.
 Bank information, Card numbers and emergency
assistance numbers – I have made 2 copies: one to leave at
home and one to take with me, separate from the cards.
 I have purchased a small quantity of traveler’s checks
(for emergencies) and recorded check numbers in a place
separate from the checks.
 I have made a plan with folks at home for emergencies
(can money be deposited in an account at home that I can
access overseas?)
Communications
 I have researched the various ways to keep in touch
and, if necessary, have purchased phone cards, a cell
phone, or have made arrangements with my phone
company to have cellular service abroad.
Packing
 I have read the packing tips provided in this hand-
book.
 I know the electrical current and plug adapters used in
my host country. I have obtained appropriate transformers, converters or adapters for appliances I will bring.
 I know generally accepted standards of dress for
my host country. I know the range of temperature and
precipitation for the area I will visit.
General
 I have read the contents of this handbook.
 I have attended the Study Abroad Orientation (KU
students).
 I have packed a guide book for my host country.
 I have obtained rail passes, hostel cards, etc, if desired.
 I have a Visa(s) or residence permit, if required.
 Non-U.S. citizens: I have consulted with a foreign
student adviser to make sure my U.S. visa and other
papers are in order.
Paris, France
29
Appendix A
Useful Websites
KU academic resources
• KU timetable
http://www.timetable.ku.edu/
• Undergraduate course catalog
http://www.ur.ku.edu/Acadpub/ugradcat/index.
shtml
• KU Distance Learning Information
Services
http://www.lib.ku.edu/~public/distlearn/
US State Department
• How to apply for a U.S. passport
• Entry requirements to foreign countries
for U.S. citizens (includes visa requirements)
• U.S. State Dept Travel warnings
• Tips for travelers for different world
regions from the U.S. State Dept
http://travel.state.gov
Centers for Disease
Control
• Health Information by country
http://www.cdc.gov
U.S. Postal Service
• International shipping rules, regs and
rates. Good links, too.
http://www.uspsglobal.com
Currency conversions
http://www.xe.net/ucc/
ATM Locator Worldwide
• Locations of ATMs in cities worldwide
www.visa.com/pd/atm/main.html
Map Quest
• Maps of various cities around the world
http://www.mapquest.com/
Tourism
• Tourism offices worldwide
http://www.towd.com
• Hostels by country
http://www.hostels.com
• International Youth Hostels
http://www.iyhf.org/
• Travelocity
http://www.travelocity.com
• Student Travel Association
http://www.sta.com
• European and British passes
http://www.railpass.com/
http://www.raileurope.com
• Lonely Planet
http://www.lonelyplanet.com
• Rough Guides
http://www.roughguides.com
• Let’s Go
http://www.letsgo.com
• Fodors
http://www.fodors.com
• U.S. State Dept. Travel Tips for Women
http://travel.state.gov/tips_women.html
• Journey Women On-line Magazine
http://www.journeywoman.com
• University of Michigan International
Center
http://internationalcenter.umich.edu/swt/study/
women_abroad.html
Travel Guides
Resources for Women
• Transitions Abroad: Women Travel Portaly http://www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/travel/
women/index.shtml
Resources for Minorities
• Diversity Issues in Study Abroad
http://www.brown.edu/Administration/OIP/
resources/articles/resource_links.php#diversityl
Resources for student
with disabilities
• Mobility International
http://www.miusa.org/
• USC Safeti Clearinghouse
http://www.globaled.us/safeti/index.html
• Links to sites dealing with issues involving the lesbigay community and international travel.
http://www.indiana.edu/~overseas/lesbigay
Lesbigay Links
30
Appendix B
Travel Warning on Drugs Abroad
Partial text from the United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs. For full text, visit http://www.travel.
state.gov or http://studentsabroad.state.gov/
Hard Facts:
Things You Should Know Before You Go Abroad
Each year, 2,500 Americans are arrested overseas. One
third of the arrests are on drug-related charges. Many of
those arrested assumed as U.S. citizens that they could not
be arrested. From Asia to Africa, Europe to South America,
U.S. citizens are finding out the hard way that drug possession or trafficking equals jail in foreign countries.
There is very little that anyone can do to help you if you are
caught with drugs.
It is your responsibility to know what the drug laws are in
a foreign country before you go, because “I didn’t know it
was illegal” will not get you out of jail.
In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of
women arrested abroad. The rise is a result of women who
serve as drug couriers or “mules” in the belief they can
make quick money and have a vacation without getting
caught. Instead of a short vacation, they get a lengthy stay
or life sentence in a foreign jail.
