Aug 28

Top 5 Tips for Using Credit Cards for Study Abroad

By Missy Gluckmann International Education Tools, Travel Tips, faculty led study abroad, safety abroad 2 Comments »

Study abroad takes a great deal of planning and careful thought regarding finances.  Here is Melibee’s top 5 list on using credit cards overseas.

1)  Read the credit card agreement. Most people never bother to do this, so have no idea what policies apply to using your card, domestically OR abroad. The agreement will cover transaction fees, late fees, APR (annual percentage rate), credit limits and more.  You should also visit your local bank to know if  you can use your debit card abroad and if there are associated fees. In my experience, this can often be the most cost effective way to pay for services abroad and to obtain cash. However, read on, as there can be issues with these too!

2) Have a plan for when you will and won’t use the credit card. Will it be for emergencies only?  Will it be for specific purchases such as souvenirs or hotels?  Know the cost/benefit of using the card in these cases. For example, if your credit card comes with a rewards program and you plan to use the card to obtain airline miles (or that “gift” electronic gadget that you’re only 1000 points away from scoring), realize that it could easily cost you the same amount, or more, in transaction fees to reach these reward program goals. It is necessary to take the time to understand the consequences of purchases abroad.  You will need a strategy!  For example, what service fee will be charged?  (It is often a % of the purchase amount vs a flat fee.)  Charging purchases in the adrenaline rush of international travel and study can quickly snowball into a staggering bill and years of payments when not managed properly. Not managing the budget can result in issues with credit scores (in the US) – which is a lifeline for future credit.  Take it seriously!

3) Notify the credit card company of your upcoming study abroad and tell them where you plan to study and travel. Your card can and often will be frozen if there is an unusual pattern of purchases.  Carrying a 2nd, back up, card can help if this does happen even after calling your card company.  You can ask for a back up copy of your main credit card, but don’t activate it abroad unless your first card is frozen.  And have a back up plan in case the card isn’t available – keep a reasonable supply of cash on you.  A reasonable amount will depend on where you are studying and traveling.  Ask whether you’ll need to show ID (such as your passport) when using the card abroad.  This is often the case in some locations or venues.

4) Chip cards with a PIN (personal identification number) cards can often be more efficient abroad. Many other countries will not be able to process credit (or debit) cards that only have a magnetic strip, which is the type of card that the US likes to issue.  The US is very behind in this area and it has caused many woes for travelers abroad.  In these cases, there is often no ability to manually punch the card number into the machine either.  And be forewarned that some establishments (in the US and abroad) will not accept the American Express card (chip or no chip) simply because their processing fees are higher than Mastercard and Visa.

5) Sign up for on-line bill payment.  This will allow you to quickly see your purchases and associated fees, as well as receive emails with the due date of your payments. This will help you to avoid any late fees and allow time to adjust your budget, based on your spending patterns, if needed.

And here is a bonus tip for program administrators and faculty:

6)  Study Abroad programs should include a policy/plan regarding students who, despite all of these tips, still are unsuccessful using their cards abroad. I have worked with many faculty who are asked, in a moment of student desperation, to foot the bill when a student’s credit card does not work abroad and they have no funds for something as basic as meals. (It does happen – and you’ll often hear about it from other students who notice that another student hasn’t eaten in 2 days!)  All students should be asked to sign a document (pre-departure) that confirms that they will need to reimburse the program (within “x” number of days) for any funds that were spent due to an emergency.

I hope these tips are useful.  Be sure to comment if you have other advice to share on the subject!

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Aug 01

Melibee’s Top 5 New York City Tips

By Missy Gluckmann Multicultural Lives, Travel Tips, Uncategorized No Comments »

I am a native New Yorker and have been exploring one of the world’s greatest cities for my entire life. Here are some tips for a great NYC trip that won’t be in the guide books:

1)  The Tenement Museum: I love history and therefore this small museum is easily one of my favorite NY experiences.  While everyone goes to Ellis Island Museum to learn about the immigrant experience, the Tenement Museum tells the stories of immigrants who lived in 97 Orchard Street, a tenement built in 1863 on Manhattan’s Lower East Side.  The building was painstakingly restored to illustrate the lives of NY immigrants after they left Ellis Island.  Researchers scavenged through the building, which had been vacant for 50 years, combed through archives, and complied evidence about tenants and tenement life. They managed to restore 6 apartments, including the home of the Moores, Irish immigrants who lived at 97 Orchard in 1869.  Walking through this building, which can only be seen by guided tour, gives you a sense of how incredibly difficult it was to be an immigrant in NYC. You really can feel the spirit of the people who once resided here and you leave looking at Orchard Street through an entirely new set of lenses.

