Pre-trip Preparation

 

Vietnam

Payments, Cancellation & Insurance

Payments: A non-refundable deposit was required with your application. The balance of the payment is due 6-8 weeks prior to departure. Please check your travel seminar brochure for the specific deadline.  You may pay part or all of your balance with a Visa or MasterCard.  For some programs, you may be billed directly by the organization or group sponsoring your travel seminar. 

 

Cancellation: Notice of cancellation must be received by the Center for Global Education in writing.  Your deposit is non-refundable.  A cancellation notice received up to 75 days before departure will be assessed only the deposit plus any non-recoverable costs (i.e. flight deposits, visa fee, etc.).  A cancellation notice received 60-75 days before departure will be assessed 25% of the total travel seminar cost; a cancellation notice received 30-60 days before departure will be assessed 50% of the total cost.  No refund will be issued for a cancellation received within 30 days of departure.

 

Note:  Without a written cancellation notice, the Center for Global Education will assume that you are participating in the travel seminar and expenses may be incurred on your behalf.  This may include airline deposits or visa fees. In some circumstances these expenses may be incurred 60-90 days prior to departure and you will be responsible for the cost of these items. 

 

In the case of extraordinary circumstances, such as a family emergency, personal illness, natural disaster or U.S. State Department Travel Warning, the Center for Global Education will work with you to determine fair handling and compensation for a cancellation.

 

Travel Insurance: The Center for Global Education strongly recommends that you purchase travel insurance covering both cancellation and medical evacuation.  You can find travel insurance providers via the Internet or by contacting a travel agency.

 

Medical Insurance: The Center for Global Education requires that you have health insurance coverage while on a travel seminar, and we encourage you to carry your medical insurance card with you. Make sure you know what is covered by your policy while you are outside the country. You may want to consider purchasing supplemental travel health insurance (see above).

 

If you need to obtain health insurance for your travel seminar, or if you wish to add or expand your international coverage, the Center for Global Education has an account with HTH Worldwide Insurance Services, which provides health coverage including emergency medical evacuation at a discounted group rate. You do not have to be a student. To enroll, visit http://www.hthstudents.com and use access code BIH-2227. If you need assistance with registering online, please contact our office.   Augsburg College students traveling with the Center for Global Education for credit are directly enrolled with HTH.

 

 

Air Travel Arrangements & Deviations

Your air travel, if included in the cost of the program, will be arranged out of the city designated in the travel seminar brochure.  The Center for Global Education will use the most convenient connections, efficient routing, and lowest fares possible. Some cities have limited service that may result in multiple connections or long layovers.  If you will be making your own travel arrangements, traveling in the country prior to or after the travel seminar, or if you have special travel needs, please contact the Center for Global Education as soon as possible. 

 

It is essential that the name on your travel documents be identical to your name as it appears on your passport.  If there is a discrepancy, you could be delayed or required to purchase another ticket.  Please check your ticket as soon as you receive it and contact the Center for Global Education if there is a discrepancy.  In the event that changes need to be made to the itinerary due to illness, strikes, terrorism, weather, or other causes, these changes will be made to ensure the well-being of all participants.  Additional expenses, if any, will be the responsibility of the travel seminar participant, although the Center for Global Education will make every effort to minimize such expenses.

 

During overseas flights, it is important to get up periodically and move about the cabin to increase blood circulation.  While seated, try to straighten your legs under the seat as much as possible and flex your calf muscles every couple hours.  Sitting in one position for many hours in a row, especially with your legs crossed, will not only make you uncomfortable but also may pose a health risk.  Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is an extremely rare but potentially fatal condition where a blood clot forms in the calves and then travels to other parts of the body.  Please contact your personal physician if you have any questions about reducing your possible risk of DVT on long flights.

 

 

Packing List & Luggage

Suggested Packing List:  

 

  • Comfortable but modest clothing

  • Note: Slacks, shirts, skirts for women, neat blue jeans, and t-shirts without logos are appropriate; short skirts, athletic gear, midriff-baring or tank tops are not appropriate.  Shorts are not appropriate for meetings but may be worn in other situations.  Clothing with a military style or pattern (e.g. camouflage), or with U.S. flags or other patriotic symbols, are also not appropriate.  Laundry service will be available at a reasonable cost.

