Index

• Part I - Travel Basics
• Part II - Money - How to Take It
• Part III - Packing
• Part IV - Gift Ideas for Host Families
• Part V - Communications
• Part VI - Exploring the Cultural Differences
• Part VII - Travel Journal

Part I: Travel Basics

Pre trip planning

In the following paragraphs are dozens of money and time saving tips, as well as essential information on planning an international trip. First-time travelers will want to read this carefully; experienced travelers may want to skim through and read sections relevant to this trip. We would however, recommend that all of you pay special attention to the Safety section of this manual.

Passport and Visa

IN ORDER TO TRAVEL TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA YOU WILL NEED YOUR PASSPORT OR OTHER OFFICIAL DOCUMENT, AND A U.S. VISA, WHICH IS THE OFFICIAL PERMISSION TO ENTER THE U.S. GRANTED BY THE U.S. EMBASSY.

Safety

In addition, the excitement of travel and the novelty of the environment you are in make it easy to become careless or distracted. While there is no guaranteed way to eliminate risk when traveling, the following list of tips can help increase your chances for an incident-free trip.
• Protect your valuable documents. You may choose to carry these in a money belt or neck wallet under your clothes at all times.
• Before leaving on your trip, make two sets of copies of all your important documents. Take a set with you, but be sure to keep it separate from the originals. Leave the other set with a friend or family member. Also, remember to make sure you get a police report documenting any losses.
• Never leave your pack unattended. Be especially careful while transiting and going through airports, train stations, and other public spaces.

There have been significant changes in airport security procedures in all US Airports and many international airports from which US-bound flights depart. These procedures are there to make your flight experience safe and trouble-free, therefore maximum cooperation is requested from you on behalf of BFTF. Here are some new security procedures, which you should know exist:
• Random body searches are conducted. Security officials may ask you to step aside to inspect your belongings as well as scan you with a metal detector. Do not feel intimidated or singled out – this is most likely not directed to you personally and it only lasts a few minutes.
• Some of you (if not all of you) may be asked to put your shoes through the X-ray machine. This is again a random procedure that may vary from airport to airport.
• All knives (Swiss army type blades included), cardboard cutters, and other sharp metal objects are confiscated and their possession may delay your trip. We advise that you AVOID bringing any such items in this trip.

Part II: Money

The amount of money you take with you depends on your personal spending habits. Consider creating a budget before you leave.

Traveler’s Checks

There is an ATM machine on campus. Most Americans do not carry a lot of cash but rather rely on ATM cards. There is also a bank on campus where your traveler’s checks can be cashed. A traditional way to carry money is by traveler’s check. They are available at most banks. You may buy them in predetermined amounts clearly printed on the face of each check, for a fee (1-2%). You can cash traveler’s checks in U.S. currency in banks for the best exchange rate. The worst exchange rates are in hotels. Exchange rates will depend on the amount of commission charged. You can use traveler’s checks in foreign currency for purchases in restaurants, stores, etc. Traveler’s checks are not a prevalent as in the past and cashing them at locations other than banks can be difficult.

Asking Home for More

If your hometown bank has an overseas affiliate, a transfer can be made fairly routinely. The procedure may take some time, so plan accordingly. Check with your local bank to see if it has such affiliates. If you need additional money and have an ATM card, it will be easy for you to obtain it.

Bring Some Cash

It would be a wise precaution to carry some cash on hand. This can be of use if upon arrival you cannot make it to a bank or exchange bureau right away, for times when you wish to exchange only a small amount of money.

Stipend Money

You will receive a modest weekly stipend of spending money.

Part III: Packing

OK. You now know that you’re going to the U.S. and how long you’ll be away for. First, make sure that your luggage is appropriate for your specific trip. Day packs/backpacks allow you to conveniently fit your camera, film, water bottle and other items needed once you’re settled somewhere for a day or two. Make sure most of your clothes are cotton blends. They won’t wrinkle as much. Expect very warm weather in the Washington/Philadelphia area and in the Winston Salem area. It will most likely be hot and humid outside, but most public in-door places will be air-conditioned. The “dress code” at the Institute will be very casual; however, for some special activities in Washington, D.C. you will need semi-formal attire (boys-button down collared shirts and pants, girls-dresses, skirts or slacks).

HINT: You may consider packing in one-gallon restorable plastic bags. This helps separate things, keeps them dry in the rain, and organizes the weight in a backpack to keep it from shifting.

The list is not meant to include everything, just a reminder of some of what you may want to consider bringing. It is, of course, up to you to use your judgment as to what you decide is needed. In any event, do not bring sharp objects such as knives, scissors, or any instruments that may worry airport security or custom agents.

