Iceland and Tanzania-Zanzibar: Master of Arts in Climate Change and Global Sustainability

Transcription

1 Iceland and Tanzania-Zanzibar: Master f Arts in Climate Change and Glbal Sustainability FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS What is life like in Iceland and Zanzibar?...3 What can I expect upn arrival?...4 What campus will I be attending?...4 Des SIT ffer language classes?...4 What kind f supprt can I expect during the practicum?...5 What are sme lcal custms?...5 What kinds f fd will I find?...5 What can I d t ensure I have a healthy, safe experience?...6 Des SIT prvide medical insurance?...7 Can SIT assist with accmmdatins?...8 Hw will I get arund twn in Ísafjörður and Zanzibar?...9 What is the best way t cmmunicate with thers while I m abrad?...9 What s the best way t bring r access mney? Will I have time fr visitrs while I m abrad? Can I bring family? Can I travel independently during prgram breaks r lng weekends? What shuld I pack? What equipment shuld I bring? Shuld I bring a cmputer r ther electrnics? What can I btain in cuntry? What isn t available?.. 13 Iceland packing list Zanzibar packing list Abrad - 2 Cuntry Overview and Packing Guidelines 4/25/2018

3 WHAT IS LIFE LIKE IN AND ZANZIBAR? Iceland was settled by Vikings in the late ninth century. Varius Scandinavian cuntries ruled Iceland at different times, mst recently Denmark. When Germany invaded Denmark during Wrld War II, Icelanders tk the pprtunity t declare their independence. Iceland was essentially a subsistence ecnmy frm settlement until Wrld War II. Over the centuries since settlement, Icelanders endured many unfavrable climate changes and natural disasters (e.g. vlcanic eruptins), exacerbated by defrestatin and sil ersin. Starting in the mid-20th century, mechanizatin f the fishing fleet and increasing wrld demand fr fish brught new prsperity t the small ppulatin. In the last 60 years, Iceland has steadily built up its ecnmy, infrastructure, educatinal system, and scial services, and tday it has ne f the highest quality f life standards in the wrld. Althugh turism recently passed fishing as the largest cntributr t GDP, fish are still the mst imprtant exprt. Other industries are grwing, ntably aluminum smelted with inexpensive and renewable electricity. The ppulatin is still small, with arund 330,000 inhabitants, abut tw-thirds f which is cncentrated in the capital area. Reykjavik is the nrthernmst natinal capital in the wrld, and Iceland has mre land cvered by glaciers than in all f cntinental Eurpe, yet Iceland enjys a much milder climate than its name and lcatin straddling the Arctic Circle wuld imply. A branch f the Gulf Stream flws alng the suthern and western casts, greatly mderating the climate. This brings mild Atlantic air in cntact with cld Arctic air, resulting in a climate that is marked by frequent changes in weather and strminess. There is als mre rainfall in the suthern and western part than in the nrthern part f the island. The weather in Iceland is cnstantly changing, s yu can easily experience wind, snw, sleet, and sunny skies in a single day, and despite s much variability, Icelanders cntinue with their nrmal rutines, taking their bikes ut in freezing rain r hlding recess utside when it s sleeting. If anything, Iceland s weather teaches yu resiliency. Icelanders are als well-equipped t handle the abundance f darkness during the winter mnths, making their hmes, cafés, and restaurants as czy and inviting as pssible, and never frgetting their lýsi, a cd liver il supplement that gives yu the Vitamin D yu need when the sun disappears. With a little patience n such lng nights, yu will be treated t the magnificent light shw f the Nrthern Lights. Ísafjörður, the prgram base fr the Iceland prtin f the prgram, is lcated in the nrthwest f Iceland and is the largest twn n the peninsula f Westfjrds. The twn has a ppulatin f apprximately 2,600 residents, and despite its small size and islatin frm the rest f the cuntry, the twn has a relatively urban atmsphere. Fishing has always been the main industry in Ísafjörður, and the twn has ne f the largest fisheries in Iceland. The twn hsts ppular events in bth culture and utdr activities. The Ísafjörður Rck Festival is ne f the mst ppular and brings in a significant amunt f turism frm the rest f the cuntry and Eurpe. Other pssible activities include: hiking and running clubs, basketball, vlleyball, and handball teams, swimming, crss cuntry and dwnhill skiing, winter surfing, wildlife watching (seals, birds, whales), nrthern lights gazing, an arts center, mvie theatre, three parks, ht springs, hrse riding, fly fishing, live weekend music, library, and an innvatin center. Iceland is knwn as the land f the midnight sun, and the extended light r darkness can be difficult t adjust t, and affects everyne differently. If yu are prne t Seasnal Affective Disrder (SAD), this culd be intensified and there are ptins t help yu adjust t the difference in light/darkness. The peak f Iceland s midnight sun can be experienced between May and August. The lngest days f the year have 24 hurs f sunlight, and the shrtest nly 4 5 (December January).

