Center for Global Experiences

While you're certainly embarking on an adventure, it still remains important to determine how your program will contribute effectively to your degree Tennessee Tech.  Academic planning can go a long way to maximizing what you'll get from studying abroad. 

1. Check your Degree Works and determine with your advisor which courses will be useful to your academic plan.  You will need to gather as much information about the courses you are interested in (syllabi if available).  Past course equivalencies are available upon request.
2. Communicate to the Center for Global Experiences staff which classes work best for you.  They will then complete a Transfer Credit Form and Financial Aid Form to be signed via Docusign before you depart.
3. If you are going abroad for a semester or more, you will need to put alternate courses on the Transfer Credit Form and get approvals for those in case the partner school is not offering your first course selections upon arrival. The more flexible you are with your courses, the better.
4. Register for courses following the instructions of your host university. It is your responsibility to maintain full time status (12 credit hours for Undergraduate students) if you are abroad for a semester.   If the number of hours on your placeholder SA course do not reflect the actual number of hours you are taking abroad, please notify the TN Tech Center for Global Experiences immediately.  If you take less than what you are registered for, you may have to pay back any Financial Aid you received.
5. While abroad, keep a file of your coursework: syllabi, exams, homework, etc. and bring it home with you.  In some circumstances, your work may need additional review before awarding credit.

Credit Conversion

• Arrange for an official transcript to be sent to the TN Tech Center for Global Experiences
• TN Tech uses this online guide to determine the grade equivalencies.
• The TN Tech Study Abroad, Graduation and Records Office will process your foreign transcript and post grades to your TN Tech transcript as well as notify Financial Aid so that they can release the hold on your account.
• All grades for courses you complete abroad will be reported on your TN Tech transcript regardless of the final mark or need for credit. This will have an impact on your Financial Aid, Scholarships and Graduation Honors.
• Transfer Credit- Upon return, when we receive your transcript we will process it according to the Tennessee Tech policies. The letter grade you get for each class will be converted into US letter grades initially. Then we make sure the classes you took abroad match the ones you put on the Transfer Credit form.  Then it is passed to the Graduation Office for the actual posting of grades. On your Tennessee Tech transcript you will see the letter T(transfer) in front of each grade so it would be a TA, TB, TC, etc. The GPA for these classes are calculated into the Inclusive Combined GPA.

A few more important considerations

• Take your advisor's contact information with you abroad in case you need to change classes when you arrive, and also so you can pre-register online for the following semester when registration opens.
• If you receive a transcript from your host school, please give it to the TN Tech Center for Global Experiences to begin the process of evaluating your credits.
• All study abroad grades must be processed before you will be allowed to graduate.

You may be excited about the idea of studying abroad, but you are concerned about money. We are often asked by students: “how much does it cost to study abroad?” It is difficult to provide a simple answer to that question because it will depend on a number of factors, such as the duration and type of program, the cost of living in the program’s destination, and when you go abroad.

In this section, we aim to provide you with some information and tools that will help you strategically plan your finances so you can concentrate on enjoying your experience abroad.

Plan Out Your Payments
You will feel more in control of your finances if you plan out when program payments and expenses are due and when financial aid and scholarships will disburse.

• Note due dates: Many programs have their own due dates and you would pay the program directly.  For most semester programs, you will pay TN Tech tuition as if you were here on campus. Some programs require a housing deposit in advance.  If you have any questions about due dates, you should contact the Center for Global Experiences at studyabroad@tntech.edu
• Up front costs: you will need to plan for paying expenses such as airfare, passport, insurance, and visa fees (if applicable) prior to departure. 
  Create a budget for your current expenses at school and see if there are expenses you can reduce to help you save money. You can use apps to track spending.
• Research the cost of living in the country you are traveling. Local expenses (e.g. a cup of coffee) will help you determine how much money you will need for food and personal expenses.

