2015 - 16 MUDEC Student Handbook

COVER

2015-16

MUDEC Student Handbook

MiamiOH.edu/luxembourg

Contents

WELCOME - 3

IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION - 4

LUXEMBOURG & THE CHATEAU - 6

PRE-DEPARTURE - 11

ON THE GROUND - 31

POST-MUDEC 47

MUDEC Student Handbook { 3

WelcomeDear Student,

Congratulations on your acceptance and welcome to MUDEC!

Program Introduction

Located in the historic Château de Differdange, the Miami

University Dolibois European Center (MUDEC) has been a leader

in international education since the program’s inception in 1968.

With over 45 years of superior educational opportunities in a

historic yet grandly modernized European environment, MUDEC’s

distinguished program boasts the expertise of past ambassadors,

government officials, linguistic experts, and educators well known

in the country for their excellence. Concerts at the Philharmonie

(Luxembourg’s modern concert hall), visits to the European

Parliament in Strasbourg, France, and weekly lectures and/or

activities from prominent Europeans remain unique features of the

program.

Students acquire foreign languages by linguistic and cultural opportunities and develop a cultivated repertoire

of customs, travel and food—all of which easily attest to the high quality of the MUDEC program. Studying in

Luxembourg is enrichment for the rest of your life and gives you the foundation to do anything!

The Château de Differdange

Situated in a park at the center of Differdange, Luxembourg is MUDEC’s Château de Differdange, a 15th-century

castle modernized to meet the needs of a 21st century education. Once a stopping point for Charles the Bold

(Charles le Téméraire), the Château offers MUDEC students a computer lab, Wi-Fi, an extensive upper-foyer

lounge, a library, a grande salle des fêtes (the Grand Hall), additional study lounges, staff and faculty offices,

classrooms, and of course the Cave. Some faculty and staff, including the Dean, live in the Château.

The Cave, MUDEC’s student lounge (once the Château’s wine cellar), is a comfortable, quiet space. Appointed with

couches, a study area, a TV, and Wi-Fi access, students can relax, do homework, and plan out their weekends. The

Cave offers a kitchenette equipped with plates, silverware, microwaves, refrigerators, and a small dining area. The

Cave also houses MUDEC’s laundry facilities, lockers, a foosball table and vending machines.

We urge you to read the contents of this handbook for important details concerning a variety of topics ranging

from academics and pre-departure logistics to culture shock, health & safety, and housing. Feel free to contact our

MUDEC staff members – in Oxford or in Luxembourg – for any questions, and we look forward to getting to know

you better as you begin your exciting journey abroad!

Best regards,

4 } MUDEC Student Handbook

Important Contact InformationMiami University Dolibois European Center (MUDEC) in Differdange, Luxembourg

Dr. Thierry Leterre, Dean

Raymond Manes Assistant Dean

Crici Dumont, Housing Coordinator

MUDEC Student Handbook { 5

Carlo Specchio IT Services/Librarian

Katie Grady Student Activities Coordinator

Lux Office Hours of Operation

Lynn Butler Coordinator

Gina Asalon Advisor


Luxembourg and the ChâteauLiving in Luxembourg

Excerpts from an address by George Koenig, quoted after Living in Luxembourg by the American Women’s

Club of Luxembourg, 13th Edition, 1996-1997; and The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Press and Information

Service, Luxembourg Government, 1993.

Luxembourg and the Château { 7

More Information about Luxembourg GOOD MANNERS

moien bonjour Guten Tag addi, au revoir Auf

Wiedersehen

SAFETY

In Mercer surveys of the major world cities,

Luxembourg City consistently scores among the

highest for personal safety.

RESTAURANTS

FOOD

LANGUAGE

Say it in Luxembourgish So et op Lëtzebuergesch


FAMILY:

RECREATION:

THE ROYAL FAMILY:

GOVERNMENT:

THE EUROPEAN UNION:

ECONOMY:

Luxembourg and the Château { 9

CLIMATE:

RELIGION:

HOLIDAYS: January 1, New Year’s Day:

Carnival

Easter

June 23

The Schueberfouer

November 1, All Saints’ Day:

December 6, St. Nicholas Day:

December 25, Christmas Day:

TIME:

The ChateauAMENITIES

MEALSContinental breakfast

See the “Homestay” section for more details.

Meal Plan

See the “Homestay” section for more details.

