Cross-Cultural Communication

What's Up with Culture
An on-line tutorial specifically designed for college students to learn about intercultural communication and culture shock before studying abroad

Culture Matters
Peace Corps on-line tool for preparing volunteers to live in a foriegn country

Global Scholar

Currency Converter

XE: Accurate Currency Conversion
XE allows for a quick resource to currency exchange rates. The site updates itself every few minutes with the new rates, which are constantly changing. Use this to make sure you know how much your spending in USD.

Handbooks

CSU Student Handbook for Study Abroad 2012-13
Handbook for students leaving on non-faculty led programs.

Study Abroad Student Handbook - How to Get There and Back
Comprehensive guide developed by the non-profit organization, The Center for Global Education.

Health

Centers for Disease Control
CDC Travelers' Health offers information to assist travelers and their health-care providers in deciding the vaccines, medications, and other measures necessary to prevent illness and injury during international travel.

CSU Health and Wellness Services
Low-cost immunization and innoculations for CSU community members.

Cuyahoga County Board of Health
Low-cost immunization and innoculation clinic for travelers.

Passport Health
Largest provider of travel medical services in the United States with convenient locations nationwide including an office in Beachwood.

MetroHealth Travel Clinic
The Travel Clinic of MetroHealth Medical Centers offers pre-travel medical consultations for individuals, families or groups who will be visiting countries throughout the world.

Cleveland Clinic International Traveler's Clinic
The specially trained physicians and staff at International Travel Health Clinics provide immunizations, vaccinations. medicine and travel tips personalized towards your unique itinerary.

Insurance

Medical Insurance Marketplace on Education Abroad.com
Some Education Abroad health insurance providers.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance information for personal possessions, ticket purchases, etc.

International Student Identity Card
Student ID card that provides discounts, freebies, and travel insurance to eligible applicants. Valid 1 year from the date of issue and costs $25.

Student Airfares

When purchasing your ticket to go abroad, utilize online student travel sites that offer more flexible departure dates or open-ended tickets that are discounted for students. Try to purchase a ticket that will allow you one free (or one inexpensive <$75) return date change. Examples include STA Travel or Student Universe or Travel Cuts.

There is also the STA Airfare Deposit Program which has partnered with CSU. Call the dedicated phone number at 800-226-7251 and speak with a travel expert who is familiar with Cleveland State University’s programs. STA Travel will take care of all the travel details and offers discounted student airfares from your preferred city of departure.

We do not recommend relying frequent flyer miles to secure your airline ticket unless there is great flexibility built into the airline's program.

Diversity

The following web site maintained by Michigan State University has many resources to encourage minority students to pursue overseas study opportunities: http://studyabroad.msu.edu/people/studentsofcolor/scholarships.html

Top Ten Reasons for African-Americans to Education Abroad
There are countless reasons to study abroad as an African-American, here are just a couple.

Safety

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
All U.S. citizens should register their overseas trip with the U.S. State Department which will automatically provide them with updates and information on the country of travel as well as giving updates including Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts when applicable. U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad will also be able to better assist travelers in cases of emergency if they are registered with the program.

Safety Abroad
This article written by a current law school student Kristyl Berckes includes resources for students and parents regarding safe and satisfying study abroad from a variety of governmental and non-governmental websites.

Get a Passport

Apply for your U.S. passport by starting an on-line application or seek local assistance through the Cuyahoga County Public Library System. Most applications will require the following:

1. Completed application form
2. Signature added in front of officer at processing agency
3. Proof of U.S. citizenship
4. Present identification
5. Photocopy of item in #4
6. Applicable fee
7. Two identical passport photos

Passport Photos

Passport photos are easily obtainable from many retail outlets. You may wish to follow the government's instructions for creating an official passport photo.
E-Passport Photo
Walgreen's
CVS
FedEx Kinko's Office