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[jthornton614-blog1]

Gifts Abroad

I'm not sure if it is customary to give gifts prior to leaving however it is suggested that we bring something from home to give to them when arriving. If possible I can/will show them how to make a Chicago style hotdog which is something many Chicagoans enjoy on a regular, and is one of my favorite foods.

-17/01/2018

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School Back Home

Can you register for next semester's courses from abroad, or can you have an advisor register for you? Yes I can register abroad as long I have an internet connection. Have you taken care of all your financial aid and scholarship forms so that you continue to have financial support at your U.S. home campus when you return? Will you need to follow-up on any scholarship requirements? Yes everything will be in order for me financially to return to my home campus.

-17/01/18

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Memories Abroad

List five ways you will record your everyday life in your host country.

Take Pictures

Take videos

Write down important/interesting findings/events of the day

Personal food reviews of my meals

Keep a Souvenir of the day.

List five things that you want to keep a record of in your host country.

Food I eat

Cool places I go to

What I learn

Cool things I see

Extraordinary experiences.

How will you keep in touch with your friends and family while abroad?

Text

Email

Online Messaging

The Occasional phone call

-17/01/18

[jthornton614-blog1]

Cultural Adjustments

What do you think will be especially difficult for you to adjust to in your host country? Throughout the research I have done and from what I have learned. I have not come across anything culturally that I feel will be a hard adjustment for me. The only thing that comes to mind when I think of something I need to adjust too is the weather as it will be cold in South Africa when I visit and even that will be a small adjustment. What would you want to know about the culture in which you will be living in order to help guide your response? If they have a different manner or dialect of speaking english as there are many ways to speak english, like American english vs. British english. What might be some positive aspects of being in your host country, and how might these help compensate or ease some of the difficulties? Any new cultural experience is a positive. In order to ease the transition and adapt to life overseas, you may need to make some temporary, yet fundamental concessions. What adjustments or changes are you willing to make? I’m willing to make any changes necessary that are required. What personal qualities do you think are important for adjusting to life abroad? Do you have these qualities? The ability to adapt to any situation, and good communication skills. I do possess these qualities.

-17/01/2018

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Quick Words of CARE

CARE is an organization for women's empowerment, and aims to get better rights for women worldwide. It helps get women better healthcare, and end things such as domestic violence and child marriage. It also helps woman get a better education, or an education to begin with. CARE is an organization dedicated to bettering gender equality worldwide, but they also help in other aspects.

Not only is CARE aimed towards women, but children as well. They have aided in the effort to end child hunger as well as providing an education to the world’s youth, especially in developing countries. The also help women and children who are survivors of war, natural disasters, and other major emergencies. They help them get access to food, shelter and any necessary emergency services. Overall CARE is a wonderful organization who focuses on helping the most overlooked, and underestimated gender in the world: women.

-13/01/2018

[jthornton614-blog1]

Globalization

If done right and with the right intentions I feel globalization can be a good thing. More countries will be connected making the world and its societies a little less isolated. It will increase trade between countries which will benefit all parties involved economically usually.

However, if globalization is done for the wrong reasons such as making a powerful country more powerful, then it can be harmful. If a country like Great Britain were to start globalization with a country like Iraq then it would basically be like they were conquering Iraq economically. Sure Iraq would get a small economic boost because of the trade, but with Britain being so powerful they would just take over. With the right intentions globalization can be great, but without them it can be harmful.

13/01/2018

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Crisis Info Abroad

Are there any major events occurring in the host country that might be dangerous for Americans in general? For you in particular? No. Are there different types of police in your host country, and what are they called? (e.g. national, regional, etc.) Land Officers, and Air Wing officers. Should you register with the U.S. Embassy? Yes. What number would you dial for paramedics? How do you say 'paramedics' or 'ambulance' in the language of your host country? Ambulance: 10177 What number would you dial for the fire department? How do you say 'fire' in the language of your host country? Fire Department: 10177 What number would you dial for the police in your host country? How do you say 'police' in the language of your host country? Police: 10111 or 112 if using a cell phone Where is the hospital (are the hospitals) located in the city in which you will be studying? Many in the downtown Johannesburg area and some in each of the surrounding townships. How do you say 'hospital' in the language of your host country? Hospital Who are the 24-hour contacts for your program, both at the institution abroad and at your home institution? Mark Brinkley Who are the emergency contacts that your family should call in case of an emergency if they cannot get in touch with you? Mark Brinkley Who should you call for non-emergency assistance? I don’t know. South Africa does not have a non emergency number like the U.S. so I suppose I’d call the program director. How would you contact the U.S. Embassy/Consulate? Phone number: 11 290 3000 during office hours, 079-111-1684 after hours. Where is the nearest U.S. Embassy/Consulate in your host country? Johannesburg (I’m staying in Johannesburg) What number would you dial to get in touch with the U.S. Embassy and/or Consulate? How do you say embassy and consulate in the language of your host country? 11 290 3000; Embassy What types of emergency services are provided by U.S. consular officers abroad? Help involving injury, illness, arrest, victim of a crime, and death. Do you have 24-hour emergency assistance?  What is the contact information to obtain assistance while abroad? (Ex. - ISIC 24-hour emergency help line). Yes. 084 124 is the number. Are you covered by U.S. law in your host country? What is considered legal treatment of a person who has been arrested in the host country? Yes. What are your program's withdrawal deadlines, penalties, and policies? I don’t know.

