Welcome!

1. Welcome! CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF GLOBAL ISSUES (GLOBIS) UGA STUDY ABROAD VERONA, ITALY Spring 2014

2. Very Important: • Read the Verona Spring 2014 handbook • Visit the site of: Office of International Education: http://www.uga.edu/oie/satravel.htm

3. Contact information: Dr. Han S. Park, University Professor of International Affairs, Director of GLOBIS hanpark@uga.edu • Brock Tessman, Associate Professor of • International Affairs, Associate Director of GLOBIS • tessman@uga.edu • Silvia P. Mapp, Program Coordinator for • GLOBIS Study Abroad Programs • spmapp@uga.edu

4. Before you leave the US: • Ensure you have a valid passport (renew if your passport is to expire within six months of the return date) • Keep copies of your passport and credit cards in a safe, waterproof place away from the actual passport and credit cards. • For non-US citizens: ensure you have a valid visa to enter ALL the countries we are visiting. • For US citizens: If you plan to stay in Europe for more than 90 days, you WILL NEED A VISA. Apply for such a visa at the consulate of the country of first entry into the European Union (most likely Italy). • DO NOT bring high valuable items. Only bring what you can afford to lose.

5. Before you leave the US cont’d: • Visit your doctor for a dental checkup and a general physical • Bring any prescription medication that you need + 1 week’s supply in ORIGINAL CONTAINERS • If you wear glasses/contacts, bring a second set and prescription • Discuss potential health concerns and impact of international travel with your doctor • Students who are currently, or have utilized mental health services in the past should contact the UGA Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) before going abroad.

6. Before you leave the US cont’d • Visit www.cdc.gov and www.tripprep.com for excellent health related travel information • Make an appointment with the Gilbert Health Center Travel Clinic to determine whether you will need any vaccinations. • We recommend: • a basic First Aid kit • Over the counter medication (Advil, etc. antacids, anti-diarrheal medication [immodium, etc.], neosporin, etc.) • Any other over the counter medication that you feel you cannot do without in the US

7. Before you leave the US cont’d • Packing: • Pack only as much as you can comfortably carry • Travel backpacks, suitcases with wheels recommended • Check with your airline regarding luggage restrictions. • Bring about one week of clothing • Leave room in your luggage for things to bring back from Europe. • Put a change of clothes in your carry-on in case your luggage gets lost • DO NOT bring: valuable jewelry, etc. and NO appliances

8. Getting to Verona: • You need to be in Verona, Italy by 16:00 (4:p.m.) at the Residence all’Adige on January 23, 2014. • Address: Residence all’Adige Via Magellano 28 37138 Verona, Italy Phone: 045 8340138 FAX: 045 8350448

9. Getting to Verona cont’d: For those who do not fly directly into Verona, (i.e. who fly into Venice, Milan or Rome) and take the train, the name of the Verona train station is: Verona Porta Nuova Once you are at the train station take a taxi to: Residence all’Adige Via Magellano 28 Cost is approximately € 10

10. KEEPING IN TOUCH • Phones • Only international access cell phones work overseas • Pre-paid phone cards work well • Calling cards—know access code for host country (obtain before departing USA) • E-mail • Most affordable way to communicate • Can access UGA account through ugamail • Internet cafes (cost)

11. Packages • If someone sends you a package, either by mail or courier service, the cost does not include European taxes. • When the mail service or courier service says that the price of the shipment is all inclusive this DOES NOT include the European tax. • Packages will not be delivered until the tax is paid. This can delay a delivery from 6 to 14 days. • All items being sent from the US into Europe must pay a European VAT tax that ranges from 7.5% to 30%, depending on the item. • If your package arrives at the Residence the person on duty will notify you and ask you to accept the package and make payment. If they cannot contact you, the package will be refused and returned to the sender

12. Accommodation in Verona: • Modern one-bedroom apartments • Fully furnished including cooking utensils, linens, etc. • Once a week: cleaning service of living area, not the kitchen • Modern gym facility (special price for students) • Classrooms and program office are in the Residence • Quiet time: 22:00 to 7:00 (10 p.m. to 7 a.m.) • Walking through the lobby: no bare feet • Share the Residence with the business/professional community • Laundry/dryers (cost), irons, etc. on premises

13. Avoid Jet Lag • During the flight: • Try to sleep • Drink plenty of water • Avoid caffeine and alcohol • Wear comfortable clothing and shoes • Upon arrival • Follow local time schedule for meals and sleep • Moderate exercise • Eat healthy, drink lots of fluids (water and juices)

14. Electrical connections: For cell phones, i-pods, laptops, cameras, etc. i.e. small electronic appliances will require an adaptor

16. Classes cont’d: • Every student is required to take at least one class per block. • No changes, drop/adds, or withdrawals are possible once in Verona. • Check your classes to make sure you are registered for the right classes. • Print copy of schedule for your records.

17. Studying in Verona, cont’d: • Study hard: regular credit, regular effort • Required course load: nine credits minimum (three classes) • First and foremost: an academic experience not a vacation. • Be on time for classes (being late and unexcused absences will result in grade reductions). • Get your books/readers HERE and BRING them to Verona • You are subject to UGA Academic honesty policies as if you were on campus • No travel related modifications to class schedule will be allowed

18. Studying in Verona cont’d: • UGA Study Abroad programs are required to provide reasonable accommodations for students with documented learning disabilities • Make arrangements ASAP • At least 4 weeks before departure! • Your responsibility to contact Academic Support Services—Clark Howell Hall • Complete appropriate section on health form and discuss needs with Program Director

19. General ground rules and regulations: • Zero tolerance on drug possession/dealing - will result in immediate dismissal • Renting of cars, motorcycles, scooters, etc. is strongly discouraged • Students are responsible for meeting departure deadlines. • Attendance and preparation for all classes coursework, scheduled tours, field trips, and other program activities are mandatory • If planning to be away for the weekend, provide staff with as detailed travel plans as possible, i.e. which country you’re going, what hotel you’re staying, phone number, e-mail address, fax number etc. of that lodging.

