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Once you apply for a program with Abbey Road and have submitted the $500 application deposit, you will be able to view the program’s Travel Itinerary on your personal student login page, which can be accessed here:
Abbey Road Student Login Page
If you have any questions about travel, please direct them to our Travel Coordinator, Federico Fava at: federico@goabbeyroad.com
- Double check that you have a passport with a valid expiration (valid for 3 months beyond the date of your return). For questions about passports, see the Passports & Visas section.
- Make sure that we receive any outstanding supplemental items and your final payment no later than April 1. To see a current record of what we have received from you, as well as to access any new blank forms, please login to your student status page.
- Make sure that you have finalized and confirmed all your travel arrangements as soon as possible:
- If you are traveling on the round-trip group itinerary, please review the itinerary and make sure you have arrangements to travel to the group departure point (JFK airport). If you are traveling to JFK by air, please make sure that we have your updated Travel Profile with your connecting flight information.
- If you are traveling independently, make sure that we have your updated Travel Profile with your full travel itinerary. We will need to finalize arrangements and know exactly when and where you will meet the group.
- Review our packing list to begin planning the items you will bring
- Review the section on safety with your parents
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If you do not have a valid passport, please be sure to apply for a new passport as soon as possible (long delays are common). We recommend that you make a clear photocopy of the title pages (the one with your photo on it). We also recommend that you travel with 2 extra copies of your passport photos. This will help greatly if the original is lost or stolen.
If it is already after April 1, and you need to apply for or renew a passport, we recommend using the expedite service.
For more information on passports, please visit the State Department website:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
To our knowledge, American and Canadian citizens do not need a visa to visit Italy, Spain, France or Greece for a period of four to five weeks. If you have any questions, please be sure to check directly with the consulate of the country in question. If you are a citizen of another country, please be sure to inquire about the necessity of obtaining a visa and keep us posted about your progress. It is vital that you begin working on your visa as soon as possible. We are ready to provide you with any necessary assistance.
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ALL STUDENTS (Group and Independent):
- Confirm your flights 72 hours prior to departure. If you are on our group flights, we will confirm them for you, but still confirm any connecting flights you are making independently.
- Make sure you have all your tickets (and receipts for any electronic tickets). Abbey Road Staff will have the tickets for those on the group flights. All other tickets need to be in your possession. If you are not sure, of any ticket information, please check with us immediately.
- Do not forget your passport!
- Please don't be late and don't miss any connections - give yourself enough extra time for traffic jams, parking, lines, transfer between terminals, additional security checks, etc. Our itinerary includes several legs: if you miss one, we will have to work very hard to try to find another seat for you on the later flights (because it's a busy season, there normally are not many seats left). Generally, arrive at least 3 hours prior to a domestic, and 4 hours prior to an international flight.
- Remember not to pack any sharp objects in your carry-ons (knives, tweezers, scissors, razors, etc.) and not to put any locks on your luggage.
Also, any liquids, gels and aerosols that you want to put in your carry-on are subject to new regulations by the Transport Security Administration (TSA). We recommend putting as many of these items as possible into your checked luggage. Any liquids, gels or aerosols that you need to put in your carry-on must meet the following requirements:
- Each item must be 3 ounces or less
- All these items must fit in ONE, ZIP-TOP, CLEAR PLASTIC BAG
- Each person is permitted ONE plastic bag, and it must be taken out of your carry-on at the security screening point to go through the scanning machines
For questions and information about prescription medications, please refer to the TSA's website on air travel.
- Never let strangers carry your luggage, don't accept any items from third persons, and don't accept rides from anyone except licensed taxi, shuttle or bus services.
- If in need of help at any time (e.g. if you miss a connection), you can walk to the nearest pay phone and call any of the staff members who will be at the airport. If you do not reach anyone and need to leave a message, do leave a message if necessary ("Hi, this is Jenny Smith on the Aix program, my flight from Chicago is 2 hours late, and I am at the American Airlines desk in Chicago. You can reach me at this number ... and I will call you back in 20 minutes"). Our staff will check for messages frequently.
