COF STUDENTS

Want to study abroad for a semester/ summer or year?

Looking for information on faculty-led travel courses?

Study abroad is open to all students. If you have specific questions or concerns, make an appointment with your campus study abroad advisor or at the GEO Center. Below are some information and resources for some specific populations of the COF community pertaining to study abroad. The GEO Center also has four printed guides from the Glimpse Foundation on Race Abroad, American Identity, Gender Roles Abroad and Studying in a Developing Country. Come visit and pick up a copy!

GLBTQ

Most programs strive to create an open and accepting environment for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning (GLBTQ) students. However the level of cultural acceptance for GLBTQ people varies from country to country. While many places abroad are more accepting of the GLBTQ community than here in the U.S., members of the GLBTQ community may be at greater risk of crime or violence. Homosexuality is illegal in some countries and can result in imprisonment. GLBTQ students should carefully research their host country and use caution.

The United Kingdom's Foreign and Commonwealth Office has issued travelers tips specifically for the GLBTQ community. These tips are intended as general advice to GLBTQ travelers and have been adapted here to fit the needs of the American GLBTQ community.

• Ask your program director if there are any legal issues related to GLBTQ issues in your study abroad country, or countries in which you will be traveling.
• Be aware of your surroundings. If you feel threatened or feel that someone is following you, go into a shop or other public area. Do not be afraid to ask for help.
• Get to know your destination. There are many gay travel guides on the market and the internet. The GLBTQ press can also be a great resource for travel information. For more information about specific websites see the next page.
• No matter what your sexual orientation, it is important to think about your sexual health before you leave. Many sexual health products are not as readily available abroad as they are in the United States and quality and dosages can differ. Always practice safe sex. (For more information, see Staying Healthy.)
• More and more hotels are now actively welcoming same-sex couples. But it is wise to learn this before you go and make reservations in advance to avoid difficulties when checking in.
• Bear in mind that some resorts can be quite segregated and, when you are outside distinct gay 'neighborhoods', open expressions of your sexuality might be frowned upon.
• Try to avoid potentially risky situations. Be aware of your environment, stay alert and in control.
• Be aware that criminals have been known to exploit the generally open and relaxed nature of gay 'neighborhoods' and beaches. Don't leave your belongings unattended and try not to carry large amounts of money around with you.
• If you get into any difficulties, seek the advice of your program director, local police, or the nearest American consulate.
• Learn the laws of your host country that relate to GLBTQ issues.

GLBTQ Web Resources

www.ilga.org
International Lesbian and Gay Association Features the most comprehensive data on laws affecting lesbians and gays around the world in the ILGA World Legal Survey section.

www.ilga.org
International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission. This site allows you to search for information regarding safety issues, and support networks all around the world.

www.gay.com
American company with country specific information. Has various sister sites in target languages for various regions of the world.

www.gayguide.net
Includes links to several hundreds of Gay Guides, covering almost every country in Africa, Asia, Canada, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, Oceania and the United States.

www.pinkpassport.com
This website provides the Gay and Lesbian Community with information relevant to world travelers for free.

Students of Color

As a student of color, you will encounter many cultural dynamics abroad. Understanding cross-cultural differences, including those that may be offensive, are an integral part of the entire study abroad “experience.” There are various methods that may assist your immersion into a new culture, and should be recognized as assets to help maintain comfort and security abroad:

• Use your communication, foreign language, and coping skills.
• Do not be afraid to ask for help and reach out for support.
• Research possible connections with minority student organizations on your host campus.
• Be informed of your legal rights as they pertain to discrimination abroad.
• Be in contact with organizations that combat discrimination in the immediate area.
• File complaint reports with local police departments or the U.S. embassy if needed.
• Always carry proper identification, in case local officials unexpectedly stop you.

There are also various coping methods you can use to deal with issues while abroad:

• Maintain pride and self-confidence by acting tactfully in addressing possible situations.
• Remain in contact with on-site program directors and counselors.
• Use your network of friends, both abroad and at home.
• Talk to your host families (if applicable).

Students of Color Web Resources

MSU’s guide to students of color and study abroad
studyabroad.msu.edu/people/studentsofcolor/intro.html

Indiana University’s resources for students of color
www.indiana.edu/~overseas/basics/life/minority_resources.shtml

www.globaled.us/plato/diversity.html
A new initiative (part of a very highly regarded organization) which is just beginning to build its website to support students of color traveling abroad. Currently, they have a webpage for each community of color, which includes under “Supporting Diversity” a “What About Discrimination” page customized for African-Americans, Asian/Pacific Islanders, Hispanic-Americans, or Native Americans. Check these resources now, and check back during your experience as their resources are likely to grow

Students with Disabilities

Students with learning, mental or physical disabilities may face more challenges abroad than in the U.S. Recognition of and support for disabilities vary from country to country. Accessibility can also be more limited. It is important to be very open and honest with your program provider about the accommodations or support that you may need while abroad. The Council on International Education and Exchange has a pamphlet on studying abroad with disabilities. Tips include:

