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Dr. Linda Seward |
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Important: Do NOT take pictures or try to use your phone in the customs area - your phone will be taken away from you if you do! Here’s what the general process is: 1. Arriving: a) Immigration: Before the plane lands, flight attendants will pass out small cards that ask you to fill in basic information (like name, where you will stay, why you are coming etc). You'll give this to the customs agent along with your passport. Once the plane lands, everyone gets off, and starts forming lines. Everyone is tired and you can easily spend 30 minutes to an hour in line. Note: make sure you are in the correct line. When entering Europe, for example, there will be lines for Europeans and lines for everyone else. When you return to the U.S., there will be lines for U.S. citizens and lines for everyone else. There are usually several booths or counters, each with an immigration agent. They will look at each person’s passport and often ask you basic questions like:
If you are part of a group, it often helps to tell them that (they sometimes-though not always- wave groups through a bit faster). Once you have answered their questions, they will stamp your passport and hand it back to you. Put it in your money belt and then look for your group and go get your luggage. b) Luggage: After you clear immigration, you will follow signs (or other people) to the luggage claim area to find your luggage. If you have a lot of luggage or heavy luggage, look for luggage carts. In most countries they are free and it’s much easier pushing your luggage on a cart rather than lugging it around when you’re tired. c) Study Abroad groups: if you’re part of a study abroad group, you’ll want to meet up with your group and follow instructions on getting to your housing. Typically, groups are boarded onto busses and taken to their housing. 2. Returning home: a) Customs: Before you land, flight attendants will give you a form to fill out. The big difference in returning is that you must list everything you purchased and how much it cost. Keep receipts for all expensive items. You get off the plane, pick up your luggage and then go through customs. They may ask you versions of the same questions you were asked when you landed overseas:
But, most importantly: "What did you buy?" The government allows you to spend $400 without paying additional taxes when you return to the U.S. If you spend more than $400, you will be required to pay taxes before you leave the Customs area. (for more details see: http://www.nrilinks.com/usa/customs/Customs_2.htm). Be sure to keep receipts for items purchased overseas. Note: if you are taking your expensive Japanese camera to Asia, you need to be able to prove that you bought it before you went to Asia. If you no longer have a receipt, the easiest way to do that is to go to a Customs office and register it before you fly overseas. (see customs link above) b) More questions/checking luggage: Depending on where you are returning from, you may be under greater scrutiny. If you traveled in an area known for easy drugs, expensive fur coats, precious stones, etc., you may be asked more questions as they try to determine if you are smuggling these items back. They have the right to check your luggage – carry on and checked. If you haven’t smuggled anything, don’t worry. It may take more time to clear customs, but you’ll make it through.[top] Cameras – It's easy to take lots of pictures and digital cameras are great because you can delete the bad ones as soon as you look at them. I recommend taking:- 2 memory cards for your digital camera, size:512. That size will hold a large number of pictures and if you fill them up, you can have them downloaded to a CD. - two batteries - one battery can be used while the other is being charged. - battery charger that is dual voltage and a converter for the plugs (see section on electronics) - one throw-away camera that takes panoramic pictures for those BIG views! Video cameras: While it's nice to have videos as well as pictures, you have to ask yourself two questions: 1) Do I want to carry around extra equipment? (especially equipment that is fragile, easily stolen, lost, etc?) 2) Do you want to relax and enjoy what you see or spend your time trying to get the "right shot"? (Actually, this can occur with cameras as well. Don't become so carried away with camera angles that you forget to enjoy the moment.) If you do decide to take a video camera in addition to your regular camera, then make sure you take an easy to carry protective case. [top] Travelers have had a variety of experiences with phones. Most phones will not work in another country unless you have them modified - and even then it might not work (as happened with a friend's daughter). An AT&T phone will work in other countries - but if you don't tell AT&T that you will be in another country, local calls