Clothing
• 1 pair of walking shoes
• 1 pair of flip flops or shower shoes
• 5-7 pairs of socks
• 5-7 pairs of underwear
• 2-3 pairs of shorts
• 1-2 skirts/trousers
• 5-7 t-shirts
• 1 sweater/sweatshirt
• I light jacket
• 1 long sleeved shirt
• 1-2 pairs of long pants
• 1 bathing suit
• Sports/workout gear

Medicine
• eyeglasses, sunglasses, contact lenses and solution
• prescription medicine
• toothbrush & toothpaste
• soap & shampoo
• comb and/or brush
• sunscreen, moisturizers
• cosmetics
• deodorant
• allergy medicine
• aspirin or pain reliever
• tissues
• shaving equipment

Miscellaneous
• Camera
• Linen is provided by the Institute
• Travel journal
• Books, guides, and maps
• Day pack
• Phone Card
• Alarm clock
• Gift for home-stay hosts

Documents
• passport and visa
• tickets and any passes
• international student ID
• money belt or neck wallet
• cash, traveler’s checks

Part IV: Gift Ideas for Host Families

We strongly urge you to bring a small gift for your host families as a token of your appreciation for them providing a home for you (that is not the dormitory) and providing (home cooked) meals for you. Something reflecting your society (or US State) and culture may be best.

For example:
• Handmade crafts and souvenir items (e.g. scenic potholders, aprons, mugs, and glasses).
• T-shirts, pens, caps, bags, pins, patches, etc. with your country’s colors, symbols on them.
• Items related to your country’s culture, history, and identity.
• Calendars, scenic post-cards, stationary, books with pictures and captions (people in the U.S. may not know as much as they might about your region).
• Cookbooks with recipes in English from your home country.
• Cassettes or CDs of music from composers, groups and hits from your country. Folk and traditional music from Southeast Europe are not well known in the U.S.
• Bring pictures of home, family, friends, school and town to show people you meet.

Part V: Communications

Telephone

The quickest way to communicate is by phone. Public phones are widely available and use both coins and telephone cards. Calling cards provided by the phone companies, such as AT&T, are a convenient way to make telephone calls. Be sure to find out how to make calls from the U.S. to overseas before you leave.

Mail

All mail should be sent airmail. Allow 6 to 8 days for overseas correspondence. Local post offices will help you select the proper amount of postage. (see contact information-addresses to send mail to-on the web site)

eMail

E-mail messages are a popular way to communicate back home from the U.S. You will have access to a computer with Internet.

Fax

Another method of quick communication is the fax machine. There is a fax machine in the Department that can be used.

Part VI: Exploring Cultural Differences

General

It is very hard to know what life is really like in a country or region whose culture one has never experienced directly. But it is very easy to have the illusion of knowing what it will be like–from images furnished by popular communications media, from reading, or perhaps by having met a few people from ‘there.’ Simply ‘knowing about’ another culture, however, is not the same thing as knowing what it will feel like to be learning and living there, on its terms. Every culture has distinct characteristics. Some differences are quite evident– language, religion, political organization, etc. Others can be so subtle, norms of public conduct or communication, for example, and visitors making adjustments takes a few days.

One of the difficulties students and other travelers have in adjusting to foreign life comes about because they take abroad with them too much of their own ‘cultural baggage’: misleading stereotypes and preconceptions about others, coupled with a lack of awareness of that part of themselves which was formed by their country’s culture alone. As a result, suddenly feeling like ‘a fish out of water’ is a not uncommon experience. It is in fact something which should be anticipated as normal and likely, at least for a little while.

According to Robert Kohls, formerly the Director of Training and Development for the United States Information Agency, “Culture is an integrated system of learned behavior patterns that are characteristic of the members of any given society, the total way of life of particular groups of people. It includes everything that a group of people thinks, says, does, and makes–its customs, language, and material artifacts and shared systems of attitudes and feelings. Culture is learned and transmitted from generation to generation.” These differences in shared systems of attitudes and feelings are one of those more subtle areas of difference that foreigners experience when they leave ‘home.’

Cultural Stereotypes

Numerous studies have been done to identify specific characteristics that distinguish one culture from another. This anthropological approach to cultural differences and similarities of course can and should be studied. Most overseas visitors and those who receive them, however, are often unfortunately captured by misleading and on a rare occassion dangerous stereotyping. Many Bulgarians, Spaniards, French, Macedonians, Montenegrins, Romanian, Serbs, etc., have stereotyped perceptions of ‘the American,’ just as Americans have stereotyped images. In short, misperceptions exist on all sides. Frequently, the stereotype of the American is far from complimentary: the boorish tourist who expects everyone to speak English, the arrogant patriot who thinks every country in the world should pattern itself after the United States, the drunken reveler who sees the anonymity of traveling abroad as an opportunity to drop all civilized inhibitions–all have contributed to the development of this unfortunate stereotype. It is up to you to observe, judge for yourself, and come to your own conclusions during your stay in the United States.

