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fall 2014

Pre-deParture guide welcome to italytuSCaNia

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IntroductIon 3

BeforeYouLeaveHome 4

Importantrequireddocuments 5

Passport 5StudentVisaAndPermitOfStay 5

cellPhone 6

Localcurrency&Banking 6

LocalCurrency 6Banking 7Budget 7EmergencyFunds 7

railPasses 7

Packing 8ImportantNotesForPacking 8SmallAppliances-ElectronicDevices 8ImportantNoteOnTransfersAndBaggage 8

StudentsWithdisabilities 8

DisabilityResources 8PhysicalAccommodationsAndSupport 8StudentsWithLearningDisabilities 8

SocialIssues 9

Religion 9

Health/medication 9Pre-departureMedical/DentalExaminations 9Medication 9

Weather 9

Housing 9

LdmStudentmailService 10

Pre-deParturePLannIngcHeckLISt

&uSefuLWeBSIteS 12

checklist 13

usefulWebsites 14

Socialmedia 14

WHenYouarrIveIntuScanIa 15

gettingSettled 16

CallingHome 16

ImportantPhonenumbers,emergencyandmedicalServices 16

JetLag 16

cultureShock 17

gettingaroundthetown 17

Safetytips 18

culturalHints 18

orientationmeeting 19

PoLIcIeSandruLeS 20

Policiesonconduct 21

academicregulations 22

concLuSIon 25

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dearStudent,

Youareabouttoembarkuponwhatwehopewillbeoneofthemostenrichingadventuresofyourlifetime.TheLorenzode’Medici (LdM)Pre-DepartureGuidehasbeencreatedtoassistyouinpreparingforyourstayinItaly.Itgivesyouaclearoverview ofwhat to do before leaving your country. Goodplanningandpropertimemanagementofyourresponsibilitiesarefundamentalinthefinalstagesbeforeyourdeparture.

ThisguideprovidesyouwithallthepracticaladviceyouwillneedbeforeyouleavehomeandwhenyouarriveinTuscania.

Welookforwardtoseeingyou!

Lorenzode’mediciInstitute

Welcome to italytuscania

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Before you leave home

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ImPortantrequIreddocumentS

PaSSPort

Themostimportantdocumentyouwillneedbeforeplanningyourtripabroadisapassport.Obtainingthepassportisyourresponsibility.Yourpassportmustbevalidforatleastthreefullmonthsafteryourreturndate!Itusuallytakesuptosixweekstogetyourpassport,butduringpeaktraveltimesitmaytakelonger.Itisimportanttoincludeyourdeparturedateonyourpassportapplication.ForfurtherinformationaboutgettingorrenewingaU.S.passport,feesand obtaining passport application forms please visit the officialwebsiteoftheU.S.GovernmentofStateat:http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.

Pleasemake2copiesofthefacepageofyourpassportandofyourStudentVisaandbringthemwithyou.

• OnecopyisneededtoapplyforthePermitofStayinItaly,somakesureyoubringittoItaly.

Photocopiesofdocumentstoleavewithyourfamily

• Giveacopyofyourpassport,acopyofyourdriver’slicense,andacopyofyourcreditcards(bothsides)toyour family inyourhomecountry. Incaseoneoftheseare lostorstolen, itmightbeeasierforyourfamilytohelpreplacestolenitems.

• Copyofyourtravelitinerary.

• Contactinformation,youraddressinItaly(ifyoualreadyknowit).

StudentvISaandPermItofStaY

Tofindoutifyouneedastudentvisa,youneedtofirstcalculateifyouwillbestudyinginItalymorethan90days.IfyouwillbestudyinginItalymorethan90days(i.e.semesterprograms),seebelow.

eucitizenshavenolegalobligations.

StudYPerIodSover90daYS:

all non-eu citizens must obtain a student visa; it ismandatorY. Students must contact the Italian Consulate orEmbassyoftheirjurisdictiontoseewhichdocumentsarerequiredin order to apply for a Study Visa (requirements vary from oneConsulatetoanother).Onceprocessed,theconsulatewillaffixyourvisaontoyourpassport.

The following documents areuSuaLLY required to apply for astudentvisa:

• Validpassport

• AcceptanceletterfromLdMbearingtheofficialseal:1Originaland1Copy

• Acertifiedbankletterindicatingyourfinancialsupport

• Proofofhealthinsurance,etc.

forfurtherinformation,pleaseseetheItalianministryofforeignaffairsat:www.esteri.it/visti/index_eng.asp.

**ImPortant:upon receiving your visa,pleaseensure that theItalianConsulategivesyouback theacceptance letter fromLdMbearingtheofficialsealoftheConsulate.ThisdocumentisrequiredtoapplyforthePermitofStayonceinItaly(somakesureyoubringitwithyou).

Select“STUDY:technicalandprofessional instructionbeyondthelevelofcompulsoryeducation”asthereasonforvisit.

The waiting period for a visa is approximately 4-6 weeks fromthe timeof theapplication,but itmay takeup to8weeks if anydocumentsaremissing.Toimprovethechancesofgettingthevisaon time,weadvisestudents tobegin thisprocessapproximately3monthsbeforetheirdeparturedatesincewaitingtimeandlinesbecomelongerduringpeaktravelperiods.

Studentsshouldcheck their visawhen theyget itback from theConsulatetomakesurethattheexpirationdatematchesthedatewrittenontheLdMacceptanceletter.

**PLeaSenote: Pleasebe aware that theStudyVisa youwillreceivewillallowyoutotraveltotheSchengencountriesONLY.Thismeansthatduringyoursemesterabroadyourarenotallowedtotraveli.e.toUK,Ireland,Croatia,Morocco,Turkey,etc.Pleaseseepage6forafulllistofSchengencountries.

Intheeventthataconsulatedoesnotissueastudyvisa,thenegationofsuchmustberequestedinwriting.

BesidestheVisa,allnon-EUcitizensstudyinginItalymorethan90dayswillberequiredtoapplyforthePermitofStayonceinItaly.

PermItofStaY(PermessodiSoggiorno)

Non-EU citizens must have BotH the student visa (which youobtain in your home country) and thePermit of Stay (which youobtainonceinItaly),inordertobelegalduringyourtimeabroad.

TheDecreepassedonthe11thofDecember2006bytheMinisterofInternalAffairsregardingthenewprocedurefortherequestofthe“PermessodiSoggiorno”(PermitofStay)forallpurposes-tourism,study,work,family,etc.-hasremainedunchanged.Thepermitofstayisamandatorydocument,especiallynecessaryforallstudentswhowishtotravelinEurope.

Upon arrival, LdM staff will instruct you on this procedure. Theprocessingofthedocumentsforthepermitofstaywillbehandledby Eduitalia.the link for the semester is http://secure.edu-services.org/Ldmtuscania/fall2014.

Although the credit card number is requested when registeringontheselinks,nomoneyisdebiteduntilafterthecollectionofthedocuments for thepermitofstay, i.e.duringthefirstweekof theterm.

thecostsforthepermitofstayareasfollows:

Registeredlettercontainingpermitofstaydocuments:Euro30,00*

Costofthepermitofstay:Euro108,80*

Eduitaliaprocessingfee:Euro30,50

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ThetotalcostisEuro169,30tobepaidincashorcreditcardbyeachstudentwhensubmittingthedocumentsrequiredforthepermitofstay:

1. a coPY of tHe front PHoto Page of YourPaSSPort.

2. acoPYof tHevISaPageofYourPaSSPort.Thispage,whichhasbeenstampedattheItalianborder,hastobephotocopieduponarrivalinItaly.

3. acoPYofYourInternatIonaLHeaLtHInSurancePoLIcY (this health insurance is ONLY valid if your policyspecifies that you are covered abroad). Studentswho do nothaveInternationalHealthInsurancewillberequiredtopurchaseanItalianEmergencyHealthInsurancePolicy.ThiswillonlycoverEmergencymedicalservicesinItaly.

4. AcopyoftheLdmacceptanceletterwhichyoupresentedto the Italian consulate or embassy bearing their officialstamp or seal. This letter should have been returned by theItalianConsulatetogetherwithyourpassportandvisa.

* note: rates are subject to change based on governmentupdates

ceLLPHoneForpurposesofsafetyand/or inthecaseofanationalorpersonalemergency all students studying at the Istituto Lorenzo de’MedicimuStcarryamobilephoneatalltimessothatyouareavailabletobecontacted24/7whilestudyinginItaly.Sincestudentapartmentsdonothave land-lines, themobilephone isalsouseful tokeep incontactwithfamily,facultyandfriends.

