Useful Information
What Do You Know About Your Host Country?
There is only so much information that can be covered in an orientation
program, so here is a list of questions to help you prepare
on your own. The more you know about the culture in which you will
be immersed, the better your experience abroad will be.
Culture
- Who are the prominent people in your host country (in politics,
religion, the arts, etc.)?
- What is the traditional folk culture (dance, music, etc.)?
Politics
- What is the political structure of the country? How long has
the structure been in place?
- What is the history of the relationship between this country
and the U.S.?
Religion
- What is the predominant religion of the country? Is it a state
religion? Are their any minority religions?
- What are the most important religious observances and ceremonies?
Values/Attitudes
- What is the attitude in this country towards alcohol?
- What actions and beliefs are considered taboo (or frowned upon)?
Language
- Are there other languages spoken besides the dominant language?
- What are some common greetings and phrases?
Family
- What is the attitude toward divorce? Extra-marital relations?
Pre-marital relations?
- Is it common for women to work outside the home?
- Do university students usually live at home?
Dress
- What is the usual dress for women? For men?
- What is appropriate dress for you, as a foreigner?
Social Etiquette
- If you are invited to dinner, should you arrive early? On time?
Late? How late?
- On what occasions would you present (or accept) gifts? What
kinds of gifts are appropriate?
- How do people greet one another? Take leave of one another?
- What are the social norms surrounding dating? Mixed gender
friendships?
Daily Life
- Is the price for merchandise fixed? If not, how is bargaining
conducted?
- What is the normal daily schedule for a student? A family?
Meal schedule?
- Is there a daytime rest period?
- What is the customary time for visiting friends? Are such visits
scheduled?
(Adapted from NAFSA'S Handbook for Study Abroad 101 Organizers)
Links
Travel Resources
U.S. State
Department
The internet guide
of Hostelling
The Lonely
Planet
CNN Travel
The
Virtual World Tourist
NAFSA: Association of
International Educators
Country-Specific Information
Entry Requirements/Visas
CIA
Country Handbook
World Time Zones
Maps of
the World
Weather
Channel
World Climates
AJR
News Links
onlineNewspapers.com
Transportation
STA Travel
Commercial
airlines
WorldTraveller's.net
Washington
Dulles International Airport
Travel Alerts
State
Department Travel Warnings
U.S. State Department Tips for Students travelling abroad
Overseas Security
Advisory Council
Money
The
Euro
Olsen's
Currency Converter
Health
The CDC Travel
page
World Health Organization
Mobility International
Fun
Live
Web Cams Worldwide
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