Murray State University
Universität Regensburg
Semester in Regensburg Program

This page is a collection of online resources to help parents share the excitement of the  Semester in Regensburg Program experience.  It includes links with information on various aspects of the program as well as the destinations students might be visiting  Click on the image to view the list of links in each category.  

• Predeparture Preparation
  

  • On campus orientation, including Friends and Family night

  • Paperwork, ours and Regensburg's

  • Course schedules, textbooks

  • Travel arrangements, booking

  • Financial and communication planning

  • Packing and departure
    

• Arrival in Regensburg
  

  • Munich Airport - the most common point of entry, with a chartered bus to Regensburg

  • The Regensburg Tourist Office  city information, focus of on-site orientation in first week

  • Map (Stadtplan)  see the next section for housing maps

  • On site orientation

  • Culture shock, plan on it!
    

• Housing, Dining and Travel
  

  • Program Housing apartments available to the program 

  • University Student Housing - map and pictures of all student housing, text is in German

  • Mensa - what's for lunch (and dinner) in the University cafeteria this week?

  • Regensburg RVV this is the system students will use to travel around Regensburg

• Communication 
  

  • eMail and IM options

    • Murray State, University of Regensburg accounts will be available

    • A web based email account provides flexibility, ISIConnect, MSU WebMail, Hot Mail
      This account can be accessed by any system with Web connection, i.e. Internet Cafes

    • Subscribe to the SiR discussion list for continuous program information,
      leave the Subject line blank, and enter  JOIN sir youremail@address  as the message, then Send

    •  Windows Live Messenger - instant messaging, audio and video chat, synchronous communication, (remember 7 hour time difference)

    •  SKYPE - VOIP service, free computer to computer calls, reasonable fees apply to computer to landline or mobile (more expensive), recharge online

  • Telephone options

    • Local country phone cards -  widely used throughout Europe, but country specific

    • ISIConnect account - prepaid calling card, rechargeable via phone or Web, about $.55 per minute from Germany 
      ISIConnect Access Numbers by country

    • AT&T - provides easy Europe to US contact, but is expensive, access numbers in each student's packet

    • Credit card phones - direct charges to various cards, expensive

    • Cell phone (Handi) - provided by program, personalized contact, less expensive when used for callback, though higher for caller

    • Your cell phone, perhaps if it is GSM,  Quad Band and unlocked like these on eBay

    • CogniCall - an international calling card option with access from Europe
      

• Financial Arrangements
  

  • In general, students should have access to several different sources of funds such as

    • ATM cards, with an ALL NUMBER PIN, a high daily limit, tied to a CHECKING account
      This allows you to deposit funds to a readily available source and allows students access
      to funds in local currencies at modest transaction costs

    • a MasterCard and/or Visa card, which now charge a transaction fee 
      These cards should be distinct from ATM and phone cards to avoid disastrous losses

    • travelers' checks, which will likely serve as an emergency resource,
      Consider larger denominations, as exchange services often charge a per item fee

  • Students should keep these resources in separate places in their housing and while traveling to avoid losing them all at once.

  • Students do NOT need a large supply of Euros when they arrive in Munich, IF they are meeting Program Faculty on the designated arrival date
    

• Health Insurance

  • Students are required by the University of Regensburg to purchase a health insurance policy which allows them to participate in the extensive German health insurance system. Our plan goes into effect upon arrival.

  • The International Student ID card provides some coverage, including repatriation of remains

  • Many family health plans cover medical expenses abroad. YOU SHOULD CHECK WITH YOUR PLAN ADMINISTRATOR TO DETERMINE IF YOUR PLAN PROVIDES THIS COVERAGE.

  • Generally, health care providers abroad expect immediate payment for which your insurance plan would reimburse you.  THUS YOU SHOULD PLAN ON COVERING HEALTH CARE EXPENSES YOURSELF THROUGHOUT THE REIMBURSEMENT CYCLE.
    

• Academics
  

  • Universität Regensburg -  the site of our classes

  • During the first two weeks, only German language and culture classes will meet

  • Other classes will begin in third week, continue throughout the semester

  • All classes are regular MSU courses, with no transfer arrangements necessary

  • Excursions and some tours will be included in activities for various courses
    

• Excursions
  

  • Bill'sBlog -    Dr. Bill Schell's blog and pictures from Fall 2005 SiR Program

  • Tours of businesses and other organizations will also be scheduled

  • Berlin - site of our extended excursion

• Independent Travel
  

  • After first two weeks, three day weekends will be open for independent travel

  • Fall Break and early finals will allow two opportunities for extended independent travel

  • Larry Guin's Travel Guide for SiR students

  • Deutsche Bahn - look here for connections that students will be making to their destinations

  • RyanAir, Opodo, EasyJet, Kayak - European airline bookings are an option for longer trips

  • Fodor's and a commercial standby as well.
    

• Emergencies
  

  • Priority 1: Prevention review the following guidelines for safe, secure travel

    • Read Consular Information Sheet(s) for the country or countries you plan to visit

    • Review see suggested travel tips in Handbook or State Department International Travel Guide

    • Carry contact information for appropriate US Consulate (i.e. Munich)
      

  • Priority 2: Preparation keep the following information handy (it is required on Student Travel Form)

    • Your International Student ID Number - this gives you access to the Emergency Response System

    • ISIC Emergency Access Phone Number use your ID number and the menu for Emergency Response System

    • Local US Consulate Phone Number acquired from this list prior to departure

    • Appropriate Murray State phone numbers

    • Program faculty contact phone numbers
      

  • Priority 3: Emergency Response use the following resources to get help

    • ISIC Emergency Response Number to get emergency assistance in English

    • US Consulate/Embassy in the country

    • Emergency Phone Number in the country

    • Appropriate Murray State numbers

    • Program faculty contact phone numbers
      

• Checkout, Departure and Return
  

  • Students must arrange for a checkout housing inspection with their Hausmeister

  • The program provides a train-to-bus ticket from Regensburg to the Munich Airport

  • Welcome Home!!!  Remember, culture shock works in reverse as well!  You will miss Regensburg.