Resources and information about each of these issues can be found below. You can find additional information in the Basic Health and Safety section of this Handbook.

• Precautions When Accepting Food and Drink: Be cautious about accepting drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) from a stranger. Be cautious about accepting food from a stranger.
• Risk Upon Arrival: Travelers, especially those having just arrived in Italy, are often targets of crime and at higher risk of harm, because they:
  

  1. Are unfamiliar with their surroundings
  2. Might not speak Italian or the local language well
  3. Are clearly recognizable as foreigners
  4. Have not yet learned the social norms or unwritten rules of conduct
  5. Are eager to get to know new people and the local culture
  6. Are naive to the intentions of people around them
  7. Are carrying all their valuables with them when they first step off the plane, train, or boat
• Keeping In Control: In addition to the circumstances involved with being new in a foreign country like Italy-circumstances which are often beyond one's immediate control-there are many situations that students can control. Some controllable factors that place students at greatest risk include:
  

  1. Being out after midnight
  2. Being alone at night in an isolated area
  3. Being in a known high crime area
  4. Sleeping in an unlocked place
  5. Being out after a local curfew
  6. Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Pickpockets and Petty Theft: Unfortunately, although violent crime is rare, pick pocketing and petty theft are fairly common in Italy. Women, tourists and outsiders are all easy targets for these thieves, and it is important, therefore to keep your eye out for anyone who approaches you without reason. There are a few different types of petty theft: pick pocketing, bag-snatching (often with a partner), and "scooter" theft. Bag-snatching will often occur with the aide of a partner, where one person will approach you to distract your attention as his/her partner runs by and grabs your bag or purse. "Scooter" theft is essentially the same thing, but with the use of a motorized scooter as opposed to legs. To prevent yourself from being a victim of petty theft, be sure to keep your belongings close to you, especially in crowded areas and on occasions where you may be standing in a crowded place for long periods of time. Also, it's a good idea to keep your most important items - money, passport, visa, credit cards, ATM cards, hotel key, important numbers, maps, etc. - in a hidden wallet that can be secured under your clothing. Women should especially be alert to men who whistle or try to distract them, as this is a popular method of bag-snatching.
• Verbal and Non-verbal Communication: Non-verbal communication (like body language and hand gestures) considered harmless in the U.S. may be offensive to people in Italy and other countries to which you plan to travel. The list of gestures considered rude in other countries can grow beyond the obvious. For more help communicating in Italy, please see the Communication Sheets.
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Keep yourself free from sexually transmitted diseases by using protection (like condoms or abstinence). Also, remember that "no" may not always be interpreted as "no" in Italy and in other countries. If another's advances are unwanted, be firm in both tone and body language so that your message is clear. Inform yourself about the types of diseases prevalent in the area in which you are studying and the areas in which you will be traveling.
• International Sources of Information: Inform yourself as much as possible about your new environment, making use of as many different sources as possible - online, in the library, on television and radio news programs, and in the paper. Don't limit yourself to U.S. sources. Instead, contrast the U.S. information with that provided by Italy and other countries. Please see “Media” in the Resources section of this Handbook.
• Understanding Locals: Beyond tuning into yourself, make it a point to try to understand what locals are communicating to you, how they feel about you and about U.S. citizens in general, how you are fitting with their values, and how well you understand them. Obviously a stronger grasp of the official language(s) will help you with these things, but even knowing a few essential phrases can be immensely beneficial. Please see the Communication Sheets of this Handbook for Helpful Words and Phrases you should know.
• How to Dress: It is often best to dress conservatively - by local standards, so you can't be identified on sight as a tourist or a U.S. citizen.
• Jewelry and Other Valuables: Be cautious with how you display valuables (does it look like you're flaunting wealth?). Leave your good jewelry at home, and keep money in a safe place like a money belt or hidden pouch under your clothes.
• Becoming Aware of Your Surroundings: You should be aware of your surroundings, remembering to:
  

  1. Pay attention to what people around you are saying
  2. Find out which areas of the city are less safe than others
  3. Know which hours of night are considered more dangerous
  4. Stay and walk only in well-lit areas
  5. Avoid being alone in unfamiliar neighborhoods
  6. Know where to get help (police station, fire station, phones, stores, etc.)
  7. Do not touch suspicious items like letters or packages mailed to you from someone you don't know
  8. Know what is "normal" and "not normal" to see on a daily basis in the areas you frequent
  9. Do not respond to explosions or gunfire by going to a window; seek cover away from windows and exterior walls
• Political Rallies: Avoid political rallies, which can increase tensions and emotions or breed angry mobs for which a U.S. citizen may serve as a scapegoat.
• Political Conversations: Try not to engage in conversations about contentious political issues with locals and avoid retaliating against hostile or bigoted remarks about Americans.

