Santa Clara University

May 9, 2009; 9:00 - Noon

Congratulations on your decision to study abroad during your time at Santa Clara. To help prepare you for this educational and cultural experience, Santa Clara requires that all study abroad students participate in the pre-departure orientation General Session and the respective location-specific group meetings with International Ambassadors (students who studied abroad) immediately following the General Session.  We also encourage you to participate in any of the pre-departure workshops (see below) scheduled throughout May. Spaces are limited so reserve your spot early.

Program Overview

• Check-in & Registration
  
• General Session & Notes
  
• Parents Session & Resources
• Location-specific Group Meetings & Tips Sheets
  
• Recommended Workshops
  
• Make-up Sessions for Excused Students
  

Check-in & Registration

8:45 - 9:25 AM, Mayer Lawn
Check-in at the Mayer Theater lawn to be issued their name tag, room assignment, and other last minute instructions.

General Session

9:30 - 10:30 AM, Mayer Theater
Key University officials will cover SCU study abroad policies & procedures related to health & safety, student responsibilities, code of conduct, liabilities, visa, class registration & billing procedures, course approval, and other important information. Be sure to download the various information from the handbook which will be covered by the respective panelists.

• Video - Been There! Your Turn! (International Ambassadors)
  
• General Session Agenda (Powerpoint Presentation)
  
• Tips - Preparing to Enter Another Culture (Barbara Colyar, Director of Study Abroad)
• Tips - Health & Safety Abroad (Office of Student Life)
• Tips - Registration Procedures (Office of the Registrar)
• Tips - Billing Procedures (University Bursar)
• Tips - Ensuring Proper Credit Transfer (Drahmann Advising Center)
• Study Abroad Handbook 2009-2010 (PDF)
  

Parents Session

10:45 - 11:45 AM, Kenna 104
Parents are invited to attend the General Session (room permitting), but this session will cover the same information. Barbara Colyar, Director of Study Abroad will meet with  parents to answer their specific questions while students are meeting in their respective location-specific groups. Parents are asked to bring their questions to this informal Q & A session.

• Parents Resources
  

Student Group Meetings 

10:45 - 11:45 AM, TBA
Immediately following the General Session in Mayer Theater, you will proceed to your assigned room (assigned during registration) to attend your location-specific group meetings. Led by SCU International Ambassadors (students who studied abroad in the specific locations), these group meetings will enable you to meet other students who are going to the same program-location and to get oriented to the country, city, or university. Tips sheets will be given to you.

Recommended Workshops

These workshops are led by International Ambassadors, faculty, and staff to help prepare students for the various realities in the study abroad experience. Read the brief descriptions below and find the one that most appeals to you from among the options.

Being a Woman Abroad

May 12, 2009, 6:00 - 7:00 PM, Kenna 214 (RSVP for this Event)
This is a session designed to inform and educate women about their role and their safety abroad. We will address different ways for women to maintain their safety and also to understand the importance of acting appropriately while abroad—there are so many different customs and norms for women in other countries, and it is important for female students to understand and feel comfortable with these prior to their departure. This discussion-based panel will be led by SCU international ambassadors and other female volunteers.

Travel Writing

May 13, 2009, 5:00 - 6:00 PM, Kenna 104 (RSVP for this Event)
Ever wonder about the best travel writers today? Care to find out how to publish your thoughts and reflections from your study abroad experiences? Prof. Jill Gould from the English Department will discuss practical tips on journaling while studying abroad.

Succeeding Amidst Culture Shock

May 18, 2009, 5:00 - 6:00 PM, Kennedy Commons (RSVP for this Event)
When you leave home to head to a foreign country, you are essentially starting an entirely new life for yourself. This is obviously going to take a while to adjust to, as trying to adapt to a new environment including the basic things you take for granted friends, language skills, food, family, fashion style, and even Malley Center. When you place yourself in a foreign environment, you no longer have these privileges. How do you deal with the inevitability of culture shock? A panel of experts and SCU International Ambassadors will discuss practical tips on dealing with culture shock.

Make-Up Orientation Session: For Excused Students Only

Students who requested and have been granted permission to miss the required pre-departure orientation are required to attend one of the scheduled make-up sessions. If you have a legitimate reason to be excused from the pre-departure orientation, please send an email to vraatior@scu.edu with the reason. Then RSVP online for one of the general session. We recommend you have a friend take notes at the group meetings or contact an International Ambassador to talk with them about tips as these group meetings will not be rep.
OPTION A: Tuesday, May 12, 2009, 6:00 - 7:00 PM, Kenna 107 (RSVP for this Event)
OPTION B: Wednesday, May 13, 2009, 5:30 - 6:30 PM, Benson, Conf. 21 (RSVP for this Event)