Frequently Asked Questions for LEAD Trips
Safety
The safety of your son or daughter is our number one concern. From airport transfer and pickup, to safe and exclusive housing in upper class neighborhoods in each location, Global L.E.A.D. goes the extra mile and spends the money to provide support on the ground for each student participating so they will have the safest and most enjoyable experience possible. Additionally, we implement the “Rule of 3” and “Buddy system” (see below).
How many adults participate in Global L.E.A.D
The Global L.E.A.D. summer experience combines service and leadership with academic rigor. Both academic staff and Global LEAD staff combine to make this a holistic program on both fronts. Our academic team is led by the Dean of the Franklin Residential College at the University of Georgia as well as an Anthropology professor with 20 years of service learning expertise. Both individuals participate on the ground in each location as well as academic program coordinators for each country, teaching assistants for each program, country operators, lecturing professors, guest presenters, Global LEAD operations directors, and Global LEAD Fellows. This robust operation ensures that students are well taken care of during their summer experience.
How many students participate in Global L.E.A.D
Global L.E.A.D. is more than a program; it is a movement. The unique value of this program is that is brings together similar types of students across many different colleges and universities. The maximum capacity for Cape Town has been set at 150 student leaders and both Greece and Rio de Janeiro have been set at 50 student leaders each. To make the program a more intimate and enjoyable experience, Global LEAD chooses student ambassadors from each campus to serve as “team leaders” during the program. This enables the lessons and activities to come alive in smaller settings and provides a more intimate environment for students to get to know one another and share their experiences.
Tell me more about the Service
Simply put this is the cornerstone of our program. Not only is Diplomacy part of our name but it is also it is a part of everything we do. We work with local non-profit organizations that do exceptional work and engage each of our participants in life changing opportunities during their time overseas. Global L.E.A.D. spends a considerable amount of time vetting the organizations and opportunities we present to our students so that thrilling and outside the box opportunities are presented in a safe and seamless manner. Most programs don’t even attempt to do service and the ones who do often have it as an additional activitiy. Service is not an activitiy in Global L.E.A.D. land; it is a way of life. We pride ourselves in creating those a-ha moments overseas that your son or daughter will be telling their grandchildren about 50 years from now.
How will I communicate with my son or daughter?
In every location, Global LEAD will direct students on the best places to use internet and how to place calls. Some countries will offer the option of renting cell phones and in others students will need to purchase calling cards. Some student’s call home every day with updates, for others it’s like pulling teeth, so Global LEAD decided to create a way for you to keep in touch on what is going on so you can share the experience right alongside your son or daughter. We have created a “Sunday Conversation” using Skype with the Program Coordinator and weekly newsletters that will be sent on the parents listserv. This will provide you with a weekly update as to what is going on, what is ahead, and help answer any questions you may have. Don’t know how to use Skype? We can help set you up before we depart! Lastly you can brag to all of your colleagues at work about what your son or daughter is up to through our daily blog. Each student will contribute to the blog throughout the program so you can read first-hand accounts from the students themselves.
Rule of 3 and Buddy System (general)
Global LEAD implemented additional ways to ensure that our students enjoy the culture of a foreign country in a smart way. Europe will always be Europe so our students abide by the “Buddy System” where at any given time if a student wants to explore a museum, café, or any place outside of a mandated Global LEAD activity, he/she must have one other person with them. Outside of Europe, we implemented the “Rule of 3”—where our students explore areas together as a group. Even if it’s a simple trip to an internet café or cultural outing, our students must stick together as a group of 3 and enjoy the experience together. This simply ensures an extra element of safety during their time overseas and creates further bonds with fellow students.
