As a reminder, you signed the following Code of Conduct Agreement as part of your enrollment:

As a student enrolled in FutureDocs Abroad, I agree to the following expectations with regard to safety and conduct.

I agree to complete to the best of my ability all aspects of the FutureDocs Abroad Program and successfully participate both as an individual and a representative of The National Leadership Academies. I agree to conduct myself in such a way that supports my own learning, and supports the learning of my peers, the teaching of physicians, and the guidance of the chaperones.

FutureDocs Abroad is an alcohol-, smoking-, and substance-abuse-free experience. I agree to refrain from use of these substances as well as any illegal substances.

I agree to not engage in any behaviors that will put my health or life at risk, such as but not limited to departing from the scheduled itinerary and tour, entering restricted areas of host medical school and medical centers, entering financial agreements with locals, inviting strangers into the program or hotel, and providing locals with personal information such as passport information, credit/debit card information (other than secure bank/vendor), home addresses, and phone numbers.

I agree to remain in the assigned hotel or dormitory room as indicated by staff. Any changes or breach of this security precaution could lead to expulsion from the program.

I agree to maintain all required dress code standards as set forth by FutureDocs Abroad staff or requested by participating medical school/medical center policies. I also agree to remain with my assigned mentors, physicians, or other assigned staff at all site visit locations.

I agree to abide by the host university or institution’s standards and requirements.

I understand not complying with the above-mentioned expectations may result in dismissal from the program and return to the United States at my and my parent’s or guardian’s expense.

I agree to make FutureDocs Abroad administrators and staff aware as soon as possible of any difficulties I may encounter regarding my health, safety, finances, or any other issue that I consider serious or should be disclosed.

Attending FutureDocs Abroad isn’t just big news to your family, it’s also the kind of news your community papers, radio stations, and even television stations like to share!

We’ve created a template for you to use to create your very own News Release. Here’s what to do:

Step 1: Copy the News Release text below and paste into a document editor.

Step 2: Complete the information to personalize your news release with your name, hometown, and school. Then print the completed document.

Step 3: Create a cover letter from you that lets the reporter know more about you (hobbies, honors, other awards or sports). Optional: Attach a picture (a nice touch).

Step 4: Create a distribution list of local newspapers and magazines (include your school paper), radio stations, and television stations. Go online to find addresses. You can also distribute your news release to reporters email addresses.

Step 5: Send your letters and news releases to the attention of the City Editor at newspapers, the Assignment Desk at television stations, and the Station Manager at radio stations. It is not necessary to research their name, just send to the title.

If you talk with a reporter, be prepared to talk about yourself. You may want to prepare some bullet points about why you’re so passionate about medicine. If they have any questions about the program or the organization, have them call Lisa Rossi at 202-599-8442, extension 701.

—

[Student First and Last Name] to Attend FutureDocs Abroad in Hue, Vietnam

[Your city/town, state] – [Student First and Last Name], a [Grade] at [Your High School] of [Town/City] will attend a summer honors program in Hue, Vietnam from December 18 – January 2, 2021.

FutureDocs Abroad is an honors-only program that allows high school students to access what only third and fourth-year medical students can in the United States. The purpose of this internship is to honor, inspire, motivate, and direct the top students in the country who aspire to have careers in medicine, to stay true to their dream and, after the program, to provide a path, plan, and resources to help them reach their goal.

“[Insert a great quote from you about what you’re most excited for during your time in Vietnam. Perhaps about what you’re going to learn and/or experience.],” says [Student First Name].

During the two-week program, [Student First Name] will join students from across the United States and spend time observing surgeries taking place in the operating room, with the surgeon explaining the procedure as it’s being performed.

[Student First Name] will be in the gross anatomy lab with an anatomy professor, learning about the anatomy and proper dissection of human cadavers and practicing dissection techniques on animal parts.

And [he/she/they] will also shadow physicians in the Emergency Room, clinics, and wards in over a dozen areas of specialty (pediatrics, oncology, surgery, orthopedics, OB/GYN, and more).

