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Finding a Quality Program
Have you started budgeting your income and/or saving money to provide for the costs of living abroad? How can your U.S. home campus study abroad office help you? What resources are available to help you find a study abroad program in Egypt? Where can you find information on the strengths and weaknesses of programs in Egypt?
Selecting the Right Program for You
How do locals and local laws deal with harassment and sexual assault (a cultural norm, supportive of victims, blame victims, prosecute, etc.)? Is local transportation (metro, buses, taxi cabs, etc.) safe to use? Are roads in generally good condition, or are there common road-related problems (overturned buses, potholes, collapsed bridges, etc.)? Is it safe to exercise or do outdoor activities on the streets (jogging along roads, running at night, etc.)? Does your residence, university, etc. provide more than one escape route/exit out of buildings? Why might there potentially be a need to evacuate in your particular area (fire, natural disaster, bomb threat, etc.)? What common tricks or tactics do criminals use in the regions in which you will be traveling?
Who Runs Your Program?
Have you read and re-read every contract or obligation before signing anything? If you don't understand what you're being asked to sign, have you had someone else read and explain it to you? Do you know the penalties for not signing, and the rules you must follow if you sign? What kind of relationship does your home college/university have with the study abroad program you have chosen in Brazil? Can you identify which one of the five general types of program sponsors your program has? What are the main differences among the five general types of program sponsors? Why might you personally prefer one type of program sponsor over another (i.e. does your choice of program sponsor have any advantages/disadvantages)? Will the level of support services provided by your program staff both in the U.S. and in Brazil meet your needs (if not, should you consider choosing another program)? Can you name the national organizations responsible for regulating the quality of, and certifying minimum standards for, study abroad programs? (Trick question! There are none. It is your responsibility to take an active role in evaluating a program before deciding to participate.)
Financing Study Abroad
How does the cost of living abroad compare to the cost of living at home in the U.S.? What other community groups might want to financially sponsor you? Before taking out a loan, have you looked at all other options (scholarships, grants, jobs, etc.) first? What categories do you need to create in your budget book/ledger (rent, food, clothes, entertainment expenditures, etc.)? Have you spoken with an advisor in your school's Financial Aid department? Are there any other ways to cut back on expenses (i.e. clipping coupons, not eating out, etc.)? Will you be living in a co-ed dorm or apartment in Egypt, and does your program permit co-ed living? Do you know what the cost of living is in the area of Egypt where you plan to study? For which scholarships, fellowships and grants are you eligible? Do you know what your financial aid package does and does not cover in terms of study abroad expenses? Do you try to give all your purchases a "work value" in order to see the time it will take you at work to earn the money to buy them?
Application Process
How is your personal statement/essay like a "written handshake"? What are some of your best qualities and talents you can emphasize in your personal statement/essay? If your GPA isn't the greatest, can you explain why, or include other activities you've been involved in instead? How many letters of recommendation do you need, and have you given your recommenders plenty of time to write their letters? Have you written, re-written and asked someone to look over your personal statement for you (especially if you have to write it in a foreign language)? Have you made sure to include in your personal statement/essay why you want to study abroad in the country you have chosen? Did you get a good night sleep, dress professionally and read the current events of the country where you will study before going into your interview? Were you polite and well-mannered when answering all your interview questions thoroughly and specifically?
Pre-Departure Planning
Did you make an itemized list of everything you packed in your suitcases in case they are lost or stolen and you need to make an insurance claim? Did you make a list of items you intend to purchase once you arrive in Egypt rather than pack them? Did you remember to pack all important travel documents in your carry-on, not your checked bags? Have you researched the weather conditions over various seasons in the region of Egypt where you will be? Do you know what your airline permits you to carry in your carry-ons? Do you know how much luggage your airline allows you to check and to take on board your flight? If you have decided to ship some items, who have you contacted in Egypt to insure pick-up and/or payment for these items upon arrival?
How Foreign Laws Apply to You
What are your program's specific set of rules to be followed, in addition to any local/national laws? What kinds of laws do students from the U.S. break in Egypt and other countries (perhaps, unknowingly)? What kinds of legal assistance can the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate provide you? Do you know how the legal system works in Egypt and in the countries to which you will be traveling ("innocent until proven guilty" or "guilty until proven innocent")? Can you change your place of residence abroad if things don't work out? Is consumption of alcohol legal in Egypt and in the countries you will visit? If so, what is the legal age for alcohol consumption?
