Pre-Departure Checklist


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 entitles 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.