2)  The High Line: This is one of New York’s newest outdoor spaces and it would have even wowed Frederick Law Olmstead. The High Line is located on Manhattan’s West Side. It runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to 34th Street, between 10th/11th Avenues. The High Line was originally constructed in the 1930s, to lift dangerous freight trains off Manhattan’s streets. Today, it is a gorgeous park that seems to float above the city. The old train rails are incorporated into the design – and the landscaping is spectacular. During the summer you’ll find local sunbathers parked on the benches scattered throughout the park and you may even catch a wedding ceremony taking place!  Check out this video about the High Line:

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3) Punk Rope: If you’re game to meet “real” New Yorkers, you must try one of NY’s most social fitness raves – Punk Rope! This exercise class is so much fun – you jump rope to punk music and play games that will make you laugh while working out and meeting new people.  Each week, Tim Haft, Punk Rope’s Founder and President, offers a new themed class and play list. One of his goals is to celebrate cultures around the world, so you may catch one of their tribute classes such as Japan, Mexico, Sweden, China, Germany, England, Scotland, Ireland, France, and India – all while in the Big Apple.   Now you’re wondering how you’re going to meet people while exercising, right?  Here’s the best part of Punk Rope:  they have a happy hour at Otto’s Shrunken Head the first Monday of every month (all drafts only $2). And Punk Ropers are known for their “pizza crawls” – they hit some of NYs best pizza joints together!  Feel free to check out their Facebook page for more information.  Check out this great video about PunkRope:

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4)  Food: One of the hardest things about traveling for me is finding the “right” place to eat.  I’m a “foodie.”  I love to cook, I love to eat and I love to eat “clean” food.  After all, there is nothing worse than knowing your dinner has been sprayed with enough pesticides to kill a small army of ants!  The NYC solution is GustOrganics, the first and only certified organic restaurant in NYC.  And this INCLUDES the bar.  It also includes gluten-free options for those of you who are sensitive to gluten.  Oh, and did I mention that the food is FABULOUS?  From their risotto, to their Argentinian stew, to their hearty soups, you will not be disappointed.  And for those of you who don’t normally eat organic food, you’ll quickly taste the difference, you’ll also feel the difference.  After all of this incredibly healthy food, I realize that sometimes one must indulge on the sugar “dark side.”  My strongest recommendation is Rice to Riches.  This is a rice pudding bar and it is so incredibly mouth wateringly delicious that I can’t believe it hasn’t been franchised. My mouth is seriously watering just thinking about this perfect foodie combination!

5)  View of the NYC Skyline: Head over to Weekhawken, NJ for the best view of the NYC skyline.  This is a photo of me and my beau, Tony, with the view of the skyline.  Note the Empire State Building lit up in red, white and blue behind me.

Missy and Tony in Weehawken, New Jersey (USA) with a view of the NYC skyline behind us.

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Jul 17

Sustainability in International Education: Interview with Michael Despines

By Missy Gluckmann Globalization, International Education Conferences, International Education Tools, International Education Week, Multicultural Lives, Professional Development, Travel Tips, Uncategorized No Comments »

Michael Despines, Guest Blogger

Today’s guest post is by the very talented Michael Despines, Sustainability Advocate. I had the pleasure of meeting Michael at the School for International Training in the early 90s. This past year, Michael served as the keynote speaker at the Connecticut State University System’s International Education Conference. His multimedia presentation was talked about for weeks!  He was incredibly effective at breaking down very complicated issues (climate change/sustainability and how it impacts the global community) into digestible morsels, while relaying individual action plans for participants.

For today’s guest blog, I asked Michael about how the crisis facing our planet is impacting communities around the world. Please enjoy his thought provoking responses and be sure to check out his incredible bio below.

Note: Michael is available for presentations (on both issues of sustainability and development) and can be booked through Melibee Global.

Melibee Global (MG): Michael, what prompted you to shift your career and personal focus from international relief work to environmental sustainability ?

Michael Despines (MD): Early on in my career overseas I realized that our work was to help poor countries become economic replicates of the United States or Europe.  Intuitively, I sensed that our society was not sustainable and I began a lifelong study on issues related to sustainability.  The more I learned, the more my sense of concern and urgency grew.  Over time, I decided to return to the U.S. and work on educating people about these issues and promoting a prosperous and sustainable society.