IfyoudecidetomakeuseofthecellphonesuppliedtoLdMstudents,Platform3000incollaborationwithPicCellWireless,pleasebeawarethatyouneedtoorderyourcellphone/SIMcard14daysinadvancesothatthephonewillbeshippedfreeofchargetoyourUSAaddress.

allphoneordersmustbedoneonline!toorderyourphone,youmustcontacttheofficeyouenrolledthroughandgettheproperlink.

Ldmstronglysuggest tohaveaphonewithyou throughoutyourtriptoItaly,sothatyoucaneasilyreachsomeoneincaseyouneedhelp.

detaILSIncLude:

• Youwillreceiveanewphonetokeep,anItalianSIMcardrentaland local service from VODAFONE Italy, all provided throughPicCellWireless.

• Lorenzode’Mediciispayingforallinitialfeesandyouonlypayfortheoutgoingcallsandtextsyoumake.

• Incomingcallsare free toyour Italiannumberwhileyouare inItaly,regardlessofwherethecalloriginates.

• YoureturntheSIMcardtoPicCellWirelessattheendofyour

program.IfyouhaveapersonalSmartphoneandwouldlikeonlyaSIMcard,youneedtofirstunlockitwithyourUSprovidersoitcanbeusedwithanItalianSIMcard.

• OrderfromthespeciallinkprovidedtoyouandreceivethephonebeforeyouleavetheUS.

• Shippingisfreeifyouorderatleast14daysinadvance.

• Please read all service details on the link including tips onusing your phone responsiblywhile abroad, savingmoney oninternationalcalls,costsforlocalratesandroamingrates.

• Insuranceagainstlossandtheftoptional.

• APicCellrepresentativewillbeavailableduringorientation.

• IfyouplantotravelaroundEuropewhileabroad,youcanorderadditional SIM cards for different countries for free or order aEuroperoamingSIMcardforafee.

If you have questions about this, please contact PiccellWirelessatinfo@piccellwireless.com.

LocaLcurrencY&BankIng

LocaLcurrencY

The Italianunitofcurrency is theeurowhich is indicatedby thesymbol€beforetheamountanditisdividedintocents.Banknotescome in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. They increase in sizeprogressivelyaccordingtothevalueandhavedifferentcolors.Thereare8differentcoinswhichhavecommonEuropeanfaceand,onthereverse, adifferent symbol representing eachof theEUcountries.Checkcurrencyconversionwebsites forcurrent rateofexchange.Thesamecurrencyisalsousedinthefollowingcountries:Andorra,Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany,Greece,Ireland,Kosovo,Luxemburg,Malta,Monaco,Montenegro,Netherlands, Portugal, SanMarino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain andVaticanCity.

Checkcurrencyconversionwebsitessuchashttp://www.xe.comfordailycurrencyconversionrates.BycalculatingEuroequivalentsfor$1,$5,$10,and$20 (andwriting themdown ifyoueasily forget),studentsshouldadjustquicklyafterthefirstfewdaysoftravel.

Somestudentsfinditcomfortingtoobtain$50to$100inEurosfromtheirlocalbankbeforeleavingforItaly.Thiswillallowyoutobecomefamiliarwiththelookandfeelofthecurrency,andyouwillhaveoneless thing to think about, when tired, upon arrival at the airport.PleaserememberhoweverthatmostU.S.travelersareabletoobtainEurosfromATMsintheairportswithoutproblems(seesectionbelowonATMs).

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BankIng

Unlessyouhaveabankaccount,itisveryhardtoexchangemoneyatabank.

***Importantnote:ChecksfromUSBankaccountsCANNOTbecashedinItaly.

atmcards-YoumaybeabletowithdrawmoneyfromyourbankaccountathomebyusingyourATMcardifyourbankcardhastheCirrusorPlussymbol.YoucanfindamachinewiththesamesymbolsandbeabletoaccessfundsfromyourCHECKINGaccount.

mastercard-visa-YoucanobtaincashadvancefromyourcreditcardatanATMmachinewith theVisaorMCsymbols ifyouhaveaPINnumber (different fromyourATMPIN;get yourPINnumberbeforeyou leavehome). If youdon’thaveaPINnumber, youcanusuallygetcashadvancefromanexchangeofficeorabank.

***Importantnote:Be sure to let your bank and the credit cardcompaniesknowyouaboutyourtravelplans.Otherwise,Europeantransactionscouldbeflaggedandservicecouldbeblocked.

traveler’scheckarenotcommonlyusedinItalyanymoreandinthepastitwasdifficultforstudentstofindbankstoexchangethemorplaceswheretopaywiththem.InsteadyoucanconsidergettingaVisaCheckCard.

Please visit http://usa.visa.com/personal/cards/prepaid/visa_travel_money.htmlformoreinfo.

Budget

You shouldmake a budget plan that guides you in handling yourmoney. In determining your potential expenses for the semester,calculate your expenses on campus, (i.e. books, entertainment,meals,etc.),whilefactoringintravelexpenses,anemergencyfund,andotherexcursionsorsupplies.Moneyneededpersemestervariesdepending on students’ preferences. Students on a small budgetspendbetween$3000-$5000persemester,andalavishbudgetcanbe$8000ormorepersemester.

Remember,studentsenrolledincourseswithfieldtrips,labfees,classsupplies andmaterials are responsible for paying these expensesthatcanbecostlyandshouldbudgetextramoneyaccordingly.

Hereareafewsuggestionstokeepyourcostsdown:

• Avoidimpulsebuying.

• Shopforgroceriesratherthaneatingout.

• Keeparecordofyourexpenses.

• Combinetripssoastogetseveral thingsdoneatonce. Itwillsavetimeandmoneyifyouplanaheadforyourtripsbytalkingto those who have been there before and going over yourguidebook.

Hereareafewexamplesofhowmuchyoucouldpayfor:

• Notebook€3,00

• Panini€4,00

• Smallbottleofwater€1,50

• Bigbottleofwater€2,50

• Plateofpastainarestaurant€6,00-10,00

emergencYfundS

Intheeventofanemergency,itispossibletohaveyourparentswiremoneytoyoudirectly.Thisproceduretakesaboutonehourontheirpart(moreforyoutoretrieveit)andshouldberestrictedtoemergencyusesincethereisafeeforboththeserviceandtransportationtotheagencywhereyoucanobtain yourwired funds.Please rememberthattherateofexchangewillbetheofficialexchangerateonthedaythetransactiontakesplace.

OrganizationswhichprovidewiretransferservicesareWesternUnion(800)464464andMoneyGram(800)088256.Youmaywanttocallthembeforeyouleavetofindoutdetailsandtoseeifthisisevenanoptioninthecountryorcountriesthatyouarestudyinginandvisiting.

raILPaSSeSeurailPassesmustbepurchasedintheu.S.beforeyouleave.Theserailpassescanalsobeboughtonline.Pleaseseewww.eurail.comorwww.raileurope.comformoreinformation.Thefirsttimeyouusethispassyoumustgototheticketwindowatthetrainstationtovalidateyourticketbeforeyourdeparture.InordertouseaEurostartrainwithyourEurailpass,youmuststillmakeaseatreservationandpayasmallsupplementalfee.Note:BewareoffraudulentcompaniesontheInternetsellingfakerailpasses!MakesureyoubuythiscardintheUnitedStates,beforecomingtoItaly.ItneedstobemailedtoavalidU.S.addressandthensignedbyyoupersonally.

foroneyearstudentsitispossibletogetthecartafreccia,which ismucha likea “mileage rewardscard” for frequentusersof the train. earnpoints for travelingwith the Italiantrain systemand you canget discounts andpromotions aswellasfreetrips.

Goonline(www.fsitaliane.it)assometimestherecanbediscountsifyoubuyyourtrainticket30/15/7daysbeforedeparture.

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PackIngImPortantnoteSforPackIng

• You alonewill carrywhat youbring!Youwill find cobblestonestreets and many flights of stairs -- can you carry it all byyourself?FindoutbeforeyouleavetheUSAandleavewhateveryoucan’tcarryathome.Youwill thankyourself,believeus! Inadditiontotheabovementioned,themajorityofstudentsarriveonthesamedaythattheyleft,whichmayincreaseyourchancesofhavingyourluggagedelayed,especiallyifit’soverweight.

• Afterpacking,seeifyoucanweedoutanyitemsyoudon’tthinkyou’llwearoruse.

• Beawareof itemsthatareprohibitedbyyourairline.Formoreinformationonwhatyoucannotcarryinyoursuitcaseorcarry-onbag,pleasecallyourairlines.

• Checkyourticketorcallyourairlineforluggagerestrictionsonsize,weight, numberof luggage items, locks, etc.Rememberthatmanyairlinesnowchargeanextrafeeforhavingmorethanonebag!Goingovertheweightlimitcanalsocarryseverefees.