FutureDocs Abroad is a program of The National Leadership Academies, which was founded on the belief that strong emotional intelligence is the cornerstone of student success and is committed to supporting students in their development. The National Leadership Academies also recognizes that prospective talent must be identified at the earliest possible age and help must be given to these students to acquire the necessary experience and skills to take them to the doorstep of vital careers as leaders and in the fields of medicine and the sciences.

For more information please visit www.TheNationalLeadershipAcademies.com or call (888) 986-6563.

Your passport will need to be valid through July 2, 2021, in order to enter Vietnam. Vietnamese immigration requires all passports to have at least 6 months’ validity beyond our departure date from Vietnam. Check the expiration date on your passport.

This is a VERY IMPORTANT STEP AND TIME SENSITIVE as you will need a valid passport through July 2, 2021, in order to apply for your Vietnamese Visa, which you will be applying for in September.

If your passport is VALID through July 2, 2021, take a picture of the photo page of your passport and send it to our Admissions Team immediately.

If your passport is NOT VALID through July 2, 2021, visit the State Department website for instructions on how to renew your passport.

If you DO NOT HAVE A PASSPORT visit the State Department website for instructions on how to apply for a passport.

NOTE: Passports can take up to four weeks to arrive, so please make sure you apply immediately to avoid delays. All students are required to have a valid passport to apply for your Vietnamese Visa and to travel to Vietnam.

Passport cards are not valid for international travel to Vietnam. Passports must be full passport books.

Also, confirm that you have signed your passport on the page opposite the photo page. A U.S. passport is only valid once it is signed! If you have NOT signed your passport, use a non-ballpoint pen and make sure the ink is dry before closing your passport.

We recommend that you add your contact information in pencil on the Personal Data and Contact Information page. If you lose your passport, this will give you the best chance of getting it back.

If you are a citizen of any country other than the USA, and require a visa to enter the USA, please be sure to upload a scan of this document along with a scan of your passport photo page.

An upload of a clear ID-style photo is required. This should be:

• A recent portrait or headshot photo is acceptable with a clear white background. You may take this photo yourself (it does not need to be a professional photo), so long as it is head-on and clear
• In either JPEG or PDF format
• Submitted no later than August 31, 2020

It is REQUIRED that all students be up-to-date on all routine immunizations stated by the CDC website, including:

❒ DTAP
❒ Hepatitis A
❒ Hepatitis B
❒ Meningococcal
❒ MMR
❒ Varicella (Chickenpox)

You will need to upload a record from your physician that shows you are up-to-date with the above immunizations.

To access the clinical facilities in Hue, students are also REQUIRED to have:

❒ a Typhoid vaccination

Please schedule a visit with your physician’s office or a travel clinic to obtain these immunizations and be sure to request a copy of these immunization records as well as your routine immunization record, as you are required to upload a copy to the portal no later than September 30, 2020.

Departure Airport: San Francisco International Airport, California (SFO)
Departure Time: 11:45 PM PST on Friday, December 18, 2020
Flight Numbers: Cathay Pacific Airlines #893, #5220
Route: San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Hong Kong (HKG), Da Nang (DAD)
Arrival Airport: Da Nang International Airport (DAD)
Arrival Time: 9:00 AM ICT on Sunday, December 20, 2020

When to Arrive at SFO: Friday, December 18, between 12:00 PM and 8:00 PM PST

Meeting Point: San Francisco International Airport, International Departures, Cathay Pacific Airlines check-in desk

Suggested arrival window at SFO for international departure:

Our flight to Vietnam (via Hong Kong) is scheduled to depart from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in California on December 18 at 11:45 PM local time.

You must book your flight from your home airport to SFO to arrive between 12:00 PM and 8:00 PM PST on Friday, December 18.

When considering flights, take into account any change in time zones and that SFO is in the Pacific Time Zone (PST). When looking at flights into SFO, arrival times will be listed in the local time (PST).

Arriving in the specified window will give you a minimum of 3.5 hours before your scheduled international flight departure time. This is to allow for any delays/cancellations and time needed to collect your luggage that may subsequently result in you missing your connecting international flight.

After you have collected your luggage, you will need to make your way to International Departures and the Cathay Pacific Airlines check-in counter. Here you will check-in with a FutureDocs Abroad staff member.