will be charged as if you made the call from the U.S. Thus, if you have an AT&T phone, DO call the company and let them know where you will be going so they can temporarily transfer your account to that country. But also remember that once you transfer the location to the other country, calls/text messages to the U.S. will then be long distance.If you take your phone with you overseas and it doesn't work, you won't be able to do anything about it. Your phone can also break, get lost or stolen. For these reasons I recommend that you consider the following options: 1) Buy a cell phone in the country you are visiting with a card for a set number of minutes. Many countries have outlets (often in train stations in Europe) that sell these phones. You can buy additional time and always save the phone for future trips. The big plus: you won't return home with a huge bill as might occur if you use your own cell phone. 2) If your program has a computer room you can use, ask if the computers have microphones or headphones. If the answer is yes, then consider signing up for skype. Signing up for Skype is free and it allows you to call another computer with skype at no cost. As long as both computers have microphones, you can talk to each other as if you were on the phone - all for free. If you want to call someone who doesn't have skype set up, you can call their landline at a very cheap rate. In 2008, a call from France to the U.S. cost just under 2 cents a minute using the skype system. To check this out, go to: skype.com 3) Buy phone cards and use them at public phones (getting harder as public phones disappear), or, make calls from phone centers (which often include an internet cafe). Do NOT buy phone cards in the U.S. to take overseas! Too many students have paid for cards from credible companies only to have them fail to work. And, quite frankly, since you're overseas when they fail, there is nothing you can do. 4) Or, the option I highly recommend: Use the internet. The internet has several advantages, including:
Ask your program director about computer accessibility for the program you are on. Some programs have a room for students to use while others do not. Internet cafes used to be quite common in many countries but, like phone booths, are starting to disappear. If you are thinking about taking your own computer (which I highly discourage), do check wi-fi availability for the area you will be in. It is not as common (or dependable) in many parts of the world compared to the U.S. [top] Dressing for Security:
Dressing for Delays/cancellations: We always hope for a smooth trip with no problems, but the reality is that delays can occur for any number of reasons so wear clothing that will be comfortable if you end up sleeping on a cot or scrunched in a lobby chair.
Jet lag - You may hear people talk about jet lag when they travel overseas and wonder what it is and what you can do to minimize it.What is it? Maybe I shouldn't have this question because I actually think it's not related to flying - or flying a particular direction (some people claim it is worse going one way around the world than another); rather I think it is simply a function of what it takes to fly abroad! Think about it: you're all excited about traveling to another country so you probably don't sleep well the night before you leave. You then have to arrive hours before your plane leaves - which means standing in lines, waiting by gates, getting bored, etc. You may have to fly from one U.S. city to another before departing for your eventual destination, which means more lines, more waiting. You then get seated in a crowded plane with virtually no leg room and you're stuck there for anywhere from 5-12 hours!!! Then you arrive and while back home it's only 2 am, you suddenly have to pretend that it's 2 p.m.! So, are you tired? Sure you are. Do you want to go to sleep once you get settled in? Sure you do. But, the most important rule in dealing with jet lag is: once you arrive, DO NOT GO TO SLEEP until it's evening in the culture you just landed in or you'll have a harder time adjusting! This can be rough, but it is crucial that you follow this rule. How can I minimize jet lag? A friend of mine who flew to Australia talked to everyone he knew about jet lag and ended up with a list of 13 things to do to avoid jet lag. I teased him about his list and pointed out that if he didn't experience jet lag he would have no idea which of the 13 items worked! While some people do have lists of things to do or eat, the basics are these:
Luggage - Why should I put clothes in my carry on bag? Simple: sometimes luggage gets lost or misplaced.
Two friends who flew to Tokyo had to wait 3 days for their luggage to be found. When I flew from Cleveland to Leon, Mexico, my luggage was sent to California! While this can happen on flights in the U.S. as well, it's easier to replace clothing in the U.S. We have access to discount stores, can borrow a friend's outfit, etc.
