PRE-DEPARTURE I NFORMATION – SUMMER 2014 Page 1

COLLEGE YEAR IN ATHENS PRE-DEPARTURE I NFORMATION – SUMMER 2014 Page 1

PRE – DEPARTURE AND ARRIVAL INFORMATION SUMMER 2014

• MODERN GREECE (MAKING OF THE MODERN WORLD 14) – T. GALLANT • DRUGS, BEHAVIOR AND THE HISTORY OF MEDICINE IN GREECE – S. ANAGNOSTARAS

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College Year in Athens (CYA) is a not-for-profit educational institution based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It offers semester, academic year, and summer programs through the Athens-based International Center for Hellenic and Mediterranean Studies (DIKEMES).

Congratulations on your decision to study abroad with College Year in Athens ! You are about to embark on a summer experience that will be challenging, rewarding, enjoyable and memorable.

This pre-departure handbook is meant to provide some practical information and advice to help you plan for your summer study in Greece. Please take the time to carefully read through this material and pay special attention to the arrival details for the course(s) in which you have enrolled, make every effort to pack light, and … enjoy the summer.

Table of Contents

Pre-Departure Checklist………………………………………………………………… 3 Travel Documents ……………………………………………………………………….. 3 Money Matters…………………………………………………………………………… 4 Health & Safety………………………………………………………………………………4 Housing Guidelines……………………………………………………………………… 5 Travel Tips………………………………………………………………………………...... 6 Contact Information……………………………………………………………………... 7 Housing Accommodation prior to course……………………………………….8 Travel Arrangement within Greece………………………………………………..9 Arrival and Check-in……………………………………………………………….…….10

"Experience, travel - these are as education in themselves" - Euripides (Greek playwright, c. 480-406 BC)

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PART 1

THINGS TO DO AND TO KNOW BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME

Pre-Departure Checklist

Below is a list of tasks to be completed before you arrive in Greece.

• Make sure your travel documents are in order – see below.

• Ensure that all financial arrangements pertaining to your summer abroad have been addressed.

• Obtain a mobile telephone. Refer to page 7 of this handbook for a list of companies providing short-term mobile phone rental, SIM cards, and service for study abroad students.

• Book a round-trip flight. Review the course arrival details and plan to arrive at the course location by the time noted under Arrival and Check-In pertaining to your course.

• Consult the following U.S. State Department website: http://studentsabroad.state.gov/. This website has been specifically designed to offer students a one-stop reference for international travel and provides valuable information that will help you get the most out of your study abroad experience.

Travel Documents

Passport – You will need a passport to travel to Greece. U.S. citizens are encouraged to visit the U.S. State Department travel pages at www.travel.state.gov/passport for the most up-to-date information regarding passport application and fees. If you have a passport please ensure that it will be valid for at least three months beyond your planned stay abroad.

Plan ahead and allow plenty of time to apply for or renew your passport, particularly in the busy summer months, as processing can take eight to ten weeks. CYA recommends that you apply for or renew your passport as early as possible in order to avoid delaying your arrival in Athens.

CYA suggests that you make three copies of the passport ID page (one to leave at home and two to carry separately with you), which will enable Embassy officials to issue you a new passport more quickly in the event your passport is lost or stolen.

Visa - A visa is a stamped notarization in a passport authorizing entry into a foreign country for a stated period of time. Upon arrival, citizens of the U.S. and Canada are automatically granted a tourist visa to remain in Greece for up to 90 days, therefore summer students holding passports from the United States and Canada who plan to stay in Greece for less than 90 days do NOT need to obtain a student visa.

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If you are not a citizen of the United States or Canada, inquire about Greek visa regulations related to your citizenship and apply for a visa if required. For information about passports and visas please consult www.mfa.gr/washington or contact the nearest Greek Consulate.

International Student Identity Card (ISIC) – The ISIC is an identification card certifying full-time student status at an institution of higher learning. The card is recognized in most areas of the world and offers university students free or reduced admission to theaters, concerts, and museums, as well as other services, such as discounted airfare at www.statravel.com and rail tickets and accident and sickness insurance. ISIC cards are available for purchase through most university study abroad offices, the CYA North American office, or STA travel (Tel: 800.781.4040 ).

