CONDUCT BY A FOREIGN GUEST: Because you will be a visitor, a foreign guest, in the countries of our destination, and because you will be representing not only Radford University, but also your country, you will have to be conscious of your manner of conduct. That includes attention to some of your habitual behaviors: being polite, open-minded and understanding, etc. You may be shocked to learn that our countrymen tend to be stereotyped in some European countries as "loud" or "obnoxious" in the hotels, in the museums, in the streets and restaurants. Do all you can not to perpetuate this stereotype.
 

LAWS of the host country: Wherever you are, you are under strict obligation to obey the laws of the host country--particularly laws concerning the purchase, possession, use, or distribution of "illicit or controlled substances." Neither Radford University, nor your country will tolerate "behavior that is illegal, obnoxious, or embarrassing." This applies to big offenses, as well as to such "minor" offenses as removing objects from restaurants or hotels. For instance, consider that taking ashtrays or "shooters" from restaurants as souvenirs is stealing.
 

SAFE & PROPER CONDUCT:  Your proper behavior will include being on guard with strangers (as in “flirting"). If you can't help it, absolutely do not bring your new acquaintances to your hotel room and do not go to your new acquaintances' rooms/apartments at any time--you are potentially putting yourself in grave danger and there is nothing that your professor or your fellow-travelers can do to help you (should you need help).   
 

RESPECT:  Since you will be a part of a group for three weeks, remember that moods may change and tempers may fly.  What do you normally do to deflect a "heavy" situation? As you know, the actions of one can affect the moods of many, so it is important to project a respectful attitude towards each other (not to mention towards our hosts). Avoid "antisocial behavior" (and read this fully page: "Adventure Behavior").
 

DISMISSAL FROM THE PROGRAM:  The Radford University Honor Code will be in effect throughout our Program. Violation of the RU Honor Code as well as unacceptable or illegal conduct will result in immediate and unconditional dismissal, from the Program, including sending you home early and judicial action against you later. Illegal behaviors are listed in a document provided by the International Education office, "RU Study Abroad Standards of Student Conduct."
 

SERVICES:  As participants in a complex set of cultural processes, you are asked to clear your actions with the professor. For instance, do not deal with the hotel management or travel personnel about any problems you encounter. Your  concerns/complaints must go through your professor who, as your group leader and your representative on location, negotiates all services and coordinates all transfers.
 

CLASS CONDUCT ON LOCATION:  Please pay attention pay attention to all instructions given by the professor--that includes social/cultural matters, as well as  course /content matters. In museums, cathedrals and other cultural sites, do stay close as the lectures are in progress. Also, please do obey restrictions on flash photography in museums, churches, castles, and other sites.
 

ATTENDANCE AT PROGRAM  FUNCTIONS: Field trip attendance (including museum, historical sites, etc.) is mandatory. There is some built-in flexibility in the Program and some free time. In Italy, you may wish to book yourself on a hotel-sponsored tour, or travel to Rome, Venice, etc; please clear your plans in advance with the professor. Your tour will have to be reflected in your final project. 
 

BREAKFAST SESSIONS  are mandatory - you need to arrive to the sessions on time, alert, prepared and ready. You must also be ready to leave the hotel or arrive at the designated meeting place on time. Promptness is particularly important on field-days and transfer days: the group will not wait for stragglers. We might have to leave for some day trips relatively early in the morning and we may not return until late at night. Complaints are not welcome--but a keen sense of humor and spirit building activities (singing? limericks?) are!
 

use your common sense: Getting enough sleep before travel and before class/field days would, well, make sense. Chances are you will be tempted to stay out late--but remember that you will also have to get up early the next morning! Our "Breakfast Session" lectures will require that you are alert and mindful of the "field work" project for the day. When we travel outside of our "hub cities," you might not want to miss the scenery: what are the chances that you will see it again?  And how will you enter them in your daily log/diary?
 

Speaking of Logs/DIARIES: a notebook is a must and you should never be caught without it. Make every effort to record your thoughts and queries, to take notes about places, food, and language--anything that enters the range of your senses. You will be grateful you kept a journal when it comes to building your final project web site, so start even before our departure, as you read about the places you will visit.