Before You Leave

Your to do list:Make 3 copies of your passport (picture page & any valid visas), credit/bank cards (front & back), and travel itineraryCall your bank/credit card companies with the dates you will be abroad and the locationsGet official prescriptions for ANY medications you plan on taking with you and keep them in the original containersBring the insurance card that was e-mailed to you by the CISI (travel health insurance company)

Baggage AllowanceEach person gets…

1 carry-on bagDimension: 45 inches (including wheels &handles)

1 personal item (purse, briefcase, laptop bag or normal sized backpack) 1 free checked bag

Dimension: 62 inches (outside dimensions= l+w+h)Weight: Max 50 lbs

You may check up to 5 additional pieces of baggage at an extra cost.

The 3-1-1 for Carry-On

Prohibited Items for Carry-OnSharp Objects (razors, pockets knives, scissors)Sporting GoodsGuns & FirearmsToolsMartial Arts & Self Defense ItemsExplosive & Flammable Materials, Disabling Chemicals & Other Dangerous ItemsOther Items

Gel shoe inserts, aerosol

What to pack?A GOOD PAIR OF WALKING SHOESTravel sized toiletries (put in separate sandwich bags)Bug sprayWater proof jacket/ rain ponchoEmpty water bottleA MEDICINE KIT

PACK LIGHT

What to bring: ElectronicsNicaragua operates on the same voltage and plug types as in the USOnly bring the electronics that you will absolutely need on the trip

HealthSpecial needs: Inform the staff of any special needs you may haveVisit your doctor: Inform your doctor about your plans abroad.

Make sure to discuss recommended immunizations for the country you are studying abroad in AND any countries you may be visitingDiscuss any and all pre-existing conditions and how they may be affected abroad (including mental health issues)

International Health insurance: Bring the information with you and know how it works

Note the emergency resources available at your host university and countryMedication: Check with the embassy of your host country regarding the legality of your prescription medication

All prescription medication MUST be kept in the original containersEnsure that you will have adequate medication or access to it for the time period you will be abroad

Language National Language of Nicaragua is Spanish

May meet a good number of people who are English speakers

Good Rule of Thumb: greet in Spanish and then ask if they speak in English

Staying in touch Please, be sure to work out a way to contact your loved ones at home, when you arrive

Recommended: E-mail, Facetime/Skype Mobile phones w/o international plans will not work

In-Country

Changing MoneyIMPORTANT: Contact your bank and/or credit card company with the dates of travel and locations

Find out the fees associated with international usage and cash withdrawlsYou do not need to change your dollars into Córdoba BEFORE you leave for Nicaragua

The arrival airport will have ATMs/cash machines for you to use your debit card to get money in the currency of the country

DO NOT BRING or BUY Traveler’s ChecksYou can bring some money in dollars in case of emergency. Check exchange rates before you change money and fees of where your are exchanging moneyTry and change larger bills for smaller bills

Know the Money

Time Nicaragua is one hour behind Austin

If it is noon in Austin, then it’s 11 am in Managua

Safety• Be ALERT of your surroundings• Trust your instincts• Use the “buddy system”• If confronted, do not fight back • Do not flash money or credit cards• Think before you act• Do as the locals do• Carry the Emergency Contact Info Card on you at all times• Learn the number for emergency services: 118

What to do when something goes wrong?1. Take care of any immediate physical ailments2. Contact the authorities (i.e. police, residence hall director,

program director, faculty member etc.)3. Make sure to contact people on site immediately so people

know where you are and what has happened (including your parents)

4. E-mail your study abroad advisor with information about the incident

5. DO NOT try to do any investigating on your own

Cultural Transitions Abroad

Transitions: Local Laws, Regulations & Norms

Student’s responsibility to become informed of local laws

Transitions: Alcohol & Drugs

Contributes to poor decision-makingClear connection between alcohol abuse & safety issues in study abroad environmentExcessive, disruptive alcohol use may result in dismissal from programIllegal drug use results in automatic dismissal

Questions?