Money Matters

Greece’s currency is the EURO (€). A survey of previous participants indicated that personal expenses amounted to €55-€90 per week for food (although some managed on less than €55) and €50 minimum per week for travel, entertainment, and incidentals.

Debit cards are the most useful method for obtaining cash. Confirm with your bank that your debit card is accepted, and the location of automatic teller machines (ATMs) in Greece where your card is accepted.

Credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, and American Express) are also useful. Notify your credit card company that you will be abroad as any unusual activity may be identified as potentially fraudulent and result in suspension of your account. If you plan to withdraw cash using your card, confirm with your credit card company that your card has a personal identification number (PIN) that allows you to withdraw cash at ATMs.

Personal checks and money orders cannot be cashed in Greece and bank cashier’s checks require 30 days to clear.

Health and Safety

College Year in Athens staff will be available to assist with student inquiries, health issues, or emergency situations that may arise. Please be aware that, as a student enrolled in CYA summer courses, you will probably walk much more than you do normally and you may experience many new physical demands in your daily routine, therefore prepare accordingly.

Other tips aimed at ensuring your health and safety during your time abroad: • CYA recommends that each student have a physical and dental exam before leaving for your summer study course. • Students with chronic or recurring health problems are highly encouraged to bring adequate supplies of prescription medication. Be sure that medication is identified by its generic name (not the brand name) and that you carry a copy of the prescription with you. • If you wear glasses or contact lenses, pack an extra pair as well as a copy of the prescription. • CYA suggests that you bring a traveler’s first aid kit. The following website is useful for suggestions for items to include: www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/UVAHealth/adult_travel/firstaid.cfm.

While in Greece, take basic common-sense health precautions and avoid activities that may put you at particular risk.

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Alcohol abuse and illegal drug use will result in immediate dismissal from the CYA program (in the event of dismissal, students are not entitled to a refund or credit for any fees paid).

Your summer course fees cover medical insurance. Basic medical insurance is provided through the Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI).

Please note that it is customary in Greece to pay the doctor following a consultation (€60-100) and the hospital prior to being released. Insurance companies rarely pay foreign medical claims directly, but upon presentation of the itemized receipt accompanied by a notarized translation will usually reimburse the insured for amounts paid. A mobile telephone is necessary in order to communicate with UCSD faculty or CYA staff in the event of emergency or illness. See page 7.

As part of the application process, each student sign a statement agreeing not to rent, drive, or ride as a passenger on a motorcycle, motorbike, or moped while enrolled in any CYA summer course. Failure to honor this agreement may result in your dismissal from CYA.

Housing Guidelines for Apartments and Hotels

During your participation in the summer course(s), CYA insists that the following rules of courtesy are observed with respect to housing in the CYA apartments in Athens or the hotels used for the study-travel part of the courses:

• Noise must be kept to a minimum at all times but especially during the ‘siesta’ hours between 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., and after 11:00 p.m. Parties or large group gatherings are not allowed at any time. • CYA prohibits overnight guests and the keeping of animals in the apartments and/or hotel accommodations.

Sheets, towels, pillows, and pillowcases will be provided in the apartments and hotels but students are encouraged to bring a beach towel (although you can purchase one locally).

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Travel Tips for Students Studying Abroad