• During your journey,watch your bags at all times anddonotacceptpackagesfromanyone.

SeePage13foracHeckLIStofWHattoBrIng-andWHattoLeaveatHome!

SmaLLaPPLIanceS

andeLectronIcdevIceS

ThevoltageinEuropeis220volts,50hertz.Ifyouhaveappliances(over60hertz) fromhome,youmustusea transformeraswellasaplugadapter. If youdon’tbringone, youcaneasilybuy it uponarrival.Wesuggestthatyoudonotbringanyelectronicitemsotherthan a laptop computer. Hairdryers and flat irons are available indualvoltage.Avarietyofdifferentkindsofbatteries(suchasAA)areavailabletopurchaseinItalyaswell.

ImPortantnoteontranSferSandBaggage

StudentSmuStmakeSure tHeIr fLIgHt IS LandIngatrome-fIumIcInoaIrPort.on tHedaYofarrIvaL,an Ldm Staff memBer WILL Be WaItIng at rome-fIumIcInoaIrPort toaccomPanY tHe StudentS totuScanIa. Before arrIvaL, StudentSWILL Be gIvenSPecIfIcdetaILSaBouttHemeetIngPoIntatrome-fIumIcInoaIrPort.

PLeaSenotetHatareturntranSferfromtuScanIaISnotIncLudedIntHeProgramcoStS.LdmSuggeStSStudentSmakereturntranSferarrangementSaSSoon aS tHeY Learn tHeIr return fLIgHt detaILS.In order to SImPLIfY traveLIng, StudentS SHouLdBrIngnomoretHantWoLargeSuItcaSeStHatareeaSY to manage PerSonaLLY. PLeaSe aLSo avoIdBrIngIngverYHeavYLuggageWItHYou.

StudentSWItHdISaBILItIeS

dISaBILItYreSourceS

ManyaccommodationsfordisabilitiesthatstudentsareusedtointheUSaredifferentordonotexistinItaly.Additionally,theexperienceofbeinginacompletelydifferentculturalenvironmentcanbestressful.

You should anticipate and arrange for any disabilityaccommodationsatoverseassiteswellbeforeyourdeparture.receivingaccommodationsonceyouareabroadwillbemoredifficultandmaynotbepossible.

make Sure to BrIng anY offIcIaL documentatIonofYourdISaBILItYorLearnIngaccomodatIonWItHYoutotuScanIa.

PHYSIcaLaccommodatIonSandSuPPort

Students with physical disabilities should be aware thataccommodationsthroughtoutItalycanbelimited,andthatitwillbenecessarytoadjusttotheirnewsurroundingsandculture.Prior todepartureseekoutasmuchinformationaspossible.

ItisimportantforstudentstokeepinmindthatinItalycitiesareold,buildingsare50to700+yearsold,elevatorsarerareandmaynotfitawheelchair,hallwaysandstairwayscanbenarrow,streetsareoftencobblestoneandunevenanddonothavelargesidewalks.

** It is very important to let Ldm know about any physicaldisabilityandtherequirementsyoumayhavewellbeforeyourdeparture,sothataccommodationscanbemadeifpossible.

StudentSWItHLearnIngdISaBILItIeS

Studentswithdocumentedlearningdisabilitieswillbesubjecttolocaleducationalstandards,andthereforemaynotbeprovidedwiththesameaccommodationsofferedby theirhome institution.However,basedoncurrentandofficialdocumentationofthedisability,LdMwillprovidereasonableassistancetothesestudents.Itiseachstudent’sresponsibility to obtain written documentation from their homeinstitution,andhanditintotheirLdMAdvisorandtosubmitaformalrequestbyemailtotheDeanofStudentsbythedeadline.

Commonly requestedaccommodationswhichhavebeenprovidedto LdM students include: extra time for completion of exams/quizzes, administration of exams/quizzes in separate classrooms,Italianlanguagetutoring,useofataperecorder(withpermissionofinstructor),useoflaptopfornotetakingandexams/quizzes.

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SocIaLISSueSreLIgIon

Youmaywanttolearnaboutavailableresourcesfordifferentreligions,orfindoutthehistoryofaparticularreligioninthecountriesinwhichyouare studyingor traveling.The following linkhelps you see thelevelofreligiousfreedomindifferentcountriesoverseas:

www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/- thestateofreligiousfreedom,countrybycountryasseenbytheUnitedStatesDepartmentofState.

DuringOrientation,youwill receiveahandbookof information thatincludessomeexamplesofspecificreligiousinstitutionsthatyoucanfrequentduringyourstayinTuscania.

HeaLtH&medIcatIonPre-deParturemedIcaL/dentaLexamInatIonS

• It isagood idea tohaveamedicalcheckupbeforeyou leavethe USA. Please see www.cdc.gov/travel/westeurp.htm fortheCenter forDiseaseControl’s current recommendations onimmunizations.

• ItisImPortanttobringcopiesofimportanthealthrecordsandadoctor’sstatementaboutanyhealthproblems.

• Avisit/checkupwithyourdentistisalsorecommended.

medIcatIon

a. Ifcurrentlyonadailyprescription,getenoughprescriptiondrugsfortheentirestayandanextrasupply.Note:packtheseintheiroriginalcontainers.

b. Bring prescriptions from your doctor (as proof that you areallowedtohavethemedication).

c. All prescribed medications must be labeled clearly with yourname to avoid any problems with local authorities. While USprescriptionsjustifyyoutravelingwiththemedications,theyarenotvalidinItalianpharmaciesforarefill.Therefore,toobtainaprescriptionvalidinItaly,youwillneedtovisitadoctortherewhowillbeabletowriteyouaprescription.

**Importantnote

ThedrugAdderal,commonlyusedintheUSAforpeoplewithADDorADHD,isnotavailableinItalyandis,infact,consideredanarcoticandisillegal.Ifyouhaveaprescriptionforthisdrug,pleasecontact

the US Consulate/Embassy for further details. Doctors cannotsupplyitinItaly,andyouwillnotbeabletohaveitsentover,soplanahead.ThesharingofAdderalamongstudentsisconsideredacrimeaccordingtoItalianlaw,andwillbeviewedbyLdMasaseriousdrugoffense.

WeatHerFrom September until mid-October and from late March untilMay theweather issunnyandcool.Thesummermonthsand thewintermonthstendtoberatherextreme.JanuaryandFebruaryaregenerallycold(32°Flow,48°Fhigh).InMarchitwillbestillchilly,andoftenrainytoo.

April islittlewarmerandMayisniceandwarm(50°low,75°high).In June, July andAugust, it gets very hot (70°F low, 100°F high).SeptemberandOctoberareverygoodmonthswithbeautifulautumndays (57°F low, 75°F high). In November it can rain often and inDecember the cold weather begins (37°F low, 55°F high). Note:TemperaturesmentionedaboveareinFahrenheit.

HouSIngHere is some basic information regarding LdM apartments inTuscania:

• Thelandlordwillprovidecleanlinens,towelsandkitchenutensils,sothereisnoneedtobringtheseitems.

• ElevatorsarerareinTuscania.

• Youwillbeshoppingmoreoftenforfoodbecausetherefrigeratorsareusuallymediumorsmallinsize.

• Electricityandwaterareexpensive.Europeansgenerallyareveryconservativewiththeiruseofutilities.

• Buildings can be anywhere from 50 to 700+ years old andthereforetheheatingsystemsarenotaspowerfulastheonesintheUSA.Bringwoolclothingorclothesyoucanlayer.

• Air-conditionersintheapartmentsarenotavailable,butmostofthemareequippedwithfans.Openthewindowstogetagoodventilationinyourapartmentandsaveenergy.Remindtoclosethewindowswhenyouarenotintheapartment.

• House slippers may be helpful and comfortable, since Italianapartmentsdon’thavecarpets.Theycanalsoavoidnoise fortheneighboursdownstairs.

• ElectricplugslookdifferentinItaly.ThevoltageinItalyis220(USis110).Formoreinfo,seepage8.

• Phonelandlinesarenotavailableinyourrentedapartments.

• INTERNET is available inALL LdMapartments.Keep inmind

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thatItalianinternetisdifferentfrominternetintheUSA.Youmaybeusedtoconstant,non-stopinternetconnectionsbutoverallinTuscaniasometimestheconnectionsarenotassteadydueto the differing architecture of buildings. Youmay not alwayshaveaccesstointernetinyourownroom,butinternetisatleastguaranteed in thecommonareaof theapartment. Informationmaybeobtainedfromthehousingofficeand/oryouradvisorinTuscania.

• Washingmachinesareavailable,notdryers.YoumayhangyourclothesonarackorusetheLaundromat.

• Itmightbeagoodideatogetear-plugsforthenight.Streetscanbenoisyinthebiggercities.

