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Home , Pristina, RIT Kosovo

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Table of Contents Hiring 2

Expense Reimbursement & Travel Arrangements 2-3

Entry/Exit Requirements 3-4 Passport, Visa, Residence Permit

Preparing to Go 4-5 What to Bring, Medications, Money, Register with U.S. Dept. of State

Housing 6

Arrival in 6

Getting Around 6-7

Communication 7-8

Safety & Security 8-9

Health & Wellness 9-10

On Call International Insurance 10

Medical Emergencies 10-11

Life in Kosovo 11-12

Other Information 12-13 Electricity, Water, Tipping, Money/Banking, Clothing, Deaf Culture

Contacts 14

2 Travel Guide to Kosovo for Faculty & Staff Congratulations on your upcoming assignment in Kosovo! If this is your first time in the country, you are sure to have a rewarding experience in a culture rich in history that is looking to the future as ’s newest democracy. Whether you are a faculty member teaching a course for a semester, faculty/staff leading a short-term study abroad program or an access services provider, we hope this guide will assist you as you prepare for your overseas experience.

Hiring

Global Delivery Corp. (GDC) is a third You’ll receive a teaching or working party RIT entity whose role is to manage contract, direct deposit, computer the business aspects of RIT’s global account request (RIT employees will not campuses. In most cases, RIT faculty need to complete a computer account and staff conducting RIT business in request), tax, and other hiring forms. Kosovo are required for visa purposes Anna Lombard ([email protected]) in the ​ ​ to work under a GDC contract. Your RIT-GDC office will work with you to GDC contract may outline travel policies complete all hiring paperwork. or procedures that differ from typical RIT travel policies.

E xpense Reimbursement & Travel Arrangements

The terms of your contract will detail all instructions for saving receipts, of the compensation elements. Some organizing costs, and emailing receipts travel costs such as per diem, flights, for expenses charged to the study local transportation, lodging, etc. may be abroad pro card. When you return, you covered via RIT/student program fees or will work with your designated contact in eligible for reimbursement. this section to submit a travel expense Please refer to RIT travel policies here: report to receive any qualified https://www.rit.edu/fa/controller/content/ reimbursement. travel-policies-procedures-manual If your program is ending close to the We will schedule a meeting with you to end of the fiscal year (July 1), we will help you fully understand your budget work closely with you to ensure all and how to pay for travel costs in documentation is submitted by the Kosovo. At this meeting, we will provide deadlines. 3

After you return from your trip, please email scanned copies of all your receipts, or mail your receipts and documentation to your main contact listed in this section.

These main RIT contacts will work with you to make your travel logistical arrangements and assist with your expense reimbursement:

If you are an interpreter: If you are faculty or staff: ​ ​ Judy Ferguson Donika Demiri [email protected] Global Village, Bldg. 400, Rm. 2075 (585) 475-7109 [email protected]

(585) 475-7113 If you are a captionist: ​ Wendy Eldridge Andrea Buscemi [email protected] Global Village, Bldg. 400, Rm. 2075 (585) 475-6821 [email protected] (585) 475-6557

E ntry / Exit Requirements

Passport Visa A valid U.S. passport is required for U.S. A visa is not required for tourism or citizens. It is required that the passport business trips lasting fewer than 90 expiration date is at least 6 months after days. Faculty, staff, and access service your return date. You also may be ​ providers hired for short-term summer asked to provide documentation stating programs are not required to apply for a the purpose of your visit. visa. Full semester assignments (over 90 days) require that you apply for a residence permit.

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Residence Permit Requirements - Assignments Over 90 Days ​ Faculty, staff, and access service providers who will be working for a full semester (over 90 days) must provide the following documents:

1. Police report/background check. 5. GDC contract. 2. Proof of international health 6. Valid passport. insurance. 7. Translated copies of all 3. Proof of address in Kosovo (RIT documents that are in English Kosovo will obtain this document language (contract and police from the municipality office in report have to be translated at ). the notary office in Kosovo). 4. Proof of sufficient means for living (bank statement, pay stubs).

This is a long process so we appreciate your prompt turnaround of contracts and other documents. Maureen Shannon ([email protected]) will assist you and answer ​ ​ questions on this process.