Prepare. Read about Greece. Research the location of your course(s). Take some time to familiarize yourself with the map of the country. Packing. Be wary of overpacking. Pack only what you can carry comfortably. Never pack essential items, documents, or medication in checked luggage. Note that electronics are not subject to customs duty when brought with you, but they carry a heavy duty if they are shipped separately. Clothing. Summer in Greece is usually hot and dry (although rain showers are not uncommon). A sweater or jacket is often useful in the evening, especially on the islands. A pair of sturdy walking shoes is essential for visits to archaeological sites; a sunhat, loose long-sleeved tops and sunscreen are also necessary. A daypack to hold a notebook, camera, etc. is a useful accessory. Women wearing slacks, shorts, or short skirts, and men wearing shorts may not be admitted to churches and monasteries, although wrap-around skirts are made available to visitors at most monasteries. Medication. Take everything necessary for the amount of time you will be abroad including copies of all prescriptions and the generic names of drugs. Keep medicines in original drugstore containers. Take extra eyeglasses and/or contact lenses and the prescription. Luggage. Label all luggage inside and out with name and address. Mark bags in some distinctive way so they are easily identifiable. Count pieces of baggage before and after each stage of the journey. Travel light. Debit/Credit Cards. Take only the cards that you will use on the trip. Keep a separate list or a copy of cards, numbers, and emergency replacement procedures. Insurance. It may be necessary to contact your insurance agent(s) while abroad. Keep all relevant names, phone numbers, and policy numbers in a safe place. Passport. Make three copies of the passport ID page (one to leave at home and two to carry separately with you), which will enable Embassy officials to issue you a new passport more quickly in the event your passport is lost or stolen. Electricity. In Greece, the electric voltage is 220V 50 cycles (not 110V 60 cycles, as in North America). Electrical appliances brought from North America will need a converter and an adapter to operate in Greece. Miscellaneous Items. A laptop, a camera, and a journal are items most students choose to bring in order to record and share their memories and to stay in touch with family and friends. A small flashlight, a battery- operated travel alarm, a watch, and mosquito repellent are highly recommended. Previous students have recommended bringing toiletries in travel-sized bottles. Jet Lag. Take care of yourself while traveling. Try to relax and save energy during the long flight to Greece and drink plenty of water. Jet lag is a physical and psychological phenomenon that affects almost all travelers in some way. Through long years of habit, your body has become accustomed to functioning in accordance with a physiological clock based on a particular daily cycle. Expect that you will be out of sync for a couple of days after arriving in Greece.

CYA does NOT provide insurance coverage for the loss, theft, disappearance, damage, or destruction of a student’s personal property. Personal property insurance coverage is therefore recommended for all students for items such as laptop computer, camera, iPod, mobile telephone, video camera, etc.

Students who are considered to be residents of their parents' household may have coverage (subject to a deductible) under the parents' homeowners policy or could obtain coverage through an endorsement to that policy. Students without coverage under a homeowners' policy are encouraged to obtain renters' insurance.

CYA also urges students NOT to bring irreplaceable objects such as family jewelry or expensive name-brand clothing.

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CYA Contact Information

Athens Office: Tel: +30-210-7560-749, Fax: +30-210-7561-497 (Athens time is 7 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern time) Emergency Telephone No: +30 6941 490 705 Email: [email protected]

North American Office: Tel: 617-868-8200, Fax: 617-868-8207, Email: [email protected]

24-hr emergency contact available through both the Athens and North American Offices.

Student Mail

Airmail to Athens usually takes 7-10 days but may take longer. Express services such as DHL and FedEx deliver within 2-4 weekdays. Mail to students should be addressed as follows: Student’s Name c/o DIKEMES/CYA 5 Plateia Stadiou GR-11635 Athens, GREECE

Mail will be held at the CYA Academic Center. It is the responsibility of the student to retrieve mail from the Academic Center as unclaimed mail will not be forwarded or returned.

Internet Access

Athens - Internet access is available from the student computer labs located in the CYA Academic Center (wireless access is available for students who choose to bring their laptop computers). The Academic Center is open 9:00 a. m.–8:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Friday. Wireless Internet access is available in CYA apartments. There are also Internet cafés in central Athens that offer 24-hour Internet access. Study Travel – Internet cafes can be found in most towns. Internet access is also available in the common areas of most hotels.

Mobile Telephone

In an effort to ensure student safety and security, CYA requires each student to carry a mobile telephone for use while the courses are running. Using a SIM card with a Greek number is recommended but not required. There are a number of companies devoted to providing short-term mobile phone rental, SIM cards for use in Greece, and service for travelers and study abroad students – PicCell Wireless (see link below), Cellhire http://www.cellhire.com, TravelComm http://www.travelcomm.us, Mobal http://www.mobalrental.com, Studentfone http://www.brightroam.com/studentfone.aspx, Telestial http://www.telestial.com – to name a few. Although students are free to obtain their mobile telephones and/or SIM cards from any provider, CYA has arranged with PicCell Wireless to provide students with a mobile telephone and Greek SIM card at a discounted rate. Detailed information can be found at www.piccellwireless.com/summerCYA .

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Accommodations Prior to Specified Arrival Day of the Course

Students are responsible for their accommodations prior to the specified arrival day of the course. There is a hotel/hostel information/reservation desk at the airport, but should you want to book a room prior to arrival the following hostels and hotels are located within a 15-20 minute walk from the CYA Academic Center. Students on Paros programs can easily transfer from these hotels to the Port of Piraeus.