When you're overseas, money is precious. Maybe you won't mind buying a shirt and pants - but do you want to spend your precious money on underwear?! (especially if it costs a lot more than here) Why do people always say "pack light"? Why do some people recommend a large backpack vs. regular suitcases? These questions are related so let me handle them together. The short answer: traveling abroad is not as convenient as traveling in the U.S. Most train stations in Europe and Japan do NOT have escalators, elevators or porters - but DO require you to go up and down stairs. This means you must be able to carry all of your luggage. Even if you are on a program that will take you by bus to your lodging, you may end up dragging your luggage for several blocks over uneven sidewalks filled with little "potholes." Why? Because many cities have ancient streets that are too narrow for large busses! When you get to where you are staying, it may or may not have an elevator, which may or may not be working! (note: elevators in other countries are often quite tiny; imagine 3 U.S. adults standing close enough that they have their arms over each other's shoulders and you have an idea of the size of a typical European elevator). When I visited Belgium, the 4 story hotel didn't even have an elevator! When I taught in Rome for a year, I thought I was smart by packing a smaller suitcase inside a larger one. The idea was that the smaller suitcase could carry my new purchases plus I could use it for short trips during the year. I realized my "great idea" was a mistake on my very first trip. Running to the end of the train to get to my seat (you sometimes have a short time-span to board trains), going down the aisle of trains and, of course, going up and down stairs at the train stations, made me aware that what I needed was a large backpack. I bought one and have used it ever since. Airline charges: Due to rising fuel costs, several airlines have announced that beginning in May 2008, they will charge a fee for a second checked bag. That is an additional reason to pack light. They also charge a fee if your checked bag weighs more than 50 pounds. Be sure to check the website of the airline you will use to learn what their requirements and charges are. Note: If you will remain overseas for a semester or longer, you will want to have a large suitcase. If you feel you must check two large suitcases, you can still take a large backpack by either (1) packing it in one of the suitcases or (2) don't fill it completely and use it as one of your carry-ons when you board the plane. Important: make sure that whatever you put in it allows the backpack to meet the requirements for carry-on bags. Additional note: in some countries, taxi drivers add a charge for each bag that is put in the taxi. The charge is added to the amount that shows up on the meter (and should be noted in guidebooks so you're not surprised). How do I pack light? Recognize that you don't need as many clothes as you typically wear in the U.S. Who cares if you are repeating your outfits?
For those going overseas for one semester or longer:
Money - Your local bank can order currency from other countries for you. (I live in a town of 70,000 and it took my bank just 4 days to get British pounds.) My bank charged a flat fee ($10 in 2008) for any amount that I would order. This means, the more you order at one time, the better.If you do order money in advance, you want primarily large bills so you don't end up with a huge wad. But you also, want some small bills in case you want to make a small purchase while you're at the airport or when you first arrive. Trying to figure out how much money to take is one of the hardest parts of going abroad for a length of time. Luckily, we have lots of technology that helps. - Credit cards used to give THE best exchange rates without charging a transaction fee. This has changed, however, and many credit card companies are now charging a fee. Call your credit card company to find out their policy. If they do charge a transaction fee, ask if they will suspend it - and explain that you will use whatever card agrees to suspend the charge for converting currency. Credit card companies want you to use their card so they will often meet your requests if you just call them. you will need to call the company anyway to let them know that you will be overseas (they will ask you for exact dates and a list of any countries you will visit). Otherwise, when charges suddenly come in from overseas, they may decide that your card was stolen and cancel it while you're away from home! Note: Master Card and Visa are accepted by more businesses than American Express because American Express charges businesses a higher percentage than the other cards do. - ATM machines are found in many parts of the world - but check with your program director to find out the conditions in the country(ies) you will visit. I've had no problem in Europe, for example, but when I visited Japan in 1997, ATMs did not always work. Also, find out what your bank will charge for using an ATM overseas. Until the end of summer 2007, my bank did not charge to use an ATM overseas. Now it charges $5 per transaction. Note: here's the drawback to ATMs: you don't know what exchange rate they have given you nor do you know what charges you have been assessed. So, for example, if you withdraw 50 euros, you don't know what is charged to your bank. Which leads me to my next recommendation: - I encourage you to get set up for internet banking. It's easy to use and easy to access at internet cafes. With internet banking you can quickly find out what you are charged when you use an ATM machine. - Take a debit card that cannot be used as a credit card. That way, if it is stolen, someone cannot empty your checking account. (and, yes, I realize the bank will not hold you responsible for all the charges that someone else makes, but it will take them awhile to get everything straightened out - and while they're working on it, you have no money!!)
