INNOVATE Resources & Pre-Departure Guide

The information below is taken from the INNOVATE Pre-Departure Guide and while this is geared specifically to INNOVATE delegates it will likely be useful for anyone preparing to travel to to Asia or those seeking more information globalization in general. INNOVATE delegaets will receive a copy of the full pre-departure guide in January that will contain more detailed information for that conference year.

On-Campus Orientations
Most university Study Abroad or International Programs offices offer Pre-Departure Orientation to their students studying abroad. Check with your INNOVATE on-campus advisor or university study abroad office for more information on any necessary on-campus procedures you need to follow if accepted into INNOVATE. Rice University INNOVATE participants are required to attend a Step One Session at the International Programs office. These are held twice weekly and you can sign-up online at the International Programs website.

There will also be a program-specific INNOVATE Pre-Departure Orientation that will be given on Tuesday, February 23 via the INNOVATE Seminar Course that students from Rice University, the University of Tulsa, and the University of Pittsburgh participate in. This course will be live webcast and archived online and all INNOVATE delegates will be required to watch the live or archived version prior to departure.


Research
One of the most important things you can do to prior to departure is to spend some time learning more about Vietnam and Taiwan. There are a number of online sites that provide useful background information which are highlighted below.

We have also highlighted below some additional books on Vietnam and Taiwan that may also be of interest to INNOVATE delegates. INNOVATE delegates are also strongly encouraged to purchase a Vietnam and Taiwan guidebook as these will not only be a useful reference during your time abroad but also contain helpful background and pre-departure information. You can purchase these directly from Amazon by clicking the links below or you may find them in your campus or local library or bookstore.


Passports
It is necessary to have a valid passport in order to apply for visa and/or entry any foreign country. Processing can take as long as 8 weeks during the peak travel season, so apply for your passport immediately if you haven’t already done so. For complete information about obtaining a U.S. passport, please contact your university study abroad office, local U.S. Post Office or go to the U.S. Department of State Passport website.

If you already have a passport, be sure that it is valid until at least October 1, 2010 as Vietnam and Taiwan require that your passport be valid for at least six months after the date of entry to issue a visa or allow entry into the country. If your passport expires prior to October 1 you should renew your passport now.

Delegates who are citizens of other countries should contact their appropriate government office regarding issuance or renewal of passports.

Visa Information - General

Delegates from US Universities: INNOVATE delegates will typically apply for a tourist or short-term visitor visa to enter the host country/ies. .

Delegates from Int’l Universities: The cost of the Vietnam and/or Taiwan visa application is not included in your INNOVATE conference registration. For full details on the application process and applicable fees you should contact the nearest Vietnamese and Taiwanese embassy or consulate in your home country. INNOVATE will provide you with a visa application letter to assist you with the application process. Please let INNOVATE know if you need any additional documentation to submit your visa application after speaking with your local embassy or consulate about the visa application process.



Visa Information - Vietnam
Delegates should apply for a single-entry tourist visa with a maximum period of stay in Vietnam that is limited to 30 days. To obtain a visa to enter Vietnam your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of travel or in this case through October 1, 2010. This cost is included for delegates from US universities and based on the U.S. citizen visa application cost. Delegates from U.S. universities who are not U.S. citizens may pay a slight surcharge if the cost of their visa application is higher or if there are additional visa application requirements for citizens of your home country.

International delegates must apply for their Vietnam visa and pay all applicable costs individually as this fee is not included in your INNOVATE program fee. Please contact your nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate to determine the visa application process. INNOVATE will provide you with a letter certifying your participation in this program and may be able to ssist with other documentation as needed.


Visa Information - Taiwan
Citizens of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland,  Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands , New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, U.K. and the U.S.A have visa exemption status with Taiwan. No visa is required for entry of up to 30 days or up to three months for Japanese citizens.

If you are not a citizen of one of these listed countries then you will need to apply for a visitor visa to Taiwan. The cost of this visa is not included in your INNOVATE conference registration fee and you must apply for this visa individually. For more information contact your nearest Taiwanese consulate or embassy to determine the visa application process. INNOVATE will provide you with a letter certifying your participation in this program and may be able to ssist with other documentation as needed.

U.S. Permanent Residents
U.S. permanent residents must be certain that they have valid passports or special travel documents in addition to the Alien Resident Card (“Green Card”). You may be required to submit the original or a photocopy of this card along with your passport when applying for your visa/s. This would be returned to you along with your passport once the visa has been issued.