Hostels: Athens Backpackers The Student & Travellers Inn 12 Makri Street 6 Kydathineon Street Makriyanni Plaka Athens, GR 117-42 Athens, GR 105-58 Tel: +30 210 9224 044 Tel: +30 210 3244 808 http://www.backpackers.gr/ http://www.studenttravellersinn.com/

Hotels: Hotel Nefeli Hotel Philippos 16 Iperidou Street 3 Mitseon Street Plaka Makriyanni Athens, GR 105-58 Athens, GR 117-42 Tel: +30 210 3228 044 Tel: +30 210 9223 611 http://www.hotel-nefeli.com http://www.philipposhotel.gr

Also, the following hotels are conveniently located near the Athens airport.

Sofitel Athens Airport Holiday Inn Attica Avenue Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport 40 Attica Avenue Tel: +30 210 3544 000 Athens, GR 190-02 http://www.sofitelathens.gr/ Tel: +30 210 6689 000 http://www.hiathens.com/

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PART 2

ARRIVAL AND CHECK-IN INFORMATION PLEASE NOTE THAT ON ARRIVAL DAY (June 30th) A BUS WILL BE WAITING TO PICK UP STUDENTS FROM THE AIRPORT AND BRING THEM TO THE CYA ACADEMIC CENTER (one bus pick up in the morning and one in the afternoon, times TBA as soon as all student flight schedules are submitted). A CYA staff person will be stationed at Arrivals Area A to meet and assist students holding a sign CYA/UCSD. Link to airport map: http://www.aia.gr/UserFiles/File/travelers/airport_info/maps/arrivals.pdf

Note: Professors need to be in Athens prior to June 30 (preferably on Friday, June 27) in order to pick up keys to their apartments. We need to arrange the time of bus pick-up on Monday June 30.

If students miss the organized bus pick up, they must make their own way to the Academic Center (their apartment keys will be given to their professors).

Transportation from the Airport to central Athens (& the Academic Center)

By Bus: Take EXPRESS BUS X95 (full fare €5- reduced fare €2.5), which departs from the Arrivals level (between exits 4 and 5) and terminates its route at Syntagma Square. The CYA Academic Center is a 15-minute walk from Syntagma Square through the National Gardens to the Athens Marble Stadium.

By Metro: Take the Metro blue line (not the Suburban railway) to Syntagma Square (full fare €8, reduced fare €4). For information on Bus & Metro Tickets from/to the Eleftherios Venizelos airport follow the link: http://www.oasa.gr/content.php?id=tickets&lang=en

Note: You are eligible for a reduced bus or Metro fare if you present your home institution’s Student ID Card and your passport (http://www.oasa.gr/content.php?id=daakom )

By Taxi: Taxi fare from the airport to central Athens ranges from €35-50 depending on the time of arrival and the amount of luggage. Wait in line for a taxi; DO NOT accept a ride from anyone who may approach you. Students who are delayed and will not be able to arrive at the CYA Academic Center the latest by 8:00 pm on Monday are responsible for their accommodations for the night and asked to report to the Academic Center at 9:00 am on the following day. These students should notify the CYA North American office (Tel: 617 868 8200; Email: [email protected]) or the Athens office (Tel: +30 210 7560 749; Email: [email protected]) of their delay.

Students who need accommodations in Athens before or after the program, please refer to the hostel and hotel information on page 8 of the Pre-Departure Information Booklet

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Directions to the CYA Academic Center

The CYA Academic Center is located next to the Athens Marble Stadium. The entrance to the Academic Center is from the narrow street running along the left side of the plaza in front of the Stadium. The address is Plateia Stadiou 5, the doorbell reads CYA/DIKEMES, and reception is on the 3rd floor. Here is a link to a site with a street view of the Athens Marble (Kallimarmaro) Stadium and the CYA Academic Center: http://greecevirtual.gr/panoramic/attiki/athens/tour.html#/kalimarmaro_4/

The Greek text below gives directions to the CYA Academic Center. Although many taxi drivers speak English, you are encouraged to cut out or photocopy the text and present it to your taxi driver.

Το κτίριο (Πλατεία Σταδίου 5) βρίσκεται πλάι στο Καλλιμάρμαρο Στάδιο.