Office of International Education

Current Participants

This page is intended for all students recommended for EAP (including conditional selectees and alternates). Students accepted to non-EAP programs will also find the Academic Support and Prepare tabs useful.

How to Prepare for your experience

Culture Shock, Customs, Respect

Learning about your host culture prior to departure will help you to limit culture shock that you may experience, can help you to adapt easier, and will help you avoid possible disrespect that you could unknowingly show people from your host culture. Here are some things you can do to prepare...

1. It is important that you read your country's EAP Student Guide and General Information Guide. You will find these guides under the "Before you Go" tab, (after you select your country and program).
2. Read Culture Shock. (taken from the article by Arthur Gordon:  http://studentservices.engr.wisc.edu/international/cultureshock.html)
3. Be up to speed on the contemporary issues in your host country. Read newspapers, web resources, etc.
4. TALK TO RETURNEES! They are truly a wealth of knowledge.
5. Come to the international mingles and talk to international students!
6. Get involved with the international community by attending various international events! Check these out at our International Activities Page.

Links

General Information

• http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/index.jspa
• Atlapedia Online
• CIA World Factbook
• The Electronic Embassy
• Higher Education Systems (Worldwide)
• Library of Congress Country Studies

Students of Color Abroad

• http://www.diversityabroad.com/study_abroad_minority_students/testimonial.php
• http://www.diversityabroad.com/study_abroad_guide/minority_discrimination_abroad.php

Black Travelers

• http://www.blacktravels.com/index.html
• http://www.allabroad.us/discrimination_afam.php

Women Travelers

• http://studenttravel.about.com/od/womenstudenttravelers/a/womentips.htm
• http://www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/travel/women/index.shtml#women_travel_advisor

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered Travelers

• http://www.gaytravellerguide.com/
• http://studyabroad.msu.edu/forms/glbt.html

Asian/Pacific Islander Travelers

• http://www.globaled.us/plus/statement_apia.html
• http://www.allabroad.us/discrimination_apia.php

Latin- Hispanic American

• http://www.allabroad.us/discrimination_hispam.php

Native American

• http://www.allabroad.us/discrimination_natam.php

Green Passport

The Green Passport program, originated by Rodney Vargas, is an exciting intercollegiate initiative that promotes socially and environmentally conscious study abroad experiences. Abroad View, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Living Routes, Ithaca College, and Middlebury College helped develop this program, which is now open to all colleges and universities.

How to participate:

1. Go to http://greenpassport.ning.com and read the Green Passport Pledge, then sign up for your own Green Passport. The process takes only a few minutes, and then you'll be on your way to going green.
2. If you are a Facebook member, please join the Green Passport for Study Abroad group.
3. In preparation for "greening" your experience abroad, check out the article "Sustainable Travel and Study Abroad" for suggestions on things you can do to make a positive difference when you go abroad; also keep in mind the suggested Green Passport guidelines below.
4. Document your actions on your Green Passport blog. You can write brief descriptions about what you do to minimize your footprint on the local environment and culture; or, you can report on area- or project-specific environmental practices that you learn about abroad. If you are involved in a community-based project or organization focused on some aspect of sustainability, please write about it. You can post Forum discussions, start a group within the Green Passport program, upload photos and videos, and much more using your Green Passport account at http://greenpassport.ning.com.
5. The main idea is for you to keep track of what you do abroad to be more environmentally and socially responsible, so that you can help inspire and educate others. If you won't have computer access while abroad, please keep a journal, which will aid you in reporting on your experiences after you return home.