Culture Shock

Many travelers go through an initial period of euphoria and excitement, overwhelmed by the thrill of being in a new environment. As this initial sense of “adventure” wears off, they gradually become aware of the fact that old habits and routine ways of doing things no longer suffice. They gradually (or suddenly) no longer feel comfortably themselves. Minor problems can assume the proportions of major crises, and you may find yourself somewhat depressed. You may feel an anxiety that results from losing all your familiar signs and symbols of social intercourse, a kind of psychological disorientation. You will indeed be experiencing what has come to be referred to as “culture shock”. Such feelings are normal, so, knowing this, and with a bit of conscious effort, you will soon find yourself making adjustments that enable you to adapt to your new cultural environment. Certainly if you are feeling a bit down the Mentors are here to help and many have been through this or similar programs.

Undergoing culture shock is in itself a learning experience that you should take advantage of. It is a way of sensitizing you to another culture at a level that goes beyond the intellectual and the rational. Just as an athlete cannot get in shape without going through the uncomfortable conditioning stage, so you cannot fully appreciate the cultural differences that exist without first going through the uncomfortable stages of psychological adjustment.

Fitting In

Some social customs will differ. It is therefore impossible to give guidelines that will be applicable in every culture. Generally speaking, you can be yourself as long as you remain friendly, courteous, and dignified. You would be safe to assume that your behavior should be regulated pretty much in the same manner as if you were the guest in someone else’s home. Certainly if you error on the side of being respectful, allowances will almost always be extend for the things you do not immediately understand or feel comfortable with.

Humor

While each country has its own particular brand of wit and humor, Americans are accustomed to “kidding”, which means that humorous comments are quite acceptable and are not necessarily taken literally.

Speaking the Language

When it comes to language, most people will be flattered that you are making the effort to communicate in English. Do not be intimidated or inhibited when practicing your own command of the language. You are expected to speak English at BFTF so that no one feels left out or uncomfortable.

Drinking

Be sensitive of others’ attitudes and feelings when it comes to drinking. Some of your hosts enjoy social drinking as much as anyone in Europe, but they might look upon drunkenness as neither amusing nor tolerable. Know the law, local customs, and your limits. And of course, if you are under 21 you may not legally consume alcoholic beverages while in the U.S.

Talking Politics

You can expect that some people in the U.S. to be quite articulate and well informed when it comes to matters of politics and international relations, while others may not be. There is certainly no reason for you to modify your own convictions, but you should be respectful and rational in your defense of those convictions. In the same way, be rational when giving your ‘piece of mind’ on American politics, especially as you interact with your hosts. Ultimately, we should respect the views and opinions of everyone, no matter how different to our own.

Summary

Social customs differ from one country and culture to another, and there is simply no way you can fit in and be at home unless you learn what is and isn’t appropriate behavior. It is impossible to make generalizations that can be applicable to every situation. Therefore, it is appropriate to inquire about local customs and social niceties. One of the basic reasons for your participation in this program should be to develop a sensitivity to, and appreciation for, the people and customs of a different culture and way of life. Be flexible and receptive in dealing with these differences and you will find your own life experiences will be greatly enriched.

Reverse Culture Shock

Just as you will have had to brace yourself for a period of psychological disorientation when you leave your country, you should know that after your time abroad, you may also have to prepare yourself for a parallel period of readjustment when you return home. Why? You, in a sense, are somewhat a new person. That is the essence of what education is about!

Part VII: The Travel Journal

While keeping a journal is not required, we believe that it could be an enriching tool for you to refer to in the future. Some other reasons could be:
• To capture and preserve experiences while fresh, so you don’t forget them. Use camera-eye reportage for immediate flavor
• To gather raw material for later shaping of letters, stories, poems, reports, essays, and research projects.

“We also write to heighten our awareness of life… We write to taste life twice, in the moment, and in retrospect. We write, like Proust, to render all of it eternal, and to persuade ourselves that it is eternal. We write to be able to transcend life, to reach beyond it. We write to teach ourselves to speak with others, to record the journey into the labyrinth, we write to expand our world… We write as the birds sing.” - Anais Nin

How do I keep a journal?

• Everyone will have a personal web-page which can serve as a public journal. There will also be web space to share impressions on the BFTF web site that your family and fiends can access. You also may want to keep a private journal. Ideas follow:
• Free-writing (general impressions and responses without grammatical rules)
• Description (written after the experience)
• Active receptivity (written at the moment)
• Lists (of people, scenes, historic spots; memorable sights, sounds, smells, tastes, textures; of your own responses: delights, frustrations, irritations, fears, embarrassments, regrets, hurts, triumphs, failures, stupidities, pleasures)
• Portraits of people
• Altered point-of-view (switch into someone else’s mind)
• Imaginary dialogue (with a person, a relationship, a situation or event, a project a dream image)
• Dreams
• Titles (can use ahead of time if you already have a theme or focus, or afterwards when a theme has emerged)