Special Issues

Important Links to Remember Sexual Harassment and Prevention CDC Information for Travelers with Disabilities Under-representation in Study Abroad Lesbigay

Women

Unwanted attention can range from a mild nuisance to a serious threat of danger. Acceptable treatment of women in Italy may be very different from the kind of treatment acceptable in the United States. Also, the way women interact with men in the United States may not be as socially acceptable in other countries. What's considered "being friendly" in the United States can be considered flirting or a sexual invitation in other countries. Even reacting (positively or negatively) to un-wanted attention can serve to egg-on the other person. Personal space and boundaries may also be different in other countries, so make sure to clearly establish behavior that shows you're not interested.

In television and movies, the media tends to portray U.S. women as promiscuous. Simply smiling or saying hello to the opposite sex in Italy may be all that is needed to confirm this unflattering stereotype in their minds. To avoid trouble and unwanted attention, ask local women you meet and your program's administrators about what is considered "appropriate" behavior and dress for women. Dressing conservatively and traveling in groups are always safe bets. Although it is important to learn to adapt to a foreign culture, that doesn't mean you should have to compromise your own sense of security and dignity. If you feel you can't adapt to Italy’s sexual culture, you may have to be more selective about the location of your program.

Minorities (Ethnic and Religious)

You may not be considered an ethnic or religious minority in the United States, but by going to Italy you become, in a sense, a minority. There probably aren’t a lot of U.S. students studying in the area you will be, so, in that sense, you are a novelty—someone new and different who stands out from the locals. In some cases, your outward appearance can also make you stand out, especially if the country’s population is very homogeneous. Sometimes the locals’ curiosity, interest, ignorance or misunderstanding of you can be unpleasant.

Political turmoil or lack of tolerance can make some ethnic and religious groups a target for mistreatment or even violence in Italy. Political rallies and certain dates like anniversaries of historic events often spur ethnic and religious conflicts in many countries. Certain hate crimes may not even be considered crimes in Italy. Particularly with regard to religion, the risk you assume depends on your level of religious involvement abroad. In a country where others have been attacked for practicing the religion you practice, any signs of your religious affiliation may put you at risk as well.

Ethnic or religious issues shouldn’t be a negative factor of your study abroad experience in Italy; that’s why it’s important to do a little research ahead of time to survey the national sentiment and current events of Italy. For more information on the current events going on in Italy, please see “Media” in the Resources section of this Handbook. Also, ask your program administrators if you should be aware of anything in particular related to ethnic or religious conflict in Italy.

In some countries, even modern ones, homosexual sex itself can result in severe state-sanctioned punishment up to and including the death penalty. It is usually not homosexuality that brings about such punishments, but rather the sex act. You might want to consider how a possible threat of punishment might affect your activities in Italy. Acceptance and tolerance of non-heterosexuals is increasing, but some countries and individuals remain intolerant. Make sure to research the prevailing sentiment toward non-heterosexuals in Italy, and laws related to it. If you don’t want to compromise on your lifestyle, you may have to be selective in where you travel.

The disabled abroad can also be the victims of prejudice and stereotyping. The disabled report being stared at, ignored, un-assisted, and/ or talked down to more frequently abroad than they tend to be in the United States. In many countries, there are no standards or requirements for providing access for the disabled. Wheelchair ramps, handicapped parking spaces, brail signs, and other aides may be non-existent in parts of Italy, especially rural areas. In addition to a lack of services provided to the physically disabled, there may also be a lack of services provided to those with a learning disability, those with a psychological or emotional need, or those who are mentally challenged. If you need to make special arrangements abroad, it is a good idea to inquire far in advance. Your program's staff in Italy may require some time in order to facilitate your needs. Even though you request that your special needs be met, it may be impossible for your program's staff abroad to assist you.