For more information on Financial Aid and Scholarships regarding Study Abroad programs, please see the Financial Matters page on the website.

Money
Here are some tips about traveling with money:

• Do not carry around a lot of cash.  There is a strong opinion that U.S. Americans are wealthy, so pickpocketers will target you for cell phones and cash.
• Make sure your belongings are in front of you and zipped closed and that your jacket pockets zip closed.
• Do not get travelers checks
• Take more than one debit/credit card to use abroad in case one of them gets compromised, lost or stolen.  Have a backup way to pay for things.
• Contact your debit/credit card companies before you go abroad and notify them of your travel plans otherwise they will block your cards.

Fundraising Tips
Think about the communities you are part of and skills you might have that could generate money. A combination of strategies is usually needed, so don’t feel like you have to meet all your fundraising goals with a single activity. 

1. Explore fundraising ideas from past students
2. If you have a job, put aside a portion of every paycheck
3. Ask for financial contributions rather than birthday or holiday gifts
4. Organize a car wash, bake sale, garage sale or party fundraiser with friends
5. Ask family members or mentors to donate frequent flier miles
6. Research if any community or religious groups you belong to have scholarship or donation programs
7. Start a kickstarter or gofundme site

Banking
Contact your bank and credit card company in advance to discuss the following...

• Tell your bank your destination and travel dates, so they will not block your card when they see banking activity in a new location.
• Ask your bank if they have partner banks in the destination(s) you are traveling to - using partner banks can help you avoid international fees.
• Ask your bank if they charge fees for international transactions.
• If you don't already have a chipped debit or credit card, request one from your bank. Most vendors abroad prefer chipped cards.
• You have a PIN for your debit card, but probably not for your credit card. Set one up in advance. In some locations, it's required if you want to use your credit card.
• Research the daily limits for ATM withdrawals in your destinations.

Tips for Managing Money

• Keep track of exchange rates. We use online currency converters, such as xe.com and oanda.com while abroad to stay up to date on the latest rates. 
• Remember that many countries are more cash-based than the US, so you can't always rely on a debit card or credit card for small purchases.
• You will probably want to have cash on you most of the time abroad, but be strategic about visiting the ATM. Take out enough cash to last you a week or so, go home, stash what you don't need somewhere safe, and carry around a smaller amount. This will cut down on transaction fees. 
• Develop a plan for accessing money abroad. ATMs are often the best way to access money abroad and are increasingly available overseas.

Research
Before you go abroad, learn as much as the country and city where you are going.  Spend time talking with people from your host country and/or Tennessee Tech students who have studied there. They are your best sources of information. Ask about classes, weather, food, customs, traditions, similarities, and differences. Try to learn greetings and other phrases in the native language. Check the weather patterns, so you will know what to pack. Expect the weather to be significantly different from Cookeville.

Read about world news online, particularly news about your host country. Politics are often a topic of conversation in most countries, and you will want to be prepared to participate. Likewise, it is important that you are equally as informed about your home country. Be sure to know the basics of US government, particularly as it relates to your host country.

Communication
Communication within your program location and with those back home is an important consideration.  As part of the TN Tech plan to keep you safe while you're abroad it's vital - but just as important is how mindful you are of your communication habits.

Arrival
Airport Tips:

DO NOT MAKE JOKES AT THE SECURITY STATIONS OR IMMIGRATION STATIONS
DO NOT TAKE PHOTOS AT CHECK POINT STATIONS IN THE AIRPORT
DO NOT DISPLAY ARROGANCE OR ARGUE WITH THE AUTHORITIES
DO NOT EXPECT TO HAVE THE SAME RIGHTS IN THE HOST COUNTRY

Planning ahead:

Make a plan for your arrival at your destination- Will someone be picking you up at your final stop? Do you need to arrange a ride? Write down important addresses and contact information in case you don't have a working phone. (the Center for Global Experiences will give you an Emergency Wallet Card)
Make a plan for accessing money- It is recommended to take at least 2 cards with you, one main debit card and one backup card in case your main card gets lost or compromised.
Let your loved ones know you are safe- Make a plan to contact those important to you back home to let them know you've arrived safely. 

