Presentation Transcript

1. Pre-departure Session: BEd. P.T. International Placements 12:45 – 12:50 Welcome Dr. Barbara Olmsted, Associate Dean SSEd Introduction of NU Faculty Facilitators Review of Key Dates 12:50 – 1:15 Ambassadorship Karen Strang, Director, International Initiatives Office Ice Breaker 1:15-1:45 NU Risk Management Protocol and Processes Karen Strang Risk & Responsibility (risk assessment and mitigation, accepting personal responsibility) www.voyage.gc.ca(travel report, country insight, bon voyage…but and ROCA) “Guardme Completely Canada” the out-of-country emergency health insurance, trip cancellation and baggage claim, and evacuation Immunizations - NBPSDHU NU forms: Agreement to Participate, Waiver, Health & Medical Treatment

   Pre-departure WorkshopNovember 8, 2013

   International Initiatives Office (F308B) - www.nipissingu.ca/international - (705) 474-3450 x4105
2. Pre-departure Workshop: BEd. P.T. International Placements 1:45-2:15 Me to We Trips videos to Ecuador and Kenya Karen Strang Understanding Free the Children “Adopt a Village” concept and Me to We policies Me to We Trips on-line application form Me to We Trips video and destination specific videos Itinerary / Flights / Payments 2:15-3:15 Intercultural Competency Development Karen Strang Simulation Cultural Activity IDI (Intercultural Development Inventory) Diversity, culture shock & coping strategies 3:15-3:20 General Q&A 3:20-4:00 Destination Meetings with your FF Kenya: Astrid Steele & Dan Jarvis Ecuador: Julie Corkett & Gerald Laronde On-the-ground: meals, accommodations, facilitators, country specific cultural and social issues, teaching environment, attire, packing list, and cultural excursions

   Pre-departure Workshop (continued)

   International Initiatives Office (F308B) - www.nipissingu.ca/international - (705) 474-3450 x4105
3. Pre-departure Workshop: BEd. P.T. International Placements

   ImportantInformation for your BEd International Teaching Practica

   Go to the International Initiatives Office (IIO) website: http://www.nipissingu.ca/departments/international/education-abroad/bed-international-practica/Pages/North-Bay-Muskoka-Campuses.aspx To access: My International database – to update your Personal Profile Me to We Trips – Web Sites and Resources Pre-departure Workshop – PowerPoint presentation, documents and instructions North Bay & Parry Sound District Health Unit – Vaccines chart, TRAVEX report NU Forms to complete International Initiatives Office (F308B) - www.nipissingu.ca/international - (705) 474-3450 x4105
4. Pre-departure Workshop: BEd. P.T. International Placements AMBASSADORSHIP You will be an ambassador for Nipissing University, North Bay, your home community, Ontario, Canada and “Me to We” while abroad. So ensure you are informed and ready to represent your home country, and be open minded to learn about your host country! Keep informed about Canada www.gc.ca Get informed about your destination Via country insights -Centre for Intercultural Learning http://www.intercultures.ca/cil-cai/countryinsights-apercuspays-eng.asp International Initiatives Office (F308B) - www.nipissingu.ca/international - (705) 474-3450 x4105
5. Pre-departure Workshop: BEd. P.T. International Placements http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada www.gc.ca www.thecommonwealth.org/ http://www.canadiangeographic.ca/kids/fun-facts/ International Initiatives Office (F308B) - www.nipissingu.ca/international - (705) 474-3450 x4105
6. Pre-departure Workshop: BEd. P.T. International Placements You are choosing to take part in this international sojourn Understand that with these amazing experiences you are exposing yourself to risks and dangers BE AWARE/INFORMED Know that you are taking full responsibility for yourself while abroad (excursions, trips, etc.) You will not hold Nipissing University and/or any of its employees liable for your actions You are responsible for reviewing all of the information Checklist (handout) weblinks, resources Complete and submit all the required forms (byDecember 9, 2013 by 4:00pm to Carrie Demers in F201) Waiver of Claims and Release from Liability Health/Medical Form Participation Agreement Copy of your Passport (if not already submitted to K Strang) Payments due: Dec 9Kenya $1314.46 (remainder of flight cost) Dec 9Ecuador $958.13 (remainder of flight cost) Jan 6 Me to We Trips $2880 (for both trips) Risk Assessment & Emergency Planning Record Risk Management Protocol (contacts in case of emergency – NU, onsite, supervisors, embassies)

