FAQs & TipsWe try to add to and update this section regularly, so check back! If your question isn't addressed below, you can submit a question here >>Course Info| Expand |
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| title | I've already taken the required course. May I still attend? |
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| Unfortunately, no. |
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| title | Will I complete the entire class on the trip? |
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| No. You will complete a portion of the class during the trip. The other portion will be completed after via Zoom sessions and online deliverables in the summer semester when we return to the US. |
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| title | What will class sessions abroad be like? |
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| Coming soon! |
Financial Aid
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| title | Can I use my financial aid (loans, grant, scholarship)? |
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| Please direct questions related to using student loans, scholarships, grants, and any other form of financial aid to your Financial Aid Counselor. |
Insurance & Legal Documents| Expand |
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| title | Do I need insurance? |
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| Yes. The University of West Florida requires that all UWF students and programs going abroad have Study Abroad Insurance coverage. Insurance costs are included in the cost of the trip. See Getting Insurance for Study Abroad for more information, |
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| title | Do I need a passport? |
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| Yes. If you do not currently have a passport, we urge you to start the passport application process ASAP. You will need it well before the trip begins for things like airline tickets and travel insurance. According to the State Department, current wait times are as follows (as of 10/12/23): - Routine processing: 8 to 11 weeks
- Expedite processing (for an additional $60): 5 to 7 weeks
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| A visa is not required for U.S. citizens. |
Technology & Electrical Devices| Expand |
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| If you have an iPhone or Android smartphone, you shouldn't have any problems. Older phones and some plans may pose an issue. |
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| title | Do I have to purchase an International Phone Plan? |
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| Yes. All participants must purchase an international plan and have their mobile data turned on for the duration of the trip. This is non-negotiable, as we must be able to contact you at all times. |
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| Wi-fi is free at most hotels, but a bit less common at German restaurants and other businesses. |
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| title | Will I be able to plug in my phone/tablet/laptop charger? |
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| You will need a universal travel power adapter. Pay attention to the type (Germany and Switzerland) and whether other purchasers had problems with the individual adapter. We recommend bringing 1-2 adapters and a power strip. |
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| title | Will I be able to use my hair dryer/straightener/razor? |
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| It depends. Most US residences are on 110-voltage, but most of Europe uses 220-voltage. Some haircare devices come built with 110-220V Worldwide Voltage capability. If yours doesn't, then you may need a voltage converter because a 110V devices will fry itself when plugged into a European 220V outlet. |
Money
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| title | What about my credit cards? |
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| - Determine whether you have/can get a "no foreign exchange fee" card. Most major card issuers have them, even some credit unions, but your card may include a 2 or 3 percent fee for every transaction.
- Notify your issuer that you are traveling abroad a couple of days before departure.
- If the retailer gives you a choice, pay in EUROS (the dollar option is often a bad exchange rate).
For more, see our source: https://clark.com/travel/handling-your-money-oversea/ (October 26, 2023) |
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| title | Is it all schnitzel, pretzels, and huge beers? |
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| No, food in Germany can be very healthy (salads are very popular) or very American (our fast food chains) or very traditional German. Gyros (called doner), kebab, pizza and other Italian dishes are also very popular. Since Germans love, and have, great bread, we will share the takeaway sandwich approach for inexpensive eating. For beverages, some areas are wine producing and local products are always popular. Bottled water and soft drinks are common, and you can get most conveniently (and reasonably priced) at local supermarkets or convenience stores (drug stores) such as Rossmann, Müller, or dm. Soft drinks at kiosks and in bakeries are usually over-priced. Also: when you order a drink in restaurant, there are no refills. |
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| Culturally, Europeans don't typically serve ice in their drinks, unless it's a cocktail that specifically calls for it. And you probably won't find an ice machine at the hotel. |
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| Leaving a lot of food on your plate is considered somewhat impolite. |
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| You can get medication against common cold symptoms, headaches, toothaches, and digestive problems etc. at pharmacies over the counter (they are everywhere, but expensive so bring ibuprofen/aspirin type products if you know will use them). For more serious health problems, you will need to see a doctor. UWF Study Abroad Services has spent a lot of time researching insurance programs to make this easy. |
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| Public restrooms are not free, costing anywhere from 30 cents up to 1 Euro (in cash, of course). If they are clean, we don’t mind! |
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| title | How do I navigate public transportation? |
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| Bus and tram stops have machines that sell small tickets (you can choose English instructions). Once you get on the bus/tram, there is a machine to validate the ticket. It is a little confusing at first but you don't have to rush, find the machine and get it validated. |
Weather & Attire| Expand |
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| title | What's the weather like? |
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| Average Temps: High 75°F / Low 46°F Rain: Just like Florida, it could be sunny in the morning and raining by lunch time. We recommend having a small umbrella and/or poncho. Many websites, like AccuWeather, provide historical weather information, but don't rely on them as fact. Plan to bring clothes that are easy to layer. |
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| This section is still under construction. Plan to bring versatile clothing that is lightweight, easy to layer, professional, and comfortable. Do Bring... - Tours: business casual attire is appropriate
- Final dinner in castle: business professional attire is appropriate
Don't Bring - T-shirts with weird, political, funny, etc. slogans/pictures
We will share pictures, from previous trips, to help you stay on the nicer side of casual. |
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| title | Need a visual? Check out these photos. |
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| Coming soon! |
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| title | Is there a packing list? |
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| We're in the process of compiling a suggested packing list, using feedback from past students. Check back soon! |
Miscellaneous| Expand |
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| title | Do the people speak English? |
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| The vast majority of Germans speak very good English, but don't expect it. Some immigrants to Germany do not. Practice German on Duolingo for at least 3 months. Locals usually speak English, but will only speak it to you if you make a good-faith effort to speak their language first.
-Sydney Alger, Argos on the Rhine, 2023
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| You should pack to minimize the need, but we have some tips in and near the accommodation, so ask. For example, we all wash microfiber apparel in the hotel bathtub or sink and hang it up for a quick dry. Travel laundry detergent and clotheslines can be purchased online. |
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| One surprise in Germany is that air conditioning isn’t popular. Trains, buses, department stores, McDonalds etc. have it, but many affluent Germans do not. On hot days, we employ strategies to stay cool and take an extra shower. |
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| title | Any tips for the trip over? |
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| We like the neck pillow, noise cancelling headphones, and a portable charger (power bank). Also, take a picture of your passport information and email the picture to yourself (we used to keep a photocopy in our suitcase, but we like this way better). |
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| title | Other cultural norms |
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| - Be quiet after 10pm, before 6am, and on weekends
- Don’t be late; it's considered rude. We recommend being five minutes early.
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Failure to follow these critical dates and deadlines could result in your participation being revoked. 