Summer Program - Short Term Assignment ​ If you are hired for a short assignment the following documents are needed: 1. Copy of passport

2. Flight information

P reparing to Go Faculty leading short term programs and access services providers will be invited to attend a training session where we will cover culture shock, student health, and wellness, emergency preparedness, etc.

stolen. It is a good idea to email a copy What to Bring of your passport’s photo page to Pack an extra set of passport photos yourself so you have access to it even if along with a photocopy of your the hard copy gets lost. passport’s information page in order to make the replacement of your passport If you wear glasses or contact lenses, easier in the event that it is lost or pack an extra pair. Bring them and any 5 medicines you need in your carry-on Make sure to notify your bank that you luggage. will be traveling, the dates of your trip, and provide the names of all of the Put your name, address, and telephone countries that you will visit as part of numbers on the inside and outside of your program. It is also important to each piece of luggage. Use covered notify your credit and debit card luggage tags to avoid casual company, if different from your bank. observation of your identity or nationality. What to Leave Behind Medications You should make copies of your To avoid problems when passing passport, driver’s license, airline tickets, through customs, keep medicines in travel itinerary, any bank cards that you their original, labeled containers. Bring plan to bring with you and leave the copies of your prescriptions and the copies at home with a family member or generic names for the drugs. friend.

If your medication is not allowed in the Register with the State country you will be visiting, ask your Department health-care provider to write a letter on office stationery stating the medication It is a good idea to register your travel has been prescribed for you. with the U.S. Department of State so that you can be contacted in case of a Private pharmacies in Kosovo stock a family emergency or a crisis in the area variety of medicines not readily available in which you are traveling. Travel through public health facilities. As there registration is a free service provided by are no prescription requirements for the State Department (for U.S. citizens) medicines, it is possible to get and is easily accessed online at medications such as antibiotics over the https://travelregistration.state.gov counter. Most private pharmacies are well-supplied, though it is always Other Resources preferable to bring along an adequate Faculty teaching in Kosovo or leading a supply of any medications you may faculty-led program can find more need. resources on our website at https://www.rit.edu/global/lead-faculty- Contact Your Bank/Credit Card led-program/before-you-go. Companies ​

6 H ousing

at the Luxor Hotel (located next to the Generally, you will be staying at RIT RIT Kosovo campus). Per RIT’s travel Kosovo’s fully furnished on-campus policy, you are responsible to pay for apartments. Amenities include your hotel bill. Your department will sheets, towels, iron, etc. reimburse you after you return from your For stays of one week or less rooms will trip. Please save your receipts for be cleaned after your departure free of reimbursement. charge.

If an apartment is not available, RIT Kosovo will make a reservation for you

Arrival in Kosovo

Generally, transportation to and If RIT Kosovo personnel are not from the airport will be arranged for available, transportation by taxi/ shuttle you by RIT Kosovo personnel. will be confirmed in advance. Taxi cost is around 20 euros, and it is When you arrive in Kosovo there will be recommended that you have Euros with an RIT Kosovo staff member at the you which you could exchange at the airport to meet you. He/she will be airport or withdraw cash from an ATM holding a sign with your name. We will upon arrival. There is a direct bus share your arrival information with RIT service available between Pristina and Kosovo to make sure that they will be the airport. there to pick you up when you arrive.

Getting Around

Pristina is not a big city and most places Taxi are within walking distance from the city Average cost of a short trip around center to the University. On foot, it takes Pristina is approximately $3.30 - $5.30 20-30 minutes. You should always carry USD (3-5 Euros). Please note, not all ID with you when traveling around taxis have meters. Check before you get Kosovo. in the taxi that there is a meter. 7 City Bus Service Traveling outside of Kosovo The No. 4 Bus goes from Germija Bus services are available from Pristina Campus (RIT Kosovo) to downtown to major cities outside of Kosovo, Pristina. including Sofija, ; , Macedonia; , ; , The cost of a trip from the Grand Hotel ; , (downtown) to Germia Campus is 40 Bosnia-Herzegovina; , cents. The bus service along the No. 4 via Bujanovc and Nis. route cost 40 cents per trip. There is limited train service from Inter-city Bus Service Pristina to a few nearby cities, however Buses to other cities/towns in Kosovo the schedule is limited and trains tend to from Pristina are available from be slow. "Stacioni i Autobusave" (Bus Station). The service is cheap and reliable. The Car Hire bus station is located on the Average cost of car hire: approx. $33.30 -Prishtina Road, just off Bill USD (30 Euros) for a small car; $83.30 Clinton Boulevard. All the destinations USD (75 Euros) for a four-wheel drive are clearly marked on the windshields of vehicle. the buses. Buses to major cities like , Ferizaj, , , Mitrovica, Airlines etc. generally depart every half-hour or Pristina International Airport is served by hour. several charter companies and the following airlines: Swiss Air, Lufthansa, Car Rental Turkish Airlines, Adria Air, Austrian Car rental agencies are available at the Airlines, Norwegian, , SAS, Pristina airport. Pegasus, EasyJet, .

