TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY

STUDY ABROAD
 YOUR GUIDE ABROAD

Studying abroad can be a life changing experience.

This new journey will broaden your horizons and open
your future to new possibilities inside and outside of the
classroom. The goal of this presentation is to provide
you with the information necessary for a safe and
enjoyable program.
 BENEFITS OF STUDYING ABROAD

 Self-confidence and an ability to take risks

 Ability to learn from different teaching styles
 Ability to communicate effectively among diverse
groups
 Increased independence and maturity
 Better appreciation and understanding of their own
and other cultures
 Ability to creatively solve problems
 STUDY ABROAD TESTIMONIALS

 “Get up, go, and make a

difference , there is big worl d out
there which needs your touch.
Remember to enjoy the l ittl e
things ! ”
-Adam Odomore, Semester at Sea
Fall 2014

 “My experience in [the study abroad]

cl asses hel ped me get [my] job and
gav e me the insight I need to succeed
in the interns hip .”
-Nicole Schnell, Texas State in Florence,
Italian Language and Culture Fall 2014
BEFORE YOU GO Your Guide to
Study Abroad
 ATTEND ORIENTATION SESSIONS

 If you are participating in a Texas State Faculty -led

Study Abroad Program or in a Texas State Exchange
Program, be sure to attend the pre -departure
orientation sessions
 If you are studying abroad in an affiliated program or
independently, take advantage of all orientation
opportunities available
 The more information you have prior to departure, the
greater your chances for a successful and less stressful
experience
 BECOME FAMILIAR WITH YOUR
INSURANCE COVERAGE
 If you are participating in a Texas State Faculty -led
Study Abroad Program or in a Texas State Exchange
Program, you have health insurance and travel
assistance coverage through ACE

 If you are studying abroad independently, Texas State

Study Abroad strongly advises you to make sure that
you have sufficient health and accident insurance for
the entire period of your trip
 BE AWARE OF LEGAL INFORMATION
SPECIFIC TO YOUR DESTINATION

 While you are abroad, local law and judicial systems

will apply to your actions

 Be aware that the University’s Code of Student Conduct

is expressly enforced during Texas State Study Abroad
Programs

 Students occasionally have been dismissed from

programs because of misconduct. If you are dismissed,
you will lose credits, there will be no refund, your
discipline records at Texas State may be affected
 BE SURE A LOVED ONE HAS A
CURRENT PASSPORT
For each study abroad student, Texas State Study Abroad
encourages a parent, family member, or loved one to
have a current passport; a critical situation may occur
during your time abroad, in which you may need the
support of a loved one at your location abroad.
 STAY INFORMED ABOUT
HEALTH AND SAFETY ABROAD
The following resources will provide you with additional
and current information about international health and
safety issues:
 Local health and safety authorities and news sources from
your destination
 Texas State Student Health Center
 U.S. State Department
 U.S. State Department, Bureau of Diplomatic Security (OSAC)
 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
 World Health Organization
 MAKE TRAVEL PREPARATIONS

Minimize unexpected difficulties during your program by making some

simpl e preparati ons :

 Before departure, learn how to make a phone call from your study
abroad destination to the United States and within the country

 Always travel with some emergency cash and credit cards, and
secure this currency

 Pack an extra change of clothes, your medications, and essentials in

carry-on luggage

 Always carry a list of emergency contacts

 Sign up to receive flight status updates from your airline, and confirm
your flight information before you depart for the airport
 WHAT TO PACK

 Extra clothing
 Backpack
 Toiletries
 Important documents (passport, visa, itinerary, plane
tickets, identification), both original and copies
 Cell phone and charger
 Outlet adapter
 Camera
 Prescribed medicine (if applicable)
 Local currency
 Emergency credit card

(For a complete list visit the Texas State Study Abroad website)
 NON-EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

During your study abroad program, you may encounter

non-emergency situations that are not critical but with
which you still require assistance.

 What Are Non-Emergency Situations?

 minor illnesses or injuries
 difficulties with roommates or housing
 problems with program coursework

 Assistance with Non-Emergency Situations

 If you are participating in a faculty-led program, your faculty
leader, the Academic Program Director (APD) will be able to
assist you
 IN AN EMERGENCY

What is an emergency?
An emergency is an urgent, usually unanticipated
situation or occurrence that threatens your health or
safety and requires immediate action. Examples of
emergencies include the following :
 Severe illness or injury
 Crime victim
 Arrest
 Civil unrest or natural disaster in the host country
 Terrorist attack or threats
 EMERGENCY CONTACT

Whom to Contact in an Emergency:

 Y our A cademic Program Director (A PD) or on -site program

support staff.

 Emergency services, your insurance and travel assistance

providers

 For non-medical emergencies or in cases in which you cannot

contact program or insurance representatives, you may contact
the following :
 ACE, Outside the U.S. 1-202-659-7803
 Texas State University Police Department, 512.245.2805
 Texas State Study Abroad, 512.245.1967
 The U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country you are visiting

 When making an emergency phone call, al ways first state the

phone number where you can be reached and your l ocation, in
case you become disconnected or your call is interrupted
 INTERNATIONAL HEALTH
INSURANCE
Please note that policy coverage from this company only
includes the dates within your program period; if you
choose to travel on your own before or after your
program period, you will not be covered.
 PASSPORT AND VISA
INFORMATION
 If you don't already have a valid passport, apply for
one immediately. Passport applications can take four to
eight weeks to process
 If necessary, you can take advantage of the expedited
passport service that is available for an additional fee
from the U.S. State Department
 If you are an International Student we recommend that
you contact the nearest consulate/embassy of your
host country/countries to inquire about any visa
requirements that may apply to citizens of your home
country
 WE APPRECIATE THE FOLLOWING
CONTRIBUTORS FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION:

 Texas State Student Health Center

 Texas State Financial Aid and Scholarships

 Dean of Students Office

 the Counseling Center

 BON VOYAGE!

The Texas State Study Abroad wishes you

safe travels and an amazing experience!