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Arrival & Orientation


Immigration and Customs

passport and visaWhen your plane lands in your host country, immigration officials will ask about the purpose of their visit and how long you propose to stay in their country. They will examine your passports, as well as visa and immunization certificates if they are required. They may then stamp your passport, and you are free to enter the country. Depending on local practice, as well sometimes as the season and time of your arrival, this procedure can range from being quick and cursory to laborious and time-consuming. Even though you will be eager to exit the airport and start your study abroad adventure, it is important to be patient and respond very politely to any questions.

After Immigration, comes Customs. You will be asked to declare (perhaps in writing) if you are carrying certain items in your luggage. Be sure to declare any restricted items, as luggage may be opened and checked. Always be respectful and polite. Never make jokes about bombs or illegal drugs. This kind of behavior can get you detained by the police.

Jet lag

When you arrive in Europe you will probably experience jet lag. What causes jet lag? The most important factor in jet lag is how many time zones you cross, and traveling east seems to be worst for most people. Jet lag occurs when you cross over a number of time zones and disrupt the normal 'circadian' rhythms which help you wake up in the morning and go to sleep at night - your 'body clock'. If you have a rigid routine, it is likely that you might suffer more than someone who adapts easily to change.

The symptoms of jet lag can include fatigue or exhaustion, a feeling of disorientation or fuzziness, and the inability to sleep. You may also feel dehydrated from being stuck in an air-conditioned cabin for hours, which in turn can cause headaches, make your skin dry and make you more susceptible to colds or viruses.

Everybody has his/her own method of trying to combat jet lag, find here some helpful ways to counteract jet lag:
  • change your watch as soon as you get on the flight, the quicker you adapt to the time zone the lower level of jet lag is likely when you arrive
  • spend some time outside during daylight hours. Natural light can help cue your body clock
  •  try to adjust your bedtime and mealtimes to the new, local timetable as soon as possible it can help to schedule commitments at times when you are likely to have maximum energy: in the evenings, after flying east, or in the mornings, after flying west
  • the impact of alcohol on the body can be two to three times more potent when your are flying, so one glass of wine in-flight has the effect of two to three glasses on the ground. Avoid feeling even worse with a hangover by reducing alcohol intake before and during your flight
  • get as much exercise as you can. Walking up and down the aisle, rotating your ankles and doing gentle stretching exercises in your seat can help to reduce discomfort, and allow you to have a more relaxed flight
  • during extended stopovers on a long-haul flight, try to grab a shower: it can really wake up your circulation and get things moving
When you arrive at your destination try to stay awake until it is time to go to sleep in the context of the destination time, not your home time. Eat meals that match the destination daily cycle, not your home cycle. For example when I arrive in Berlin in the morning, eat breakfast, such as is available and stay awake until bedtime Berlin time.

On-site orientation

If it is included in your program, we usually arrange a CEPA coordinator to meet you at the airport. If you are traveling in a group he/she will transport you by private bus to your first accommodation – directly or with a planned stop-over on your way. If you are arriving on your own you will usually travel by public transport. Upon your arrival at your first accommodation we will provide a first orientation to inform you about the local site and your upcoming study abroad trip. The topics that will be covered during this orientation vary according to your first destination, your itinerary and the length of your stay in Europe.