Ride-Sharing Services Ride-sharing services like Uber are not available in Kosovo.

C ommunications Telephone Pristina, the code is (0) 38. To call the U.S. from Kosovo, you need to dial 00+1 Landline telephones are widely available and the area code and phone number throughout Kosovo. The telephone code as you would at home. for Kosovo is +383. To dial a landline in

8 We encourage you to use Skype, apartments. For assistance, please see Facetime, or download an app such as the RIT Kosovo IT administrator. WhatsApp and use that service to call home on your cell phone. Check with your cell phone service provider before Most of the hotels offer internet access leaving home on options for using your on site. Some of them offer rooms with calling and data plan while traveling. high-speed internet for laptops. Internet cafes are also widely available. Internet You will be able to access RIT Kosovo’s wireless internet from within the

S afety & Security

Valuables Crime Carry the minimum number of Crime generally is not a problem for valuables, and plan places to conceal travelers in Kosovo. However, the U.S. them. Your passport, cash, and credit Embassy advises U.S. citizens to take cards are most secure when locked in a normal precautions against theft, such hotel safe. When you have to carry them as not leaving a wallet, purse, or credit with you, you may wish to put them in card unattended. various places rather than all in one wallet or pouch. One of the safest Information for Victims of Crime places to carry valuables is in a pouch Emergency Numbers: or money belt worn under your clothing. Police: 92 or 112 Fire Department: 93 Loss/Theft of Passport Ambulance: 94

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. If you are the victim of a crime while passport should be reported overseas, in addition to reporting to immediately to the local police and the police, please contact the nearest U.S. nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. On Embassy or Consulate for assistance. Call can also assist by directing you to The Embassy/Consulate staff can assist the nearest U.S. embassy for a new you in finding appropriate medical care, passport. contact family or friends, and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime 9 is solely the responsibility of local American Embassy in Kosovo authorities, consular officers can help you Arberia/Dragodan understand the local criminal justice Nazim Hikmet 30 process and to find an attorney if needed. Pristina, Kosovo Phone:+383 38 59 59 3000 You should also contact your family, friend, or employer to let them know what’s going on.

H ealth & Wellness On Call International (Insurance) Vaccines RIT and RIT Global Delivery Corporation Vaccines are not required for Kosovo, but (GDC) provide employees with if you choose to get them, you may emergency medical, repatriation and discuss the following vaccines with your evacuation insurance through On Call ​ doctor: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and International. The coverage can also ​ Tetanus-diphtheria (for travelers who assist with providing travel arrangements haven’t had a booster within 10 years). in case of a medical or other emergency. More information on the CDC website at: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel Policy information:

On Call International ID: G800323 ​ Dietary Restrictions/Allergies Organization Name: It is important to consider any dietary ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF restrictions or food allergies that may TECHNOLOGY affect your health during your Call collect from anywhere in the assignment. Please notify the RIT Global world: 1-603-328-1953 ​ office about any food allergies or dietary Call Toll Free from U.S. and Canada: restrictions so that our team in Kosovo 1-866-525-1953 can plan accordingly when finalizing the Email: [email protected] menus for group dinners, and for boxed ​ Text only number: 603-945-0103 lunches that may be included on group ​ excursions. Our team in Kosovo will be happy to answer any questions.

10 If you need medical attention while on an determination for you after assignment with RIT or GDC: stabilization. They will not return 1. Dial 94 if an ambulance is you to your home country for ​ ​ needed. convenience reasons. 2. Contact your main contact at RIT Kosovo. On Call will NOT cover: 3. Contact On Call 24-hour ​ ​ 1. Regular maintenance Assistance Center prescriptions or medical services (1-603-328-1953) for a referral to for pre-existing conditions. the nearest medical facility or 2. Travel arrangements that were doctor’s office. neither coordinated by nor In the event of an emergency, you approved by On Call in advance. should go to the nearest physician or 3. If you decide to travel against the hospital immediately and then advice of a physician or travel for contact On Call. 4. On Call representatives (regional the purpose of obtaining medical Medical Advisors and Medical treatment. directors) will determine the 4. Initial transportation to local appropriate method, destination facilities, including ground and timing of any medical care or ambulance fees, except as need for evacuation to the nearest arranged by On Call. ​ ​ facility capable of providing 5. Incidental expenses, including but appropriate care (determined by not limited to accommodations, On Call). local transportation, meals, 5. On Call will have sole discretion in telephone, and fax charges. making the coverage

I n Case of Medical Emergency

In case of an emergency while in 2) Report emergency to your main Kosovo: Kosovo in-country contact and On 1) Contact local authorities Call. RIT Kosovo and On Call will immediately if appropriate for the assist you in finding a doctor or other situation. Ambulance can be health care professional should you ​ reached by dialing 94. Ambulance need to schedule a medical ​ services are effective; however, appointment while in-country or a response times are variable. pharmacy if you need medication.

