During Your Time Abroad!

Safety While Abroad

Outbound Global ME students will be automatically enrolled in the Student VIP Backpack service. Backpack is Lakehead University's risk management service designed to ensure our student's safety and well-being while abroad. The Backpack service provides students with 24/7 emergency support, global health and travel coverage, counselling support, and much more. Students 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 students 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 students 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+ Students: 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 students: Try to connect with other students 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.

Instagram Takeover!

Share your Global ME experience with fellow Lakehead students? Take over the Global ME Instagram and give others a glimpse into your life abroad!

Share photos, stories, and moments from your host country, including your university, community, daily life, culture, and experiences. Your takeover is a chance to showcase your journey, inspire other students to study abroad, and help future Global ME students know what to expect.

Interested in taking over the Global ME Instagram? Get in touch with the Global ME globalme@lakeheadu.ca

Instagram

Academic Documents

Keep your academic documents organized throughout your time abroad. These documents may be required for course approval and credit transfer when you return to Lakehead.

  • Keep all academic documents: Save your course outlines, syllabi, assignments, transcripts, and other relevant academic records.
  • Course changes: If you need to change, drop, or add a course while abroad, contact the Global ME team before making the change whenever possible.
  • Letter of Permission (LOP): If your courses change from those originally approved, you may need to obtain an updated Letter of Permission (LOP) to ensure your credits can be transferred to your Lakehead program.
  • Ask before making changes: If you are unsure whether a course will count toward your degree, contact your academic advisor or the Global ME team for guidance.
  • Keep copies: Store digital copies of your important academic documents in a secure location so you can access them after returning to Canada.