If you are purchasing prescription medications in quantities larger than that considered necessary for personal use,
you could be arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking.
If you are arrested on a drug charge it is important that
you know what your government CAN and CANNOT do
for you.
The U.S. Consular Officer CAN
• visit you in jail after being notified of your arrest
• give you a list of local attorneys (The U.S. Government
cannot assume responsibility for the professional ability
or integrity of these individuals or recommend a particular attorney.)
• notify your family and/or friends and relay requests for
money or other aid -- but only with your authorization
• intercede with local authorities to make sure that your
rights under local law are fully observed and that you
are treated humanely, according to internationally accepted standards
• protest mistreatment or abuse to the appropriate authorities
The U.S. Consular Officer CANNOT
• demand your immediate release or get you out of jail or
the country!
• represent you at trial or give legal counsel
• pay legal fees and/or fines with U.S. Government funds
If you are caught buying, selling, carrying or using drugs
-- from hashish to heroin, marijuana to mescaline, cocaine
to quaaludes, to designer drugs like ecstasy....
It Could Mean:
• Interrogation and Delays Before Trial - including mistreatment and solitary confinement for up to one year
under very primitive conditions
• Lengthy Trials - conducted in a foreign language, with
delays and postponements
• Weeks, Months or Life in Prison - some places include
hard labor, heavy fines, and/or lashings, if found guilty
• The Death Penalty - in a growing number of countries
(e.g., Malaysia, Pakistan and Turkey)
Although drug laws vary from country to country, it is important to realize before you make the mistake of getting
involved with drugs that foreign countries do not react
lightly to drug offenders. In some countries, anyone who
is caught with even a very small quantity for personal use
may be tried and receive the same sentence as the largescale trafficker.
THINK FIRST! DON’T LET YOUR TRIP ABROAD BECOME A NIGHTMARE!
This information has been provided to inform you before
it is too late.
• A number of countries, including the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Mexico and the Philippines,
have enacted more stringent drug laws which impose
mandatory jail sentences for individuals convicted of
possessing even small amounts of marijuana or cocaine
for personal use.
• Once you leave the United States, you are not covered by
U.S. laws and constitutional rights.
• Bail is not granted in many countries when drugs are
involved.
• The burden of proof in many countries is on the accused
to prove his/her innocence.
• In some countries, evidence obtained illegally by local
authorities may be admissible in court.
• Few countries offer drug offenders jury trials or even
require the prisoner’s presence at his/her trial.
• Many countries have mandatory prison sentences of
seven years or life, without the possibility of parole for
drug violations.
The Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs’
Office of Overseas Citizens Services provides emergency
services pertaining to the protection of Americans arrested
or detained abroad, the search for U.S. citizens overseas,
the transmission of emergency messages to those citizens
or their next of kin in the United States and other emergency and non-emergency services. Contact the Office of
Overseas Citizens Services [email protected] or
Toll free in the U.S. or Canada 1-888-407-4747; Outside the
United States and Canada1-202-501-4444. Internet home
page: http://studentsabroad.state.gov/
31
Appendix C
KU Study Abroad Policies and Conditions of Participation
The purpose of studying abroad is to engage in a holistic learning experience, which combines achievement of academic objectives with
the larger goal of gaining a deeper understanding of another culture. Cultural learning through study abroad promotes tolerance, fosters
collaboration and establishes friendships among individuals, institutions and nations. I recognize that by participating in a University of
Kansas (KU) Study Abroad program I am taking part in an on-going relationship with host country institutions and individuals, and I assume
responsibilities attendant to maintaining good relations with hosts and colleagues.
In consideration of being allowed to participate in a KU Study Abroad Program, I, _______________________________, hereby understand and
agree to the following conditions of participation:
KU Rules: As a participant in a KU study abroad program, I am
subject to the KU Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
Likewise, I am subject to the KU Policy on Academic Misconduct.
These two documents are printed in the KU Office of Study
Abroad (OSA) Student Handbook and are available through the
KU website, www.ku.edu.
Academic Policy: Because this is an academic program, I am
responsible for attendance at classes and on scheduled activities,
and for completing assigned work. Failure to participate fully
in the program may constitute academic misconduct and result
in dismissal from the program. I understand that participants
are expected to remain fully enrolled while abroad and that
any exceptions must be discussed with a KU OSA program
coordinator.
Program Rules: The Program Director and staff have the authority
to establish rules and guidelines necessary for the operation of the
KU Study Abroad program and to promote the health and safety
of the entire group. Specific program rules are given in orientation
and pre-departure materials. I understand that if I violate the
established rules, I will be subject to disciplinary action, which
may include dismissal from the program, without refund.