*** NOTE: The cell phone numbers for the staff who will actually be at the airport will be posted online during the weeks before departure. ***
- If in need of help, also feel free to talk to your airline directly - just keep us posted as to what you arranged. ("Hi, this is Jenny Smith again, they put me on the next flight to JFK, AA #001, arriving at 4 pm in the ____ airport.")
- If you are running late, have missed your flight, or if there are any other changes in your itinerary, please call us immediately to let us know.
- Please bring along a printed copy of your program’s travel itinerary and a printed copy of this web page, along with all helpful contact information.
For Students Flying with the Group:
- The designated group assembly time at JFK is written in the program’s travel itinerary. Please note that the group assembly time is usually 3-4 hours prior to the actual flight departure time.
- If you are making a connecting flight into JFK, do NOT check your luggage through to the host country -- only check it through to JFK, and we will re-check your luggage as part of the group. This will drastically reduce the possibility for lost luggage.
- For students flying from JFK, Abbey Road staff members will be at the airport inside the terminal near the check-in counters for the airline, wearing name tags around their necks. Their phone numbers will be posted closer to the departure date.
- The staff will have your ticket.
- Because our student groups are large, and staff members few, we will not be able to meet students individually at their arrival terminals and help them transfer to the group assembly point. Please let your airline know if you need assistance, if necessary. Make sure you allow for enough time to make your flight (with cushion for any delays), to pick up your luggage, and to make your way to the appropriate terminal to meet the group.
For Students Flying Independently:
- Confirm your flights 72 hours prior to departure. Double check your itinerary, and that you have all necessary tickets (and receipts for any e-tickets), including those for all internal flights.
- Make sure you know and we know exactly when and where you are meeting with the group. We should know if you are flying in (with all your airline info), being dropped off by family member, or arriving by some other means.
- If you have a problem while abroad, you can call the Abbey Road Office in Los Angeles at 1-310-276-1745 (leave a message if off hours). We will do our best to help however possible given your situation. You should immediately seek help from the airline.
- If you are meeting the group at the arrival airport (listed on the travel itinerary), you will need to collect your luggage and then make your way to the terminal where the group is landing. Make sure you have in your carry-on a printed copy of the program travel itinerary (as well as this page with contact information) in case you need to ask an airport staff member for help finding the group.
- If you are meeting the group in the program city, make sure you know where you are going to be meeting the group. You can refer questions about this to the Program Director, who will be in touch with you during the weeks leading up to departure.
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Upon arrival in the host country, our staff must coordinate the various groups and independent travelers arriving, ensure everyone's luggage has arrived and get all students onto the charter bus taking us to the host community. Upon arrival in the host community, our staff must facilitate the process of introducing students to their homestay family or checking them into the student residence.
Only after several hours upon arrival in the host community will students have the opportunity to call home for the first time. Students will have a brief training session on how to use the local pay phones and an international calling card, during which they will call home for the first time.
As you know, the program fee is all-inclusive, and it covers all of your necessary expenses throughout the program, including the travel extension. The only additional money you may want to bring is for personal expenses, such as shopping, eating in restaurants, etc. - obviously, the amount depends on your habits.
The program fee covers your basic meals - breakfast, lunch and dinner - for the entire duration of the program. However, you may wish to bring some additional money to cover extra food and drinks, such as ice cream, snacks, coffee, etc. If you are particular about your eating habits, make sure you have extra money for food. Please keep in mind that buying food (even just a sandwich or a coke) in popular tourist areas and attractions is much more expensive than shopping at a neighborhood grocery store - so you may want to plan ahead.
From our experience, the typical students spend approximately 100 Euros per week excluding purchases of clothing and gifts.
We strongly advise against bringing large amounts of cash, or other expensive items (e.g. jewelry). There are many safer methods of bringing money: credit cards, Traveler's Checks, and ATM cards.
- ATM Cards - You can use your ATM cards for cash withdrawals provided your card is accepted by the cash machine - check the back of your card for the logos of the corresponding networks, such as Star, Cirrus, Plus, etc. You will be charged a transaction fee, but usually it will be lower than that charged by your credit card for a cash withdrawal. Be particularly careful when using Check Cards - the withdrawal or charge will be applied directly to your bank account. In Europe, most ATM machines will only accept short (4 or 5 digit) PIN numbers; if your PIN is longer, be sure to visit your bank before your departure and have it changed.
