After you arrive

Below you will find general information for students and staff participating in exchange programmes abroad.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office - LOCATE

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) offers a service called LOCATE.  If you are a British national and travelling or living abroad you can register with the LOCATE service.

Why?

In the event of an emergency, such as a national disaster (earthquake, tsunami), civil disturbance or terrorist attack the FCO or local British Embassy will contact you.

What are the benefits of registering with LOCATE?

• If a major catastrophe occurs the FCO/British Embassy will have an instant record of your details so they can contact you to make sure you are okay and provide advice
• If family and friends need to get in touch with you the FCO can help them to find you
• LOCATE provides help in an emergency and aims to reduce delay and worry in times of stress for family and friends at home

Details can be found at the FCO website: www.fco.gov.uke

General safety

Remember that not all things are the same as at home. Most problems can be overcome with flexibility and common sense. Making yourself aware of your immediate area when you arrive will help you. You should attend orientation sessions at your host institution (if provided), which, as well as providing you with important information, are also an excellent way to meet other new students.

Key hazards (something with the power to do harm) are:

• Transport (public or private)
• Accidental injury (eg from handling heavy items, sharp objects, falls)
• Fire
• Lone-working

Risks (the likelihood of harm occurring) can be reduced by:

• Road and vehicle safety awareness, forward journey planning
• Wearing protective clothing/equipment (eg hand or eye protection) and good quality footwear
• Awareness of procedures for obtaining first aid and calling the emergency services
• Regular communication with your subject programme, UCF International Office, colleagues and family (telephone calls, texts, and email)

Culture shock

Living in an environment that is culturally different from what you are used to at home is exciting…but it can also be disorientating. This feeling of disorientation may make you feel emotionally and even physically unwell at times. This experience is called culture shock. Feelings of culture shock are experienced by many people as they get used to living in a new cultural environment. 

Some typical causes of culture shock are differences in personal freedom, privacy, accommodation, relationships between people, the way people dress and act in public, and learning and teaching styles.

Being able to share experiences with friends can help you cope with culture shock. So for health reasons make sure you spend at least some time socialising, even if you are very busy with your studies. Your host university can help you find out about social activities during your time abroad where you can have fun and meet like-minded people. If you think you are experiencing culture shock ask for help. Your hosts and the International Office will be able to help you.

Emotional health

This is as important as other health issues. New surroundings, a new language and new people affect our means of communicating. Homesickness is another common emotional reaction and should not be dismissed as insignificant - many students feel like a fish out of water at first. Being aware of what is happening to you is the first step towards coping. Talking things through also helps, so keep in contact with friends and family and work hard to create a new support network.

Theft

Be responsible for yourself. Only take essential items with you. Do not keep your valuables on window sills. Be careful when considering inviting new acquaintances home. Don't forget your insurance documents.

Alcohol

You should never feel pressured into drinking. Check the legal drinking age in your host country. Again, be aware of your surroundings, the people you are with and how you are going to get home safely.

Sexual harassment

Women travelling alone should always be aware and observant and the following tips may help when faced with an uncomfortable situation:

• Do not be alone with a stranger. This includes anyone in your residence - ask for their identification if you are unsure
• If you find yourself in a difficult situation remove yourself as quickly as possible
• Turn the conversation around by asking some questions. Be in control by initiating rather than reacting to events
• If this fails, tell the other person very directly to stop whatever is bothering you. Be specific, be calm and be serious
• Firmly say "no" to any unwanted invitation and give address information only to people who can be trusted. Be cautious until you can be confident
• Stay in public areas

Sexual harassment is unacceptable wherever you are. If you find yourself in such a situation please seek help from your host university to determine a course of action.

Contact us

For more information contact:

Marion Monnier
International Partnership Coordinator

International Office, University College Falmouth
Woodlane, Falmouth, Cornwall TR11 4RH, UK

Tel: +44 (0)1326 255792
Fax: +44 (0)1326 370725
Email: marion.monnier@falmouth.ac.uk