Orientation: I am responsible for informing myself of practical and
cultural matters relevant to visitors to my study site. In addition, I
am responsible for the content of all pre-departure and orientation
materials. KU students are required to attend a pre-departure
orientation on campus as a mandatory condition of participation
in a study abroad program.
Host Country Laws: As a visitor to a foreign country, I will be
subject to the laws of that country. It is my responsibility to obey
the laws in all countries I visit during the period of study abroad.
Violations of the local law of the host community or country are
referred to and handled by the appropriate local law enforcement
authorities. KU OSA can provide referral to resources for legal
assistance in the host country, but cannot assume expenses of or
interfere with the legal process.
Behavior in Host Country: As a foreign study participant, I am
a guest in a host country. Behavior that may seem harmless in
another setting may be considered offensive in the host culture.
Such behavior could harm relations of the University of Kansas or
the host institution and result in curtailment of the program. It is
essential that all participants respect norms of conduct and patterns
of behavior, which may be different from standards at home. Such
norms will be discussed at orientation meetings with the Program
Director and/or on-site staff. If I am unsure about what constitutes
acceptable behavior at the study site, I may consult the Program
Director or program staff. Repeated behaviors offensive to the
host culture may constitute grounds for dismissal.
32
Use of illegal drugs during the entire period of the program is
strictly prohibited. Students in the program found using or
possessing illegal drugs in any form are subject to immediate
expulsion.
Conduct which is disruptive to the program, offensive to the
host culture, or which endangers myself or others, may result in
dismissal. Violent behavior, sexual harassment, racial or ethnic
harassment, will not be tolerated and will be dealt with severely.
In addition to these and other non-academic offenses outlined in
the KU Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities, conduct such
as, but not limited to abuse of alcohol, intentional and deliberate
antagonistic behavior and abusive language toward fellow
participants, program faculty and staff, or citizens of the host
country, may result in dismissal.
Free time: I assume responsibility for my choice of activities
during unscheduled program time. All standards of conduct
expected of university students apply to free time as well as
scheduled program activities, because participation in Study
Abroad programs immerse students in the culture with learning
occurring outside the classroom. I understand that, should my
behavior during my free time negatively impact members of
the group or program activities, this can constitute academic
misconduct, which could result in suspension, dismissal, and/or
reduction of my course grade. I understand the need to carefully
consider the consequences of accidents or injury arising from
my choice of activities or travel destinations during free time. If
I become ill, injured or am the victim of crime or violence, while
traveling outside the study site during free time, I understand that
the program will have very limited ability to assist me and that the
program cannot pay for the costs of providing assistance.
Financial Responsibility: My participation in the program is
contingent upon making all payments or financial aid arrangements
by the stated due dates and completing and submitting all required
forms before the start of the program. I further understand that
failure to submit forms or payments may result in late enrollment
penalties or my being dismissed from the program.
Voluntary or involuntary departure from the program before its
completion does not automatically result in academic withdrawal.
While the Office of Study Abroad may assist, I am responsible for
resolving my enrollment status if I leave the program early.
I further understand that I am solely responsible for any and all
costs arising out of my own voluntary or involuntary withdrawal
from the program prior to its completion, including withdrawal
caused by illness or disciplinary action by representative.
Appendix D
Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities
Published by The Office of the Vice Provost for Student Success 133 Strong Hall - Lawrence, Kansas 66045
Copyright 2009, University of Kansas
As with any community, the University has established standards of
conduct for its members. As members of the University community,
students are expected to adhere to all published rules, regulations and
policies. Students also are obligated to the laws of the city, county, state and
nation. Students should be fully familiar with the University catalogues, the
online Timetable of Classes and the KU Student Handbook. Additionally,
students living in University-owned and operated housing units should
be acquainted with the appropriate, published procedures and regulations
of the Department of Student Housing. For clarification of the disciplinary
procedures developed for students residing in such property owned and
operated by The Department of Student Housing, refer to The Department
of Student Housing Contract Terms and the Housing Handbook. Students
found to be in violation of published Department of Student Housing
regulations are subject to disciplinary procedures and sanctions separate
from those described in The Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
Failure to comply with University policies and regulations may subject a
student to disciplinary action as described in the Code.
The rights and privileges of the individual are also components of
a community. These rights are protected with vigilance equal to the
enforcement of rules and procedures. The following Code of Student
Rights and Responsibilities outlines the rights of students and many
of the standards of conduct expected within the University of Kansas
community.
The Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities was originally adopted by
the Student Senate, approved by the Chancellor in 1970, and revised in 1986
and revised biannually thereafter for the University of Kansas, Lawrence
campus. The Code, presented here in its entirety, is subject to amendment
by the Student Senate with the approval of the Chancellor. Any activity,
policy, rule or regulation for the implementation of this code is subject to
the approval of the Chancellor and the Board of Regents as provided by law
and the University Senate Code.
Title
Art. 1. These rules shall be known as the Code of Student Rights and
Responsibilities.
Bill of Rights
Art. 2. The following enumeration of rights shall not be construed to deny
or disparage other rights retained by students in their capacity as members
of the student body or as citizens of the community at large:
A.Free inquiry, expression, and assembly are guaranteed to all students.
B. Students are free to pursue their educational goals; appropriate
opportunities for learning in the classroom and on the campus shall be
provided by the University.
C.The right of students to be free from harassment or discrimination
based on sex, race, color, national origin, religion, ancestry, sexual
orientation, disability, marital or parental status, or, as specified by law,
age, or veteran status, shall not be abridged. University policies on Sexual
Harassment, Racial and Ethnic Harassment, and the Equal Opportunity
and Affirmative Action Grievance Procedures provide guidance and
explain these rights.
D.The right of students to be secure in their persons, living quarters, papers,
and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures is guaranteed.
E.Students will be exempt from disciplinary action that affects their status
as students except for academic failure or violation of a published Student
Senate, University Senate, University or Regents rule or regulation. Rules
and regulations shall be fully and clearly disclosed in advance of the
supposed violations.
F. No disciplinary sanctions resulting from a violation of rules and
regulations, under Article 2(E), may be imposed upon any student
without prior written notice of the nature and cause of the charges, and
an opportunity to be heard at a fair hearing. A fair hearing shall include
confrontation of witnesses against him or her and the assistance of a
person of his or her own assistance or with the prior approval of the
Office of the Vice Provost for Student Success, up to three persons of the
student’s choosing.
G.A student, a student organization, or a campus organization charged
with violating University regulations is entitled to a hearing. A student or
an organization may waive the right to a hearing when the party chooses
to admit responsibility for misconduct and accept disciplinary sanctions
from the University.
H.Students are held to the same level of research and publication integrity
as are faculty and other University affiliated researchers. University
Senate Rules and Regulations describe a policy remedy and procedures
to students who may feel that scholarly misconduct has occurred.
I.Students may not be required to take examinations and tests, other than
final examinations, which occur in conflict with mandated religious
holidays, provided that the students notify their instructors at the
beginning of the semester, as specified in University Senate Rules and
Regulations.
Definitions
Art. 3. When used in the Code:
A.The term “University” means the University of Kansas, Lawrence campus,
the Capitol Complex, and the Edwards Campus, and collectively, those
responsible for its control and operation.
B The term “student” includes all persons enrolled at the Lawrence
campus, Capitol Complex and Edwards Campus, either full time or
part time, pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or professional studies, as
well as non-degree students. This also includes individuals who confirm
their intent to enroll in programs, those attending orientation sessions,
and those that were enrolled at the date of an alleged incident. Persons
who withdraw after allegedly violating the student code or who are
not officially enrolled for a particular term but who have a continuing
relationship with the university are considered “students.”
C.The term “instructor” means any person hired by the institution to
conduct classroom activities. In certain situations, a person may be both
student and instructor. Determination of his or her status in a particular
situation shall be by the attendant facts.
D The term “student press” means either an organization whose primary
purpose is to publish and distribute any publication on campus or a
regular publication of an organization.
E The term “organization” refers to either a.)A registered student
organization which is defined as a group of individuals of which at
least 75% of the members are currently enrolled students. The officers
of a student organization must be currently enrolled students; or b.) A
registered campus organization which is defined as a group of individuals
of which at least 75% of the members are from the University community,
including currently enrolled students, faculty, staff or spouses of these
persons. The officers of a campus organization must be members of the
University community as defined in this paragraph.
F. The term “shall” is used in the imperative sense.
G The term “may” is used in the permissive sense.
Access to Higher Education
Art. 4. Under no circumstances shall an applicant for admission to the
University be denied admission because of race, religion, sex, color,
disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, political views or
affiliation, marital or parental status, and to the extent specified by law, age,
or veteran status.
33
Appendix D
Classroom Expression
Art. 5. Discussion and expression of all views relevant to the subject matter
are permitted in the classroom, subject only to the responsibility of the
instructor to maintain order.
A. Students are responsible for learning the content of any course for which
they are enrolled.
B. Requirements of participation in classroom discussion and submission of
written exercises are consistent with this section.