4 Zanzibar is an archipelag f islands ff the cast f East Africa that, with mainland Tanganyika, frmed the United Republic f Tanzania in Fr centuries, the islands were an imprtant stp fr trade rutes between India, the Middle East, and Africa, and its peple represent a variety f cultures. Althugh a part f Tanzania, Zanzibar elects its wn president and has its wn Huse f Representatives fr matters internal t the islands. Often referred t as the Spice Islands, Zanzibar s main industries include turism, spices, agriculture, and fishing. SIT s Study Abrad Center is lcated in the city s ld quarter, Stne Twn, a place f winding narrw streets, carved wden drs, raised terraces, and beautiful msques. Mst f the peple in Zanzibar fllw the Islamic faith, and thrughut the island visitrs hear the daily call t prayers by the lcal muezzins. Religius and cultural behavir traditins n the island require cnservative dress by residents and turists. Swahili is spken thrughut Zanzibar and Islanders will appreciate yur effrts t learn their language. WHAT CAMPUS WILL I BE ATTENDING? In Iceland students will be attending classes at the University Centre f the Westfjrds. In Zanzibar students will attend classes at bth the Institute fr Marine Sciences, a branch f the University f Dar es Salaam, and at SIT s prgram Center in Zanzibar. DOES SIT OFFER LANGUAGE CLASSES? While the prgram des nt ffer credit-bearing language curses, students will receive basic language training in Icelandic and Kiswahili at the start f each semester. Students may als chse t cntinue private lessns, at their wn cst, if they wuld like additinal language training. Zanzibar experiences a warm trpical climate, with high temperatures and humidity year-rund. The average temperature is abut 80 degrees, but it can be as ht as 95. Because f the cean breezes during the daytime and the cntinental wind at night, the cnditins are fairly cmfrtable. February is the warmest mnth while August is the clest. There are tw rainfall seasns, the heaviest frm March t June and lesser rains frm September t Nvember. WHAT CAN I EXPECT UPON ARRIVAL? In bth Iceland and Zanzibar, students will be received at the airprt by an SIT Graduate Institute staff member, at the meeting time specified in the flight infrmatin dcument. The first several days in each cuntry are an rientatin perid fr students t get accustmed t life in that cuntry prir t the start f classes. Abrad - 4 Flight, Passprt, and Visa Infrmatin 4/25/2018

5 WHAT KIND OF SUPPORT WILL SIT PROVIDE IN SECURING MY PRACTICUM? Beginning in the first semester in Iceland, yu will meet with the prgram directr prir t the practicum search prcess. SIT will supprt yu in finding an apprved practicum with a climate change r envirnmental sustainability think tank, NGO, gvernment agency, r ther rganizatin invlved in plicy/advcacy wrk in a glbal lcatin f yur chice fr yur final semester. Yu will als have access t an nline career wrkshp run by SIT s Career and Practicum Service Center, which will guide yu in the practicum applicatin prcess. WHAT KIND OF SUPPORT CAN I EXPECT DURING THE PRACTICUM? Yu will meet with the practicum crdinatr multiple times thrughut the year t facilitate a well-chsen practicum that aligns with yur prfessinal trajectry. During the third semester (yur practicum semester), yu will meet regularly and remtely with yur academic advisr and chrt t discuss practicum experiences acrss institutinal, cultural, gegraphical, and plitical settings. WHAT ARE SOME LOCAL CUSTOMS? Icelandic culture is smewhat similar t that f its Scandinavian neighbrs: sphisticated and mdern with a dark sense f humr and rarely a cld dispsitin. Hwever, Iceland is ntably eccentric due t its islatin, rugged envirnment, and small ppulatin. Icelanders, especially utside the capital, can be very friendly twards visitrs. It is apprpriate t greet strangers n the street with a nd r hell, and particularly with an Icelandic greeting such as Góðan daginn all day and Góða kvöldið in the evening. Belw is a guide t help yu assimilate. D: Dn t: Greet peple yu meet. Take ff yur shes when yu g int smene s hme. Always say thank yu at the end f a meal. It is a custmary gesture t the hst(s). Scialize with yur hsts and thers acquaintances. Talk r laugh very ludly, making a scene in the street. Wear shes inside smene s hme. It is a cultural faux pas. Iceland is a prgressive natin and men and wmen are equally expected t participate in husehld activities including cking, cleaning, and caretaking. In Zanzibar, peple are very friendly and it is imprtant t acknwledge and greet peple in general. It is plite t shake hands as well as t greet verbally. Mst Zanzibari peple d nt shw their emtins publicly, apart frm geniality. When invited fr a meal in a lcal persn s huse, we recmmend yu eat with yur right hand and always wash yur hands befre starting. It is plite t try all the different fds but d nt feel that yu have t finish all the fd n yur plate. WHAT KINDS OF FOOD WILL I FIND? Participating in the lcal fd culture is a central aspect f daily life everywhere. Special r restricted diets may nt always be fully understd by the cmmunity and alternatives t the lcal diet may nt be readily available. By trying t replicate yur diet at hme yu may miss ut n an imprtant part f yur hst culture. Please nte any fd allergies in yur health frm. Remembering that fr centuries Icelanders clung t life n windswept rcks in the Nrth Atlantic, it is easy t see why traditinal diets cnsist mstly f seafd, grazing animals, and dairy prducts. Opprtunities t grw any grains r vegetables were extremely limited Abrad - 5 Flight, Passprt, and Visa Infrmatin 4/25/2018