- Credit cards - Whenever possible, use your credit cards for shopping, eating out or other expenses. VISA and MasterCard are widely accepted in Europe, some stores take American Express. Credit cards usually offer you the best exchange rate, there are usually no additional charges (except if you make a cash withdrawal), and they are very convenient to use. Note the phone number for international collect calls on the back of your card and keep it in a separate location: if you lose your wallet, one call will protect your account against unauthorized charges. If you planning to use your credit card for cash withdrawals, make sure you know your secret code before you leave (it should only be 4 or 5 digits) - you will not be able to ask for it once you are away from home. Credit cards will charge a fee for cash withdrawals, but will give you a good exchange rate.
- Traveler's Checks - We do NOT recommend using traveler's checks. While this is a relatively safe method of carrying money, they can be inconvenient -- it can be difficult finding an office or bank to cash them, and summer travelers often face limited hours and long lines.
It is prudent to save all the receipts and check your account statements carefully when you return home: billing errors, double-charges and other omissions are more common with international transactions.
- Exchanging Money - Major banks, American Express and Thomas Cook offices, or the post offices offer the better exchange rates. Avoid currency exchange offices in tourist areas: most of them either charge a high commission or offer you a mediocre exchange rate.
- Wiring Money - Western Union (1-800-CALL-CASH; www.westernunion.com) offers a fast and convenient way to wire money abroad by phone, using a credit card. Simply call the 800 number above, provide the credit card information, the recipient's name and the country of destination. You will be provided with addresses of several Western Union offices (e.g. those located at banks, post offices, etc.) in the recipient's vicinity. The money will usually be available within a few hours or less. The recipient (student) should bring a valid ID (e.g. passport) to receive the money.
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Europe in the summer is sunny, hot and humid. To avoid over-packing, focus on clothing that is light (e.g. cotton and linen), comfortable, easy to wash, and versatile. Outside of the beach students should avoid wearing clothes that have holes or are tattered, such as cutoffs. Night life is mostly casual and slightly dressy. While wearing shorts is common in the U.S., most young women in Europe wear knee-length skirts.
In Europe, museums and cathedrals generally require visitors to wear clothing that covers the knees (i.e. no short skirts or short shorts) and that covers the shoulders (i.e. no tank tops).
Please refer to the Packing List below for more specific recommendations on clothing.
If you are planning to use any U.S.-manufactured electrical devices in Europe, don't forget to get an adapter and any necessary converters before you leave. In Greece, Italy and France, the consumer electricity standard is 220V as opposed to 110V in the U.S..
Again, we strongly recommend not bringing any valuable or unnecessary items with you, especially electronics. You should definitely NOT bring any laptop computers because of the high risk of theft, damage and overheating. We would recommend not bringing items such as electric toothbrushes, hair dryers or shavers because of the risk of damage, adapter problems, and general inconvenience.
Most students will want to bring a digital camera and walkman/iPod. While these are acceptable items to bring, please understand that they are the most targeted items for theft by pick-pockets and the most commonly damaged items (due to breakage, overheating, or water exposure). Students should bring protective carrying cases for these items, transport them in a safe spot in their carry-on luggage and prepare to be extra cautious with these items.
If you will be using medicine during the program, please be sure to bring along an ample supply, as well as a back-up one and a copy of the prescription. Remember that it may not be possible to send your medicine to you from the U.S. - some U.S. medications are illegal in some European countries (e.g. Ritalin). This will also help replace your medication in the event of loss or theft.
Every year the airlines impose more stringent limitations on luggage, especially for international flights. Connecting flights within Europe may have particularly strict weight limitations for checked luggage (typically, 30 kg), and the airlines will impose fines for luggage exceeding that limit. We will be making quite a few transfers (plane, bus, hotel, etc.) and you will not enjoy carrying heavy bags on such occasions (neither will your fellow travelers).
