Pre-departure Notes

Here are some notes on topics we discussed at the second pre-departure meeting. Some of this is repetitive from the first one.

• 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.
• We have a new culture course this year focusing on the Mapuche, the native people of south Chile. The syllabus looks great and I'm looking forward to it myself. We have been working on getting NUPath certification for IC. I'm not sure about SI, but I think it's going to be tough to get it done.

• Plan to arrive a couple hours early at the airport. Get your own ticket, go through security, and meet the group at the gate area.
• At Immigration, you will be given an entry document that looks like a cash-register tape. Keep it with your passport and do not lose it. You will be asked to show it when you leave Chile.
• Your host family will provide transportation from the airport. When you exit customs, look for someone holding a sign with your name. Before we leave Boston, I will give you a card on which you should write your name. When we leave customs Eric and I will walk out the doors to the far wall to get away from the crowd so you can see us. Please hand one of us your card so we know you have a ride. We will not leave the airport until we know everyone has a ride. Note that I'll hire a van or two to take us from the Ibis to the airport, so you'll only be responsible for getting yourself to the hotel. If you are not returning with the group, make your own arrangements for transportation to the airport. Your host family can help you.
• The rest of Saturday is free. On Sunday, we'll all meet at the hotel at 1:00PM. From there we'll take the Metro downtown for a walking tour and lunch. We'll end the tour at Plaza de Armas, where you can enjoy the sights with Santiago residents on Mothers' Day, and return to your home when you like.
• Your homework for now: Make sure you know how to get to school and back to your home. If you are between los Dominicos and the campus, take the C-02 or C-02C bus. If you are on the Metro, take Line 1 (red on the map) to Los Dominicos and then take the C-02 or C-02C bus. The C-02C is "cortado" or "cut." That means it doesn't run the whole route, but begins at Los Dominicos. The bus will be empty and easier to board than the C-02 along Avenida Apoquindo. When the bus turns left into the campus, get off at the first stop and walk uphill to the gate. You should have a map of campus so you can find the building for class. Allow some extra time to get there because the busses are crowded, and there can be surprises.
• Expect the unexpected: Syllabus changes, schedule changes, Metro breakdowns, phone problems, and more.
• In--country travel: No overnights allowed by DOC Program.
• You may want to buy a SIM card when you get to Santiago. Roaming with your US phone may be expensive.
• You can use my US phone number. I will have it activated in Chiles. You can also use my Chilean number which I will give you by email the day we arrive.
• Be mindful of local laws, and don't violate any.
• Avoid protests and the like. These do occur everywhere; they are generally very peaceful, but in any case, it's best not to get involved.
• 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.
• 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.

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.
• You will be given 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. The afternoon is easier, as we end before the rush. If you are along the eastern end of the Metro Line 1, you can stay on the C-02 to your destination or transfer to the Metro at Los Dominicos.
• 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. It has been reported that Scotiabank and Banco de Desarrollo ATMs take Bank-of-America cards with only a 1% fee.
• Starting Sunday after our arrival, 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.
• Emergency Phone Numbers in Santiago:
  • Police 133
  • Fire 132
  • Ambulance 131
• Local water is safe to drink, but heavily treated with chemicals and you may not like the taste. Bottled water is available. I bought 6-liter jugs at the grocery store.
• 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.
• Most cab drivers do not speak English. If you know you are going to use a cab, have someone write out your destination for the driver. Always carry your address in case you decide to use a cab to get home. As in any country, cab drivers may take advantage of those unfamiliar with routes.
• 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.
• Avoid exchanging money at the airport, and do not do so with strangers in any case. Money exchanges exist near the center of the city and offer good exchange rates.
• Gifts to take home: Check out the market stalls at Pubelito Los Dominicos near the Los Dominicos station, just past the east end of the park there. It has local crafts and such at all prices if you are looking for things to take home to family and friends. There are many vendors and it's much better than trying to find something at the big stores.
• Men: If you are looking for a bathroom the big letter M on the door stands for Mujeres. That means women. We don't go there.

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.
• 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.
• Get my US mobile number and Eric's.