LAUNDRY

Pre-Departure { 11

Pre-Departure

Academic Advising:

Consider doing an Independent Study while in Lux and earn 1-4 credit hours

Grants & Scholarships:

Contact Information:

Make copies of the following documents:

Taking Medication?

Doctor’s visit:

Inform your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans:

Post-MUDEC Housing:

Address and mail:

Power of Attorney:

Voting while overseas?

Driver’s License:

Grad School Deadlines:


Cross-Cultural Engagement & Goal Setting

Goals can be small or large, but make sure they are SMART:

attainable, relevant, and time-based.

Pre-Departure { 13

(Excerpts from Duke, S. T. (2014). Preparing to Study Abroad. Sterling, Virginia: Stylus

Publishing.)

Maintaining Eligibility

Scholarships, Financial Aid & Making Payments

FAFSA:


MUDEC SCHOLARSHIPS FOR SEMESTER /YEAR-LONG STUDENTS:

Don and Susan Kasle Félix Chomé

For all other MUDEC scholarships

MUDEC Scholarship amounts

MUDEC SCHOLARSHIP AWARD TIMELINE:

NO

scholarships can be disbursed without MUDEC course registration.

Note to year-long students:

TRANSIENT STUDENTS FROM PARTNER UNIVERSITIES:

OUTSIDE SCHOLARSHIPS:

AIRFARE GRANT (for semester- or year-long study abroad):

Visit StudyAbroad.MiamiOH.edu and click on FINANCES for more scholarship

information.

Pre-Departure { 15

Semester and Academic Year Programs:

Summer Programs:

Note:

Semester/Year-long students:

Summer students

Mandatory Orientationsmandatory

Transient students from partner universities:

AcademicsRemember that you are first and foremost a student on the Luxembourg Program! While

traveling is important, academics should be the number one priority.


Registration

All holds must be cleared from your account before you can register.

Semester /Year-long Students:

Summer Program Students:

Registration for Return: before leaving for Luxembourg

Study Tours

Independent Study

a rigorous extension of classroom work, a course

of intensive guided reading on a topic not covered in a regular course, or as a chance to

do research

Pre-Departure { 17

Keep in mind, you

must have all textbooks by the first week of classes.

Textbooks can be packed in suitcases or be shipped to the château

Mail & Packages

Note to full year students:

Note about course and program materials: You are encouraged to save all course materials (e.g. syllabi, exams, assignments, readings, and housing letter). These materials may be useful to ensure transfer credit or to apply for government jobs, bar exams, etc.


For Miami students:

Credit transfer & transcript requests for transient students from partner universities:

Semester and Year-Long Students:

and may in no case exceed THREE per course, even for a five-

hour language course.

Summer Program Students:

For Learning Disabilities and/or Attention Deficit Disorder:

For Physical or Other Disabilities:

Prior to the beginning of the program:

Pre-Departure { 19

After the start of the program:

Passports & Visas

Passportvalid for at least six months beyond the date of the

Luxembourg Program.

4-6 weeks to receive a passport.

A passport is the only

universally accepted

form of identification

and is mandatory

for traveling in the

European Union.

You should carry your

passport with you

whenever traveling

in Europe, including

the first day of the

Integration Program

in Luxembourg!!!

Ask your parents/guardians or your designated emergency contact to obtain

a passport, just in case they need to go abroad to assist in an emergency.


Step 1 – Prior to Departure:

first step

Step 2 – During the Program:

‘titre de sejour’

MUDEC and Miami will not provide assistance for students who are arrested, detained,

or deported due to overstaying permit dates. Please inform family and friends of this

policy.

Schengen Area Members (i.e. countries you may not visit before or after the program):

Visa for Non-U.S. or Non-European Students

an additional D visa is needed to participate i

an additional three months to get the visa. Be aware that you

will need to go to Washington DC to be fingerprinted in order to obtain the visa,

Note:

Housing

IMPORTANT: The Residency Permit allows students to stay and travel within the Schengen area only between the dates which the Ministry for Foreign

but not before or after.

Pre-Departure { 21

Housing BasicsHousing letters

What’s included?

What’s NOT included? “The Chateau”

“Communication & Etiquette Tips”

Writing to your host: MUST

Traveling independently? It is your responsibility to get to your host’s home. “Getting There”

Communication & Etiquette Tips for a Positive Homestay Experience

Communication is the key.

