LEARN
Check out program options on our website, attend an Interest Session to get an overview of study abroad programs, and then stop by Walk-In Advising Hours to ask more specific questions.
FUND
Apply for national, college, department, and/or provider company scholarships. Set up appointments with Financial Aid and Admissions and Scholarships to see how your existing funding may apply. Make a personal savings plan.
PICK A PROGRAM
Compare your options by price, location, course selection, or other factors. When you decide, begin an application on our website. Your provider company or exchange university may also require a separate application.
PREPARE
Stay on top of your applications, Course Approval Form, Outbound Orientation, course registration, and other paperwork and deadlines. Make housing, visa, and travel arrangements.
DEPART
Begin your study abroad adventure! See the world, learn about your host country, study hard, and make new friends. Don't forget to keep in touch! #dawgsabroad

Before You Leave

Health Issues

Vaccines, Health Insurance, and Medicine abroad.

Vaccines

Many countries in South America, Asia, and Africa require proof of immunizations in order to enter the country. Some of these immunizations can be done in one day, while others are done as a series over several weeks. The Longest Student Health Center provides vaccinations as well as health care information for the international traveler. If you do not know the requirements of your destination, visit the Center for Disease Control’s travel site for more information.

Health Insurance

Mississippi State University requires that ALL students studying abroad purchase sufficient health insurance for their stay abroad. This inexpensive insurance is designed to assist with specific needs that can develop while in another country. Even if you already have health insurance, additional coverage is important to cover situations that may not be covered by a domestic carrier.

All MSU administered programs, and many external providers include international health insurance as part of the program fees. However, if insurance is not already offered to you, it is important that you purchase international health insurance before you leave the United States. Many insurance policies may reimburse you for medical expenses that accrued abroad but do not cover medical evacuation and repatriation (see definitions below). These two types of coverage are very important to have as they can be the most expensive medical costs accrued abroad.

Mississippi State University requires all students studying abroad to obtain insurance coverage that (at the minimum) meets the following:

Accident coverage: This coverage should be at least $50,000
Health/Illness coverage: If you have a chronic condition, be sure to check on coverage for pre-existing conditions. Coverage should be sufficient to cover an extended hospital stay. This coverage should be at least $50,000
Repatriation: In the event of death, this benefit pays for remains to be transported home. This coverage should be at least $50,000
Emergency Evacuation: This benefit pays for you to be airlifted in a medically equipped critical care, helicopter or plane to the closest medical facility that is equipped to handle your care. This coverage should be at least $125,000

The Office of Study Abroad has contracted with Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) which provides comprehensive study abroad insurance coverage to students, including unlimited medical evacuation, and repatriation benefits. Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI), a leader in study abroad insurance. The cost is $47.25/month and provides comprehensive coverage for accidents, sicknesses, emergency medical/security evacuation and 24/7 phone and e-mail assistance while you are abroad. Please see the CISI Insurance section below for more information about CISI and enrollment information. Click here to download the plan details.

Remember that your insurance will not help you if you do not have the information with you. While abroad, students should keep names, phone numbers, and policy numbers in a secure place.

Medicine

If you are traveling with prescription drugs, keep them in their original pharmacy containers and carry copies of prescriptions. Ask your doctor for the generic name of any drug you are taking in case you need to replace a prescription. Do not forget the prescription for your eyeglasses and contacts. Consider taking the entire amount of prescription drugs that you will need while abroad. Pack a one-month supply in your carry-on, and place the remainder in your stowed luggage.

If you are diabetic or need disposable syringes for any other medical condition, you may consider taking a supply that will last you until you return. This may not be necessary or allowed in all countries. Try to review the regulations and norms of your host country before departure.

Many students will experience some form of mild traveler’s diarrhea while abroad. You may want to ask your doctor to recommend an anti-diarrhea medication to take with you until you adjust to your host country’s food and water.

Before you leave, get physical, dental, and vision checkups and make sure your prescriptions are up-to-date.