11 3) Please report all emergencies or Public Safety Phone: incidents to the RIT Public Safety +1-585-475-3333 Public Safety Office as soon as possible. E-mail: [email protected] ​

On Call Approved Hospitals & Clinics

The following hospitals in Pristina are recommended by On Call and accept On Call’s guarantee of payment. You are always encouraged to reach out to On Call when you ​ ​ need medical assistance abroad. On Call can refer you to other hospitals, clinics, doctors, and dentists depending on your specific medical needs.

Public medical facilities: Rezonanca Qendra Klinike Universitare e Kosoves Peyton City, Rr. Adrian Krasnigi, nr. 3 Lagjia Spitalit Pristina Email: [email protected] Pristina 10000 ​ Phone: +383 38 512 656 www.rezonanca-ks.com Email: [email protected]

German Eye Clinic Rruga Hajvali, Pristina KM i 5-te i Ruges Dytesore Prishtine Phone: +383 00377 45 505300 Ferizaj, 10000, Prishtine Additional hospitals and medical Tel:+383 (0) 38 60 60 63 providers: Cell: +383 (0) 45 33 85 88 American Hospital Kosova (private hospital) ​ Cell: +383 (0) 49 65 05 54 Shkupi Str. Nr. 25 Email: [email protected] Pristina (near Pristina Univ. Clinical Center) ​ Phone: +383 (0) 38 221 661 Web: www.kgjs.net Cell: +38 (0) 45 500 910 / +383 (0) 45 503 255 Email: [email protected] ​ http://ks.spitaliamerikan.com/en

Note: Many doctors and hospitals may expect payment in cash, regardless of whether you have international health insurance. Make sure to save your receipts.

Life in Kosovo main attraction in Pristina. From Most tourist attractions in Pristina are centuries-old through to centrally located and can all be reached uniquely designed public buildings, the on foot. There is a lovely mix of art and architecture blends past and present. culture. The varied architecture is the 12 restaurants, making visitors feel like Pristina has many different events and they’re anywhere in Europe. festivals taking place throughout the year that attract a lot of visitors. Some of Additional online resources: the most popular events include: Things to Do: KosICT (IT event), Software Freedom https://www.rit.edu/global/things-to-do- Kosova, Startup Weekend in Pristina, kosovo Pristina Jazz Festival, Pristina Food & Dining: International Film Festival, International https://www.rit.edu/global/food-dining- Festival of Young Musicians, etc. kosovo Local Culture: Pristina has many places to relax and https://www.rit.edu/global/local-culture-2 people watch, including cafés and

O ther Useful Information We encourage you to research online for information about travel plugs, power converters, local currency, etc. Here is some basic information to get you started:

