Flat Classroom Conference

Study Abroad Orientation

Feb 19 – 28, 2011UNI Study Abroad Center

Program Staff• Dr. Leigh Zeitz (319-273 3249) • Kathy Klink-Zeitz (319-404 2589)• Julia Aguilar Reyes,

– Study Abroad Advisor for short-term programs (319-273 7078)

• Julie Thoreen, – Study Abroad Student Support Specialist (319-

273 7078)

Academics• STUDY Abroad: first and foremost an academic

experience

• Must be enrolled in classes to participate

• Courses taught: 240:245 Applied Instructional Design

• Students must have successfully completed courses involving instructional design & development

• Course load: 3 credits

• Registration through SAC (enrollment forms)

Academic Expectations• Course syllabus

• 4-5 meetings online before departure and on-site involvement

• Assignments: Students will be required to actively participate in creating training materials for the conference

• Complete pre/post conference assignments

• Actively participate in Conference

Itinerary• Saturday, Feb 19th: Departure from Iowa. All

participants will be departing from SAME airport

• Sunday, Feb 20th: Arrive in Beijing

• Monday-Wednesday Feb 21st – 23rd: Tour schools and universities

• Thursday Feb 24th: Beijing tour (through Conference)

• Friday, Feb 25th – Sunday, Feb. 27th: Flat Classroom Conference

• Monday, Feb 28th: Leave Beijing. Arrival in Iowa.

Important Dates/Deadlines

• Payments due: Friday December 17th at 5 pm for SAC paperwork (visa application, SA application fee, and ISIC card)

• Return paperwork by: Friday, December 17th at 5 pm (visa application, ISIC, scholarship, and registration form)

• SAC will take care of registration

• Departure date or Program begins: February 19th

Flights

• Group flight arrangements

– SAC currently requesting quotes

– Fly as a group

– Deviating students

– Students will be contacted via email regarding airfare arrangements.

– Emergency loans:

• Contact Elizabeth Minard at Financial Aid (319-273-2364)

Travel Tips• In order to avoid jet lag… During the flight:

– Try to sleep– Drink plenty of water– Avoid caffeine and alcohol– Wear comfortable clothing– Change watch to local time at destination

• Upon arrival:– Follow local time schedule for meals and sleep – Moderate exercise– Eat healthy, drink lots of fluids (water and juices)

Travel Tips• Local culture:

– BE SPECIFIC about clothing that is/is not appropriate• No Spaghetti straps• No Shorts• Skirts must be below the knee• Wear sport coat for visits to businesses• Dress code: More traditional

• Program activities:– Bring comfortable shoes (much walking), plenty

of socks. – Bring comfortable clothing (excursions) and

business clothinghttp://www.travelchinaguide.com/faq/when/general.htm

Travel Tips• Electricity

– Different voltage (220 volts)

– Leave appliances at home or get good adapter/converter (Apple Store, Target)

• Weather

– The climate in Beijing is always chilly during the winter, with January and February being the coldest and driest months, when sharp night-time frosts are predictable.

– Average February temperature: 43 °F - 21 °F

• Check out this website for helpful tips: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/faq/when/general.htm

Packing Tips• You should be able to carry your luggage

BY YOURSELF!

• Start packing several days before departure

• Avoid overpacking

– Need less than you would at home

– It’s okay to wear the same thing often

• Put your name/contact info on luggage tag/inside bag

• Leave some room for things you will acquire

• Travel backpacks, suitcases w/wheels recommended

Expected Program Cost

• Tuition and fees: Around $1300• Room and board: Around $600• Airfare: Around $1200• Personal Expenses: Around $ 870

– Study abroad application fee: $65– Passport: $135– ISIC Card: $30– Personal Expenses: $250– Entrance fees: $100– Health Insurance: $112– Visa: $175

Money

• Local currency: Yuan (unit) or RMB (Renminbi)

• Current exchange rate =1 USD = 6.6602 CNY (RMB)

• Best exchange rates: ATM, credit cards

• Cost of living (meals from $5 to $50. Cheap options available)

Greatest Dangers

1. Traffic accidents

2. Petty crime

3. Illness

4. Imprudent behavior

Pre-departure Health

• Visit UNI Student Health Center– Make appointment six weeks before departure– Vaccinations & Malaria prophylaxis (if needed)

• Check www.cdc.gov and www.tripprep.com for traveler’s health info: Both provide detailed information and are free;

• www.tripprep.com is a commercial site; UNI does not endorse products or services advertised there.

Alcohol and Drugs

• Abide by legal drinking age in host country

• Abuse of alcohol impairs judgment, increases risk of accident/injury

• Respect host country norms re: alcohol consumption and behavior

• Program rules/limits

• Subject to UGA Student Conduct Code

• Remember that violating drug laws can have serious consequences

Health Safety Tips

• Wash hands often with soap and water

• Prevent water borne illnesses

– Rely on bottled or boiled water, carbonated beverages in cans/bottles

– Avoid tap water, water fountains, fountain drinks, ice cubes

– Avoid swimming in fresh water

Health Safety Tips

• Prevent food borne illnesses

– Avoid food from street vendors, un-pasteurized dairy products

– Peel it, boil it, cook it or forget it!

• Protection from sun

– Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses

• Protection from insects

– Repellent w/ DEET, long sleeves/pants, nets

Culture Shock

• NORMAL reaction to new environment• May feel overwhelmed, lonely, homesick,

dislike things about host culture• Cope by:

– Recognizing it– Talking with others in program– Keeping a journal– Concentrating on positive aspects of host

culture– Establishing new routines– Not calling/e-mailing home too much