MG: Melibee Global is a blog that focuses on international education. In this field, there has been a lot of buzz about the “Green Passport” program. Are we moving in the right direction with this program?  How can those of us who plan programs around the world (study/internships/volunteer abroad) be more effective in minimizing or offsetting the carbon footprint?

MD: Your question is a profound one.  I am a passionate believer in the value of travel abroad – my overseas experience completely transformed me and opened untold worlds of intellectual, emotional and spiritual growth.  That being said, international travel has a tremendous cost and recreational air travel will soon be an anachronism.  The Green Passport program is right on – it places travel in proper perspective.  Travel must be revered and respected for the extreme privilege that it is.  The traveler must understand the high cost to the planet of such an experience and be committed to making the changes needed to live his or her life, day in and day out, in balance with nature.  Carbon offset projects rarely produce the promised reductions – do not rely on them.

MG: As individual travelers, what are the changes we should be making to impact sustainability positively?

MD: Use public transportation as much as you can.  Drive as little as possible.  Support local business and local food suppliers.  Carry your own water.  Avoid plastic.  Be aware of your choices and their impacts.  Take your time.  Much of the worst damage we do to the planet takes place when we rush or when we are short on time (eating fast food, buying bottled water, using throw away goods, etc.)

MG: How do you address those who say that climate change is a fairy tale?

MD: The debate was over 20 years ago.  Every, and I mean every, credible scientific body in the world has signed on in support. Every government in the world, including the United States under George Bush, has publicly acknowledged that man-made climate change is a fact.  Get over it.  Climate change deniers now fall among those who believe that world is flat, or that man did not go to the moon.

MG: Can you recommend any books for our readers?

MD: Hmmm, so many.  “The Bridge at the Edge of the World: Capitalism, the Environment, and Crossing from Crisis to Sustainability” by James Gustave Speth. Read this book and you will understand all the key environmental, social, political, and economic issues, problems and solutions related to creating a sustainable society.  “An Agenda for a New Economy” by David Korten.  A thin book that changed how I live my life.  Here is a longer list.

MG: You spent many years working with the International Rescue Committee in Africa.  How are issues with climate change specifically impacting this region of the world?

MD: The poorest people in the world in both Africa and Asia are being hit hardest by the impacts of climate change.  Developing countries are heavily reliant on agriculture – the dramatic shift in climate is causing more frequent floods in some areas and extreme droughts in others.  Either way yields are dropping.  Hunger is rising.  Each year there are an additional 150,000 deaths from malaria as the rising temperatures are allowing malaria laden mosquitoes to move into new areas.  Women are particularly vulnerable –  they have the least access to education and information about how to respond to climate change.  Most farmers are actually women so they suffer most when crops fail.  Women also take care of the children and the household so they are least able to flee the rising number of extreme weather events caused by climate change.

MG: Is it too late for us to change to deal with climate change?  Is it too late to create a sustainable society?

MD: The way we live our life right now in America is taking us on a path to societal suicide.  Our demands on the planet are overwhelming the planet’s life support systems.  The signs are everywhere.  Temperatures rising.  Fish stocks collapsing.  Forests disappearing.  Water tables dropping.  That is the bad news.  The good news is that all the solutions are here, right now, today.  We don’t need any new technology to create a world that is prosperous and in balance with nature.  We simply have to make different choices.  The future can be astounding.  Really.  In my talks I help map out both the bad and the good and the potential that awaits us.  But the clock is ticking, and we must start making these changes NOW.  Mother Nature will not wait much longer before she takes corrective action.

MG: Before we wrap up, I’d like to switch gears for a moment. You are an accomplished photographer. Tell our readers about how you got started with this hobby.

MD: As a child I was always crazy about animals: my room was full of stuffed toy animals and animal picture books.  Every Sunday night I would anxiously await the next episode of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom.  I had seen every animal documentary made.  So, when I went to Africa as a Peace Corps volunteer I bought my first cheap Nikon camera.  Over the years I gradually taught myself how to take a decent photo and I went on safari every chance I could.  Connecting with nature is essential.  Nature nutures.

MG: Thank you, Michael, for sharing your wisdom with our readers.