The foreign policy of the United States does not always sit well with citizens of foreign countries. In some cases, Americans living abroad can be targets of the frustrations of these individuals. Consider the nature of the political climate and relations between the United States and Italy, as well as the other countries you plan to visit. There are some steps you can take to avoid being targeted for politically motivated crime or anti-U.S. crime in general. Try to assimilate your style of dress and mannerisms as much as possible into the local norms. "Dressing like a U.S. citizen" (or any way conspicuously different from the local look) makes it easier to identify you as "the other" or an "outsider" and can make you a target. Some common stereotypes about Americans portray Americans as: loud, inconsiderate, ignorant, rude, rich, arrogant, cheap, greedy, lazy, promiscuous, overweight, English-only speakers, etc. To avoid reinforcing such stereotypes, remember you are like an ambassador of the United States and its culture; as an ambassador abroad, it is your job to respect others and to act responsibly.

In this section, you will find information on how to better cope during a crisis. Being able to deal well with a crisis situation includes understanding your emotions, keeping yourself as safe as possible, and communicating with your emergency contacts by creating and using your personal Emergency Action Plan (EAP). Please refer to the Emergency Card, and EAP Steps provided for more resources on crisis management and emergency planning.

Most students returning from study abroad say that it was one of the most valuable parts of their college or university experience. However, similar to the realities on a U.S. campus, there may be a few students who encounter a minor or major emergency while abroad in Italy. Many study abroad programs have developed comprehensive support strategies. The first place to start getting information about your program's support strategies is in your study abroad advisor's office in the United States and your program director's office in Italy. We have also provided the following resources: Emergency Card, Personal Emergency Action Plan Information, and Emergency Action Plan Steps, to assist you in being prepared before going and after arriving in Italy.

While most students experience a safe and healthy time abroad, some are forced to deal with minor emergencies. However, what students consider a minor emergency here at home can turn into a more difficult to handle situation abroad in Italy. Small emergencies abroad can seem like larger ones due to language and communication barriers, and a lack of familiarity with foreign surroundings. Some of the minor emergencies students have faced abroad in Italy included illnesses like heatstroke, sunburn, and crimes like petty theft.

In addition to minor emergencies, some students may also face larger emergencies while in Italy. Frequently, these major emergencies tend to be events out of a student's control. Some major emergencies students may encounter in Italy include injuries from playing sports or engaging in outdoor activities such as rock climbing, snowboarding and river rafting.

• Emergency Action Plan: The first step in crisis management is being prepared before a crisis occurs. Consider adopting a personal Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for yourself. Essentially, this document describes what actions to take in the event of an emergency. Your EAP could be as simple as a list of people to call in case you are hurt, along with copies of your insurance papers, passport, and names of any medications to which you are allergic. Please see the Emergency Planning section for how to create a personal EAP, and steps to take during an emergency.

1.) Why Create an EAP?



The more support networks you have during an emergency or crisis, the more likely someone will be available to help you. Also, the better prepared you are ahead of time, the better chance you have of responding effectively to a crisis in Italy. Therefore, it is important to set-up support networks, and an EAP, before an emergency occurs-before you actually need assistance. Creating an EAP is a good first step towards keeping yourself healthy and safe in the event of an emergency or crisis while in Italy.

2.) Who Needs a Copy of Your EAP?

We remind you to give copies of your EAP to your contacts in Italy, and leave copies with appropriate contacts at home, which may include several family members and friends. Make sure to always keep a copy on hand for yourself as well. You should consider giving your EAP to the following contacts:

In the United States:

• Your primary home emergency contact
• Power of Attorney
• Family members/relatives/guardian
• Friends
• Your home campus/institution's department(s), which maintains emergency contact information for study abroad students (for instance, the study abroad office, student affairs, registrar, etc.)
• Your study abroad program provider, whether it is or is not located on your home campus

In Italy:

• Your primary abroad emergency contact
• Housing coordinator abroad/home-stay family member(s)
• Friends or family abroad (both in Italy and in other neighboring countries you may visit)
• Your abroad campus/institution's department(s), which maintains emergency contact information for study abroad students, where applicable
• Your study abroad program resident director/coordinator in Italy, where applicable
• Attach your EAP to your embassy or consulate registration form (if they accept it)
• Yourself

