Hong Kong City U. Direct Enroll Pre-Departure Orientation Fall 2017
SU Hong Kong: Center & Staff Aleksandra Thurman, PhD Center Director Julion Lam, Iris Shum, Josette Li SU Hong Kong Center Staff
Program Dates August 14 December 24, 2017 (for students participating on the optional 2-credit Signature Seminar to Mainland China, Malaysia, Singapore) August 28 December 24, 2017 (for students NOT participating on the Signature Seminar) All students are automatically enrolled in the Signature Seminar unless they contact Mary Fedorko (mmfedork@syr.edu) to withdraw by the May 1 deadline.
Health Preparations Before Departure: Discuss continued medical/immunization/mental health treatment with your doctor. Dental Exam Compile all medical/health information and bring it with you in case of a medical emergency Traveling with medication: If you are currently taking medication, continue to take it overseas 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 your prescription Notify SUA s Assistant Director of Student Services of special storage requirements for medication 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
Departure Before Departure: All students must register with ISOS MyTrips. Group Flight : Please note: Group Flight dates correspond to the HK Center program (August 14 December 19, 2017) which differ from the CityU Direct Enroll Option If you take the Group Flight to HK, you will need to inform the travel agent before purchasing the ticket that your return date is different. Rate differences will likely apply. Arrive at airport at least four hours before the Group Flight departs Complete the travel questionnaire in TDS and confirm your group flight Independent Travelers: Detailed information on where to report for orientation in Hong Kong will be provided. Complete the travel questionnaire in TDS and upload your itinerary
Signature Seminar For students participating on the Signature Seminar: A detailed itinerary of the Signature Seminar will be sent to you later in the summer Pack one carry-on for the seminar; pack one larger suitcase for the semester (your checked luggage) Your luggage for the semester will be stored in Hong Kong while you are traveling
Orientation Students attending the Signature Seminar will have their mandatory orientation with Center students beginning Tuesday, August 15 Students NOT attending the Signature Seminar will have their mandatory orientation on Tuesday, August 29 An extensive overview of local issues & safety resources will be given covering these topics: Overview of the CityU direct enroll program; registration; drop/add procedures Health and safety issues Cultural adjustment Campus tour
Housing On-campus housing must be canceled by July 1st CityU Residence Halls SU Abroad applies for on-campus housing on your behalf; dorm rooms are not always available Dorm rooms are doubles with shared bath; common room with simple cooking devices on each floor Students can rent bedding from CityU or purchase upon arrival Grand Blossom House Apartment Building Each apartment contains 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, living room, kitchen Very compact Bedding linens are provided; bring a towel Weekly cleaning service at the apartments No overnight guests Approximately a twenty-five minute commute by metro (subway) to City University of HK
Academics Abroad Course Registration: Return the signed Student Advising Form (SAF) directly to Mary Fedorko by April 14, or earlier If any courses have pre-requisites, submit the syllabi to Mary Fedorko You must have an updated official transcript on file with SU Abroad If you have academic requirements, submit a statement identifying them. 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
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 Many apps provide free texting, calling, & video chatting with WiFi (Whatsapp, 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: Group flight questions/concerns: Advantage Travel (315) 471-2222 Emergencies: SU Abroad 1-(800)-235-3472 While abroad: Students: call the SU Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong 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 tourist visa starting in mid-june 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 Hong Kong 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