6 (ptates and cabbage being the nly ntable exceptins). With mdern technlgy and transprtatin, pprtunities have changed. Sme Icelanders eat wrld diets nt much different frm thse in the States, thugh traditinal diets f curse remain. Dietary ptins thus may be limited, depending n yur particular situatin, and may include fish, animals, r parts f animals that seem unusual. Each persn must decide hw t cpe with the realities f fd chice, and shuld give this sme cnsideratin befrehand. Hwever, grcery stres ffer a wide assrtment f fds, thugh fruits and vegetables are likely t be expensive. Yu shuld be able t enjy a healthy stay in Tanzania if yu drink nly filtered r bttled water and are bservant abut hand-washing and diet. If yu are a vegetarian, yu can cntinue t be ne while yu're in Tanzania. Hwever, due t health cncerns, eating salads and raw vegetables is nt advisable. If yu dn't usually eat seafd, it is wise t get accustmed t eating fish befre yu cme. Fish here is delicius and it will be ffered t yu rutinely. Other cmmn fds include rice and curry dishes, chicken, beans, lts f carbhydrates, and sme fried fd. Breakfast usually includes tea and mildly sweet bread and is traditinally eaten between 7:00-9:00AM, lunch at arund 2:00 PM, and dinner between 7:30-9:00 PM. WHAT CAN I DO TO ENSURE I HAVE A HEALTHY, SAFE EXPERIENCE? Maintaining gd health is critical t having a successful experience in ur Glbal Master s prgram. Please thrughly review the Health Guidelines and Requirements fr yur prgram. The guidelines include recmmended immunizatins; a suggested calendar fr immunizatins and ther prphylaxes; and valuable infrmatin n hw t avid expsure t cmmn carriers f disease. Students are thrughly briefed n lcal health and safety cnsideratins during in-cuntry rientatins and are updated thrughut the prgram if and when circumstances change. Fr infrmatin regarding safety and security, emergency cmmunicatins, SIT plicies, health and medical insurance, and general prgram tips, please read the Safety, Security, and Health dcument and Student Handbk. First and fremst, please knw that SIT has yur best interests in mind and has set rules that will prevent mst risky situatins. While Iceland is very safe in many ways, sme f the hazards are different than thse fund in ther cuntries. Iceland is very sparsely ppulated. In sme parts f Iceland, ne can travel fr hurs withut seeing any ther peple r any signs f civilizatin. It is easy t becme lst, and if ne were t be injured, help might nt be clse at hand. Thus, it is imprtant t travel in grups and let thers knw where yu are ging. Because f the large area and small ppulatin in Iceland, hazards are much less likely t be marked than in the US. There are few guardrails arund waterfalls and cliffs, fr example, and warning signs are nly fund in a few areas frequented by turists. Icelanders expect peple t always exercise their wn cmmn sense. Likewise, we expect yu t use gd cmmn sense and nt apprach cliffs r venture int unsafe circumstances. Varying weather cnditins cmbined with high latitude in Iceland can lead quickly t hypthermia. The weather changes ften and quickly, s apprpriate clthing (warm layers and a rain jacket) shuld always be taken n utings, regardless f hw the weather appears at departure. Freshwater rivers and lakes as well as the Abrad - 6 Flight, Passprt, and Visa Infrmatin 4/25/2018

7 cean are very cld arund Iceland. Falling int water can quickly lead t hypthermia and drwning, regardless f ne s swimming ability. Ht water is als a significant hazard in Iceland. In gethermal znes the grund is quite fragile, and ne can break thrugh the thin surface crust int biling water r mud belw. Always stay n marked paths in gethermal areas every year a number f turists are badly scalded r killed at these sites. Tap water in many parts f the cuntry cmes directly frm gethermal wells, and is much htter than we wuld expect in the US. Be careful when turning n taps and especially when getting in a shwer. Thugh infrequent, a number f natural disasters are pssible in Iceland, including vlcanic eruptins, avalanches, earthquakes, flds, and hurricane-frce winds. Yur in-cuntry rientatin will cver prcedures t be fllwed in these unlikely circumstances. Yu will experience the strng seasnal shift between very lng winter nights and lng summer days. This can be disrienting and can make sleeping difficult. Be aware that sleep deprivatin can impair judgment and increase risk f accidents, as well as being unpleasant. Eyeshades fr sleeping may be helpful during the beginning f the fall semester (mst Nrtherners learn t sleep in the light and d nt have heavy shades in their hmes). accident and illness cverage fr the internatinal cmpnents f yur Glbal Master s prgram. Please nte that this cverage is nt in affect fr any medical expenses incurred in the US. Therefre, we highly recmmend that students maintain cverage in the US fr the duratin f their Glbal Master s prgram. SIT Graduate Institute partners with Internatinal SOS t prvide medical and security services. Internatinal SOS has been prviding high quality glbal medical and security services fr ver 25 years. In the unlikely event f a medical emergency, the highest quality medical care will be arranged fr yu. If necessary, the cverage facilitates medical and security evacuatin f students. The services f Internatinal SOS are meant t cmpliment the risk management and health recmmendatins f the SIT Student Affairs team as well as the supprt f ur field-based staff. Yu will be autmatically enrlled in this cverage. SIT des nt prvide dental cverage nr prperty lss insurance. We encurage students t purchase persnal prperty insurance independently. Althugh all healthcare services are available in Reykjavik, we suggest that yu have a cmplete health checkup prir t leaving the US, including a dental checkup and any subsequent wrk. There will be access t pharmacies, health centers, emergency services and/r hspitals shuld yu need them. Yu will be briefed in rientatin with basic infrmatin abut hw t utilize these services. In Ísafjörður there are cunseling services and hspitals with 24-hur emergency receptins. In Iceland there is als a natinwide emergency htline pen 24-7 fr teleassistance. DOES SIT PROVIDE MEDICAL INSURANCE? SIT Graduate Institute prvides students with travel, Abrad - 7 Flight, Passprt, and Visa Infrmatin 4/25/2018

