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Institute on American Politics
and Political Thought 2006
TRAVEL AND LOGISTICS
1. Travel to the United States of America
2. The Amherst Area
3. Weather and Clothing
4. Activities
Introduction: The staff of the University of Massachusetts Civic Initiative looks forward to your arrival in Amherst and your participation in our program. This page provides information about the course and will help you prepare for your stay in the United States. During the initial days of the program, an extensive orientation will also be conducted. We will all work with you throughout the course to ensure that your experience in the U.S. is as productive and comfortable as possible.
1. Travel to the United States of America
a) Arrival
If prior to your departure from your country, you are informed of changes to your flight schedule, please e-mail mhannahan@donahue.umassp.edu or telephone 413-545-4845 with your new itinerary as soon as possible.
When you check in your luggage, be sure that it is checked to Hartford/Springfield Airport (It is also known as Bradley International.) As with all flying, we strongly suggest that when you pack for your trip, you also pack a small bag (to be carried on the plane) with essential items such as toiletries and medicine and one or two days change of clothing in the unlikely event that your checked luggage is delayed in transit. The airport is approximately one hour from the University of Massachusetts. When you arrive you should proceed to the baggage claim area and look for a Civic Initiative staff member. They will be carrying a sign reading "Civic Initiative".
We will also have a staff person on call during the entire arrival period. If no staff person meets you on arrival, please call 413-545-4845 or 413-627-2605. Please be aware that if your flight has been delayed or changed we will contact the airline to try and find your new schedule.
Due to additional security measures that have been implemented this year, you can expect to be fingerprinted and photographed upon your arrival in the United States. Additionally, some of you may be selected randomly to be interviewed by Airport Security. Should this happen, you will also be informed that you must return on the 30th day of the program for a follow-up interview. In short, this process has been implemented to ensure that people are doing what they say they are doing (i.e. participating in an academic program) while in the U.S. During the interview, please be prepared to present letters that will be provided by Department of State. If you are interviewed, you will be given paperwork that you should bring to Civic Initiative Staff as soon as possible. We will make sure to escort you for a follow-up interview if this happens.
Also, expect long delays (up to three hours) at your initial port of entry into the United States due to increased security measures.
b) Time difference
You will be staying in the time zone called "Eastern Daylight Savings Time" which covers all of the eastern United States, including Massachusetts, New York and Washington, D.C.
c) What to bring with you from home
You will be provided with paper and a pen for taking notes and a canvas briefcase for carrying books and papers to class. We will also supply you with an umbrella. Dress is casual.
Here are some additional items you might find useful to bring from home:
- It is imperative that you bring a one or two week supply of any medications that you are currently taking (access to prescribed drugs will vary in the U.S.)
- Medical history if you are under treatment or prone to illness
- Non-prescription remedies that you may commonly use (herbal, etc.)
- Extra pair of eyeglasses, personal hygiene products that may not be available in the U.S.
- Music (cassettes/CD's of your favorite music)
- Sports equipment such as tennis racket, running/hiking clothes
d) Notes
AIRLINE TRAVEL ADVICE SINCE SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
1. Do NOT make jokes or comments about hijacking or carrying a bomb or gun. It will be taken seriously and will result in your delay, or worse.
2. Do NOT carry wrapped gifts with you on the plane.
3. The following items must be stored in your checked luggage, because they will not be allowed on the plane: knives of any kind, shape or size; scissors, corkscrews, box cutters, tweezers, screwdrivers, cigar cutters, butane lighters, metal fingernail files, metal forks, nail clippers, multi-use utility tools, mace and pepper spray.
IF YOU BRING PRESCRIPTION DRUGS WITH YOU IN YOUR CARRY ON please be sure to have a copy of your doctor's prescription written in English to avoid having the drugs confiscated at an airport security checkpoint. United States Customs forbids the importation of unsealed foods and agricultural products. Participants are fully responsible for their luggage and other property at all times. The Civic Initiative and its staff are not liable for theft or loss of participant property.
With the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), entry to and travel within the United States is a focus of heightened government concern. We strongly encourage you to visit and revisit the following pages in order to keep up to date on the latest rules & regulations regarding travel and luggage restrictions.
Please note: items (including medications) confiscated by officials of the Bureau of Customs & Border Protection or the TSA will not be returned-- so please make sure that you have followed the rules and that you have sufficient documentation with you when you travel.
e) Links
Homeland Security Travel and Transportation Information
Transportation Security Administration Air Travel Information
Your program will be centered at the University of Massachusetts in beautiful Amherst, Massachusetts. Amherst is a world famous educational center, home to Amherst College (one of the top-ranked liberal arts colleges in the U.S.), Smith and Mount Holyoke Colleges (women's colleges which are commonly ranked among the top 20 American colleges), Hampshire College (a pioneer in student-centered curricula) and the University of Massachusetts (with its internationally recognized post-graduate programs).
Amherst is located in rural western Massachusetts, a quiet region, yet cosmopolitan due to the colleges and the large number of faculty and students, many of whom are from abroad. It is a 2-hour drive from Amherst to the state's capital, Boston, 3 hours to New York City, and 8 hours to Washington, D.C.
University of Massachusetts Campus
The major part of the course will take place on the campus of the University of Massachusetts. You will have access to campus recreational facilities including tennis courts, an indoor swimming pool, a gymnasium, and soccer and baseball fields. We can also arrange a temporary membership at Gold's Gym if you are interested.
