Important Information Please Read Carefully

2011-12Outgoing Study Abroad Handbook

Congratulations! You are about to embark upon what we hope will be an experience of a lifetime in a foreign country! In order for you to be fully prepared, please read this entire handbook carefully. In addition to what we have summarized in the front of this book, we have provided you with the latest U.S. Department of State Consular Information Sheet for your host country as well as various Public Announcements, Tips for Travelers, A Safe Trip Abroad, and other pertinent information (see Appendix). We know that some of this information will be repetitive, either at the orientation or later in this handbook, but please read it anyway. If you still have questions after reading the manual please contact us at the Office of International Programs and Studies (OIPS) at 277-4032. We are here to assist with this process and to ensure you to have a safe and enjoyable trip.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Studying abroad will possibly be one of the best experiences of your life, but while you are enjoying your time overseas we want you to remember to be safe. In general, American students have never been the specific target of hostile activity, and most students find that what they had expected in terms of unfriendly attitudes toward Americans was unfounded. In the U.S., terrorist activities are constantly discussed; however, it is important to remember that terrorism has generally been directed at government officials and business people, and not at U.S. students. Let’s put it this way, you have more of a chance of getting into an auto accident or injuring yourself at home than being involved in a terrorist incident. Also, crime rates are higher in the U.S. than in most countries where UNM has exchanges, especially rates of violent crime.

However, safety is always an issue and you need to be smart and aware! Please help us keep you safe:

Please give us a detailed plan of your itinerary, going to and from your exchange country; this can be a document from your travel agent, or you can just call us with the appropriate information;

If you haven’t already, please provide us a copy of your passport before you leave; also, check to make sure you fill in the emergency contact information page of your passport;

Please remember to complete the “Orientation Attendance and Email Release Form” sheets and submit them to the study abroad advisor/s;

Contact us as soon as you arrive at your host university/country/language program in order to give us your new address and phone number, in case an emergency should arise. E-mail is fine: ;

Please check your email daily or as often as possible, in case we are trying to reach you. If your e-mail address changes, let us know immediately;

Upon arrival, register with the nearest U.S. Consulate. U.S. Consulate locations are listed on the “Consular Information Sheet” that we have provided for the country you are visiting.

Go to the State Department & Center for Disease Control (CDC) websites frequently to check for Travel Warnings and Public Announcements: .

Keep your study abroad/health insurance current for the entire time you are away, i.e., if you extend your stay, call your insurance company and extend it until you are planning to return.

WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY

Contact OIPS505-277-4032

Study Abroad Advisors

Ken Carpenter – Associate Director

Lauren Fowler Young – Study Abroad Advisor

Student Employee for Study Abroad

Contact the UNM Police (24 hrs/day) 505-277-2241

Other important numbers:

Office of the Provost 505-277-2611

Kim Kloeppel, Interim Dean of Students505-277-6448

REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTERING THE HOST COUNTRY

Passports

A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer. A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave most foreign countries. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant issue or verify United States passports.

You must have a valid passport! Passports can be ordered through the US Post Office, cost is approximately $135.00, and can take up to 6+ weeks to arrive. For this process, you will need to provide 2 passport photos and a certified birth certificate. If your passport is near its expiration date, you must renew it before you leave OR go to the nearest US consulate/embassy to have it renewed. If your passport will expire within 90 days (3 months) AFTER you return from study abroad, it must be renewed. U.S. customs will fine you $100 if you come back to the USA with an expired passport.

Other suggestions:

Be sure to make several copies of your passport and to report lost or stolen passports to the nearest U.S. Consulate immediately.

Do not pack your passport in your checked luggage.

Carry a copy of your passport with you, and leave the original in a safe place (i.e. money belt if flying, or locked luggage if in hotel). We recommend making at least 2 copies of all important documents before leaving the U.S. - one to take with you and keep in a safe place and the other to leave with a close relative, friend or with OIPS.

Visas

What is a Visa?

A visa is issued by the host country and is usually a stamp or decal placed in your passport that allows you to legally enter that country. YOU must contact the closest consulate and request a student visa before your departure (most countries require you to apply no more than 90 days and no less than 30 days before your departure). Please visit ( and click on “international travel”for information on the country and visa requirements during your stay.