Continental breakfast:

Internet usage:


Cleaning:

Linens and towels:

Kitchen use:

Dinner: not required

Daily living at the home:

Bathroom usage:

Keys: Guard host’s key carefully by bringing a lanyard or key-chain.

Bring a small gift

When leaving a room

Do not air-dry your laundry

Pre-Departure { 23

If in doubt about ANY aspect of the homestay,

Housing After MUDEC Plan early for return housing!

The Luxembourg Office and Global Initiatives department do not assist students with sublets, nor do they keep advertisements or other promotions.

On Campus Housing (MU students)

IN PERSON!

Off-Campus Housing:

Money Matters

MUlaa

Add money to your MUlaa account PRIOR to leaving for Lux. Adding funds while in Lux can take from 24 to 48 hours to post.


Doing Lux on a Budget

during the week

per weekend

Copy and/or scan all credit card, ATM, bank account, and passport information

Take several forms of money

Obtaining foreign currency in the U.S.

Credit Cards

Inform credit card companies in advance of plans to study abroad. Give specific dates otherwise they may freeze accounts for suspicious activity.

ATM-Debit cards: Cirrus or Plus ATMs

Inquire about overseas

ATM withdrawal fees

versus foreign transaction

fees to determine which

way of making purchases

will save you more money.

Also inquire about daily

withdrawal limits prior to

departure.

Pre-Departure { 25

If possible take both types of cards – a regular credit card PLUS an ATM-debit card

Emergency money – Western Union

The exchange rate

Cash only!

Health Prep

On the Ground – “Health Abroad”

No Immunizations are required to participate in the program.

If you have long-term medical issues


Concerning medication & medical prescriptions:

whole semester stock along OR

Buy medication in Europe

Centre Médical – Dr. Wagner 17, ave Charlotte L-4530 Differdange Grand Duchy of Luxembourg Phone (+352) 58 48 48 - Fax (+ 352) 58 94 46

Contact insurance company

Do not ship medications to Luxembourg through the mail or FEDEX!

A small first aid kit:

Allergy shots

Letter from doctor:

Contact lenses and eyeglasses:

are required to purchase

Pre-Departure { 27

Getting There

Luxembourg Arrival Details

Arrival date

Group Flight (optional)

Travel Unlimited

Shuttle Service

Other Helpful Tips:

You are responsible for contacting your host family directly. If you are not taking the MUDEC shuttle, it is your responsibility to contact your host directly to get approval on arrival dates, and directions to your host’s home. Hosts are not obligated to be home or to accommodate students or luggage prior to the beginning of the semester. Please make sure your European host knows travel and arrival plans. If you are unable to make arrangements directly with your host, let Crici ([email protected]) know as soon as possible. She can facilitate contact with your hosts.

ALL Travelers

Attendance at the on-site Integration Program is a MANDATORY component of the MUDEC experience! Please check the program calendar before scheduling a


Do not over-pack

Do not pack more than can be comfortably carried alone! A suggested packing

list is provided in this section.

Carry-on:

Put all medications and other vital things in carry on—nothing vital should be in suitcases!

Backpacks:

Suitcases:

Extra Baggage:

Baggage claim tickets:

Always carry phone numbers and addresses of your European host, the Château, and a map.

Storage:

Medications

Electrical Appliances

US Jack LUX Jack

Plug-adapterFront Back

Pre-Departure { 29

Packing List Essentials to pack in your carry-on(s)

Medical/Toiletries

Clothing

Miscellaneous (suggested)

30 } MUDEC Student Handbook 30 30 30 0 }}} MMMUDEUDEUDEC SC SC Studtudtudententent HaHaHandbndbndbooooo

On the GroundCulture Shock & Revisiting Goals

Revisiting Goals

On the Ground { 31

Residency Permit Reminder

Important Policies

Semester and Year-Long Students: Student Handbook

and may in no case exceed THREE per course, even for a five-hour language course.

Summer Program Students: Student Handbook

IMPORTANT: The Residency Permit Card allows students to stay and travel within the Schengen area only between the dates which the Ministry for Foreign

on the permit, but not before or after.


Student Handbook

alcohol consumption

is prohibited at the château

alcohol is also prohibited during MUDEC-sponsored events

NO special treatment will be given regardless of being a Miami student or U.S. citizen.