We would suggest bringing one sturdy, medium-sized suitcase (maximum 24-28" tall), preferably a rolling pull-case, and one normal-sized carry-on bag (e.g. a regular backpack).
Do not put locks on the luggage that you are planning to check in. Airport security (especially in the U.S.) may need to open and search it, and if there is a lock on your luggage, it will be broken or your bag will be cut.
You can use your carry-on bag to take something to read during the flight (a guidebook, for example); a camera, iPod, other fragile or valuable objects; and any personal and necessary everyday items you would like to have handy (e.g. toiletries or medicine). In the common event of delayed or lost luggage, you will be glad to have kept these in your carry-on bag. For extra comfort, you may want to buy an inflatable travel pillow, as well as take some tissue, perhaps a sweater or other comfortable clothing, to keep you comfortable during long hours of travel. Remember not to pack any sharp objects or other forbidden items (such as mace sprays); items such as nail clippers or tweezers should be packed in your checked luggage.
Remember not to let anyone carry your luggage, not to accept any items from strangers and not to leave your luggage unattended.
Keep your passport, tickets and wallet in a separate and safe location (we recommend a silk passport belt, which can be purchased at a travel store or a major department store) and keep them on your person at all times. Be especially careful when boarding and exiting the plane - do not leave them behind. Losing any of these items will cause you a lot of unnecessary headache and inconvenience.
When in Europe, you should also carry a calling card and a few important numbers (the numbers of the staff cellular phone, the Abbey Road group residence, and the language school) on your person at all times.
Again, please do not over-pack: it will make the trip much less comfortable for you and the rest of the group. When you think you are ready, take your bag and suitcase for a walk around your house. Now, what do you think you really need?
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Airlines are more strictly enforcing the rules on the number of bags allowed per person. We recommend:
- 1 small carry-on (e.g. a purse or small camera bag)
- 1 normal size carry-on (e.g. a backpack; maximum dimensions are 22" x 9" x 14" - length x width x height)
- 1 medium-size, sturdy rolling pull-case (we recommend a maximum 24-28" tall rolling case that is durable, not a duffle, with strong wheels)
- All bags should have tags clearly marked with name, address, and phone number
- One extra change of clothes
- Personal toiletries or medicine (subject to TSA regulations detailed above)
- Any fragile and valuable items
- Tissues or travel wipes, etc.
- Light sweater or jacket
- Book, magazine, iPod, etc. (be minimal!)
- Nail clippers
- Tweezers
- Razors
- Any other sharp objects
- Passport (and a passport belt)
- Tickets (for independent travelers; for group travelers, we will have your group tickets)
- Student ID card (if you do not have a student ID from your school, you may want to apply for an international student ID card)
Europe in the summer is sunny and hot. To avoid over-packing, focus on clothing that is light (e.g. cotton and linen), comfortable, easy to wash, and versatile. Outside of the beach students should avoid wearing clothes that have holes or are tattered, such as cutoffs. Night life is mostly casual and slightly dressy. While wearing shorts is common in the United States, most young women in Europe wear knee-length skirts.
- Comfortable sandals
- Good walking shoes (you will walk a lot!)
- Shorts/Skirts (avoid mini-skirts)
- Tee shirts and tank tops
- Short-sleeved shirts
- A few dressier shirts or outfits
- 1 or 2 pairs of pants
- 1 sweater or light jacket (for a rainy day)
SPECIAL NOTE: For all clothing and luggage we recommend bringing more discreet items that do not make you stand out as an American tourist. For example, we would not recommend items that are emblazoned with large American brands or symbols (e.g. US flag, USA, Gap, University of California, etc.).
- Swimming suit and beach sandals
- Beach towel and sunblock (waterproof recommended)
- Swimming accessories (e.g. goggles, if desired)
- Sunglasses (if you bring "dressy" shades, consider bringing a second pair that can withstand wear from hiking, beach play, watersports, etc.)
- Sports apparel and equipment (those wishing to bring sports equipment such as tennis rackets should do so with the intention of using it enough to justify the effort of traveling with it)
- Alarm Clock (battery-operated)
- Camera
- Travel electric adapter/converter (see Electronics above for more details)
- Journal or diary (if needed)
- Address book (for those postcards you'll send!)