Some countries do not require American Citizens to have a visa if you are going to be there 90 days or less; however, since you are going as a student, on a semester or yearlong exchange you will most likely need to have a student visa. Most Consulates for New Mexico are either in California or Texas; check the internet for more information. It is a good idea to check with both the Embassy and Consulate websites. Depending on what country you plan to study in, you might have to travel to a Consulate in order to obtain you visa. NOTE: The Office of International Programs and Studies (OIPS) is not responsible for gathering up-to-date visa information or for getting your student visas – this process is YOUR responsibility. OIPS will help you as much as possible, but it is important for you to have a proper understanding of your own documents. Allow yourself plenty of time and find out what you will need to provide these agencies.

AUSTRALIA

Students going to Australia:

Website given to students upon acceptance to host school.

CANADA

Students going to Canada:

and the Embassy website at

CHINA/Hong Kong

Students going to Hong Kong:

-Visa Issues, General information for students

Denmark

Students going to Denmark

and

FRANCE

Students going to France:

New Mexico is under the Jurisdiction of the France Consulate in Los Angeles. Students must also apply through Campus France ( Note: students are required to go to Los Angeles to apply for their visa in person.

GERMANY

Students going to Germany:

New Mexico is under the Jurisdiction of the German Consulate General Houston. Most students will not need to obtain a visa/permit until they arrive to Germany.

ITALY

Students going to Italy:

New Mexico is under the Jurisdiction of the Italian Consulate in Los Angeles. Students planning to study in Italy should first consult with the UNM Office of International programs and Studies (OIPS).

JAPAN

Students going to Japan

Consulate serving New Mexico is in Denver.

NEW ZEALAND

Students going to New Zealand

Consulate serving New Mexico is in Los Angeles.

RUSSIA

Students going to Russia:

Note- the Russian student visa can be more difficult and therefore it is encouraged that students start the visa paperwork as soon as possible.

SWEDEN

Students going to Sweden:

UNITED KINGDOM:

Students going on exchange to the United Kingdom:

For other countries, please search the Internet for the Embassy or Consulate website to find out information on what is needed for a student visa.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Plane Tickets

For flight information and information on low cost airfare – start early, contact your travel agent and/or Keep checking the Internet. Below are a few sites that UNM study abroad participants have recommended for discounted airfares:

- (student travel)

- (forflightswithinEurope)

- (Australia)

- (compare differentairfares)

“Around the World Tickets”

Most American students are unfamiliar with “Around the World Tickets”, but it is definitely worth looking into. Most ATW tickets will grant you a full year to travel to three or more continents and can be quite reasonable in comparison with the price of other tickets. If you are planning on doing some major traveling, look into it.

Traveling to Europe

One cheaper way of traveling to Europe is to fly into London or Paris and then take a cheaper flight to your host country. Check out or

If you are flexible, and you are traveling light, another option is to fly into London and take the “Chunnel,” the English nickname for The Channel Tunnel connecting England and France. Once you arrive in France, you can take a train or bus to your host country within Europe.

Money Saving Tips:

The key to finding a cheap flight is to be flexible, with travel dates, destinations, etc. You may find a very cheap flight to Frankfurt, but your program is in Chambery. Use the internet, be flexible, and use public transportation - it might offer you a better, more affordable option.

Any way you choose to travel make sure to arrive a few days before the program or orientation starts, as you will have serious jet lag for at least the first 24-48 hours. This also might depend on when you receive your visa from the consulate. Make sure you plan accordingly and give yourself so time. Also, if you are traveling to a town or village outside of your arrival city, plan on taking a train or bus to get there – again, arriving no later than 2 days before the program or test date begins.

HEALTH INSURANCE

You must have adequate health & accident insurance coverage while you are abroad. The UNM Provost’s office mandates that you have special travelers insurance to participate in our study abroad programs. In order to be excluded from purchasing this “special insurance”, you must provide proof to our office that your current insurance company (i.e. your parents plan) provides: 1) Medical Coverage of at least $50,000, 2) Emergency Medical Evacuation and 3) Repatriation of Remains. There are no exceptions. Insurance coverage should take effect from the moment you depart the U.S. until you return. Note: Make certain that you do not leave yourself vulnerable by having insurance that only covers you while school terms are actually in session.