8 WHAT HAPPENS IF I GET SICK? Shuld yu need t g t the dctr fr any reasn, yu will need t call Internatinal SOS and speak with a prgram staff member t be directed t an apprpriate prvider. It is imprtant that yu cntact the designated lcal staff member in-cuntry whenever yu are seeking any medical attentin. SIT staff can direct yu t hspitals and clinics SIT prgrams have used fr many years and are apprved by Internatinal SOS. drmitry frnt desk, and bank transfers are als pssible. Yu need t be prepared t cver the assciated csts f any medical care, keep yur receipt(s) and file a claim fr reimbursement. CAN SIT ASSIST WITH ACCOMMODATIONS? Rm and bard is the respnsibility f each graduate student, and csts are NOT included in the tuitin. In bth Iceland and Zanzibar, husing assistance is available thrugh SIT. In bth cases, SIT Graduate Institute has prvided preferred ptins, and can prvide infrmatin n the lcal husing markets and ptins, figures fr budgeting, and services available. Hwever, each graduate student must cmplete the necessary dcumentatin with SIT t secure their wn husing. All students are required t fill ut a husing frm regardless f which ptin they chse in each lcatin. SIT has cntracted a lcal schl drmitry and temprarily reserved enugh private rms with private bathrms t huse all students. The drmitry als ffers ten ht meals per week (breakfast frm 7:30 8:30 and lunch frm 12:30-1:30, Mnday thrugh Friday) in their dining hall. In the evenings and weekends, students als have access t a tea kitchen with basic facilities. Free wifi is available as well. This is the easiest, mst cnvenient and mst affrdable ptin fr all SIT Graduate students in Iceland, and is highly recmmended. The cst f the drmitry is $650 per mnth, and students shuld budget an additinal $50 per mnth fr ther minr fees related t husing, including linen cleaning, and end f semester cleaning fees. Payment can be made via credit r debit card at the Blankets are prvided, but linens, tilet tissue, twels and ther tiletry essentials are nt, therefre students planning t stay in the drmitry shuld bring linens (single r twin size) as well as a duvet cver fr the blanket (there is a very limited supply f these available fr sale as well). There is a laundry rm available fr student use. Smking is nt prhibited n the premises. Overnight guests (r guests after 11 PM) are nt allwed unless previusly registered with the drmitry staff. Yu may als chse t secure husing independently. Hwever, husing in Iceland, and especially Ísafjörður is nt nly extremely expensive but difficult t secure as there are few husing ptins in the area, especially clse t the prgram site, and many lcal students in the market. Please nte that husing and related services are nt prvided by SIT Graduate Institute, and the drmitry described abve is in n way fficially part f SIT. Therefre any husing arrangement r cntract is between the student and landlrd r drmitry. SIT des nt have a drmitry in Zanzibar, but ur husing crdinatr is able assist students in lcating private husing. Husing in Stne Twn is fairly limited due t ppulatin density, but SIT will make every effrt Abrad - 8 Flight, Passprt, and Visa Infrmatin 4/25/2018

9 t lcate husing that meets yur preferences and is within clse prximity t the SIT Prgram Center, the Institute f Marine Sciences, and essential amenities within Stne Twn. Althugh taxis are available, yu will prbably want t walk thrugh Stne Twn and ther parts f the Island. Many f the alleys in Stne Twn are barely wide enugh fr a bike t pass and walking will enable yu t view the rnately carved Zanzibar drs and greet merchants and neighbrs. Jurneying utside Stne Twn is mst cmfrtably dne with a taxi; hwever, a netwrk f dala-dalas (small minivans) exist which service all the majr villages n the island. A taxi is a lt mre expensive than a dala-dala, which is the preferred mde f travel fr lcal peple. Our husing crdinatr has wrked with landlrds in Zanzibar t prvide a few different ptins fr students: private apartments, shared apartments with ther students, and rented rms frm lcal families. Each apartment r huse is subject t a unique cntract with a landlrd and prices will vary between $300 and $600 per mnth. Each ptin has access t a kitchen and bathrm, and utilities such as water and electricity are included in the price. Smking is ften frbidden and Wi- Fi is limited r unavailable in mst residences in Stne Twn, hwever students can purchase lcal mdems. In additin, the SIT prgram ffice has limited Wi-Fi and there are numerus Internet cafes in Stne Twn. HOW WILL I GET AROUND TOWN IN ÍSAFJÖRÐUR AND ZANZIBAR? The mst cnvenient frm f transprtatin arund Ísafjörður is walking. It is a very small twn and the best way t get arund is by ft. T get t surrunding twns and villages there is a bus service. Many guesthuses are als happy t arrange a taxi fr a transfer t the harbr, airprt, spice tur, r ther lcatins. Hwever, guesthuse wners get cmmissins frm taxis and s the prices tend t be higher. Fr example, a guesthuse might say an airprt transfer is $12, while ut n the streets f Stne Twn there are many taxi drivers needing business and yu'll prbably be able t negtiate fr a lwer price. WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO COMMUNICATE WITH OTHERS WHILE I M ABROAD? While yu may want t be in regular cmmunicatin with friends and family frm hme during the term abrad, please bear in mind that different time znes, unreliable phne lines, and changing prgram activities can cmplicate cmmunicatin. It s imprtant t be clear with family and friends abut yur availability during yur Glbal Master s prgram. SIT Graduate Institute recmmends mderating time n scial media in rder t engage lcally. Cnstant cmmunicatin with friends and family at hme can impact yur ability t acculturate. As part f SIT s cmmitment t student safety and security, all students are required t have a wrking smart phne capable f making and receiving bth lcal and internatinal calls thrughut the duratin f the prgram. Fr that purpse students are required t either (a) bring an Abrad - 9 Flight, Passprt, and Visa Infrmatin 4/25/2018