Art. 6. Academic evaluation of student performance shall not be prejudicial,
capricious, arbitrary, or be based, in whole or in part, upon a student’s race,
religion, sex, color, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation,
political views or affiliations, marital or parental status, age, or veteran
status.
Art. 7. Information about a student’s views, beliefs, and political associations
acquired in the course of instruction, advising, and counseling, by the
University, is confidential and is not to be disclosed to others unless by
written consent of the student.
Campus Expression
Art. 8. Discussion and expression of all views are permitted within the
University, subject only to requirements for the maintenance of order.
Support of any cause by orderly and peaceful means that does not disrupt
the operation of the institution is permitted. This Article shall be construed
in conjuncture with Articles 17 and 22(C)(1).
Art. 9. Students, groups, and organizations may invite and hear any persons
of their own choosing, subject only to the requirements for use of University
facilities.
B. An organization or living group may discipline any member for violation
of rules of social conduct, provided that any disciplinary action taken
shall not affect a member’s rights and privileges as a student of this
University.
Art. 13. University facilities shall be available to registered student and
campus organizations for regular business meetings, social functions,
recreational activities and for programs open to the public. Reasonable
conditions, as outlined in approved University policy, may be imposed
to regulate the timeliness of requests, to determine the appropriateness of
the space assigned, time of use, and to insure proper maintenance of the
facilities. Subject to the same limitations, University facilities may be made
available for assignment to individuals or groups composed of members of
the University community, even though not formally registered. Preference
may be given to programs designed for audiences consisting primarily of
members of the University community.
Art. 14. The Student Senate has the authority to allocate University funds
designated as the Student Senate Activity Fee subject to the approval of
the Chancellor or the Chancellor’s designee. Only registered student
organizations, campus organizations, or University sponsored or contracted
activities may receive an allocation from the Student Senate Activity Fee.
Approval of requests for such funds shall be conditioned upon submission
of budgets to, and approval by, the Student Senate. Where such funds are
allocated, financial accountability shall be required.
Publications
Art. 15. A student, group, or organization may hand out written material on
campus without prior approval.
Art. 16. The student press must be free of censorship. Its editors, managers
and contributors must be protected from arbitrary sanctions, including, but
not limited to, those under Article 22(E), originating outside the student
press. Similar freedom must be assured for the oral statement of views on
all University-controlled radio or television stations.
Student and Campus Organizations
Art. 10. Organizations may be established within the University for any
legal purpose including, but not limited to religious, political, educational,
economic, social, or recreational purposes.
A. Affiliation or disaffiliation with an extramural organization shall not
disqualify the University-based branch or chapter from registering as a
student or campus organization.
B. Membership in all University-related organizations shall follow the
guidelines established in the Board of Regents Membership Statement
and shall be open to any student. The right of organizations to establish
standards for membership is acknowledged, provided that all students
are afforded equal opportunity to meet those standards. Nothing in this
section shall be interpreted as imposing a requirement that would violate
the principle of selection on the basis of individual merit.
C. A student may not be denied the rights of access to and participation
in any University-sponsored or University-approved activity because
of race, religion, sex, color, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual
orientation, political affiliation, marital or parental status, and to the
extent specified by law, age, or veteran status.
Art. 11. For an organization to be eligible for student activity funds, the
organization shall register annually as an organization with the Student
Involvement & Leadership Center and file a list of officers and their
addresses, and a declaration that the organization shall abide by the rules
and regulations of the University, University Senate, Student Senate and
the Board of Regents.
Art. 12. The Student Senate delegates to each organization or living group
the authority and responsibility to establish its own rules concerning social
conduct. Such rules shall be consistent with this code, rules of the Board of
Regents, and state and federal law.
A. Rules of social conduct shall not be adopted that conflict with a contract
entered into as a condition of residency in facilities operated by the
Department of Student Housing. The signing of such a contract shall not
operate as a waiver of constitutional rights. Such contracts contemplated
by this section shall be reviewed annually by a body that shall have
student representation at least equal to administrative representation.
The living group whose contract is under review must be represented.
34
Freedom of Protest
Art. 17. The right of orderly and peaceful protest within the University
community must be preserved. The University retains the right to assure
the safety of individuals, the protection of property, and the continuity
of the educational process including the maintenance of entrance to and
egress from all University buildings and offices, conduct of regular class
meetings and other University functions.
A. Orderly picketing and other forms of peaceful protest are protected
activities on University premises in the absence of interference with free
passage through areas where members of the University community
have a right to be or the orderly conduct of University business.
