PACKING

 

What items should I pack for the institute? 
You will be staying for five weeks in the United States and will have access to laundry facilities on campus. Please pack casual clothes for everyday wear on campus and a few business casual outfits. You will participate in volunteer activities, so please bring a pair of closed-toe shoes and clothes you are comfortable moving around in.

What's the weather in my host community? 
It will be summer in the United States so expect hot weather. Each institute will have different weather so please click on your host institution’s name for an estimate of temperatures: University of Massachusetts Boston, Washington State University, University of South Carolina, and University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. 

 

What type of converters will I need in the United States? 
When looking to purchase a converter for European plugs to U.S. outlets, make sure to check both plug shape as well as voltage. United States voltage standard is 120V.

 

If I have a prescription medication, what should I do? 
If you have any medical prescriptions, please bring enough medicine for the length of the trip. It is advisable to bring extra just in case! To make customs easier, keep medications in their original package and bring a copy of any prescriptions written by your doctor with a translation in English.

 

How much can my luggage weigh? 
Each checked bag can weigh up to 23kg/50lb. Remember, it is always less expensive to have a second checked bag rather than one overweight bag. For your 5-week program, we advise you bring two weeks-worth of clothes as you will be able to do laundry on campus and will want to save room for souvenirs!

 

ACCOMMODATIONS

 

Where will I be staying? 
While at your host institution you will be staying in college-style dorm living or nearby university-designated housing. You may or may not have a roommate that you are expected to share space with over the four weeks. If, at any time, you have issues with your roommate please contact your institute host. 

You may also spend a weekend with a U.S. host family. This will allow you the opportunity to engage on a deeper level with the community, to gain first-hand experience with a family in the U.S., and to exchange knowledge and perceptions that you may have about the U.S. These families have passed a background check and are approved to host students in their homes. 

 

As part of your educational study tour, you will be housed in hotels. Please follow all hotel policies. 

 

Can I host guests overnight in my designated housing? 
Guests are not permitted for overnight stays in your accommodations. All institute participants are required to follow campus housing policies; these regulations will be provided upon arrival to your institution.  

 

What can I expect to eat? 
Universities will provide meal plans, an allowance, and possible access to kitchen facilities in the dormitory, which will address your dietary restrictions/needs. 

 

Will I be provided an allowance? 
You will be provided an allowance that can be used for meals and incidentals. Incidentals can include cultural activities, transportation, gifts, etc.  

 

Will I have access to internet? 
Yes, you will have access to wi-fi and/or Ethernet connection in your dormitories, around campus, and in your hotel rooms. 

 

TROUBLESHOOTING

 

What happens if I get sick or have an injury? 
The Department of State has provided you medical coverage for the duration of your program. You will be provided your medical benefits card and information on the coverage during your orientation. Should you become ill or injured, please first contact your institute host. They will be able to assist you in finding a doctor in the area. 

 

What happens if I have a non-medical emergency? 
Immediately contact your institute host. They will proceed to contact the necessary individuals to provide assistance. 

 

Oh no, I lost my money! Can I ask for additional funds? 
Each student is provided the same amount of funds so take good care of them. We advise that you don’t carry too much cash on your person as any lost cash cannot be found or replaced as there is no way to track it. Also, it’s best to keep all valuable secured in your room. 

 

Oh no, I lost my passport! What do I do? 
Immediately contact your institute host. They will coordinate with FHI 360 to retrieve proper documentation for you to return home. 

 

TRAVEL INQUIRIES

 

How will I get from the airport to my host campus? 
Your host institution is responsible for meeting you at the airport. They will provide you instructions and guidance prior to your departure from your home. 

 

Am I allowed to visit friends and family in the United States during my institute?  
Students are not permitted to leave their Institute’s city either during the week or on the weekend. The Institutes will be organizing many fun opportunities for you to go out and explore more of the United States as a group. Likewise, intentionally missing any program activities could result in you returning home early. If you have family or friends in the U.S., they are welcome to visit you so long as it is done outside of the scheduled program.

 

Can I host friends and family during my institute? 
If you do have people visit, please note that guests are not allowed to stay with you in your dormitory room. Please ask them to stay in a local hotel, which will be easy to find in each of the Institute cities. Again, friends and family visiting is permitted if it does not affect your ability to participate in program activities. 

 

Can I stay longer than my designated five weeks?
No. You are required to travel home after the duration of the program. International flights will be arranged for you to depart from Washington, DC on Saturday, August 10, 2019.