Resumes
Resume’s matter. When 264,000 students last year in America studied abroad, we realized that transplanting an American classroom overseas was no longer enough. That is why Global L.E.A.D. is a Service and Leadership Study Abroad with the elements of adventure that make for exceptional stories in job interviews, grad school applications, and dinner table conversations. We want your child to have all of this in one experience, at one time, through one program: Global L.E.A.D. Each of our students not only earn course credit but also receive a Global L.E.A.D. certification verifying their experiences overseas that go beyond lugging books and snapping photos. Going abroad for a summer is a fantastic experience, doing so with the elements of service and leadership as a cornerstone makes it that more marketable, memorable, and meaningful.
Opportunities for the rest of the Summer (Cape Town)
The Cape Town program was specifically designed with the rest of the Summer in mind. This is an excellent option for a service and leadership study abroad that allows for additional opportunities the final 8 weeks of the summer. Many students enjoy the Cape Town four week program because of its flexibility and opportunity for summer internships, summer classes, and additional opportunities to expand their resume with the remaining weeks of the Summer.
Ground Transportation for Students NOT taking the Group Flight
Students not participating in the group flight, arranged by Global LEAD, will be responsible for their transportation to the lodging in-country. A transfer request form will be sent out to each of these individuals prior to departure. Global LEAD staff will help arrange transport from the airport to the lodging, however, will not cover the cost.
Frequent Flyer Miles
Our group flights cannot be covered by skymiles and skymiles cannot be applied for an upgrade. However, students can apply for skymiles for this flight once they have their ticket number prior to departure.
Sign In/Out
As part of our safety protocol, students will have to sign out every time they leave the lodging stating where they are going, who they are going with, by what mode of transportation they are traveling, and a phone number of someone in their group. Students are required to follow the buddy system or rule of three (depending on what country they are in). Students who fail to follow the sign in/out procedure will face consequences.
ATMs, Credit Cards and Traveler’s Checks
Inform your bank and credit card companies prior to departure from the United States you will be traveling abroad and using the ATM/Credit Card abroad. Give them the dates of your visit to each country so that they have it on record. At times credit cards and ATM cards have been blocked after transactions abroad because the company assumed it is a fraud transaction.
ATM cards are probably the best way to get cash overseas – ATM machines are widely available in major cities and many towns and there is often no commission and a favorable exchange rate. An ATM, debit or checking card is excellent for international travel because it allows you to withdraw money from your bank account in the United States in the currency of the host country at that day’s exchange rate. Debit cards with Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus or Plus signs are the most widely accepted. There may be a small transaction fee for using ATMs abroad. Be sure to call your bank and check on the fees charged per transaction. Be sure that you (and someone back home) know your PIN numbers for ATM or credit cards.
Credit cards are valuable for big purchases, emergencies and cash advances, although there are usually high interest charges for cash advances. Most major credit cards are honored abroad (i.e., American Express, MasterCard or Visa), but there are exceptions! Credit cards are particularly useful for hotels, restaurants, shops, airline tickets and car rental agencies. When you use a credit card, the company makes the exchange rate calculation for you, reflecting the exchange rate on the day your credit card transaction is processed. This amount may be more or less than what you thought you were paying at the time of your purchase. You will be billed in U.S. dollars on your statement, and sometimes you will see the foreign exchange conversion listed as well
Traveler’s checks are a convenient and safe way to carry money, but tend to carry more fees than credit cards or ATM transactions. In addition to being easy to cash, they are accepted for payment of goods and services at many (but not all) establishments and are usually treated as cash. You should use a major brand of traveler’s check like Visa or American Express. Furthermore, if the checks are lost or stolen, the company that issued them will replace their full value, as long as you have a record of the serial numbers. Keep the receipt of the check numbers separate from your checks. Traveler’s checks can be purchased at just about any bank in the United States, usually at the rate of one percent over the value of the checks you are buying. The American Express service is quite complete, and they also have offices in major cities around the world. If you are a member of AAA, you can get American Express traveler’s checks for free. Traveler’s checks in dollars can be exchanged at banks and money changing houses overseas but remember to bring your passport as identification. Sometimes there is a charge per transaction or amount.