3.) How to Create an EAP

• Getting to You: Ideally, try to develop detailed written directions so that someone would be able to locate you at your study abroad location in Italy, or travel location(s), in the event of an emergency. You may want to draw visual aids or maps in addition to writing out instructions.
• Getting Yourself Out: Then, try to develop detailed instructions for yourself, showing possible routes from your place of residence, hotel/hostel, work/internship and/or university/program in Italy to a safe place. You may also want to include other places that you frequent, including shops, restaurants, subway stations, nightclubs, etc. You may want to draw visual aids or include a copy of a map in addition to writing out instructions.
• Things to Consider: Remember, elevators may not function, and electric doors may not open in the event of an emergency; make sure to map out escape routes in which you take the stairs (or wheelchair ramps) rather than elevators. Consider carrying a small flashlight with you at all times in case the lights go out and you need to find your way through dark hallways or stairwells. Phone lines may also go down, so don't rely on calling someone to come pick you up. Have your Emergency/First Aid Kit available to take with you.
• Programs and Groups: Check to see what kind of emergency plan your program/group has (if any). Even though you are with a program/group, you may have to rely on your own EAP to help you cope with a crisis. It is important to create a balance between what your program/group can do for you in an emergency, what your embassy/consulate can do, what your personal contacts can do, and what you will need to do for yourself.
• Your host institution: If you are studying at Italy institution, they will likely have a Crisis Management or Critical Incidence Plan of some kind to handle emergency situations. It is important to find out who to contact if there is an emergency and give your parent or guardian the name of this person and contact details. It is also advisable that you give your host institution updated information of who to contact and their contact details in case you have an emergency.
• On Your Own: If you are not studying/traveling with a program or group, it becomes even more crucial for you to create a detailed EAP; you might find yourself alone and entirely responsible for your own safety, your own evacuation, and your own well-being. If you are traveling independently, provide an itinerary for your trip. Check in with your emergency contacts by e-mail or phone from your various travel locations; this will help give them a general idea of where you are and where you are going. Remember to carry your Emergency Card with you at all times so you can get in touch with your contacts for assistance. Try to balance what your embassy/consulate can do for you in an emergency, how your contacts might be able to help you, and what you will need to accomplish on your own.
• Registration with the Embassy: When you arrive in Italy, register with the U.S. Consulate or Embassy (if you are not a U.S. citizen, register with the embassy/consulate of your home country). Registering with the Consulate or Embassy officials will make it easier for them to contact you in case of an emergency and to assist you in case you lose your passport, etc. To better enable them to assist you, it is suggested that you sign the privacy release form when you register. Ask for a briefing from the consular officer on safety issues in Italy.
• Injury: Prior to departure or immediately upon arrival in Italy, you should identify appropriate medical facilities in case of injury abroad. It is important to know whether your travel insurance will pay in advance for care, or whether you will need to apply for reimbursement. In the case of injury, the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs can assist your family in sending you the necessary funds to pay for your medical care. In some instances they can help arrange for your transport and accompaniment back home, although they won't pay for this.
• Serious Emergencies: Natural disasters, political upheaval, and terrorism are some of the events the U.S. State Department considers to be serious emergencies or crises. When they occur, a task force is set up in Washington D.C. to deal with the situation and provide assistance to U.S. citizens abroad.
• Charter Out of a Country: If political crisis disturbs regular departures from Italy or the other countries in which you are traveling, and it is unsafe for Americans to remain abroad, your program provider and/or the U.S. State Department may be able to arrange for special charter travel out of a country.
• Death: In the event of your death abroad, the Bureau of Consular Affairs will locate and inform your next of kin and relay special instructions for the disposition or burial of your remains, although they will not pay for this. A representative from the Bureau can also help to settle your estate on behalf of your relatives by preparing an official Foreign Service Report of Death that can be used in U.S. courts.