LdmStudentmaILServIceLdM has a Student Mail Service to facilitate students’ mail andpackagessentfromfamilyandfriends.ItiseasierforyouandmorereliabletohaveyourmailsenttotheStudentMailOfficethantoyourapartment in Italy, since there isalwayssomeone toaccept itandsinceyournamedoesnotappearonyourapartmentmailbox.Pleasehaveyourfriendsandfamilyaddresstheletters/packagesto:

Yourname

c/oIStItutoLorenZode’medIcI

LargomarIamorettIvIgnoLI7

01017tuScanIa(vt),ItaLIa

regularmailgenerally takes anywhere from8-10 days to arrive,bothtoandfromtheUSA.

Packagestakelonger:45daysifsentbyregularairmail,3-6daysifsentbyspecialshippingoptionsinthePostOffice(thiscostsmoremoney).

expressmail(Fed-Ex,DHL,etc.)takesabout3-4days.

WerecommendusingFed-Ex,DHL,orTNT.WedonotrecommendusingUPS.

ItisyourresponsibilitytocheckwiththeStudentmailService,and tocheckyourLdmmailbox frequently, especiallywhenyouareexpectingapackage.

customsforPackagessenttoStudents

Internationalimportsaresubjecttostrictcustomscontrols,andmanyofthemcanentailfees.

Each time food, cosmetics, electronics, leather products,

medicines,vitaminsandmedicalsupplies,e.g.contactlenses,aresentand/ordeclared,yourpackagesaremorelikelytobeheldupincustoms.

customsProcedures/fees:Forpackagesheldup incustoms,you will have to send/fax a copy of your passport and a signeddeclaration to customs officials, often pay a customs fee, andsometimespayaprocessingfeeinadditiontothecustomsfee.Forthisreasonwesuggestyouavoidsendingthesetypesofgoods.

medicine/medicalSupplies

Formedicine,contactlenses,etc.,werecommendthatyoubringasupplywithyouforyourwholestayinItaly.Ifyourunout,theseitemscanbeprescribedbyadoctorinItaly.ThereisaservicewithEnglish-speakingdoctorswhichyoucanusetogetnewprescriptions.Ifyouhaveaspecificmedicinethatyoutake,werecommendthatyoubringaprescriptionfromyourhomedoctortoshowtothedoctorshere.Ifmedicineormedicalsuppliesareheldupincustoms,youwillhavetoprovidecustomsofficialswithaprescriptionfromadoctorinItaly,andthereistheriskthattheywon’tarrivebythetimeyouneedthem.

Importvalue

Packages can also be held up in customs if the declared valuedoesn’tmatchtheactualvalueoftheitem(s).Ifsendingitemsthatareused(clothing,etc.),theyshouldbedeclaredassuch,specifying“used personal effects”. Be sure to write the current value of theitems,nottheoriginalprice.Newitemsshouldbemarked“forprivateuse”.Goodsmarkedwithhighvalueswillalmostcertainlybeheldupincustoms,andthestudentwillhavetocompleteadeclarationofthecontentandvalue.anImPorttaxofaBove30%oftHedecLaredvaLuemaYBecHargedforImPortedneWcLotHIng.

customsnotification

If thecustomsofficenotifies theLdMStudentMailServicedirectlyofapackageheldupincustoms,weemailthestudentimmediately.However, sometimes these notifications are in the formof letters addressed to the student, and in this case wecannotknowthatapackage isheldup incustomsuntil thestudentfindstheletterintheirmailboxandtellsus.**Thisiswhy students shouldcheck theirmailboxesandcheck inwith theStudentMailServiceregularly,especiallywhenexpectingapackage.Thecustomsofficewillwait for therequesteddocumentation from5-15workdays,afterwhichthepackagewilleitherbesentbackordestroyed,dependingonthepackage’scontent.

customsassistance

LdMStudentMailServiceoffersassistancetostudentsforpackageswhicharebeingheldinItaliancustomsforimportrestrictions.LdM’spackageserviceconsistsofassistingstudentsin:

• fillingoutformsanddocuments;

• e-mailingorfaxingtherequesteddocuments,orelseexplaininghow to send them through themail (the customs officemayspecifytheywantthedocumentsfaxed,scannedorsent);

• actingasanintermediarybetweenthestudentandthecustomsoffice/shippingcompanywhenpossible;

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• transferring payments made by the students to the customsoffice/shippingcompany.

Ldmisnotresponsibleforanyerrorsordelaysbythecustomsoffice/shipping companies, or any damages caused by thestudent’sdelaysinfindingthecustomsnotification,fillingouttheforms,etc.

**timing for customs clearance - The customs clearance timebelow starts from the moment a student informs LdM about thisnotification.

• Approximately 5-15 days for goods held in customs for taxreasons

• Approximately10-45days forpackagesheldduetorestrictedcontent

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Pre-deParture PlaNNiNg CheCkliSt

aNd uSeful WeBSiteS

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cHeckLIStrequIred

• validpassport

• Studentvisa(ifrequired,seepage5)

• All documents stamped by the Italian Consulate (includingOriginalAcceptanceLetterfromLdM)--ifapplicable

• 2copiesofthefacepageofyourpassport

• HealthInsurancecoverageforlivingabroadorpurchasetheItalianhealthinsuranceonceyouarriveinItaly

• Planeticket

• ATMcard(s)

• CreditCard(s)

• AllUScitizensmustregisterwith theamericanconsulate(https://step.state.gov/step/--shorttermtraveler)

• cellphone

• Prescriptions:ifneeded,prescriptiondrugs(remembertobringenoughmedicationfortheentirestay.Ifthis isnotpossible,atleastbringoriginalprescriptionsfromyourdoctortoItaly).

• fourpassport-sizephotos(notblackandwhite,nocopies)

ImPortant

clothingandotheritems(whichyoumayeitherbringorbuyintuscania)

• Proper clothing for weather conditions such as shorts, jeans,sweaters,etc.(seeWeathersection)

• Non-heeled shoes.Youwillwalk a lot! Sogood, thick-soled,closedshoeswillprovideprotectionandwarmthforyourfeetonthecobblestonestreets.

• Warmwintercoat,gloves,scarves,hats

• Raincoat&umbrella

• Toiletries

• Contactlenssolutionandeyeglasses

• Camera,filmorsufficientmemory,batteries(allofthesecanbemoreexpensiveabroad)

• Sunglasses

• SmallItalian-Englishdictionary

• Flip-flopsorsandalsthatcanbeusedatpools,onthebeach,orinshowers

• Warmpajamasandslippers.TheapartmentsinItalyarenotaswarmasinyourhomecountryasthebuildingsareoftenoldanddifficulttoheatadequately.

• Backpackorduffelforcarryingbooks,picniclunches,orsuppliesduring toursand travel (perhapsonebigenough forweekendexcursions).Youmayalsowanttohaveasmallcarry-onsuitcasefortripsthroughoutyourstayinItaly.

• Vitamins,aspirin(painreliever),coughmedicine,anantihistamine(especially if you know you suffer fromallergies),medicine formotionsickness

• Converterwithadapter(ifbringingLaptopComputer)

• LdMPre-DepartureGuide(ithasusefulinformationyouwillneedwhenyouarriveinItaly)

oPtIonaL

• Cashineurosforthejourney&firstfewdays(oryoucanwithdrawmoneyatanyATMmachinesonceyouarriveinItaly)

• RailPasses(ifany)

• School supplies can be purchased upon arrival. Students inphotography classes should consult information on requiredequipmentwhenregistering.Additionalinformationonmaterialsforotherclasseswillbegiventoyouonthefirstdayofclass.Youcandecidetobringanyartmaterialthatyouhavefromhome,howeverpleasebeinformedthattheywillhavetobeapprovedbytheprofessor.

• TravelGuides:LonelyPlanet,MichelinGreenGuides,EyewitnessItaly,andLet’sGo!etc.