Jet lag
Jet lag is a temporary sleep disorder that may cause insomnia, fatigue and nausea. Of course, the jet lag experience (including recovery rate) varies from person to person. Here are some suggestions for dealing with jet lag:

• Be patient with yourself. After traveling for a long period of time, it is not uncommon to feel exhausted, easily confused, or frustrated.
• Prior to leaving, write down where you will spend the first night and how to get there. Knowing that you have a place to rest and how to get there will lessen the stress. There are many different recommendations for eating before and during your flight. Do a little research and determine what is best for you.
• Drink as much water as possible to stay hydrated
• Avoid alcohol, sleeping pills, and tranquilizers before and during the flight. They will only increase fatigue without making you sleep better.
• Get up and move around during the flight and do stretching exercises.
• Upon arrival, begin to operate on local time. If you arrive in the morning, go to your accommodation to drop off your luggage and then do a little exploring.
   

Phones
Using a cell phone abroad is becoming increasingly easier, but there are some important things to consider

1. Contact your service provider to see if they have an international plan you can opt into for the duration of your program.
2. If you do not have an international data plan, Turn off Data Roaming on your smart phone before traveling or put your phone in Airplane Mode.  Otherwise, your data may run in the background while you are abroad and you may come home with a huge cell phone bill.
3. Research some international plans or options. Here's a guide called Tips for using your cell phone internationally.

Be mindful!
Remember that you are visiting a different part of the world for a reason. Be mindful of how much time you spend on technology, ignoring the very purpose of your travel. It can be difficult to avoid feeling the pressure to capture every moment and share every discovery, but you'll improve your experience by being present.

Put down your phone! 

Here's a few tips on being mindful about your technology use

• Blog! Writing a journal in a blog can help you reflect on your experiences and share things with many people at once.
• Take time away from your phone. Give yourself a break from distraction to enjoy everything that is new. Who cares how many "likes" you get on Instagram when you are seeing, smelling, tasting and experiencing new things every day?
• While there will likely be more opportunities to discover the world in your future, remember that they can be rare, so be sure to treat that opportunity with the respect it deserves.
• Practice ethical photography! Consider your intentions with regard to gaining consent from those you photograph and especially when you might be posting to social media. Note that in many countries, photographing government or military buildings and personnel is illegal. Err on the side of caution and ask before taking photos. 
   

Packing
Even though it seems easy, there are a lot of factors you need to take into consideration when packing for study abroad. There’s more to it than meets the eye, so we’re breaking down what exactly to pack for study abroad, plus all of the miscellaneous things to take into account when you’re making your own study abroad packing list.

Please read this article on What to Pack for Study Abroad-A Study Abroad Packing List

Just as important as what you pack for your study abroad trip is how you pack it into your carry-on and checked luggage.  Please watch this video on 12 Travel Packing Tips.

Things not to pack:

1. Personal Hygiene Products- Take 3 oz. bottles in your carry-on in case of travel delays, however, you can buy larger bottles of equivalent things after you arrive.
2. Hair Dryer/Straight iron/Curling iron- For the people going where the voltage is different, do not even think about taking these items. Even with the voltage converter, these things will fry. just buy them once you get there.
3. Irreplaceable Valuables- Do not take the necklace that has been in your family for generations. If you won’t be able to move on with life if it gets lost or stolen, don’t take it with you.

How do you know if you are taking too much luggage?

Try to carry ALL of your packed luggage at the same time up a flight of stairs. If you can't do it, then you are taking too much. No one is going to help you carry your luggage around and sometimes you have to carry it on and off subways and trains.  You will definitely have to carry it up flights of stairs, so PACK LIGHT!

