Santiago Pre-Departure Orientation Fall 2017
SU Santiago:Center & Staff
Mauricio Paredes, PhDCenter Director
Paula LopehandiaAssistant Director
• All students require a visa to study in Chile
• Refer to the Santiago Visa Informationpage under Accepted Students.
• Visa application suggested dates:• Cuenca students – May 1• Santiago students – June 1(pending arrival of enrollment letters)
• Visa fee: $160
*Non-U.S. Citizens may be required to obtain additional visas for Ecuador, the Signature Seminar (Argentina/Uruguay), personal travel, or course/program related trips.
Visas
Health PreparationsBefore 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:• 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 [email protected]
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 SU Abroad website
Insurance Abroad
International SOS Card
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)
• 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• There are very strict baggage policies on connecting flights in South America. • We recommend:
• 1 checked bag• 1 carry-on• 1 personal item (purse)
• Airlines will charge for excess & overweight baggage.• You may need to pay to check luggage on your flight from Quito to Cuenca• Contact a Global Ambassador for packing tips
Before Departure: All students must register with ISOS MyTrips .
Suggested Flight (Cuenca Immersion):• LA2461 flight departs Miami on June 9 at 2:05 a.m. (arrive to airport June 8)• LA531 flight departs from JFK on June 8 at 11:25 p.m.• Arrive at least four hours before the flight departs. • If you have a connecting flight be sure it arrives on the correct day, at least four hours before your international
flight departs• Complete the travel questionnaire in TDS and confirm the suggested flight
Independent Travelers:• Detailed information on where to meet the rest of the group will be provided• Complete the travel questionnaire in TDS and upload your itinerary
Departure
Cuenca, Ecuador Immersion: • Depart U.S. on Thursday, June 8th, arrive in Quito on Friday, June 9th
• Students participating in the Cuenca Language Immersion program will have an orientation in Quito from CEDEISantiago:
• Following Cuenca Language Immersion Program, the entire group will meet in Santiago for two days of orientation on Tuesday, July 11th
• Then you will go on the Signature Seminar (Uruguay, Argentina, and other areas of Chile)
• Checked luggage will be stored in Santiago during the Signature Seminar
• You will move in with your Chilean host family after the Signature Seminar
Arrival & Orientation
Homestays• One student per family
• Communicate with your host family and practice Spanish as much as possible
• Keep an open mind
• Use utilities sparingly
• Latino families are open, warm and will treat you like their own children.
• What you put into your homestay, is what you will get out of it
Personal Travel:• Let your host family know about your travel plans• Complete the SU Santiago travel form
HousingOn-campus housing must be canceled
by July 1st
Academics AbroadCourse Registration
• Academic packets are available in TDS
• All students must complete the Student Advising Form by April 28th
• Registration will be completed onsite; you will have two weeks to “shop” for classes
• Hold off on making personal travel plans until your registration is finalized abroad
Academic Accommodations: (if applicable)
• Complete the Request for Accommodations online questionnaire
• Contact your ODS counselor ASAP
Expectations Abroad• Students are bound by Syracuse University’s Academic
Integrity Policy
Curriculum:
• The majority of class work comes at the end of the semester
• Internships & volunteer opportunities are available
TechnologyCell Phones:
• Bring your US phone for use pre- and post-semester travel
•Students can purchase a tracking phone in Ecuador/Chile with a local number
•Students can use an unlocked U.S. phone with a SIM card
• 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
Currency:• Ecuador - US dollars (Budget $10 a day)• Chile - Chilean Pesos
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
Money
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 DemorestSU Abroad’s Assistant Director of Student Services
In Case of EmergencyKeep your phone on & charged at all times, always travel with your phone & charger.
Contacts before departure:• Suggested flight questions/concerns: GT Tours (305) 436-0933 • Emergencies: SU Abroad 1-(800)-235-3472
While abroad:• Students: call the SU Santiago 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 Santiago staff will be sent to your
SUMail account, check it regularly
Final Reminders• Read and review the online Preparing to
Go guide
• Complete your visa application
• Complete all post-acceptance forms
• 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)
• Connect with Global Ambassadors
• Review SU Abroad Safety Guidelines
Contact InformationSU Abroad
106 Walnut PlaceSyracuse, NY 13244
(315) 443-3471(800) 235-3472
We wish you every success abroad!