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Page last updated by CRT on 25 June 2024
Handbook Summary
Handbook Summary
The most important need-to-know topics are included on this summary page, and the pre-arrival preparations including the Guarini Prep Videos, and handbook assessment as part of the mandatory pre-arrival orientation preparations.
The most important need-to-know topics are included on this summary page, and the pre-arrival preparations including the Guarini Prep Videos, and handbook assessment as part of the mandatory pre-arrival orientation preparations.
Links to the page source are provided above summarized information from those pages.
Use the search bar at the top of the site to find what you need or click the links to each page to learn more.
Reading the handbook in its entirety is not necessary (it's okay to skim).
Reading the handbook in its entirety is not necessary (it's okay to skim).
We have provided a robust handbook with several resources for students who wish to dive deeper into certain topics. Specific program information is provided in Program Guides and Program-Specific Orientations with Faculty Directors or the Exchange Coordinator.
The information is program-general so please carefully review and familiarize yourself with the policies and resources in this handbook before departure.
Student Roles & Responsibilities
Student Roles & Responsibilities
Complete all Program Requirements
All committed students are responsible for remaining apprised of information shared by the Guarini Institute and its constituents regarding program requirements. Failure to complete materials on time will compromise your eligibility to participate in a program.
These requirements include entry requirements (having a valid passport, obtaining a visa if necessary, and any country entry requirements as necessary), personal planning (budgeting and health planning), completing program materials (in the Guarini application and via program partners as applicable), and travel preparations (reviewing travel guidance and program guides as applicable).
Resources for Assistance
Students can reach out to the faculty director/exchange coordinator and/or host institution, the Guarini Institute, and study away mentors for assistance about off-campus programs.
Academic obligations on off-campus programs are just as substantial as on-campus.
Budgeting
Budgeting
Financial Aid
Financial Aid
For students receiving aid, financial aid will adjust its awards to meet the costs of an off-campus program, though the family contribution may differ so please contact Financial Aid with any questions.
Student Budget Sheets
Student Budget Sheets
Review your Program Budget Sheet
Every program has a student budget sheet available in their program application documents or by clicking on the Budget sheet link on the program webpage. Students are responsible for understanding their program budget sheet.
Budgeting Apps & Tips
Budgeting Apps & Tips
Download the student budgeting spreadsheet or apps to help you stay on budget and keep track of spending.
Travel Prep & Safety
Travel Prep & Safety
Travel Preparations
Travel Preparations
Travel Guidance
Students on Faculty-Directed programs will receive Travel Guidance from the Guarini Institute via email and through your application portal to book airline tickets. Please wait to book your ticket until you receive this guidance.
First-Time Flyer Tips
First-Time Flyer Tips
We recommend this page to anyone who has not flown or used an international airport before.
Insurance Coverage
Insurance Coverage
Every student must have health insurance.
Faculty-Directed programs include personal property insurance, but Exchange programs do not.
Travel Safety
Travel Safety
US citizens are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
Travel Assistance
Travel Assistance
ISOS is available to students on international programs (if this applies to you, please read this page).
Arrival Safety
Arrival Safety
Read the Program Guide
Faculty-Directed programs will provide program guides with program-specific information.
Be able to Communicate
Always be able to communicate with your at-home resources, your faculty-director/program exchange institution in the event of a travel delay.
Create a Contingency Plan
Create a contingency plan if your flight is delayed or interrupted.
Exercise Caution upon Arrival
Remember to exercise due caution since you may be tired or distracted by your new surroundings.
Personal Safety
Personal Safety
Street Harassment
Street harrassment and pickpocketing can be common anywhere, and you can be more vulnerable to it while abroad. Learn ways to approach both.
Personal Vehicles
Students are not authorized to use personal vehicles for transporting students to/from program-sponsored activities. For instances where group transportation is not arranged and paid for by the program (e.g. a bus or van), a transportation allowance and/or pass will be provided to each student to address program-related local transportation needs as appropriate. Any student who brings their own vehicle assumes all liability and needs to carry sufficient liability insurance coverages.
Packing Checklist & Contacts
Packing Checklist & Contacts
Download the important contacts and review the packing checklist
Personal Health Planning
Personal Health Planning
Accessibility
Accessibility
Students who need accommodations should meet with student accessibility services long before program departure to communicate these needs with the Guarini Institute.
