Frequently Asked Questions |
How can I find out more about the course/trip?
Attend an information session on October 31, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm in HORT 117.
How do I sign up for the course?
Pick up an application from room 26 Agricultural Administration building. Fill it out and turn it in.
Where can I get passport photos taken?
Room 26 Agricultural Administration building. Do it now!
How long will it take to get a passport?
Probably at least 8 weeks. Apply as soon as possible.
What are my obligations if I turn in an application?
None, but students are chosen for the course in part based on the date/time they turn in their applications so the sooner you turn in an application the less likely you are to be excluded if more students want to participate than can be accepted.
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Should I buy Guide books for Paris and Rome?
If you want to, do so. But, between the three professors we have lots and lots of resources available for you to borrow.
What foreign language skills are needed?
None. All of the course will be conducted in English or translators will be available.
How much will the trip cost?
Approximately $3700 but the budget is not yet finalized. This will include a program fee, airfare and some miscellaneous costs.
How much will the airplane costs be?
Approximately $825. Unfortunately this about $150 more than we wanted to spend but we've made up the costs elsewhere in the budget.
What does the program fee cover?
Lodging, most meals, student insurance, student identification card, most transportation costs, entrance fees to sites.
Will the $3700 include air fare?
Yes.
When will I have to pay the money?
The airfare must be paid by 5 pm on 5 March.
The balance of the program fee paid to Purdue is due with summer fees - usually the first of May.
Does the $3700 estimated cost include meals?
It will cover most of them. Breakfast will be provided by the hotels we are staying in. There will be days when you are responsible for paying for your own meals. These will be days when there is no course material planned at all, e.g., free days in Paris (breakfast is provided by the hotel), Rome, and Naples. On these days you will have to buy your own meals. On “class” days if we are not having a group meal you will be provided a cash stipend to purchase your lunch and/or dinner. The specific amounts have not yet been finalized but will be about 17 to 18 Euros per day. This money will be paid to you from the money you pay the bursar for the program fee.
Will we have free time to explore and sightsee?
Yes, there will be days free for sightseeing in Toulouse, Paris, Rome, and Naples. These days you may explore as you wish. Also on most days after class is finished you will have the evenings free.
How much should I plan for meals on “free” days whenmeals are not provided?
Probably about $25 per day depending on how much and how well you want to dine.
What miscellaneous costs will there be?
In Paris, Rome,and Naples you might want to ride the subway or bus. You might want to take a taxi somewhere or go on an excursion in the big cities, e.g. Pompeii near Naples. You might want to buy souvenirs for everyone in your family. Except for gifts it should be a minimal amount.
How much money should I take with me?
We think that $200 should be enough depending on how much you plan to spend for gifts and souvenirs.
Will my debit/credit card and/or ATM work in Europe?
Check with the issuing agency. Purdue Credit Union ATM cards work virtually everywhere and there is no charge for using it. Visa and Master Charge work almost everywhere but there may be a cost (1-2%) added to your bill for currency conversion fees.
Where will we stay while we’re in Europe?
We will stay in hotels, usually two people to a room. In Toulouse we will stay in the Campanile Gril. In Paris we will stay at the Valadon very near to the Eiffel Tower. In Rome we will stay near Piazza Navona near the Spanish Steps
How many will be going on the trip?
We expect that there will be about 18 students and three professors: Steve Weller of Horticulture, George Van Scoyoc of Agronomy and Alan York of Entomology. All of these faculty members have been part of previous Study Abroad courses
Will students enrolled in the course be mostly guys?
To the contrary; throughout universities in the U.S. there are significantly more females that study abroad than males. Right now it looks like eight males and ten females. On the first of our courses there were eight female students and seven males. On the second there were thirteen females and five males.
How much experience do the course professors have traveling in Europe and other countries?
Professor York has been in Europe on the average of twice per year for at least the past fifteen years. On two occasions he lived there for five months. His average stay in Europe is about two to three weeks. He has traveled in nearly all the European countries except Greece and the Scandinavian countries. Most recently in May of 2006 he was in Hungary, Austria, Germany, Spain, France, and United Kingdom. He has also traveled in China, Taiwan, Japan, Thailand, and Australia.
Dr. Weller has been to Europe 5 times in the last 3 years spending time in England, France, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and Belgium and has traveled to Guatemala and Honduras many times over the last 15 years. During the last 3 years he has traveled to China, Korea, Israel, Egypt and Tanzania.
Dr. Van Scoyoc has been to Europe numerous times and has been there three times in the last year. He has traveled in Spain, England, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Italy, Switzerland, and has lived for an extended period in Hungary. He has also spent time in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Thailand, and Japan, as well as time in a number of Caribbean countries.
Will this course just be about farming?
No. It will cover food production, food processing, business management, marketing, retailing, history, European culture and cuisine.
Will the course cover just plant crop production?
Absolutely not. There will be a great deal of animal agriculture including cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, and water buffalo. There will be both grain and horticultural crop production. Cheese and viticulture will be covered in depth.
How will the class be conducted while in Europe?