• What Program Sponsors Should Do: A task force of study abroad administrators developed a set of good practices, which include fourteen points of responsibilities for program administrators. (To see the fourteen points, go to the Inter-Organizational Task Force Good Practices.)
• Participant Responsibilities and What Program Sponsors Cannot Do: Even after evaluating your program's ability to perform in the event of a crisis, certain things remain beyond the control of all program sponsors. The Inter-Organizational Task Force Good Practices lists six points about what program sponsors cannot do and lists twelve responsibilities of program participants.
• What Your University/Institution Abroad Can Do: This differs from institution to institution. The staff and administrators of your university/institution abroad can only do so much to ensure your safety. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to keep college or university staff well informed of your whereabouts, travel plans, needs, health problems, safety concerns, etc. By telling college or university staff about your needs and activities, you can greatly reduce possible risks to your safety. While you can, and should, always ask your college or university staff for assistance, they might not always be able to help you. However, nearly all Italy institutions have an international office with staff you can assist you in the case of a crisis or emergency. They also provide good information and advice on how to stay safe while studying in Italy.

• Keeping Yourself Safe: Program sponsors can only do so much to ensure your safety. The student participants themselves can have a major impact on their own health and safety abroad through the decisions they make before and during the program, and by their day-to-day choices and behaviors. Check the U.S. State Department's Tips for Students website for what you can do to help keep yourself safe while abroad in Italy. (As noted in the previous section, the Inter-Organizational Task Force Good Practices website also lists twelve responsibilities of program participants.)
• Parents, Guardians and Families: Parents, guardians, and families can also play an important role in the health and safety of study abroad program participants. They are often the major lifeline to home and can help participants make decisions, or encourage appropriate behavior while abroad in Italy. Even though study abroad is a time of great independence for students, the student's parents, guardians and family members should not be left in the dark about their student's activities abroad. The Inter-Organizational Task Force Good Practices lists six suggestions for parents and guardians. Parents may also want to read the SAFETI Newsletter article "Advice for Parents: Frequently Asked Questions".

• Understanding Your Emotions: In response to a crisis, you may experience the following range of emotions. These feelings are normal responses to a difficult situation:

  Disbelief		Fear		Anger
  Anxiety/Panic		Difficulty concentrating		Denial
  Worry/Concern		Stress		Excitement
  Depression		Shock		Other

• Making Yourself Feel Safer: There are some things you can do to calm your emotions and make yourself feel safer in an emergency/crisis situation.

The following list gives some tips on how to maintain your physical safety and mental health during a crisis:

• Realize your feelings are normal
• Find/make a safe environment
• Maintain a basic self-care regimen (shower, shave, get dresses, exercise, etc.)
• Avoid confrontation, both physical and verbal
• Take one step at a time
• Assess what you can and cannot control
• Ask for help
• Create a support network

For more information on the Phases of Crisis, please see the SAFETI Adaptation of Peace Corps Resources on Crisis Management.

Airport Safety, Duties and Customs

Important Links to Remember FAA TSA: Air Travel U.S. Department of State: Travel Warning on Drugs Abroad U.S. Department of Homeland Security: Customs and Border Protection

In this section, you will find information on how to check for new updates and stricter requirements now enforced by airports and airlines. There are some basic restrictions regarding what you can and cannot bring back from Italy into the United States. You will also learn how to keep a better watch on your luggage so that no one else can tamper with it.

No matter the country from which you are departing or entering, it is important to understand airport and airline safety and security, remembering to cooperate with airport, airline and customs officials.