10 pen, unlcked smart phne frm hme t the prgram that is able t accept a lcal SIM card, and is cmpatible with and usable at the prgram lcatin, (b) wrk with the academic directr within the first week upn arrival in cuntry t purchase a smart phne lcally, r (c) bring a dual SIM smart phne. DO NOT purchase an internatinal plan. It is critical that yu have a lcal SIM, thus a lcal telephne number t cnnect with faculty, staff and varius affiliated rganizatins while in cuntry. During rientatin, with assistance frm SIT Graduate Institute staff, students will learn hw t purchase and use an apprpriate lcal SIM card, and hw t acquire minutes fr calls and texting. Abrad requires that each student have a lcal number fr cmmunicatin with the hmestay family and prgram staff. While we recgnize that alternative cmmunicatin methds can be free r cheaper than cell service i.e. Facetime, Skype, WhatsApp, etc. thse prgrams alne d nt satisfy ur need fr regular cmmunicatin with the lcal prgram staff and partners, nr d they meet ur emergency cmmunicatin needs. Therefre, lcal cellular capacity n each student s phne is required fr the duratin f the prgram. Students are required t maintain a minimum amunt f phne credits at all times fr emergency calls. Full cmpliance with this plicy is expected. Free and paid Wi-Fi is widely available in Iceland at cafés, restaurants, and ther public lcatins. Wi-fi is mre limited in Zanzibar. WHAT S THE BEST WAY TO BRING OR ACCESS MONEY? If using a debit and/r credit card, yu shuld cntact yur bank and/r credit card cmpanies regarding yur travel plans. If yu dn t infrm these cmpanies that yu will be away, they will ften assume the card has been lst r stlen and will put an immediate hld n the card. Yu shuld als check n csts f withdrawal, as these csts vary and can smetimes be very expensive. Renewing and receiving reissued credit and debit cards while n the prgram will be an expensive and highly incnvenient prcess. Befre yu leave fr yur prgram, please check the expiratin dates n yur cards t ensure that they will nt expire while yu are abrad. It is als very imprtant that yu make phtcpies f all yur debit/credit card infrmatin and leave them with smene yu trust in case yur cards are lst r stlen. The Icelandic currency is the Icelandic krna (króna), abbreviated ISK. Using yur credit card r debit card in Iceland is easy and highly recmmended. While mst things are available in Iceland, prices tend t be high: expect t pay at least twice the US price fr mst items. Fr instance, restaurant fd, electrnics, and English text bks are particularly expensive. Tanzanian shillings are the lcal currency in Tanzania and, upn arriving in Zanzibar yu shuld take time t familiarize yurself with the bills, cins, and rate f exchange. Whether t bring cash r ATM cards is a persnal decisin. Cash (particularly in US$50 and US$100 denminatins) is easier t exchange and gets a better rate, but it cannt be replaced if lst r stlen. U.S. dllars that are dated befre 2009 are NOT accepted and are very difficult t change, as there are a lt f frgeries. Traveler s checks are n lnger accepted. ATM machines are available in Stne Twn where the prgram is based, but are harder t find in ther areas f Zanzibar. Check current exchange rates: WILL I HAVE TIME FOR VISITORS WHILE I M ABROAD? SIT Graduate Institute encurages students t schedule visits frm friends and family t their prgram sites after the cnclusin f the frmal prgram when pssible. Students are expected t engage in all prgram activities and cursewrk during their time abrad. Students will nt be excused frm prgram cmpnents t attend t visitrs. See the Attendance and Participatin sectin f the Student Handbk. Abrad - 10 Flight, Passprt, and Visa Infrmatin 4/25/2018

