newly accepted global me 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛

congratulations!

global me logo

you are about to embark on a life-changing global experience through the global me (mobility engagement) program. studying abroad is a wonderful opportunity to enrich your post-secondary experience, develop intercultural skills, gain independence, and make connections around the globe. there is a wide range of planning and preparation that goes into any student mobility experience, and we are excited to support you as you navigate this process.

please see the information below which details the steps required to prepare for your time abroad. if you have any questions or need assistance, please book an appointment (available via zoom or in-person) or contact the global mobility programs coordinator at globalme@lakeheadu.ca.

mandatory paperwork

there is a variety of mandatory paperwork that all outbound global me 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 must complete and submit prior to their departure. all outbound 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 are responsible to submit these forms at least 4 weeks prior to their anticipated date of departure. 

here is the list of required paperwork:

  • exchange student waiver
  • photo release form (optional)
  • letter of permission (see below)
  • copy of valid passport

accepted outbound global me 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 will be contacted directly regarding the submission of this paperwork. not submitting the paperwork prior to the deadline may result in your study abroad program being suspended.

nomination & application to the host institution

after you have been accepted to the global me program, the global mobility programs coordinator will nominate you to your preferred host institution. following the nomination, you will be required to complete an application directly to the host institution. the application process and deadline varies depending on your host institution.

the timeline to submit your application to the host institution will depend on which semester (fall or winter) you will be starting your studies. 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 beginning their exchange in the fall term will typically receive application instructions in the spring prior (march/april). 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 going on exchange in the winter term will typically receive application instructions in the late summer or fall before their exchange term.  make sure to check your 阿根廷vs墨西哥竞猜 email regularly in case of any updates from lui or from the partner institution.

final confirmation of your participation in the global me program is at the discretion of the partner institution. this may take several weeks after the application, depending on our partner institutions’ internal timelines. we strongly recommend that you do not book your flight or make immigration arrangements until you receive your official letter of acceptance from the host institution.

housing

we encourage all outbound 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 to stay in accommodation offered by the host institution. if 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 wish to stay off-campus, they are solely responsible for making their own arrangements.

typically, 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 will be contacted directly by their host institution regarding instructions on how to apply for university housing. it is the responsibility of the student to ensure they follow the required process and meet the deadline to apply for housing at their host institution. we encourage outbound 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 to do research in advance about housing options and pricing at their future host institution. 

if you have any questions regarding accommodation options at your host institution, contact at globalme@lakeheadu.ca for support.

health insurance

all outbound 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 must ensure they have valid out-of-country health insurance for the entire duration that they will be studying abroad. 阿根廷vs墨西哥竞猜 provides outbound global me 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 with travel and health insurance coverage via the student vip backpack program. prior to your departure, you will receive a welcome package e-mail directly from the student vip backpack team containing information about your coverage and instructions to access your health insurance coverage card.

in addition to this complementary coverage, if you are currently covered under an existing plan (i.e. a parent or guardians health insurance plan) it may also include out-of-country medical insurance coverage. if you are currently registered under the lusu health and dental plan and have not opted out, you will also have 120 days of out-of-country health coverage through your wespeakstudent health insurance plan. you can reach out to lusu at general@lusu.ca to request your card and a letter confirming your health coverage.

passports & visas
passports

before you depart, ensure your current passport is valid beyond 6 months past your anticipated return (or apply for a passport well in advance of your anticipated departure date if you don't currently have one).  canadian passport applications are processed by service canada and you can find locations where you can apply or renew your passport on this link.

visas/study permits

depending on your host institution and the duration of your study abroad program, you may be required to obtain a visa, study permit, residence permit, etc. after you receive a copy of your letter of acceptance from your host institution, you can apply for a student visa from the embassy of your country of destination. some countries require you to visit the embassy/consulate or visa processing centre in person (usually located in toronto or ottawa) and other countries allow you to complete the process fully online. there is typically supporting documentation required to submit a visa application, including the letter of acceptance from your host institution, proof of housing, a record of sufficient funds (bank statement), etc. processes vary depending on which country you are applying to, so contact the relevant embassy or consulate of your host country to find out what documentation is required in order to apply for your student visa. embassy and consulate information can be found on the government of canada travel & tourism website.

note: it is the responsibility of the student to ensure they meet all required immigration requirements of their host country. 

pre-departure session

all outbound global me 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 must attend the mandatory pre-departure session. 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 will receive a direct invitation to this session in the weeks/months before their program begins.