Airport Safety and Security

• Showing Identification: Try to always have your passport easily accessible, yet protect it against theft. Be prepared to show your passport when presenting your airline tickets/receiving boarding passes, entering departure gates, going through passport control, when boarding flights, etc.
• Carry-on Luggage: Check with your airline to find out its regulations for what you can and cannot pack in your carry-on bags. Do not put any sharp objects like nail scissors, razors, or pocket knives in your carry-on. Such items may be considered a threat to safety and could be taken away from you. Pack them in your checked baggage instead.
• Accepting Things from Others: Under no circumstances, should you ever take anything from, or hold anything for, anyone who asks you to do so. If anyone does ask you, simply say "no" and walk away. Don't be afraid to say "no" to family and friends. You need to think about the potential consequences before you hold anything for anyone.
• Watching Your Bags: Your bags should be in your sight at the airport up to point when you check them at the airline counter. Once you have picked up your bags from baggage claim, and are on your way to customs, be sure to keep a close eye on all your luggage so that no one but you has access to it.
• Random Baggage Searches: If you are stopped and asked to open your luggage, cooperate with the customs officials. Customs officials often conduct random baggage searches; just because your luggage gets searched, doesn't mean you have done something wrong.
• Body Searches: Airport security officials may conduct random body searches using an electronic device they wave over you. In some cases, a security official of the same sex as you may conduct a body search using his or her hands, and/or ask you to remove your shoes for inspection.
• Distractions: Airports are full of people carrying cash, travelers’ checks, credit cards, passports and other valuable documents. Therefore, airports tend to be an active place for thieves. While your attention is focused on checking in, boarding, getting your bags, finding a restroom, etc., you can become an easy target for theft. Be alert to anyone who suspiciously tries to distract you by asking directions, knocking over your coffee, reaching under a bathroom stall, etc.

Duties and Customs Declarations

Entering Italy

When you enter Italy, you will have to clear immigration and customs. All visitors to Italy must carry a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the date you intend to leave the country.

Depending on your country of citizenship and what passport you plan to travel on, you may be required to apply for a student visa and/or a student permit.

Students are advised to contact the nearest Italy Embassy or High Commission to obtain information on visa regulations.

Customs

It is important to follow the directions given to you by flight attendants and your program for the process of clearing customs.

• Declaration Forms: Before you arrive in Italy, you will receive an Italy Passenger Arrival Card. You must tick "Yes" in the Customs section of your arrival card if you are bringing any of the following into Italy:

  • goods that may be prohibited or restricted, such as weapons, objectionable (indecent) articles, wildlife products, or illicit drugs;
  • goods in excess of the permitted dollar allowance and the tobacco and alcoholic beverages allowance;
  • goods for commercial, business, or trade purposes;
  • goods carried on behalf of another person;
  • $10,000 or more, or the equivalent in foreign currency.

  
  You do not have to declare your clothing, footwear, jewelry, or toiletries. These are regarded as personal effects if they are intended solely for your own use.
• Receipt of Purchase: Retain all receipts, or make an itemized list of purchases, prior to customs inspection.
• Taxes: If the total cost of your purchases exceeds a certain amount, you will be asked to pay a tax on all items over the allotted amount.
• Items You Cannot Bring Into the United States: The following is a general list of items that cannot be brought into the United States from Italy or from anywhere else:

  1. Plants, animals (especially those on lists of endangered species), and all live birds, unless you have a valid certificate or license from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
  2. Drugs—even if a drug was legal in Italy or other countries, it may not be legal to bring it back to the United States. If you are carrying prescription drugs, it is important to have your prescription with you for proof.
  3. Firearms, knives, explosives, and gas canisters.
• Items You Can Bring Into the United States: There are limits on bringing in substances that are not illegal, such as alcohol or tobacco. Check with customs for updates on these legal quantities. Even if a minor can purchase alcohol and tobacco in Italy or other countries, he or she cannot bring these substances back into the United States.
• Smuggling: What may be legal in Italy and in other countries may not be legal in the United States, and vice versa. Smuggling can be a federal offense leading to fines or imprisonment.
• Searches: The baggage of any traveler may be searched by:

  1. Customs officers; and
  2. Agriculture/Quarantine officers.

In this section, you will learn how to cope with reverse culture shock you may experience upon return to the United States. One of the biggest challenges for students who participate in study abroad can be the difficulty in re-adapting to the realities in the United States (otherwise known as "re-entry"). Many students who studied abroad in Italy went through many changes, re-examining their priorities, their values, and what they think of themselves and the United States. The "reverse culture shock" may be more difficult than the "culture shock" you felt when in Italy. (See "culture shock" for more information about the challenges of adapting to a new culture.) If return culture shock is severe, it is important that students are able to seek help/counseling to help them through this.

Just as culture shock can differ greatly from person to person, reverse culture shock is just as personal of an experience. Upon return to the United States, you may find many things are different from how you left them. You may be more critical of the United States, while you now view Italy in a more favorable light. From language adjustments to depression to a simple trip to the supermarket, reverse culture shock can hit you in more ways than you would expect.