11 Please nte that any visitrs during the curse f the prgram must plan their wn independent accmmdatins. CAN I BRING FAMILY? SIT Graduate Institute des nt prhibit students frm bringing family members. It is imprtant t recgnize that the academic and acculturatin cmpnents require extensive time and energy. Students are expected t engage in every prgram activity including site visits, excursins, curses and guest lectures. There are lng days with smetimes unpredictable itinerary shifts due t lcal realities and rigrus academic assignments. CAN I TRAVEL INDEPENDENTLY DURING PROGRAM BREAKS OR LONG WEEKENDS? There are n lng breaks during the schedule in either Iceland r Zanzibar, but independent travel is permitted n the weekends. During rientatin in each cuntry the SIT staff will prvide guidelines fr independent travel. WHAT SHOULD I PACK? Please pack lightly and include nly necessary items. Yu shuld be able t carry all yur luggage significant distances n yur wn. Try t minimize bth the number f bags and weight f yur bag(s) since yu will likely be acquiring mre belngings while abrad. Please nte that many airlines are nw impsing significant baggage restrictins, including charging fr mre than ne checked bag and increasing the charge fr verweight bags. Usually nly ne carry-n is permitted n the plane: we recmmend bringing a small daypack, which will als be useful fr shrt excursins when n the prgram. If carrying prescriptin medicatins, yu shuld carry a letter frm yur dctr t prevent any cncerns at custms r in transit. (Please see the General Health Tips sectin in the Safety, Security, and Health dcument.) Please plan t bring a full supply f any prescriptin medicatins fr the duratin f yur semester. Please check the current requirements f the Transprtatin Security Administratin ( as well as thse f the airline n which yu are flying fr dmestic and internatinal baggage restrictins. In Iceland the weather may change quickly frm ht and sunny t cld winds, rain, and snw. Plan t dress in layers as it gets warmer r clder, yu can simply eliminate r add layers. A waterprf uter layer ver a wl sweater r heavy fleece pullver and a light base layer is cmmnly wrn by lcals. We will be walking in urban areas and hiking in the wilderness, s be sure yu have cmfrtable, waterprf ftwear, as well as a rain jacket. Umbrellas are nt suggested, as strng winds frequently flip them inside ut. Students in the past have strngly recmmended rain pants. Yu may visit sme f Iceland s gethermally heated swimming pls and ht pts, s bring a swim suit that yu are cmfrtable in. Yu will als need warm headgear, a scarf, and glves. It is difficult t verstate the imprtance f dressing apprpriately in Zanzibar. Zanzibar is a cnservative Muslim culture, and cnservative dress is a must. The tw biggest cncerns which lcal peple have viced cncerning freigners is the use f alchl and inapprpriate dress. The Muslim ppulatin finds the shrts and tank tps ften wrn by turists cncerning. The way yu dress while yu are in Tanzania will directly affect hw yu and yur fellw students are perceived and treated. Fr all f these reasns, yu will need t fllw a dress cde thrughut the prgram. Further, lcal peple appreciate a neat and clean appearance, and Abrad - 11 Flight, Passprt, and Visa Infrmatin 4/25/2018

12 yu will be much less likely t be hassled if yu dress accrdingly. As yu will be in trpical East Africa, the clthes that yu bring shuld all be lightweight, washable and breathable. Yur clthes will be hand washed and linedried as a matter f rutine. Despite the heat, students are nt permitted t wear shrts in public. Students are nt permitted t wear tank tps, sleeveless shirts, crptps, halter-tps, r anything else mre daring than a lse but fitted t-shirt. cver yur backpack is recmmended. Als, it is mandatry fr yu t bring a prtable water filter r steripen, which can be used during excursins. The brand past SIT students recmmend is the 'system pack' which yu can find at this link: It can be easily purchased at L.L. Bean. It is als very imprtant t bring spare batteries. D nt bring slppy clthes r clthes with immdest pictures r writing n them. Female students will nt be permitted t wear skirts and dresses that are transparent r reveal their knees r arm pits, and will nt be permitted t wear tight-fitting pants at any time. All clthing shuld be mdest: tps shuld cver shulders and waists, skirts shuld fall past the knees, clthing shuld nt fit t tight r be transparent, and plunging necklines are nt acceptable. Try sitting crsslegged n the flr in skirts and dresses t make sure they re lng enugh; a skirt that barely cvers the knees wn t wrk. Mid-calf length r lnger skirts tend t wrk best. Als, try standing utside in the sun and have smene else let yu knw if yur skirt r dress is seethrugh (this can t always be determined by the wearer). Plan t buy any additinal new r secnd hand clthing yu may need nce yu are in Zanzibar. WHAT EQUIPMENT SHOULD I BRING? Yu shuld bring small binculars with yu. A mask, snrkel, fins, and water shes r water scks are all required equipment fr the prgram. Have a dive shp emplyee help yu make sure the mask and fins fit well. Take extra time t d this; the fit f the gear is its single mst imprtant attribute. Try it ut in a lcal swimming pl. It is nt necessary t bring a msquit net; yu will pay a small depsit and use a prgram-wned msquit net when necessary. It is als nt necessary t bring a tent. Sleeping bags are nt needed as students find them t be t ht. Instead, bring a sewn-tgether sheet r a light 'sleeping sack. Hiking bts are nt necessary but yu can bring running shes if yu like t exercise. A rain pnch r waterprf raincat large enugh t SHOULD I BRING A COMPUTER OR OTHER ELECTRONICS? It is required that yu bring a laptp cmputer. SIT des nt prvide persnal prperty insurance and it is recmmended that yu insure yur cmputer r ther valuables fr full cverage. SIT is nt respnsible fr any duty tax yu may have t pay when yu enter the cuntry, theft, r lss. Befre yu leave, it is up t yu t research the necessary adaptrs, plugs, and wattage variatins. Yu will be respnsible fr making arrangements t stre Abrad - 12 Flight, Passprt, and Visa Infrmatin 4/25/2018