You SHOULD NOT check-in for our international flight without the group.

Special notes to remember for flying to SFO:

• The night before you travel, check online flight departures for any delays on your domestic travel from your hometown.
• The morning of your flight, check again for any delays. Apps like flighttracker.com can be used to check delays or you can type your airline and flight number into Google.
• If you have any issues at all with your travel plans or disruptions, please call us immediately so we can put the appropriate measures in place ahead of time.
• Once you arrive at SFO remember to pick up all of your luggage at the baggage claim before heading to the group meeting point! Your baggage will NOT automatically check through for our international flight.
• If your baggage is lost or delayed upon arrival into SFO airport, please call the Admissions Team to inform us. We will give you instructions based on connection time for our international flight.

Group meeting point at SFO:

After you have picked up your luggage from baggage claim, you will need to follow the signs to International Departures. Then follow the signs to the Cathay Pacific Airlines check-in desk where a FutureDocs Abroad team member will be stationed from 12 PM to 8 PM. Please check-in with a FutureDocs Abroad team member who will check you in. Have your passport ready.

What to do if you can’t find your group meeting point:

Please call the team leader (number to be released 1 month prior to departure date) who will be able to direct you to the meeting point.

Group check-in time for international flight:

Our group will begin check-in together for the international flight to Vietnam at 8:30 PM. We will leave to go through security at 9 PM. NOTE: The group will not wait for individuals unless we are aware of delays.

Departure Airport: Da Nang (DAD)
Departure Time: 9:55 AM ICT on Saturday, January 2, 2021
Flight Numbers: Cathay Pacific #5227, #892
Route: Da Nang (DAD), Hong Kong (HKG), Hong Kong (HKG), San Francisco (SFO)
Arrival Airport: San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Arrival Time: 3:25 PM PST Saturday, January 2, 2021

When to Depart from SFO: Sunday, January 2, between 6:30 PM and 9 PM PST

Suggested domestic departure window from the inbound international flight:

Our inbound flight from Vietnam (via Hong Kong) is scheduled to arrive in SFO on Saturday, January 2 at 3:25 PM PST.

You must book your domestic flight back to your hometown to depart between 6:30 PM and 9 PM PST from SFO.

Departing after 6:30 PM will give you a minimum of 3 hours before your scheduled domestic departure. This is to allow for any delays that may subsequently result in you missing your domestic flight and expected time it will take to get through immigration, baggage claim, customs, and to re-check your bag.

Remember, once you have cleared customs you will also need to take the shuttle or walk to whichever domestic terminal your flight is leaving from and make your way to the airline check-in for your domestic flight back to your hometown.

Please visit the website for baggage policies.

NOTE: All students will be traveling in economy class. Checked baggage in excess of the airline’s free checked baggage allowance, and any domestic airline baggage fees, are not included in the program tuition cost and are the responsibility of the student. It is advisable to bring only 1 carry-on bag and 1 checked bag. The savvy traveler will restrict luggage to one carry-on bag and one checked bag to limit the possibility of lost items. Please read our packing list carefully for a detailed breakdown of what to pack in each bag.

To help with booking your flights to and from your hometown, FutureDocs Abroad has partnered with StudentUniverse to assist our students in finding the most convenient routes and affordable prices. StudentUniverse is the world’s leading travel booking service for students and youth.

Access StudentUniverse >

Domestic flights to and from hometowns

Unaccompanied Minor status is required by some airlines for passengers under the age of 15, and some airlines have other policies and age cut-offs. There is an additional fee for this service through the airline.

When you book your flights to and from your hometown, be sure to check with your individual airline on their Unaccompanied Minor policy. If your airline requires this, you will be prompted to give information on the name, address, and telephone number of the staff member who will be picking you up at the airport.

Please contact the Admissions Team before August 31, 2020, if you arrange Unaccompanied Minor status.

We will be able to give you the name of the staff member who will be picking you up when the airline reservation is made.