So what is reverse culture shock? First, let's examine the process of re-entry. There are usually two elements that characterize a study abroad student's re-entry:

1. An idealized view of home
2. The expectation of total familiarity (that nothing at home has changed while you have been away in Italy)

Often students expect to be able to pick up exactly where they left off. A problem arises when reality doesn't meet these expectations. Home may fall short of what you had envisioned, and things may have changed at home: your friends and family have their own lives, and things have happened since you've been gone. This is part of why home may feel so foreign.

The inconsistency between expectations and reality, plus the lack of interest on the part of family and friends (nobody seems to really care about all of your "when I was abroad in Italy" stories) may result in: frustration, feelings of alienation, and mutual misunderstandings between study abroad students and their friends and family. Of course, the difficulty of readjustment will vary for different individuals, but, in general, the better integrated you have become to the Italian culture and lifestyle, the harder it is to readjust during re-entry. This is where reverse culture shock (sometimes called re-entry shock) comes in to play.

Reverse culture shock is usually described in four stages:

1. Disengagement
2. Initial euphoria
3. Irritability and hostility
4. Readjustment and adaptation

Stage 1 begins before you leave Italy. You begin thinking about re-entry and making your preparations for your return home. You also begin to realize that it's time to say good-bye to your friends in Italy and to the place you've come to call home. The hustle and bustle of finals, good-bye parties, and packing can intensify your feelings of sadness and frustration. You already miss the friends you've made, and you are reluctant to leave. Or, you may make your last few days fly by so fast that you don't have time to reflect on your emotions and experiences.

Stage 2 usually begins shortly before departure, and it is characterized by feelings of excitement and anticipation - even euphoria - about returning home. This is very similar to the initial feelings of fascination and excitement you may have when you first entered Italy. You may be very happy to see your family and friends again, and they are also happy to see you. The length of this stage varies, and often ends with the realization that most people are not as interested in your experiences in Italy as you had hoped. They will politely listen to your stories for a while, but you may find that soon they are ready to move on to the next topic of conversation.

This is often one of the transitions to Stage 3. You may experience feelings of frustration, anger, alienation, loneliness, disorientation, and helplessness and not understand exactly why. You might quickly become irritated or critical of others and of U.S. culture. Depression, feeling like a stranger at home, and the longing to go back abroad are also not uncommon reactions. You may also feel less independent than you were in Italy.

Most people are then able to move onto Stage 4, which is a gradual readjustment to life at home. Things will start to seem a little more normal again, and you will probably fall back into some old routines, but things won't be exactly the same as how you left them. You have most likely developed new attitudes, beliefs, habits, as well as personal and professional goals, and you will see things differently now. The important thing is to try to incorporate the positive aspects of your international experience in Italy with the positive aspects of your life at home in the United States.

Making the Study Abroad Experience Count at Home

Important Links to Remember IES:Internships WorkingAbroad InternAbroad.com (also JobsAbroad, TeachAbroad, and VolunteerAbroad) Other Opportunities Abroad Fulbright Fellowship Program National Security Education Program U.S. Peace Corps Rotary International

As you transition back to life in the United States, you may want to continue interacting with the Italian people, do further study on Italian issues, work in a bilingual environment, or even study abroad again in Italy or another country. One advantage of study abroad is that it can offer you a more global perspective and expand your mind. So, don't forget to consider other opportunities outside of Italy as well.

Post-Study Abroad Advisement

After you begin to readjust to being back home, visit your academic advisor. S/he will be able to inform you of whether your study abroad credits from Italy will transfer properly. Even if you are not planning on using those credits toward your graduation, the records are still important and may be needed if you decide to go on and pursue a higher level of education. You should also check with your academic advisor to make sure that you are registered for all of the courses that you need for the upcoming semester, and that you have filled out any financial aid or tuition forms that you will need for that year.

Sometimes studying abroad will affect you to the point where you may decide to pursue another area of study. This meeting with your academic advisor is a good time to discuss any changes that you might want to make to your class selection or even your current major/minor. Your advisor will be able to discuss your options with you and help you decide what the best academic path for you may be.