   Risk and Responsibility

   International Initiatives Office (F308B) - www.nipissingu.ca/international - (705) 474-3450 x4105
7. Pre-departure Workshop: BEd. P.T. International Placements DFATD Canada Essential Information for Canadians Abroad Go to: http://travel.gc.ca/ and click on “Travelling Abroad” to access: Advisories Travel Health and Safety Travel Documents Air Travel Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA) – Karen does this for our group trips Living Abroad Publications (e.g. Bon Voyage, But…, Her Own Way, Dual Citizenship) To renew or apply for a new PASSPORT go to: http://www.passeportcanada.gc.ca/info/index.aspx?lang=eng# Scan your passport page with photo, using a smart phone and the free app “Genius Scan” (Using Genius Scan - click on the camera icon, take the picture, resize using orange border lines if necessary, then click on export icon and choose to email) to Karen Strang at karens@nipissingu.ca OR fax it to Karen Strang at 705-474-5878 by Tues. Nov. 12/13. International Initiatives Office (F308B) - www.nipissingu.ca/international - (705) 474-3450 x4105
8. Pre-departure Workshop: BEd. P.T. International Placements Why is GUARDME COMPLETELY CANADAthe mandatory travel health insurance plan? Other Insurance Plans may have: Restrictions (age, activity, country, length of trip, etc…) Pre-existing condition clauses resulting in many exclusions Reimbursements may take too long – most do not pay up front The GUARD.ME Plans: Will return you home as soon as they can Repatriation, air evacuation, prescriptions, family support, etc… Leverage & support (partnership between NU &Guard.Me) Travel Healthcare Insurance Solutions Inc. (T.H.I.S.) International Initiatives Office (F308B) - www.nipissingu.ca/international - (705) 474-3450 x4105
9. Pre-departure Workshop: BEd. P.T. International Placements GUARDME COMPLETELY CANADA Travel Health Insurance GUARDME COMPLETELY CANADA details: Rate: 21 days $77.00 PLUS high risk location $4.80/day (Kenya, Ecuador) Coverage startdate is date you apply on-line Coverage end date is the date your flight arrives in Canada Can extend coverage from outside of Canada (if travelling beyond group trip) 100% coverage of eligible claims Worldwide coverage from time of departure (layover) 90 day extension upon return to Canada Easy payment system (credit card) & claims process How to apply: Complete and submit the on-line application: https://www.guard.me/customforms/?inst=nipissing  See instruction sheet on International Initiatives Office web page for BEd trips For more details and to make a claim visit: www.guard.me International Initiatives Office (F308B) - www.nipissingu.ca/international - (705) 474-3450 x4105
10. Pre-departure Workshop: BEd. P.T. International Placements Go to the International Initiatives Office (IIO) website: http://www.nipissingu.ca/departments/international/education-abroad/bed-international-practica/Pages/North-Bay-Muskoka-Campuses.aspx Under the title: North Bay & Parry Sound District Health Unit (NBPSDHU) Information Immunizations Process – information and instructions to proceed Vaccines for BEd Students - specifies the various vaccines, dosage requirements, costs and other comments; all travel immunizations can be obtained through the public health units Travex Traveler Health Report - is combined for Ecuador and Kenya Technical Explanation of Travax Malaria Mapping – is combined for Ecuador and Kenya CLARIFICATION NOTES: - The NBPSDHU can order all serums for vaccines noted on the Vaccines Chart (you don’t have to get a doctor’s prescription). - The NBPSDHU accepts only cash or debit card for payment of serums as noted on the Vaccines Chart. - Flu, polio and tetanus vaccines are publicly funded. Therefore, there is no charge for the serum.  - Malaria pills and cholera vaccine (dukoral vaccine) are not available through the health unit and must be obtained by getting a prescription from the family doctor and purchased by you at a pharmacy.

