Beijing Pre-Departure Orientation Fall 2017
SU Beijing: Center & Staff Caroline Tong PhD Center Director Jane Xin Assistant Director
Health Preparations Before Departure: Discuss continued medical/immunization/mental health treatment with your doctor. Dental Exam Notify SUA s Assistant Director of Student Services of special storage requirements for medication Traveling with medication: You CANNOT mail medication bring enough for your entire time abroad Pack all your medication in your carry-on only Medication must be in original containers with a copy of prescription Compile all medical/health information and bring it with you in case of a medical emergency Questions: Contact Assistant Director of Student Services, Bridget Demorest brhughes@syr.edu
Insurance Abroad You are responsible for ensuring you are adequately covered abroad Review your current insurance policy for possible coverage You are expected to pay up front for the cost of a doctor s visit For more information on insurance, visit the Health and Safety of Preparing to Go
International Student ID Card (ISIC) ISIC Premium Plan (included in your program fee) Ordered through SU Abroad, receive at on-site orientation Limited supplemental emergency health and travel insurance Over 41,000 discounts worldwide on travel, hotels, entrance fees, and restaurants For more details of what ISIC Premium Plan covers, call (855) 743-6739 (U.S. & Canada) International SOS Card SU Membership Number: 11BCPA000177 Register with ISOS MyTrips travel locator for all travel Download the free ISOS Assistance app Medical referral services available 24/7 for phone and in-person consultation Contact the medical teams at ISOS for country-specific information Emergency evacuation services NOTE: The International SOS card does not provide medical insurance
Packing Pack one carry-on with all of your valuables/medication(s) Pack one larger suitcase for the semester (your checked luggage) DO NOT pack items not easily replaced (birth certificate, social security card, etc.) Check with your airline(s) for baggage restrictions and fees Contact a Global Ambassador for packing tips
Flights & Arrivals Before Departure: All students must register with ISOS MyTrips. Check with Mary Fedorko (mmfedork@syr.edu) for confirmed program dates before purchasing flight Complete the travel questionnaire in TDS and upload your itinerary All students will be met at the airport and taken to the Tsinghua University dormitory If you arrive in Beijing after 8pm, you will need to stay in an airport hotel at your own cost
Orientation A mandatory orientation will take place during the first two days. Topics and Activities: Registration with the Office of International Students Health and safety issues Cultural adjustment Overview of the SU Beijing program and services offered Tsinghua University campus tour Meet Tsinghua University helpers who will assist students with purchasing SIM cards, phones, and other items as necessary Overview of the upcoming Signature Seminar
Housing On-campus housing must be canceled by July 1 st You will live in the International Student Dormitory on Tsinghua s campus. International students from around the world will also be living in the dormitory. Single rooms with private bathroom. Bedding and linens are provided. Towels are not provided. Weekly cleaning service & sheetchanging Internet access Access to campus facilities library, health clinic, gym
Academics Abroad Course Registration Complete the Student Advising Form (SAF) by May 1 st Course registration will be completed in Beijing Hold off on making personal travel plans until your registration is finalized abroad Academic Accommodations Complete the Request for Accommodations online questionnaire Contact your ODS counselor ASAP Expectations Abroad Students are bound by Syracuse University s Academic Integrity Policy Internships If you are considering an internship abroad, complete the Internship Request Form and upload a resume
Technology Cell Phones: Bring your US phone for use pre- and postsemester travel Students can purchase a prepaid cellular phone plan or a SIM card for an unlocked U.S. phone A student buddy will assist you during orientation. Many apps provide free texting, calling, & video chatting with WiFi (WeChat, Viber, Skype, etc.) Using Your Devices Abroad: You will need a plug adapter for all appliances You may also need a converter Pack all valuable electronic items in your carry on only
Money Contact your bank: Let them know how long you will be living abroad Notify them of your travel plans (while abroad) Ask about affiliate banks abroad Ask about international fees Do NOT bring large amounts of US Dollars Create a budget for shopping, traveling, & spending abroad Optional: bring a small amount of local currency Review the financial information section of the online Preparing to Go guide
SU Community Abroad Office of Disability Services SU Housing Offices (main campus or south campus) Career Services Behavioral Standards: SU Code of Student Conduct SU Sexual & Relationship Violence Policy SU Abroad Behavioral Standards Bridget Demorest SU Abroad s Assistant Director of Student Services
In Case of Emergency Keep your phone on & charged at all times. Always travel with your phone & charger. Contacts before departure: Emergencies: SU Abroad 1-(800)-235-3472 While abroad: Students: call the SU Beijing emergency number provided at orientation Parents: contact SU Abroad 24/7 on-call staff 1-(800)-235-3472 Email: important health and safety information from Beijing staff will be sent to your SUMail account, check it regularly
Final Reminders Read and review the online Preparing to Go guide Complete all post-acceptance forms Apply for your Chinese student visa in early July Make health care arrangements (medication, insurance, etc.) Contact your bank about your travel plans Unlock your U.S. phone (optional) Research baggage restrictions & luggage fees for your airline(s) Do research about Beijing and China Connect with a Global Ambassador Review SU Abroad Safety Guidelines
We wish you every success abroad! Contact Information SU Abroad 106 Walnut Place Syracuse, NY 13244 (315) 443-3471 (800) 235-3472 suabroad@syr.edu