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Orientation
Study Abroad

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Orientation

Mandatory Student Orientation

All students participating in study abroad programs with Murray State University must attend study abroad orientation. Upcoming orientations are:

  • Spring Break 2012 Participants: Thursday, March 1, 7 p.m., Woods Hall Basement
  • Summer 2012 Participants: Friday, April 27, 2012. 4:30-9 p.m., Wrather Auditorium
  • Fall 2012 Participants: Friday, April 27, 2012. 4:30-9 p.m., Wrather Auditorium
  • Winter 2012-2013 Participants: Friday, November 9, 2012. 4:30-9 p.m., Wrather Auditorium
  • Spring 2013 Participants: Friday, November 9, 2012. 4:30-9 p.m., Wrather Auditorium
  • Spring Break 2013 Participants: Friday, March 1, 2013. 4:30 p.m., Woods Hall Basement
  • Summer 2013 Participants: TBA
  • Fall 2013 Participants: TBA

What to know before you go:

Thanks for you interest in studying abroad.  We hope that this page will help you figure out all the things you need to know before you embark on your adventure abroad.  Packing, making it through security at the airport, exchanging money, figuring out which converter you need for your chargers and hair dryers, avoiding jet lag and culture shock - you'll have a much better experience if you understand all of these elements before you leave.

Pre-departure Preparation

Basic Tips

  • Learn as much as you can about the program you are going on and the places you are going to.  If you don't speak the language, try to learn at least a few key phrases.
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  • Attend orientation. Orientation dates can be found on the program checklist for your program, found in the Application Materials & Deadlines section of this website. 

    • Packing

    • DO NOT OVERPACK!  You will have to carry whatever you pack, sometimes up stairs, onto public transportation, or while walking reasonable distances.
    • Check with the airline you are flying regarding size, weight, and number of bag restrictions.
    • Consider adding a ribbon, tape, or other identifying mark on you luggage so it is easily recognizable.
    • We recommend covered luggage tags, as well as leaving something with your name and address on it inside your suitcase.
    • In your carry-on: take an empty water bottle to refill once you're past security.  Pack your prescription medication in its original container, your camera, laptop, any valuables, and a change of clothes in case your luggage goes missing.  Do NOT include: scissors, knives, razors - anything that could potentially be a weapon. There are restrictions on the amount of liquid you can take on your carry-on.  Find those here on the TSA site.
    • Comfortable shoes are a must.  Break them in before you leave.  Tennis shoes are not always the best option, especially in wet or rainy climates.
    • Leave space for what you buy.
    • Electronics: you may need a voltage convertor and adapter.  You can buy these at Walmart or Radio Shack.  Be sure to carry your electronics and chargers in your carry-on bag.  Check the voltage and plugs of the country you're visiting here.
    • Pack extra camera batteries, charger, and memory cards.  Take extra batteries and memory cards with you on your excursions.
    • Use only TSA-approved locks on your luggage.

    Documents and Notifications

    • If you have not already received your passport, you can check the status of your application by calling 877 487-2778.  For lost or stolen passports, call 202 955-0430.
    • Pack your passport and an extra copy of your passport, and leave a copy with your emergency contact at home.
    • Register with the State Department before you leave so they can notify you in case of an emergency.
    • If you are planning to use your credit or debit card to get money during your program, notify your credit card company or bank of the places and dates you'll be abroad.
    • If you are not a U.S. Citizen, there will be additional documents required.  Contact our office for more information.

    Departing the U. S.

    Checking in

    • Check your flight details 24 hours before departure to see if your itinerary has changed.
    • Arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before your flight with your passport, your ticket/e-ticket/itinerary, and your luggage.
    • If you are on a group flight, you may all have to check in together.
    • Check your luggage and go through security as quickly as possible.  Sometimes there are very long lines.  Your friends and family cannot go with you through security, so say goodbye at this point.  Once you have cleared security, there will be shopping and food options.
    • Going through security: have your passport and boarding pass ready.  You will be asked to remove jackets, belts, shoes, and any metal objects.  You may be patted down or asked to step into a full-body scan.  Comply and do not make jokes.
    • After security, find your gate first before shopping and finding food.
    • Be at the gate early.  International flights can start boarding an hour before take-off.
    • If you have a connecting flight, check the monitors immediately after getting to the connecting airport.  Find the gate immediately.

      On the Flight

    •  Drink water!
    • Get up and walk around.
    • Take snacks in your carry-on.  Airplane food is usually not very good.
    • Vegetarians - request a vegetarian meal with the airline now.  Do not wait until check-in.
    • You can request a certain seat (aisle, window, exit row) and you might get it.  Generally, the earlier you check in, the more availability there is. 

      Arriving Overseas

    When you arrive overseas, you will go through passport control.  This is not a time for jokes.  Be courteous and answer all questions.  Due to visa requirements, short-term study abroad students should answer that they are "participating in a travel/study program with other American students for one/two week(s)."  After passport control, collect your luggage and proceed through customs.  When you have cleared customs, wait for the rest of your group.  You may find that your luggage has been searched.  If it has, there will be a card from the TSA inside saying so.  If anything is missing, you can file a claim with the airline.

     

     

    While Abroad

    Communication While Abroad

    • Be sure to investigate options for your cell phones.  Some providers have international plans.
    • Parents need to add international calling to their home phone long distance plans.
    • Skype is an easy and free way to call and video chat.  There is also online instant messaging like Facebook chat and Google chat.
    • Smart phone users should turn off their data plans so they don't get charged extra for roaming.
    • When you are calling home, keep the time difference in mind.
    • Please help your parent understand that it is unrealistic to expect daily communication is unrealistic. You might not be able to check in with them as soon as you arrive because the first day is usually packed with activities.  Tell them not to worry.

    Money

    The use of your money options will vary based on your destination.  Always have multiple ways to access money.  Don't keep your money all in one place.  Keep a copy of the back of your card in case you need to report it missing, and leave a copy of the front and back of your card with your parents or someone at home.  Do NOT use an internet cafe or hotel computer to check your bank statements.  Ways to access money abroad include:
    • Traveler's checks are not recommended.  Few places accept them and they are expensive.
    • You can take cash in U.S. dollars and change it to the local currency, or you may be able to get foreign currency from your local bank before you go.
    • If you take your debit card, you can use the ATMs abroad to get money.  Make sure your bank knows you are going to be out of the country and that your card will be accepted.  There might also be a charge for using a foreign ATM.  Transfer money to your checking account before you go - it is difficult to transfer from one account to another while abroad.
    • If you're planning to use a credit card, notify your credit card company in advance and ask about any finance charges.

    Health & Safety

    Check the CDC Vaccination Guidelines for your destination.  We require an updated Tetanus shot.
    Find more information on your destination on the State Department's Country Specific Information page.

    Emergencies
    • Ask about the emergency plans for the program you are attending.
    • All students studying abroad receive an emergency contact card. Give a copy of this card to someone back home.
    • At least one parent/guardian should have a valid passport in case an emergency occurs and they need to get to you abroad.
    • Leave a copy of the following at home:
      • Passport
      • All ATM, debit, and credit cards, front and back
      • Insurance cards (both primary and travel-specific), front and back, with plan information including contact details for the provider

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