NOTE: There are many restrictions on what is allowed in your carry-on luggage, however, the things you put in your carry-on are sometimes essential in case your checked luggage gets delayed and you have to live without it for a few days.  Your carry-on bag should include, 1-2 changes of clothes, small toiletries, all medications, electronics, ticket, passport, money, credit/debit cards.  Please check your airline for more information on luggage weight and contents.

Travel Documents
No matter where you're heading, there will be some important documents that you'll want to safeguard. It's also possible that you'll need to acquire a visa before departure.

1. Passport- Scan a copy of the Bio Page of your passport, share it with someone you trust, and keep a color copy somewhere easily accessible.  If your passport gets lost or stolen, this will help you get a replacement a lot faster.
2. Medical Information- Do the same for any important prescriptions, as well as immunization records that are important to your entry into a country.
3. Debit/Credit Cards- You will also want to make note of the contact information on your bank cards so that you can contact the appropriate place if they are lost or stolen.
4. Visas- Visas are official documents issued by governments granting permission for visitors to enter a country. You may receive visa application information from the CGE Staff; however, it is always your responsibility to acquire the visa and to be aware of policies and deadlines that may affect the visa process.

Do I need a visa?

This will depend on your nationality, study abroad destination, and the length of your program. You can find up-to-date visa information by checking the VisaHQ website or by looking up the consulate or embassy of your host country. U.S. citizens can also find current visa information at the U.S. Department of State's U.S. Students Abroad page.

Other Visa Considerations:

If you plan to travel before or after your program abroad, be sure to determine if this will affect your need to acquire a visa. Many countries have limitations on the number of days in which you can visit before applying for a formal visa, which often must be done before entry. If you do determine that you need a visa for your destination, be sure to apply for the appropriate kind of visa. 

Study abroad is an exciting and transformative experience, but it is not without risks to your personal health and safety. Taking appropriate precautions before you leave can help mitigate many of these risks. In this section, you will find information about some of the steps to take before you leave that can promote safety abroad.

Research Your Destination

1. What are the major health risks in the country(ies) you are traveling to? Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information.
2. Determine which vaccines or immunizations you may need in advance. Some may need to be administered several weeks before departure.
3. Students can visit their local Health Department, pharmacy or drug store to get immunizations and vaccines.

Prescriptions and Medications

• Bring medications for all existing conditions. Bring enough medication to last the duration of your program.
• Put your medications in your carry on luggage and make sure to keep them in the original prescription bottle. The name on the bottle should match the name in your passport.
• Research whether your medications are legal in the country you are visiting. Here is a useful website with more information:  Traveling with Medications

Sexual Health Abroad
There will most likely be differences in the way people relate to one another in your host country. Think about how you will communicate your boundaries. If you feel uncomfortable, don't hesitate to leave the situation.

• There are different cultural perceptions of sex, gender and relationships. Spend some time researching these norms in the country you are traveling to. Prepare for them to be different than life in the U.S.
• Sexual Assault
  • Tennessee Tech has resources to support you if you experience a sexual assault. In the case you believe you have experienced sexual misconduct—ranging from sexual assault to intimate partner violence to stalking to sexual harassment—or have questions about whether something you experienced could fall into these categories, consider disclosing what happened to a trusted member of the Tennessee Tech community.  We can then assist you with next steps and provide you with resources if you wish to use them.
  • The Tennessee Tech Center for Counseling and Mental Health Wellness Staff are available to students studying abroad as well as on campus.
  • U.S. Embassies may also have staff on hand to assist in the event of sexual assault. 