Career Development and Resume

If you are considering a career with an Italian or international component, or looking for a job abroad, we also recommend that you visit your campus’ career center. A campus career center often provides various services for students seeking employment, and this is generally a good place to start looking for international job opportunities in Italy and in other countries.

When you start looking for a job or career, think of the professional and personal growth you've undergone while in Italy. If you can present these skills on your resume and in your interview(s) well, you can impress almost any employer. IES, Institute for the International Education of Students, has a useful website that will help you learn to "market" your international experience in Italy (a link to this site is provided in the Resources section).

To sum up IES's resume tips:

• Make sure your international experience gets noticed by formatting your resume to highlight the Italian institutions at which you studied, or with separate categories such as "International Education" or "International Experience".

 
• List any languages that you speak, internships, major projects, or field experience you had in Italy, in the appropriate categories.

 
• Briefly describe what you did and the skills and attributes you learned while in Italy.

 
• If possible, try to incorporate into your interview some of the significant learning, communication, problem-solving, etc. experiences you had in Italy.

Some students choose to continue participation in study abroad, either through the same program or through a new program or location. If you are unable to go abroad for another whole semester, there are a variety of programs offered during the summer that range from 3 days to 3 months. Talk to your academic advisor about what other programs might benefit you. For more help, refer to the “Choosing a Program” section of this Handbook.

Also, if you're interested in continuing your study abroad experience, there are many ways to fund research or post-undergraduate studies. For example, the Department of State Fulbright Program, the National Security Education Program (NSEP), Rotary International, the Rhodes Scholarship Program, the Luce Scholarship Program, and the Marshall Scholarship Program are excellent ways to fund your studies abroad. There are many other scholarships out there, as well as on-line scholarship search engines (some of which you can find in the Resources section of this Handbook).

Independent travel is an option for students who feel that they are confident enough to tour on their own. If you decide to travel independently, your student travel office or a travel agent can be helpful. There are numerous travel guidebooks and resources on the Internet. Also, ask friends who have traveled independently to find the best places to go and tips on what to do while you're there. See our Resources section for links to purchasing guidebooks and booking tours.

You can help you turn your study abroad experience into a useful résumé-builder, and even the start to a future career. Some students have such a positive study abroad experience that they decide that they would enjoy a career that would give them an opportunity to live and work abroad. There are several ways to go about testing out possible careers abroad. One way is to investigate the possibility of doing an internship abroad. This can be an excellent way to not only be able to live abroad again, but also to get experience in a field in which you are interested. Some internships offer a salary; others can count towards college credit. Talk with a career counselor/internship coordinator at your college/university about internship opportunities abroad.

Some students decide to change their field of study to an area such as international relations, which includes a broad background in international policies, politics and history. If changing your major is a little extreme, try taking some international studies classes or focus in on an aspect of your major that could somehow be incorporated into a career abroad. Many international career opportunities lie in the areas of industry, education, government and the non-profit sector. In many cases, you can begin by seeking employment domestically with a company, firm, or group that has international branches. To gain information on career opportunities abroad, talk with a career counselor at your university.

Volunteering is another great way to go abroad again. There are opportunities available worldwide. In many cases, only short-term commitments are required. However, there are organizations, such as the Peace Corps, that can allow for years of rewarding work abroad. Volunteering can be a good way to defer college loans for a while. Some volunteer programs even give you a modest monthly stipend.

Since you will be aware of the challenges that come from living and studying abroad, you will be in a unique position to understand the needs of other international students who come to your college/university to study abroad in the United States. Getting involved with international students or organizations can be a great and rewarding way to remain involved in the international community and international affairs. It also affords you the opportunity to share what you’ve learned with others who can benefit from your experiences abroad.

Here are some suggested ways you can continue your international experience at home:

• Join international student groups or clubs
• Mentor new international students at your college/university, or be a new student orientation advisor for them
• Volunteer to help out in your college/university’s international affairs office
• Tutor English to non-native speakers
• Offer to speak to prospective students interested in study abroad, especially those interested in Italy
• Volunteer or work for community/national organizations, which have an international focus/agenda
• Continue to read on-line news from Italian newspapers and other Italian publications
• Attend Italian cultural events and celebrations in the United States.
• Frequent local Italian restaurants or cook Italian recipes at home
• Remain in contact with friends you’ve made in Italy via e-mail