Pre-departure Notes

Here are some notes on topics we discussed at the pre-departure meeting.
Our first meeting is an overview of how to prepare for the trip, and what to expect.
We have a student from last year to give the student's perspective.
At the second meeting we'll talk about the course material and about logistics for transportation, etc.

Notes"

• Our #1 goal is academic: We have two courses, each with 45 hours of contact time. Typically you would do 2 to 3 times the contact time in homework, reading, etc. That's a total of 270 to 360 hours in 5 weeks, or 56 to 72 hours per week. Expect to be busy.
• Expect the unexpected: Syllabus changes, schedule changes, Metro breakdowns, phone problems, and more.
• In-country travel: No overnights allowed by DOC Program.
• In-country travel: Students are not permitted to drive motor vehicles during the trip.
• You must have communication at all times by phone (not internet). You may us international roaming on a US phone or get a Chilean phone or sim card when you arrive. Note that your phone must be "registered" in order for a SIM card to work. You will receive more information on Chilean phones in your arrival guide from Camila.
• I will check communication when we arrive.
• I will have a US phone with international text and a Chilean phone as well. You may contact me by either.
• Medical Conditions: If you have a medical condition that might require special attention, you may want to let me and/or Eric know before the program.
• Emergencies: I have plenty of support (UAndes, AON World-Aware, GEO, NUPD, and more. Always ask me for help.
• Watch out for each other. Let me and/or Eric know if you think someone needs help.
• Confidentiality: I will respect your confidence except where I'm required to report something, such as risk of injury, violation of laws, violation of University policies.
• Be mindful of local laws, and don't violate any.
• Bring a laptop with Matlab ready to go. Check http://myneu.neu.edu for help on getting Matlab. Make sure you can use it without wireless.
• Internet access may be a little spotty. Try to have every file you need on your laptop so you don't need to rely on downloading.

Country--Specific Information

• Be careful what you take to Chile. If you have prescription medicines, carry a copy of the prescription. If you have it in Spanish, so much the better. Many agricultural and animal products are forbidden. Obviously illegal drugs will lead to serious problems. Customs officers check for all of these; you will get caught. Do not bring even one apple to Chile. It will be discovered and taken at customs, and you will be yelled at.
• Santiago is a relatively safe city. Use common sense and watch for petty crime, pickpockets, phone/camera/purse thieves, and scam artists.
• The Metro is extremely crowded, particularly at peak commuting times, and petty crime is not uncommon. Carry small amounts of cash in different and secure locations. Avoid wearing or showing jewelry, headphones, watches, cell phones, cameras, etc. Try to arrange travel at off-peak times when possible.
• Your host family will give you a BiP (pronounced Beep) card that you can use on both the Metro and the bus (called el Micro, pronounced Meek-row). Expect crowds, especially on el Micro and at rush hour on everything. There may be over 200 people on one bus in the morning rush.
• Meals may be different from what is familiar back home. Chileans often eat a breakfast similar to that in the US, but a larger noon meal, and tea in the early evening. Families often eat dinner at 9pm or later. If you are going to miss a dinner be sure to tell your host family in advance.
• The weather will likely include moderate winter temperatures (occasionally below freezing, and often warm enough for light clothing during the day). You don't need to prepare for a Boston winter, but do have some warm clothing. Snow is unusual, and when it happens, accumulation is light. Gas heating is expensive, and homes are often kept cooler than in the US. Have a couple of warm sweaters or sweatshirts to wear around the house. Students in Chile will dress for class much the same as in the US.
• Santander is a big bank in Santiago. Use American Express cards for cash at Santander or Corpbanca. Check your own bank to see if they have agreements with Chilean banks to allow banking with minimal or no surcharges. Scotiabank and probably Banco de Desarrollo ATMs take Bank-of-America cards with only a 1% fee. I have verified Scotiabank. However the limits are lower than in the US; 100,000 pesos per day.
• Starting the Sunday after we arrive, Chile will use Chile Standard Time, which is GMT-4:00. The US is already on Eastern Daylight Time which is GMT-4:00. Thus Except for our first day, we'll be on the same time as Boston.
• Electricity is 240 Volts, 50 Hz, with European Continental Style outlets. Make sure your electronics will work and have proper adaptors.
• Drinking laws are more relaxed than in the US. Drinking on the streets is forbidden but the drinking age is 18. There is a rich and varied nightlife scene in Santiago. It can be fun but be careful. Drug laws are enforced severely. Don't take a chance. Chile is noted for Pisco (brandy) and good wine.
• Smog may be an issue in Santiago in May and June. It is not as severe as in many countries, but we need to expect some of it during our stay.
• Tips: It is customary to leave small tips (10%) in restaurants, but not for taxi drivers or most other services.
• Drug stores exist on nearly every corner. You may not find the same brands such as Tylenol, but equivalents will be available.
• Credit cards are generally accepted for larger purchases, but not for some smaller ones. Carry a bit of cash for food stands, small cafes, and such.
• It is a good idea to bring small gifts (eg. a box of chocolates, US mementos, or something of the sort to your host family.
• Good guest manners are important; make your bed, help with household chores, carrying groceries, cleaning up after meals, and generally behave as a good guest.
• Your host family may or may not have household employees. If you have them, treat them with respect.

Before the trip

• Check the travel registry on http://myneu.neu.edu . Make changes as needed.
• Make sure Eric and I have emergency contact names and numbers before we leave.
• Plan to visit your dentist, optometrist, etc., before leaving. These services are available in Santiago, but it's simpler, and probably cheaper if you handle them at home.
• It would be a good idea to get maybe US$100 in Chilean Pesos (CLP) so that you'll have some cash when you arrive in Santiago. After you get settled, you can use the ATM for more. Work on this in advance. It usually takes about a week for my bank to get any currency other than Euros, or British Pounds.
• Make sure you have a credit card that waives foreign transaction fees. Let all your credit-card companies know you are going to Chile.
• Send me a scan of your passport photo page. If you lose your passport, that will help you get a new one.
• I will keep other documents that you worry about losing. Seal them in an envelope with your name on it, and I will keep it in a safe place to give to you should you need it.
• Send me a text with your name and US phone number. Save mine