CISI Insurance

Mississippi State's customized study abroad insurance plan.

Mississippi State University has negotiated a customized study abroad insurance plan and rate for all MSU students, faculty and staff, Policy # GLM N10893124. The plan is through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI), a leader in study abroad insurance. The cost is $47.25/month and provides comprehensive coverage for accidents, sicknesses, emergency medical/security evacuation and 24/7 phone and e-mail assistance while you are abroad. All faculty-led programs include this cost in the program fee. Insurance is purchased by the Office of Study Abroad on behalf of faculty-led program participants through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI). Click here to download plan details.

Other affiliated programs, including exchange and direct-enroll programs, do not include sufficient health insurance in their program fee. Therefore, students studying abroad with these programs may need to purchase additional coverage

CISI's Team Assist

Team Assist is available to assist students when they are traveling abroad and need help accessing health care services. Services include translation, provider referral, emergency medical evacuation, emergency medical reunion services, medical monitoring, guarantee of payments, and prescription drug replacement.

All services must be arranged through the Assistance Provider. Team Assist provides services and expenses are paid up to the amount shown on the Schedule of Benefits. If you require Team Assist assistance, your ID number is your policy number. In the U.S., call (855) 327-1411, worldwide call (01-312) 935-1703 (collect calls accepted) or e-mail medassist-usa@axa-assistance.us.

Insurance Enrollment

If you are participating in a non-Faculty Led program and wish to enroll in MSU's coverage through CISI please contact studyabroad@msstate.edu for the CISI Self-Enrollment insurance link. Enrollment with your credit card is quick and easy and your personalized insurance materials are e-mailed directly to you for printing, sharing with parents/advisors/authorities and saving for your future reference! Please contact OSA today for the CISI Self-Enrollment insurance link (Please note: you must enroll at least 7 days before you depart the U.S.).

Money Matters

How to handle your money and finances while abroad.

It is highly recommended to divide your money into several different funds while abroad. It is wise to have a least 2-3 of the following options: cash, debit cards, and credit cards. While you should never carry large sums of cash, it is prudent to have some in case your credit/debit card does not work initially overseas. You can exchange this money in the airport in order to make necessary phone calls, pay for a taxi, etc.

Debit cards are now widely used overseas and you should not have a problem accessing an ATM. Credit cards are widely acceptable in Europe and in most nice restaurants and shopping centers elsewhere. Please consider taking at least one form of plastic. Debit and credit cards can be invaluable during an emergency.

Before leaving, contact your bank to let them know where you will be traveling and for how long. Your bank may assume your card has been stolen and block access if they do not know you are abroad. You may want to have a credit or debit card linked to a separate account that is only to be used for emergencies. Also, consider giving a parent or relative access to your bank account. If something goes wrong with your account, it will be easier for them to sort things out with the bank in person than for you to try to reach your bank by phone or email—especially if you are in a different time zone.

Although a debit card often offers the best exchange rate, cash is very important in many places of the world for day-to-day transactions. You should not expect to be able to use ‘plastic’ for purchases in stores and restaurants everywhere as you can in the United States.

Remember not to keep all of your cash and cards in the same bag. If your bag is lost or stolen, you could lose everything. Consider dispersing your money through your belongings, and you might consider buying a money belt when carrying large amounts of cash. Remember to be sensible and cautious. Traveling abroad is not unsafe or more dangerous than traveling many places within the United States.

In case of emergency and you need money fast, MoneyGram and WesternUnion allow you to transfer money to locations across the globe instantly—for a fee. Since this is normally more expensive, do not do this unless it is absolutely necessary.

Exchange rates

To check the value of the United States Dollar (USD) in any country, you may use an online currency exchange calculator.

