Predeparture Resources
International Perspectives class
The syllabus with assignments is available. Please print a copy to bring with you to the first class. The School of Business librarians have created an online database with useful links for your homework which will be given to you in your first class. There is also a pre and post set of surveys on the study abroad experience.
Program-specific information
Check your program-specific predeparture information.
Book your return flight after exams are announced or with low change fees.
Foreign currency is available for a fee in Madison at the Hilton Hotel next to Monona Terrace, M & I Bank on the Square, and Associated Bank on Monroe Street. Most banks can order currency for their customers. A few banks will issue foreign currency checks for their customers.
HEALTH: Check with the Travel Clinic at UHS 265-5600 for any recommended health precautions or shots. This is very important for Asia and Latin America. The Travel Clinic gets very busy so make your appointment right away.
Travel Tips from the CDC can be found on their website.
It is recommended that students purchase travel cancellation and theft of property insurance if bringing laptops and cameras.
Orientation
The on-line orientation program is now available. Participants must complete this before the second meeting of International Perspectives. The information here is valuable and may be printed to take with you overseas. We recommend students read through the information on the For Parents page for additional information
Get the insider's view into your study abroad program by reading reports from past participants.
Course equivalency database
Once the host university announces its timetable, reference the course equivalency database to determine how courses count at UW.
We highly recommend you check your DARS and make a one on one advising appointment for a discussion of your courses. Please have your advisor sign the Academic Advisor Contact Form. These forms may be turned in near the end of the semester preceding your study abroad.
Please note that this is a business exchange, and we require that all students on a semester exchange take at least 6 credits of business classes.
No business course may be taken pass/fail. Visit the Undergrad Academic Services web page for more information http://www.bus.wisc.edu/undergrad/policy/passfail.asp.
Worldwide tourism web-site
CISI insurance information
The University of Wisconsin System requires all students abroad to purchase mandatory emergency medical insurance.
The CISI brochure and claims form are available.
Packing list
What you bring abroad depends largely upon where you study and who you are. Print a general packing list. For additional tips, read reports from past participants.
Cultural adjustment
There are many good publications on the phenomenon of culture shock. You may want to look at some of the following books and websites.
A very useful site with some easy workpages is from the University of the Pacific School of International Studies website.
There is also a Peace Corps website for cultural awareness.
Lives Across Cultures, 3rd edition by
Harry Gardiner and
Corinne Kosmitzki © 2005 | ISBN: 020541186X
Culture Shock, A Student's Guide by Guek Cheng, Pang @1995
ISBN: 1558682449
There are many books available on Culture Shock. Check out the big booksellers, but read the evaluations as they have mixed reviews.
Counseling and Consultation Services offers programs for returning study abroad students experiencing reverse culture shock. If you are interested please contact Alex at 262-0559 or faris@wisc.edu.
Information from the U.S. State Department
The State Department lists tips for students.
Visit the web site specifically designed for study abroad students.
Read the consular information sheet for the country you are visiting.
View any current travel warnings and public announcements.
Additional information is available from the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs.
Information on Subletting
Check out UW-Madison Off-Campus Housing Service.