Non-U.S. Citizens Attending Universities in the U.S.
Foreign students on “F” or “J” visas must have valid passports. You must also have a properly issued I-20 form (for F-students) or DS-2019 form (for J-students), as well as a valid U.S. visa and re-entry document if you plan to return to the U.S. after INNOVATE. Even if you don’t plan to return to the U.S., some countries will not issue you a visa without a valid U.S. visa permitting re-entry into the US. At least 1 month prior to your scheduled departure date, you must contact your foreign student advisor to have them sign and re-validate your documents.

Non-US citizens attending US universities must also verify whether you will be required to also obtain a visa to enter Taiwan (see above). If a visa for Taiwan is required all applicable visa application and processing fees are the responsibility of the individual delegate.


US Department of State Resources
All participants are required to certify they have reviewed the US Department of State's Vietnam Country Information Sheet and Taiwan Country Information Sheet which describe safety and health concerns that all travelers should be aware of prior to departure. Students should also carefully review the US Department of State Students Abroad website prior to departure. This site has been specifically developed to assist students preparing for international study, research, internship, work, volunteer, or travel.

The U.S. government also maintains an extensive list of resources on the American Citizens Abroad pages of the U.S. Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City website and the American Institute in Taiwan website. INNOVATE delegates should review these websites and/or the website of your home country's embassy or consulate in Vietnam and Taiwan for additional information on resources and services available while you are overseas.

Embassy Registration
All INNOVATE delegates are required to register with the U.S. or your home-country embassy, consulate or equivalent in both Vietnam and Taiwan at least one week prior to departure. Registration with your Embassy or Consulate makes your presence and whereabouts known in case it is necessary for a consular officer to assist or contact you in the case of an emergency. During a disaster overseas, American consular officers can assist in evacuation were that to become necessary. But they cannot assist you if they do not know where you are. U.S. citizens can o to the State Department's Travel Registration Page to register online. Be sure to make a note of your login and password and list the name and contact information for all those who you would like the Embassy to notify in case of emergency abroad.


Legal Issues Abroad
While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law.  The INNOVATE program cannot intervene if you are arrested or prosecuted for violation of local laws, including laws on drug use, currency exchange, and disturbances of the peace. What may seem to you like a harmless prank may have serious consequences. Do not assume that, as an American or a student, you will be treated leniently; the opposite is often the case. If you do become involved in any legal problems ask to speak to your consular representative and, if allowed, contact an INNOVATE advisor as soon as possible.



Drinking and Drugs Abroad
Let's be serious about this.  When traveling overseas, it's important to obey the laws and regulations of the country you're visiting, especially those pertaining to drug and alcohol use. Every year, many American students are arrested abroad on drug charges or because of their behavior under the influence. Ignorance of the law is no excuse, so be informed.

Avoid underage and excessive alcohol consumption. Many arrests, accidents, rape, and other violent crimes have occurred because of alcohol abuse. While abroad, driving under the influence and drinking on the street or on public transportation may be considered criminal activities by local authorities, as they would be in many places in the United States.  

It is never a good idea to go out late at night drinking alone. Always use the buddy system and be cautious when strangers, especially good looking ones, approach you will drinking. Never leave your drink unattended, try to purchase only bottled drinks that are opened in front of you, and stand by or sit near the bar if you are ordering mixed drinks to watch it being made. These are the same precautions you should take when drinking at home but are even more important when you are abroad and less familiar with the legal and cultral implications and cues.

Don't accept packages from anyone. Some Americans think it's a good idea to take advantage of an offer for an all-expense paid vacation abroad in exchange for carrying a small package in their luggage. If you are caught, ignorance is no excuse. If the package contains illegal drugs or substances, the fact that you didn't know will not reduce the charges. You could miss your flight, your exams, or several years of your life during a stay behind bars.  