Methods of Communication While Abroad
Does your insurance policy provider have a 24-hour assistance phone number/hotline? In case of death, will the insurance company pay for repatriation - the return of your body to the United States? Should you consider purchasing your own insurance? If you do, will you not have to pay for the "package deal" insurance provided by the program? If your illness requires long-term care, for how long will you be covered? f. Will you have to pay for medical care as you receive it, and then be reimbursed by your insurance company? What are the telephone numbers (regular business hours and emergency after hours) for your program's administration office both in the U.S. and in Egypt? What are the financial limits of coverage? Will you need a cellular phone while in Egypt? What are the fax numbers for your program's administration office, both in the U.S. and in Egypt? What is the telephone number that will be used to reach you at your place of residence? Where can you get the best deal on calling cards, in the U.S. or in Egypt?
Housing
After making a list of pros and cons, which type of housing suits your needs best and why? What are the pros and cons of living in a home-stay, residence hall/dorm or apartment environment abroad? What can you do to help yourself prepare for the Rules, Privacy, Sharing, Telephone, Meals, Language and Social Network aspects of the type of housing you have chosen? What issues should you consider when looking for a program in Egypt?
Packing
What is the telephone number for the housing staff at your place of residence? Have you created an internationally accessible e-mail account? Have you given out all of your contact information (e-mail, phone and fax numbers) to your emergency contacts both in the U.S. and in Egypt, as well as to family and friends? If you plan to bring your PDA, does it work abroad? Does the mail service in Egypt tend to run faster or slower than U.S. mail (i.e. how long will it take a standard letter to get to the U.S.)? Have you kept a record of everyone to whom you have given out your address, and asked them to alert you before they send you anything in the mail? Do you know the address of your program office in the U.S. and the address of your place of residence in Egypt?
Expectations
What is the general quality of facilities like hospitals, restaurants, public transportation, payphones, etc. in Egypt? What modern conveniences does Egypt offer (i.e. internet hookups, supermarket chains, name brand stores, microwaves, cell phone service, air conditioned classrooms, etc.)? How can you avoid feeling frustrated, depressed or discouraged? How will you have to adapt your routine and schedule to life in Egypt? What kind of restroom facilities and toilets are standard in Egypt?
Medical Care and Insurance
What are the insurance policy's start and end dates? How long after the program ends will you be covered? d. c. a. e. Have you taken care of all your financial aid and scholarship forms so that you continue to have financial support at your U.S. home campus when you return? Does the program you are considering include insurance as part of its program fee? If so, what kind of insurance does it provide you? b.
Basic Health and Safety
What specific travel advisories has the Department of State recently issued for Egypt and the other countries to which you will be traveling? What types of crimes are common in the area/city where you will be studying and living in Egypt? Use and abuse of what, increases the risk of accidents and injury abroad? What health recommendations has the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently made for Egypt and the countries to which you will be traveling? Are there any specific immunizations you must get before entering Egypt and the countries to which you will travel? If you have any pre-existing health conditions, or you need to carry special medications abroad, what should you do before you go abroad? With whom can you leave copies of your important health-related documents? Will your prescription drug(s) be legal and/or available in Egypt and the other countries to which you plan to travel? What is the generic name, and Arabic name for your medication? Can your program provide for any special needs you may have (wheelchair ramps, untimed tests, etc.)? Does the staff speak English and the foreign country's langauge(s) fluently to communicate the nature of any medical conditions? (Remember, many indigenous groups in Egypt do not speak Arabic or English.) Do you have access to adequate medical facilities? What is the cost of typical medical services? Who among the program staff should be informed of your travel plans, or who can serve as an emergency contact for your family back home? Who is your emergecy contact in the U.S.? Do they have copies of your important documents? Can they make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so yourself (do they have power of attorney)? If you have to return to the U.S. because of evacuation or medical emergency, will you be refunded for the program fee? What are the general sanitary conditions in Egypt? What kinds of precautions are necessary when drinking water or eating local food? Do you have any dietary restrictions? If so, do they pose a problem in Egypt? How extensive, safe, and reliable is the public transportation system in Egypt and the others countries to which you will be traveling? How much walking will you be doing in your Egypt? How can you prepare yourself for higher levels of physical activity? What should you carry in a first aid kit?
Risk Factors and Strategies to Reduce Risk
Can I identify any possible cultural differences--between home and Egypt—that cause me anxiety? Have I experienced any of Rhinesmith’s 10 phases in Egypt, if so, how did I deal with my feelings? Am I experiencing similar phases now that I am back home? How has home changed since I’ve been away? Am I more critical or more accepting of home, and why? What are some of the common emotional side effects of reverse culture shock? Do your contacts have photocopies of your plane tickets, passport, visa, etc? Do your emergency contacts know how to reach you at all times? Are there high rates of sexual assaults in the areas you will frequent? How is reverse culture shock like a roller coaster ride? Do all students experience reverse culture shock the same way, at the same time? What types of notification systems are used in the event of an emergency (alarms, flashing warning lights, curfews, lockdowns, etc.)?
