You're in the GAPP program, and just a few months away from an awesome experience in Germany. Here are some things which students and families need to think about. (Page in-construction as of 2-10-15.)
1) Passports: by early April, we will need your passport numbers. (These are provided to the airline -- this is a requirement for all group travel.) We also require 2 *color* copies of your passport, to ensure that we have backups in the event that you lose yours while we are abroad.
Passport Links:
2) Gifts for your exchange partner and family.
Idea-list forthcoming, but think ahead!
3) Luggage:
4) Technology -- Positives and Negatives, Dos and Don'ts:
5) Tech Tools Concrete:
1) Passports: by early April, we will need your passport numbers. (These are provided to the airline -- this is a requirement for all group travel.) We also require 2 *color* copies of your passport, to ensure that we have backups in the event that you lose yours while we are abroad.
Passport Links:
2) Gifts for your exchange partner and family.
Idea-list forthcoming, but think ahead!
3) Luggage:
- If you are buying new luggage, lightweight but sturdy is a good bet.
- If you are using family luggage (as most of us probably are), it's best to be sure that it is not on the verge of falling apart!
- Have a larger backpack or hiking pack to bring to Berlin. We'll only spend 3 nights in Berlin, no need to bring large luggage!
4) Technology -- Positives and Negatives, Dos and Don'ts:
- Discuss the reality that you are in Germany to have a life-changing experience.
- Listen to this NPR piece: Tech may get in the way of good culture shock while studying abroad
- Do discuss cheap ways to contact home: Skype, Google Talk and Google Hangouts, Facebook Messenger/What's App.
- Do learn how to set any devices to sync when connected to WIFI.
- Do contact cell phone carrier to see what they have to offer for customers travelling to Europe.
5) Tech Tools Concrete:
- Buy an adapter: https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/phones-tech/electric-adapters-converters (Just google it, or stop by any travel/luggage store or stores such as Target or Best Buy.)
- External power chargers are a smart idea, though it is likely that our planes and busses will have USB chargers in them.