Safety – In many ways, this is the hardest section to write. My purpose is not to scare you, yet, I do want you to be careful when you travel! On the one hand, lots of people travel abroad, don’t play it safe and they’re fine. On the other hand, others end up being robbed or attacked. This can happen at home, too; the reason we talk about these things when you go overseas is because you are overseas – far from home, perhaps in a country where people speak a different language and the rules are different from what you’re used to. So, this is intended to help you become one of the happy travelers – someone who doesn’t have a negative experience – by letting you know what can happen if you’re not alert.
Having items lost or stolen is always a hassle; having them lost or stolen when you're overseas is a hassle times 100! Some cities and parts of the world have more theft than others, but as a tourist you are always a target. Consider this: one of President Bush's daughters had her purse stolen while eating at a popular tourist restaurant in Argentina and she had secret service agents with her! (albeit not at the same table) There are two aspects to safety: keeping your valuables safe and keeping yourself safe! 1. Valuables: As a tourist -in the U.S. or overseas - you are an easy target. You are easy to spot and easily distracted. While you’re taking a picture, watching the street performer or penned in a crowded bus or subway, you are a perfect target for pick pockets. I highly recommend you wear a money belt when in large cities or in countries where theft is common. What’s a money belt? Designed to be worn under your clothing, they typically are made of nylon and have two zippered pockets that can hold a passport, credit cards and some money. The two most common styles are designed to wear around your neck or around your waist. Since the neck one can be cut (which is why some people order the type with a metal cord), I recommend the waist one. It’s comfortable under pants or a skirt, easily accessible if you need to get something and cannot be taken without you noticing it. They cost about $10 and can be purchased at stores that sell luggage (department stores, Targets, Wal Marts, Burlington coat factory etc.). Important note: It's easy to dismiss warnings about theft as exaggerated but my warnings are based on experiences of people I know. For example:
Thieves often work in pairs or groups and, in some countries, children are trained as thieves.
If you see a sign that says "Beware of pickpockets" you will probably immediately put your hand over your wallet – and you’ve just told watchful pickpockets where to target you! (which is why a moneybelt is always prudent) Why take a backpack if I can’t put valuables in it? You might not need a backpack, but if you’re going to be out walking all day, they come in handy for a water bottle, guidebook, and city map. If it looks like the weather might change, you can throw in a light jacket or umbrella. You can also put small trinkets in the backpacks when you’re shopping – but nothing really valuable since they are easy targets for thieves. 2. Personal Safety: Going overseas is quite exciting and it's easy to get carried away. A cute guy offers to buy you a drink, a friendly native offers to take you to their house for a cup of tea, someone on the train invites you to a party when you reach your destination - all of these situations can end up badly. Crimes can be committed anywhere, but be particularly careful when you are in large cities and in countries with high crime rates. Again, I’m not trying to scare you – I just want you to be aware and avoid making careless mistakes. Sometimes we get so excited about being in another country that we do things we would never do back home! Here are some basic guidelines: a) Learn the norms of the culture and be wary of anyone who breaks them. When I was in Thailand, people often approached me to practice English but I became nervous when one man approached me and touched my arm. Why? Because in Thailand, people of the opposite sex don't touch each other in public - not even married couples! Luckily, I followed my instincts, backed away from him and would not interact with him. Why do I say "luckily"? Because I later found out that a group of Thais were inviting foreigners to their house for a cup of tea, drugging them and then robbing them! In Paris I was enjoying the beautiful bridges over the Seine when a woman caught my eye and smiled. My internal "alarms" immediately went off because the French don't smile at strangers (which