the pre-departure session will connect you with other 阿根廷vs墨西哥竞猜 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 going abroad and help you further prepare for your upcoming international experience.

the pre-departure session is designed to:

  • educate you about resources and tools that will help with host country research 
  • give you an overview of culture shock and ways to manage it
  • equip you with travel & packing tips and tricks
  • safety & security while abroad
  • health & wellness
  • finances & budgeting
  • provide you with an overview of the student vip backpack program 
  • review mandatory processes and paperwork that are required prior to departure

 

financial planning
budgeting

all 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and create a tentative budget for the duration of their experience abroad. doing thorough research and figuring out an estimated cost of living is the first step, taking into consideration your approximate monthly accommodation costs, food, transportation, travel budget, etc. researching student accommodation costs and accessing resources like numbeo (cost of living calculator) can help you prepare for the cost of living in your host country. 

financial support

funding is available for outbound global me 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 via our global me award, global skills opportunity (gso) program (if applicable), and global me faculty awards (if applicable). we also encourage 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 to explore the myawards portal to see if there are any other relevant scholarships, bursaries, or awards available to them. for more information about financial support, please check out the global me funding opportunities webpage or reach out to globalme@lakeheadu.ca if you have any questions.

osap & student financial aid

with regards to osap, when a student studies abroad during the fall or winter semesters they are still registered as a full-time ontario student. any questions regarding osap and your upcoming study abroad experience should be directed to student central at studentcentral@lakeheadu.ca.

banking & accessing money while abroad

it is not necessarily required to open a bank account in your host country, but it is the choice of the student if they wish to. 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 should ensure they notify their bank of their travel plans prior to their departure. typically, we encourage 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 to have a credit card before their international experience in case of emergency. we recommend outbound 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 speak with their bank about the best banking plans or cards that will suit their upcoming travels. 

letter of permission
all outbound global me 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 wishing to receive credit for the courses they are taking abroad must complete the letter of permission process with their program chair(s). a letter of permission (lop) is a document that allows 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 to take courses at another institution and transfer the credit back to their home institution. 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 will receive support from the global mobility programs coordinator to complete this process. lop requests must be submitted to student central to records@lakeheadu.ca prior to departure. if the courses you are taking change after you have arrived at your host institution, you should notify the global mobility programs coordinator (globalme@lakeheadu.ca) right away for assistance on getting your lop revised.
safety while abroad

outbound global me 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 will be automatically enrolled in the student vip backpack service. backpack is 阿根廷vs墨西哥竞猜 's risk management service designed to ensure our student's safety and well-being while abroad. the backpack service provides 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 with 24/7 emergency support, global health and travel coverage, counselling support, and much more. 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 will be registered with the backpack service shortly after completing the pre-departure session. the backpack coverage will last the entire duration of their time abroad. 

we encourage 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 to complete host-country research prior to their departure about safety and security in their host country. some helpful resources include:

studying abroad can be a great experience, but it's important to take precautions to ensure your safety. here is some safety advice that outbound global me 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 should consider:

  • research your destination: before you travel, research your destination to understand any potential safety concerns or hazards. look for information on the local laws, customs, and culture. more information about this will be provided at the pre-departure session.
  • be aware of your surroundings: always be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye out for any potential dangers. avoid isolated areas or places that feel unsafe. travel in groups whenever possible.
  • keep important documents safe: keep your passport, visa, and any other important documents in a secure place, such as a hotel safe. make copies of these documents and keep them in a separate location in case they are lost or stolen. do not carry a large amount of cash on you.
  • stay in touch: keep your friends and family informed of your whereabouts and your plans. get a sim card in your host country to ensure you can stay connected at all times.
  • learn local emergency numbers: make sure you know the local emergency numbers for the country you are in. keep these numbers on your phone and in a visible location in case of an emergency.
  • only use trusted transportation: use trusted transportation services, such as licensed taxis or ride-sharing services, and avoid unmarked or unofficial taxis.
  • follow local laws and customs: be aware of the local laws and customs, and be respectful of them. ignorance of the law is not an excuse, and breaking the law could result in serious consequences.

 

cultural matters

preparing to immerse yourself in a new cultural environment can be both exciting and overwhelming. we encourage you to do research to best prepare you for this upcoming transition.

cultural customs

consider that there may be very different laws, customs, and attitudes prevalent in your host country. below are some categories that can help inform your research about your study abroad destination.

