Preparation/Packing Advice for Student
Below are answers to some questions that have been coming in to the office::
1) You don't need to bring an international phone card or cell phone-- public use phones are widely available (you pay by the minute and the cost is very affordable). In the event of any emergency, your program directors and local coordinators will all have cell phones with them at all times.
2) Your group leaders will be carrying a laptop which you can use for blog postings or downloading photos (don't bring your own laptop it will be cumbersome to carry and there are plenty of internet cafes if you need to email, Facebook, etc--although we encourage you to unplug and experience the local culture as much as possible).
3) We suggest you bring $500 - $1000 in "spending money". This will cover your snacks/beverages between meals/gifts/mementos and internet/phone costs. ATM cards work at many locations, but can occasionally not work for mysterious reasons--it is a good idea to notify your bank if you plan to use an ATM card so that they don't become suspicious of international charges and put a hold on your card. Do not bring more than $100 cash. Bring a money belt. Travelers' checks are a good option for India.
4) If you have not booked your ticket yet, contact sue@aviatravel.com and be sure to get on the flight your group will be on!
5) If you have not sent in your final paperwork or tuition balance, please do so immediately (send to our Woodside, NY office).
6) If you have not already done so, apply for your Indian Visa asap. You can fill out the application on-line but you need to send in your actual passport to the visa agency.
7) If you wear contacts, bring lots of solution--you might want to bring glasses, too.
8) We will be meeting for pre-travel orientation the afternoon of September 11th. More info on this coming soon!
9) If you have any questions you can contact michelle@global-lab.org or alex@global-lab.org or you can reach us by calling: 800 984 4522.
10) Keep checking the blog - new information will be going up regularly.