Don't import, purchase, use, or have drugs in your possession. Drug charges can carry severe consequences, including imprisonment without bail for up to a year before a case is tried, physical abuse, and sentences ranging from fines and jail time, to years of hard labor. Some crimes even carry the penalty of death. Contraband or paraphernalia associated with illegal drug use can also get you in trouble. Every aspect of a drug arrest abroad can be different from U.S. practice. For instance:

  • few countries provide a jury trial
  • many countries do not permit pre-trial release on bail
  • pre-trial detention, often in solitary confinement, can last several months
  • prisons may lack even minimal comforts, such as beds, toilets, and washbasins
  • diets are often inadequate and require supplements from relatives and friends
  • officials may not speak English
  • physical abuse, confiscation of property, degrading treatment and extortion are possible.
  • persons convicted may face sentences ranging from fines and jail time, to years of hard labor, and even the death penalty
  • penalties for drug possession and for drug trafficking are often the same abroad, so possession of one ounce of marijuana could result in years in a foreign jail

As with any arrest of a U.S. citizen abroad, consular officers perform a variety of services. For more information about arrests abroad, click here.


Personal Safety Abroad
INNOVATE delegates should take appropriate precautions to ensure their personal safety while abroad. The U.S. Department of State A Safe Trip Abroad and the Students Abroad websites are useful resources that should be carefully reviewed prior to departure. The Overseas Security Advisory Concil also contains useful background information on Crime and Safey Issues in for Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and Taiwan.

Some useful personal safety tips to keep in mind include:

  • Carefully review the U.S. Department of State Country Information Sheets for Vietnam and Taiwan so you are aware of the laws, regulations, and safety precautions you should take in these countries.
  • Keep your hotel door locked at all times. Never leave your room door propped open.
  • If you are out late at night, let someone know when you expect to return.
  • Always use the buddy system. After 10 days traveling with a group sight-seeing on your own might be a tempting thought but it is always best to go with at least one other person and let others know of your plans.
  • Consider renting an International Cell Phone or SIM card for Vietnam and/or Taiwan to use in case of emergency. Companies like Telestial offer a range of communication options for international travelers.
  • Be extremely cautious when crossing the street, especially in Ho Chi Minh City. For more on this see The Art of Crossing the Street in Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Keep a copy of the hotel business card with you at all times that has the address and, ideally, a map of the hotel on the back. That way if you are lost or miss the last subway or bus late at night you can easily hop in a cab, show the driver the hotel card and they should be able to take you right there. However, be aware that many taxis, especially motorbike cabs, are unregulated in Vietnam and the drivers can charge any amount they want. Only get in cabs that are official and have meters and always ask the driver to start the meter as soon as you get in the cab. All taxis in Taiwan will be regulated with fares clearly marked inside.
  • Don't feel the need to be overly polite if you are bothered by someone.  While it may seem rude to be unfriendly to a stranger, creating boundaries to protect yourself is important.  Use facial expressions, body language and a firm voice to fend off any unwanted attention.
  • The SAFETI Clearinghouse website maintains an excellent article on Sexual Harassment And Prevention In College Students Studying Abroad on their website that all INNOVATE delegates should review prior to departure. This article is especially useful for females traveling abroad.
  • Avoid crowds, protest groups, or other potentially volatile situations. Keep abreast of local news. Read local English-language newspapers, magazines, etc. and speak with local officials to learn about any potential civil unrest. If there should be any political unrest, do not get involved.
  • Do not respond with anger if you hear anti-American rhetoric. Listen first and take time to decide whether the criticism is valid or not. If you choose to engage in discussion about America, make sure that you are not speaking emotionally. Present your thoughts calmly and rationally and view this as an opportunity to further your intercultural understanding and communication skills.


Power of Attorney
The right to take legal action on another person’s behalf is conferred using Power of Attorney. When abroad this is especially useful when it comes to things like financial aid disbursemensts or dealings with your financial/banking institution while you are out of the country. INNOVATE strongly encourages all participants to designate a parent, guardian or other trusted individual as their Power of Attorney for the duration of the time you are abroad. This can be done by completing a Limited Power of Attorney Form. This must be signed in front of a Notary Public to be a legally binding and official document. You should give the completed and notarized original document to your designated Power of Attorney and you should bring a photocopy of the signed document with you abroad.

Students with Disability-based Needs
The INNOVATE program and Rice University are committed to equality of opportunity for persons with disabilities and to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as well as Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The university strives to make international programs accessible to individuals with disabilities though accommodations and facilities abroad can vary significantly from what is available in the U.S. We encourage all participants to talk with your on-campus INNOVATE advisor and/or the INNOVATE program prior to departure about your needs and expectations so that we can advise you on what accommodations you can or cannot expect in Vietnam and Taiwan.