Exchange rates change constantly, and you should check the rate often. ATMs usually charge higher fees when used internationally, but they still often offer the best exchange rate. Do not exchange money with unauthorized dealers in the street. Banks and foreign exchange shops will give you a better rate than hotels, restaurants, or shops. If you are going to be abroad for an extended period of time, you may want to consider opening a bank account in that country.

Air Transportation

Finding affordable airfare and other information for air travel.

Airfare

You should shop around for the best deals on airfare. Students can save a lot of money on airfare if they look for deals early and often. Many airlines reserve a certain number of student tickets on each flight.

Tips on getting a cheap flight:

Book early. Don’t wait until the week before or even two weeks before you leave to get your flight!
Be flexible with your travel dates. If you don’t have a determined date to arrive, check different days.
If you can easily drive to another airport, don’t limit your options. Try seeing if the rate changes by flying out of Atlanta, Memphis, Jackson, or somewhere near your hometown.
Avoid travelling on weekends and holidays. You can usually get a cheaper flight midweek.
It is much cheaper to buy a round-trip ticket than to buy two one-way tickets! If you are not sure when you are returning, invest in an open ticket. It is cheaper than buying two one-way tickets. Furthermore, in order to enter many countries, you must show proof that you have already purchased a return flight or that you will be continuing your travel elsewhere.

Airport

For an updated list of prohibited items and travel regulations, it is highly recommended that you visit the Transportation Security Administration’s website "For Travelers".

If you decide to lock your bags, invest in TSA locks that can be opened easily by airport staff with a master key. If you do not use these locks, they may break your lock to gain access to your bags.

Before heading to the airport, call your airline or check their website to confirm your flight time. Allow two hours to check in before domestic flights and three hours for international flights. If you have an e-ticket, take the confirmation number or e-ticket locater with you to the airport.

A few tips for the airport…Don’t leave your baggage unattended. Don’t accept packages from strangers. Have your boarding pass and passport out before you go through security. Wear shoes that can be taken off easily. Don’t wear a belt unless you want to take it on and off repeatedly to pass through security.

All Things Electronic

Using electronics, computers, phones, and making international calls while abroad.

Electricity

Be aware that the voltage is different in the U.S. than in most places in the world. Example: U.S. 110v, Europe 220v. Other countries have = different outlets and different frequencies. Research the voltage, outlet, and frequency of your host country before you leave.

It is often cheaper to buy adapters and converters online in the U.S. than to buy them in your destination country. Plan to purchase a hairdryer and other similar products in your host country. Keep in mind that adapters do not convert electricity. They only change the plug to fit the foreign wall outlet. A converter is needed in order to convert the electricity.

Computers

If you decide to take your laptop abroad, you should know that wireless Internet is not as prevalent and accessible in all parts of the world and your computer may not be as useful as you think. That being said, if you take your laptop abroad, make sure you have the right hardware. Most laptops have built-in converter that will take care of the voltage difference, but some do not! Consult the manufacturer of your laptop before you leave to see if you need a converter. In addition to the converter, most computers will need a basic adapter to change the plug.

Lock it up. If you are going to be using a computer in your dorm, university, or in a neighborhood café, consider purchasing a laptop lock cable. This is an inexpensive way to protect your computer from theft.

Phones

Most programs will suggest a phone provider to students that will both rent a phone and provide phone service. Prices vary depending on the country and services provided. Some students may have a cell phone capable of working overseas and may wish to buy or rent a SIM card from an overseas provider instead of renting the complete phone. If you are studying abroad for a very short period, you should ask your U.S. provider the cost of calls while roaming in another country. If your program does not provide any cell phone service, you may decide to rent one from Cellhire or a similar phone rental company.

To make calls home to the United States from your host country, we recommend you look into free online methods such as Skype, iChat, MSN Messenger, etc. With these services, you are able to video chat with your parents and friends free of charge.

If you intend to travel with your U.S. smart phone, there are many free or inexpensive apps that you can use with a WiFi connection to call, text, or voice message friends and family in the U.S. These apps include, but are not limited to, Viber, WhatsApp, WeChat. etc.

