International Service Learning Study Abroad Handbook/Respect

Traveling with a Group

Drukstation

Appropriate Dress

What is the appropriate way to dress? There is no simple answer to this question, because it varies so much. It Is important that when you travel abroad you take into consideration both where you are going and who you are going with. It is also important to research the dress and understand what is or isn't appropriate. There are several ways of doing this, by both trying to find people that have gone there and research online. If you are going with a particular group to study abroad, the leader of the program will notify you. This is very important because you do not want to disrespect their culture or make Americans look bad. Showing respect means that you dress up to the level of the place or people you are visiting, even if there is no formal dress code that is obvious. In some places the way people dress is a large part of both their culture and customs. There are many different ways of dressing, so it is important that you know, and understand what is socially acceptable. One example is Dress and behave conservatively. This is often the case in less developed countries. If you are traveling to a country where $100 represents a month's salary, it is simply a bad idea to flaunt your wealth. Wearing expensive clothing and jewelry makes you attractive to the local criminal and may make them feel less of themselves. Specific and in depth analysis and advice of dress code can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dress_code.

Alcohol and Drugs

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What do you do about alcohol and drugs while traveling? Alcohol:This is a very serious issue for students traveling abroad. It is very important to follow the laws and regulations for every country you are visiting. Every year many students are arrested abroad for drug and alcohol use due to ignorance and lack of awareness. As far as alcohol goes, always avoid underage drinking. Many issues such as arrests, accidents, rape, and violent crimes occur due to excessive alcohol consumption. Driving under the influence and public drinking are are often considered criminal activity. Drinking at times is appropriate and culturally acceptable you just need to use discretion. Bing drinking does not give locals and other travelers a good perception of Americans.

Drugs: Drug charges can carry severe consequences, including being jailed up to a year without the opportunity for bail, or the case is tried. Some crimes in some places are punished by physical abuse, fines, jail time, years of hard labor and sometimes even death. Not just drug possession, but like in the U.S contraband and paraphernalia can also get you in trouble. One of the problems with drugs is that people take have prescription medication that they need to take. Make sure that the mediation you are taking is not an illegal narcotic because that could be a very significant charge if you are caught. It is important that you always carry a letter from a health care professional explaining your condition and your need for medication. Any medications that you carry overseas should be in the original container, showing that a doctor prescribed it. Check with the foreign countries embassy to double check the medications are not considered an illegal narcotic. There is a listing of these on the Department of states website. http://www.state.gov/

The Camera

Cameras

1. Cameras & Taking respectful pictures Taking pictures: -be respecful and careful with flashes and pay attention to when you are taking a picture with a flash and if it could be respectful or disrespectful -Check your intentions for taking pictures first. -Ask yourself these questions: Why am I taking this picture? For what purpose will I use this picture for after I return home (for good or bad)? What is this picture saying about the people or images in it? Does it tell a story & will I explain/ understand/honor & respect that story? -Get permission from traveling partners to take pictures of them as well before taking a picture. -If you use the pictures from your trip for any publishing or for purposes of showing others outside of the travel group make sure that the people in those images are okay with that and respected.

2. Camera Safety Cameras & other Valuable belongings -keep with you at all times if it is an item you value. sometimes in rural parts of countries that you may travel to expensive technology is not afforded so you could be subject to theft (this could however happen anywhere). Keep valuable belongings in a place that your trust or on your person. -Depending on the weather some technology may not be good exposed in rain, hail, snow if left laying around damage could be done.

Appropriate Environments

Is it a good time or place for a picture? -Some times there will be certain environments that are okay and appropriate to take pictures at and other times there won’t be. -It is best to ask someone who is in charge or a guide if the environment is an appropriate place to take a picture so you don’t offend people. -Also, it is important to make sure you don’t have on your flash of your camera if you are in a place taking a picture that may disturb the people or natural vibe of the environment. -FOR EXAMPLE: If someone took a picture in a place of worship depending on the geographical location, many places in the world, this could be seen as a sign of disrespect. If someone is praying or doing a religious ritual and your camera flashes this could distract from the ceremony. -There will be times when you are challenged about taking a picture and you may have to use your gut instinct about whether or not it is appropriate to take a picture FOR EXAMPLE: if you are invited by guides and peoples of authority to take pictures of and or watch a child delivery but the woman who is giving birth has not been asked for permission is that considered appropriate? Some might argue, yes because we were invited and given permission by the authorities. Others would argue no because the women with less power has not been asked and is there for being disrespected, not honored, or given privacy and a chance to voice her opinion. http://www.ehow.com/how_13136_respectfully-photographs-traveling.html

Camera Etiquette overview:

Camera conclusion -ask permission -don’t take a photgraph of anyone in a situation in which you wouldn’t want to be photographed -allow people tp present themselves as they choose -if at all possible provide people with a copy of the photo this way the memory can be shared by you both. This shows respect for other people. http://www.gypsygirlsguide.com/2011/03/travel-portrait-photography-respectful.html

References

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dress_code

http://www.state.gov/

http://studentsabroad.state.gov/smarttravel/drinkingdrugs.php

http://www.gypsygirlsguide.com/2011/03/travel-portrait-photography-respectful.html

http://www.gypsygirlsguide.com/2011/03/travel-portrait-photography-respectful.html