Mobility International USA, an organization dedicated to empowering people with disabilities around the world to achieve their human rights through international exchange and international development, maintains a wide range of useful resources for students considering studying abroad. Your campus Disability Services office can also help advise and assist both you and the INNOVATE program with plans for participation and strategies to address your specific needs while abroad in Vietnam and Taiwan.


International Health Insurance
All U.S. INNOVATE delegates will be required to purchase International Health Insurance through the CISI policy offered by the University of Tulsa or show proof of valid overseas health insurance coverage if this is provided by your university insurance policy. International delegates must purchase their own International Health Insurance and should speak with their Study Abroad/International Programs office and/or your nearest STA Travel office about available options for short-term international health insurance. Insurance coverage must be valid for the duration of the INNOVATE conference and include medical/health, accident, illness, medical evacuation, and repatriation of remains coverage. All delegates will be required to show proof of international health insurance prior to departure.

Delegates should also be aware that if they need to seek medical care or treatment abroad they will typically have to pay the full cost of treatment up front and then file a claim for reimbursement with their insurance company. For this reason INNOVATE recommends that all students bring along a credit card that can be used for payment at an international travel clinic if you do need to seek out medical care or in case of other emergency.

There is an SOS International Clinic in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and Taipei, Taiwan that we will refer delegates who need medical care to as these clinics specifically cater to the medical and health-related needs of foreign travelers.


Pre-Departure Medical Check & Immunizations
One of the most important steps you can take prior to traveling abroad is to schedule a pre-departure health check with all of your medical care professionals. If you suffer from a chronic or serious medical or behavioral health condition, you should consult with your doctor or health care professional before making the decision to participate in INNOVATE as we cannot guarantee access to the same kind of medical care or medications you receive in the U.S.

Review the CDC Travel Website for Vietnam and the CDC Travel Website for Taiwan prior to your doctor/s visit and be sure to discuss any questions about your healthcare needs with them and how participation in this program might impact your personal health situation. All routine immunizations should be up to date and you and yoru doctor should carefully review the CDC immunization and medication recommendations for Vietnam and Taiwan. Some immunizations must be given 4 - 8 weeks prior to departure for them to be effective so schedule these appointments as soon as possible. For more information see the CDC Vaccination for Travel website. Malaria medication is not required as we will only be in the Ho Chi Minh City vicinity in Vietnam and Taiwan does not have malaria according to the CDC websites.

Make sure your prescription medication is not considered an illegal narcotic. If you are going abroad with a preexisting medical condition, you should carry a letter from your doctor describing your condition and medications, including the generic names of prescribed drugs. Any medications carried overseas should be in their original containers and clearly labeled. Check with the foreign country's embassy here in the U.S. to make sure your medications are not considered illegal narcotics. A listing of foreign embassies and consulates in the U.S. is available on the Department of State's website.  

All INNOVATE delegates are strongly encouraged to schedule pre-departure appointments with the following medical professionals at least one month prior to departure. If you will be going home for the Christmas/Winter break this may be an ideal time to schedule these appointments. This may seem like a lot of work but you'd likely need to see these medical care professionals this year anyway so you might as well get these visits out of the way now!

  • Primary Care Physician: Now is the perfect time to have your annual health check-up and obtain a copy of your current prescriptions and immunization records to bring with you abroad
  • International Travel Clinic: If you need any travel immunizations you might also need to make an appointment with a international travel clinic if your doctor does not have the vaccine you need on hand.
  • Dentist: Don't let a toothache or wisdom teeth catch you by surprise while you are abroad. Even just a small toothache can ruin your time abroad with INNOVATE
  • Mental Health Professionals/Counselors: If you have any mental health issues or regularly see a counselor be sure you meet with them prior to departure. The stress of traveling abroad, even for a short duration of time, can exacerbate or cause a re-occurrence of many common conditions including eating disorders, anxiety, and depression.
  • Eye Care Professional: Obtain an updated copy of your glasses or contacts prescription and be sure to bring an extra pair of glasses or contacts with you abroad to be sure you can truly 'see' Vietnam and Taiwan!


Medic Alert & Food Allergy/Medical Condition Cards
If you have specific allergies that are debilitating or life threatening, or if you have a medical condition that is not immediately apparent or easily identifiable (such as diabetes, allergies to drugs, or epilepsy), you should wear a medic alert bracelet.

