Caribbean 20,40 & 80-Day and Global 40 & 90-Day Voyages General Forms & Pre-Trip Packet 2016-2017 Sea|mester General Planning Packet Table Of Contents Introduction To This Packet ............................................................................ 3 Keys To A Successful Program ......................................................................... 3 Recommended Resources .............................................................................. 5 Passports & Visas ............................................................................................ 5 Vaccinations / Immunizations ......................................................................... 6 Student Medications ....................................................................................... 6 Tuition & Travel Protection Insurance ............................................................ 7 Copy Important Documents Before Travel ..................................................... 7 Flights & Travel Days ....................................................................................... 8 Emergency / Non-Emergency Communications ............................................. 9 Important Phone Numbers & E-mail Addresses ............................................. 9 Student Cell Phone & Electronics Policy ......................................................... 9 Electrical Outlets ........................................................................................... 10 Mail & E-mail ................................................................................................. 10 The Sea|mester Blog ..................................................................................... 10 Travel Money ................................................................................................ 11 Student Agreement Contact ......................................................................... 12 Summary & Final Checklist ............................................................................ 13 Voyage Specific Travel Details……………………………………………………………………14 Packing List …………………………….…………………………………………………………………16 Sea|mester, P.O. Box 5477, Sarasota, FL 34277 T: +1.941.924.2900 | F: +1.941.924.6075 | [email protected] 2 of 18 Sea|mester General Planning Packet Introduction To This Packet Sea|mester students AND parents should carefully read and discuss this document, as the information inside pertains to both. We have tried to be as thorough as possible to help you prepare for your Sea|mester adventure. If you have any remaining questions about your trip after reading this document, do not hesitate to contact us at +1.941.924.2900 or [email protected]. We are available Monday through Friday, 8am to 6pm eastern. Keys To A Successful Program As a leader in the field of high school and university-level programs, Sea|mester has fine-tuned the art of planning adventure travel and experiential education abroad. Our primary priority is always managing risks, and our staff will do their part to help ensure a fun and rewarding experience for each student. However, you must do your part too, as over the years we have learned that ultimately the success of our programs rests with the students themselves. Participants who do not follow our directions can quickly put themselves in harm’s way, or lose out on the incredible opportunities available on our once-in-a-lifetime trips. Below we have highlighted some areas of key importance as we embark on this adventure together. Student conduct – Sea|mester has high standards for personal conduct. We expect our students to be willing and excited to participate fully in all aspects of the program. Enclosed in this packet is a copy of our Student Agreement Contract. Students (and parents) should closely review this document, as violations to the contract can be severe – compromising safety and/or result in early dismissal without refund. Early dismissals are extremely damaging in our team environment, and can be costly for families as all early departure expenses incurred by the student and staff accompaniment (when required) are the responsibility of the family. We take our Student Agreements very seriously, and YOU SHOULD TOO! Culture shock – Culture shock isn't a clinical term or medical condition. It's simply a common way to describe the confusing and nervous feelings a person may have after leaving a familiar culture (home) to live in a new and different culture – whether related to being in another country or being in a new living environment (such as life on a boat). It's very natural to have difficulty adjusting to the change in environment. Sometimes students feel happy and excited on one hand, but a little overwhelmed on the other. Students might even feel sad, anxious, frustrated, and miss home/school. At Sea|mester, we recognize that times spent outside of our “comfort zones” are times when we learn and grow. These times can also be a lot of fun! The adventure of travel and learning will make memories that will last you a lifetime. We encourage all of our students to step on the plane with an open mind and a desire to be challenged. Sea|mester, P.O. Box 5477, Sarasota, FL 34277 T: +1.941.924.2900 | F: +1.941.924.6075 | [email protected] 3 of 18 Sea|mester General Planning Packet Food – During the application process, there was a space to share any dietary allergies or restrictions. If you have not yet informed our office of your dietary concerns, please contact us via phone or e-mail. While on program, it is essential that students eat well and in sufficient quantity, as our programs are highly active. Sea|mester tuition covers all meals after arrival on program. We strive for healthy, nutritious, and delicious meals. As we are a health-conscious program, our menus do not provide large quantities of “junk” food (i.e. sodas, chips, candy bars, large desserts, etc.). Students can always supplement our meals and snacks by shopping locally for their own items. Please see the “Travel Money” section of this document for more information. Water & Hydration – It is critically important for students to be properly hydrated throughout the trip. Being active in the sun and on the water means your body will need more hydration than you might be accustomed to. Sun safety – Be extra aware of your exposure to the sun. Heavy exposure and subsequent burns are not only painful in the short term, but can cause skin cancer later in life. Please bring quality sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and use them! Hygiene – Proper hygiene should extend to all that we do. This includes, but is not limited to, food / water preparation / consumption, wound treatment, bathing, and hand washing. Please keep yourself and your space clean! Itinerary – We encourage all participants to “live in the moment” while on program. Travel, even on organized trips, requires flexibility and a willingness to accept adversity and change. Your life aboard a Sea|mester sailing vessel may not be as efficient and/or timely as you are use to. Living as a part of a team in a structured environment is not always easy. We hope you’ll take the bumps in stride, and enjoy the adventure! Certifications – No prior experience or skills are necessary for our programs, save a willingness and excitement to participate. Be aware that your presence alone does not necessarily earn you the certifications, if offered as part of your program. Completion of certifications can be adversely affected by non-participation and/or early dismissal. Bedding – Sea|mester provides all bedding and linens. Clean sheets will be exchanged throughout the voyage. Sea|mester, P.O. Box 5477, Sarasota, FL 34277 T: +1.941.924.2900 | F: +1.941.924.6075 | [email protected] 4 of 18 Sea|mester General Planning Packet Recommended Resources The following list contains other useful resources commonly used in our trip preparation. • http://www.seamester.com/portal– Use to access Sea|mester forms, pre-summer checklists and packets, the flight database, and more. • http://www.travel.state.gov– For country specific information, passport and visa information, tips for traveling abroad, etc. from the U.S. Department of State • http://www.cdc.gov– For vaccination information, safety tips, etc. from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) • http://www.embassyworld.comor http://www.embassy.goabroad.com– For an online directory of embassies, consulates, etc. around the world • http://www.xe.com– For current currency conversion rates • http://www.worldtimeserver.com– Shows the current time and date in cities and countries around the world, automatically adjusted for local Daylight Savings rules • Lonely Planet Guides Passports & Visas All students joining Sea|mester must have a passport that remains valid a full six (6) months beyond the last day of the voyage. While students are sailing aboard Sea|mester vessels, they are considered to be part of the ship’s crew and thus are rarely required to have a separate visa to enter the countries we are visiting if they are travelling on a US or EU passport. In rare circumstances, Sea|mester must process a vessel cruising permit or visitation visa on behalf of a student prior to the trip, if this is the case we will make you specifically aware that Sea|mester will be handling the processing of a travel authorization on your behalf. For further info see the Voyage Specific Travel Details section at the end of this packet. Students traveling on non-U.S. passports: Please verify passport and visa requirements for your nationality by contacting the