    Immunizations and Medications

    International Initiatives Office (F308B) - www.nipissingu.ca/international - (705) 474-3450 x4105
11. Pre-departure Workshop: BEd. P.T. International Placements CHECKL I STS NIPISSING UNIVERSITY Scan and email your passport page to Karen Strang at karens@nipissingu.ca or fax to 705-474-5857 by Nov 12/13 Apply for GUARDME COMPLETELY CANADA insurance by Nov 15/13 Notify Karen Strang if you will or will not be getting your immunizations at the NBPSDHU in North Bay by Nov 22/13 Submit 3 NU forms to NU SSEdOffice F201 by Dec 9/13 Submit your last flight payment to NU Student Finance Office by Dec 9/13 Submit your Me to We payment to NU Student Finance Office by Jan 6/14 Update your Student Profile page on data base as necessary and provide your departure and arrival dates and flight details ME TO WE TRIPS Complete M2W on-line application by Dec 9/13 Go to the International Initiatives Office web page for BEdtrips to see web links specific to Me to We Trips: - Ecuador and Kenya videos - University Volunteer Trips video - policies re: photo taking, gift giving, etc. Go to the International Initiatives Office web page for BEd trips to see M2W resources: - Ecuador-Amazon Packing List - Ecuador Risk Assessment - Kenya-Maasai Mara Packing List - Kenya Risk Assessment International Initiatives Office (F308B) - www.nipissingu.ca/international - (705) 474-3450 x4105
12. Pre-departure Session: BEd. P.T. International Placements ME to WE TRIPS INFORMATION At the web links below, in the sidebar on the right, under your destination (either Ecuador or Kenya) click on “Already Registered?” to review these key points: -General Safety Information -Photo Policy -Gift Giving Policy -Valuables & Electronics -Me to We Facilitators -Accommodations & in-Country Transportation -Additional Resources NOTE: many of the other points on this web page refer to the general Me to We younger student high school groups who go there primarily to build, and do not apply to our university level group. Therefore, your NU Faculty Facilitators will provide you with pertinent information for your trip as it relates to storing medications, emergency response processes and communication with Nipissing University and your next-of-kin. Also,your itinerary is specific to the teaching experience and will be distributed by your NU FF. Also view the short videos at these links: Ecuador http://www.metowe.com/volunteer-travel/school-trips/ecuador/amazon-itinerary/ Kenya http://www.metowe.com/volunteer-travel/school-trips/kenya/ You are also encouraged to review the Me to We University Volunteer Trips Video: http://www.metowe.com/volunteer-travel/youth-trips/university-volunteer-trips/ International Initiatives Office (F308B) - www.nipissingu.ca/international - (705) 474-3450 x4105
13. Pre-departure Session: BEd. P.T. International Placements ECUADOR – NU BEd Trip – March 9-28, 2014 Flight Details:via United Airlines Mar 9 United 4331 depart Toronto 7:50am arrive Houston 10:28amMar 9 United 1035 depart Houston 5:30pm arrive Quito 10:59pmMar 27 United 1036 depart Quito 11:55pm arrive Houston 5:30am on Mar 28 Mar 28 United 4456 depart Houston 8:50am arrive Toronto 1:10pm Trip Updates: NU and Me to We will NOT be contacting your family with updates about your trip. Rather, you should provide the following URL to your family and significant others to view the weekly updates that will be posted on the International Initiatives Office website:http://www.nipissingu.ca/departments/international/education-abroad/bed-international-practica/Pages/North-Bay-Muskoka-Campuses.aspx Communication will occur weekly and daily if deemed necessary, between the Nipissing University Emergency Response Manager (ERM) and the Me to We Director responsible for risk management, to mitigate any potential risks or manage emergency situations. If contact with your next-of-kin is required it will be done by Nipissing University ERM or Nipissing University Senior Administrators. International Initiatives Office (F308B) - www.nipissingu.ca/international - (705) 474-3450 x4105
