Orientation

Any former program leader will tell you that having the students well prepared prior to leaving the country is critical to the success of your program. Schedule at least one meeting, but preferably a number of meetings, during which you can set out your expectations, logistical issues, academic overview, cultural issues, as well as give the students time to get to know you and one another.

A sample orientation meeting agenda could include:

Introduction and Overview
Purpose of the meeting: (a) get acquainted, basic logistical info, think about goals for going abroad, cultural issues and (b) program-specific details: academics and life abroad

General
Review the ‘Getting Started’ Booklet with the group (general orientation manual made available to you by Education Abroad).

Objectives for Study Abroad
Have students think about their objectives for going abroad. Have them rate their reasons and then discuss the results in the group.

Preparing Self for Study Abroad
Have students make a personal list of steps to take now to get the most of their time abroad. Steps might include research about the history and culture, picking up some basic phrases in the local language, and working through health and safety checklist. Have them share the information with each other and then discuss ways they need to know themselves and know their own country prior to being abroad.

Culture Shock / Adaptation / Re-entry
Discuss culture shock, its symptoms, the experience curve (including re-entry) and coping strategies.

Program Logistics
- Registration
- Fee payments
- Staffing and supports (IU and abroad)
- On-site orientation program
- Housing arrangements, details
- Academics
- Travel planning
- Medical history forms
- Insurance requirement and enrollment
- Assessment and grades
- Personal behavioral expectations
- Meeting the locals
- Money access
- Appropriate clothing and footwear
- Vacation travel
- Laptops, phones and mobile devices
- Personal safety and security (including drugs and alcohol, as well as situational info)

Conclusion
Lingering questions; Reminders

Returnees
Ideally, invite returnees to assist with orientation. Let them chat with past participants. The expertise of these peers is highly valued by students.

If your program includes individuals who are participating in the program but not doing the academic assignments expected of others in the group, it is important for them to attend the meeting as well. You will find that these ‘special’ participants often feel less committed to the academic and cultural goals of the program and may undermine the academic atmosphere you are trying to set.