You can also obtain foreign language cards on a number of allergies and medical conditions that you can carry with you in your wallet from a company like Select Wisely or you may be able to find these for free online or through applicable organizations that provide support for your condition/allergy.

You may also want to notify your roommate, all INNOVATE advisors and other delegates so that they know what to do in case of an emergency. In case of ANY emergency or illness abroad you must notify an INNOVATE advisor as soon as possible so we can refer you to the nearest international health clinic or seek out other medical care as needed.


First Aid Kit & Common Medication
When traveling abroad it is always a good idea to bring a small, medical first aid kit and common medications with you. Having these supplies on hand will make it easy to treat minor illnesses and injuries. If you have allergies or drug contraindications it is especially important that you bring your own over-the-counter medication as the labels and ingredient lists of their counterparts abroad will likely not be in English. For major medical issues or illness speak with an INNOVATE advisor who will assist you in seeking out medical care at the nearest English-speaking international clinic.

Leave all over-the-counter medication in the original box/bottle in case you are questioned about it by customs and so that you can easily refer to the dosage instructions while abroad. Some items you may want to bring with you include:

  • Small Flashlight or LED Keychain Light
  • Small Scissors & Tweezers
  • Small Packet of Tissues
  • Small Bar of Soap & Washcloth - Keep in small ziploc bag in your day bag
  • Insect Repellant (30% DEET) - Wipes can be easily carried in your bag and won't leak.
  • Anti-Itch Cream or Gel
  • Thermometer
  • Tylenol or Aspirin
  • Regular Band-Aids and Blister Band-Aids
  • Alcohol Wipes and Neosporin
  • Pepto Bismol and/or Antacid
  • Antidiarrhea Medication/Laxative Medication
  • Cough & Cold Remedies - Cough drops can be found at any Japanese convenience store
  • Allergy Medication
  • Sunscreen & Aloe Vera Gel


Notifying Bank & Credit Card Companies
Whenever traveling abroad you should call the 1-800 number on the back of your ATM/Debit and/or credit cards prior to departure to notify them that you may be using your cards overseas and provide them with your travel dates. If you do not do this and try to use your card/s overseas they will likely not work as companies often flag international activity as possible fradulent charges. We also recommend that you obtain the domestic phone numbers in Vietnam and Taiwan for your card companies so you do not have to pay international long-distance fees if you need to contact your card companies while you are abroad.

Also be aware that some banks and credit card companies assign different PINs for overseas transactions and many international ATMs do not accept PINs that start with a zero. Be sure to ask about your PIN if you do not already know it.


Money and INNOVATE
Almost all costs abroad are covered by your INNOVATE program fee so you will only need to bring funds for personal spending such as shopping, independent sight-seeing 2-3 dinners out on your own, and fees for any laundry, mini-bar charges, internet charges, or telephone fees you charge to your room at the hotel. Past delegates report that they spent between $100 to $200 of their own funds while abroad; though some students spend significantly less or more than this based on their personal spending habits. The following websites provide helpful information on estimated costs and current currency conversion rates.

It will be easiest to bring the money you plan to spend in cash, say $100 for Vietnam and $100 for Taiwan, and then exchange these funds into local currency at the airport upon arrival in country or at the hotel upon check-in. In almost all instances you will need to use cash for your purchases in Vietnam and most students find it is easiest to use cash in Taiwan as well. Planning to exchange only a set amount of money in Vietnam and Taiwan will also help you budget your funds to ensure you do not run out of spending money before the end of the trip.

You should also plan to bring some back up funds as well in the form of an ATM/Debit card, credit card, and/or Traveler's Checks. It is very easy to withdraw funds via an ATM in both Vietnam and Taiwan and this is a good option if you use up the cash you have brought with you. A credit card is useful to have in case of emergency and Traveler's Checks are also good ways to bring back-up cash with you as they can easily be replaced if lost or stolen - unlike cash or credit cards. Just be sure you are aware of the international transaction and currency conversion fees you will be charged for using your ATM/Debit card and credit card/s abroad.


Money & Valuables - Safety
We STRONGLY recommend using a money belt or pouch and only carrying as much cash with you as you will need for that day. Your passport, credit/debit cards, and extra cash should be left safely locked in your hotel room safe or in the hotel front desk safe. Just be sure the code you select is one that both you and your roommate can easily remember and always empty your hotel room safe before checking out of the hotel.