This name may need to be updated up to 2 weeks prior to travel with a confirmed chaperone who will be assigned to that terminal specifically. You MUST report to the airline this updated name in order for the airline to release you to the FutureDocs Abroad chaperone. Failure to do so will result in the airline’s refusal to release you into the care of the FutureDocs Abroad chaperone.

NOTE: Unaccompanied Minor status cannot be purchased for flights with connections.

In order to travel to Vietnam and participate fully in the program activities within the clinical facilities, you MUST have a Vietnamese student visa, class DH-1.

Your Vietnamese Visa is not included in your Tuition.

FutureDocs Abroad is required to obtain a unique application code from the Vietnamese immigration department for our students’ visas.

Your student visa is only obtainable with this unique ID.

To take the worry and hassle away from this extensive process, we will complete all necessary visa application paperwork and submit it to the Embassy on your behalf. In addition, we have been able to negotiate a reduced group rate for visas at $80 per person.

For us to complete your application and for you to take advantage of the discounted visa rate, please follow the instructions below.

Please complete these steps as soon as possible to avoid any complications with your visa.

NOTE:

• You cannot use any other process to obtain your student visa to enter Vietnam with the FutureDocs Abroad program.
• Tourist visas are NOT accepted to study within the clinical facilities.
• The only individuals exempt from this student visa requirement are Vietnamese Passport holders.

STEP 1: Make $80 payment via the link emailed to you.

STEP 2: Ensure you have submitted your headshot photo and scan of your Passport to Admissions by uploading it to the portal.

STEP 3: Nothing. You’re done! You will collect your visa from the team at the airport on December 18.

Failure to pay for your visa and upload your photo and passport scan by September 30 will result in you not being able to travel to Vietnam and participate in the FutureDocs Abroad program.

This is a crucial step towards getting ready for liftoff so be sure to complete it immediately!

The information below is to prepare you for the arrival process into Da Nang, Vietnam. Be sure to read through this very carefully.

In preparation to go through Passport Control, make sure you have:

❒ Your passport in hand

❒ Your visa

❒ The full name and address of the Park View Hotel in Hue – 09 Ngô Quyền, Vĩnh Ninh, Tp. Huế, Thừa Thiên Huế, Vietnam

❒ Arrival and departure flight information and dates (airline and flight number will be located on your boarding pass)

Make sure you start to queue in the correct passport control line. There are two different types of entry. One is strictly for Local Passport Holders and the second is for All Passport Holders. Please make sure you queue in a line for All Passport Holders.

Once you reach the front of the Passport Control line, you will speak to an agent. The agent will ask questions about the purpose of your visit. Below are some possible questions and suggestions for how to answer them.

Q. How long are you here for? A. Two weeks.
Q. What are you doing? A. A summer program at Hue University of Medical Sciences.
Q. Where are you staying? A. Park View Hotel in Hue.

The immigration officer will stamp your passport and hand it back to you along with your Vietnamese visa.

VERY IMPORTANT: Keep your Vietnamese visa safe inside your passport and place them in your travel wallet for safekeeping.

Once through Passport Control, you will be directed by a chaperone to the baggage claim hall.

Da Nang International baggage claim is a small hall consisting of 4 to 5 carousels. A chaperone will guide students to the correct baggage carousel, where you will need to watch for your luggage to arrive.

It is strongly advised that you place an easily identifiable ribbon or luggage strap/tag on your luggage so you recognize your suitcase as it arrives on the carousel. Most importantly the luggage tag should have your name and address clearly written on it. Another slick trick for travelers is to place a label on top of all your belongings inside your bag should the luggage tag fall off in transit.

Once all students have collected their luggage, we will walk to the Customs area together.

Each person will go through Customs individually with their own luggage. When you pass through Customs, individuals will be chosen at random to place their luggage onto the scanner belt to be screened.

A customs officer may ask to inspect your luggage and ask if you have firearms, drugs, certain electronics, and other items that are not allowed or cannot be imported duty-free.

If you are selected for the inspection, don’t worry. The additional screening is a simple procedure and designed to keep everyone safe. Just be ready to answer a few questions and run through a brief inspection.

A chaperone will be on hand at all times should any student need assistance.

