Pre-departure Notes
Here are some notes on topics we discussed at the pre-departure
meeting.
- 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. Thats' a total of
270 to 360 hours in 5 weeks, or 56 to 72 hours per week. Expect to
be busy.
- 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.
- Expect the unexpected: Syllabus changes, schedule changes, Metro
breakdowns, and more.
- In--country travel: No overnights allowed by DOC Program.
- You will probably want to buy a SIM card when you get to
Santiago. Roaming with your US phone may be expensive.
- Before we all have Chilean phone numbers, you can use my US phone
number. I will have it activated in Chile for a limited number of
messages.
- Medical Conditions: If you have a medical condition that might
require special attention, you may want to let me and/or Ali 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 Ali 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.
- 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.
- Bring a laptop with Matlab ready to go. Check
http://myneu.neu.edu for help on
getting Matlab.
I've found that it usually takes about 3 weeks to make a
place your own. In that time, you'll develop some routines and learn
some of your favorite places in the city.
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.
- Santiago is a relatively safe city. Use common sense and watch for
petty crime, pickpockets, phone/camera/purse thieves, and scam
artists.
- When we arrive in Santiago, get a BIP card. Pronounce it "beep."
Put enough money on it to allow for a few rides (maybe 5,000 CLP) for
a start. Touch the card to the Bip target in the Metro or Micro to
pay.
- 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.
- Meals may be different from what is familar back home. Chileans
often eat a breakfast similar to that in the US, but a larger noon
meal, and tea in the evening.
- 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 26 April, Chile will use Chile Standard Time, which is
GMT-3:00. The US is already on Eastern Daylight Time which is
GMT-4:00. Thus, at 9:00PM in Chile, it will be 8:00PM back home.
- 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 not forbidden and 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.
- 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 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 so,
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.
Before the trip
- Check the travel registry on
http://myneu.neu.edu . Make changes as needed.
- Make sure Ali 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.