14. Pre-departure Session: BEd. P.T. International Placements ECUADOR – AMAZON Itinerary: Mar 9 -depart Toronto 7:50am, fly via Houston, arrive in Quito 10:59pm, transport to hotel Mar 10 -cultural excursion and 2nd night at hotel Mar 11 -travel to your host community in the Amazon Mar 11-26 -live in your host community, teach 10 days, after school programming, and Me to We building activities Mar 15-16 -cultural excursions and local community engagement Mar 22-23 -cultural excursions and local community engagement Mar 27 -travel to Quito, tour of Old-town, shopping, flight departure at 11:55pm Mar 28 -arrive in Toronto 1:10pm Me to We Trip costs include:-Accommodation – in the Amazon 4-8 per guest house rooms, full bed linens, separate accommodations for genders and chaperones, maintenance -Food (3 meals, snacks, beverages including bottled water); -Transport including 24 hour emergency vehicle driven by Me to We staff -guided walk to teaching site -24 hour security at Quito and in the Amazon site guest houses -2 Me to We Facilitators -Community engagement/activities and group entrance fees on cultural trips to Rain Forest, sites in Quito and other excursions to be determined -Pre- and post-trip coordination, development of leadership and social issues curricula and in-country program setup International Initiatives Office (F308B) - www.nipissingu.ca/international - (705) 474-3450 x4105
15. Pre-departure Session: BEd. P.T. International Placements KENYA – NU BEd Trip – February 8-28, 2014 Flight Details:via British Airways Feb 8 BA92 depart Toronto 6:25pm arrive London 6:25am on Feb 9Feb 9 BA65 depart London 10:25am arrive Nairobi 9:50pmFeb 27 BA64 depart Nairobi 11:40pm arrive London 5:30am on Feb 28 Feb 28 BA93 depart London 12:00 noon arrive Toronto 2:55pm Trip Updates: NU and Me to We will NOT be contacting your family with updates about your trip. Rather, you should provide the following URL to your family and significant others to view the weekly updates that will be posted on the International Initiatives Office website:http://www.nipissingu.ca/departments/international/education-abroad/bed-international-practica/Pages/North-Bay-Muskoka-Campuses.aspx Communication will occur weekly and daily if deemed necessary, between the Nipissing University Emergency Response Manager (ERM) and the Me to We Director responsible for risk management, to mitigate any potential risks or manage emergency situations. If contact with your next-of-kin is required it will be done by Nipissing University ERM or Nipissing University Senior Administrators. International Initiatives Office (F308B) - www.nipissingu.ca/international - (705) 474-3450 x4105
16. Pre-departure Session: BEd. P.T. International Placements KENYA – MAASAI MARA Itinerary: Feb 8 -depart Toronto 6:25pm, fly via London, Feb 9 -arrive in Nairobi 9:50pm, transport to Free the Children accommodations Feb 10 -transport to your host community in the Mara Feb 11-26 -live in your host community, teach 10 days, after school programming, and Me to We building activities Feb 15-16 -cultural excursions and local community engagement Feb 22-23 -cultural excursions and local community engagement Feb 27 -travel to Nairobi, flight departure at 11:40pm Feb 28 -arrive in Toronto 2:55pm Me to We Trip costs include:-Accommodations at permanent camp - 4-5 per tent, separate accommodations for genders and chaperones, maintenance, toilet and shower with warm water, mosquito nets -Food (3 meals, snacks, beverages including purified water) -Transportation - private driver hired full time by Me to We -Me to We transportation to and from schools -24 hour security in Nairobi and the Mara -2 Me to We Facilitators -Community engagement/activities and group entrance fees for safari park -Pre- and post-trip coordination, development of leadership and social issues curricula and in-country program setup International Initiatives Office (F308B) - www.nipissingu.ca/international - (705) 474-3450 x4105
17. Pre-departure Session: BEd. P.T. International Placements