- Small notebook and pen (for class use)
- Valuables (e.g. expensive jewelry or watches)
- Laptop computers
- Any non-essential electronics or personal appliances
- Large amounts of cash
- Bedding, blankets and pillows
Thieves and pick-pockets are very savvy in Europe. They target small, expensive objects. Watches, digital cameras, iPods, walkmans and cell phones are the most frequently stolen items. Only bring with you what you absolutely need and be very careful with any precious or expensive items.
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One of the primary reasons you are traveling with Abbey Road is to experience cultural immersion. It is a unique opportunity for you at this age to actually live in a foreign country and be more than a tourist. To make the most of this experience, you must maintain an open mind, be ready to change your patterns and habits, step out of your comfort zone and overcome your fear of speaking the language. With this kind of attitude, you will learn more, broaden your world perspective and experience tremendous personal growth.
The standard of living and everyday comfort may not be the same as the one you are used to at home. Remember that although life may not be as fast or efficient in Europe as in the U.S., and the quality of consumer service may not be the same, there are more than enough advantages on the other side - the advantages on account of which you come here, together with millions of other visitors.
You will not make many friends abroad with an attitude of "everything in the U.S. is bigger and better." In the past, some of our students who tried adhering to that viewpoint were given directions to the airport - a harsh, but logical response. Imagine your family in the U.S. hosting an exchange student who makes his entry into your home by telling you that Americans have no culture (stereotypes usually come in pairs), makes a face at the pancakes your Mother made for him, and leaves his wet towel on your clothes. Would you feel like taking this student to a party with your friends or showing him around your home town?
Homestay assignments are typically sent out via email in late May. At that time, you will receive a brief profile of your family with their contact information.
We take care to recruit and screen quality host families who will help you to get the most out of your cultural and language immersion experience. We also take care to match our students with families to meet everyone's needs as best as possible. It is important to note, however, that families are not customizable to exact specifications! We have to take into account some very important factors such as medical conditions, dietary restrictions and allergies (e.g. students who have allergies to cats). These factors will take precendent over less important preferences such as a family with certain interests or a family with a student your age. Therefore, homestay assignments are final and will not be changed unless there are critical reasons to do so.
It is also very important to remind our students and parents that families come in all shapes, sizes and personalities -- there is no such thing as a formula for a "perfect family." In fact, the single most important factor in having a successful homestay experience is the student's own attitude coming in. Students who come into a homestay experience open-minded, inquisitive, friendly, outgoing and polite will be very well received and well hosted compared to a student who comes in less friendly, picky, whiny and complaining.
In short, your homestay assignment may differ slightly than your preconceived idea. But this is precisely why you are coming on an immersion program -- to experience a new culture and a new way of life. So bring a positive attitude and get ready for a great summer!
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We encourage all students to write a letter of introduction to their host family immediately upon receipt of their assignment. This letter is an important first step in your interaction, your chance to make a good first impression and set the right tone for the rest of your summer experience. Therefore, it is important to be friendly, courteous and forthcoming. We encourage you to write your letter in the language of your host family’s country, and if you need assistance, we encourage you to ask your teacher at school. The letter need not be long, only five or six paragraphs (approximately one page).
Perhaps you would like to start by introducing yourself and thanking your future hosts for agreeing to have you this summer. You may want to proceed by telling your host family more about you, your personality, interests and hobbies, your life back home, your American family, as well as any other details about your life that you would like to share with them. This will help your host family to better plan for the summer, to think of various activities and events in which to include you. Perhaps you would like to tell your host family how excited you are to have this opportunity to live with them and to discover the language, culture and everyday life of a new country by becoming a part of their family. Please take note that certain English words/phrases might not translate perfectly; for example, "I am excited" in English does not translate into French as "Je suis excite'(e)"; the latter expression in French has a very specific and a very different connotation.