  • Several dressier outfits for more formal meetings, church services or special evening events

  • Comfortable walking shoes; consider one pair with closed toes for markets and rural areas where there may be mud and biting insects

  • Lightweight robe and slip-on sandals for shared bathrooms

  • Swimsuit

  • Sweater, sweatshirt, or jacket for cool evenings and air-conditioned meeting rooms

  • Rain jacket or poncho, or umbrella

  • Toiletries and medications-bring everything you think you will need because some items may not be readily available and opportunities for shopping are limited

  • Jewelry – please leave expensive or sentimental items at home

  • Sun & insect protection – hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent

  • Photography supplies – camera, extra batteries, film

  • Small flashlight & extra batteries (for dark streets, rural areas, overnight trains)

  • Refillable water bottle, with a wide mouth for easy cleaning

  • Power bars or other high protein snacks, especially for vegetarians

  • Small backpack for items you will need for everyday use

  • Notebook or journal

  • Reading material, deck of cards, etc. for waiting times or delays

  • Travel clock, watch, or other timepiece

  • Money belt or neck pouch to hold valuables

  • ATM card, credit cards

  • Moist towelettes and hand sanitizer

  • Plug adapter (if you are bringing electrical appliances)

  • Passport and several photocopies of both the photo page and visa page (pack separately)

Luggage: Due to space restrictions on vehicles in Vietnam, please bring one large, soft-sided bag and one carry-on, plus a purse, camera case or briefcase.  Pack as lightly as you can.  In general, if you cannot comfortably walk five city blocks with all of your gear, you have packed too much.  You may want to pack a small tote bag or collapsible suitcase in your luggage for souvenirs you will acquire during your trip, as well as for side trips.  The suitcases designed to double as large backpacks are especially good for travel in Vietnam.

 

  

Money

Most participants find that US $200 to $250 is sufficient spending money for a one to two-week seminar.  Of course, how much you bring will depend on your personal spending habits.  Remember that all meals and program expenses are included in your travel seminar cost. For current information concerning exchange rates, visit http://www.xe.com.

 

 

Accommodations

In keeping with the style and philosophy of the seminar, you will stay at modest local hotels.  We are confident that this unique opportunity will enhance your understanding of the region in a challenging, experiential manner.

 

 

Health & Safety Information

Review your vaccinations: Check with your doctor or the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regarding recommended vaccinations for travel to Vietnam.  Currently, the CDC recommends that you be up-to-date on diphtheria-tetanus and measles, and that you consider an immune globulin vaccine for protection against Hepatitis A.  You may call the CDC at 404/332-4559 or visit their Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/

  • Bring enough medical/health supplies. If you take a prescription or other medication, make sure you bring enough to last your entire seminar, including a possible day or two of delay.  Be prepared, and bring medical and health supplies for potential problems.  Many medications, including common over-the-counter items, may not be readily available.

  • Drink enough water.  Besides drinking contaminated water, the most common health problem is not drinking enough water and getting dehydrated and/or constipated.

  • Wash your hands with soap whenever possible or use hand sanitizer when soap and water is not available.  Clean food and water can be contaminated by dirty hands.

  • Watch what you eat.  Eat food only if they are well cooked, and avoid salads unless the greens have been washed with purified water.  Fruit that you peel is the safest. 

  • Pace yourself.  While strenuous walking is not a regular part of any travel seminar, there may be an occasion when a long walk is necessary to reach a certain location.  Varying local conditions make anticipating this walk impossible, although CGE staff will keep you informed whenever possible.  If a particular health condition makes strenuous walking a concern, please be prepared to communicate your limitations with your group leader and CGE staff .

  • If you get sick, please let your trip leader or CGE staff know right away.  This will help to pinpoint problems with food and water, and help you to get better and arrange a visit to a doctor or medical clinic if necessary.  

Possible Ailments:

Traveler’s Diarrhea: Just the change in food, water and climate can lead to an upset stomach.  If you get diarrhea, treat it with Pepto-Bismol and drink lots of water.  When you are ready to eat again, start with rice, bread, crackers, and broth (bring bouillon cubes or dry soup).  Immodium (Loperamide is the generic equivalent) is a stronger medication to be used only when absolutely necessary.  It does not cure the diarrhea but slows down the digestive system, which can lead to other problems.  Some herbal teas are thought to aid in the prevention and treatment of diarrhea such as ginger root, raspberry, comfrey, and peppermint – bring some tea bags with you.

 

Hepatitis A:  Studies have shown that many cases of travel-related Hepatitis A happen to travelers in developing countries with “standard” itineraries, accommodations, and food consumption behavior.  Hepatitis A vaccine is preferred for persons who plan to travel repeatedly or reside for long periods of time in intermediate or high-risk areas.  Immune globulin is recommended for persons of all ages who desire only short-term protection. 