    Simulation Cultural Activity

    Nipissing International Office (A201) - www.nipissingu.ca/international - (705) 474-3450 x4540
18. Pre-departure Session: BEd. P.T. International Placements Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) What is the IDI? An assessment tool developed by Mitchell Hammer and Milton Bennett A statistically reliable, cross-culturally valid measure of intercultural competence Adapted from Bennett’s Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity (DMIS) A theory-based (not opinion-based) inventory which meets standard scientific criteria for a valid and reliable psychometric instrument. A 50 item questionnaire available in 12 languages The IDI is currently being used by over 1,200 Qualified Administrators in over 25 countries Measures your intercultural competencies on the Intercultural Development Continuum Explore how to develop YOUR intercultural competence go to: http://www.idiinventory.com/ If you wish to take the IDI to determine your orientation on the Intercultural Development Continuum and create a guided developmental plan to enhance your intercultural competencies, contact Karen Strang at karens@nipissingu.ca Nipissing International Office (A201) - www.nipissingu.ca/international - (705) 474-3450 x4540
19. Pre-departure Session: BEd. P.T. International Placements Move from a “monocultural” mindset to an “intercultural” mindset as identified on the Intercultural Development Continuum. This tool identifies orientations that simply observe cultural differences  to being judgmental  to highlighting commonalities  to recognition and appreciation to shifting your cultural perspective and changing behaviour in culturally appropriate and authentic ways. Nipissing International Office (A201) - www.nipissingu.ca/international - (705) 474-3450 x4540
20. Pre-departure Session: BEd. P.T. International Placements

    Awareness and understanding of: - culture shock - intercultural communication - diversity