Electricity Tipping Electricity is 220V at 50Hz. Standard Tipping is widely practiced throughout European 2 and 3-point power plugs, the country. A service charge isn’t differing from those in the U.S., are used included in your restaurant bill, and if for outlets. Therefore, power adapters/ service is good it’s customary to tip converters are necessary. around ten percent. Tips are also given Note: Adapters do not convert electricity/voltage to taxi drivers, hotel maids, and porters. they only modify the pins for the electrical outlet. Ensure that your appliances can operate on Money and Banks European 240 volt outlets. You may need a voltage converter if your appliance is not dual Kosovo’s currency is the Euro (EUR). voltage and be sure to check its wattage. Most big hotels, restaurants, and shops Time accept credit cards. Most major credit Kosovo is 6 hours ahead of Eastern and debit cards are accepted. There are Standard Time in the . many places where you can exchange or purchase Euros (all banks, post Water offices, Western Union, and most travel You are advised to drink bottled water agencies). Exchange rates are similar as a precaution. Bottled water is widely regardless of the institution you chose. available throughout the country. Banks and exchange offices change cash and traveler’s checks. You can 13 also exchange currency or withdraw muddy with rain), thick socks, long cash from an ATM in the airport, underwear (for cool nights), warm although exchange fees are higher. jacket, scarf/hat/gloves, lighter footwear (sandals) for warmer days. Generally, most banks are open from 9 am to 4 pm (Monday-Friday), and from Winter can get very cold, with the ​ 9 am to 2 pm on Saturdays. All the weather ranging through thick fogs, banks have many ATM’s around the heavy rain, brisk winds, and snow. town, and all of them have an ATM positioned in front of their branch office. Recommended winter clothing includes: thermal underwear, thick socks, ProCredit Bank Skenderbeu St. water-resistant boots/galoshes, down 10000 Prishtina ​ ​ jacket/ warm coat, hat/scarf/gloves, Tel: +38 (0) 38 240 248 umbrella Raiffeisen Bank Kosovo UCK St., No. weather is variable. Expect rain, 51 ​ 10000 Prishtina with sunny spells and cool Tel: +38 (0) 38 226 400, 401 temperatures. We suggest that you bring a range of clothes, ranging from TEB SH. A. Bank light to heavy. Street, No. 15 10000 Prishtina Recommended spring clothing includes: Tel: +38 (0) 38 230 000 waterproof jacket, sweaters, waterproof footwear, thick socks. Toilets Most shopping centers, public gardens, Deaf Culture Resource and museums have well-maintained If you’re interested in connecting with an public toilets. Outside of the cities, you organization that supports the Deaf can find good public toilets at community in Kosovo, the Kosovar restaurants and gas stations. Association for the Deaf advocates for access and rights for the deaf Clothing community provides services and Kosovo enjoys all four seasons. The training and supports the local average temperatures are 34°F in the associations. Since 2003, the winter to 73°F in the summer. Association has collaborated with and been supported by the Finnish Fall weather varies from warm to brisk ​ Association of the Deaf. Currently, there winds, rain, and possibly snow showers are 12 local Deaf associations as winter nears. We suggest you bring a throughout Kosovo. You can find more range of clothes from light to heavy. information at: http://www.shksh.org/ ​ ​ Recommended fall clothing includes: waterproof footwear (streets can get 14

Contacts

In the U.S. Wendy Eldridge Anna Lombard Admin Coordinator Real Time HR Payroll Specialist Captioning and Notetaking Assists with: employment contracts Assists with: travel arrangements and expense reimbursement for captionists (585) 475-4285 ​ (585) 475-6821 [email protected] [email protected] Donika Demiri Global Programs Specialist RIT Global Office Assists with: travel arrangements and expense (585) 475-4466 reimbursement for faculty ​ [email protected] (585) 475-7113 [email protected] RIT Public Safety Andrea Buscemi (585) 475-3333 (Emergency) Senior Staff Assistant (585) 475-2853 (Regular) Assists with expense reimbursement for faculty ​ (585) 475-6557 Travel Agent [email protected] Tzell Park Avenue Maureen Shannon (RIT’s preferred travel agent) Study Abroad Advisor 1-800-842-0941 Assists with: Kosovo Residence Permit (visa) , pre-departure for access services staff and Or +585-663-8660 faculty study abroad leaders M-F 8:30 am-5 pm EST (585) 475-7077 [email protected] [email protected] After hours assistance en route. There will be a Judy Ferguson charge of $16.00 per call. RIT will pay this fee if you need service while traveling but please be Senior Staff Assistant aware of additional charge and only call if Assists with: travel arrangements and expense necessary/information is not available to you at reimbursement for interpreters ​ the airport. (585) 475-7109 [email protected]

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In Kosovo RIT Kosovo Rr./St. Shpetim Robaj p.n. 10000 Pristina Kosovo Phone: 011 383 38 660 000 Emergency Number: +383 49 774 117

Lendita Director of Employee Relations [email protected]; [email protected] ​ ​ Phone: + 383 (0) 38 608 608 ​ Cell: +383 (0) 49 183 268 ​ Hasan Salihu Operations Manager [email protected] Phone: +381 (0) 38 66 00 00 ext. 150 Cell: +386 (0) 49 377 433 Fax: +381 (0) 38 608 024

Arlinda Haidari Co-op & Career Coordinator [email protected]; [email protected] ​ ​ Phone: +383 (0) 38 66 00 00 ext. 112 Cell: +383 (0) 48 502 000

Lindita Bicaj Faculty Office Manager & Provost Admin Assistant [email protected]; [email protected] ​ ​ Phone: +383 (0)38 660 000 ext. 115 Cell: +383 49 615 735