 

Malaria:  Malaria is a mosquito-borne illness that is present in parts of Vietnam, depending on the time of year and the area of the region.  CGE will contact you if your travel seminar may encounter a risk of malaria and will advise what precautions will be necessary. 

 

Typhoid: Typhoid Fever is a bacterial infection transmitted through contaminated food and/or water, or directly between people.  The CDC recommends a typhoid vaccination for those traveling to rural areas or staying long term (more than six weeks). 

 

Safety: Your safety is our highest concern.  Since 1982, more than 9,000 people have participated in CGE travel seminars.  CGE has thus gained a great deal of experience with group travel.  CGE will not hesitate to cancel a trip should something occur that would make it appear to be unsafe to travel to a specific country or area. 

 

Out of our extensive experience we have developed the following guidelines for you to observe before and during your travel seminar. These guidelines come out of important safety, security and cultural concerns. At times, the reasons for these guidelines may not always seem obvious to you. Keep in mind that following these guidelines helps to ensure the safety of travel seminar participants, staff and resource people.  In addition, it enhances the group’s educational experience and fosters long-term relationships of trust and mutual respect which the Center seeks to develop in the region.

 

If all participants follow these guidelines, it means less inconvenience for you and the group and less work for our staff.  Thanks!

  

When you arrive at the airport in Vietnam:

You may be asked by officials about your itinerary and schedule. If so, simply respond: you don't know what your schedule is. (You will receive a tentative schedule of appointments from the Center staff upon arrival in Vietnam). Identify yourself as a tourist if asked; the official purpose of your trip is educational tourism.  Watch your bags and documents at the airport, as bags have been stolen before and while loading luggage into the vans.

 

 

Do's and Don'ts

While on the travel seminar . . .

Do . . .

  • Listen carefully to all safety information during your in-country orientation.

  • Keep your passport with you at all times, inside your clothing if possible (unless our staff directs you otherwise).

  • Stay close together as a group when you are out in public and always travel in groups of two or more.

  • Always ask permission of a person before taping or photographing.

  • Be cautious about what you say in public (including airplanes, airports, restaurants and hotel lobbies). There will most likely be people around you who will understand English. Also, North Americans tend to speak in louder voices, so keep your voice at a low level--even when in your hotel room.

  • Be respectful of resource people, even those with whom your views differ. This doesn’t mean that you have to avoid asking the “hard” questions, just ask them in a non-confrontational way.

  • Be respectful of other group members. Before asking multiple questions of resource people, look around to see if other people have questions and remember that people have varied learning styles and may need more time before asking questions.  Remember that you are part of a learning community and not simply an independent traveler.

  • Drink a lot of water to maintain good health. When the weather is hot, you will dehydrate much more quickly! Our field staff will give you guidelines for finding sources of safe water.

Don't . . .

  • Leave suitcases, bags, or purses unattended, even for a minute!

  • Handle large amounts of money in public. Know how much you have and where it is.

  • Give anybody any reason to rob you. That means don’t wear flashy (or any) jewelry, watches, bulging pockets, or expensive-looking sunglasses.

  • Disclose the tentative schedule or names of resource persons and groups of which you may be aware. This information should not be given either to "friendly strangers," to other resource persons on the program, or to anyone outside of your group.  If you want to ask someone about information provided by another resource person/organization, find a way to do this without mentioning the other person/organization (e.g. "I read before I came that. . .").

  • Photograph military personnel or military installations. In many countries, airports and bridges are included in this prohibition. This is true for U.S. immigration and customs areas as well.

Your group will have an orientation session upon arrival in Vietnam. You will receive additional information and have the opportunity to ask questions at that time. In the meantime, if you have any questions about the information above, call the International Travel Seminars Staff at the Center.

 

NOTE:  It's likely you will hear the above guidelines again at various points during your travel seminar.  We ask for and appreciate your patience with this fact in advance of your trip.

 

 

Policy on Controlled Substances

Because of a past incident with one of our travel seminar groups, we would like to bring the following information to your attention:

 

The use, possession, transport, or purchase of “controlled substances” (i.e., illegal drugs) by a travel seminar participant carries significant risks and penalties for the participant, the entire group, and the reputation and legal status of the Center for Global Education in the countries in which we work.

 

A participant who uses illegal drugs while on a Center for Global Education program will be sent home at his or her own expense.  If the participant is detained or arrested, legal officials in the site of the arrest (U.S. or foreign country) likely will not permit Center for Global Education staff to contact or assist the detained person in any way.  The Center for Global Education’s responsibility for the participant ends at the time of detention or arrest for drug violations.

