Pre-Departure Checklist

Many thanks to Mr. Jim Kelly of the University of Antwerp for developing this check list.

Before going to Antwerp you should...

Read up on Antwerp
Get plenty of rest 
Be prepared for compact (small) living quarters 
Be sure to know your checking/credit card balance - increase line if necessary! 
Plan ahead for the Paris trip; research the city in advance
Plan ahead for the Amsterdam trip; research the city in advance
Have an open mind 
Get used to getting up early 
Bring clothes for all different weather conditions 
Be prepared to be patient (waiting in line, etc.) 
Don't overpack

Be sure to bring...

Student ID card (for discounts) 
Travel umbrella 
Very comfortable walking shoes 
Alarm clock (battery-powered or wind-up) 
Travel iron (multi-voltage) 
All necessary medications (carry in hand luggage) 
Voltage adapter if you use a U.S. hair dryer/curling iron (multi-voltage appliances strongly recommended) 
Duffel bag/small travel bag 
Warm clothes/variety of clothes 
Camera/extra film, AA batteries (much cheaper in US) 
Travel wallet 
Money: Travelers checks, ATM card, check or debit card, cash (but no $100 bills), credit cards.  I strongly encourage you to get and use a VISA check card (debit card)
Empty space for gifts
Rain gear - travel umbrella! 
A range of clothing (shorts, pants, sweaters, T -shirts) 
A CD player for bus rides 
Addresses to send postcards 
A light windbreaker 
Phone cards 
Extra bag for souvenirs 
Flip flops (for hotel) 
Small lock for luggage or backpacks 
Travel size items 
Open mind 
Good attitude 
Glasses-wearers: extra pair of plastic-lens glasses

But leave behind...

Most electrical appliances (except multi-voltage travel ones) 
Uncomfortable dress shoes 
American attitude 
Most shorts, very light summer clothes 
Sandals 
Tank tops 
Prejudices 
Jewelry 
Extra recreational clothes 
Loud voices

To best benefit, you should...

Be willing to try new things 
Be enthusiastic 
Try different foods 
Keep an open mind 
Be prepared for culture shock 
Be prepared to walk a lot

Checklist

• Passport--Do not forget it!
  • Make three or four photo copies; keep one with you at all times
• Clothes
  • Temperature range 50 - 80 degrees F.
  • One business dress outfit is required.  We will be visiting governmental institutions, and business dress is required.  Please also bring a business dress pair of shoes that is not open-toed.
  • Bring at least two pair of very comfortable (NOT NEW) walking shoes; students will do quite a bit of walking.
  • For the guys, a jacket and tie would be appropriate for the visit to the EU.
• Toiletries
  • Current is 240 volts, 50 hertz.
  • Hair dryers, curlers, electric shavers, etc., will not work in Europe without a voltage adapter, or must be multi-voltage.
  • Bring your own pharmacy supplies, e.g., cough drops, aspirin, contact lenses and cleaner/solution, etc.
• Money
  • Bring a VISA debit (check card) or credit card, but no Discovery, American Express, or Diners. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted.
  • Travelers' checks are okay
    • But: You get a worse exchange rate, and there is often a transaction charge.
  • Small-denomination $US bills are okay - but no $100 bills, due to counterfeiting. 
  • Bring a telephone charge calling card if you possess one.
  • You can buy Belgian francs in the U.S. before departure, but it's best to wait to change in Antwerp.
    • RECOMMENDATION: Use a VISA check card (also called a "debit card") at an ATM to get money.  You get the best exchange rate
    • BUT: you will have a $1 to $2 charge each time you use it.  Still, this is better than the poor exchange rates you get when changing cash or travelers' checks.
  • Be sure not to forget your student ID card, as it can entitle you to some student discounts.
  • Forget personal checks - they will be impossible to cash.

Other notes

• The time change is 6 (EDT) to 9 (PDT) hours. Therefore when it is 6:00 am in Virginia, it is 12:00 noon in Belgium.
• Store hours are different in Europe than in the US. Stores have more limited hours and may not be open in the mornings, during lunch, late evenings, or on weekends.
• Expected behavior of all students:
  • Avoid noisy conversations, especially in public
  • Sleeping in class and during presentations is strictly forbidden.  You will lose a significant portion of your grade if you sleep in class.
  • When traveling on bus, please note that bathrooms may not be available.
  • On public tours and at restaurants, professional manners are expected.
  • Be open and positive to accepting the food differences.