You will have access to Amherst College libraries, the University of Massachusetts library and the Amherst town library. Several of these libraries have impressive collections of the works of Emily Dickinson and Robert Frost, former residents of Amherst. You will have daily access to computers and the Internet and each of you will have access to e-mail starting the day after arrival. There will also be a common room that will house a small library on American politics and culture and some computers with internet connections. Books, papers and journals are available for purchase in the numerous bookstores in the Amherst area.
Almost every type of religious service is available in the Amherst area. These include Moslem prayer services on Fridays, Jewish services on Saturday, Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox services on Sunday, and Buddhist temples available for worship and meditation.
Telephone and Fax
You will be staying in a University of Massachusetts dormitory. The telephone number for this facility will be provided to you closer to your arrival. In the meantime, if you need to give anyone a contact number or fax you may use:
Phone: 413-545-4845
Fax: 413-545-3420
Local Calls: Local calls in the Amherst area are free.
Long Distance Calls: To make long distance and international calls you can use coins in a coin operated telephone or telephone cards, which may be purchased upon arrival. Cards are cheaper than coins. The staff will purchase your first phone card and explain where you can purchase additional cards.
Sending Faxes: You may send and receive faxes through the Civic Initiative - there may be a small fee for longer faxes.
Health Services and Facilities
In the United States you will be covered by U.S. Dept. of State health insurance. The insurance covers any accident or injury you sustain while you are here. The policy does not cover preventive services like regular check-ups, blood tests, dental check-ups, etc. The policy also does not cover a pre-exiting condition. If you get sick and need medical help, please speak with a staff person, and we will assist you immediately.
Security
Statistics show that in comparison to other college campuses, Amherst is a relatively safe environment. Nonetheless, individuals in our community still must take personal responsibility for their own safety by being aware and alert.
The Climate
Summer in New England runs from mid-June to early September. Flowers are in abundance and trees are completely covered with green leaves. The temperatures can range anywhere from 75 F to 95 F (24 C to 35 C) during the day, and 55 to 75 F (13 C to 24 C) at night. The air can sometimes be quite humid. You will find that most buildings, restaurants and hotels are air-conditioned, although most homes are not. Your dormitory rooms are not air-conditioned but fans will be provided. During the summer season it rains approximately once a week, sometimes accompanied by lightning and thunder.
Clothes
The style of dress both in Amherst and on the field trip is for the most part casual. Blue jeans or pants, shorts, T-shirts and sneakers are common and regularly worn by men and women. While traveling, people normally dress casually also.
You will be expected to do your own laundry. Coin operated washing and drying machines are located in your dormitory. It will cost about $2.50 to wash and dry a load of clothes. An ironing board and iron are available in the dormitory. During the field trip you will have the option of using the laundry service at your hotels, but this is very expensive. Self-service laundries are close to most of your hotels. Irons and ironing boards are provided in all hotels.
We recommend that you bring one set or more of formal clothes for special functions. You should consider bringing clothes for sports and exercise: e.g., swimming suit, tennis shorts, running shoes. Amherst is a wonderful area for running, trail running and hiking.
Lodging and Meals
As stated above, while in Amherst you will be staying in a University of Massachusetts Dormitory. The Dorm is next door to a dining hall. You will be issued a meal card that will allow you to take your breakfast and lunch in the dining hall. You are free to chose your own dinner location (Amherst has every type of restaurant) and will be issued a per diem by the staff for food and incidentals.
Cultural Activities
Institute staff will plan cultural and recreational activities with you during your free time. For example, a group of you may want to organize a soccer/football game, or a large group may wish to attend a concert at Tanglewood. You will receive a cultural allowance to cover the cost of concerts, films, entrance to museums, etc. In addition to group activities you may wish to use your free time to take advantage of many cultural opportunities available in the Amherst area, including films, concerts, museums, sports and recreation, visits to book stores, etc. Events will be posted at the dormitory. You can look ahead at summer activities by clicking here.
Allowances
You will be issued a per diem (Latin for "per day") amount of money. The money is to be used to cover incidental expenses like dinner, transportation, etc. Staff will explain our distribution system upon arrival.
Transportation in Amherst
Amherst has an extensive public bus system that stops right in front of the dorm in which you will be staying. The buses go into town and into other shopping areas. The Town Center of Amherst is a one mile walk from your dorm. We will also have staff and vans available for special trips.
Electrical Appliances
The United States relies on alternating current, 60 cycles, 110 volts.
If you bring electrical equipment (such as hairdryer, shaver, iron, computer), be sure it is compatible or bring an adapter to allow for the energy change. You can also purchase these items in the US, although locating the adapter may be difficult.
Money
Should you decide to bring some money of your own, we advise you to bring it in the form of traveler's checks or a credit card, as it is not advisable to carry a lot of cash with you. Major credit cards (Visa, American Express, Master Card) and travelers checks are readily accepted in the United States. Automated teller machines (ATMs) are also widely available throughout the country and, for a fee, may provide a means to withdraw cash from your personal bank account at home (please verify with your bank before departure). Please also note that taxis and American stores are often reluctant to accept large bills (over $20).
Hotels
During your stay in the USA, you will be traveling across the country. These are the hotels where you will stay:
Boston, MA 02116
617-267-5300
http://www.fairmont.com/copleyplaza/
Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel
Two
714
212-765-7676
http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/nycrt?WT_Ref=mi_left
314-436-0002
http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=STLDDHF
Omni Charlottesville Hotel
Charlottesville, VA 22902
http://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/Charlottesville.aspx
434-971-5500
The
2401 M Street, NW
202-429-2400
http://www.fairmont.com/washington/
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