    Nipissing International Office (A201) - www.nipissingu.ca/international - (705) 474-3450 x4540
21. Pre-departure Session: BEd. P.T. International Placements Personality What makes each of us unique Culture What makes some of us different from others Human Nature What makes us all the same Inherited and learned Specific to an individual Specific to a group Learned Universal Inherited Sources: - Hofstede, G. (2001) - UBC Intercultural Training and Resource Centre International Initiatives Office (F308B) - www.nipissingu.ca/international - (705) 474-3450 x4105
22. Pre-departure Session: BEd. P.T. International Placements The visual aspects are what you can see (above the surface) : Body language and gestures Architecture and design Food and eating habits Fashion and style Music, dance and drama Religious rituals and buildings Fine arts and literature Historical buildings and artifacts Etc… The deeper aspects of culture are what you cannot see (below the surface) : Religious beliefs Work ethic Decision making patterns Approaches to problem solving Roles in relation to age, gender and status Notion of respect Family relationships Etc… International Initiatives Office (F308B) - www.nipissingu.ca/international - (705) 474-3450 x4105
23. Hofstede’s Cultural Dimension Power Distance (PD): Reflects the degree to which a culture believes how institutional and organizational power should be distributed (equally or unequally) and how the decision of the power holder should be viewed (challenged or accepted). Uncertainty Avoidance (UA): Reflects the degree to which a culture feels threatened by ambiguous, uncertain situations and tries to avoid (or not) uncertainty by establishing structures. Individualism – Collectivism (IND): Reflects the degree to which a culture relies upon and has allegiance (loyalty) to the self or group (“I” or “We”). Masculinity – Femininity (MAS): How cultural groups value such behaviors as assertiveness, achievement, acquisition of wealth or caring for others, social support and the quality of life. Pre-departure Session: BEd. P.T. International Placements International Initiatives Office (F308B) - www.nipissingu.ca/international - (705) 474-3450 x4105
24. Pre-departure Session: BEd. P.T. International Placements Culture Shock Acculturation Cycle Honeymoon Honeymoon High Mood Low Adjustment Adjustment Culture Shock Reverse Culture Shock While Abroad Back Home International Initiatives Office (F308B) - www.nipissingu.ca/international - (705) 474-3450 x4105
25. Pre-departure Session: BEd. P.T. International Placements The Honeymoon Phase Factors that lead to culture shock: Language barriers Racial discrimination Change of weather Separation from home New food and dietary restrictions Money and finances Diminished social interactions Change of status and level of academic success Loss of point of reference/familiarity Feeling incompetent in the new environment Experiencing a daily re-learning process Making sense of other’s behaviors Different educational system (intensity and delivery) Academic differences (resources, essay writing and referencing, critical thinking, participation, etc.) Behaviors do not give the desired results Facing different values, attitudes and beliefs Facing the unpredictable (fear of the unknown) First few days or weeks Fascination with new surroundings Feel excited Challenges start to occur Comparison of cultures (host vs. home) Experience at different time than colleagues Part of acculturation process Recognition and admittance Honeymoon Honeymoon High Mood Low Adjustment Adjustment Culture shock Reverse Culture Shock International Initiatives Office (F308B) - www.nipissingu.ca/international - (705) 474-3450 x4105 While Abroad Back Home
26. Pre-departure Session: BEd. P.T. International Placements Symptoms of Culture Shock: Homesickness Sleeplessness and being overly tired Physical illnesses (lower immune system) Loss of ability to work or study effectively Overeating or loss of appetite Identity confusion Disorientation Low moral and/or self-esteem Helplessness, loneliness and fear Withdrawing from people who are different Social isolation Hostility, anger and irritability Anxiety and/or stress Depression Alcohol and drug abuse Mental and/or emotional disorders Culture Shock Required to make adjustments to adapt to new environment Everyday actions, behavioursand tasks require more effort and concentration Physical, emotional and mental implications Severity of culture shock and symptoms vary Self identification and understanding Awareness of personal health, feelings and emotion is essential in seeking advice or assistance There are support options Honeymoon Honeymoon High Mood Low Adjustment Adjustment Culture shock Reverse Culture Shock International Initiatives Office (F308B) - www.nipissingu.ca/international - (705) 474-3450 x4105 While Abroad Back Home
27. Pre-departure Session: BEd. P.T. International Placements The Adjustment Phase Culture Shock will pass and you will experience the adjustment phase Having a positive attitude and an open mind assist in developing relationships with others Start to accept the host culture, values, customs and norms Everyday tasks become easier and more enjoyable Start to view the host culture as simply different and you begin to embrace this Anxiety decreases Start to feel that you are part of the host culture Honeymoon Honeymoon High Mood Low Adjustment Adjustment Culture shock Reverse Culture Shock International Initiatives Office (F308B) - www.nipissingu.ca/international - (705) 474-3450 x4105 While Abroad Back Home
28. Pre-departure Session: BEd. P.T. International Placements Key Factors Important in a Successful Intercultural Adjustment Open Mindedness: Ability to keep opinions flexible and be receptive to new stimuli. Sense of Humor: In another culture there are many things which lead one to weep, get angry, be annoyed, embarrassed, or discouraged. The ability to laugh off things will help guard against despair. Ability to Cope with Failure: Everyone fails at something overseas. Persons who go overseas are often those who have been the most successful in their home environments and have rarely experienced failure, thus, may have never developed ways of coping with failure. Communicativeness: The ability and willingness to communicate one's feelings and thoughts to others, verbally or non-verbally. Flexibility and Adaptability: The ability to respond to or tolerate the ambiguity of new situations. Keeping options open and judgmental behavior to a minimum describes an adaptable or flexible person. Curiosity: Demonstrated the desire to know about other people, places, ideas, etc… This skill or personality trait is important for travelers because they need to learn many things in order to adapt to their new environment. Positive and Realistic Expectations: It has been shown frequently that there are strong correlations between positive expectations for an intercultural experience and successful adjustment overseas. International Initiatives Office (F308B) www.nipissingu.ca/international - (705) 474-3450 x4105 Reference: http://www.worldwide.edu/travel_planner/culture_adjusting.html