Transportation

The JUMBO Pass

On the Ground { 33

anywhere

car

Registering for Next Semester - Revisited

Registering for next semester

You

will register for next semester’s courses while you are in Luxembourg

Housing – RevisitedReminders:

If in doubt about ANY aspect of the homestay Crici Dumont, Housing Coordinator

For full housing details, tips, and expectations, please refer to the Pre-Departure – “Housing” section.

While traveling in

Europe, it may be

prudent to carry your

passport, important

papers, cash, debit/

credit cards in a

hidden pouch – not

in a purse or wallet,

which can easily get lost

or stolen.

Keep all travel bags

and luggage very

close while in public

places and restaurants.

These simple proactive

measures will keep

valuables out of the

hands of Europe’s many

pickpockets


Budgeting – RevisitedReminders:

Emergency money:

For full details and tips on MUlaa, doing Lux on a budget, or how to spend/obtain money, please refer to the Pre-Departure – “Money Matters” section.

Student Activities

Blogging

Technology and Staying in TouchPrinting

On the Ground { 35

château library

Internet cafés

Summer, Semester and year-long students:

What’s included in the telecommunications package?

For any questions about the telecommunications package prior to U.S. departure, please

contact Mr. Specchio directly at [email protected].

Calling HomeComputer-based communication:

Cell Phones from the U.S.:

Smartphones (iPhone, Galaxy, etc): do you want to use it?

on Airplane Mode

Laptops


Mail & PackagesMail

airmail

Student’s Name

packages can be

heavily taxed

Never ship phones from the U.S., just get one in Europe! Electronic materials automatically go through customs and could be held up for weeks.

On the Ground { 37

Used personal property of no commercial value.” .

does not exceed €50.

recipient

NOT

FEDEX

Facebook:

Twitter:

Instagram:

Pinterest:

Health Abroad

US Jack LUX Jack

Plug-adapterFront Back

When sending mail or packages, do not shorten “Grand Duchy of Luxembourg” to “Luxembourg.”


No Immunizations are required to participate in the program.

If you have long-term medical issues

whole semester stock along, OR

y medication in Europe.

Centre Médical – Dr. Wagner 17, ave Charlotte L-4530 Differdange Grand Duchy of Luxembourg Phone (+352) 58 48 48 - Fax (+ 352) 58 94 46

Contact insurance company

Do not ship medications to Luxembourg through the mail or FEDEX!

A small first aid kit:

Allergy shots

Letter from doctor:

Contact lenses and eyeglasses:

The Center is closed the first

week of August and two

weeks during the Christmas

holidays (email the Assistant

Dean for exact dates) and

CANNOT accept FEDEX

packages during these times.

#MUDEC #MiamiOHabroad on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook

@MiamiOHabroad @MiamiUniversity on Twitter

Procedures to follow in the event of medical concern:

HTH should be contacted

immediately.

(Call Collect).

What to do in the event of a medical emergency?

NOTE:

On the Ground { 39

In Europe, carry the HTH card at all times!!

Please note that you do not have to go to HTH contracted providers for your accident and

covered. You may go to other providers. The

contracted providers, it is a guaranteed cashless transaction.


Need Mental Health Assistance?

On the Ground { 41

Safety Abroad

General Safety Tips

Alcohol Consumption

Know your limits and look out for each other.

Anti-American Sentiment

Terrorism

Traffic

Crime/Theft


keep suitcase or backpack as close as

possible, never a few feet behind or off to the side

Additional tips to avoid crime/theft:

Hotels/Hostels:

Safety Issues for Women & GLBTQ StudentsWomen

For GLBTQ Students:

On the Ground { 43

NOTE

Hard Facts

Each year, 2,500 Americans are arrested overseas.

There is very little that anyone can do to help if caught with drugs.

Independent European Travel

Helpful tips:

Eurail Passes:


Tip:

BIJ (Billet International de Jeunesse)

Belgium Go Pass

Go Pass:

EuroDomino:

Reverse Culture Shock

On the Ground { 45

Survival Kit for Overseas Living


Staying Connected to your Study Abroad Experience

MUDEC Student Ambassadors

Volunteers

Post MUDEC { 47

Lux Club

IDS156

Post-MUDEC

LUXMiamiOH.edu/luxembourg

#YOLO

Documents

2015 - 16 MUDEC Student Handbook