12/01/2018

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Health Abroad

What are the penalties for use and/or possession of illegal drugs in your host country? What about for other countries you plan to visit while abroad? Drug taking and Drug smuggling/possession of any kind unprescribed are illegal and can lead to anything from fines to jail time. If the medications you need will not be available in your host country, will it be possible to bring an adequate supply with you? Will it be possible to have additional drugs shipped to you? You are allowed to bring 1 months supply of prescribed medication for personal use. You can have medication shipped to you, but it must be accompanied with a doctor’s note or the prescription If your prescription drug requires self-injection, will safe, sterile needles be available in your host country? Yes. Customs officials may confiscate your drugs for analysis. Do you need to carry other types of documentation with you, besides a prescription (translated to the language of the country you will be in), as proof that your prescription drugs are legal (in the U.S.)? Do they need to be translated to the host country language? No. What is the generic name for your medication? You should carry copies of your prescriptions by generic names. Singulair/Montelukast, Advair, Albuterol/Salbutamol Will you need to refill prescriptions while abroad? How much of each medication will you need for the duration of your trip? No. Will your prescription drugs be legally available in your host country? Keep in mind that regionally manufactured drugs may be substandard. Yes.

13/01/2018

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Laws Abroad

Does the legal system in your host country presume innocent until proven guilty or guilty until proven innocent? Innocent until proven guilty. Does the U.S. Constitution apply to you in your host country? Yes. Is consumption of alcohol legal in your host country? Yes. If so, what is the legal age for alcohol consumption? 18 What are the most common occasions for students studying on your program to get into trouble? Public disturbances. Which laws should you be aware of? Which ones do you find confusing? Always carry ID, Drugs are illegal.

-12/01/2018

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Are there any current public announcements that will affect travel in your host country or region? No. Are there currently any travel advisories or warnings for your host country? Beware there has been an increase in crime rates including rape and murder. Be safe, and don’t travel alone at night. Has there been any terrorist activity in your host country? Yes. Is there anything conspicuous about your style of dress that identifies you as a U.S. American? How do the locals dress? Not really. Locals dress very casual, jeans and t-shirts usually. What is a reasonable price to pay in the host country for a taxi, a hotel room, a meal? Average taxi ride is 61 ZAR. Hotel around 1500 ZAR (120 USD). A meal 120 ZAR (9.58 USD). What is the emergency phone number (911) for the police in your host country? Ambulance-10177, Emergency call from Cell Phone-112, National/general emergency call-10111 What parts of your host city are considered unsafe? Where should you avoid going? Soweto, Thembisa, Alex, Lenasia What types of crime incidents are common? Rape and theft. Where is the police department located—nearest your housing and nearest your host institution. Brixton Police Station, it’s 14 mins away from host institution

13/01/2018

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Activities Risks Abroad

Are you covered by your insurance for the activities you wish you partake in while abroad? Are there any restrictions on your activities in the program's guidelines? Yes I’m covered. Not that I know of. Do your program administrators have anything planned for you that you are personally uncomfortable with? Are any of these considered mandatory? Not that I know of. What kinds of activity might you participate in that may be considered high-risk activities? (e.g. contact sports, skiing, etc.) None that I’m planning to do. Could sex be a high-risk activity in your host country? What is the prevalence of HIV and other STDs in the host country? Are condoms readily available? Yes it is a risk. There is a high prevalence of HIV. Yes condoms are available.

