Survival Tips! -The Nuts and Bolts of a Successful Summer

1. Survival Tips!-The Nuts and Bolts of a Successful Summer

2. Traveling To Your Site • Full Summer Uniform • Checking Baggage • Incidental Fees • What To Say in Customs • Delayed/Missed Flight

3. Full Summer Uniform • When traveling to your site, we expect you to be in full summer uniform. You CAN change on the airplane to something more comfortable, but you must be in full uniform when you arrive at your location. • This will be your first impression with your summer supervisor and an easy way to spot you upon your arrival.

4. Checking Baggage • Most airlines require a fee for any luggage checked. You are responsible for finding out the number of bags accepted and the weight limit of these bags before you depart. • Please remember, you will have to be able to haul your luggage without assistance. • Also consider the amount of space needed to bring souvenirs home. • Upon arrival at the airport, check with the airline personnel to see if your bags will be checked all the way to your location or if you will need to pick them up and re-check them during a connecting flight. • If you aren’t familiar with flying, please check the carry-on luggage policies of your airline. Most airlines allow one small suitcase and a personal item (back pack or purse). You cannot carry any liquids over 3 fluid ounces, and these liquids must fit into a zip lock bag that will be taken out while going through security.

5. Incidental Fees • “You must plan to bring an additional $200-$250 for incidental program expenses. These fees may include: • Cell phone • baggage charges • shuttle between airports • Tokyo airport transfer (esp. Okinawa) • Airport Tax (Korea??)

6. What To Say in Customs • I am participating in an international academic field experience, through the University of Northern Iowa, conducted on a U.S. military installation. • I will receive no pay, only a living stipend. • I have sufficient funds to support myself. • I am not there to seek employment. • I plan to return home at the end of my visit. • I do not intend to study in the host country.

7. Delayed or Missed Flight • Delayed Flight: • If your flight has been delayed, call Camp Adventure immediately (319-273-5960). We will need to notify the people picking you up. • Cancelled/Missed Flight: • If your flight has been cancelled or if you miss your flight, Camp Adventure needs to assist you in re-booking the ticket. • Do not leave the airport. • You may not re-book your flight yourself or re-route through a different city. • Call Angela Burke for assistance: 319-504-9389 or Jen Beck 319-504-6771

8. Check In Policies • Cell Phone Policy • Check In Policy

9. Cell Phone Policy • “You are required to purchase a cell phone overseas for safety reasons.” – LOE pg. 15 • These are inexpensive, pay as you go phones ($35-$75); free incoming calls and texting abilities • You can suspend your current cell phone policy while you are traveling overseas so you are not duplicating costs • International plans for current phone not recommended

10. Check In Policy (LOE p.17) • Week Days – It is required that students check in with their PC and be in the vicinity of their housing by 10:30pm on Sunday through Thursday • Weekends – Prior to traveling on the weekend, students must write down where they are going, with whom they are with, and their arrival time on Sunday. Students must also check in with their supervisor (via call or text) by 10:30pm on both nights. • You must ALSO CHECK IN AT 1:00am and BE HOME • Failure to check in will result in a phone call to parents stating that you are “missing.”

11. Medical Items • Insurance Cards • Have the original with you and a copy for your supervisor. • Medical Costs • Be prepared to pay up front and have your insurance company reimburse you. • Medicine • Pack enough of your current medications to last throughout the summer. Plan this in advance with your pharmacy as you will not have access to a pharmacy overseas.

12. Traveling • Eurorail, Britrail, Japan, Korea • NO FLY Policy • Buddy Rule and Group Size • Driving – You may NOT drive in the field unless you have written authorization from Camp A. HQ, indicating that you are insured to drive. • Lodging • Hostels = multiple people in one large open room • Hotels = private rooms • Couch Surfing = NOT ALLOWED

13. Money • Vets – Be honest! • No Traveler’s Checks; Debit Cards Work Best! • Budget, budget, budget… • Beware of Pick-Pocketers!

14. Packing • Clothing • Paperwork (Put your copies to use!) • Bathroom Products • Bag of Tricks Supplies • Electronics & Converters • Good to Have • Stationary & Addresses • Pictures of Loved Ones • Favorite Comfort Foods • Books and DVDs

15. Policy Review • Alcohol • Drug Use • Room Guests • Preventing Child Abuse …Dating…

16. Accepting Differences • Supervisor Differences • Training Site Differences • Appreciation for you diverse staff and the culture in which you are immersed

17. Expectations Vs. Reality • Orientation Week • First Day • Children’s Behavior • Reception from Contract Partners • Sixth Week Burn Out • “Remember that happiness is a way of travel – not a destination.” – Roy M. Goodman

18. Returning Home • Extending Your Ticket • Work with airline only • Your letter & parent letter to PC/PD • Cannot stay past 90 days • Unexpected Return Home • Loss of immediate family member • Loss of close family member or friend

19. Odds & Ends • Homework • Wearing Uniform After Hours • Facebook (LOE p.18) • No pictures of children • No “friending” children, youth, or teens • If you aren’t willing to shout it from a mountain for all to hear, don’t put it on Facebook

20. IS IT WORTH IT??