Dialing

To call home from a cell phone or landline, you must know how to dial internationally. The standard code is listed below; however, this code varies in some countries. You should consult HowtoCallAbroad.com for international country codes and exit codes and to learn how to dial out.

00 + 1 + 662 + 325-8929
standard international code + area code + 7-digit phone number

Packing

How to pack and what to pack for your trip abroad.

Packing/Luggage

Remember that space is limited and you will be charged if you take too many bags or if they are overweight (check your airline’s website for the weight and size limits). Most airlines now charge to check a second bag. Since you will be hauling your heavy luggage through airports and train stations, it is better to under pack than to overpack.

You can buy shampoo, conditioner, laundry detergent, and hairdryers in your host country. Besides, by packing light, you will be able to bring back all kinds of treasures that you will find in your host country. Just remember a general rule known by many travelers: "Pack everything you think you will need, then take out fifty percent."

All suitcases should have wheels, and if you are planning to travel extensively through your host country or continent, you should invest in an internal frame hiking pack. Before you leave, mark your bags on the inside and outside with your name and contact information in case your bags make it on the wrong plane. Once you have packed, pick up your luggage and take a walk around the block. If you can’t do that, you need to invest in better luggage or take out some of the weight. YOU will be carrying everything without help.

Your clothes should be machine-washable and should not require a dryer since the accepted practice in many countries is to hang-dry clothing. Also, keep in mind that students in most countries dress more formally than Americans (fewer t-shirts and tennis shoes). Do research on fashion trends in the country that you will be visiting.

Try to fit in, but most importantly, respect the customs of the country that you will be visiting. It is important to respect the customs even if you don't agree with them. If you are visiting a church in Europe, men should not wear shorts, and women should keep their knees and shoulders covered. Women, while you would not consider your shorts to be too short to walk around MSU’s campus, they may send the wrong message in another country.

Women, to make your lives easier, this website was created to help you travel: JourneyWoman.

RESPECT. This is the most important word to remember when traveling abroad. Although the culture may be different than what you are accustomed to, YOU are the visitor in their country, so you must be respectful of their practices. A well-known phrase to keep in mind is, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” Following these rules (and looking less like a tourist) will help to keep you safe and will prevent unwanted attention.

Don’t forget to pack comfortable walking shoes, a battery-operated alarm clock, a towel, and at least one nice outfit. In your carry-on, pack an extra change of clothes, toiletries (that meet airport guidelines), passport, airline ticket, money (but not everything you have), and all important names and phone numbers—both in the U.S. and in your host country.

Photocopies

Before leaving, make copies of all important documents and leave them with your parents or with a trusted friend. You should leave copies of your passport, birth certificate, visa, plane ticket, rail passes, prescriptions, bank account information, credit card numbers, international health insurance, and overall itinerary. It is recommended that you make electronic copies so that you may also access them from your email in case of an emergency.

You should keep a list of important names and numbers with this information. (MSU Office of Study Abroad, MSU Campus Police, parents’ work and home numbers, etc.) Take your local doctor and dentist’s information in case a medical emergency arises.

Registration

STEP Registration

Register yourself with the U.S. Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). The U.S. Embassy cannot help you during an emergency if they do not know where you are. This free service is for U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad. Benefits of enrolling in STEP:

Receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country, helping you make informed decisions about your travel plans.
Help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest, of family emergency.
Help family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency.

Travel Documents

Passports, visas, residence permits and International Student Identification Cards.

U.S. Passport

The International Institute is an official Passport Acceptance Facility. To acquire a passport, make an appointment to come to 235 Walker Hall from 9:00am-11:30am, Monday through Friday to apply. Bring a checkbook, your birth certificate, and your driver's license. Passport photos and applications will be processed on site.

