Saturday, April 27, 2013
Friday, April 26, 2013
Screw it. The rest of my content.
The study abroad programs listed below are
offered through the Center for International Education/Study Abroad at Truman
State University. All Truman State University students
must enroll through the Center for International Education at Truman
if you wish to participate in a C.C.I.S. program. Students from
other institutions may also enroll through the same office.
DO NOT CONTACT
THE SPONSOR OF THE PROGRAM BEFORE CONTACTING US.
If you are not a Truman student, we will
be happy to send you information on programs that we sponsor. For other
programs please contact the appropriate sponsor directly.
• IIf
you wish to participate in any of the following programs, you must enroll
through the Center for International Education if you are a student at Truman State
University. Students from other institutions may also enroll through the same
office. The internship programs listed below are
offered through the Center for International Education Abroad at Truman State
University. For additional information on these programs contact the CIE
office. Do not contact the sponsor of the program before
contacting us.
If you are not a Truman student, you are welcome to apply to
these programs. For more information please contact ciea@truman.edu.
The
programs listed below are academic (for credit) internships. Although we
guarantee that if you are accepted in any of these programs you will be placed
in an appropriate institution or company, we cannot guarantee a placement in a
specific company in advance.
In most cases you will not know which company or
institution you will be working for in the country of destination prior to
arrival. You must go through a job interview process, in most cases, and your
potential employer will have the final say in the hiring process.
Most
internships are not paid. In fact, in many cases the internship program is more
expensive than the regular study abroad program at the same location. This is
due to the fact that finding internships, and supervising them, is a time
consuming process requiring a full time staff position.
If you are looking for
a non-credit internship, please contact the CIEA Office. Browse our lists
of: Study Abroad Programs, Exchange
Programs, Summer/Interim Programs, Internships
Abroad, Teaching Opportunities Abroad
• Request
a general brochure to choose a destination suitable to your major, language
ability and cultural interests.
• Determine
whether you want to go a summer, semester or academic year.
Make an appointment with someone at the Center for
International Education:
• Meet
with Dr. Patrick Lecaque: France, Bulgaria.
• Meet
with Alci Arias: Australia, Costa Rica, England, Ireland, Scotland,
Spain, Morocco and all Council on International Educational Exchange (C.I.E.E.)
programs.
• Meet
with Rosa Virginia Mendez: C.C.I.S. Study Abroad programs (College
Consortium for International Study Abroad) or I.S.E.P.
(International Student Exchange Programs).
All three advisors can speak to you about
programs and countries not listed above.
• Call
660-785-4076
• Come
to the Center for International Education in Kirk Building 114.
To make an
appointment with an advisor!
• Discuss
your plans with your academic advisor before you apply to a program. They are
able to work with your schedule to tell you the best semester to study
abroad.
• Check
with the Financial Aid Office. Call 660-785-4130, email finaid@truman.edu
or drop by McClain Hall 103 to discuss your options for financial assistance.
• Apply!
Truman State University has many partners
around the world and is a member of several consortia and organizations
providing additional study abroad opportunities. Special agreements
with other universities in the U.S. help us to offer additional programs.
The following list provides links to the web sites of our partners with more
details on the programs they provide.
• Globalinks Learnign Abroad: Offers
a wide range of programs in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.
• C.C.I.S. - College Consortium for
International Study Abroad: Offers
study abroad programs worldwide. Truman State University offers several
programs under the C.C.I.S. umbrella.
• I.S.E.P. - International Student
Exchange Programs: Offers exchange
programs worldwide. Please note that Truman does not participate in the direct
placement program through I.S.E.P.
• MOCON - The
Missouri Consortium for International Studies and Education : MOCON
sponsors the Missouri-London Program, Missouri-Ghana Program and the Missouri
Greece Program.
Truman
has exchange agreements with several partners around the world. During an
exchange program, you are enrolled at a host university and a student from that
university may study at your institution in the United States.
There
are many advantages of exchange programs, both for the institution and for the
individual students. If you are looking for an immersion program, especially in
non-English speaking countries, this is the best option. Also, in terms of
cost, the price is either the same, or very close to what it would be at
Truman.
You
should also consider the disadvantages of exchange programs. Exchange
programs are sometimes very competitive and you must apply early. Also,
the language of instruction in non-English speaking countries is the native
language in most cases. Therefore, your level in the foreign language must be
above third-year college level in that language.
Exchange Programs:
Pros
• If
you are looking for an immersion program, especially in non-English speaking
countries, this is the best option.
• In
terms of cost, the price is either the same, or very close to what it would be
at Truman.
Exchange Programs:
Cons
• Very
competitive.
• Must
apply early.
