UNIT 2

BEFORE YOU STEP ON THE PLANE

It's actually going to happen! Soon you will be boarding a plane and heading off into the unknown for your international internship.

But wait! Are you sure you're not forgetting anything? This unit will help you make sure that you have everything you need to set out with confidence: from travel documents to gifts for your hosts, from stress relievers to resource people in your home country.


  • Passport: Is it up to date?
  • Visas, Work Permits, Alien Registration Cards
  • Passport and Documentation Emergency Kit
    (in case your documents are lost or stolen)

    Take photocopies of the following documents with you:
    • Keep this information in a safe place separate from your original documents. It's also a good idea to leave copies with a family member or friend
    • the identification page of your passport
    • your visa documentation
    • an original of your birth or citizenship certificate
    • the address and telephone number of the Canadian embassy in your host country
    • your travel documents
    • a record of your travelers cheques and credit cards
    • two (2) extra recent passport-size photographs

  • Socializing
    Take some time to think about how you might build relationships with people in your host country. Bring small gifts that express something about Canadian culture (be creative - perhaps something from a local artist?). Be prepared to teach Canadian games or to sing traditional songs (better do some research!). Take photos of your home, family and friends. They're perfect icebreakers wherever you travel.
  • Stress Relievers
    What are some of the coping mechanisms you use when you're stressed out? Do you eat, drink, listen to music, go for a run, talk to friends? Are any of your coping tools portable? If so, take them with you (i.e. your favourite coffee, chocolate, C.D.s, books). They'll be useful in helping you get through the down times.


  • Dress Codes
    Remember, clothes send a message: ask yourself what message you want to send. In many countries religious and moral beliefs strongly influence the acceptable clothing for men and women. When in doubt, dress conservatively.

  • Resources for Women Travellers
    - Journeywoman Online - www.journeywoman.com/
    - DFAIT: Her Own Way: Advice for the Woman Traveller

 

 

 


WHO SHOULD I TALK TO?
Getting Information From Resource People:

Who?
Where do I find them?
Returning interns Ask your Canadian sponsor organization, university administrating unit, etc.
People from your destination country Check with university international student offices, destination country embassy or consulate, multicultural organizations, etc.


Resource People Can Give You Information About:  

Social / Political Life

  • Influence of individual on decision making
  • Attitudes toward politics and freedom of speech
  • Role of government in daily lives
  • Role of women in government, business, family life

Host Organization

  • What type of work will I be doing?
  • Organizational culture (ie work hours, locations, socializing after work)
  • Assistance provided (Translation, computer, phone)
  • Transportation provided to work
  • Training opportunities
  • Vacation/Holidays
  • How to budget the stipend
  • Does the organization hire back interns?

Working Styles

  • Level of formality, dress, greetings
  • Concepts of time, punctuality and pace of work
  • Importance of personal relationships
  • Making appointments
  • Management practices, how decisions are made
Informal and Social Occasions
  • Greetings
  • Dress
  • Gifts (appropriateness and timing)
  • Punctuality
  • Alcohol and entertainment
  • Food
  • Gender roles and expectations
Verbal Communication
  • Acceptable or taboo topics
  • Directness of address
  • Expression of courtesy/politeness
  • General emotional openess
Non-Verbal Communication
  • Common gestures used in conversation
  • Positive / offensive gestures
  • Degree of eye contact
  • Physical proximity during conversation
  • Acceptable noise level
Perceptions of Foreigners - Especially Canadians
  • Stereotypes about foreigners
  • Any history of Canadians in country (positive or negative)

[guidelines developed by Centre for Intercultural Learning, Canadian Foreign Service Institute, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade]

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

The following are several exhaustive lists we've compiled. Please note that not all items on the list will apply to your destination country! You may find it useful to print each of these lists to use as a reference in helping you prepare before you depart on your internship. Use your resource people in Canada (see above) and also in your internship location (they are the local experts!!!) to help you answer any remaining questions you may have.

 

You're set! You're ready to hop on that plane any day now. You've thought about why you're going and what you need to bring with you, and now all that's left is to go for it!

But wait! Have you taken some time to think about what it's really going to be like for you to live and work in another culture for an extended period of time? How aware are you of your own cultural values and assumptions? How will your hosts see you as a Canadian? What will they expect of you? Have you thought about the impact of an international internship on your life?

Unit Three will give you some useful frameworks for thinking about these questions.

goto UNIT 3