29. Pre-departure Session: BEd. P.T. International Placements Key Factors Important in a Successful Intercultural Adjustment (continued) Tolerance for Differences and Ambiguities: A sympathetic understanding for beliefs or practices differing from one's own is important to successful intercultural adjustment. Positive Regard for Others: The ability to express warmth, empathy, respect, and positive regard for other persons. A Strong Sense of Self: A clear, secure feeling about oneself results in individuals who are neither weak nor overbearing in their relations with others. Persons with a strong sense of themselves stand up for what they believe but do not cling to those beliefs regardless of new information, perspectives, or understandings which they may encounter. Admit frankly that these impacts exist: It is not a sign of weakness to admit that you feel uncomfortable, tense or confused. Learn the rules of living in your host country: Try to understand how and why the local people act the way they do. Their behaviours and customs may be different from your own, but they are neither better nor worse than what you are used to. Take care of yourself: Eat well, exercise and take the time to sleep. Limit alcohol consumption to moderate amounts. Travel: Take the time to be a tourist and explore the country’s sights. International Initiatives Office (F308B) - www.nipissingu.ca/international - (705) 474-3450 x4105 Reference: http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/living/culture_shock-en.asp
30. Pre-departure Session: BEd. P.T. International Placements Key Factors Important in a Successful Intercultural Adjustment (continued) Take time to learn the language: It always helps to understand as much as possible of what people are saying. They will appreciate your effort to communicate with them in their language, even if it is just a few simple phrases, and it will make your daily life much easier. Carry a small notebook and jot down a couple of new words each day. Use a phrase book to learn the vocabulary you need to cope with real-life situations. Make friends and develop relationships: Getting to know local people will help you overcome cultural differences and understand the country. It will also show you how to be more sensitive to cultural norms and expectations. Maintain contact with friends and family back home: Writing home about your experiences and problems can help you sort through them. It is also a good idea to keep a journal of your feelings and thoughts. Do something that reminds you of home: Listening to your favourite music or practicing a familiar hobby can boost your spirits when you are feeling homesick. Avoid idealizing life back home: Try to make the most of your stay and consciously adopt an open mind. Get involved in some aspect of the new culture: Whether you study art or music, or learn a new sport or martial art, being an interested student will make a world of difference. International Initiatives Office (F308B) - www.nipissingu.ca/international - (705) 474-3450 x4105 Reference: http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/living/culture_shock-en.asp
31. Pre-departure Session: BEd. P.T. International Placements Reverse Culture Shock Typically more difficult to deal with than culture shock while abroad Honeymoon stage – excited to return home Disappointment with lack of enthusiasm and understanding of your experience Begin to miss friends you made while abroad Re-questioning of aspects of your life (personal identity, relationships) May experience similar physiological factors as during culture shock Learn to utilize the skills, knowledge and competencies gained while abroad Honeymoon Honeymoon High Mood Low Adjustment Adjustment Culture shock Reverse Culture Shock International Initiatives Office (F308B) - www.nipissingu.ca/international - (705) 474-3450 x4105 While Abroad Back Home
32. Pre-departure Session: BEd. P.T. International Placements Key Factors Important in the Re-Entry Adjustment Keep in touch with the friends you made abroad. Create a photo album and/or a scrapbook with your pictures, comments and highlights. It will be a great keepsake as well as a useful and interesting resources to share with others when talking about your experiences. Start planning your next educational experience abroad and/or backpacking trip. Make presentations to other students at your institution about your experiences overseas. Talk to students going abroad and/or returning from abroad (they are the ones who will be the most interested in hearing your stories and adventures). Refresh your portfolio and resume to include your international experiences as well as the skills, knowledge and competencies that you gained. Get involved on campus and/or with your international office. Take part in a peer-mentorship program or start up this kind of initiative if it does not exist at your institution. Think about how your experiences have impacted your academic and/or professional career goals and make some adjustments if necessary. Talk with an academic advisor and/or career councilor. If you are experiencing major reverse culture shock symptoms talk to your International Student Advisor, counsellor, family and/or friends. International Initiatives Office (F308B) - www.nipissingu.ca/international - (705) 474-3450 x4105
33. Pre-departure Session: BEd. P.T. International Placements Q&A and DESTINATION SPECIFIC MEETINGS WITH YOUR FACULTY FACILITATORS ***************** CONTACT INFORMATION FACULTY FACILITATORS:Kenya - Dr. Astrid Steele x 4043 astrids@nipissingu.ca - Dr. Dan Jarvis x 4445 danj@nipissingu.caEcuador - Dr. Julie Corkett x 4144 juliec@nipissingu.ca- Dr. Gerald Laronde x 4206 geraldl@nipissingu.caGeneral Questions: - Dr. Barb Olmsted x 4269 barbarao@nipissingu.caOn-line Application, Health & Risk Management, Insurance, Payments: - Karen Strang x 4105 karens@nipissingu.ca office location F308B Nipissing International Office (A201) - www.nipissingu.ca/international - (705) 474-3450 x4540