First Things First...
 

How do I find the right program for me?

Your first consultation should be with your academic advisor.  Then you can learn more in-depth information when you take the ANTH 200 seminar and also by conducting careful research on this website. 

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 the fall & spring semesters, each 5 weeks long, for 1 credit hour.

Get a Passport

Passport applications are available at the local 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.

Bring with you proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a certified birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, a previous passport, or a certificate of citizenship. You must also bring proof of identity, such as a driver's license, a current student or work id, or an old passport.

Current cost is $75 for the application fee and an additional $25 for the processing fee.

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/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html.

Immunizations

Although vaccinations are not always necessary to enter a particular country, 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.  Students must comply with Tennessee State Law and institutional requirements for immunizations prior to trip departure.  Refusal to obtain vaccinations will negate travel. 

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 enroll in the institutional policy for international travel.  The $35 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 from country to country and depends on the country you plan to visit, the value of a U.S. dollar in that country, how you plan to get there, where you plan to stay while in country, etc.  Before you go, research the general living costs of the country to which you are traveling. 

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

Most likely you will experience some degree of culture shock regardless of how well traveled you are and no matter your language ability.  Have realistic expectations about your intended culture of study.  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 , http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/country_profiles/default.stm , www.culturecrossing.net , and http://www.economist.com/countries/.