13 yur laptp in a secure place while n excursin. Please see the fllwing website fr infrmatin abut electricity, vltage and electrical adapters. SIT will prvide yu with an SIT address prir t the start f the prgram. Fr address supprt, please cntact the SIT help desk and help.desk@sit.edu. D nt bring any electrical appliances withut a vltage cnverter and a tw-prng Eurpean plug adapter; the electricity vltage is 220 in Iceland. SIT has tw cmputers, ne printer, and wireless Internet fr student use in the SIT ffice in Stne Twn. Office hurs are 9 AM t 4 PM, Mnday thrugh Friday. It is recmmended that yu bring a large capacity flash drive fr backup and strage f phtgraphs. Any electrnics may be expsed t high temperatures, high humidity, lts f sand, and a hst f ther elements that can be damaging. SIT recmmends that students bring relatively basic laptps. Either bring a secnd-hand cmputer, a small cheap laptp, r back everything up n a hard drive befre yu leave. Nte: Macs are impssible t get fixed in Zanzibar. It is als highly recmmended t dwnlad bth Drpbx (Drpbx.cm) and Ggle Earth befre cming t Zanzibar as the Internet is generally slwer here. Bth sftware prgrams will be used fr assignments but Drpbx is als useful fr backing up yur wn files). WHAT CAN I OBTAIN IN COUNTRY? WHAT ISN T AVAILABLE? Shamp, dedrant, tthpaste, tampns, and ther items can easily be bught in Iceland, but are likely mre expensive. Please bring a full supply f any prescriptin medicatins what yu will need and a cpy f the written prescriptin frm yur dctr in case f lss. Persnal items such as cntact slutin and face wash are available, but they may be difficult t find and smewhat expensive. Tampns and sanitary napkins are easy t find but expensive. Plan t bring hand-washable clthes, which will make yur hand washing much easier. If yu wear glasses r cntacts, bring an extra pair. Be sure t pack enugh cntact lenses and slutin fr the whle semester. Please bring a full supply f any prescriptin medicatins what yu will need and a cpy f the written prescriptin frm yur dctr in case f lss. Keep in mind that mst things available t yu in the U.S. are als available in Zanzibar; therefre, yu d nt need t pack a semester s supply f shamp and sap. Abrad - 13 Flight, Passprt, and Visa Infrmatin 4/25/2018

14 PACKING LIST CLOTHING 1 nicer utfit apprpriate fr a dinner ut, cultural events, r meeting with gvernment fficials 3-4 pairs f pants 6-7 shirts 3-4 sweaters r fleeces (wl and synthetic materials are recmmended) Underwear (tw-week supply) Thermal underwear and base layers (wl and synthetic materials are recmmended) Warm scks (wl is recmmended) Warm pajamas Cld-weather, waterprf cat/windbreaker (g fr quality, it ll be wrth it; dwn is recmmended) Rain pants Warm hat, scarf, and glves Apprpriate clthes fr utdr activities and hiking Swimsuit Sunglasses Sunscreen (especially if yu have fair skin) Earplugs Credit r debit card Electricity cnverter and Eurpean tw prng adapter, chargers, batteries Twel (travel twel is ideal fr saving space) Laptp Water bttle OPTIONAL Camera Huse slippers r flip flps fr shwering Small pair f binculars Flashlight r headlamp (if yu like t read in bed and dn t want t disturb yur rmmates) SHOES 1 pair cmfrtable, everyday shes fr walking arund twn 1 pair waterprf hiking shes with gd grip fr utdr activities and hikes (preferably insulated) She spikes r cleats fr walking n icy streets 1 pair nice shes that yu can wear with yur nice utfit TRAVEL DOCUMENTS Passprt 2 phtcpies f yur passprt stred separately frm yur actual passprt Phtcpy f visa (if applicable) 2 passprt phts HEALTH/TOILETRIES Adequate supply f prescriptin medicatin (including birth cntrl pills), vitamins, and mtin sickness pills, if needed Extra pair f glasses r cntacts (if needed) Cntact cleaning/saking liquid (if needed) OTHER IMPORTANT ITEMS Schl supplies (ntebk, 2-3 jurnals, pens, etc.) Calculatr r calculatr app Travel alarm clck r wrist watch Zanzibar packing list GENERAL A frame backpack if yu already wn ne - if nt a large duffel bag wrks well 1-2 large (1 liter) water bttles A SteriPEN (UV water purificatin system), idine tablets, r a ceramic hand pump (SteriPEN highly recmmended, due t ease f use) A headlamp with plenty f extra batteries 2 large capacity flash drives Rain jacket + pack cver r a pnch that can cver yur backpack Abrad - 14 Flight, Passprt, and Visa Infrmatin 4/25/2018