A few notes on Vietnamese Customs and Immigration to prepare you before travel:

❒ Check the International medical insurance website about importing any medications prior to arriving in Vietnam.

❒ All medications should be clearly labeled and stored in a clear plastic bag.

❒ Remember, liquids must be under 100mls or 3.4 oz per container if packed in your carry-on bag.

Students will be staying at the Park View Hotel in Hue. The address is 09 Ngó Quyén, Vĩnh Ninh, Tp. Hue, Thúa Thiên Hué, Vietnam. The Park View Hotel is ideally located right next to the main campus and clinical facilities.

ACCESS

All students will be given a room key upon arrival. You must keep this on you at all times to access the elevators and your hotel room.

If you lose your room key during your visit, you will need a valid form of photo identification and a $2 fee will be due to the Park View Hotel Reception in order to receive a new key. With this in mind, please ensure you carry a safety wallet and/or lanyard to hold your important items and key at all times.

The hotel reception desk is available 24/7 on the ground floor for any questions you may have. Remember, our very own team of experienced staff will also be available 24/7 should you need any assistance at all.

LAUNDRY

The hotel offers a laundry service. Laundry bags and request sheets will be available within each hotel room. Students will need to fill out the request sheet and take the bag of laundry to reception and pay individually in the local currency. The clean laundry items will be delivered to the individual’s room.

Items received before 10 AM will be delivered the same day after 6 PM.

Items received after 10 AM will be delivered the following day.

TIP: To avoid laundry charges, it is advisable to bring a small bag of laundry detergent with you. You can then launder your own clothes within your bathroom in your hotel room.

LOUNGE / STUDY AREA

Each hotel room offers a quiet and peaceful place to rest and relax. There is also a dedicated desk for study in each room. Otherwise, the hotel has plenty of communal areas for study or relaxation within the main lobby, or you can opt to unwind by the pool.

WIFI

The Park View Hotel offers WiFi throughout. WiFi in clinical locations is available but can be unpredictable depending on the location.

AIR CONDITIONING

The Park View Hotel is air-conditioned throughout, but the clinical facilities are not.

Hue is situated in central Vietnam near the coast. Winter months in central Vietnam are generally clear blue sky’s and chilly breezes, with temperatures between 70-75 degrees. There are occasional rain showers.

WHAT TO BRING

Prior to departure, a suggested packing list to prepare for the winter weather will be provided to ensure safety and comfort.

Basic washing goods are provided (shampoo, conditioner, and soap), but it is advisable to bring your own as only small quantities and limited items are provided. Don’t forget toothpaste, deodorant, and any other personal toiletries you may require. It is strongly advised that female students pack a healthy supply of feminine hygiene items as western brands and goods are not available in Vietnam.

NOTE: Hairdryers are provided in the rooms. However, if you decide to bring your own, make sure you check the Powering Electronics section below to confirm you have the correct adaptor.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided in the hotel. A large selection of food will be available including authentic Vietnamese fare, and a variety of American classics.

Meals will also be provided on off-campus activity days and will include lunches in local restaurants depending on the location of activities.

NOTE: Meals are not provided during travel with the exception of the meals and snacks the airline provides. Although this may differ from airline to airline or route is taken, generally, two meals and soft drinks, water, and coffee will be provided on the long-haul section of your journey. A snack may be provided on the connecting flights to Vietnam.

If you would like to purchase additional snacks in the departure or connecting airport, it is advisable to carry a widely accepted bank card (Visa or Mastercard) to make purchases in the airports easily.

Be sure you have updated any special dietary requirements on the portal so we can be sure to not only prep the chef ahead of your arrival, but also pre-request any special requirements for meals that may be provided on your long-haul flight to Vietnam. If you have any concerns, please reach out to the Admissions Team.

It is important to remember that we will be situated on the other side of the world for this incredible two-week adventure. Most of our meals will be provided in the Park View Hotel, however, it is a huge part of cultural immersion to understand that the culinary delights will be very different from home. It is important to come with an open mind and embrace the culinary diversity of our host country.

WATER

Vietnamese tap water is not safe to drink. One bottle of water is provided within the hotel room daily per person. Bottled water is easily accessible in local convenience stores either within the hotel or right across the road. Chaperones will be organizing trips to the local convenience store as needed.

