A. Pre-departure Orientation
A pre-departure orientation session will be held on campus at the University of South Carolina (via Skype for those who cannot attend in person). The students will receive academic and travel advising prior to departure.
B. On-site Orientation (upon arrival)
The Student Services Coordinator will welcome the students at the airport of Athens and transport them to their residence facilities. Upon arrival, the students should contact their families. Throughout their stay, the students should maintain frequent contact with their families so that they are assured of their welfare.
On the first day, the students will meet the Director, the Assistant Director, the staff, and will be shown the facilities of the Center. The students will be also provided with barcoded student photo ID cards (which allow entrance in the facilities, facilitate identification and maximize security), log-in passwords (which allow access to the Center’s website and database platforms), and the program outline and lists of useful information, such as contact information (phone number, email, address) of the Center’s facilities, faculty and personnel, local authorities and service providers.
During the first week of their stay, the students will be offered on-site general orientation sessions and will be tour guided in the cities of Argos and Nafplion.
During the first week of classes, the Student Services Coordinator will briefly interview each student; during this initial interview students may ask questions or express any concern, and must report any special conditions, health problems and allergies for safety reasons (which will remain confidential in the student’s file).
C. Follow-up Orientation Sessions (weekly)
Weekly follow-up orientation sessions will be held on particular topics:
- everyday life, cross-cultural adjustment and cultural immersion
- safety guidelines,security/police info
- health services (health guidelines, health insurance, first-aid training, network of contracted physicians, pharmacies, local medical centers, regional hospitals, counseling and psychological support)
- public transportation, driving in Greece
- currency & banking system
- various practical issues
Special briefings will be taking place on matters of safety measures, crisis management, and emergency procedures; drills will be conducted on various situations (case of earthquakes or natural disasters, medical emergencies, political or military crisis, terrorism, evacuations).