• The
language of instruction in non-English speaking countries is the language of
the country. Therefore your level in the foreign language must be above
third-year college level in that language.
For a list of Exchange Programs click
here.
During
a study abroad program in non-English speaking countries, you are enrolled at
an institution that caters to international students and non-native speakers.
With a few exceptions, study abroad programs can accommodate all qualified
students applying to a given program. Most study abroad programs in non-English
speaking countries are accessible to the students regardless of their level in
the language of the country.
There
are also disadvantages with a study abroad program. Typically, all students in
these programs are American or international students, so these programs are
not as immersive. Also, the cost is based on the cost at the host institution,
which is usually more expensive than the cost would be at Truman.
Study Abroad Programs:
Pros
• With
a few exceptions, study abroad programs can accommodate all qualified students
applying to a given program.
• Most
programs in non-English speaking countries are accessible to the students
regardless of their level in the language of the country.
• The
grading system is similar to the US system.
Study Abroad Programs:
Cons
• All
students on these programs – with a few exceptions – are U.S. or international
students.
Cost is based
on the cost at the host institution which is, in most cases, more expensive
than at Truman.
There
are two types of summer/interim programs: faculty-led programs and traditional
programs.
The Truman
sponsored traditional summer programs are similar to the study abroad programs
except shorter. The length ranges from 3 to 15 weeks.
There are currently 19 approved
faculty-led programs. Not all programs are run every year. Faculty-led programs
listed below must be re-approved every time they are offered. Once re-approved
they are listed on the following webpage.
Program Directors:
If you are a program director and would like to offer your program this year,
click here!
New
Programs: If you are a faculty member and would like to propose a new
program, please click here!
A limited number of cultural loans may be
authorized to encourage participation in "study abroad" programs. The
maximum loan is the cost of the trip, minus other financial aid, but not more
than $5,000. Cultural loans are available to students who meet the general
eligibility requirements and, in addition, who meet at least one of the
following standards: earned at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average in
courses taken at the University; or earned at least a 2.5 grade point average
in foreign language courses taken at the University; or enrolled in a foreign
language class at the University for which a "study abroad"
experience is either required or strongly recommended.
Interest:
Five percent (5%) per annum on the unpaid principal balance, with interest
to accrue from the date of the loan.
Service Charge: None
Repayment: Interest
shall be payable quarterly each year until amortization payments of principal
and interest are required. Amortized payments of at least sixty dollars
($60) per month shall begin three months after a debtor student leaves the
University through graduation, withdrawal, transfer, or any other reason.
The monthly payments shall be calculated to repay the loan in full, including
both principal and interest, within three years after the payments commence.
Deferment of Repayment: May
be authorized by the Financial Aid Committee.
Third Party Guarantees: Loans
must be co-signed by two guarantors (normally the student's parents) acceptable
to the Financial Aid Committee. If the student iis married, then the
student's spouse must also guarantee the loan.
Click here for the Cultural Loan Application and the
Study Abroad Funding Sheet.
Rotary Foundation Scholarships
Please contact
Dr. Mark Hanley, TSU History Department, mhanley@truman.edu (785-4098), Baldwin Hall
255. Information and application materials are also available at
the Rotary International web site, www.rotary.org. Applications are
due February 21, 2011 for planned international study between July 1, 2012 and
June 30, 2013. Applications should be returned to Dr. Mark Hanley in
Baldwin Hall 255 by 5:00 pm on the due date. Bridging Scholarships for Study Abroad in Japan
Deadline: The deadline for applications from students who will
study in Japan beginning in January 2013 or April 2013 are due October 10,
2012. Students who plan to study in Japan beginning in Fall of 2013 should
apply in spring 2013.
Passports, Visas, Health and
More
Passports
"A
passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the
identity and nationality of the bearer. A valid U.S. passport is required to
enter and leave most foreign countries. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to
grant, issue or verify United States passports."
Visas
A
visa is a travel document usually attached to, or stamped in, your passport
that allows entry and stay in a foreign country. Many countries that do not
require visas for tourists require visas for students. We will provide all
appropriate information and required documents for students who need a visa. DO
NOT APPLY FOR A VISA BEFORE YOU RECEIVE INSTRUCTIONS! In many cases you
cannot apply for a visa less than 90 days prior to departure. All regulations
vary from one country to the next and often vary slightly from one Consulate to
the other. Many countries have several consulates in the United States. To find
out more about visa regulations and the location of the nearest consulate
please check www.embassy.org
or the country information at the U.S. Department of State. Please note
that many consulates require that you apply for a visa in person!
Working Abroad
You
are not allowed to work in most countries unless you have a valid work permit.
It is almost impossible to obtain a work permit with a student visa. If you
want to find out more about working opportunities abroad, please click here! This link is provided for
information purposes only. The Center for International Education at Truman
State University is not involved in working opportunities abroad!