-12/01/2018

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Health Abroad

Are there any specific health concerns for traveling to your host country? HIV is very prominent there. Are there any specific immunizations you must have before entering your host country? No, because I am not form a Yellow Fever designated country. How does the information from the Department of State and the CDC compare to the travel advice given by the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade? They all say be careful, beware of demonstrations and don’t go anywhere remote alone. What aspects of the host country culture are different from U.S. American culture? How will you cope with these? From what I have read South Africa and the U.S. are fairly the same, but South Africa has more respect for the elders than your typical American. I won’t have much of a coping issue because in my house, in fact in all of African American culture, you are talked about and judged if you do not speak to the parent/grandparents of the house upon entering. What health recommendations does the CDC make for the countries and regions where you will be studying?  Get vaccinations for Hep A, Hep B, Typhoid, Cholera, Rabies, the Flu, and yellow fever. It is required that I get most of these vaccines already in the U.S. What is the climate like in your host country? What sort of clothing is appropriate for the time of year you will be there? I will be visiting South Africa in July so during the winter meaning I will have to dress warm with jackets, jeans and long sleeve shirts. What recommendations does the Department of State make for traveling to the countries and regions where you will be studying?  Be safe and aware of surroundings and use caution. What sorts of food do people in the host country typically eat? How is it prepared, stored, served? Is the water in your host country generally safe to drink? South Africans eat food from every culture that is represented there, such as european food, indian food, mediterranean food, and traditional South African cuisine. They eat a lot of meat in South Africa so usually food is prepared on a grill or in barbecue fashion. The water is safe to drink. What specific travel warnings does the Department of State give for travel to the specific countries and regions where you will be studying?  Beware because there has been in increase in crime (January 10, 2018).

-12/01/2018

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South Africa Research

Educational Achievement South African Education is Split into Four Phases. The Foundation Phase (elementary part 1 grades R-3), Intermediate Phase (elementary part 2 grades 4-6), Senior Phase (middle school grades 7-9), and National Senior Certificate which is earned after grade 12. After these phases students may continue to college or university, which 18% percent of students do continue to college. Compared to the rest of the world South Africa has one of the worst education systems based on test scores. In 2015 South Africa had majority low testing students with 20% being above world average.

Racial/Class/Ethnicity Issues During Apartheid there were strong and very evident racial tensions between black and white south africans due to Apartheids laws that blacks are not equal with whites. Though with its end these racial tensions began to subside, and things were starting to look even better when Nelson Mandela became president in the country's first democratic election. But in recent years, particularly in the past 2 years racial tensions have begun to rise again. In January 2016 people began to question the state of the country when it came to racism. Many whites think that the days of racism are over, and that the black south africans are merely “race obsessed”, while the blacks think the white south africans owe then for the years of oppression they endured. These concerns were fueled when whites and blacks alike began to make racist comments online. With these comments racial tensions were kicked into full drive and continue to be to this day.

Health Issues South Africa does have access to clean water and sanitation. The biggest health issue in South Africa is HIV/AIDS. 6 million people are living with the condition, and it is mostly black males between the age of 25-49 being affected. They also have the third highest number of people with tuberculosis in the world. Again mostly men are affected with few women, and those of non-white ethnicity. The fourth leading cause of death in South Africa is heart disease, after HIV, Stroke, and diabetes. 1 in 3 men develop a heart disease before 60, and it is the leading cause of death in white men.

Economic Issues South Africa Is not in a good shape economically. It has an unemployment rate of 27.7% which will probably be higher this come the end of this year. They have very low wages for their workers, and over half of South African citizens live below the poverty line. This may be contributed to the growing gap between the rich and the poor. Despite its many internal issues South Africa has the 35 highest GDP in the world, though it is projected to drop to 39 by 2022.

Children/Family Issues Children are regarded as children. They are not allowed to work under the age of 15, and if between the ages of 15-18 they must do work that is appropriate to their age range. Meaning no work that are explorative, hazardous or detrimental to development. The term work applies to economic jobs and house work/chores. The only exception to the “no child may work under 15” is if the child is working in performing arts, and even then the proper documents must be in order like a permit form the Department of Labour.

-12/01/2018

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Integrating yourself into the culture while abroad

What are you interested in? Soccer? Classical music? Juggling? Find a local group, club, or society comprised of locals who have similar interests.

Try to develop a routine that integrates you into the culture. With repetition, like frequenting a certain restaurant or café, locals will become comfortable seeing you and you might make new acquaintances.

Give presentations to local schools, community organizations, and businesses. Often the university or school where you belong will have opportunities, whether volunteer or paid, for foreign students to give short presentations about their home countries. Here's your chance to deepen the locals' cultural knowledge of the U.S. and to de-bunk stereotypes in the process!

Join school clubs. There usually is an international student organization on campus.

Don’t wear a watch or look at your phone.  This will force you to ask people on the bus or on the street what time it was. As a result, you will build up your confidence in the language and meet people in the process.

-12/01/2018

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Geography Influences

The geography of Panama has very much influenced how the people there live. The area of Panama City is very Urban so you see people living the cosmopolitan lifestyle that is seen in most cities, even though the city and its buildings are a recent addition to Panama. Then the Guna of the San Blas Islands are influenced by geography because the are so isolated geography wise they have not updated and are still using coconuts as currency. The people in the islands of Bocas Del Toro live a small town life with no big buildings or skyscrapers, which probably because the towns on the island are surrounded by beautiful trees.