Michael Despines' safari photo: Zebras

About the Author: For 17 years Michael Despines worked as a senior manager, strategist, and advocate for several international relief and development organizations.  As Regional Director for the International Rescue Committee, he supervised programs in Rwanda, Burundi, The Republic of Congo, The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Tanzania.  Michael spent six years in eastern DRC as the country director overseeing a broad range of humanitarian and development programs.  He has also worked for the International Medical Corps in Angola, and Action against Hunger-USA in Rwanda.  He began his overseas work as a Peace Corps volunteer in Gabon. Over the last several years Michael has focused on promoting sustainable development in the United States.  He has worked with Environment America, Clean Air-Cool Planet, and spent a year with Friends of the Earth advocating for sound US policy to address the impacts of climate change and he co-authored a report on the risks associated with the use of carbon offsets.  He is currently the Regional Director for Asia for CHF International, an international development organization. Michael has conducted extensive reading and research on environmental science, climate science, energy technology, consumption, economics, and other topics related to sustainability.  Based on this research and life experience Michael created “The American Dream – The World’s Nightmare,” a powerful presentation that he offers to high schools, colleges, universities, churches and other public venues to increase public awareness and action on these issues. Michael holds a B.S in Electrical Engineering, a B.A. in General Arts and Science, and a Masters in International Management. He is fluent in French and English.


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Jul 11

US Passport Fees Change on July 13th

By Missy Gluckmann Travel Tips No Comments »

On Tuesday, July 13th, 2010, the fees for passports and passport cards will increase as follows:

U.S. Passport Book
Passport Fee
Payable to Department of State		 Acceptance Fee
Payable to Acceptance Facility		 Total Applicant Fee
Adults: First-Time
(Age 16 and older)		 $110 $25 $135
Adults: Renewal (Applying with DS-82) $110 $0 $110
Minors (Under age 16) $80 $25 $105
U.S. Passport Card
Passport Fee
Payable to Department of State		 Acceptance Fee
Payable to Acceptance Facility		 Total Applicant Fee
Adults: First-Time
(Age 16 and older)		 $30 $25 $55
Adults: Renewal (Applying with DS-82) $30 $0 $30
Minors (Under age 16) $15 $25 $40
Other Service Fees
Additional Visa Pages
 $82
File Search Fee
 $150
Expedite Processing
 $6

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May 26

US Department of State Increases Non-Immigrant Visa Fees

By Missy Gluckmann Travel Tips No Comments »

Effective on June 4, 2010, the US Department of State will be increasing fees for non-immigrant visas to the United States.

The H, L, O, P, Q and R non immigrant visas will increase from $131 as follows:

  • H, L, O, P, Q and R:  $150
  • E:  $390 / K: $350

The fee for all other nonimmigrant visas will be $140.

New fees will be in place for Mexican citizens applying for a Border Control Card:

  • Age 15 and over: $140
  • Under age 15: $14

More information is available at the State Department’s Travel web site.

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Apr 29

Social Media and Study Abroad – Addiction?

By Missy Gluckmann Travel Tips, Uncategorized, faculty led study abroad 4 Comments »

The Chronicle of Higher Education recently cited a new study out of the University of Maryland that indicates that students who are denied social media describe their withdrawal symptoms in terminology similar to those of drug and alcohol addicts. According to the Chronicle article, the study from the International Center for Media and the Public Agenda, “24 Hours: Unplugged,” asked 200 students on the campus to give up all media for a full day and blog on private Web sites about their experience. Student reaction showed addiction like withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, misery, and being jittery, the authors wrote.

I got a taste of this when recently co-facilitating a pre-departure orientation for a summer program in Spain.  The students regularly asked about whether or not to bring their lap tops and how to best manipulate their smart phones to work in Europe.

My gut reaction is to want to stand up and SCREAM at the top of my lungs:  “Drop the technology!  Step away from the keyboard! Dump your phone into the nearest lake (ok, not very green, I admit…but you get my point)!”

Since I could not reasonably do this and remain gainfully employed, I gently interjected, reminding the students that simply walking down the street in Madrid will be a whole new sensory experience -  history, architecture, shops, smells of food, music, traffic, people, sights, etc.  I wanted them to trust that they won’t be glaring down at the cell phone wanting to know who is texting about their annoying little brother, or worse yet, “four squaring you” to tell you that they checked in at the local Seven-Eleven to buy a sugar loaded Big Gulp.

Really, I promise, you will NOT miss it.  I promise you will be so completely absorbed by your new surroundings that you won’t want to observe the musings of your peers on Facebook.  The relationship statuses, random thoughts and “Mafia War”/”Farmville” statuses simply won’t matter.