Secondly, it is strongly advisable not to digest the ice while in Vietnam. Ice is generally produced from the tap water. Small fridges are located in all hotel rooms to refrigerate drinks.

The Tuition includes all program costs, international airfare, accommodations, local in-country transportation, and meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner while on location. Please note that meals are not provided during travel to and from our host destination, with the exception of meals provided by the airline.

Students may want to bring pocket money for their own personal expenses, shopping, personal care items, souvenirs, snacks, etc. ($250-$300 should be more than adequate).

In advance of your trip to Vietnam, we recommend you decide on how you will pay for personal expenses while abroad. You may choose to carry a credit card, withdraw Vietnamese dong using an ATM card, bring U.S. dollars to exchange in Vietnam or some combination of these options.

NOTE: It is advisable to carry both a widely accepted credit card, and some Vietnamese dong in small denominations. While bank cards are widely accepted at airports and large stores, many smaller convenience stores and tourist attractions only accept cash.

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Vietnam; Discover and American Express are rarely accepted. If you plan to use a credit card while in Vietnam, be sure to ask your credit card company about their international transaction fees and alert them of your international travel plans beforehand to avoid security holds. Check the expiration date on your credit/debit cards and make a separate note in a safe place of their numbers and the service number on the back of the card.

Past students have had issues with Visa gift cards. Be sure to explore the limitations before using this option. While Visa gift cards are accepted by many larger stores, we have experienced issues when trying to withdraw cash from foreign ATMs with this option.

Vietnam’s currency is the dong. Currently, 1000 Vietnamese dong equals about 0.04 USD. U.S. bank ATM cards can also be used in Vietnam to obtain dong. Students should check with their bank about foreign ATM transaction and conversion fees. To avoid additional fees, students may bring U.S. dollars that can be exchanged for the local currency, which the FutureDocs Abroad staff can facilitate on-site for students. It’s recommended that if you bring U.S. dollars, only bring crisp, clean bills, as bills with marks, tears, or creases are likely to be rejected when you go to exchange them in Vietnam.

Below you will find a breakdown of our various activities and the dress code for each.

It is important to keep in mind when packing that Vietnamese people dress conservatively, and visitors should do the same. Men and women should keep their shoulders covered and shorts should always be knee-length. The only time when this note is not applicable is on travel days, and our mid-program rest day.

TRAVEL TO AND FROM VIETNAM

Ultimately, comfort plays a large part in making long-haul flights pleasurable. Always wear comfortable clothes, and this includes your travel shoes.

• Wear layers – You will need pieces that you can easily take off or put on to help you combat the varying temperatures you encounter throughout your journey.
• Wear something that you can keep on for the next 24 hours – travel time to Vietnam including your domestic travel will be at least 24 hours.
• Wear clothes that don’t restrict you.
• Wear natural, breathable fabrics.
• Wear socks and comfortable footwear.

OPENING AND CLOSING CEREMONIES

This will be your first and last impression when greeting and saying goodbye to your Vietnamese hosts at Hue School of Medicine. Dress to impress with a business casual outfit.

Ladies: Plan on wearing dresses/trousers/knee-length skirts and shirts with a collar or blouses, and comfortable shoes

Gentlemen: Wear trousers/khakis and collared shirts, and comfortable shoes

NOTE: Absolutely NO athletic wear, NO jeans, and NO shorts

ROTATIONS AT CLINICAL FACILITIES (9 DAYS)

Students will be asked to wear scrubs and a long white lab coat for all sessions at the hospital and medical facilities.

• Scrubs can be any color/pattern
• Lab jackets are required for all rotations
• Comfortable/clean footwear – You will be on your feet for long periods of time so comfortable, closed-toe, clean shoes are advisable. Sneakers are permitted for rotations in the hospital but must be clean.

CULTURAL TOUR

A full day is planned to explore the fascinating history of Hue. Keep in mind that Vietnamese people dress conservatively, and visitors should do the same. Men and women should keep their shoulders covered and shorts should always be knee-length. Another factor to keep in mind is the weather. It will be incredibly hot and humid, so light, natural fabrics like cotton are advisable.