Country Information
For
basic information on most countries around the world check the 'Background
Notes' from the U.S. Department of State.
Safety
Your
safety is of uttermost importance to us. Be an informed traveler. Consult the U.S. Department of State site for safety
information, travel warnings, Consular Information Sheets, and tips for
travelers. PLEASE REGISTER WITH THE AMERICAN EMBASSY IN YOUR COUNTRY
(COUNTRIES) OF DESTINATION.
Health
IT
IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO CONSULT THE CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL TO OBTAIN THE
LATEST HEALTH INFORMATION ON THE COUNTRIES WHERE YOU WILL STUDY AND TRAVEL.
If you need to take prescription medicine, carry it in its
original packaging.
Health/Repatriation
Insurance
Many countries
require proof of health and repatriation insurance. Students on all Truman
sponsored programs are insured through C.I.S.I. Students on other programs are
also insured through other carriers.
Truman offers you the amazing opportunity
to choose from more than 50 countries in which to study. The language of instruction
depends on the program you select – from some programs that require extensive
knowledge of a foreign language to others that require little or no knowledge
of a language other than English.
Participating
in a study abroad program as part of your Truman experience will enhance your
undergraduate years, help in your preparation as a citizen of the world, and
create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
The Bizarre:
•
Lack of
Change: This is one of my major Indian pet peeves. Everyone is hoarding their
change. Every time I buy something and pull out a 100 rupee or above note
(maybe for something that costs 80 rupees) I’m always asked “no change ma’am?”
No. I don’t have change, if I had change I would give it to you. People will
always act irritated about having to give you their treasured change. I HAVE TO
BREAK THESE BILLS SOMEWHERE! Also if your money is wrinkled or torn at all you
will be told “this no good” IT’S STILL MONEY!
•
Medical
tips: Every time I’ve showed any symptoms of illness, everyone is always VERY
CONCERNED and has a lot of bizarre health tips:
•
“Cold
water is bad for you, it will give you a cold”
•
“You
are sick, you need to drink hot water”
•
Some
fruits are “hot” and some are “cold” Mangos are hot? Watermelons are cold. You
should only eat some at certain times
•
“Don’t
eat things directly out of the fridge”
•
“You
are not drinking enough tea” This is the explanation for everything from
chapped lips to a stomach flu.
•
Tummy
problems? Curd rice. Nothing will make you feel better than dairy products.
•
“Have you
Eaten?” Essentially this is how people ask how you are doing. Never say that
you haven’t eaten. People will get worried. They need reassurance. You
can’t say no to food. Don’t even try. Your plate will always get refilled with
rice, and you have to eat more ALWAYS. It’s for your own good because you’ve
been looking thin.
•
When I tell
people I’m from the United States, they almost always reply “California or New
York.” Everyone has some relative that is currently living somewhere in the
U.S. and it’s likely that they will ask if you know them.
•
Balancing
act: People carry things on their heads all the time. It’s pretty impressive
•
Manual labor
in Saris. I see female construction workers shoveling sand in this long wrapped
piece of fabric every day. I don’t know how they do it.
Indian
versions of American foods: They are always worth trying for the sake of
trying, but you never know what you are going to get. Everything is always just
a bit off. But I didn’t come to India to have American food!
This morning I attended my very first Indian wedding! Gopal had
mentioned that he knew of some weddings coming up, but he gave me last minute
notice on Sunday afternoon that I would be missing my Indian literature class
and accompanying him to a wedding on Monday morning. My first thought
was: “What am I going to wear?!” My second thought was “The wedding is Monday
Morning?” I luckily had just got a new Kurti tailored and borrowed some
traditional Indian jewelry from my roommate Courtney. It was 8 am
this morning, I was looking fly and I hopped into the ICMIS van with Gopal
to attend this morning marriage.