Make sure you apply early! Without a passport you will not study abroad. It can take several weeks from the time of application to receive your passport. If you are rushed, you may pay for the expedited service and receive your passport quicker. Remember that your passport is required before you begin the visa process. Once you receive your passport, sign it and fill in the emergency information page. Visit the U.S. Department of State website for more information.

Visa

A visa is a document (usually in the form of a stamp or sticker in your passport) that gives you permission to travel into a specific country and stay there for a determined period of time. Visas vary greatly from country to country (and from applicant to applicant). To verify the specific visa you will need, it is important to communicate with the nearest U.S. consulate of the country in which you are studying. While U.S. citizens are able to travel freely for up to 90 days in many countries on a tourist visa, you may need a study visa if you plan to study in the same country. Those wishing to do international internships may need a work visa. The most common types of visas are study, work, and tourist. You must have a passport in order to apply for a visa. Processing times to obtain a visa vary greatly depending on the country, the purpose of travel, and your citizenship.

The Office of Study Abroad does not process or issue visas for students. We are here to assist students with the process, but obtaining a visa is ultimately the responsibility of the student going abroad.

If you are studying abroad with a provider company (AIFS, API, CEA, ISA, Semester at Sea, SIT, etc), the provider will be able to help you with this process.

All students should review the embassy or consulate web page of countries they plan to visit for updated visa and travel requirements. Visas may be acquired either directly from the consulate or from a visa service. Pay attention to detail when submitting paperwork to prevent delays.

The U.S. Department of State also has a good resource for Entry/Exit requirements. For information on entry requirements for a specific country, please go to the Entry/Exit Requirements section in the Country Specific Information for the country you are interested in at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country.html. You may also contact the U.S. embassy or consulate of that country for further information.

Answers at consulates often change from day to day, consulate to consulate, and staff member to staff member. Be patient, friendly, and don’t wait until the last minute. They are only open a few hours a week and close for all their national holidays, as well as for all U.S. holidays. As part of this process, you may be required to visit the nearest consulate in New Orleans or Atlanta, for example.

While Mississippi State University does not endorse any particular company or agency, there are multiple agencies dedicated to helping travelers get visas. For more information, please visit:

For a list of embassies in Washington, D.C., please visit: http://www.embassy.org/embassies/ You may need to locate the consulate that has jurisdiction over the citizens of Mississippi.

Residence Permits

Many countries in the European Union, as well as several others around the world, require that international students staying over 90 days get a residence permit upon arrival. This is usually a bureaucratic process that requires a visit to the local police station or city hall in your host country. Be aware that you may need a residence permit. Research your study abroad country's laws and any specific immigration rules that may pertain to you.

International Student Identification Card (ISIC)

www.isic.org

Recognized by UNESCO, this card opens doors, gets discounts, and is relatively inexpensive to purchase. It is almost guaranteed that this card will make money for you if you plan on visiting many museums, theaters, concerts, and historic sites while abroad. It can even save you money on airfare and train tickets.

While we highly recommend this student card, students are not required to purchase it.

While Abroad

Arrival

Information for when you arrive in your host country.

Upon arrival to your host country, you will be required to pass through immigration and customs. They will examine your passport and ask you questions related to your stay. Sometimes this process is quick and painless, and sometimes they ask you enough to write your biography. Be patient and answer all the questions. You are a visitor in their country.

After you get your passport stamped, you will pass through customs. You may have to declare certain items. Airport customs have the right to open your luggage and check for any illegal items — from fruits and vegetables to animals and narcotics.

If you are not traveling with a group and will not be picked up by a university official or program advisor, it is recommended that you reserve a place to stay your first night and/or look for transportation from the airport before leaving the United States.

Call or email your parents and the MSU Office of Study Abroad! Please do not wait a week to let your parents know that you have arrived safely.