• Journalforrecordingyourexperiences

ItemSnottoBrIng

• Largeelectricalappliances

• Toomuchclothing

• Cigarettecartonsandalcohol

• Expensivejewelry

• ToomuchcashinUS$,asexchangeratefeesareprettyhigh

• Travelers’Cheques

14

uSefuLWeBSIteSwww.hostels.com(English)-tofind/bookhostelsinItalyandtherestoftheworld

www.hostelworld.com(English)-tofind/bookhostelsinItalyandtherestoftheworld

www.cts.it(Italianonly)-websiteoftheStudentTravelAgency.Goodfaresforstudentsunder26!

www.raileurope.com(English)-alltheinfoonEurailPasses

www.trenitalia.com(ItalianandEnglish)-officialwebsiteofItaly’strainsystem.Youmaycheckschedules,pricesandbuyticketsonline.

www.adr.it(ItalianandEnglish)-websiteoftheRomeairports.It’spossibletocheckthestatusoftheflights.

www.comune.tuscania.vt.it(Italian)-officialwebsiteofthecity

www.tuscaniaonline.com(Italian)-unofficialwebsiteofTuscania.Tocheckevents,usefulinformation,etc.

www.cotralspa.it(ItalianandEnglish)-officialwebsiteoftheLazio’sbuscompany.Tocheckroutes,schedules,etc.

www.paginegialle.it(Italianonly)-ItalianYellowPages

www.paginebianche.it(Italianonly)-phonebookofanycityinItaly

www.boxol.it(ItalianandEnglish)-tocheckaboutevents,concerts,operas,etc.Itispossibletobuyticketsonline.

www.lega-calcio.it/ita/atim.shtml(officialwebsiteofItaliansoccer)-tocheckItalianteams’games,results,dates,etc.

www.eurometeo.com(ItalianandEnglish)-weatherinItalyandtherestofEurope

maps.google.comcustomizeddirectionsincludingwalkingpathsandbusstopsareoftenincludedhere

SocIaLmedIaaBroadtIPSforuSIngSocIaLmedIaWHILeStudYIngaBroad

Pre-deParture

• ReaduponItaly!Followtwitteraccontsorfacebookpagesthatprovidenews,politics,culture,andeventsaboutyourfuturehome.

• FollowourTwitteraccount(@Istituto_Ldm)andourFacebookpage (Scuola Lorenzo de’ medici) to be updated on ourinstitutelife

• BuySkypecredittocommunicatewithyourfamilyandfriendsasneeded

• Setupablogandwriteafewpostspriortoyourdeparturesoyoucanrememberhowyouwerefeelingleadinguptothetrip

• Consider making your social media account settings moreprivate(photoswillbepostedlikecrazywhenyouareabroad,soifyoudon’twantcertainpeopleseeingeverythingyoudo,checkthoseprivacysettings)

• Ifyouhaveasmartphone,decideifitisworthgettingunlockedtouseabroad.YoucanalwaysaccessappssuchasWhatsapp,iMessage,andvibertocommunicateviaWiFi.

uPonarrIvaL

• Getintouchwithfriendsandfamily!It’seasytogetwrappedupintheexcitementbuteveryonewantstoknowyouarrivedsafely.

• Documentthings(photos,blog,posts)especiallyatthebeginningwhennewsightsandexperiencesstandouttoyouthemost

• DONOTbe tooattached tocommunicatingwithpeople fromhome;giveyourselfanallottedtimeperweektocontactfriendsand family, but do not stay on the computer the entire timeabroadwhileeveryoneelseisexploringandenjoyingtheirnewenvironment

15

WheN you arrive iN tuSCaNia

16

gettIngSettLedcaLLIngHome(mandatorYtoInform

YourfamILYofYourSafearrIvaL!)

theprefixfortheuSais:001-ifyouaredialingdirect,dial:001+areacode+number

In Italy cell phonecalls areexpensive,but incomingcalls are free.Consult thePlatform3000website (www.piccellwireless.com) forallinformationandrates.PleaserememberthatthetimedifferencefromItalytotheUSAis-6hoursfortheEastCoast,-7hoursforCentral,-8hoursforMountain,and-9hourstotheWestCoast.

• callingcard-BecarefulifyoucallfromoneEuropeancountrytoanother,itisasthoughyouwerecallinganEuropeancountryfrom theUSA. In this case itwould be less expensive dialingdirectfromItaly.

• Public telephones - Public telephones are located in publicplaces, including streets, train and bus stations. To usepayphonesbuyaphonecard,“schedatelefonica” (available invarious tariffs). Before you can use this card youwill have totearoff themarkedcorner!Thenyoumust insert it in thepayphoneanditwillworkasadebitcard.Thisway,yousee(onthecomputerizedmonitor)thetotalonyourcarddecreasingasyoutalk,andcanmonitorthelengthofyourconversations.

WarnIng: donotuse the800numberspostedon thepublicphoneboothasking for yourcreditcardnumber!their rates are extremely high and there is also therisk that theymight continue charging your credit cardfraudulently!

• If you have a Gmail account, we suggest that you try usingGoogle Chat to make calls. You can purchase incrementsof$10.00 inyouraccount,and thenuse thatmoney tomakephonecallsanywhereintheworld.TocalltheUnitedStatesfromItalyusingGchatonyourcomputer (call toany landlineorcellphone)anditwillonlycostyou$0.01perminute(can’tgetmuchcheaper than that).This isagoodoption ifyouwant tocallaphone,ratherthanacomputer,forwhichwerecommendusingSkype,sinceitisfreetocallfromcomputer-to-computer.

• Ifyouarebringingyourownsmartphone(regardless if it isanIphone, checkwith your provider in theUSA to seewhat theoptionsarebeforecomingtoItaly),therearemanyappsyoucandownloadtomakefreecallsandtextsinternationally.

ImPortantPHonenumBerS,emergencY&medIcaLServIceS

foremergencYonLY

Carabinieri 112

PoliceEmergency 113

Ambulance-FirstAid 118

medIcaLcare

generalPractitioners

ViaSetteComunitel.0761434385WithoutappointmentMonday-Friday8:30am-11:00amand5:00pm-6:30pm,Saturday8:30am-10:00am(cost€25).

Housecallsareavailableoutsideofficehoursifneeded(cost€30-atnightandweekends€100).

Pharmaciesopen24hours

PiazzaItaliatel.0761435012

ViaTarquiniatel.0761435013

JetLagJet lag occurs when your body’s own time clock is out ofsynchronization with the country you are visiting. Symptoms ofjet lag include insomnia, fatigue, irritability, dehydration, problemsconcentratingandsometimesnausea,anxiety,sweats,etc.

tIPSformInImIZIngJetLagdurIngaIrtraveL

• Getgoodsleepthenightbeforeyouleave.

• Drinkplentyofwateron theflight toavoiddehydration.Avoidcoffeeandalcoholduringtheflightanduponarrival.

• Avoidovereating;thismaygiveyouindigestion.

• Exerciseyourlegsbytakingawalkaroundtheaircraft.Stretchyourback,armsandlegmuscles,walkupanddowntheaisle.

• Wearlooseclothingforcomfort.Yourfeetmayswellduringtheflightsowearloosefittingshoesorslippers.

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tIPSforadJuStIng

toaneWtImeZoneuPonarrIvaL

• Takeashortnapuponarrivalandonlysleepatnight.

• Trytokeepthedayofarrivalfreetorest.

• Drinklotsofwaterandavoidcaffeine.

cuLtureSHockWhenastudentstudiesabroad,anormalandexpectedresponseiscultureshock.

WHatIScuLtureSHock?

cultureshockoccurswhenapersonexperiencesaclashbetweenhis/herwayofviewingandinteractingwiththeworld(determinedbythehis/herhomeculture)andanewculturalenvironment.

fourPHaSeSof“cuLtureadJuStment”

WHATARETHEFOURPHASES?

1. the Honeymoon: initial reactions of excitement, fascinationandenthusiasm.

2. thecrisis:feelingsofinadequacy,frustration,sadness,anxietyandanger.

3. therecovery:crisisresolutionandculturallearning.

4. adjustment: enjoyment of and adaptation in the newenvironment.

• A person may not always follow these steps in order,sometimesmovingbackandforthbetweenstagesorgetting“stuck”inonephase.

• Differentpeoplereactindifferentways

This process repeats itself when a person re-enters his/her homecountry.

WHatareSomeSYmPtomSofcuLtureSHock?

• Feelingsofhelplessness

• Fear

• Confusion

• Anxiety

• Frustration

• Anger

• Sadnessandcrying

• Loneliness

• Changeinsleeppatterns(Lessormore)

• Changeinappetiteorweight(Lossorgain)

Youmayexperienceaslittleasonesymptom,oryoumayexperienceseveralof them.Thepoint is thatmostpeopleexperienceat leastsomesymptoms-itiscompletelynormal.

HeLPIngWItHcuLtureSHock:

1. Increasing support network- For many of you, you have leftbehind friends, family, and other important relationships. Itmay be helpful to join clubs, participate in school eventsand activities, and sign-up for school excursions. Continuingwith interests and hobbies from home is also helpful(sports,music,etc.)

2. Journaling- Itmaybehelpful to keepa journal to record yourthoughtsandfeelingsaboutadjustingtoanewculture.Thismayalso be helpful to review your experiences abroad when youreturnhome.

