Hegyvary Citizens of the Word Fund: Tips for the Process

Identify the Project

1. Brainstorm Ideas - Capture an idea and go for it!
• Read about cultural activities and issues that you want to know more about.
• Read about activities in your area of interest and find needs for them in other cultures.
• Listen to the experiences of others.
• Take leads from others who have engaged in cross-cultural endeavors.
2. Find the Contacts
• Explore contacts already established by the School of Nursing.
• Follow leads provided by those who have already participated in the activity or been in the culture.
• Initiate contact with those who have written material in which you are interested (e-mail, postal mail, phone).
• Students already prepared as RNs may want to explore opportunities with Health Volunteers Overseas. All students may want to explore opportunities through Himalayan Health Exchange.

Communication & Logistics

• Start the process early, especially with countries where language is an issue.
• Check the US State Department Travel Warning web site for the country of your proposed experience.
• Obtain your passport (can take 3 weeks or more).
• Check if other foreign entry requirements exist for country of your proposed experience. Obtain a visa if required (can take 3 weeks or more).
• Make sure you have taken precautions for a safe journey.
• Book your ticket early. Plan your in-country travel as well.
• Get immunizations. Consult with the Travel Clinic at the UW Hall Health Center for a list of recommended immunizations for the country in which you are planning your experience.
• Be sure you have paid for health insurance during your experience.
• If applicable, send outlines ahead for translation.

Budgeting the Trip
Consider the cost of:

• Travel
• Passport
• Visa
• Immunizations
• Gifts for the hosts
• Books, copying, and learning materials

Some Details to Remember

• Establish your primary contact and work via the bureaucratically correct channels.
• Clearly communicate your abilities and define what involvement your site/primary contact would like you to have.
• Set boundaries and contract the intent for your visit.
• Obtain an official invitation, if needed.
• Be sure that official School of Nursing affiliation agreements are signed and in order.

Prepare for your Cultural Awareness Experience

• Interview those who have experienced the culture.
• Ask questions about dress, greetings, customs.
• Remember that this is an EXCHANGE, so be prepared to learn from the people you meet and/or treat.
• Use a phrase book to attempt to be responsible for getting your own needs met.
• Consider familiarizing yourself with the look and sound of health care information in a different language, particularly the language spoken in your destination.
• Minimize issues with sanitation by being prepared.
• Most of all, balance ACTIVITY and REFLECTION, and have FUN with both.