Alcohol Abroad

• Studies show a new environment affects your tolerance for alcohol - be mindful of this when trying new drinks in new places and in different quantities. Take it easy.
• Many places do not have the same relationship with alcohol as the U.S. It's unlikely that public drunkenness is tolerated by locals.
• Alcohol impairs your judgment and you need to stay on your toes when navigating a new city and a new culture. Alcohol is involved in most of the accidents that occur abroad.
• Keep your eyes on your drinks at all times.  Someone may try to put something in your drink to drug you for various reasons.  If you need to use the restroom, take your drink with you.
• Some programs may not allow students to drink. This is usually due to cultural norms or safety considerations.
• Intoxication that interferes with program activities or disrupts the local environment is prohibited as outlined in the Student Conduct Policy
• Not all students drink. Maybe that's you. We support that and so should your fellow students. 

Drugs Abroad
DON'T DO DRUGS ABROAD!!! Here's why:

• Drug enforcement laws may be much more strict than in the U.S. If you are arrested for drug possession, there's not much any of us can do back here in the U.S. to help you.
• You don't know what substance you are getting, the dosage, or how it may affect you.
• You are going abroad to study, learn, and grow. That's hard to do when you are high.

Regulations of the Host Country
While abroad, you are subject to all rules and regulations of the country.  There is a myth that the US government can automatically get you out of jail in a foreign country; they cannot! If you are arrested, someone from the US Consulate/Embassy will contact you and can recommend an attorney. Please note that being a US citizen is not a “get-out-of-jail- free card.”

If you are drunk in public, you might be arrested and put in the “drunk tank” for the night; these are not the kind of memories you want to have about your study abroad experience. Help dispel the stereotype of the American student who only drinks to get drunk. Also, you would become an easier target for thieves. It is important to protect yourself while being respectful of your host country and culture. Tip: Alcohol in other countries may be stronger than alcohol in the US. If you choose to drink, know your limits. Drugs which are illegal in the US are also illegal in most other countries. The punishments for illegal drug use in some countries can be very strict, even life threatening.

Hazards

Traffic
Road accidents are the #1 cause of death and serious injury abroad for young adults. Remember, people may drive on the other side of the road. Something as simple as crossing the street may be a challenge. If you aren't sure how to do it, watch the locals.

Crime
Petty theft/pickpocketing is a common occurrence in much of the world. Pay close attention to your valuables at all times, especially in crowded public areas. Keep bags and pockets zipped closed and keep your things in front of you. Do not put anything in your back pockets. Research which areas are not safe to travel at certain times of the day or alone.  Do not give money to beggars.  They may alert others to get money from you and/or not be happy with what you gave them and take all of your money. Take a friend with you to the ATM when you are getting money out (do not accept help from strangers at the ATM). 

Visibility
Take time to observe your surroundings, ask questions, and engage with your local partners. Maintain a low profile. Don't go to an ATM and then count your money on a street corner. Be polite and respectful to your host community. Keep your voice down! 

Protests and Demonstrations
Avoid them! Gatherings that may start peaceful can quickly escalate and turn violent. It is also illegal in some countries for foreigners to participate in protests.

Fire Safety
You may not spend a lot of time thinking about fire safety, perhaps because the United States has some of the best fire safety laws in the world.  This may not be true abroad, so pay attention to your surroundings.  Are there smoke alarms? Fire Escapes?  

Study Abroad Insurance
Some programs have international health insurance included and some do not. Most of our partner universities require that you purchase insurance separately, and some countries require that you purchase their National Healthcare plan before you can get a visa.  Make sure to check thoroughly as to what is included in your program or school fee.

Please see the Study Abroad Website for more information on purchasing Insurance

Most international insurance policies require that you initially pay out of pocket for medical services or medications and they will reimburse you after you submit a claim and the proper documentation.

INFORMATION ON WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY

Culture has been aptly compared to an iceberg. Just as an iceberg has a visible section above the waterline, and a larger, invisible section below the water line, culture has some aspects that are observable and others that can only be suspected, imagined, or intuited. Also like an iceberg, that part of culture that is visible (observable behavior) is only a small part of a much bigger whole.