15 Hat with a brim Sunglasses 1 small twel: pack-dry twels are great fr the humid envirnment Small pair f binculars Pcket sewing kit Ntebk and pens: cnsider write-in-the rain ntebks r a few smaller ntebks fr fieldwrk Small backpack fr day excursins Flat sink stpper fr ding laundry Small Kiswahili dictinary Snrkeling Equipment-make sure yu test each piece in a swimming pl befre yu leave the US Mask/ Snrkel Fins- the mre cmpact pair yu can find, the happier yu will be Dive bties/ aqua scks- ptinal and nt necessary if yu bring waterprf sandals (with a back fr fieldwrk and wading thrugh the cean) 1 pair sprt sandals (Tevas/Chacs wrk well and are nt available in Zanzibar) Running shes/ day hikers if yu plan n exercising (als highly useful fr frest walks it is easy t stub yur te in cral rag frests) WOMEN 0-1 lightweight casual lng dresses must cver shulders and knees (Yu can have mre made in Zanzibar very cheaply.) 3 lng skirts (n sarngs) (Remember that yu will be living in these skirts, in classes, n buses, hiking, jgging, etc. They shuld lk nice and, mst f all, be cmfrtable - full-skirt styles tend t be easier fr sitting crss-legged n the flr) 1 lightweight slip - Gauzy, see-thugh type skirts and similar dresses will need t be wrn with a slip. Past students have recmmended a knee-length slip 2 cnservative bluses r shirts that are lightweight but nt see-thrugh 1 lightweight, lng sleeve safari style bluse recmmended 4-5 lightweight, lse T-shirts r ther shrtsleeved shirts must cver yur shulders but can have a v-neck (nte: cttn tends t take a lng time t dry in humid atmspheres and white t-shirts will quickly get dirty in Zanzibar) 1 week s supply f underwear (r mre, if yu d nt like hand-washing frequently) cttn gusset/quick-dry is recmmended, as cttn will be quickly destryed by laundry 2 pairs f scks (mre if yu plan n exercising regularly) Nrmal and sprts bras Lightweight pajamas r nightgwn 1-2 pairs lse, lightweight capris r pants 1-2 pairs athletic lng shrts fr wearing inside 1 tank tp fr wearing t sleep/inside If planning n exercising: lightweight sweatpants that cver yur knees 1-2 ne-piece bathing suits (cnservative, like a cmpetitive swimmer) MEN 2-3 pairs pants (at least ne pair f nicer khaki type pants) 1 pair athletic belw the knee shrts 2-3 buttn dwn shirts 3-4 t-shirts Tank tp fr indr use 1 week s supply f (cttn gusset/easy dry) underwear (r mre depending n hw ften yu want t d laundry) 1-2 pairs f scks (mre if yu plan n exercising regularly) Lightweight pajamas 1-2 pair swimming trunks Lightweight jacket r fleece Rain pnch r raincat (waterprf) large enugh t cver yur backpack Bandana TRAVEL DOCUMENTS Passprt Yellw WHO Card where applicable (see Safety, Security, and Health fr mre infrmatin) Tw phtcpies f yur passprt, stred separately frm yur actual passprt ATM card (make sure yur card can be used in Zanzibar let the bank knw yu will be ut f the cuntry) Cash it is recmmended t bring $300 cash the rest is easily accessible frm the bank and NOTE that $100 will be used fr a depsit at the beginning f the semester Abrad - 15 Flight, Passprt, and Visa Infrmatin 4/25/2018

16 Letter frm yur dctr explaining yur medicatins HEALTH/TOILETRIES Sunscreen (high SPF) available but expensive in Zanzibar Ale/after sun cream Plastic, digital, ral thermmeter Small supply f medical needs Sudafed, Emergen-C, multivitamin, Benadryl, anti-itch cream, Nesprin, band-aids Advil/Ibuprfen Lip balm with sun blck Insect repellant the msquites are bad, cnsider bringing a mild slutin fr daily use and DEET fr extra buggy times Supply f prtein bars (adjust quantity based n dietary needs) Cntact lens slutin (available but expensive) 1 extra pair glasses/lenses (if yu wear glasses r cntact lenses) 10 Gatrade r ral rehydratin packets Mtin sickness medicatin if yu are prne t mtin sickness Antibacterial hand sanitizer small bttle Adequate supply f prescriptin medicatin (including birth cntrl pills), vitamins, and mtin sickness pills, if needed Bring all medicatins yu nrmally take n a regular basis and make sure yur supply will last fr the whle prgram. Malaria is endemic in Zanzibar! Bring enugh antimalaria medicatin (Dxycycline, Malarne, r ther prescribed medicatin) fr the entire semester. OTHER IMPORTANT ITEMS Schl supplies (ntebk, 2-3 jurnals, pens, etc.) Calculatr r calculatr app Travel alarm clck r wrist watch Duct tape (small amunt- yu can wrap this arund yur water bttle fr strage) Carabiner (very useful fr water bttle) 1 pair flip-flps fr daily use Camera waterprf cameras are great Supply f Ziplc bags (very handy) Mesh dive bag r dry bag Earplugs Credit r debit card Electricity cnverter and Eurpean tw prng adapter, chargers, batteries Abrad - 16 Flight, Passprt, and Visa Infrmatin 4/25/2018