B. Peaceful picketing and other orderly demonstrations are permitted
in public areas of University buildings, including corridors, outside
auditoriums and other places set aside for public meetings.
C. Every student enrolled in the University has the right to be interviewed
on campus by any organization, employer, government agency, or
educational entity that desires to recruit at the campus. Any student
or group of students has the right to protest against the appearance
on campus of any organization, employer, government agency, or
educational entity provided that the protest does not interfere with any
other student’s rights or opportunity to have such an interview. For the
purposes of Article 17, the term “organization” is not defined as stated
under Article 3(E).
Violation of Law and University Discipline
Art. 18. If a violation of law occurs on campus and is also a violation of
a published University regulation, the University may institute its own
proceedings against an offender who has been subjected to criminal
prosecution only if the University interest involved is clearly distinct
from that of the community outside of the University. Ordinarily, the
University should not impose sanctions if criminal prosecution of a student
is anticipated or until law enforcement officials have disposed of the
case. However, this section shall not prevent the University from taking
reasonable measures to protect persons and property, or to preserve order
pending the outcome of the prosecution.
Appendix D
Privacy
Art. 19. Students have the same rights of privacy as any other person and
surrender none of these rights by becoming members of the academic
community. These rights of privacy extend to those living in University
housing. Nothing in the institutional relationship or University housing
contract shall expressly or by implication give the institution or University
officials authority to consent to a search of a student’s room by police or
other governmental officials. When the institution seeks access to a student’s
living quarters in any facility operated by the Department of Student
Housing to determine compliance with provisions of applicable multiple
dwelling unit laws or for improvement or repairs, the occupant shall be
notified of such action not less than twenty-four hours in advance. There
may be entry without notice in emergencies where imminent danger to life,
safety, health, or property is reasonably feared.
A. Offenses Against Persons
An offense against a person is committed when a student:
1 Threatens the physical health, welfare, or safety of another person,
places another person in serious bodily harm, or uses physical force in a
manner that endangers the health, welfare or safety of another person;
or willfully, maliciously and repeatedly follows or attempts to make
unwanted contact with another person. This prohibition includes, but
is not limited to, acts of sexual assault.
2.Engages in hazing of another person for the purpose of initiation or
admission into, affiliation with, or continuation of membership in any
organization operating under the sanction of the University. Hazing
includes, but is not limited to, any action, activity or situation which
recklessly, negligently or intentionally endangers the mental or physical
health, welfare or safety of a person, creates excessive fatigue, mental
or physical discomfort, exposes a person to extreme embarrassment or
ridicule, involves personal servitude, or substantially interferes with the
academic requirements or responsibilities of a student. It is presumed
that hazing is a forced activity regardless of the apparent willingness of
an individual to participate in the activity.
Art. 20. No inquiry is permitted into the activities of students away from
the campus where their behavior is subject to regulation and control by
public authorities.
Art. 21. The University of Kansas provides for the protection of the
educational records and privacy rights of students as required by law,
Regents’ regulations and University policies, rules and regulations. The
following basic principles shall be evident in the University’s Student
Records Policy:
3.Demonstrates or indicated to another individual his or her possession
or immediate control over a firearm, explosive, or weapon; or proclaims
to another individual his or her possession or control over a firearm,
explosive, or weapon as a method of intimidation, coercion, threat,
distress, or extortion.
A. A student shall be accorded the opportunity to inspect and review his or
her educational records.
B. A student may challenge the content or request that the University amend
his or her educational records.
C. The University must respond to a request to inspect and/or amend an
educational record within a reasonable period of time.
4.Uses electronic or other devices to make an audio or video record of
any person while on university premises where there is a reasonable
expectation of privacy without the person’s prior knowledge or express
consent, when such a recording is likely to cause injury, distress, or
damage to reputation. Such University premises include, but are not
limited to showers, locker rooms or restrooms.
D. If the University refuses to amend an educational record, a student will
be afforded a hearing before a disinterested person or panel.
E. Except as provided by law, no one outside the University shall have
access to the educational records of a student, nor shall the institution
disclose personally identifiable information contained in these records
without the written consent of the student.
F. The University may disclose directory information related to a student, as
defined in the Student Records Policy.
5.Falsely reports a bomb, fire, or other emergency.
B. Offenses Against Property
G. The University may disclose personally identifiable information without
the consent of the student to personnel within the institution determined
to have legitimate educational interests and to others as defined in the
Student Records Policy.
H. The University may disclose personally identifiable information without
the consent of the student to other persons as provided by law, to
comply with a judicial subpoena or a requirement of law or government
regulation or to appropriate persons in a health or safety emergency.