Planning for a Healthy Trip
Global LEAD strongly encourages you to take your health seriously both pre-departure and during your time abroad. Before you travel abroad, it is worthwhile to take a close look at the many factors that contribute to your physical and emotional well-being. A trip abroad will almost certainly affect your health, because so many factors of your daily health are related to your lifestyle and environment. Conversely, the state of your health will have a significant impact on the success and enjoyment of your trip.
It is recommended that you have a medical and dental check-up before departure. A visit to your family physician, gynecologist, and dentist will insure that you are in good health before you leave and might prevent emergencies abroad. Update your health records, including eyeglass prescriptions and regular medications. If you are taking a prescription medication carry a supply with you sufficient to last the whole trip. If you self-inject prescribed medication, you should carry needles and syringes with you. You’ll need a physician’s prescription for medication and medical supplies you carry with you in order to pass through foreign customs. Take copies of all medical records, prescriptions in generic form, prescriptions of eyeglasses/contact lenses and pertinent information; carry these with you in a safe place.
If you expect to need regular medical care abroad, take a letter of introduction from your physician at home, providing details of your medical conditions, care and specific needs.
The Travel Medicine Clinic at UGA provides international travel consultations for students and we recommend that students visit the Clinic to get information on vaccinations and health requirements before travel overseas. Information is provided on general health risks of travel, risks of contracting diseases related to international travel and methods of prevention including vaccinations. The clinic also provides vaccinations against common diseases on a fee basis. Total charges will vary based on the number of vaccines needed. Call (706) 542-5575 for appointments and fee information. Appointments are necessary and students are asked to schedule at least 6 weeks prior to departure. According to the UGA Travel Medical Clinic no vaccinations are currently required for travel to Antarctica, Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, or UK (other than those required to live in the United States). However, the Center for Disease Control has previously recommended Hepatitis A for anyone traveling outside of the U.S. CDC has an international traveler’s hotline (877-FYI-TRIP) where you can get additional information (see also www.cdc.gov). The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains up-to-date information on health and vaccination requirements for all countries. You can contact their international traveler’s hotline (800-CDC-INFO; 800-232-4636), or visit www.cdc.gov/travel for additional information on specific infectious diseases and for more detailed country-specific information on vaccinations you are likely to need. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, you may also consult the World Health Organization’s website at www.who.int.
We recommend every student consider bringing a medical kit with useful items: these may include: band-aids, antihistamine, anti-diarrhea medication, antibacterial ointment, disinfectant, tweezers, insect repellent, pain reliever, Dramamine (for motion sickness), safety pin, anti-diarrhea medicine, blister pads and a compression (ACE) bandage. Also be sure to pack regular medications (epi pens, inhalers), contraceptives if you may need them, and any other routine health and medical products you think you may need or brands that you like. Make sure to take all prescription medicine with you and in prescription packaging as you may encounter trouble with customs if you try to have medicines sent once you are abroad or carry them in non-prescription containers. A group medical kit will also be available on every program.
Students who are currently, or have utilized mental health services in the past, should contact the UGA Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) before going abroad. The UGA CAPS office should be advised as to your needs in case a telephone consultation is required while abroad. See the following http://www.uhs.uga.edu/CAPS/
Going abroad is not a magical “geographic cure” for concerns and problems at home. Emotional health issues will follow you wherever you go. If you are concerned about your use of alcohol and other controlled drugs or if you have an emotional health concern, you should address it honestly before making plans to travel. Contrary to many people’s expectations, travel does not minimize these problems; in fact, it often exacerbates them to a crisis stage while you are away from home. If you have existing alcohol or drug-use issues, contact the University Health Center for support and referral. Alcohol issues need to be addressed pre-departure as they can severely affect your health, learning, ruin your and other’s trip, and place you at risk for dismissal from the program. (Use and abuse of alcohol and drugs abroad increases the risk of accident and injury. Many study abroad accidents and injuries are related to the use and abuse of alcohol and drugs abroad.) The UGA alcohol and drug conduct policies apply to study abroad programs, including this one, and alcohol and drug-related misbehavior can result in dismissal from the program. See http://www.uga.edu/drugpol/ and the section on “conduct policies” for more information. Look after yourself!