We suggest that your parents add a few words at the end, however casually, introducing themselves and thanking your host family again for their hospitality. This will come handy when your parents will be calling you at your host family residence, for example, and exchanging a few words, at the very least, with your host parents. A warm, courteous, friendly letter is certain to make a lot of difference for your future summer experience.
We also recommend enclosing a few pictures of yourself and your family, if you like.
We encourage you to begin working on this letter very soon. Once your host family is assigned (you will receive the assignment in late May), you can edit it as you see fit, and personally address and mail it to them right away.
We recommend that each student bring a gift for his/her homestay family, to give upon arrival, as a sincere token of appreciation for hosting him/her. The gift need not be expensive or luxurious by any means - it should be nice and somewhat representative of who you are, who your family is or where you are from. A few ideas to get you started: a gift basket full of treats made in your local area or perhaps a nice art or photography book from a local museum or of your hometown or state. If your family has young children (you will know once you receive your assignment), you may want to bring a small American toy for each of them.
Because one of the major goals of our residential programs is to provide an exciting opportunity for students to prepare for college life and learn how to live well with a group of peers, students will be expected to share house responsibilities, maintain a clean living space, and shop and cook together. We are privileged guests in a student residence - all students are expected to respect the residential guidelines for noise and cleanliness and to ensure that it is left completely free of any damages.
Your apartment-mates and roommate(s), with whom you will be matched up by the Abbey Road office (we will post apartment and roommate assignments in late May), will be an important part of your experience this summer. Your relationship with them will make a world of difference in your impressions from your stay abroad. A good relationship with your apartment-mates and roommate(s) will allow you to meet people and make friendships that may last a lifetime. In short, it is well worth your effort to become friends.
Be very polite and tactful, while letting your best true personality shine through. If you need to ask for something, like a change in the morning routine, do it diplomatically. Show interest in them and their lives. Any person has a "key" to his or her heart, a hobby, a favorite subject: from soccer to cooking, from medieval history to pop music. Explore these a little.
Be "low-maintenance," tidy, considerate. Save water and electricity - these are more expensive in Europe than in the U.S. Most importantly, hot water may be very limited - taking a 15 minute shower may use all the hot water available leaving your roommates with cold water. If you want to take a shower or do your laundry, politely ask whether the timing is convenient. Keep your room and the bathroom tidy.
If you expect to come back to the apartment later than your roommate(s), please be polite and quiet when entering. In fact, being polite when entering the apartment goes for any time of day, since nobody likes being "walked in on" and taken by surprise. Be sure to knock and let them know you're coming in.
If there is a problem or an issue to be resolved, approach it with great tact and delicacy. Be a diplomat. Resolving problems and conflicts with people, making them your friends and getting what you want from them is a priceless skill that will serve you well every day of your life - so start practicing. The same goes for possible issues you may need to resolve with your roommate - this will come very handy when you are in college.
Remember that it is very likely that the problem is a result of a simple misunderstanding or miscommunication. We have dozens of very amusing stories from the past. Do not allow a small issue to escalate to a crisis. Do not exaggerate the issue and do not jump to conclusions (e.g. "My roommate hates me!").
In general, give yourself some time to adapt. Coming to a different country, living in a new home with new people may be quite intimidating. It is perfectly normal to feel a little overwhelmed at first. Give yourself a day or two to adjust, and what seemed to be a serious problem (like a strangely designed shower head or an austere breakfast) may turn out to be a trifle that you will not notice again.
Our staff will be happy to talk to you about any problems - we are always there for you, at any time day or night. We would be happy to mediate and find a solution. In general, use us as your first point of contact in any difficult situation - this is much more effective than calling home first.
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Greece is seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST) or ten hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time (PST).
Italy and France are six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST) or nine hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time (PST).
Spain is six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST) or nine hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time (PST).
- Local Calls - The majority of public phones do not accept coins. Therefore, one of the first things you should do when you arrive in Europe is purchase a calling card. You can buy them at a newspaper kiosk or other local shops. The staff will provide further instructions during the on-site orientation session.