But how do you get this across to an 18 year old who is socialized to feel withdrawal symptoms when they can’t text or Facebook for 24 hours?

Thankfully, an old soul in the pre-departure meeting makes the connection that plugging in your laptop and sucking up the electricity in your home stay may not be the most appropriate way to introduce yourself as an American college student.  Or an American. Or a guest in someone’s home.  Or a world citizen trying to respect energy resources.

Who says there isn’t hope for our youth?

This is quickly countered by a student who wants to download her photos daily for her art class. Dang it! It is a fair request, I suppose.

I feel the tug of war raging inside of me.  To tech or not to tech? That is the question.

The irony is that I write this on my lap top, post it to my Melibee Global Facebook Fan page and then load it to my LinkedIn profile status update.   I have also partnered with Digital Strategy Works (the shop that created my blog) and we are consulting together in all matters that relate to digital media and international education.  Does this make me a hypocrite?  Sigh.

Ah, technology.  It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…

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Apr 27

Volcano in Iceland: A D”ash” of Humor Required!

By Missy Gluckmann SEVIS, Travel Tips, USCIS, faculty led study abroad, travel insurance No Comments »

The recent volcano in Iceland had those of us calling our institution’s insurance providers to find out if we had, in fact, purchased the “natural disaster” flight interruption insurance.  I thought those of you around the globe would enjoy reading about how The United States Citizenship and Immigration Service’s (USCIS) dealt with the volcano.  They posted the following “special update related to the volcano eruption in Iceland” on their web site on April 21st:

This advisory is for foreign nationals stranded in the U.S. because of the airport closures in Europe due to the Icelandic volcano eruption.  If you have exceeded or are about to exceed your authorized stay in the U.S. you may be permitted up to 30 days to depart.

Visitors traveling under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP):

  • If you are at an airport, contact the U.S. Customs and Border Protection office at the airport.
  • If you are not at an airport, visit the local U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office.

Visitors traveling under a non-immigrant visa:

  • Visit the local U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office.
  • Bring your passport, itinerary for the canceled flight, and your I-94 departure record.

Special Situations

Sometimes natural catastrophes and other extreme situations can occur that are beyond your control. These events can affect your USCIS application, petition or immigration status. We cannot anticipate these events, but will do our best to help you get the benefits for which you qualify.

When requested, the following options may be available to people affected by natural catastrophes and other extreme situations:

Extensions & Changes of Status
We recognize that when affected by a disaster you may, through no fault of your own, fall out of status. When applying for an extension or change in status due to a disaster, we may consider your request if you show how it is directly connected to the disaster.

Fee Waiver
If you are unable to pay the fee for a USCIS service or benefit, you may request that your fee be waived for certain forms.

Employment Authorization
As an academic student, you may need to work off-campus if a disaster has affected your ability to support yourself. The disaster may occur in the United States and prevent you from working on-campus or the disaster may occur overseas and affect your economic support. If you can demonstrate that you are from an affected country or region and you have been recommended for such employment by the Designated School Official (DSO), you may be eligible to receive employment authorization when filing the I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.

Document Replacement
If you have lost your USCIS-issued documents through no fault of your own, you may show your need for replacing the documents.

To replace a/n… You must file a…
Green Card Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Residence Card, or request interim evidence of permanent residence stamp (I-551 stamp) from a USCIS Field Office
Form I-94 Form I-102, Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival/Departure Record
Employment Authorization Document Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization

Abandonment or Failure to Respond to a Request for Evidence
If you have not appeared for an interview or submitted evidence, you may show how the disrupting event affected your connection to USCIS and your ability to appear or submit documents as required.

Expedited Processing
If you need USCIS to consider your request for a service or benefit more quickly, you may make that request when filing or after you file.

I have to admit, I did giggle out loud when I read this. Why? Here were my immediate thoughts:

1) During times of disaster, I wonder how incredibly stressful it would be for a student to think about dealing with these forms (the site doesn’t actually LINK to the forms!) and pleading a case for a fee waiver.

2)  I wonder how long it will take for students to get a reply if I-765 applications are running an average of 90 days?!

3) For those on the VWP instructed to go to the Customs and Border Protection Office at the airports, I kept imagining that the lines there would be more stressful than falling accidentally out of status!

I would be interested in hearing how your country dealt with “status” related to the volcano AND how you interpret this USCIS special announcement.

Meanwhile, for those of you administering study abroad programs, be sure to call your insurance company – that volcano may not be finished spewing ash yet!