Things to consider:

1. Food- Flavors and spices often are the defining expression of culture and reveal much about the regional history and geography.  Here are some INSIGHTS.
2. Hand gestures- Here's a handy GUIDE.
3. Importance of time- For some students, nothing can be more frustrating than discovering the different values that other cultures place on time. Some cultures are very concerned with whether things run on time, and others are not.  Learn more about Culture Shock: Punctuality
4. Personal Space- Having the luxury of lots of land allows for those of us living in the United States to carve out large amounts of personal space for ourselves. For many students abroad, confronting just how jarring it can be to lose your personal space is a big challenge. Knowing what to expect can help.
5. Religious Beliefs- it's a good idea to gain some insight into the place you'll be studying: Global Religious Landscape

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Cultural Adaptation
Because every student brings their own  unique  experience  and  perspective  to their cultural environment, there is not a blanket description of the adjustment that each  student  goes  through. Many  students experience highs and lows as they progress through their study abroad experience, just remember that this is perfectly normal. Here are a few strategies for helping to adapt to those highs and lows.

1. Manage Your Expectations -This can have a remarkable impact on your attitude and perception abroad.  Just knowing that things may not always be great will help you to understand that there is value in the challenges you may face.
2. A Sense of Humor -This will go a long way toward making some of those awkward moments into amusing memories.
   Flexibility - Flexibility will help you to adapt to the ever-present changes that you encounter.
3. A Willingness to Make Mistakes - Perhaps no skill is more important than your willingness to make mistakes, particularly if you are a language student. Give yourself the freedom to learn from your mistakes.
4. Learn by Observing- Take a moment to watch how others are behaving and you'll fee a lot more confident.
5. Wide Categorization- Just about anything that you can think of has a wider category of inclusion than you might immediately realize. Consider that a piece of fruit includes hundreds of options that you probably don't see every day, but are equally valid. Apply this to all categories and you'll have a better experience!
6. Get Involved- One of the best ways to meet locals while you're away is to get involved.  Join a local sports team or club, become a language partner, or just become a regular at a local coffee shop.  

Some tips to ease the transition (particularly for students on a long-term program):

• Realize that what you are going through is normal. Be patient and give yourself time to work through the process.
• Keep in touch with your home country. Keep up-to-date with social media. Watch some of your favorite TV programs.
• Take care of yourself. Eat well, exercise, and get enough sleep.
• Talk to someone. Find friends who are going though similar process.
• Have fun and relax! Check out local activities and organizations. Make new friends.

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Stereotypes 

It's important to consider your own personal stereotypes before studying abroad so that you can begin to break down the preconceived ideas and see people more objectively with an open mind.

It is also important to consider how other international people view U.S. Americans.  Prepare yourself ahead of time so that you can hopefully break down some of those stereotypes while you are abroad.

 

 

Note for women: Unfortunately, the stereotype of the “easy and liberated” American woman is prevalent in many cultures. As a result of this perception, you may unwittingly find yourself the object of unwanted attention. If possible, do research or ask women from the host country about gender relations.

 

 

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Reverse Cultural Shock

Reverse cultural shock is a real thing! We did the work of adjusting to a new culture and returning home can then be weird, confusing, and shocking. Sometimes it's not the place you remember. Students often experience one of the following scenarios: 

• You have changed
• Home has changed
• You have adapted to a new culture and now you must readapt
• All of the above!

The U.S. Department of State has some great resources for coping with Reverse Cultural Shock. Another way to assist in your adjustment back is to integrate your experience and get involved at Tennessee Tech with new Study Abroad students, International students, international clubs, and plan to study abroad again.

You should have reviewed all of the Orientation material on these webpages as well as the Study Abroad Handbook.  Please click on the link below to access the

Study Abroad Orientation Assessment Form

Please fill it out completely and submit online for review. You may be asked some follow-up questions based on your responses.

If you have any questions, please contact the Center for Global Experiences at studyabroad@tntech.edu.