As Gopal explained on the long drive through
rush hour traffic, the wedding was taking place at such an early hour because this
was an “auspicious” time. Although Indian marriages can take up to 4 days, the
final most important parts of the ceremony are suposed to be preformed as the
sun is rising, rather than when it is setting. The symbolism seems pretty
obvious here. Typically a true Indian wedding consists of many days of
the bride and groom performing Pujas (rituals often involving coconuts) and
lots of food. However since this was a city wedding, the families had to cut
down the program. The bride (Gopal’s friend’s daughter) and groom
had consolidated the marriage into two days. They had already had the
massive reception (about 1,000 people) the night before, and they were getting
down to the actual marriage business in the morning. The marriage was held
in a large marriage hall. We walked through a colorful archway (it looked like
it had been pomped) that advertised the bride and grooms names and into a room
full of plastic chairs, people casually hanging around, and a flower covered
arch. There were also TV screens hanging so that when the ceremony started you
could watch on the screens rather than crowding around. After a lot of
carefully arranging coconuts, flowers, bananas and other items for
the ceremony, an Indian style band started playing as the groom was escorted in
by his parents and a hoarde of women in sarees. The parents began by washing
the groom’s feet and burning a lot of incense while priests chanted
mantras in Sanskrit. The rest of the ceremony involved the gorgeously decorated
bride coming out, the two being separated by a sheet and about two
hours of ritual that didn’t mean much to me. The couple switched places
countless times, and exchanged garlands, tied knots in each others clothing and
the bride was given a mangalsutra (marriage necklace). There was a lot of
throwing rice (blessings) at the couple, pouring coconut milk and honey on
their hands, and a lot of incense. The whole affair seemed exhausting for the
bride and groom (who don’t get much sleep), and the bride didn’t look too
pleased.
Money, Credit Cards, Exchange Rates
Do not put all of your eggs in the same basket! You should use a
combination of a debit or credit card, traveler’s checks and a small amount of
cash to pay for your expenses abroad.
Here are some helpful tips.
CREDIT CARD vs. DEBIT CARD
Please remember that credit cards usually
charge a very high interest rate on cash transactions. In addition to this they
usually start charging an interest rate from the day of the transaction (no
grace period). Because each issuing bank
has a different set of rules, do check with your bank what their policies are.
A Debit card (also known as a bank card or a
check card) is really the best one to use as long as you have money in the bank
because it does not charge you interest on the cash withdrawal and usually
allows you for multiple withdrawal during the same week (if needed), as long of
course as you have money in your account. Make sure that your debit card works
worldwide.
CREDIT CARDS
In most if not all countries around the world today you can use a
credit card to pay for a wide range of services and to get cash money at an ATM
machine or in a bank. The credit card companies also offer the best exchange
rates although they do charge a transaction fee for it in most cases.
VISA and MASTERCARD are the most widely
accepted cards around the world.
American Express is also widely accepted. DISCOVER cards are not accepted in most
countries outside the United States.
TIPS BEFORE DEPARTURE
Because each issuing bank has different policies you should check
with each issuing bank the following things: How much do they charge per
withdrawal? Remember that you will probably be charged for cash withdrawal by
your credit card issuer AND by the local bank as you are in the U.S. Do they
charge a currency exchange fee? Most bank charge 2% or more for that service.
How much money can you withdraw per week?
Find out what number you should call if you lose your card, have it stolen, or
have any other problem? Remember that except in North America, you cannot access
a 800 number from abroad, so you need another number. Most Banks print it on
the back of the card an International Collect number to call. Make two
photocopies of your credit cards front and back and leave a copy with someone
you trust at home, take the other copy with you and store it in a safe place
but not with your credit card(s).
ATMs
The Cirrus and Plus networks used by Visa
and MasterCard offer over 1.5 million ATMs around the world.
You can locate an ATM for a Visa card by
clicking here! You can locate an ATM for a MasterCard by clicking here! Find an
American Express office around the world by clicking here!
TRAVELER’S CHECKS
Traveler’s checks are issued by a financial institution and
functions as cash but is protected against loss or theft. Traveler’s checks are useful when traveling,
especially in case of overseas travel when not all credit and debit cards will
be accepted. A charge or commission is
usually incurred when a person exchanges cash for traveler’s checks, though
some issurers provide them free of charge.
The charge is minimal averaging $1.00 per $100.00 of traveler’s checks.
You can obtain Traveler’s checks from your bank or a travel agent.
Traveler’s checks are available in several currencies, but, usually, you get a
better exchange rate if you get Traveler’s checks in U.S. dollars and exchange
them in your country of destination.
You should have Traveler’s checks as a backup plan in case you
have problems using your credit/debit card, or if you need to pay rent, and/or
a deposit upon arrival since there is a limit on how much money you can
withdraw from an ATM machine per week.
CASH
Bring a minimal amount of money in cash! $200.00 is probably the
maximum amount of money that you should carry in cash in U.S. currency. You can
change money upon arrival. There are ATMs at most, but not all airports around
the world as well as currency exchange offices.
Should you buy foreign currency before arriving in your country of
destination? In most cases the answer is no because you usually do not get a
good exchange rate, but you can if you want.
WIRE TRANSFER
Wire transfer is a very safe way to transfer money between the
U.S. and your country of destination. You can transfer money from a U.S. bank
account to a bank account in the country of destination. However, banks on both
side will charge you a fee ($30.00 to $50.00 on the U.S. side alone per
transfer) and, in most countries, opening a bank account is often a long
process. You can also transfer money via Western Union.
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