Each day there we will visit several sites. Some days all will be technical sites: farms, food processors, etc. Other days will be devoted to cultural sites, e.g., Carcassone. Some days will be mixed.
Is it appropriate for Agricultural Economics majors?
Definitely! It is appropriate for all agricultural majors and perhaps some non-Ag majors. On past course trips we’ve had multiple students from every major from the College of Agriculture.
Would it be appropriate for someone majoring in something other than Agriculture?
Definitely, but College of Agriculture students have priority.
When will we have quizzes and exams during the course?
There will be one exam while we are in Europe. We will have an exam on Monday 14 May before we leave on Tuesday 15 May.
Why is the class beginning on May 14 if we’re not leaving until the 15th?
On Monday afternoon May 14 we will have the final orientation session and an examination over technical material learned previously.
What will the exam cover?
Technical topics related to organic agriculture that you will learn prior to the beginning of the course itself.
Will we meet before the beginning of the course on May 14?
Yes, we will have several orientation sessions. The previous trip in 2005 we had five orientation sessions. These were held in the evening about 5:45 pm to 7:15 pm. Food will be served. Meetings are scheduled for 21 Feb, 21 Mar, 4 Apr, and 18 Apr. All meetings will be held in Smith Hall 125.
What will be covered in these orientation sessions?
Everything you need to know for the course/trip. They will also serve to make you familiar with the other students and faculty going abroad. The instructors have visited all the sites and the accommodations (hotels and restaurants) that will be seen during the class and can provide additional insight of specific questions.
Are the Orientation Meetings mandatory.
Yes. If you must miss a meeting lett Professor Weller (494-1333) know as soon as possible.
When we are in Europe what time will classes begin each day?
Usually we will begin about 8:00 or 8:30 and finish about 5:00 to 6:00.
How will we get to the different sites each day?
Chartered busses.
Will we be eating a lot of strange food?
When one is in France, one eats French food. When one is in Italy, one eats Italian food. But, the food does not have to be strange. For many of the meals you will be able to choose what you eat, and think of the opportunity to expand your food enjoyment experiences.
What’s the weather like in France and Italy during the time of the class?
Variable, just like in Indiana but much the same as Indiana in May/early June. Some days will be cool early and then turn very warm by mid-morning. As in Indiana, some days will have rain. Most of the time it is absolutely great!
Do we need to be able to understand French and Italian?
No. We will have a translator with us for each class day. When you’re exploring during free time you will find most of the French and Italian shopkeepers are competent in English.
How do we communicate with home?
The cheapest way is email that will be available, but probably not each day. Phones are always an option but an expensive one. We will have a web site where we will post pictures that your parents and friends can visit.
Will my cell phone work in France and Italy?
Probably not. Check with your phone provider. Even if it does work it may cost as much as $2.00 per minute. Check. There may be special rates available.
Will I need a raincoat?
Yes
What do I take for luggage?
See the web page for Packing.
Can I take my pillow?
If you have room, you can take it.
Is it safe to travel in Europe?
In our opinion, very much so. We all have been in Europe multiple times in the past few years. We would not undertake such a trip if we were not absolutely convinced that such a trip will be safe.
How do I know what airline to fly on?
You don’t. We will make all the arrangements for flights and then arrange for you to pay for your own ticket.
Do I have to fly to France with the rest of the group?
Yes! We want to make certain that everyone gets to Toulouse together. If we are together and there is a flight delay enroute, then we are all delayed together.
What airline will we fly on?
United Airlines Flight 928S to London. Probably EZjet or British Airways from London to Toulouse.
What are our travel arrangements?
Chicago, O'Hare Depart @ 6:13 pm Arrive London Heathrow 08:15 am
London Gatwick @ ca. 1:30 pm Arrive Toulouse Blagnac @ 4:30 pm
Rome Flumicino UA 967W @ 11:15 am to Washington Dulles Arrive 3:00 pm
Depart Washington Dulles UA 951W @ 5:40 pm Arrive Chicago O'hare at 6:57 pm.
Arrive Purdue @ 9:30 to 10:00 pm by Purdue Bus
How do we get to Chicago O’Hare?
We will ride up on a Purdue bus and return to West Lafayette on a Purdue bus.
Can I meet you at Chicago O’Hare?
No! If we leave Purdue together then we know where everyone is and we all travel together.
Do I have to return to West Lafayette after the trip?
No.
Can I be picked up at O’Hare airport?
Yes.
Will get airsick? I’ve never flown before.
Probably not. We’ll talk about this during orientation.
Where will I sleep on the night of the 14th?
Someone in West Lafayette will provide a bed for you. Don’t worry about it. If you live close to West Lafayette you can return home for the night.
What if I become sick while in Europe?
If after consulting a local physician it is beyond minor illness we will arrange for you to return home.
What about the likelihood of contracting Mad Cow Disease?
There is no BSE (mad cow disease) in France or Italy.
What about the idea that the French don’t like the Americans?
We have seen no indications that the French don’t like the Americans. To the contrary the French are very friendly to most friendly Americans. They may not agree with or like American politics but often they also don’t agree with or like French politics. The French and the Italians are very kind and friendly people! |