The Accommodations
Cape Town: The Global L.E.A.D. Program offers luxury apartments with self catering kitchens and spacious living space right on the beach! Our accommodation is located within 10 minutes of Camps Bay, Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront, shopping, cafes, and the city center. Students can save money and cook in their rooms, or venture on the wild side with a walk to the local KFC. Part of the Global LEAD brand is premium, safe, and secure housing. In Cape Town, our 4 star apartments provide 24 hour security, taxi service, and an ATM on location (which could be seen as a positive or negative).
Brazil: Three words: location, location, location. When deciding the best accommodations for our Global LEAD trip to Rio de Janeiro we quickly narrowed our search to the treasured address in the city: Ipanema. This classy neighborhood has everything including world class shopping, bustling cafes and, of course, the most coveted beach in South America. Located on a pedestrian friendly boulevard of Ipanema lies the 3-star Hotel Vermont which will be home to the students for their duration of their stay in Rio de Janeiro.
The Vermont provides spacious rooms with many features such as air conditioning, satellite television, internet access and safety lock boxes. Additionally, the hotel has many amenities for our students to enjoy including a lively restaurant, room service, business center, laundry services and currency exchange services.
Greece: Students in Greece will begin their Global LEAD experience at the luxurious 4-star Oasis Hotel which is located in the upscale suburb of Glyfada on the Athenian Riviera. Only twenty minutes from the ancient sites of Athens including the Acropolis, Plaka and Temple of Zeus, the area feels a world apart with its trendy cafes and open-air seaside resorts.
The Oasis Hotel provides spacious apartment-style rooms which exceed expectations and include features such as air conditioning, satellite television, internet access, hair dryers, magnetic card door entry and safety lock boxes. Also, each apartment contains a sitting room with a desk and a kitchenette with a refrigerator and stove.
The hotel amenities are equally impressive and students can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, multiple restaurants, business center, 24 hour reception and room service, concierge service and doctors’ assistance services.
Security at Accommodations
Cape Town: Lagoon Beach Apartments have 24 hour security guards, which work closely with Global LEAD to ensure that only guess are entering the property. The security guards are trained to handle situations and emergencies that might arise. In addition, the staff at Lagoon Beach is very invested in Global LEAD and will work with our staff and students to ensure that everyone is as safe and comfortable as possible.
Brazil: To be honest, Rio de Janeiro may not be as safe as Iowa, but it is unfair to categorize the overall city as unsafe. As in most cities ranging from Atlanta to NYC, most crime is localized in specific areas and our students will not be visiting those areas of Rio. Global LEAD believes the safety of your sons and daughters is our paramount priority and we plan everything with this in mind. Our selection of accommodation is dictated by this principle and our students are staying in the safest area of the whole city in a hotel with 24 hour security.
The world is taking notice of Rio and its improved standing as prestigious events including the World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016 will be hosted in the Marvelous City.
Greece: Greece ranks number 54 in world safety rankings and considering the USA is in 97th place, it’s a very safe country. However, as always, there are specific areas of the city to avoid and our students will not be visiting any of those places. Our accommodation has 24 hour security and is located in the upscale suburb of Glyfada which is a prime waterfront location, rich commercial centre, and modern business district. The area has been described as the beginning of the ‘Athens Riviera’ and features some of Europe’s most opulent seafront residences, gardens and extensive beachfront property, with a modern marina.
Diseases
Cape Town: According to the CDC website, Cape Town is malaria free zone; however, we do encourage students to talk to their health care provider or a travel clinic before departing.
Brazil: According to the CDC website, Rio de Janeiro is a malaria free zone and no vaccinations including Yellow Fever are required to travel there. However, if a student plans to travel to the Amazon or other malaria and yellow fever zones, they should plan accordingly. Also, all students are urged to seek medical advice from their healthcare provider before traveling on a Global LEAD trip.