3. Education-Knowaboutthephasesofcultureshock,sothatyoucanrecognizethemandbeproactive.

4. Talking-Youmayfindithelpfultotalktoothers, includingyouradvisororacounselor,aboutthechallengesyouareexperiencing.

5. Self-care- It is really important to continue taking care ofyourselves:eatwell,exerciseandbekindtoyourself.

6. Familiarizing yourself- With key phrases and important socialcustoms; try to speak Italian as much as you can. It is alsohelpfultolearnasmuchasyoucanaboutyourhostculture.

7. Reasonable Expectations- It took us all years to learn thelanguagespokenathomeandthesocialcuesimportantinourownculture,sohavepatiencewithyourselfwhentryingtolearnItalianlanguageandsocialcues.

gettIngaroundtHetoWnThissectionhasbriefinformationthatwillhelpyouduringyourfirstweekinTuscaniabeforetheOrientationmeeting.

LaZIoBuSSYStemandtaxIS

TheregionalbuscompanyiscalledCOTRALandarethelargebluebuses. It isdefinitely thecheapestwaytogetaround.Mostbusesusuallyrunfromearlymorning(about6:00am)tolateafternoon/earlyevening.Forbusroutes,schedulesandotherinformation,youmayvisitwww.cotralspa.it,call0672051orthetollfree#800174471.

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BuStIcketS

AsingletickettoTarquiniaorViterbocosts€2,00lasts24hoursfromthetimeitisvalidated,andmustbepurchasedatTabacchishopsornewsstandbeforegettingonthebus.

ImPortant: Single use tickets must be validated by punchingthem immediatelyuponentering thebus.Finesareveryexpensiveforthosecaughtwithoutavalidticket.

*Allbusseshavebuttonstosignalforastop.Someseats,identifiedbyasign,are reserved fordisabled,elderlypersonsandpregnantwomenandmustbegivenuponrequest.

taxIS

Thereareno taxis inTuscania, the taxi service is inViterboand itis very expensive, you should expect to pay approx. 27 euros fora taxi to takeyou fromViterbo toTuscania.Generally taxiscannotbehailed;youmustcallataxiatthefollowingnumberstotellthemwhereyouare:0761340777.Onlycashisaccepted.Nochecksorcreditcardsareacceptedforpayment.

SafetYtIPSTuscaniaisasafetown,aslongasyouusecommonsense,andtakeprecautions.

Learnaboutthecustomsandlocallawsofthecountrytowhichyouaregoing.RememberthatyouaresubjecttotheirlawsandarenotprotectedbyU.S.laws.Ingeneral,trytokeepalowprofile.InmanycountriesAmericansarenotalwaysviewedinapositivelight.Onceadjustedtoyournewlocation,youwillhaveabettersenseofhowyouwishtoactinyournewsurroundings.

• alwayscarryacopyofyourpassportwithyou.Carryingapersonaldocument ismandatoryby law,but it isalwayssaferwhenyouarecomingtoclass,orjusttakingawalk,tocarrythecopy rather than theoriginal.Note that ifyouwillbe traveling,orgoingtothebank,you’llneedyouroriginal.Forlostorstolenpassport,callyourconsulateorgoonlinewww.usembassy.it.

• Bewareofpick-pockets,while travelling.Theyaregenerallywomen and children who have mastered the art of pick-pocketing,andquicklytakeadvantageofeasilyaccessiblepursesorwallets in largecrowdsandpackedbuses.Theyareeasytorecognize, and concentrated near themain tourist attractionsandmuseums;mostofthechildrencarrynewspapersorpiecesofcardboardtodistracttheirtargets.

• StudentS SHouLd not WaLk aLone at nIgHt,especiallyiftheyhavehadtoomuchtodrink-itisunsafeandinappropriate.

• AlthoughthereisnodrinkingagelimitinItaly,thisdoesnotmeanthatyoucandrinkonthestreetatanytime,dayornight.Iffoundinaninebriatestate,thepolicecanstopyou,askfordocumentsandfineyou(upto350euros).Also,intheseconditions,youareatagreaterriskofbeingphysicallyorverballyattacked.

cuLturaLHIntSSHoPPIng

InItalyshopsareverysmall.Thewindowdisplaysgiveanaccuratepictureofthemerchandiseavailable,andthepricesareusuallylisted.This is toprevent toomuch foot traffic insuchasmallspace. It isgeneralpracticetoenterashoponlyifyouarelookingtobuy,ifyouseesomethinginthewindowthatsparksyourinterestandiswithinyourpricerange.Browsing isdiscouraged. IntheUSA,peopleareusedtolargedepartmentstoreswheretheycantryonasmuchastheylike;whiletherearelargerstoresinItalyaswell,itisagoodideatokeepthisdifferenceinmind.Windowshopping,ontheotherhand,isalwaysacceptableand thedisplaysaregenerallyquitebeautiful(Italiansareverygoodatoptimizingthelittlespacetheyhave).

While there are supermarkets, most of them are much smallerthan those in theUSAand youwill not finda “wholesale” typeofstore.Mostshopsspecializeincertaintypesofproducts(i.e.,akeystore,ajewelrystore,astationerystore).Sometimesitcanbemorechallengingtofindaspecificproduct,butitcanalsobefuntoseeallthedifferentkindsofshopsthatarearound!

“SIeSta”

ManybusinessescloseforafewhoursintheafternoonfortheItalianversionof “siesta”. They typically close around1pmand re-openat4pm.This includessupermarkets,pharmacies,clothingstores.Businessestendtostayopenuntil7or8intheevening.

tIPPIng

InItalianrestaurantsyouwillbechargedacoverchargeknownasa“coperto”or“servizio”perperson,whichusuallyrunsbetween€1-€2. Thiswill be automatically includedon yourbill andcovers thetip,aswell asbread. If youwish to leavemore,pocketchange iscompletelyacceptable. It isnotnecessary tocalculate20%of thebillandtipaccordingly,asinyourcountry.Alittleextraisofcourseappreciated,butlargetipsarenotexpectednorrequired.Likewise,it is not necessary to tip bartenders. Tipping taxi drivers is alsonot necessary, though a little extra on top of the fare is generallyacceptable.

coffee

WhileinItalycoffeeiscertainlyanimportantpartoftheculture,itdiffersgreatlyfromtheAmerican“stayalldaywithyourlaptop”coffeehouseculture. Places considered “cafes” in the USA are typically called“bars”inItalian.Barsofferbothcoffeeandalcoholicbeverages,andareusuallyfrequentedduringtheday.ThereisareasonthatItaliansdrinkespressoratherthanthe largecupsofcoffeethatAmericanstendtoprefer:speed.Acoffeebreakisabriefevent,inandoutofthecafèin5-10minutes,mostlystandingupatthebarcounter.Inmostbars,thereareactuallydifferentpricesforthosewhodrinktheirespressostandingupandthosewhoprefer tableservice.There isgenerallyapricelistonthewallwhichindicatesbothprices.Ordering

19

a “caffè” automaticallymeans “espresso”. If you prefer Americanstylecoffee,youneedtospecify:“caffèAmericano”or“caffèlungo”.

dreSS

WhilepeoplemayofcoursedressastheypreferaroundTuscania,keep inmind that it is easy to stick out as a foreigner particularlyin regards to clothing. Italians tend to have amore formalway ofdressingthanistypicalofAmericancolleges.Italiansdonotattendclass inpajamasor sweatpants. It is unlikely to see Italians in thestreets of Tuscania wearing sweatpants or hoodies either, so youmaywanttobringasmallersupplyoftheseinformalclothes.

Manychurches(theVatican included)donotallowpeopletoenterunless their legs and shoulders are covered, even in summermonths,sokeepthisinmindwhiletravelling.Manystudentswillhavemandatorymuseumtripsfortheirclasses,anditisimportanttodressaccordinglyoradmissionwillbedenied.

TherearealsoafeweventssponsoredbyLdM(suchasWelcomeandGoodbyeDinners)where youmaywant to havemore formalattirewithyou.

Pleasenote:Ifyouareplanningonwearingheels,keepinmindthatstreetsinItalyaremostlycobblestoneandveryuneven.Itiseasytosprainyourankleorhurtyourfeet,sobecareful!

orIentatIonmeetIngIt is aBSoLuteLY requIred that all students attend theorIentatIon meetIng in Tuscania. Students must makesure they plan their travel itinerary accordingly. Youwill receive anOrientation Packet which will give detailed practical informationregardingthecampus,services,healthandsafetytips,buspasses,shopping, free time activities, field trips, etc.Wewill includemoredetails (date, time,etc.)of thismeeting in the finalpacket youwillreceivethroughe-mailbeforeyourdeparture.

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PoliCieS aNd ruleS

21

PoLIcIeSonconduct

IntroductIonandgeneraLcLauSe

Lorenzode’Medicitakesseriouslyitsacademicmissionoffosteringthe creative and intellectual potential of eachof its students in aninternational environment that values tolerance and respect. Webelieve in the concept of informed decision-making and wish topromotehealthybehavior.