Delegates must be responsible for their own personal safety and the safety of their money and valuables. Students should be especially careful in crowded toursit spots such as the Ben Thanh Market or Shilin Night Market where crowds and close quarters make it easy for pick-pockets to target tourists; though you can be pick-pocketed anywhere. Some ways to help ensure your safety and the safety of your valuables when traveling abroad include:

  • Do your homework, listen and heed the counsel you are given.
  • Always carry money, credit/debit cards, Traveler's Checks and other valuables in a secure money belt or pouch.
  • Always keep your passport, debit/credit card, extra cash, camera, and other valuables in your room safe or in the hotel front desk safe if you will not need to use them that day.
  • Do NOT keep your Traveler's Check receipts in the same place as your traveler's checks. These should be kept in two separate, secure locations as you will need the Traveler's Check receipts to replace the Traveler's Checks if they are lost or stolen.
  • Make photocopies of the photograph page of your passport, international health insurance card, the front and back of all debit and credit cards, and any Traveler's Check receipts and keep these in a separate, secure location so that you can reference them in case the originals are lost or stolen.
  • Always keep your room door locked. It is NEVER appropriate to leave your room door propped open, even if you are just stepping out of the room for a short moment. If your room door is propped open anyone can walk in and the hotel has no way of knowing when someone entered/exited your room as the scan card will not be actived. If you leave your room unlocked or propped open you do so at your own risk.
  • Only bring your laptop with if you will absolutely, 100% need to use it while abroad. Most delegates find that they do not need their laptop and there is an internet cafe right next to the hotel in Vietnam and a business center in the hotels in Taiwan where you can check and send email.
  • If you do bring your laptop with you make sure all files are backed up prior to departure and remove any sensitive or personal identifying information such as stored passwords.
  • Always carry the bag that contains your expensive electronic items yourself rather than having the hotel porter take this bag to your room and/or to the buses. This way you always have it in your possession.
  • Never leave your bag unattended and if placing your bag down put it between your knees and put the stap under or around a fixed object like a table leg.
  • Be sure you have a luggage tag on all bags that you bring with you abroad and write your name and address on the inside of your luggage as well. Consider purchasing a TSA-approved luggage locks for your bags. These can only be opened by TSA screeners with a master key. For more on TSA-approved locks click here.
  • Be cautious if a 'helpful stranger' offers to take a group photo or when asking strangers if they will take your photo. This is a common way of stealing cameras, you turn around to smile and realize that the 'helpful stranger' and your camera are gone. It is safer to ask a fellow INNOVATE delegate or advisor to take your photo.
  • When going out at night dancing or to other crowded places consider bringing a disposable camera rather than your expensive digital camera. This way if you accidentally leave it behind or have a drink spilled on it you will only lose your photos, not your expensive camera. It is also helpful to pack a water-proof disposable camera as well just in case you have an opportunity/need to use it while abroad.


Luggage
Due to the extensive travel schedule and bus/train transfer required during INNOVATE delegates should bring only one large, checked suitcase and one carry-on bag. You can pack an empty duffel bag in your checked suitcase to use if you need additional room on the way back home. Some delegates may prefer a mid-size to large travel back-pack as these can be easier to carry in crowded airports or train stations. Some travel backpacks come complete with a zip-off day-pack making these a very convenient option.

Delegates must also be aware of checked and carry-on baggage limits and applicable fees that may be charged by your domestic and international airline. Students on the U.S. group international flight will be traveling on China Airlines and for their checked and carry-on baggage size limits and fees click here. Delegates should also be aware of all applicable TSA regulations regarding carry-on and checked luggage. These are subject to change so please review the TSA Traveler's website prior to departure.


Customs
Whenever entering or exiting a country, including the U.S., you are subject to their customs regulations and entry/exit procedures. INNOVATE delegates should carefully review the customs information for Vietnam, Taiwan, and the U.S. prior to departure as ignorance of the laws and regulations is no justification for violation of laws and regulations and penalties and fees for violation can be severe. International delegates should also carefully review the customs information for their home country as well.