is one reason people from the U.S. often erroneously conclude that they are rude; they simply have different norms). About 30 minutes later when I was at a different section near the river, the same woman passed me, smiled and then "suddenly" found a "gold" ring on the sidewalk. She came up to me pretending to return "my ring". I knew this was a ruse. It is used two ways (1) to get close enough to pick your pockets or (2) to offer a sad story about the ring and ask you for money. I just shook my head "no" and refused to interact with her. Also be aware that you may be the one breaking the norms! In some cultures, people may dress more conservatively. Shorts are not typical for Italy, Oman, Thailand or Japan - even though all of these countries have very hot summers! In many countries, women who wear tight clothing or show lots of skin (midriff, low cut tops, mini skirts, etc) are regarded as morally loose. If you are dressed as a prostitute, you will be treated as one. How do you learn what the norms are? Read books/articles on the culture before you go abroad, talk to people from the country and, for study abroad programs, check with your directors/professors for input. b) Travel in pairs or groups - you are less of a target. This includes, by the way, going to the bathroom in pairs when you've been drinking or are in bars. Many students get excited about going to a country where they can suddenly drink alcohol - and end up getting drunk. While this can be a problem in the U.S. it can be a bigger problem overseas because it's easy to identify you as a visitor - and, thus, an easy victim. Examples of real students: In the summer of 2006, three American friends went out drinking in Paris and got drunk. One of the girls went to the restroom - and never returned. She was found the next day, passed out in a parking lot . . . you don’t want to know all the details. Unlike Natalie Holloway, the high school student who went to Aruba and has never been found, however, this student was found alive. In London a female student had a ruphie put in her beer and was raped. ("ruphie," also called "date rape drug," destroys the person's memory of what happened so her attacker cannot be identified.) Be smart! Don’t get drunk. Don’t drink and go home with strangers. Don’t go down dark alleys alone. c) If you have any problems, tell the program director. Study abroad program directors are there, in part, for your protection and help. They know the country and have dealt with a variety of issues. We all want you to have a wonderful experience while you’re learning about a new culture so if we can help, let us know. FINAL NOTE: While you need to take precautions and be aware, don't let it interfere with your fun. I've traveled many places alone and never had any problems - but I've always been alert to my surroundings and tried to minimize stupid choices! It is true that the U.S. government is not popular in many places around the world due to a variety of actions it has - or has not - taken (from the Iraq war to refusing to sign a wide range of treaties that would do everything from help the environment to ban landmines).
This raises the question: will people mistreat you because you're from the U.S.? Luckily, people do distinguish between the actions of our government and the people. In part, however, the answer will rely upon how you behave. So far I've been to 18 countries over a span of 30 years and in all of my travels around the world, I have never personally been mistreated because I was from the U.S. But I have encountered Americans who were dismissed or not helped - even by people who were helpful to me! What makes the difference? Here are some things to keep in mind:
Visiting another culture can be one of the most life-altering experiences you have - but you need to enter the experience with a flexible attitude about how things are done and a sense of humor. In fact, those two "items" are the most important things to take with you. The anthropologist, Edward Hall, has noted that "the great gift that the members of the human race have for each other is not exotic experiences but an opportunity to achieve awareness of the structure of their own system, which can be accomplished only by interacting with others who do not share that system." (Beyond Culture, p. 44) Thus, when you complete your study abroad experience you will return not only with a better understanding of the culture you visited, but also a better understanding of yourself and your own culture. [top]
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