• Identify yourself as a person with a disability early in the process. If you do, you will improve your chances of securing the accommodations you need to make participation possible.
• Plan logistics and pack. Do you need special equipment like an adapter or transformer for your wheelchair, a laptop with adaptive software, or hearing aid batteries? Talk to the consulate of your host country and to your airline about entering the country with special equipment or medications.
• Verify health insurance coverage. Some study abroad programs include health insurance and some don’t. Check your regular policy to be sure you are covered overseas, and how payment for services are rendered.
• Get informed. Ask program providers if they have dealt with disabilities before, and if they can put you in touch with students willing share their stories.
• Discuss your accommodations with program staff. Introduce yourself to the program director and discuss specific needs or concerns with them. Do you need extra time on tests? Orientation and mobility training? Counseling? Wheelchair ramps? Sign language interpreters? They will do their best to help.
• Seek local resources. For country or city specific information, contact national or local disabilities organizations. The National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange (NCDE) has a database of disability organizations worldwide at www.miusa.org; their staff can assist in finding others for you.
• Take ownership of your disability and learn what you can do to accommodate your own needs. This may mean memorizing bus routes or which have street curb cuts, seeking out deaf clubs to learn the local sign language, or identifying people willing to provide informal support like assisting you with grocery shopping.
• Allow yourself to accept more assistance than you would at home, or use assistance at home if it’s not available abroad.
• Be realistic about challenges and open to new experiences. The more open-minded you are about the ways things can happen, the more you’ll experience. Realistically, though, you may not end up participating fully in every activity. Understand how the local culture works, adapt your behavior to accommodate it, and you’ll have a fulfilling study abroad experience.

Mobility International USA also has great tips for international travelers with disabilities: http://www.miusa.org/ncde/tipsheets/mobilitydisability
http://www.miusa.org/ncde/tipsheets/medications
Adapted from CIEE’s Knowledge series pamphlet on studying abroad with disabilities.

Pre-Departure Information

Signed up to study abroad? Check out these resources before you leave! There is information specific to your country and lots of general travel information.

Mandatory pre-departure orientations will be held for semester/year study abroad and for faculty-led travel courses. Watch for announcements on your campus and on the GEO Center page for dates and times.

What’s up with culture?
State Department Background Notes
Country Handbooks from the Center for Global Education
Check passport status

Important information regarding passport applications

Application processing:

• For non-expedited passport applications submitted after March 15, 2007, there is an approximate four month processing time line.
• For expedited passport applications submitted after March 15, 2007, there is an approximate 10-14 week processing time line.
• Currently, it is probably not possible to retro-actively expedite a passport, although students should still try to do so.

Checking Passport Status:

• All students should track the status of their passport applications on the U.S. State Department’s website at http://www.travel.state.gov/ http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/status/status_2567.html
• It is extremely difficult to reach staff at the Passport Agency by phone to ask questions. One may try to set up an appointment through the automated system if leaving the U.S., or schedule a visa appointment within 14 days, but the system is overloaded.
• Perry International (and probably other visa/passport agencies) has very limited ability to help students due to the incredible backlog at the passport processing agency. Perry and other agencies will not likely be an option for students, but you may refer students to them.

Passport Status and Suggested Actions

1. A student who has not yet submitted his/her passport application should:

• Apply immediately and expedite it. It is likely that a student will have to travel to a regional passport agency (see #3 below) to try and get an emergency appointment if he/she has not received a passport within 14 days of a visa application deadline or 14 days before departure.

2. A student who has applied but has not heard anything should:

• Check the U.S. State Department’s website for a status update immediately and continue tracking until he/she receives a passport.
• Try contacting the U.S. State Department 24 hr passport hotline. As this line has high call volume, especially during business hours, one might have a better chance getting through to someone by calling at night or on weekends.
• Again, if a student has not received a passport within 14 days before departure, the student may have to travel to a regional passport agency (see #3 below) to try and get an emergency appointment.

3. A student who is within 14 days of visa appointment or departing for a program and still does not have a passport should:

• Make an appointment with the regional passport processing office. These offices may help students that are applying for a visa or are leaving for a program within 14 days that have applied for a passport and not yet received it by issuing a temporary passport. For a list of these offices, please see: http://travel.state.gov/passport/about/agencies/agencies_913.html.
• If a student is NOT able to get an appointment at the regional passport office, the student should plan to make a personal appearance at the office 48 hours prior to departure or before their visa application deadline. Students should arrive VERY EARLY (before opening hours—even if they have an appointment) to get in line at the passport office. They should be prepared with two complete passport applications, including payment, photos, and official birth certificate. Therefore, it may be advisable for students to obtain an extra official copy of their birth certificate now.
• In order to support student’s applications, IES is prepared to provide a letter, stating that they have the visa appointment or are leaving the country on XX date.
• Students may also try contacting their senator’s/congressperson’s office to see if they can provide any assistance.