Gift-giving

If staying with a host family, it is recommended that arrive bearing gift(s). They don’t have to be expensive, but are usually expected. Here are a few suggestions:

MSU Apparel (t-shirt, football, Bully toy, etc)
U.S. cookbook
Anything unique to Mississippi (magnolia, cotton, etc)
Photo books or calendars of your hometown or Mississippi

Also, if you are invited to have dinner at someone’s house, it is polite to arrive with a gift (flowers, wine, dessert).

Living Abroad

Information and resources for your study abroad trip.

Blogging

Looking for a meaningful souvenir from your time abroad? Try keeping a journal or travel blog. Jot down all of your cultural mishaps and language disasters. The Office of Study Abroad would love to link to your blog in order to share your experiences with other MSU students.

Your Host Country and Its Laws

It is vital that you remember that you will be a visitor while studying abroad. It is YOU that will have to adapt to the new culture—not it to you. Don’t assume that American culture is better; it is only different. Open your mind to new things and to new ways of doing old things. Before you leave, plan to do plenty of research before you leave on your host country’s customs, beliefs, politics, religions, holidays, and laws. Talk to MSU students who have visited the same country or to students from that country who are now studying at MSU. Remember: just because something is acceptable behavior in Mississippi does not mean it is acceptable where you will be living.

Not only could your behavior be loud and offensive to some, it could even be illegal. Drunk and disorderly behavior and drug-related crimes are among the most common reason U.S. citizens are arrested abroad. Always remember that you are a guest in another country. The more you learn now, the easier your transition will be later. Review the following resources before you leave:

Advice from the U.S. Department of State

Please review the Department of State’s Students Abroad website for further tips on travel, health, embassies, news, and alerts for students studying abroad.

Staying Safe

The safety, security, and well-being of study abroad program participants are of utmost importance to MSU and the Office of Study Abroad. While we cannot guarantee a risk-free environment, all efforts are made to best ensure the safety and well-being of our participants throughout the duration of the program. The Office of Study Abroad follows prudent measures ensure the safety of our programs and to reduce risk for study abroad participants. All students complete an application, which includes health information and emergency contact information. We require all students to complete an Outbound Orientation, purchase adequate international health and emergency assistance insurance, and register through the Department of State.

The Office of Study Abroad closely monitors U.S. State Department (DOS) Travel Advisories and Country Specific Risk Indicators at all times. OSA also regularly reviews reports by the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO), as well as information provided by trusted security analysis services, local governments and media outlets.

While MSU is firmly committed to the provision of this support, we also emphasize to students, faculty, and parents that all program participants must take responsibility for their own safety and security. This is highlighted during pre-departure preparations, on-site orientation, and throughout students' stay in the host country. Points of emphasis during the orientation include students using common sense, being aware of their surroundings, and not putting themselves in compromising positions with the abuse of drugs or alcohol. The same precautions anyone would follow in their home communities in the U.S. should be maintained when traveling abroad.

Points to keep in mind:

Your actions and opinions (intentionally or not) will contribute to your host country’s opinion of the USA, Mississippi, Starkville, and Mississippi State University. Locals will ask you many questions while you are abroad, and it is wise to think about these topics before you are asked by the gentlemen selling you a baguette in Paris. Possible topics might include US foreign policy, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bush, Obama, slavery in Mississippi, Katrina, US banking industry’s role in the economic collapse, and other controversial issues.