 

United States law prohibits the transport of illegal drugs across its borders.  Also, U.S. law does not protect U.S. citizens, U.S. residents, or others traveling abroad who violate foreign drug laws.  The laws that prevail are those of the country in which the law was broken.

 

Please reference the U.S. State Department’s Travel Warning on Drugs Abroad for more information http://travel.state.gov/travel/living/drugs/drugs_1237.html

 

And remember:

  • The police and customs officials have the right to search your luggage for drugs.

  • In many countries local laws make no distinction between hard and soft drugs.

  • United States laws DO NOT apply to Americans abroad who violate foreign laws.  Once you are overseas, you are subject to the same penalties for drug violations as the nationals of the country you are visiting.

  • In some countries, anyone who is caught with even a very small quantity of drugs for personal use may be tried and receive the same sentence as a large-scale trafficker.

  • If you are arrested for drug possession abroad you may be subject to interrogation and/or solitary confinement for up to a year before trial and receive a mandatory prison sentence of seven years to life if you are convicted.

 

Suggested Publication Guidelines (for writers)

Some participants write an article for their community newspaper, organizational newsletter or other media outlet following their trip.  In order to minimize risks to the security of resource persons who will meet with your group, without obscuring the written information or losing the strength or credibility of the article, we suggest the following publication guidelines. You will learn more about security-related issues when you arrive in each country.  We appreciate your consideration of these guidelines.

 

  • ·         Some people and organizations with which you meet may ask that you not identify them by name in anything published about your visit.

  • ·         In order to be more forthcoming in his/her presentation, a resource person may request no photographs, tape recordings or videotaping.

  • ·         Visits to United States Embassies are considered by the Embassies as background briefings only and are officially "off the record."  Embassy personnel ask not to be quoted or identified by name.

  • ·         Cameras and tape recorders usually aren't allowed inside U.S. Embassies.

  • ·         Some government offices require that cameras and tape recorders be inspected prior to granting permission to take these items inside the building.

  • ·         We request respect for all speakers, whether you agree or disagree with their perspective.  Ask the "hard questions," but be aware of the manner and tone in which they are stated.

  • ·         Discussing sensitive issues on the phone during your travel seminar is not advisable.

The following are some examples of journalism, following the suggested guidelines:

 

"Some of the church people that had gathered after the trial was canceled were bitter.  'Here you don't see any justice,' said one woman, 'only injustice.'"

 

"American diplomats and Salvadoran political analysts argue that the gains in curbing gross human rights abuses, stabilizing the economy, training the army and supporting an elected civilian government are essential and hard-won first steps."

 

"'It's going to take a long time,' says a knowledgeable military expert closely associated with the war effort."

 

"Local religious sources and foreign development workers in different parts of the country report that . . ."

 

"'We often go hungry to feed our children,' says an agricultural laborer with three children."

 

 

Gift Giving

The Center for Global Education is committed to building long-lasting relationships with the communities in our host countries.  As part of that commitment we have a policy of not giving gifts, no matter how small or inexpensive, to people on the streets, including not giving candy to children.  Regardless of the intentions, the practice of gift-giving can lead to ill feelings among both givers and receivers.  It also reinforces the stereotype of North Americans as patronizing, wealthy foreigners.  If you wish to share something with the people you meet, we suggest you bring postcards, photos or mementoes from your home community and family.

 

Some groups may decide to make a monetary donation to one or more of the organizations with which they meet.  This is always done in coordination with the Center for Global Education staff, and the donation is given to a responsible individual within the organization to ensure that it goes for the intended purpose.  This type of gift-giving is always voluntary.

 

 

Contact Information

Before your departure, CGE will provide you with the phone numbers for the places where you will be staying, so that family and friends will have contact information in case of emergencies.  It will cost less to call from the U.S. to Vietnam than vice versa.  However telephone service in Vietnam may be unreliable and some of the local hotels may not have English-speaking attendants.  Most of the accommodations CGE uses do not have phones in the rooms, but they will be available in the hotel lobby area or nearby.  Please do not purchase calling cards in the U.S., for use in Vietnam – they may not work. You will be able to purchase calling cards upon your arrival.

 

An after hours emergency cell phone is carried by a Minneapolis staff member whenever a travel seminar is in progress: 612/817-2830

 

Center for Global Education

Augsburg College

Campus Box 307

2211 Riverside Avenue

Minneapolis MN 55454

Local: 612/330-1159

Toll-Free: 800/299-8889

Fax: 612/330-1695

globaled@augsburg.edu

 

Overnight Service and Certified or Registered Mail:

2222 7½ Street

Minneapolis MN 55454