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Mar 31

Proposed New Passport Fees (US)

By Missy Gluckmann Travel Tips 3 Comments »

The following information regarding proposed new US passport service fees is provided via the Travel.State.gov website:

The proposed schedule of fees for passport application services is as follows:

  • Total Cost: $135 for a first-time U.S. Passport Book for adults (age 16 and over)
  • Total Cost: $110 for U.S. Passport Book renewal (age 16 and over only)
  • Total Cost: $105 for a U.S. Passport Book for minors (under age 16)
  • Total Cost: $55 for a first-time U.S. Passport Card for adults (age 16 and over)
  • Total Cost: $30 for a U.S. Passport Card for adults (age 16 and over) who currently hold a fully valid U.S. Passport
  • Total Cost: $40 for a U.S. Passport Card for minors (under age 16)
  • Total Cost: $82 for additional visa pages

The fee for expedited service will remain $60.

The proposed passport “Schedule of Fees” is based on a Cost of Service Study conducted in June 2009. It’s the most detailed study the Department of State has ever conducted of its for-fee services, and represents a cost correction from the last update of the Schedule of Fees four years ago.

Use of Passport Fees

Passport application fees are not only used to cover the costs of producing a U.S. Passport Book or Passport Card. Passport fees also cover the costs of providing emergency services for American citizens overseas in crisis situations, such as the current earthquake disaster in Haiti, helping Americans who have been the victims of crime while traveling or living abroad, and providing support to the families of American citizens who have died overseas.

Passport application fees enable us to keep up with technology and implement fraud prevention initiatives to protect the United States passport. The security features of the U.S. passport book have received high praise from document security specialists the world over. Investing in new technology to prevent passport fraud is one of our key priorities, and an ongoing initiative.

Passport fees fund the expansion of passport infrastructure and service, allowing us to offer more timely service to the traveling public, maintain high standards for adjudication in accordance with US citizenship laws, and provide appropriate attention to fraud vulnerabilities.

Over the last five years, the demand for passports has increased to an average of 15 million per year. In FY 2005, we issued 10.1 million passports; peaked at 18.4 million in FY 2007; and expect to issue over 15 million in FY 2010.

To increase our presence in underserved areas, the Department has undertaken a systematic expansion of the passport network, particularly in communities affected by the land border-crossing requirements associated with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.

By the end of FY 2010, we will have 23 agencies providing emergency passport services to the general public, three high-volume application processing centers, and two large-scale document print centers.

Passport operations staff has doubled, growing to 3,000 positions since 2005. We added, on average, 30 new jobs at each of our public agencies in Dallas, Aurora (Denver), Detroit, and Minneapolis.

Value of the Passport

The U.S. Passport Book and U.S. Passport Card for adults are valid for ten years. Passports for minors under age 16 are valid for five years.

The U.S. Passport is not just used for travel anymore. It serves as proof of U.S. citizenship and identity for important purposes such as work authorization and eligibility for many Federal benefits.

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Mar 24

Forum on Education Abroad Conference: Day 1 (March 24, 2010)

By Missy Gluckmann Forum on Education Abroad, International Education Conferences, International Education Tools, March 2010, Professional Development, Research, Travel Tips, safety abroad 7 Comments »

I must begin this post by commending the Forum on Education Abroad  for starting this conference off on the right foot.  I attended the Standards of Good Practice Institute (Beyond the Basics of Health, Safety and Security) and it easily met my expectations.  The depth of knowledge was exactly what I had hoped for while the format of a mix of roundtable discussions, panels and case studies did not let me down.

Before I go any further, I must describe the scene in Charlotte.  I arrived to a rambunctious group of Mexican soccer fans at the Westin Hotel! Apparently the Mexican soccer team is playing against a friendly game against Iceland tonight. This photo is of fans outside the hotel today, waiting for the team to leave the hotel. There were HUNDREDS of fans!

Fans of the Mexican soccer team await their heroes outside the hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina

 

I attended the day long Standards Institute – each session was 90 minutes with a plenary over lunch.  As much was covered, I will simply share some highlights.

Session 1:  ”You be the Judge: Case Studies in Risk, Negligence and Risk Management” was an excellent overview of legal terms and the definition of negligence. Presenter Julie Friend, JD, International Analyst for Travel, Health, Safety and Security for Michigan State University schooled us in legal terminology. She spoke about negligence (the careless performance of a legally required duty or the failure to perform a legally required act) and how a plaintiff must establish 4 elements:  duty, breach, causation and damages. She explained that if you plan not to follow a State Department travel alert suggestion, you must carefully document why you did not heed the government’s recommended standards.  If you do not do so effectively, you could be considered a breech of duty because the institution failed to conform to recommended standards. She recommended an article by Hoye (2006) :  “Legal Issues Influencing International Study Abroad Programs.” 