Geography in general influences how we live because it determines what is immediately available to us. Those living near water usually have a marine based diet, and spend time swimming and fishing. Those around fertile land usually have agriculture based society. Geography shapes a society and determine what that society shall be known for.

-11/01/2018

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U.S. Issues

Gender Issues Despite popular belief, In the United States women are not granted equal rights as men in the constitution. Back in 1923 a woman by the name of Alice Paul wrote and proposed the Equal Rights Amendment to congress which states “Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.” This amendment was never passed though many think it did. With this amendment never passing it means the fight for equal rights between the sexes is happening at a crawl, and is the reason the wage gap between genders still exists. There is also a strong domestic violence and sexual assault issue when it comes to women in the United States. 1 in 4 women are victims of domestic violence and 1 in 5 women are of will be victims of rape or sexual assault.

Educational Achievement The United States is a very educated country but the higher the education the smaller the number of students. 83% of Americans finish high school, and 65.9% of those who finish high school go to college or University. Of those who go to college only 52.2% obtain a bachelor's degree. The 17% of students who do not finish high school usually are unable to because they need to take care of their family or other life issues get in the way. Some people finish high school so they can get a basic job and provide for themselves or family. Some high school graduates want to go to college but can’t afford it even with scholarships, or life gets in the way of them going. There are also high school graduates who decide not to go to college so they can pursue their dreams. Also the same reason for students not finishing high school or not going to college applies for why students dropout of college. They may get to college and realize they can’t afford it past a year or life stops them from finishing, or they want to pursue their dreams and college is getting in the way.

Racial/Class/Ethnicity, Immigration, and Border Issues The United States is one of the most diverse countries in the world, but it is also a very racist country that has both decreased and increased its levels of blatant racism in the last 50 to 60 years. It has decreased its level of blatant racism by lessing the overall use of racial slurs over time, and with every generation that is born people are taught to be a little less racist. The U.S. has increased their levels of blatant racism by not allowing Muslims and Latin Americans from entering the country due to stereotypes like “all Muslims are terrorist and all Latin Americans are liars and cheats. Also with the recent presidential election there has been a rise in the number of open white supremacists and neo nazis resulting in race riots. There has also been a rise in police brutality against minorities in the past 5 years.  

Health Issues The United States has developed many cures and vaccines for the common illnesses and diseases that plague its citizens, which has allowed us to be a relatively healthy people outside of those of us that are dangerously overweight. Despite our many medical advancements however, there are still many life threatening diseases that the United States has yet to find cures for, such as Cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer's, and respiratory diseases. These illnesses are the top killers in the United States if not treated and even if they are treated there's a chance they can still kill you. The United States also has many mental health issues as well. As of 2016 we are the 3rd most depressed country, and 3rd when it comes to anxiety in the world.

Human Rights/Legal Issues United States being the very liberal country allows its citizens many basic human rights and ones that aren't widely offered in other nations. Woman have the right to vote, LGBT citizens have all of the same rights as heterosexual citizens, and we have free speech, religion, and press. Not all countries can say they have these rights, however though they are offered there is still some progress that needs to be made. For example women can vote and hold the same jobs as men, but are paid less than men, and aren’t offered the same protections as men. Also though the government legally said LGBT citizens have the same rights as their heterosexual counterparts there are still some states that refuse to follow these laws and still discriminate against LGBT citizens.

-11/01/2018

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Surprising U.S. Facts

AKA Jacquline should have paid attention in all of her social studies classes instead of just psych (like I really should’ve known these facts already)

Cuba is not under U.S. jurisdiction My Junior year of high school I remember learning that in the 1890s the United States gained control of Cuba and Puerto Rico via the Spanish American War. I also remember in 2014 hearing on the new about Obama meeting with someone of high authority from Cuba. After doing some research I have discovered that Obama met with the President of Cuba meaning that Cuba is an independent Country. But I still remember learning that the U.S. owned Cuba. After further research I discovered that Cuba became an Independent state in 1902 after being a protectorate of the U.S. from 1898 until Independence. However the U.S. wouldn’t loosen their grip on Cuba which led to the Cuban Revolution 1956, causing the U.S. to severe diplomatic ties. Ties were restored in 2015.

Gulf war was with Saudi Arabia and Kuwait Unlike the prior tidbit of information, I was thinking of something entirely different when I saw “Gulf War” and therefore had no idea what it was. Blame it on my centralized american thinking, but I thought Gulf War had to do with the Gulf of Mexico, not the Persian Gulf. I have done my research and now know that there was never a war in the Gulf of Mexico, at least not one referred to as the Gulf War, or one that was limited to the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf War was between Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, and the United States was fighting against Iraq in defense of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

-11/01/2018