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 ensure 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 review and discuss the handbook content 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.

General Health and Safety Information

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 humanitarian 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, support nor encourage students driving at any foreign site, but if they choose to do so at their own risk, we provide site specific road safety fact sheets developed by ASIRT. Road Travel Reports (RTRs) can be provided for most sites - just send an email to global@wpi.edu to request one be sent as a pdf.

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.  The latest passport Schedule of fees was published in July of 2010 by the U.S. Department of State.

Other helpful resources are: 
http://www.consumerinjurylawyers.com/resources/student-study-abroad/index.html
http://www.saraswish.org/ 
http://globalscholar.us/
A Powerful Lesson of Studying Abroad:  Self-Reliance

Letter for Parents

 WPI has been very fortunate to have had employees here whose children have participated in the Global Perspective Program.  Their collective wisdom is available in the Parent to Parent letter.

INSURANCE Information:

WPI provides Travel Assistance through ACE.

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:

SCHOLARSHIP Information:

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.

Another source of possible funding has just been announced for the 2011-2012 academic year by the Fund for Education Abroad.  More details can be found on their web site.

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

CAREER Information:

Being able to articulate your off-campus experience is an important ability when it comes time to interview for your first job after WPI.  Click here for an interesting article about just this topic.

 

 

E Term 2012

All orientation dates and deadlines to be determined
Online general orientation details will be made available. 

*Please note:  E and A term  links connect to 2011 handbooks for your reference.  Updated handbooks will be posted at a later date.*

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

A-Term - 2012

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.
 

 

B-Term - 2012

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.

 

 

 

 

C Term 2012

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.
 

D Term 2012

Orientation Part I: On-line

Must be completed no later than February 15, 2012

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.
 

 

Maintained by webmaster@wpi.edu
Last modified: February 08, 2012 15:26:44