Special Issues
Does it matter that your cultural background, race, religion, skin color, disability, sex, or sexual orientation, etc. may place you in the minority or the majority in countries to which you will be traveling? What are your personal goals for wanting to study abroad in Egypt? How much money will you need to save in order to participate in the program you have chosen? About how much money do you think you will spend while in Egypt? What study abroad program group size and class size would be ideal for you? Do you prefer to be in a class with local Egyptian students, other American students or a combination of the two? Is the program you have chosen affordable? Do you prefer to receive all of your instruction in Arabic, in English or a combination?
Crisis Management
What is your program's EAP & what is your personal EAP? Is your EAP up-to-date, and do all of your U.S. and abroad emergency contacts have a copy of your EAP? How long has the program been in existence (a new program doesn't necessarily mean a bad program)? How many other students participate in the program each semester/year? Are most of the students in the program U.S. citizens, or is it an international group of students? Will there be local students? Can your program administrator put you in contact with any past program participants so you can ask them questions about their personal experiences abroad? Does the program emphasize "total immersion" in the language and culture, or are you placed solely with other students from the U.S.? What are the average class sizes, and how much individual attention can you expect? Will you be studying at an American university or a foreign university? What is the language of instruction? What is the program's current financial situation? Can you identify what causes you the most stress about your plans to study abroad and why? What steps can you take to reduce your stress/concerns about study abroad? What are the three main phases of crisis, and what physical and emotional symptoms may result from each phase? What are some emotions you may experience during a crisis? What are some of the active steps you can take to make yourself feel calmer and safer in a crisis?
Adjustments and Culture Shock
What are some of the common emotional side effects of culture shock? How can I avoid feeling frustrated, depressed or discouraged? What are some things I can do to combat stress? What are Rhinesmith’s 10 phases of cultural adjustment? Have I experienced any of Rhinesmith’s 10 phases, if so, how did I deal with my feelings? Can I identify any possible cultural differences--between home and the country where I will study--that might potentially cause me anxiety? How is culture shock like a roller coaster ride? Do all students experience culture shock the same way, at the same time? Why is it harmful to “fear” a country’s culture? What is the name of my program’s student counselor (in case I need to talk with someone about my problems)? Why might I also experience reverse culture shock upon arrival back home?
Airport Safety, Duties and Customs
Do you have all of your identification and travel documents in an assessable, yet secure, location? Did you accept anything from anyone before boarding your flight? Did you pack your bags yourself? Did your bags ever leave your sight or supervision before they were checked in? Did you fill out all necessary declaration forms? Were you honest in declaring everything you are bringing into or out of the U.S.? Were you careful to avoid carrying any item that be considered illegal in the U.S. or Egypt, or may cause you to be suspected of smuggling? What items cannot be brought back into the US from Egypt? What steps can you take to maximize your safety while at airports? What are your airline’s regulations in terms of what you can and cannot pack in your luggage, including carry-on bags? When should you fill out a duties and customs declaration form?
Reverse Culture Shock
What are Rhine stein’s 10 phases of cultural adjustment and how are they applicable to returning home? Have your bags been with you/in your sight at all times? How much have you spent on items you are bringing back into the U.S.? Will you have to declare items at border control or customs that exceed a certain value? For your return trip, have you kept all documentation provided to you by your airline, and all countries to which you traveled (entry/exit verifications, etc…)? Does your airline have any new regulations about what items can be packed in carry-on luggage, and how many carry-on items you may have? Have you given yourself enough time to get to, and check-in, at the airport or at border checkpoints (pending any new airport/border safety regulations)? Could anyone have tampered with, or put anything into, your luggage? How can I avoid feeling frustrated, depressed or discouraged upon return home from Egypt? What are some things I can do to combat stress at home?
Making the Study Abroad Experience Count at Home
What are the penalties for drug use in Egypt and in the countries you will visit? If you are considering graduate school, does your home institution offer opportunities to do this abroad? Can you register for next semester's courses from Egypt, or can you have an advisor register for you? What careers are you considering that might be related to your study abroad experience? Who do you have to start talking to, to begin the process of going abroad again? Would you like to return abroad, and what is the best way for you to be able to return? Does your university's career center offer any special services for students considering employment abroad? What accomplishments from your time abroad should you, or can you, include in your resume? What do you want to do abroad - study, research, work, volunteer, intern, travel?
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