2. Knowingly and without proper consent or authorization removes,
uses, misappropriates, or sells the property of another person or the
University.
I. Except to the extent allowed by law or when acting on behalf of the
University, those parties to whom personally identifiable information is
given are not permitted to disclose that information to others without the
written consent of the student.
J. The University must maintain a record of each disclosure of personally
identifiable information about the student, under subsection H.
K. Excluded from the category of educational records, and to which the
law does not guarantee the right of student access, are medical and
psychological records that are maintained only in connection with
provision of treatment to the student and that are not available to persons
other than those providing treatment, except that such records may be
personally reviewed by a physician or other appropriate professional of
the student’s choice and with the student’s written consent.
An offense against property is committed when a student:
1. Knowingly and without proper consent or authorization has in his or
her possession the property of another person or the University.
3. Willfully or maliciously damages or destroys property owned or in the
possession of another person or the University.
4. Obtains the property of another person by misrepresentation or
fraudulent means.
5. Misuses, damages or alters any fire fighting or other safety
equipment.
6. Enters the facilities or uses the property of another person or the
University without proper consent or authorization.
7. Knowingly, and without proper payment, utilizes the services of the
University which require payment.
8. Commits a theft of electronic information, or gains or attempts to gain
unauthorized access to computer and other electronic resources.
Conduct of Students and Organizations
Art. 22. Non-Academic Misconduct
Students and organizations are expected to conduct themselves as
responsible members of the University community. While on University
premises or at University sponsored or supervised events, students and
organizations are subject to disciplinary action for violations of published
policies, rules and regulations of the University and Regents, and for the
following offenses:
35
Appendix D
C. Offenses Against the Orderly Process of the University
An offense against the orderly process of the University is committed when:
1. A student intentionally causes or attempts to cause disruption
or obstruction of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary
proceedings, or other University activities, or other authorized,
permitted, or constitutionally protected activities on University
premises, including employment, recruitment, and public service
functions.
2. A student or applicant knowingly furnishes false or misleading
information to the University.
3. A student, applicant or former student forges, alters, misrepresents or
misuses documents, records or instruments of identification.
4 A student interferes with, attempts to or improperly influences the
established student discipline procedures of the University.
5. Possesses or carries any firearm, weapon, or explosive on University
premises.
D. Offenses by a Student Organization or Campus Organization.
Organizations, their officers, and/or individual members may be held
responsible for conduct in accordance with guidelines established
for individual students if having prior knowledge, participation in, or
encouragement of the conduct prohibited under Article 22(A), (B), and
(C). Organizations, their officers, and/or individual members may be
held responsible for their conduct determined to be a recognized group
activity regardless of location (on or off University premises) or University
supervision or sponsorship if having prior knowledge, participation in,
or encouragement of the conduct. Organizations, their officers, and/
or individual members may be sanctioned in a manner suitable to the
circumstances, similar to those outlined for individual students, under
Article 22(E), (F), and (G), if having prior knowledge, participation in, or
encouragement of the conduct.
6. Student Suspension: Exclusion from classes and other University
privileges and activities as set out in the order after a hearing, for a
definite period not to exceed two years. The conditions of re-admission
shall be stated in the order of the suspension.
7. Organization Suspension: Exclusion from University privileges and
activities as set out in the order after a hearing, for a definite period not
to exceed two years. The conditions of reinstatement shall be stated in
the order of suspension.
8. Student Expulsion: Termination of student status for a minimum of
two years. The conditions of re-admission, if any, shall be stated in the
order of expulsion.
9. Removal of Organization Registration: Termination of registered
organization status for a minimum of two years. The conditions
of re-admission, if any, shall be stated in the order of removal of
registration.
F. Limitations
1. A student or organization alleged to have violated provisions of Article
22 is entitled to a hearing in accordance with procedures established
by the Office of the Vice Provost for Student Success. Any appeal from
such a hearing shall be directed to the University Judicial Board.
2. No sanctions or other disciplinary measures may be imposed against
a student or organization by the University concerning non-academic
conduct other than that (a) prescribed in this code, (b) prescribed in
leases or contract terms willfully entered into by a student to obtain
accommodations operated by the Department of Student Housing,
or (c) prescribed in rules of non-academic conduct adopted by other
University organizations pursuant to express authorization granted by
the Student Senate.
3. No complaint may be filed with the Office of the Vice Provost for Student
Success against a student or organization if more than six months has
elapsed since the occurrence of the conduct in violation of University
rules concerning non-academic misconduct, with the exception of
Article 22(C)(2), which shall have no statute of limitations.
