First Things First

ANTH 200: Global Perspectives Seminar
This seminar is an extensive pre-departure orientation emphasizing cultural sensitivity, cross-cultural communication, culture shock, safety issues, & ethics and is the prerequisite to the cross-cultural experience. This course must be successfully completed prior to participation in a global perspectives trip.

7 sections are offered during both fall & spring semesters, each 5 weeks long, for 1 credit hour.

Get a Passport
Passport applications are available locally at the Keith Street post office. Apply several months prior to departure, especially if you need visas from foreign embassies. You must apply in person if you are obtaining your first U.S. passport, if your old one was lost or stolen, or if you have an expired passport issued more than 12 years ago.

For more information visit the US Department of State website located at http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.

Visas
Do some research to find out if your country of destination requires a visa and if so, what kind of visa you will need. Sixty percent of the world's countries require visas for any length of stay.

For country specific information visit the US Department of State website located at http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html.

Immunizations
Although vaccinations are not always necessary to enter some countries, the Center for Disease Control recommends that all travelers get booster vaccines for tetanus (Td) and polio (elPV).

All vaccines required by the CDC will be strictly enforced for all students participating in global perspectives trips. These services are offered by the Lee University Health Clinic. Costs vary and will be additional to the global perspectives trip price.

For more information visit the Lee University Health Clinic website located at http://www.leeuniversity.edu/health-services. Also visit the Travelers Link on the CDC website for US citizens traveling abroad located at www.cdc.gov.

Insurance
All students participating in a Lee University global perspectives trip abroad will be enrolled in the institutional policy for international travel. This fee is included in trip costs.

Lee University is not responsible for medical expenses or emergencies if medical treatment is required during a global perspectives trip. While arrangements may be made for medical care in emergency circumstances, these expenses remain the responsibility of the student.

A copy of the international travel insurance policy is on file in the Office of Business and Finance and may be viewed there for policy details and exclusions. This travel policy is secondary to the insured’s personal insurance where applicable.

Budget
The cost of traveling abroad varies considerably and depends on the country you plan to visit, the value of a US dollar in that country, how you plan to get there, where you plan to stay, etc.

Currency exchange rates change constantly. Up to the minute exchange rates can be found on websites such as www.x-rates.com or www.oanda.com.

Study the Intended Target Culture
Research cultural information to ensure you do not offend culture members through insensitivity or criticism of behaviors that may differ from your own. Research is necessary on the tradition in question and its attendant taboos prior to conducting the experience. Strict attention to items of dress, speech, posture, demeanor, interaction with older adults, roles of women and children, etc., requires careful consideration.

Surf the web. Many websites offer travel tips which might help. We suggest www.lonelyplanet.com, http://www.culturegrams.com, and http://www.economist.com/countries.

For travel advisories, visit the US Department of State Current Travel Warnings website located at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html.