20. ALCOHOL POLICY • UGA Alcohol Policy as it applies to Study Abroad • Abuse of alcohol impairs judgment, increases risk of accident/injury • Respect host country norms re: alcohol consumption and behavior • Verona program prohibits the possession and use of alcohol on common carriers (bus, or train, etc.), during classes, or any program activities. • Subject to UGA Student Conduct Code

21. Student Disciplinary Action Procedures In case of student misconduct in terms of lateness, unexcused absences, the UGA alcohol policy, or other prohibited behaviors, the following disciplinary action procedures are in place (although some behaviors such as drug possession among others, can call for immediate dismissal). Step 1: Verbal warning Step 2: Written probation Step 3: Dismissal from program

22. Money Matters In most European countries, including Italy, the currency is the EURO (€) The current exchange rate: 1 Euro = 1.35 $ 1 $ = .74 Euro For current exchange rates: http://www.x-rates.com/

23. Money matters cont’d Getting money while away: • Traveller’s checks are not recommended • ATM’s are widely available in Europe: best exchange rates • Notify your bank that you are traveling to Europe • Carry a money belt or pouch around your neck under shirt • Bring a major credit card as a back-up • DO NOT CARRY LARGE AMOUNTS OF CASH

24. Money matters cont’d • Bargaining is common with • street vendors and at street markets • Tipping is not required in Europe. Lose change is the most that you should leave for quality service and food

25. Traveling in Europe: • When traveling by yourself on weekends: • When checking into a hotel/hostel you will need to show your passport. • Once you check out, it will be returned to you. • Most important: tell us where you are going before departure

26. Safety issues: • Foreigners are more vulnerable to crime • Keep a low profile • Try to blend in behavior and appearance • Speak English quietly • Be aware of your surroundings: spatial awareness (avoid walking with your IPOD) • Walk with purpose (check maps in private) • Ignore unwanted attention • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash/valuables • Take precautions against pick pocketing (money belt/pouch) • Limit alcohol intake • Avoid political demonstrations • Have more than one way to access funds • Keep others informed re: your whereabouts

27. Safety issues, cont’d • US constitution does NOT travel with you and will not protect you abroad • You are subject to Italian, German, even EU (depending on country) law • In case of legal problems, US Embassy or Consulate can provide assistance • Nearest: US consulate in Milan http://milan.usconsulate.gov/

28. GREATEST DANGERS FACING U.S. STUDENTS ABROAD • Traffic accidents (we strongly encourage you NOT to rent cars, scooters or motorcycles!). • Petty crime such as pickpockets and con-artists • Illness • Imprudent behavior such as being drunk, flashing lots of cash, joining in political demonstrations, protest actions, strikes, etc.

29. Safety for women: • Do not hitchhike or walk alone at night • Do not wander away from the group • All students, but particularly women should travel in groups • Women may want to review the personal safety guide provided by UGA police: http://www.police.uga.edu/personalsafety.html

30. Safety issues cont’d: gender and relationships • Unintended messages • Gender roles as defined by host culture • Appropriate/inappropriate behavior • Assess safety of new acquaintances • Deal with unwanted attention: • Avoid eye contact • Dress appropriately for local culture • Ignore it, walk with purpose

31. Health Issues • Tap water in Italy and in most of Western Europe (except Portugal) is generally safe to drink. Still, be cautious. • When in doubt, buy bottled water, particularly carbonated one (“frizzante”). • If in doubt, do NOT use ice cubes in your drinks, do NOT rinse your toothbrush and your mouth with tap water. • In addition to bringing your prescribed medication, bring prescription also. • While at the Residence, house calls by doctors are available for 35 Euro.

32. STUDY ABROAD INSURANCE • Included in program fee for all UGA programs • Can extend coverage up to 8 weeks ($1/day) • Contact T.W. Lord to make arrangements for extension • Pay for minor services up front • Submit claim for reimbursement • Provides coverage for: • Medical care • Emergency medical evacuation • Repatriation of remains • Family reunification

33. ISIC CARDS • International Student Identity Card • Serves as pre-paid phone card • Provides limited insurance coverage • Can get discounts on: • Flights • Admission to museums, movies, shows, tourist sites • GLOBIS will provide ISIC cards

34. Weather Average temperature: March: Highs: 55 F Lows: 37 F Average rainfall: March: 1 inch

35. What clothes to wear: • One water proof raincoat • One warm fleece jacket or a warm winter coat, hat, and gloves. • Pair of good, warm, water proof walking shoes. • For women: in some places such as St. Peter’s in Rome and the catacombs, a long skirt and long sleeved shirt is required (no tank tops, no spaghetti straps, etc.) • For men: long pants, no tank tops • In most situations, style of clothing is rather informal.

36. ANTI-AMERICAN SENTIMENT • What is it? • Usually written or verbal criticism related to U.S. foreign policy and/or cultural influence • How to deal with it: • Don’t take it personally • Ignore unwanted attention from strangers • Be well-informed of history and current events • In conversations: • Use it as an opportunity to learn more about host country • Ask questions about the person’s beliefs, national sentiment on particular issues • Share your thoughts and experiences

37. Be an informed, respectful traveler: • Learn as much as you can about the countries you/we are going to visit • Respect local culture • Attempt to speak in their language • Avoid careless judgements • Do not judge, just observe • Remember: you are a guest in their country

38. Most important: Give Europeans a reason to like Americans.

39. Civediamo in bella Italia!(See you in beautiful Italy!)