• Wear comfortable/breathable casual clothes (shoulders must be covered and shorts should be knee-length)
• Wear comfortable shoes (sneakers are a great option)
• Bring a sunhat
• Wear sunscreen

REST DAY

You are welcome to kick back and relax in whatever clothes are most comfortable for you. If you plan on spending time at the pool, be sure to pack a swimsuit.

NOTES

Remember, laundry facilities are available for students at the Park View Hotel. Check the Overnight Accommodations section for more details.

A full suggested packing list will be distributed closer to our departure date.

The voltage supplied in electrical outlets, as well as the outlet type, varies in countries throughout the world, so in order to charge your devices when you visit another country, it’s important to check the voltage and outlet requirements of your host country.

You will need an adaptor for all electrical devices as the sockets in Vietnam are different
The standard voltage is 110 / 220 V. This is the same as U.S. power outlets
The power outlet frequency differs in Vietnam at 50 Hz compared to the U.S. at 60 Hz

Be warned! Be especially careful with moving, rotating and time-related appliances like clocks, shavers, hairdryers, and hair straightening devices to list a few. You will not be able to use these electrical appliances in Vietnam without an adaptor and converter.

Other appliances only require a Vietnamese plug adaptor and do not need a frequency converter. Check the label on all of your appliances that you plan to bring. If the label states ‘INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz’ the appliance can be used in Vietnam with the correct plug adaptor. This is common for chargers of tablets/laptops, cameras, cell phones, toothbrushes, etc.

In either case, check your devices and determine if you will need to bring along a converter and/or an adaptor.

Find voltage converters at AMAZON.COM

Find combo plug adapters/converters at AMAZON.COM

The use of cell phones is NOT permitted during rotations or while at medical facilities. Cell phones may be carried by students for emergency use only and should remain safely stored in a pocket/bag at all times.

In all likelihood, your cell phone plan does not accommodate international texting, calling or data use. If you use these functions while traveling abroad, you will likely rack up a huge roaming bill – possibly in the thousands of dollars.

To ensure this doesn’t happen, be sure to turn off your cellular data and put your phone in airplane mode before we depart on our international flight. You will still be able to connect to WiFi where available while on airplane mode.

It’s safest to leave your phone in airplane mode for the duration of the trip, and only use WiFi for internet access, in order to avoid a surprise phone bill when you get back.

Local sim cards are available to purchase from the airport or local convenience stores with unlimited data and free local texts and calling for a 30-day period. Cost depends on the provider, but most local sims range between $5-$15. If you plan to utilize this option, you may want to check your phone is unlocked and available to be used by alternative carriers before you depart from the U.S.

Alternatively, you can explore options with your cell service provider for international travel plans. Most cell service providers offer a daily or monthly plan ranging from $5-$20 per day for international travel. Be sure to explore all the limitations before traveling.

Shared below is a basic packing list for FutureDocs Abroad. Keep in mind this list is intended to provide basic guidance for essentials. This does not necessarily include every item that you may personally require.

A few things to keep in mind as you pack:

• Very important: Do not bring any fruit, dairy or meat, and absolutely no living or dried agriculture objects, as you cannot travel to another country with these. The same applies to your return trip to the United States.
• Clearly label all of your luggage so it is easily identifiable; remember, many bags look alike!
• The hotel does provide limited personal toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, and shower soap/body wash, but please pack an additional supply of each to be comfortable. These are included in the packing list below.
• As you pack, keep in mind that there are laundry services available at the hotel for a fee.
• We recommend you pack any over-the-counter personal hygiene items you might need because many personal items we are used to getting easily in the United States are not as easy to get in another country, especially feminine hygiene products.
• If you are taking any prescription medicines, be sure to pack enough for every day you are away from home, along with an additional three to four days’ supply. Students are required to keep all prescription medications in the original prescription bottles and to always carry those bottles in their carry-on luggage. Be sure to check TSA guidelines if the medicines are liquids.
• Refer back to the airline’s baggage restrictions. Remember, savvy travelers will restrict luggage to one carry-on bag and one checked bag to limit the possibility of lost items.