  • drugs and alcohol: what are the laws and culture around drugs and alcohol in your host country? what is the age of the majority? 
  • laws and regulations: what are some laws that may be different in my host country? what crimes and security threats are prominent in my host country? refer to the government of canada travel & tourism website to seek country-specific information. 
  • race, ethnicity and nationality: when you study abroad, it is likely that you will be a minority in your host country. consider how this experience might make you feel and how your ethnic group may be perceived in your host country. 
  • religion and spirituality: religion plays a big role in many countries around the world. it is encouraged to do research to understand the majority religion(s) being practiced in your host country. consider the following: what is the dominant religion in my host country? will i be part of the religious majority or minority abroad? are there any laws regarding religion? how tolerant is the host country of other religions? is it safe for me to wear religious symbols or clothing? 
  • sexuality and lgbtq+ 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 : different countries and cultures can have varying laws, social norms, and attitudes toward sexual orientation and gender identity. consider the following: are there any laws affecting sexual activity in any of the countries to which you are travelling? what are the lgbtq+ legal rights (both past and present) in your host country?  refer to this resource for more information. are there any active protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity? is there an active lgbtq+ community in the location of my placement? does the host university provide gender-inclusive facilities, i.e. gender-neutral bathrooms or lgbtq+-friendly housing? is it safe to be transgender in my host country? 
culture shock

culture shock is a common experience when studying abroad, and it's important to prepare for it to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience. here are some tips to help you prepare for culture shock:

  • research the host country: before you leave, do some research on the culture, customs, and social norms of the host country. this will help you understand what to expect and avoid some of the surprises that can cause culture shock.
  • connect with other 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 : try to connect with other 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 who are also studying abroad, either through social media or orientation events. they may be experiencing similar feelings of culture shock, and can offer support and advice.
  • keep an open mind: remember that cultural differences are an opportunity to learn and grow. be open to new experiences and try to approach them with a positive attitude.
  • seek comforts from home: if you're feeling overwhelmed, seek out familiar experiences, such as listening to music from home or trying to find a restaurant that serves familiar foods. this can provide a sense of comfort and familiarity in a new environment.
  • learn the language: learning some basic words and phrases in the local language can help you navigate your new surroundings and connect with the local community. it can also help you feel more confident and prepared when you arrive.
  • practice self-care: make sure to take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise regularly. you may also want to consider keeping a journal or talking to a counselor or mental health professional if you're struggling with culture shock.
  • reach out if you need support: if you are finding the symptoms of culture shock persisting, please reach out to the international office at your home and host institutions. you can also connect with counsellors via the student vip backpack service.

overall, the key to preparing for culture shock is to be proactive and open-minded. keep in mind that culture shock is a completely normal and expect part of the study abroad experience and that with time and effort, you will adjust to your new surroundings and have a rewarding and enriching experience.

cultural self-reflection

reflecting on your own culture is an important part of preparing to study abroad. by understanding your own cultural values, beliefs, and assumptions, you will be better equipped to navigate cultural differences and adapt to your new environment. here are some tips to help you reflect on your own culture:

  • identify your own cultural values: think about the values that are most important to you, and consider how these values may differ from the values of the host country, and how these differences may impact your experience.
  • examine your assumptions: think about the assumptions you have about the world, such as the way people should behave in social situations or the proper way to show respect. consider how these assumptions may be different in the host country, and how these differences may cause culture shock.
  • consider your communication style: think about how you communicate with others, such as whether you tend to be direct or indirect. consider how this communication style may be different in the host country, and how you can adapt your communication style to be more effective.
  • reflect on your personal identity: think about how your personal identity, such as your gender, race, or sexual orientation, may impact your experience in the host country. consider how your identity may be viewed in the host culture, and how you can navigate any potential challenges.
  • seek out resources: talk to people who have experience studying abroad, read books or articles on intercultural communication, and attend pre-departure sessions. these resources can provide valuable insights and help you prepare for the cultural differences you may encounter.

overall, reflecting on your own culture is an important part of preparing to study abroad. by being aware of your own cultural values, assumptions, and communication style, you will be better equipped to navigate cultural differences and adapt to your new environment. keeping an open mind will help you navigate these differences.

 

re-entry

upon returning to canada, 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 will complete a global me debrief interview with the global mobility programs coordinator. during this debrief, we would like to hear your feedback about your host institution and your experience abroad. we will also invite you to participate in the global me further program. please refer to our returning global me 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 webpage for more information.