Interdisciplinary & Global Studies Division
Global Perspective Program

Resources for Families

Students -

Scroll down for site specific information for each site including when mandatory orientations are scheduled.

In order to insure that every student has a successful experience, a site specific Going Global Handbook has been compiled from a number of sources to provide as much practical information as possible. This handbook is available the term preceding the students' off-campus experience. The students will receive their copy at their site-specific orientation where, among other important information, safety protocols will be reviewed.

A successful off-campus experience does not just occur; it requires careful consideration of things that will need to be done before a student leaves the WPI campus, and while at an off-campus site. The Interdisciplinary and Global Studies Division (IGSD) has developed these documents and assembled these resources to outline these considerations.

Parent to Parent letter

In addition to each site specific handbook, we have provided resources developed by the Association of Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT).  ASIRT, a non-profit huimanitarian organization, was founded in 1995 in response to a bus crash in Turkey in which Aron Sobel, a twenty-five year old U.S. citizen, was killed along with 21 other passengers from many countries. This crash, and too many others like it, exemplifies the risks of international road travel that ASIRT seeks to eliminate.  You can access ASIRT's website at this link. WPI does not endorse nor encourage students driving at any foreign site, but if they choose to do so at their own risk, we will provide site specific road safety fact sheets developed by ASIRT. Road Travel Reports (RTRs) are provided below as available from ASIRT - just click on the RTR link for each site.

An important resource that all students and their families should consult is the Center for Disease Control.  In each site specific handbook we have included the CDC information specific for the geographic region to which the student will be traveling.  We strongly encourage all students to review these guidelines, advice and suggestions carefully.  If vaccines are recommended then you should consult with your own personal health care professional (who has knowledge of your medical history) to determine what the best course of action is for you.  The IGSD cannot provide medical advice. Any opinions expressed by students, advisors or center directors with regard to medical issues are only opinions and should not be taken as authoritative. 

Other sites that students and their families might want to consult include the US State Department and their site designed specifically for students.  Another helpful resource is: http://www.consumerinjurylawyers.com/resources/student-study-abroad/index.html

WPI does not endorse nor recommend any of the following products or companies, but if families would like more information regarding supplemental health insurance while overseas, they might check out the follow websites:

Some scholarship assistance for students going to different project centers is available for those who are U.S. citizens and Pell Grant recipients. Students may apply to the Benjamin Gilman International Scholarship Program.

Study Abroad Funding http://www.studyabroadfunding.org/ - A valuable funding resource for study abroad opportunities.

Explore Completed IQPs
WPI students have tackled hundreds of important problems for sponsors around the globe. Check out this searchable database to learn about the amazing things that other WPI students have accomplished through their projects.  This site will provide you with abstracts for only off-campus IQPs up until 2006.  To access WPI's Gordon Library searchable database for all student projects, click here.

A -Term - 2009

Housing:
 Housing is provided beginning and ending on the dates indicated.  Students who plan to arrive earlier or stay later will need to make their own accommodation arrangements outside of those dates.

General Orientation - Monday 3/23/2009, 5:00-6:00 p.m., Salisbury 104

B-Term - 2009

Housing:
Housing is provided beginning and ending on the dates indicated.  Students who plan to arrive earlier or stay later will need to make their own accommodation arrangements outside of those dates.

General Orientation One:  Wednesday, 9/09/09, 5:00-6:00 p.m., Kinnicutt Hall 
DC, Edmonton, Wall Street Projects

General Orientation Two:  Thursday, 9/10/09, 5:00-6:00 p.m., Kinnicutt Hall
Cape Town, Costa Rica, Shanghai, Venice Projects

 

 

 

C-Term 2010


Housing:
Housing is provided beginning and ending on the dates indicated.  Students who plan to arrive earlier or stay later will need to make their own accommodation arrangements outside of those dates.

General Orientation  

D-term 2010

Housing:
Housing is provided beginning and ending on the dates indicated.  Students who plan to arrive earlier or stay later will need to make their own accommodation arrangements outside of those dates.

General Orientation

 

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Last modified: November 13, 2009 14:01:42