- Calling Home - There are several ways of making an international call to the U.S. The best and cheapest method is to buy an international calling card after arrival. The second method is to use a "direct access number" of a U.S. phone company (e.g. AT&T, Sprint, MCI) that will connect you to an American operator from a phone in Europe. These numbers are usually toll-free and you will not need a calling card or coins to make the initial call. After reaching the operator you can use your U.S. calling card or a credit card, or place a collect call to the U.S. and, in some cases, to third countries (this is usually more expensive than using a calling card for international calls). Below is the information for AT&T:
When making a call from Europe to the U.S., dial: AT&T USADirect Access Number + Area Code + Local Number
AT&T Direct Access Number for France: 0800 99 00 11
AT&T Direct Access Number for Greece: 00-800-1311
AT&T Direct Access Number for Spain: 900-990-011
The operator will prompt you to enter your AT&T calling card number or a major credit card number (Visa, MasterCard or Amex).
- Cell Phones - During the on-site orientation, we will give students information on how to rent cell phones. Costs vary based on type of phone rented as well as usage. Generally, it is much cheaper to rent a cell phone in the host country than to bring an American international cell phone to Europe, as the per minute rate is typically very high; however, you may want to consult your wireless service provider on this.
The safety of our students has always been our paramount concern. No summer experience will be enjoyable for our students or staff if safety is compromised. The following section will give you some useful advice to help you ensure your safety during the trip, and remind you about the most important safety rules of the program. We ask you to carefully read it. All of this information will be thoroughly discussed with students at the on-site orientation.
A detailed description of the program safety rules has been provided to you as a part of the program application (Appendix B). We would like to remind you about the most important, "cardinal" safety rules of Abbey Road. Any violation of these will put you in danger and will therefore force us to arrange for your immediate return home, at the expense of your parents. Please do not ruin this experience for yourself, your parents and for us. Here are the most serious violations of safety rules:
- Accepting a ride from any stranger or acquaintance (anyone except program staff or host family member), driving or using unauthorized motor vehicles or scooters
- Alcoholic intoxication or substance abuse
- Entering the private residence of any stranger or acquaintance (anyone except program staff, host family or fellow program student)
- Unauthorized departure from program premises, student or family residence after hours
As you know, this program gives you a certain amount of freedom, a wide range of choices, and provides you with many opportunities for exploring the life of the host community. We encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities, to practice your language, interact with people, live the life of a local resident, and discover the local sites that are hidden from the mainstream tourists.
As always in life, along with freedom comes responsibility. In a foreign country, you need to be more alert and careful than at home. We are all more or less street-smart in our hometown: we can tell a good neighborhood from a bad one, a popular café from a seedy bar. We can tell something about a person by the way they speak, dress, or gesture, for example, and we can handle an uncomfortable situation more confidently.
In a foreign country you find yourself at a disadvantage. There are the cultural differences, the language barrier, the limited knowledge of the local area and its residents. It is much more difficult to read people and places. Therefore, you need to be alert and try hard to make smart decisions.
One of our most important rules states that you should never be alone - you should always be with at least one other student from the program at all times. Any situation is safer in numbers. Also, one should always remember that friends help friends - if you ever see a fellow student in a risky situation (or putting themselves in a risky situation), you should immediately notify a staff member, even at the risk of discipline action because the health and safety of your friend is much more important.
It is very important to be discreet, to blend in, not to behave in a provocative manner, stand out, attract unnecessary attention and otherwise announce to the world that you are an American tourist. This will make your experience in a foreign country much more genuine and enjoyable. Importantly, it will also help you avoid many dangers and enhance your safety.
Remember also that the standards of courtesy vary between cultures. Be very wary of overly friendly individuals, particularly males young or old if you are a young lady - sadly, experience has proven time and again that their initial friendliness is a cover tool to get them something else, often money, sometimes worse. Do not be embarrassed or hesitant to dismiss such advances coolly, this is exactly what a truly savvy European woman can do with just a glance; also don't be surprised when such friendliness quickly sours. Just congratulate yourself on being culturally aware, personally empowered, and most important of all: safe. Move along, continue with what you are doing without a flinch, and feel free to talk about any encounters afterwards with an Abbey Road staff member.