In order to maintain an atmosphere that nurtures this potential,Lorenzode’MedicihasestablishedRulesofConductconsistentwiththisgoal.

By accepting admission to Lorenzo de’ Medici, students areacceptingtheconditionsasdescribedintheseRulesofConduct.

These conditions apply to behavior both on and off campus (e.g.inthecity,bars,clubsandothermeetingplaces),andalso includebehaviour inall LdMactivities (e.g.LdMclubs, volunteeractivities,etc.).TheseRulesapplyalsotostudents’behaviorintheapartment(orfamily)wheretheyresidewhileattendingLorenzode’Medici.

In addition, the Rules contained herein supersede other LdMpublications or documents (e.g. housing flyers, residence lifebrochures or handbooks, etc.) Any changes to the terms andconditions of these Rules of Conduct will be communicated tostudentsinwritingandwillreplacetherelevantportionsofthistext.

generaLconduct

Eachstudentisexpectedto:

a) Act as a responsiblemember of the academic community, inlanguage,personalinteractionsandthetreatmentofproperty.

b) Act honestly. Providing false information to an LdM faculty orstaffmemberisnotallowed.

c) Treatothersastheywouldliketobetreated,andtorecognizetheinherentdignityandworthofeverypersoninthecommunity.

d) Behave in classes according to the standards of a seriouslearning environment and be respectful of cultural norms andlocal etiquette.Disruptionof teaching, study, administrationorotherInstituteactivitiesisnotallowed.

e) Dress in a respectful or non-offensive manner according tothe standards of a serious learning environment. Appropriatedressandfootwearduringallstudioartandcookingcoursesisrequired.

f) Refrain from using computers, tablets, and mobile devicesduringlectures,unlessinstructedtodosobyyourprofessor.

g) Avoid eating anddrinking during all lectures and/or academicactivities.

h) Respect thepersonalandproperty rightsofallotherpersons,of Lorenzo de’ Medici itself, and of the community at-large.Studentsarenot allowedunauthorizedentry to, or useof, anLdMbuilding,structureor facility.Attemptedoractual theftof,or the unauthorized possession of, LdM property or propertybelonging to any member of the LdM community is strictlyforbidden.

i) Beresponsibleinhelpingkeepyourselfandthecommunitysafe.

j) Workwith the community toprevent vandalism, hate speech,physicalviolenceandharassment.

k) Acknowledge thatwe are all different - in social class, sexualorientation, religion, philosophies, ethnic groups, culturalbackground, physical abilities, and so on - and strive tounderstandoneanotherandprotectandaffirm the rightofallpersonstobethemselves.

aLcoHoL

Alcoholmaybeconsumed,butnotabused,bystudentswhoareoflegaldrinkingageintheirhostcountry.Allstudentsareresponsiblefordiscouragingalcohol-relatedbehaviorthatisabusivetothemselvesortoothers.Moreover,Lorenzode’Mediciconsidersdrunkennessand intoxication in public,whether inside or outside the Institute’spremises,unacceptableregardlessofage.

LdMwillnotbeheldresponsibleforstudents’alcoholabuseandforalltheconsequencesarisingfromthatabuse.

PenaltiesforviolatingthealcoholpolicyofLdMincludebutarenotlimited to: warnings, probations, fines, parental notification andeducational service projects. It is hoped that education will helpstudents understand more about the residual effects of alcoholboth physically and socially. Alcohol violations may also result insuspension or expulsion from LdM.Penalties are levied on a per-personbasis.

drugS

The possession, use or distribution of any substances that areconsideredillicitorillegaldrugsorcontrolledsubstancesisprohibitedand is considered a violation of Lorenzo de’Medici Rules aswellas Italian laws. Violators are subject to both disciplinary action byLorenzode’Medici andprosecutionby the Italian authorities.Anydruginfractionwillbeconsideredagraveviolationofpolicyandwillresult in serious sanctions, up to and includingdismissal from theprogram.

aSSauLtandfIgHtIng

Assault, fightingand similar behavior are seriousoffences that areconsidereddetrimentaltostudentsandtothenameoftheInstitute.

academIcdISHoneStY

(cHeatIngandPLagIarISm)

TheInstitutemakeseveryreasonableefforttofosterhonestacademicconduct. Within a wider framework of mutual respect, studentsshouldactwithintegrityandhonestyintheiracademics.InstancesofsuspectedacademicdishonestyarereportedbyfacultytotheDeanofStudentsordesignatedLdMstaffwhoinvestigatesinconsultationwith the facultymember and theAcademicCommittee. Violationsincludecheatingon tests, plagiarism, recycledwork, unauthorizedassistance,orsimilaractionsnotexplicitlymentionedhere.TheDeanof Studentsmay determine the sanction of a grade of “F” for thecoursework,exam,orprojectconcerned,orelseforthecourse.

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PrIvacYPoLIcY

a) TheLdMprivacypolicymaybedifferentfromtheprivacypolicyofthestatewherethestudentscomefrom.

b) TheLdMprivacypolicyisgovernedbyItalianlaw.

c) Incaseofany formof infringementof theLorenzode’MediciRules ofConduct, or in every case of a health problem for astudent, every LdM student agrees to permit LdM AcademicAdvisorsortheDirectoratetonotifythehomeuniversityand/orthe familyaboutall informationconcerning the infringementorthehealthproblem.

enforcementoftHeruLeSofconduct

a) DeterminationofViolation.InthecaseofapossibleviolationoftheRulesthefollowingprocesswillbefollowed.Afterareportis filed, thestudentwillbe required tomeetwith theDeanofStudentsoradesignatedLdMstaff.ThismeetingwillprovideanopportunityforthestudentandtheDeanordesignatedstafftodiscussthepossibleviolation.Ifthestudentdoesnotadmittoaviolation,theDeanofStudentsordesignatedstaffwilldecidewhether the preponderance of the evidence shows that thestudenthasviolatedLorenzode’Medici’sRulesofConduct.

b) Sanctions.InallcasesinvolvingaviolationofanyoftheseRules,the Dean of Students or designated LdM staff may imposeany combination of the following sanctions: oral or writtenadmonition, written warning, probation, mandatedcounsellingassessment,fines,withholdingofacademictranscripts, expulsion fromLorenzode’medici, or anyotherdiscretionarysanctions.Sanctionsmaybenotifiedtotheprogramoruniversitytowhichthestudentsbelongand/or to the parent/s or guardian/s, at the Institute’sdiscretion.anysanctionsbyLorenzode’medicidonotnecessarily signify that further sanctions cannot beforthcomingfromthehomeinstitution.

In case of expulsion for conduct or academic reasons, theDean of Students or designated staff will decide the timingandthemodalityofexecution.Fromthemomentthatnoticeisdelivered,thestudentwillnolongerbeastudentofLdM,andwillbeobligedtoleaveLdMwithoutanyformofrefunding.ThestudentwillnolongerhaveaccesstoLdMservices,premisesoractivities.ThestudentwillbeobligedtovacateLdMHousing(ifapplicable).Studentswillreceivean“F”ineachnon-completedcourse.

c) Appeals. In all cases involving sanctions, the student mayappealtotheBoardofDirectorsoftheInstituteonthegroundsof insufficient evidence, violation of rights, or severity of thesanction.Theappealwillbebasedontherecordoftheoriginalmeeting, unless newmaterial evidence has been discoveredsincethattime.

d) Disciplinary Files. Files involving violations of the Rules bystudents will be maintained for five years from the date ofsanction. Personally identifiable information about individualstudentsinthesefileswillbeprotected.

faLL2014academIcreguLatIonS

faLLdeadLIneS

Add/dropweek September1-5FinalRegistration September5at10:00AM(Lastdaytoadd/dropaclasswithnorecord)Learningdisabilitydocumentation September10Labfeepayment September19Lastdayfora“W”Withdrawal November3Lastdayfora“W/F”Withdrawal December5

regIStratIonreguLatIonS

1. Students may be enrolled in one of the following Programswithoutexceeding the totalnumberofcreditsallowedby theirhomeinstitution:

• 4-HourItalian+4Courses(16crs.)

• 16-HourItalian(16crs.)

2. Students will not be allowed to change Program or LocationafterarrivalatLdM.

3. Studentswillbechargedanadditionalfeeforanyextracourseovermaximum16credits,tobepaidduringAdd/Dropweek,iftheyaddthecourseon-siteoriftheyhaven’talreadypaidforthecourse.

4. All students must take at least one Italian course during thesemester (minimum4credits). Italian ismandatoryandcannotbedropped.