What to Wear Abroad
INNOVATE delegates should only bring one large checked suit-case or bag and one carry-on bag. Plan to pack enough clothing for a week and wash/dry-clean clothes at the hotel in Vietnam. It will be cheaper to do in Vietnam than in Taiwan and due to our travel schedule you may not have time to get your clothes laundered/cleaned while we are in Taiwan. You can also purchase small packets of laundry soap to hand wash underclothes and other items; though due to the humidity in Vietnam it may take a long time for these items to drip dry.

Be prepared for warm weather in Taiwan and Vietnam. In March, Taipei’s average temperature ranges from 57 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (14 to 21 degrees Celsius). Ho Chi Minh City is warmer with a range of 74 F to 94 F (23 to 34 C) and will be quite humid (similar to summer weather in Houston or Atlanta). Expect the possibility of rain in both cities and be sure to bring a hat, sunglasses, small travel umbrella, and light-weight waterproof jakcet or coat. For more information on weather forecasts see:

Dress tends to be more formal abroad and most conference events will require business casual attire. Casual attire will be appropriate for cultural tours/special events and free-time. While a good pair of walking sandals may be okay for sightseeing, you should not plan on wearing them during INNOVATE conference events since many of the tours you will be going on require closed-toe shoes. Not sure what Business Casual means? Click here to learn more. As a general rule jeans, casual khakis or light-weight pants, shorts, t-shirts, sneakers, and sandals are casual attire. Nice khakis, dress pants/skirts, button-up or polo shirts, nice blouses or sweaters, and dress shoes are appropriate for business casual attire.

Business Formal attire will be needed for the INNOVATE opening and closing dinners. For men, this means a dark business suit, dress shirt worn with tie, and dress shoes. For women it typically means a dark pant or skirt suit, though a professional dress or skirt/top set could be appropriate as well. For the closing dinner many INNOVATE delegates choose to wear the traditional clothes or formal attire of their home country or a special piece of clothing purchased during the INNOVATE conference.


Electrical Voltage & Appliances & Water
U.S. outlets are 120 V. If the voltage and cycles abroad are not compatible you can purchase transformers. Most new devices (phones and laptops) can handle the different voltage rates, but some devices only work on the U.S. standard of 120 V. Check your device to see what voltage range it handles. Be sure you determine whether you will only need a plug adapter or if you need a voltage converter as well. For a comprehensive overview of voltage and plugs, visit the World Electric Guide and World Plug Guide. This site contains a chart that will show you photos of common plug styles.

You can purchase a Universal Worldwide Travel Charger Adapter Plug at many major retail stores, electronics stores, or travel stores. Remember a plug adapter is not a voltage converter – you may need both!

Tap water is not safe to drink in Vietnam. You should use bottled water at all times while in Vietnam - including when brushing your teeth - to avoid illness or stomach upset. Most restaurants use ice made from bottled water but to be safe ask for no ice in your drinks.

Tap water is safe to drink in Taiwan but you may prefer the taste of bottled water.


Language Abroad - Vietnam
Vietnamese is the official language of Vietnam and English is not widely spoken though English-speaking staff should be available at the conference hotel and Vietnamese-speaking guides will accompany us on all formal INNOVATE activities. French is also spoken by approximately 100,000 citizens, especially the elderly, so any knowledge of this language may come in handy.

The following Vietnamese language websites may also be helpful:


Language Abroad - Taiwan
The official language of Taiwan is Mandarin Chinese (Guoyu), but because many Taiwanese are of southern Fujianese descent, Min-nan (the Southern Min dialect, or Holo) is also widely spoken. The smaller groups of Hakka people and aborigines have also preserved their own languages. Many elderly people can also speak some Japanese. The most popular foreign language in Taiwan is English, which is part of the regular school curriculum. However, it is always a good idea to carry the business card of the hotel with the address & map in Chinese with you to provide to taxi drivers or if you need directions back to the hotel.

The following Mandarin language websites may also be helpful:


Communicating with Non-Native English Speakers
The official language of the INNOVATE conference is English and all delegates are expected to have an English-language proficiency level that enables them to participate fully in all conference events and activities. However, we ask that all delegates be respectful of the fact that English-language proficiency of delegates may vary widely and that oftentimes English will not be the native language for our company speakers, hosts, and guides.