Making a Health Plan
Making a Health Plan
If you have pre-existing medical or mental health conditions, consider how you will manage them when traveling in another country.
Mental Health Planning
Mental Health Planning
Disclosing mental health is helpful to develop a plan with your doctor.
Travel Consults
Travel Consults
All students participating in a study away program are advised to schedule and receive a travel health consultation with Dick’s House medical staff or primary care physician at least one month before departure.
Sexual Health
Sexual Health
Resources on-campus are also available off-campus. Participants who are planning to be sexually active should bring protection, be aware of social norms and laws regarding sexual activity, and practice safe sex.
Health Supplies & Medications
Health Supplies & Medications
Bring an Adequate Supply of Medications
Check with your doctor on your medications to ensure they can be brought abroad (this can be communicated during the health travel consult).
Bring an Adequate Supply of Personal Toiletries
Since some health products you use regularly or need in an emergency may be difficult to find in a foreign country and can be of varying quality and effectiveness depending on the location of your program, you may consider including them in your supplies.
Illnesses & Emergencies
Illnesses & Emergencies
Emergencies
Call the country's emergency number for immediate needs.
Mental Health Services
UWill, UHelp, and ISOS are all available internationally. The National Suicide Hotline is available for students on domestic programs.
Illness
In case of illness, inform your faculty director, program partner, or the dean or counselor on call. You may then want to contact ISOS for help finding services.
Everyday Life Away
Everyday Life Away
Legal Considerations
Legal Considerations
Research Local Laws and Customs
To best prepare yourself, research and be aware of local laws and customs and understand that you will not only have to conform to the legal system but also obey the Dartmouth Standards of Conduct.
Avoid Political Demonstrations
Students should avoid political demonstrations in country.
Vote from Abroad
You can vote while abroad via votefromabroad.org
Adjusting After Arrival
Adjusting After Arrival
Research Your Host Country
Learn as much as possible about the cultural, social, and political landscape in your destination before you depart and to take advantage of the resources available to you at Dartmouth and at your program site.
Go Beyond your Comfort Zone
Explore the city you are in and become familiar with it; go beyond visiting just the most famous tourist attractions.
Find Free Fun
Check out the Budgeting section on finding free fun. Walking around is a great way to explore and find things you may not have encountered otherwise.
Culture Shift
Culture Shift
Learning About Culture Shift
Learning to shift cultures successfully means practicing the ability to transition into another culture with healthy expectations and skills to foster resiliency when experiencing change and adaptation.
Know the Signs
Students should be aware of the signs of culture shift as it is common.
Identity
Identity
Students are encouraged to research the impact studying abroad will have on their identity using the resources about gender identity, racial and ethnic identity, disability status, undocumented status, personal and social identity, and sexual and LGBTQ+ identity.
Technology & Electronics
Technology & Electronics
Voltage Adapters & Converters
Foreign countries and locations may operate at different electric voltages from the US. Check out the information in the program guide about the specific electricity in your host country.
Energy Consumption
Many locations outside of the United States practice conservative energy consumption. Students should respect the use of utilities according to local resources and norms.
International Phone Plans
Information about International Phone Plans is included in this section.
Housing
Housing
Securing Student Housing
Students on Faculty-Directed programs will be assigned housing, but students on exchange programs must secure their own housing either on-campus or off-campus.
Dartmouth's Hard Alcohol Policy Still Applies
Dartmouth’s policy on hard alcohol applies to off-campus programs. Students are not permitted to possess hard alcohol at residential facilities provided by the College. And remember, drunkenness and/or disruptive behavior can also result in expulsion from the program.
Norms and Policies
Students studying away are expected to abide by Dartmouth Residential Life Policies, Norms of Conduct for Off-Campus Programs, as well as all policies of the property owner.
Homestays
Students on faculty-directed programs living in Homestays should review the entire page in detail.
Check with your homestay host before inviting guests to ensure it is okay.
Homestay students may not stay in a homestay host’s home before or after the program dates.
Remembering Your Experience
Remembering Your Experience
Write Your Program Goals and Reflect Often
Identify your goals for studying away and reflect on them often. The Pre-Arrival Orientation Workbook also provides a way to reflect on these goals.
Pre-Arrival Orientation
Pre-Arrival Orientation
Live Orientation Session
Live Orientation Session
REQUIRED: Attend the live orientation session.
Talk with Study Away Mentors (SAMs) as a resource before you study away.
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