5. Students must retain full-time status, with a minimum of 12credits.Studentsmaynotdroporwithdraw(witha“W”or“W/F”)fromacourseifitwouldbringthembelowtheminimumnumberofcredits.

6. StudentsareresponsibleforensuringthattheirhomeinstitutionwillgrantthemcreditsforcoursestakenatLdM.Thisincludesanynewcoursesresultingfromplacementtest/leveladjustments.

7. Students may attend only the courses listed on their OfficialRegistrationform.Auditingisnotallowed.

8. Students pre-registered for a non-beginning course, includingItalian,mustchecktheLdMCatalogueandCourseScheduletomakesuretheymeetalltheprerequisites.Aplacementtestwillbeadministeredtoconfirmthestudents’level.Asaresultoftheplacementtest,LdMreservestherighttomovestudentsintoadifferentlevel.

9. OnlyoneclasscanbechangeduponarrivalatLdM,dependingon course availability. This is only allowed before the FinalRegistrationdeadline,i.e.duringthefirstweekofclassesforthesemester.Eachstudentisresponsibleforrequestingcoursesfor

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whichtheirhome institutionwillgrant themcredits.This isnotavailablefortheThreeCitiesProgram.

10. Toadd/dropaclass,studentsmustasktheiradvisorfortheAdd&DropRequest form;tobefilledout,signedandreturnedtotheiradvisor,whowillsubmitittotheRegistrarforfinalapproval.StudentswillbeheldaccountableforanyabsencesthatoccurfromnotconfirmingtheresultoftheirAdd&Droprequest/s inpersonwiththeiradvisoraftertheFinalregistrationdeadlineandpriortoanyscheduled/requestedcourses.

11. Switching from one section to another of the same course,includingItalian,isconsideredacoursechange.Switchinglevelsofthesamecoursedoesnotconstituteachange.

12. No exceptions will be made regarding add/drop regulations,procedureanddeadlines.

13. No refunds will be issued for classes dropped after arrival atLdM.

14. All lab fees must be paid by the deadline. Students whowithdrawfromaclassafterthefinalregistrationdeadlinearestillresponsibleforpayingthatcourse’slabfee(ifapplicable).

15. Mid-termsandfinalexamswillbegivenonlyonthescheduleddaysthatappearoneachcoursesyllabusandwillnotbemovedunder any circumstances, including illness, religious holidays,travel plans, familymatters, etc. Exams are scheduled duringnormalclasstimes,somorethanoneexammaybeadministeredonthesameday.

16. Students are not allowed to make up any assessed in-classactivitiestheyhavemissed(includingbutnotlimitedtoquizzes,tests,etc.)underanycircumstances,includingillness,religiousholidays,travelplans,familymatters,etc.

17. Studentswithdocumentedlearningdisabilitieswillbesubjecttolocaleducationalstandards,andthereforemaynotbeprovidedwiththesameaccommodationsofferedbytheirhomeinstitution.However, based on current and official documentation of thedisability, LdM will provide assistance to these students. It iseach student’s responsibility to obtain written documentationfromtheirhomeinstitution,andhandit intotheirLdMAdvisorandtosubmitaformalrequestbyemailtotheDeanofStudentsbythedeadline.

18. LdM does not offer Pass/Fail grades or Incompletes, onlyletter grades. All classes registered for and grades receivedwillappearoneachstudent’sLdMtranscriptregardlessoftheirintenttotransfercreditstotheirhomeinstitution.StudentsareresponsibleforunderstandingtheLdMgradingsystemandtheirhome institution’sminimumgrade requirement for the transferofcredit.Detailed informationaboutgrading/evaluationcanbefoundinthespecificcoursesyllabi.

19. LdMreservestherighttowithholdthetranscriptand/orhousingdeposit of students who violate contract agreements relatedto housing and/or academic issues (i.e. any balance or debtincurred) and/or whose behavior is considered detrimentaltowardstheinstituteandotherstudents.

a)TheRulesofConductappliedatthisInstitutemaybedifferent

fromtherulesappliedbythestudent’shomecollegeoruniversity.

b)TheLorenzode’MediciRulesofConductmustbecarefullyreadbyeachstudent.AcopyoftheRulesofConductisincludedintheorientationpacketgiventoeverystudentandisalsoshownineverybuildingoftheInstitute.

20. ThesigningoftheAcademicRegulationsmeansacceptanceoftheabovementionedRulesofConduct.

21. It is ABSOLUTELY REQUIRED that all students attend theORIENTATIONMEETINGinTuscania.Studentsmustmakesuretheyplantheirtravelitineraryaccordingly.

22. AllstudentsarerequiredtocarryacellphoneatalltimesthatcanreceivetextmessagesandphonecallsinItaly,andtoprovidethephonenumbertoLdMatOrientation.Thisisrequiredincaseofemergency,but studentsmaybecontactedbyLdM forotherreasons.

23. Anystudentwithseveralunsatisfactoryacademicperformancemaybecalledtomeetwith theDeanofStudentsandsubjecttoacademicwarning,dismissal,refusedammissionforafutureterm,oranyotherrestrictiontheAcademicCommitteedeemsappropriate.

attendancereguLatIonS

1. Course attendance is a primary requirement for a responsiblelearningexperienceatLdM.

2. Absenceswillalsobecountedduringthefirstweekofclass(forthesemester)unlessstudentsaddedtheclassduringtheadd/dropperiod.

3. Punctualityismandatory.Studentsmustarriveinclassontime:anylateness,leavingclassduringthelessonwithoutnotice,notshowingupontimeafterthebreak,orleavingearlier,willimpacttheparticipationgradeandtheFinalGrade.Inaddition:

•Threelatearrivalsorequivalent(10to20minutes)resultinoneabsenceontheattendancecount.

•Missingmorethan20minuteswillbeconsideredasonefullabsence.

4. Studentsareresponsibleforkeepingtrackoftheirabsencesandforcatchinguponanymissedwork.

5. Make-upclassesarealwaysmandatoryaspartof thecourseprogram.

6. If a class occasionally creates conflict with another class,the student is required to inform both instructors in advance.Studentsmustbeawarethattherewillbenopossibilitytomakeupanyassessedin-classactivitiestheyhavemissed(includingbutnotlimitedtoquizzes,tests,etc.).Studentsmustkeepthisinmindinordertomakearesponsibledecisionaboutwhichclasstoattend.

7. Fornoreason(i.e.religiousholidays,travelplans,familymatters,etc.)willabsencesbeexcused.

8. Studentswillreceivean“F”oneachexamtheymiss.

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Ldmisnotresponsibleforpersonalitemsthatarelostorstolenonitspremises.

SEMESTERCOURSES

Finalgradeloweredbyonefullletterwhenyouhave: Finalgrade=“F”(Nocreditawarded)whenyouhave:

Allcourses 3absences 4ormoreabsences

16-hourcourses Seecoursesyllabusforabsencepolicy

THREECITIESCOURSES

FinalgradeloweredbyonefullletterwhenyouhaveFinalgrade=“F”(Nocreditawarded)whenyouhave

Italianclassinthe2ndand3rdCities(totalabsencelimitoverthetwocities,notpercity)

5absences 6ormoreabsences

Allothercourses 3absences 4ormoreabsences

9. StudentswholeaveLdMbeforetheendofthetermmustfilloutanOfficialWithdrawalRequestformandreturnittotheiradvisor.Studentswhosubmittheformbythe“W”Withdrawaldeadlinewillreceivea“W”foreachnon-completedcourse.Studentswhosubmit the formby the“W/F”Withdrawaldeadlinewill receivea “W/F” for each non-completed course. Studentswho leave

LdMwithoutsubmittingtheformwillreceivean“F”ineachnon-completedcourse.Inallcases,studentswillnotbeeligibleforcreditsorreceivearefund.

10. Studentswho absent themselves fromcourseswill have theirfinalgradepenalizedasindicatedonthefollowingtable:

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We hope this Pre-departure guide is useful in yourpreparation for your study abroad experience in Italy.remember to bring it with you, since it also has usefulinformationyouwillneedwhenyouarriveintuscania.Whenyouarrive,trytokeepanopenmind.rememberthatyouareinanothercountrywithadifferentcultureandlifestyle.Youareawelcomedguestandarepresentativeofyourcountry,sotryyourbesttoconveyapositive image.Itreallyhelpstoembracethedifferences,haveanadventurousspiritanda good sense of humor! Have fun, but remember safetyalwayscomesfirst.PleasecometotheLdmofficewithyourquestionsbeforelisteningtoalocalstranger.We’llbegladtohelporreferyoutosomeonewhocan.Wewouldlikeforyou tohaveaneducational,memorable,andasuccessfulStudyabroadexperience!Haveasafetrip!

CoNCluSioN