Some host universities will require you to purchase their university’s policy. For instance students going to Australia will need to purchase the Australian National Insurance, but for all other students, unless you are required to buy a specific type of insurance by the HostUniversity or country, we recommend purchasing HTH Worldwide health insurance. Keep in mind that while some countries, like the United Kingdom, might automatically incorporate you into their national healthcare system, events like medical evacuation or repatriation of remains will NOT be covered; therefore, we encourage all students to buy a plan that offers this coverage should something happen.

For HTH Worldwide Insurance, please enroll on-line at . Please forward your proof of enrollment document to and indicating that you have purchased the insurance. You may also send us a copy of your insurance card when you get it in the mail. HTH Worldwide costs ~$35/month for students under 30 years of age and must be purchased in one-month increments beginning at any time (for example Jan 1st to June 1st, or August 30th to December 30th). You must have insurance for your entire length of stay in the country where you are studying abroad. If you have UNM Student Health Insurance, please send us a copy of your insurance card, with expiration date listed. In addition, most visa applications will require you to submit an official letter from the international travel health group to prove your insurance while abroad.

WE MUST HAVE PROOF OF INSURANCE BEFORE YOU WILL BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE IN UNM’s STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM.

HEALTH TIPS

Please read the CDC advisory for the region you will be visiting. Wash your hands thoroughly before eating. Don’t overdo it with hot, spicy foods and alcoholic beverages. Avoid eating at roadside stands, but if you decide to try one, make sure it is well-frequented, appears to be hygienic, or is one recommended by your host family or friends. Select restaurants that look clean and hygienic. Should you develop diarrhea, treat symptoms with common over-the-counter medications such as Immodium and Kaeopectate. We do not recommend the use of Lomotil, except in extreme cases.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition or problem you should carry a letter from the attending physician, describing the condition and any prescription medications you are taking, including the generic name of prescribed drugs. If you take prescription drugs, please consult with your physician and take the recommended supply of medication with you. If you are on a health plan that only allows for 30 days on a prescription, show them your airline ticket and they will fill your prescription for the whole time you will be gone. You might consider bringing allergy medicine or eye drops if you are susceptible to environmental conditions. Keep medication in original prescription bottles, to avoid customs complications when leaving the country. If you wear eyeglasses you might want to bring an extra pair, along with your prescription. If you wear contacts, bring enough supplies for the whole trip, and an extra set of glasses. Women should bring enough sanitary supplies for their trip, as well as some over-the-counter treatment for yeast infections. Keep in mind that while your host country will most likely have most everything you need, some products or medicines might be different than what you are used to. Talk to past participants or to current exchange students from your host country for more advice.

Please be aware that all normal precautions taken to avoid AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases in the USA also apply overseas. If you are sexually active, be sure to use condoms and take an adequate supply with you. Both AIDS and Hepatitis B are passed through the exchange of body fluids, sharing needles, and tainted blood transfusions. The Center for Disease Control is now recommending that everyone get a Hepatitis A and B vaccine – talk to the Student Health center before you go (277-3136).

Should you require medical attention in your host country, please contact staff at your host school for a list of recommended doctors in the area. In case of emergency go to the nearest hospital. Your US State Department information should list some recommended hospitals. Be sure to consult with them if in doubt.

You should also contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Most have a toll free number or website/e-mail. See your policy for details.

For more on health information to travelers, you can check the Internet at: They have information on recommended vaccines, diseases, food and water precautions, and travelers’ diarrhea.

IMMUNIZATIONS

It is recommended that you have updated Tetanus, Polio, and Measles vaccinations. You may also want to get Typhoid, Gamma Globulin, and Hepatitis A and B vaccinations. Contact the UNM International Travel Clinic (277-3136, 277-3137) or your private physician for further recommendations.

SAFETY TIPS

While traveling it is very important that you keep an eye on your personal belongings.

Keep your purse firmly clamped under your arm and your wallet in a side or jacket pocket, not in your back pocket. Do not lay your bag or backpack in the seat next to you; always have a hold on it (loop the strap around your foot, etc.) Pickpockets are everywhere. Luggage is often stolen by bystanders, fake porters or "friends" who offer to watch your bags;

Bring luggage that you can lock. It is best to lock your property inside your luggage when you leave your room. We strongly suggest travel insurance to avoid large losses.

Bicycles and laptop computers are among the most commonly stolen items. Keep them secure!

There have been very few instances of theft from students during study abroad programs; however, it is not unheard of. Most students generally lose their valuables through carelessness. We urge you to always be alert and to use common sense.