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| PACKING
» suitcases Try to avoid overpacking. Remember, every individual in the Program, whether faculty, student or dependent is responsible for carrying and moving his or her own luggage. No help is available for anyone. Any experienced traveler will tell you it is no fun to lug around heavy suitcases. This means you should pack a minimum of clothes and accessories in the lightest but sturdiest suitcase you have. Backpacks are highly recommended for easiest transport. TYPE OF SUITCASE: 1. SIZE, NUMBER AND WEIGHT: Past students have found that one medium suitcase (approximately 20" x 24" x 10) and one shoulder bag, small backpack or carry-on bag (small enough to fit under an airplane seat) plus a purse or a camera bag have been sufficient. Whatever combination of suitcases you bring, you should be able to carry them all at once by yourself. Try walking this around the block: if it is too heavy, repack! 2. HANDLES OR STRAPS: whether you choose a suitcase with a shoulder strap or a handle, it should be padded and comfortable enough to carry as far as a mile or two. 3. SECURITY: You should be able to lock your suitcase in some way. If your suitcase does not have a lock of its own, small padlocks can be purchased at discount stores. When the need arises to ship luggage by railroad or truck, the lock is indispensable; the railroad will not accept a piece of luggage that does not lock securely. Labels with your name and address in Cortona are also necessary. Place one inside the bag and one in a visible position on the outside. This will be your address in Cortona: Your Name, The University of Georgia Studies Abroad Program, 52044 Cortona (Arezzo) ITALY. 4. STURDINESS: Consider the material of your suitcase and its construction. Airlines have never been very kind to luggage. It is not unusual to see a bag arriving on the conveyor belt split open. Suitcases with wheels and luggage carts are helpful on long, flat stretches in airports, train stations, and streets. They must, however, be lifted onto stairs and escalators. Hard shell suitcases are obviously heavier, but are sturdier and more reliable. Some students prefer luggage carts as they can often be used for more than one piece of luggage. All of the following items can be easily purchased in Italy. However, you will be traveling for about 8-10 days before arriving in Cortona, so we suggest you carry with you the things that will make you most comfortable during that period. A wristwatch is a necessity Bath towel, hand towel, and face cloth: take used, thin ones that will dry easily and can be disposed of at the end of the trip if you need space. Soap: in a plastic container, or carry several small soaps Tissues: Small packages of face tissues or wet towelettes are useful. Sewing kit: on a small piece of cloth put two needles, several safety pins and an extra button. Around a small piece of cardboard wrap two yards of thread to match each color of your clothes. Laundry kit: Liquid or dry soap that will work in cold water. Put in a small container that can be stuffed into shoes. Writing materials: Remember that your stamps must be purchased in the country from which you mail your letters. Aerograms are cheaper to mail than letters but must also be bought from the country from which you will mail them. You may want to bring a travel diary or journal. Toilet kit: toothbrush, deodorant, shampoo. If you need a hairdryer, it is best to purchase one after you arrive in Italy. Most American hairdryers with a plug adaptor will burn out quickly. Medical kit: bandages, cold tablets, aspirin, motion sickness medicine (if you are likely to need it), insect repellent. If you take prescription medication, including birth control pills, be sure to get enough for the entire trip. Always keep your prescription medication in the bottle from the pharmacy to avoid questions at customs. Plastic Bags: medium to large ones for wet or dirty clothes or towels, small ones for soap & washcloths. Sunglasses and sunscreen: the sun in Italy is very bright. Alarm clock: battery operated. Film: lots of it. Film is readily available in Italy, but is more expensive. Camera Bathing suit Dictionary: English/Italian, Italian/English Travel guides for Italy: Recommended: Let's Go Italy, Eyewitness Guides, Rough Guides. Direct Current Adaptors: if you bring electrical appliances like hair dryers or electric shavers. In Italy the current is 220 V 50 cycles (in the US it is 110 V 60) Tape Player/Recorder (optional): with a small supply of tapes/Cds and batteries. Jewelry: leave your good, sentimental and expensive jewelry at home. Leakproof plastic containers: bring along small plastic jars& bottles. They don't break and can be thrown away after you are finished with them. They are great for lotion, soap, cosmetics and anything liquid that can leak or drip. IMPORTANT: Be sure any medications you need on a regular basis are packed into your carry-on luggage. It is possible that checked luggage can get lost resulting in several days delay reuniting with your bags. Due to increased number of broken or sprained feet and ankles, students are REQUIRED to wear comfortable, durable, practical shoes at all times. This includes flat, arch-supporting shoes for sports, gymnastics, walking, or hiking. Not allowed to wear outside the albergo: WOMEN:
MEN:
FOR BOTH MEN AND WOMEN:
The earlier part of the Fall and the end of Spring are very much like summer; light and cool clothes are advised. Towards the end of the Fall (October, November) and in the beginning of Spring (February, March) Cortona is cool. We suggest the following additions:
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Make certain you have a valid passport. Make copies of your passport and bring one with you in a separate place. Also leave a copy of your passport at home. These copies will be necessary if your passport becomes lost or stolen. MONEY: The best way to get cash while abroad is by using ATM machines. You can withdraw up to $250.00 a day from your account and there are banks conveniently located throughout Cortona. If you bring traveler's checks, leave a copy of the numbers at home and a copy elsewhere in your luggage. CREDIT CARD: It is highly recommended that students bring a credit card with them in case of emergencies. Visa, MasterCard or American Express with the student's name on the card, signed on the back. INFO FOR PARENTS/RELATIVES: Print out a copy of the webpage "Information for Parents" and leave this with your family at home. It will provide them with information about how to reach you. Read it carefully and anticipate any additional information they may need during your time abroad. (ie: tax forms, financial aid forms, etc.) IMPORTANT ADDRESSES AND PHONE NUMBERS: Bring with you the
following The University of Georgia Studies Abroad Program The Studies Abroad Program /Cortona,
Italy Keep these addresses and phone numbers with you at all times so that you can call if you need assistance. BICYCLES are not recommended for the terrain of Cortona. School buildings, albergo, restaurant, and town center are all within easy walking distance. Bus and train transportation is also easily available and provided on school trips. Bicyles are dangerous in this hilly area, even for the 'pros' and have caused several accidents that could've be avoided. You are encouraged to leave your bicycle at home. MOTORIZED VEHICLESWe strongly recommend against any students using and 2- or 3-wheel vehicles while in Italy as accidents involving these vehicles are not covered by the group insurance plan. MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS such as guitars, etc, are optional but students must be aware that playing is not allowed in the dormitory facility. If students wish to play outdoors (in the park, town square, etc) they are welcome to, but they cannot play at school or in the dormitory. LAP TOP COMPUTER-USERS should be aware that it is difficult to access the Internet from a personal lap top as it is not provided either at school or the Albergo Athens. Printing both images and text from personal laptops using UGA printers is VERY difficult and not recommended. If students are used to composing on a lap top, they may still want to bring it, being aware that internet and printing access will not be available.
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» Packing |