You are still considered an MSU student while abroad, which means you are still responsible for upholding the Student Honor Code while abroad.
While abroad, try to blend in with the locals. Stay informed of local news and LOOK AT A MAP! You may not have had geography since you were 12, but that is no excuse. Learn the names of capitals and countries that surround you.
Speak softly. Avoid the U.S. stereotype of being loud and obnoxious.
Try local foods and experience local culture. Eat at McDonald’s in Mississippi, but please don’t let the cashier at the McDonald’s in Hamburg, Germany know your order by heart. You didn’t cross the Atlantic to eat a Big Mac.
Don’t do drugs unless you want a tour of the local jail. Understand and respect local laws.
Do not drink excessively. Most of you will be allowed to drink legally while abroad, and some of you will even be able to purchase beer from your university’s cafeteria. Don’t abuse this new “power.” U.S. students are notorious for drinking in excess and getting themselves in trouble (and even getting robbed) while abroad. Drinking excessively in a foreign country is bad for your health and your reputation. Due to these reasons, MSU recommends that you avoid alcohol.
Use the buddy system. Never go out or travel alone. If you are traveling with friends that are outside of your program, leave their names and contact information with your roommate, program director, or host family.
Try to avoid protests and demonstrations that could escalate into dangerous situations. Anger intended for the U.S. Government could be directed toward U.S. citizens in the area.
Don’t carry all of your credit/debit cards with you at any point in time. Avoid carrying a lot of cash or flashing your money around in an obvious way.
Avoid being surrounded by a crowd. This is a perfect environment to be pickpocketed.
Only use official taxis. This is very important to keep you safe. Also, learn local taxi customs. In many countries, meters are not used, and you must agree on a fare before you get in the taxi.
Ask your program director what the safest means of transportation is throughout the city.
Act confidently when in an area that seems unsafe. You usually won’t be targeted if you look like you know where you are and what you are doing.

Culture Shock

How to handle culture shock when you arrive in your host country.

Upon arrival to your host country, you will begin to adjust to the food, time zone, climate, and language. This adjustment process can be overwhelming and frustrating, and you can experience culture shock. Although it may not seem like it at the time, this is a necessary step and is part of the adjustment process. Everyone that is abroad for an extended period of time goes through it and usually comes out smiling on the other end.

Phases of Culture Shock

The shock of moving to a foreign country often consists of distinct phases, though not everyone passes through these phases and not everyone is in the new culture long enough to pass through all three:

Honeymoon Phase

During this period the differences between the old and new culture are seen in a romantic light, wonderful and new. For example, in moving to a new country, an individual might love the new foods, the pace of the life, the people's habits, the buildings and so on. During the first few weeks most people are fascinated by the new culture. They associate with the nationals that speak their language and are polite to the foreigners. This period is full of observations and new discoveries. Like most honeymoons this stage eventually ends.

Negotiation Phase

After some time (usually days or weeks), differences between the old and new culture become apparent and may create anxiety. One may long for food the way it is prepared in one's native country, may find the pace of life too fast or slow, may find the people's habits annoying, disgusting, and irritating etc. This phase is often marked by mood swings caused by minor issues or without apparent reason. This is where excitement turns to disappointment and more and more differences start to occur. Depression is not uncommon.

Adjustment Phase

Again, after some time, one grows accustomed to the new culture and develops routines. One knows what to expect in most situations and the host country no longer feels all that new. One becomes concerned with basic living again, and things become more "normal." One starts to develop problem-solving skills for dealing with the culture, and begins to accept the culture ways with a positive attitude. The culture begins to make sense, and negative reactions and responses to the culture are reduced. Reaching this stage requires a constructive response to culture shock with effective means of adaption.

Reverse Culture Shock

Also, Reverse Culture Shock (a.k.a. Re-entry Shock) may take place — - returning to one's home culture after growing accustomed to a new one can produce the same effects as described above. The affected person often finds this more surprising and difficult to deal with than the original culture shock.

Culture shock is a state of dis-ease, just like a disease. It has many different effects, time spans, and degrees of severity. Many people are handicapped by its presence and don't recognize what is bothering them. Culture shock symptoms are really hard to seclude. There are no fixed symptoms ascribed to culture shock as each person is affected differently. It is important to remember that experiencing culture shock is normal.

Managing Stress While Abroad

Experiencing stress while abroad is a given, but being able to manage it effectively is the key. The University of Michigan has established a website, Resilient Traveling, to address the effects of stress while abroad and act as a resource to effectively manage it.

Emergencies Abroad

Information for handling emergencies while abroad.