Greece: According to the CDC website, Greece does not have any specific illnesses such as malaria or any required vaccinations. However, all students are urged to seek medical advice from their healthcare provider before traveling on a Global LEAD trip.
Food and Shopping
Cape Town: Whether you fancy sushi or steak, hummus or a hamburger…Cape Town has the best of it all. Every street is lined with fantastic cafes and restaurants! With Belthazaar, named the “Best Steakhouse in Africa,” at the VA Waterfront, the freshest fish along Camps Bay, and urban cafes on Kloof Street, you are sure to find a huge selection of brilliant cuisine in Cape Town!
And whether you are in the mood to bargain with vendors at the Greenpoint Market for the best souvenirs in town, or prefer to head to Canal Walk or the Waterfront for high end shopping, you won’t be disappointed with the variety of shops you will find in Cape Town!
Brazil: The people of Rio, also called Cariocas, love to eat out. The most important aspect to remember about food in Rio de Janeiro is variety. Whether your student is an adventurous eater who enjoys trying the Brazilian specialties or the myriad of ethnic choices (Lebanese, Japanese, Spanish, French and Italian are the most notable) or they prefer American classics like chicken fingers and cheese pizza, they will be at home in Rio.
Luckily for our students, Ipanema is ground zero for culinary delights. Within only a few blocks, there are neighborhood botecas (open-sided restaurant/bars), cafes, patisseries, ice cream shops, restaurants and juice shops.
Whatever their preference, the options abound!
Buyers beware: Ipanema is THE place to shop! From the moment you step off the plane, opportunities abound for shoppers to get their fix whether through boutiques along the well manicured city streets, shopping malls or more eclectic local markets. Traditional international brands such as Gucci, Prada and Armani abound including but less known are the variety of stores selling antiques, custom-made handicrafts, records and CDs, handmade jewelry and book stores.
A notable highlight includes the international headquarters of famous jeweler H Stern known for their finely crafted jewelry, watches and other accessories. Also, daily and weekly markets feature the city’s best local artisans only a block or two away from the students’ hotel in Ipanema.
Greece: Downtown Athens is a shoppers’ paradise! For those with expensive taste, the area known as Koloniki is ground zero for international labels such as Benetton, Zara and Gucci — think Rodeo Drive. Shoppers who want more variety can shop on Ermou Street which is one of the longest shopping boulevards in all of Europe. If you can wear it or use it, they have it. Those looking for souvenirs are best directed to the Plaka which is the area just below the Acropolis. Also, Glyfada, the area the students are staying in during their time in Athens, is one of the best shopping districts in its own right.
And…the islands of Santorini and Mykonos are even better!
Just the thought of Greek food makes most people’s mouths begin to water for fresh Greek salads topped with feta cheese, olives and smothered in olive oil. There is definitely a reason that Greece is one of the few countries on earth, and especially in Europe, that have a meager McDonald’s presence.
Though Greek food is out of this world and your sons and daughters will fall in love with the numerous delicacies, do not worry if they are picky or even VERY picky eaters. Athens and Glyfada have something for even the most discerning taste buds including good American restaurants like Applebee’s, TGI Fridays and Hard Rock Café. Yes, the Greeks appreciate a good hamburger as much as they enjoy ethnic restaurants such as Mexican, Indian, Chinese, French, Italian and all the rest. So, don’t worry, your student will not come home hungry.
If, however, they like to experience culture through food, Greece is the place. There are several different types of eating establishments and each has a specific style of food. The most well known restaurant type as well as the most inexpensive is the lowly souvlaki shop which serves gyro and kebabs which are a real hit with the tourists. For more expansive options one can choose a psistaria or tavern which serve entrees such as spit-roast lamb, steaks, grilled or rotisserie chicken as well as salads and appetizers.