Session 2:  ”Where Does Student Responsibility for Student Health and Safety Begin and End?” That is the million dollar question for many of us in this field.  Of course, we all think that students should generally be more responsible than they are!  The highlight of this session was the presentation by a student, Ms. Sarah Hager.  She studied abroad in Morocco Fall 2009 and reflected on her orientation and how useful many of the tips and suggestions were.  She provided examples of using logic and following carefully doled out advice.  Then she spoke about the challenges of the rules of her program – for example, students were not permitted to surf even though there were free surfing lessons available. She could not ride a motorbike even though it was common practice in the country.  

Sarah chose to conduct research on the treatment of homosexuals in Morocco.  She and her translator traveled to Casablanca to go to an underground gay party, where she intended to conduct interviews for her research. After her first interview, the manager of the establishment kicked her and the translator out, afraid that they were investigating his property. Upon reflection, she realized that she could have been arrested and how that would have been a very difficult situation. Isn’t hindsight ALWAYS 20/20?

Her experience and perspective were refreshing – she was home, safe and sound and could articulate, diplomatically, why she felt the need to “break” some rules along the way. I smiled, and while slightly horrified at the thought of dealing with any issues related to her decisions, I was educated by hear her frank remarks, youthful perspective and solid determination to study a sensitive subject abroad.

Study Abroad student, Sarah Hager

Sarah Hager presents on her experiences in Morocco.

 

Keynote:  Dr. Eric Shaw. “Risk Measurement, Management and Mitigation as Best Practices Before, During and After.”  Dr. Shaw is an Associate Professor in the US Naval War College and a very engaging speaker.  He covered a lot, but I might suggest that you take a look at the GAR model, a risk assessment tool used in the US Coast Guard.

Dr. Eric Shaw (US Naval War College) and Bill Frederick (School for Field Studies)

 

Session 3:  ”Assessing Adequate Coverage: Case Studies in Disability Accomodations and Insurance Planning.”  This session covered some very useful gems:

 - the new health care bill does not apply to study abroad programs because it is considered a supplementary insurance plan.

- accommodation is a very fine line – it is often obligatory to provide accommodation in the classroom, but there is much more leeway with non-academic issues such as housing.  

-be creative about excursions.  Nine of out ten times, you can find a great excursion that will be more inclusive for all of your students.

Session 4:  ”Beyond the Basics: Case Studies Amidst Psychological Challenges.” 

Dina Nunziato, Director of Counseling Services at Sarah Lawrence College, spoke about the human brain and how it actually continues to develop into our early 20s.  The late adolescent brain is designed to be impulsive and respond with a “gut reaction.”  This prompted much discussion in our break out groups about how the freshman experience abroad really IS more demanding and how we can restructure orientation and communication to better support the young, developing brain!

I must digress for a moment – I hear many cars honking outside – I think Mexico won that game!  :)  Will do my best to blog tomorrow. I look forward to your questions and comments meanwhile.

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Jan 20

Thoughts on Travel Into/Out of the United States

By Missy Gluckmann Travel Tips, safety abroad 2 Comments »

I have been daydreaming recently about how easy it used to be to fly.  For those of us who traveled before 9/11, our biggest worry may have been ‘what movie is being offered on the plane?  Or should I ask for the pretzels or peanuts?’

Boy, travel sure has changed since then.

Thanks to the antics of the “Christmas Day bomber” over Detroit, the rules and processes for entering the US resulted in a bit of Transportation Security Administration lunacy.  First, we were told that airlines landing in the US would not be permitted to allow passengers to stand one hour before arrival.  Then we were told that no one could cover their lap with a blanket, jacket or anything else, including a magazine.

I had to ask myself the obvious questions: Couldn’t someone light their undergarments 1 hour into a flight (vs 1 hour prior to landing)?  Or couldn’t someone ignite something hiding in the sleeve of a shirt (vs on their actual lap)?  Wasn’t this getting a bit silly?  I mean really, if you’re willing to blow your private parts up for the sake of terrorism, I think you could get up an hour and ten minutes before landing and achieve the same outcome in the toilet vs. in your seat?