Our primary concern will always be your safety while abroad. While this information is designed to guide students to make wise decisions and avoid dangerous situations, Mississippi State University cannot guarantee your safety abroad. In order to protect yourself and have the most accurate information available to you be sure you know the following:

In-country Emergency Number—– Know the Emergency “911” number for the area in which you will be studying abroad . Depending on the country, police, fire, and ambulance may all have separate numbers.

On-site faculty/program director information- this includes at least one 24 hours/7 days a week contact phone number for the faculty member or on-site supervisor who is with you during your study abroad program. If you have not received this information from the faculty member in charge of this program, be sure to ask!

In-Country emergency numbers/information- Know the Emergency “911” number for the area in which you will be studying abroad. Look up the emergency numbers for Fire, Police, and Ambulance services in your country.

Also, write down the US consulate information that you may need. You can find that list here.

MSU Emergency Information—For emergencies, contact the MSU police at 662.325.2121. The MSU police have someone at the phone 24 hours day/7 days a week. The police have the contact information of several people on campus and will be able to get in touch with the right person. Have a call back number ready.

While studying abroad is a fun experience, dangers do occur. Please keep in mind the following basic steps to follow in case of an emergency:

First, always contact the appropriate emergency officials in the host country (police, fire, ambulance, etc.). Sometimes this is not necessary if you are not in immediate danger, but always have this information ready.
Second, contact your in-country faculty/staff member or site supervisor. The on-site program staff is the best resource in case of an emergency. Whether you are ill, have been harmed, or were a victim of theft, the on-site staff has the resources and know-how to handle this situation far better than anyone stateside. The on-site staff will work to help you immediately and will contact the Office of Study Abroad and your parents if there is need for further assistance.
Finally, if appropriate, contact MSU at the numbers provided. Sometimes this step is not necessary or the faculty member will do this step for you, but know that we are there to assist you.

Below are some specific tips for dealing with issues abroad:

If you are the victim of a crime, contact the on-site faculty/staff and the local police to report the incident and receive immediate assistance. Get a copy of the police report and contact the nearest U.S. embassy, consulate, or consular agency for assistance. To contact the Office of Overseas Citizens Services from overseas, call 202.501.4444.

In the event of a natural disaster or terrorist attack, the on-site faculty/staff and the nearest U.S. embassy, consulate, or consular agency will assist you. Make sure you have registered yourself on the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Even if an emergency or natural disaster occurs 1,500 kilometers from your city and you are perfectly fine, notify your parents and the MSU Office of Study Abroad to confirm your safety.

If you are arrested abroad, call the on-site faculty/staff and the U.S. consulate. They cannot get you out of jail, but they can explain local laws, help you get an attorney, and contact your family in the U.S.

If you are arrested abroad, call the on-site faculty/staff and the U.S. consul. They cannot get you out of jail, but they can explain local laws, help you get an attorney, and contact your family in the U.S.

The U.S. Department of State has an excellent website with resources to help American students traveling abroad.

For all other (non-emergency) inquiries, contact the MSU Office of Study Abroad:

Mississippi State University
Office of Study Abroad:
662.325.8929
studyabroad@msstate.edu

Transcripts

Information for getting your transcripts to MSU after your study abroad experience.

Before you leave your host country, make sure that your transcript will be sent to:

Office of Study Abroad
501 Hardy Road
235 Walker Hall
P.O. Box 9742
Mississippi State, MS 39762

Returning to the USA

Information for your return trip to the USA.

Before returning to the United States, you should understand what is legal to bring through U.S. Customs. Just because it was legal to buy that box of Cuban cigars in Spain doesn't mean that you can legally bring them back to the U.S. Visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's website for U.S. travelers.

Also, be prepared to experience "reverse culture shock," (a.k.a. Re-entry Shock) upon returning to your home culture after growing accustomed to a new one. The best way to avoid these feelings is to stay international. Meet other international students that are studying abroad at MSU and help other U.S. students go abroad!

Steps to Study Abroad