The international diversity and range of languages spoken by INNOVATE delegates and conference speakers is one of the aspects that makes INNOVATE such a unique program. In your career you will often be asked to work with colleagues, offices, clients, government agencies and other organizations from around the world and your INNOVATE experience will provide a useful introduction to the cross-cultural communication skills you will need to cultivate a successful professional career. Some tips to keep in mind include:

  • Organize your thoughts before starting to speak and keep questions as short as possible. Try writing down your question first in your INNOVATE notebook.
  • DO NOT ask multi-part questions as these may be difficult for non-native speakers to fully respond to. Ask only one clear, concise question at a time.
  • Do not use idioms or common American expressions. For example, many non-native English speakers may not understand the phrases "Play it by ear" or "Bend over backwards" or baseball references. Click here for common American idioms that you should avoid using when speaking to a non-native speaker.
    • Do not use contractions such as can't or isn't. Instead say cannot or is not.
    • Avoid jargon or abbreviations. While many American students may understand who a "MechE" is, when speaking with non-native speakers it is more appropriate to say mechanical engineer or mechanical engineering student.
    • Use the active rather than the passive voice
    • Do not be concerned if there is a pause before the person begins to answer, even if it is quite lengthy. It can take time to translate questions and formulate an appropriate response in English.
    • Be patient and understanding when speakers are utilizing translators. Not all speakers will present their talks in English and adjusting to situations where speeches and other events are translated into English is a skill that will be required if you plan to pursue an international career.
  • Review the Communicating with Non-Native Speakers website.
  • Review the WikiHow: How to Communicate with a Non-Native English Speaker website.


Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law designed to protect the privacy of, and limit access to, student educational records. FERPA provides for each institution to identify certain information as directory information, which may be disclosed without the student's permission. For the INNOVATE program this means that the only information we will post on our website or share without your prior, written authorization includes:

  • Name
  • Home University
  • Student level, type, year of study, and matriculation term
  • Major and minor fields of study
  • Year of Participation in INNOVATE
  • Photographic image
  • Campus email address*
  • Citizenship & Passport Number**

* This information will only be provided to other INNOVATE delegates, program administrators and faculty, and the Rice University International Programs office.
** This information will only be released to the INNOVATE travel agent and hotels to expedite check-in abroad and when requested by company site visits for security and intellectual property reasons.

If you do not want the information indicated above released you must notify the INNOVATE program of this in writing. Under FERPA we cannot share any other identifying information on you without your prior, written authorization. If we are contacted by a family member, friend, or other individual asking for additional information on your status or whereabouts we cannot legally give this out. We can take down their name and contact information and share this with you directly so that you can decide whether you would like to contact this person or not. This is done for your privacy, safety, and security.


Communication with Those Back Home
We ask that all INNOVATE students individually provide their family, friends, and other trusted individuals with your contact information abroad, including phone numbers for INNOVATE hotels, and maintain regular and consistent contact with your loved ones back home. It is especially important that you call or send an email home within 24 hours of arrival in Vietnam and Taiwan to let your family know that you have arrived safely. When you register with the U.S. Embassy please also be sure you list all of the individuals, including family, friends and school representatives, who you would like to be notified in case of an emergency abroad.

Due to the nature of the INNOVATE itinerary it will likely be easier for you to call your family than for them to reach you via phone at the hotel as you will typically only be in your hotel room late at night or in the very early morning. We recommend that INNOVATE delegates plan to use Skype or another online telephony product to communicate with friends and family back home. Calling home from the hotel phones will be very expensive and most internet cafes or hotel business centers will have Skype-enabled computers and phone headsets that you can use. Email, Facebook, and chat are also good ways of communicating with friends and family back home but be sure to set up realistic expectations of how frequently you will check in. The INNOVATE schedule is intense and you will leave the hotel early in the morning and may not return until well into evening. Most INNOVATE delegates also prefer to spend their free time at night sight-seeing or eating out with fellow delegates and will spend limited time on the computer or in their hotel rooms.

Please also be sure your family is aware of the time difference between the U.S., Vietnam, and Taiwan. Use the Time Zone Convertor to determine when the best time will be for you to speak with your family and friends back home and set up a regular time for phone calls with your family and realistic expectations for when you will check and respond to email.

Other Related Websites & Resources

Globalization  

Technology & Other Themes  

News  

Travel Guides  

Cross-Cultural Communication & Related Issues  

Travel Resources & Tips  

Disclaimer
This is the INNOVATE Conference web site. Links to other sites are provided for information only. The inclusion of these links and their content does not imply official endorsement or approval by the INNOVATE Conference or Rice University.