Fortunately, you have a great advantage by comparison with the mainstream tourists: your local staff, as well as other students at the language school. Interact with them as much as possible, take interest and participate in their lives. This is a much better way to meet quality people and make new friends than to strike a random acquaintance on the street.
In the summer, Europe attracts crowds of people, among them many young (and old, so be equally, or even more, aware) men in search of seasonal adventures, people of vastly differing tastes, backgrounds, and intentions. Be smart. Choose your acquaintances carefully, and make sure that you do the choosing. Remember also that appearances and words can be deceiving!
Do not ever go to meet someone alone, especially late in the evening, in a remote or secluded location, or at a private residence. Do not ever accept or ask for a ride from anyone other than program staff. Do not give your address or phone number away. If you are going for a walk, bring a friend along it is much more comfortable and safe not to be alone. If you are going to meet someone, why not invite your new friend to join the others at a popular café, or a game of frisbee in the park? The reality of contemporary European socializing and dating, from those who have lived with European families for extended periods, is that young people normally go out in medium group dates, and in fact one-on-one dating is very rare, even considered strange, unless a couple is very serious. Therefore, an alarm bell should ring in your head if anyone asks you to out with them alone!
Do not carry large amounts of cash, jewelry or other valuables on your person you are almost certain to leave them in the hands of a pick-pocket. Purse snatching is a particularly popular sport in Southern Europe: wear your purse or bag across your body, on your front side, and keep your eye on it. Do not carry your wallet in your back pocket or in a backpack. Be aware of your surroundings and be especially alert near the major tourist traps, i.e. areas that attract large crowds of tourists.
Beware of strangers approaching you with any kind of requests and questions: they may be distracting you while their accomplices are reaching inside your pockets. This goes for street vendors and entertainers, fortune tellers, gypsies, and others.
Be particularly careful with your passport and airline tickets: do not carry them on your person unless absolutely necessary (e.g. if you need to present your ID). Please give your passport and tickets to a staff member when you no longer need them. Replacing a lost passport or tickets will cause you and us a lot of inconvenience and will cost a lot of time and money.
Please remember that we are there for you, eager to help with any problems you may have. If you are not feeling well or have any medical concerns, please be sure to let our staff member know immediately so that we can arrange a visit to a doctor and help you in any way we can. Do not be hesitant or shy: the issue will always be treated in a delicate and discreet manner. As for medical expenses, they will be reimbursed by our insurance provider once you return to the U.S., in accordance with the insurance policy (see the insurance information).
In summary, be safe and make smart decisions. Respect the program rules: we take them very seriously and we cannot make any compromises in this area. Playing by the rules will not take away any of the fun, on the contrary, it will make the trip much more enjoyable for your and for us. Spending time in hospitals and police stations is not as much fun as going to a beach or a restaurant, for example.
As we will keep reminding you, being a pedestrian in Europe is a serious responsibility. Drivers can be much more aggressive and reckless than you would expect. Traffic lights and pedestrian crossings may or may not matter: do not trust the drivers to obey the rules. Look both ways, make sure that no cars are approaching, or that they come to a full stop, before you begin crossing the street. If in doubt, yield. The same applies if you are biking (do not forget your helmet).
If you use a taxi, make sure it's a licensed and commonly used service provider. It is most convenient to order a taxi by phone, or you can ask a hotel, restaurant or a café to order one for you. Always ask for the approximate price for your itinerary before you get in. Make sure the driver turns on the meter, and that you have enough cash or that the driver will accept your credit card. A small tip is polite. We strongly advise against taking a taxi alone.
Remember that you can always call a staff member to give you a lift or help you with any problem. You will be required to carry the staff cellular phone number with you at all times (in your wallet, for example).
For your information, the following URL will direct you to the State Department's travel and safety advisories:
For Spain:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1024.html
For Greece:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1127.html
For Italy:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1146.html
For France:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1116.html
For Canada:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1082.html
The following URL will direct you to the CDC's health advisories:
For Western Europe:
http://www.cdc.gov/travel/westeurp.htm
For North America including Canada:
http://www.cdc.gov/travel/namerica.htm
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