E. Sanctions Defined
Listed in order of increasing severity are the sanctions that may be applied
to offenses defined in A, B, C, and D. When appropriate, more than one
sanction may be imposed.
1. Warning: Notice in writing that continuation or repetition of conduct
found wrongful, within a period of time stated in the warning, may be
cause for more severe disciplinary action.
2. Restitution: Reimbursement for damage to or misappropriation of
property. This may take the form of appropriate service or other
compensation.
3. Fine: A money payment to a designated University fund.
4. Disciplinary Probation: Disciplinary probation shall have as its
purpose the rehabilitation of the student or organization and may
include suspension of specified privileges for a definite period not
to exceed two years. Disciplinary probation may also require the
student or organization to participate in specified activities, including
one counseling information session, or may prescribe any program
which is deemed just and fair under the circumstances of the case.
The authority imposing this sanction may assign any qualified person
within the University community, other than an undergraduate
student, to act as a probation supervisor. The probation supervisor
shall report periodically to the appointing authority. If the probation
supervisor should report that the student is not fulfilling probation
requirements, the case will be reviewed by the appointing authority
and remaining members of the original hearing panel, who may
recommend additional sanctions.
5. Campus/Community Service: Students or organizations may be
required to complete a specified number of service hours to an
identified campus or community agency. The authority imposing
this sanction may assign any qualified person to serve as the service
supervisor. If the service supervisor should report that the student or
organization has not fulfilled the service requirements, the case will be
reviewed as in Article 22(E)(4).
36
4. After a complaint of a violation of University rules concerning nonacademic misconduct is received by an Office of the Vice Provost for
Student Success official, written notice of the allegations must be
sent to the student or organization within thirty (30) class days
(including orientation and final examination weeks).
5. Students or applicants who gain admission to the University through
false information may have their enrollment cancelled by the University
Registrar in consultation with the academic dean and the Director of
Admissions or their designees.
G. Interim Suspension
A student may be immediately excluded from classes and other University
privileges or activities when the student’s continued presence on the
campus constitutes a danger, or threat of danger, to property, the student,
or others. The student will receive a written notice stating the reasons
for the interim suspension and the time and place of a hearing to be held
within five (5) days at which the student has an opportunity to show why
his or her continued presence on campus does not constitute a danger, or
threat of danger, to others, the student, or property.
Authority
Art. 23. The Office of the Vice Provost for Student Success has the authority
to administer this Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
Art. 24. Subject to the approval of the Chancellor, authority for the
development of rules concerning student non-academic conduct resides
in the Student Senate pursuant to Article V, Section 4, of the University
of Kansas Senate Code. Nothing in this Code shall be construed to be
inconsistent with the intent or purpose of the University of Kansas Senate
Code.
Home Institution Academic Advisor Contact Information
(Fill out the following information before you depart. For semester, academic year, or student -initiated programs only)
For KU students, it is the study abroad faculty advisor who must approve all credit for work abroad in your major before it
can be posted on your official transcript. You are responsible for contacting the appropriate faculty advisor when necessary.
The OSA canot be responsible for contacting academic advisors.
Academic Advisor
Academic Advisor
Department
Department
Phone/Fax
Phone/Fax
Email
Email
On-Site Coordinator or Office
(Fill out the following information when you arrive on site)
Name
Name
Department/Office
Department/Office
Phone/Fax
Phone/Fax
Email
Email
Other Useful Information
(local taxi info, housing/landlord, friends, etc)
Name
Contact Information
Name
Contact Information
Name
Contact Information
Cut these out and keep them in your wallet
Student Study Abroad Emergency Contacts:
On-Site Emergency Addresses & Telephone #’s
My Residence phone:
Address:
Police
phone
Ambulance phone
Doctor
name
Director or On-Site Contact
Name:
Phone:
Address:
OSA phone: 00-1-785-864-3742; fax: 785-864-5040; e-mail: [email protected]
Assist America # 00-1-301-656-4152 (Ref# 01-AA-LEW-05034)
Hospital
Consulate
phone
address
name
phone
address
phone
address

(OSA) Student Handbook - KU News

Transcription

Similar documents

Developing Country - Heartland Community College

Educating Across Cultures

Georgia Tech`s Pacific Study Abroad Program

Second Homes - Catherine Butler

April 20, 2011 - La Sierra University

Lifestyle/ Trimco - Global Visual Group

Senegal: Land of Teranga - Claremont McKenna College

Anna Vasquez - Study Abroad

Spring 2015 – Global Social Problems Slideshow