IN YOUR TRAVEL WALLET

❒ Passport
❒ National medical insurance card
❒ Print out of your international medical insurance card (this will be emailed to you closer to departure)
❒ A copy of the Park View Hotel address – 09 Ngô Quyền, Vĩnh Ninh, Tp. Huế, Thừa Thiên Huế, Vietnam
❒ Vietnamese Visa (You will receive your Vietnamese Visa on arrival at JFK Airport)
❒ ID/wallet, including personal spending money

Once you’ve checked in for your flight to Vietnam, you should add these two items to your travel wallet:

❒ Your boarding passes
❒ A copy of your luggage tag receipt

IN YOUR CARRY-ON

❒ Cellphone
❒ Cellphone charger and chargers for any other electronics
❒ A card with your parent/guardian’s number and the FutureDocs Abroad Admissions team number/emergency line, in case you need to borrow a phone
❒ Pen(s)
❒ Small notebook
❒ An umbrella and/or other rain gear
❒ Entertainment for the plane ride (headphones, phone, playing cards, book, etc.)
❒ Empty reusable water bottle (you’ll need to fill it up after you get through airport security; keep in mind this is only for use with potable water in domestic U.S. airports)
❒ Travel insurance information, if you purchased coverage
❒ Vietnamese adaptor and converter
❒ If needed, prescription medications
❒ A change of clothes for 2-3 days – It is very important to include a change of clothes that will be appropriate for Orientation and the Opening Ceremony (refer to Dress Code section) in your carry-on. In the event that your hold luggage is lost in transit, you will need to be prepared for the first couple of days of the program. Lost luggage normally takes between 1 to 3 days to be returned.

CLOTHING

❒ 4-5 sets of scrubs for rotations – You will be rotating in the clinical facilities for 9 days. Packing 4-5 sets of scrubs (and planning to do laundry once or twice) should cover the trip
❒ 1-2 long white lab jacket(s) – Must be worn over scrubs for all rotations
❒ 2 business casual outfits and appropriate footwear for orientation and the closing ceremony at the university.

MEN: Trousers/khakis and collared shirts
WOMEN: Knee-length dresses or skirts, trousers, collared shirts, blouses
NOTE: No jeans, shorts, or athletic wear

❒ Clean, comfortable, closed-toe shoes for rotations (sneakers are fine as long as they are clean)
❒ Clothing for cultural tour – Please refer to Dress Code section for appropriate guidelines
❒ Pajamas/sweats for your overnight accommodations
❒ Light hoodie and waterproof jacket
❒ Travel outfits
❒ Socks and undergarments
❒ Bathing suit & towel if you wish to use the hotel’s pool. NOTE: While the cultural standards dictate keeping your legs and shoulders covered, the hotel pool is the single exception. However, be sure to have a cover-up ready and do not walk through the rest of the hotel outside of the pool area in only your swimwear.

TOILETRIES

❒ Toothbrush and toothpaste
❒ Deodorant
❒ Brush/comb
❒ Shampoo and conditioner
❒ Body wash or soap
❒ Sunscreen
❒ Small first aid kit
❒ If needed, glasses/contacts, contact case and solution
❒ Ladies, please be mindful that feminine hygiene items are difficult to come by in brands and styles you might be comfortable with. Be sure to pack these items with you if you’ll need them on our trip.

OTHER ITEMS

❒ Advil, Midol, Imodium, Vitamin C, Hydration tablets/packs
…to name a few of the most common items

Don’t worry if you experience a degree of culture shock during the first few days abroad – you will be experiencing a different culture! It’s only natural.

To ensure that culture shock doesn’t turn into a negative experience, think about how you can turn your lack of local knowledge into a positive.

Open yourself up to learning from local cultures, traditions, and people. Set yourself some goals at the beginning of your trip, and when you feel blue, actively try to achieve them.

Connecting with people back home is another way to feel better about being away. Or log onto the WiFi and share your pictures, videos, GIFs, and anything else you can come up with!

Writing about your time abroad can also be a great way of capturing your experiences, and can often make for a great record for you to look back on.