Fundacion Mahatma Gandhi

Cross-Cultural Transitions

It is quite possible that this will not be your first
transition abroad, or your first experience in Latin
America or the Caribbean, or your first-hand
contact with a community in which poverty plays a
significant role on how people live. You have
accepted to come and to make a meaningful
contribution to the quality of life of people here,
particularly children and youth.
Now think a bit in terms of your own personal and
psychological needs. Even if you've had previous
experiences abroad, do take time to browse
through some of the following resources and use
them as part of your orientation to your transition to
the beautiful town of Las Terrenas. If you have any
questions write us at
correo@fundacionmahatmagandhi.com

CULTURE GENERAL
Culture shock, skills that matter at
http://www.gwu.edu/~studyabr/cultural.shtml

Brief notions of culture shock at
http://edweb.sdsu.edu/people/CGuanipa/cultshok.h
tm

Expatriates and travel abroad sites, including
country specific:
http://www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/living/res
ources/expatriatewebsit es.shtml

Transition stages at
http://www.transitionsabroad.com/publications/ma
gazine/0205/life_as_an_expatriate.shtml

CULTURE SPECIFIC
News and information on Samana at
http://www.samana.net/sn-english.htm

General information, chat rooms and more at
http://dr1.com/

Map of Las Terrenas and other info at
http://www.samana.tk/

General country information at
http://hispaniola.com/dominican_republic/info/inde
x.php

U.S. Consular Services information at
http://www.usemb.gov.do/Consular/ACS/traveler_in
formation-e.htm

RETURNING HOME
Preparing for the return, now, more at
http://www.umabroad.umn.edu/alumni/reverseCult
ureShock.html

Culture shock and reverse culture shock at
http://www.usc.edu/dept/LAS/overseas/faq/culture_
shock/culture_shock.ht ml

SAFETY AND SECURITY
There are many guidelines for safety and security
while traveling abroad. See important guidelines
at
http://www.lifeessentialsbyzee.com/zee/safety/zLife
E_safety_biztrv_030.htm l. A comprehensive list of
safety precautions appear at
http://www.umich.edu/~icenter/overseas/travel/safe
health.html and a handy one appears at
http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/top_ten_tips.html

Often people take risks when they find themselves
away from familiar environments. Please think
safely. We purposely assume that you will act as a
responsible adult and will protect yourself to the
best of your ability. Please do not place yourself at
risk unnecessarily. As in any other place in the
world there are risks in town that include
robberies, assaults, HIV/Aids, alcoholism, rapes,
drug addiction and violence. We prefer that you act
wisely and safely. Safety starts with you. More
during your in-site orientation.