I don’t mean to minimize the importance of security.  I want to be safe at the airport and on the plane as much as the next person. Yet, when I really stop and think about the number of flights going into and out of any major airport in the States, I am humbly reminded that safety cannot ever be guaranteed.  That is, unless each person that attempts to get on a plane arrives 6 – 10 hours before a flight, is strip searched, has a body scan, has every item in their possession analyzed and tested for chemicals and after the trauma of all of that, likely will need some emotional comfort before proceeding to their seat! (After all, we do love our therapy in the US!)

But really now – who wants to live in a world that has to operate this way?

Considering the number of flights that depart/arrive in the US each day, we seem to have relatively few security issues.  Statistically, we are doing pretty well.  Yet when something does go wrong, the TSA’s response is to come up with knee-jerk, laughable rules that last a week until someone sits down and realizes how truly ridiculous they are.

Somehow, instead of laughing, I just feel rather sad about the whole thing. I feel such a deep loss that a young man could be convinced that setting off an explosion in his underwear would be a useful and productive way to communicate a message of anger and hatred.  I even feel sad about the loss of his future, one that once appeared so promising. I feel for his parents and imagine their confusion and horror. I feel for the people on that flight who could have lost their lives. I think of their families and friends, particularly since I went to high school with a remarkable young woman who died on Pan Am 103.  How does one go on when such a tragedy occurs to a loved one?

And at the same time, I cannot help but think -  Is  it more ridiculous to blow up your undies than to have to monitor how much water you drink on a flight because you can’t get up 60 minutes before you land?

And today I am asking myself – what went wrong in this world that I have to write such a horrific blog post?

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Nov 17

Insurance Tips: Protect Yourself When Traveling Abroad

By Missy Gluckmann Travel Tips No Comments »

Whether one travels for personal pleasure, work or for an academic experience, it is critical that insurance be part of the planning process.  There are 2 main types of insurance to consider: emergency/health insurance and trip cancellation insurance.

Emergency/health insurance is invaluable when leaving the U.S., even if just for a brief vacation. Most people in the U.S. don’t realize that their domestic health insurance policies may not cover illness or accidents abroad. If they do, they often require more lengthy paperwork to determine if and how to reimburse the traveler. Your regular health plan typically will not cover extreme emergencies such as medical evacuation to the region’s best medical facility.

Many international health insurance policies are designed to cover international emergencies, some including a policy provision that reimburses a family member for the cost of flying to the host country to be at the bedside of a seriously ill child or spouse.  While we don’t like to talk about the subject of death abroad, an international health/emergency policy also typically covers repatriation of remains to the home country.

The cost of the policy ranges depending on the age of the traveler and the length of time abroad.  Some companies allow insurance to be purchased by the week, while others only offer a monthly insurance option. I’ve seen prices range from as low as $12 a week to $35, and even $135 a month.  The cost will depend on age, with younger travelers being able to buy coverage more inexpensively.

If you are traveling for your job, remember to talk with your human resources office to determine what policy provisions are in place for international travel. What would the process be should you fall seriously ill or have an accident abroad? In many cases, having your company purchase a “one off” travel policy for you is well worth the expense. Note that under U.S. employment law, any injury that takes place while traveling for work is overed under worker’s compensation guidelines.  Should you be injured while abroad – whether it be tripping while walking on a street or being in a car accident – you should file workman’s compensation paperwork as quickly as possible.  Talk with your human resources office to determine how the process is handled at your job.

For student travelers, many programs abroad include traveler’s insurance.  You should ask for the complete policy prior to departure to determine if you require supplemental insurance. Many student programs include the ISIC (International Student ID card.) This card carries basic medical and accident insurance.

Reputable student programs, whether they be for academic credit, volunteer work or internships abroad, should have clear guidelines on their insurance requirements and policies.  With many students traveling to “non-traditional” locations around the work, many organizations have a risk management office to write and tweak policy and guidelines around these issues.  You should feel free to speak with the risk management officer when researching programs abroad.

The second type of insurance is trip cancellation insurance. This is key to avoiding financial loss should you suddenly have to cancel your trip abroad due to a true emergency. While each policy varies, most will cover reimbursement of trip expenses related to medical emergencies that take place prior to departure. these policies typically have a pre-existing condition clause, so be sure to read the fine print.

Note that these policies typically do not cover issues such as having a friend plan her wedding the week you are departing. Sorry, but the insurance companies cannot help you in these cases. Be sure to get your social calendar in order before you make your travel plans.

Safe travels!

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