Managing on the Ground

Upon Arrival

As soon as you arrive, please contact both your onsite and UCSF advisor to confirm your arrival. Buy a cell phone if needed and send your cell phone number to your advisors, program administrator, and on-site students/colleagues. 

Local Protocol and Courtesy Visits

Pay attention to the hierarchy of the organization, pay courtesy visits to the director, supervisor, or department head convey greetings, describe your intentions, and ask if any special procedures need to be followed (e.g. credentialing for clinical care, registration of licensure, etc.).

Be sure to express thanks to the host for allowing you to work in their country and ensure them that your work product will be shared with your local collaborators. Ask if there is a need to engage in the teaching program or if your expertise can contribute to local training. Ensure that all administrative personnel know who you are and what your business is in the organization. When in doubt, ask. 

Living with a Host Family

Clear communication is perhaps the most important ingredient to successfully living abroad with a host family.  It is best to know what is expected of you and what to expect in return. To avoid cross‐cultural confusion, discuss important issues with your host family such as sleeping arrangements, eating and cooking with the family, curfews, laundry facilities, Internet and telephone use, alcohol and tobacco use as well as your responsibilities regarding younger children and pets and any chores you will be expected to complete. 

Language Translation 

Translate into many languages. iTranslate Voice currently supports over 40 languages and dialects.

 

Last updated: November 20, 2018