LIVING ABROAD Study Abroad Program – Berlin Wentworth | Architecture 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Apartments Studio Internet Access and Downloading Electronics and Phones Security, Emergencies, Student Behavior, and Limits of the Program Visitors / Guests and Transportation Health Abroad and Health Insurance Mailing in Advance Language Lessons Budget Planning
APARTMENTS Berlin The student apartments are located in Berlin-Mitte at the corner of Adalbertstrasse and Melchiorstrasse, near the subway station "Heinrich-Heine-Strasse". The apartments are nice and are completely furnished. There is china, silverware, coffee machine, TV, and vacuum cleaner. Each apartment includes a living room, kitchen, bathroom, one bedroom with one bed, and one bedroom with two beds. You will need to provide sheets, towels, and a pillowcase. Bed Dimensions Beds = 0.9 meters x 2.0 meters, Coverlet = 1.35m x 2.0m, Pillow = 0.8m x 0.8m It is best for you to bring these with you or mail them in advance. You may also rent or buy them in Berlin. In Germany, if you buy or rent a set of linens, you will get a sheet to cover the mattress and two linen covers (like bags) in different sizes for the blanket and the pillow. You can bring your own two sheets and a pillowcase. To buy one set of bed linens plus one set of towels in Berlin would be 30.00-60.00 EUR. There is a coin laundry in the basement of the apartment building. For the organized trips we will stay at places that provide linens, but not always towels – so you will need to bring towels. It is not possible to sent mail to the apartments before you live there. For mailing in advance, see the section on 'Mailing in Advance'. You should think about your roommates before you arrive in Berlin to ease your moving in. There are three students per apartment. There will be a deposit of 50.00 EUR per student, due when you get the keys. You will get the refund at the end of your stay, when you give back the keys - and if the apartments are clean and in good condition. Several supermarkets are close to the apartments. It helps your budget and it is fun to cook in the apartments. The apartments do not have Internet access; but the studio space does have wireless Internet access.
STUDIO Berlin The studio space has wireless Internet access. The studio space is equipped with a desk for every student. There is a little kitchen with a refrigerator, but no further kitchen equipment. You are not allowed to transfer kitchen equipment from the apartments to the studio. There will be an additional deposit of 50 EUR per student, due when you get the studio keys. Again, you will get the refund at the end of your stay, when you give back the keys – and if your desk and the studio is clean and in good condition. The studios are accessible 24 / 7 for you during your entire stay in Berlin and are convenient to public transportation. Studio Location: Brandenburgische Straße 86, Berlin, Deutschland http://g.co/maps/5as72
INTERNET ACCESS AND DOWNLOADING Internet Access Apartments in Berlin do not have Internet access. The studio in Berlin does have wireless Internet access. Internet Downloads Downloading or otherwise sharing copyright-protected material is illegal. This crime is taken very seriously in Europe, and enforcement if pursued vigorously. Students participating in semester abroad are not allowed to engage in illegal downloading or sharing of copyright-protected materials. Violators will be responsible for all fines and associated legal costs and will be subject to immediate termination in the semester abroad program. As appropriate, Internet service to studios will be terminated. The service providers for our semester abroad studios have created fixed IP addresses for our studios, making it easy trace groups that violate this policy.
ELECTRONICS AND PHONES Electronics You will need electrical adaptors for all your plug-in equipment – computer, battery charger for cameras / phones, hair dryer or electric shaver, etc. Different countries require different adaptors, so be sure to select the appropriate ones. In all European countries, electric power is on 220 V, instead of 110 V. Usually, modern power packs for notebooks, cameras, etc. work with both. Check your equipment in advance and bring transformers as required. Phones It is required that each student in Study Abroad in Berlin is available by telephone throughout the 3 months in Europe, at all times and at all locations in his/her travels, as well as in Berlin.
DETAILS OF THIS REQUIRED POLICY (updated November 23, 2013)
Each student is required to have an operational cell phone throughout the duration of Study Abroad. There are two possible plans for student cell phone and studio key deposit fees. 1. A student may bring his or her personal cell phone for use in Europe (preferred). If the phone is not blocked, he or she may bring a SIM Card that works in Europe or purchase a SIM Card in Europe, assuring that the cell phones is working throughout his or her time in Europe. The costs for the SIM Cards are paid by the student. If the phone is blocked or still under contract, then a student may enable the cell phone to function internationally, although he/she is strongly advised to take careful note of restrictions and costs with the phone carrier. Most plans allow the phone to be enabled for a low fee (for emergency use), although high fees may be incurred in pay-per-use. 2. If a student does not bring a cell phone to Europe, he or she has the option buy a pre-paid one in Europe. Several German carriers, such as T-Mobile or Vodafone, offer low-cost, payper-use plans for use within Germany and Europe. The costs for the SIM cards and the costs for phone are paid by the students (for example, T-Mobile Germany offers currently pre-paid cell phones from 19,95 EUR). Students are required to inform Rolf of their cell phone number when they pick up their studio key and pay a 50 Euros deposit. Keys will not be issued without proof of a cell phone number. This deposit fee is reimbursed to the students at the end of the term when the key is returned and the studio is cleaned up. In case of a key loss 30 EUR will be deducted from the deposit.
Phones (continued)
SAMPLE FOR MOBILE TELEPHONE FEES IN GERMANY (update Nov.2011) VODAFONE Germany prepaid SIM Cards “CallYa” : “CallYa 5/15”
“CallYa International”
Purchase SIM Card (incl. 10,00 € start credit) Monthly basic fee
9,95 € 0,00 €
Within Germany : Calls within Vodafone network Calls to all other German networks Calls to all international networks Calls to USA networks Receiving calls within Germany SMS within Vodafone network SMS to all other German networks SMS to all international networks Receiving SMS within Germany
0,05 €/min 0,15 €/min 1,99 €/min 1,99 €/min 0,00 € 0,19 €/SMS 0,19 €/SMS 0,29 €/SMS 0,00 €
Within Europe, outside Germany : Calls from Europe to Germany Calls from Europe within in same country Calls from Europe to USA networks Receiving calls in Europe outside Germany SMS from Europe to all international networks Receiving SMS within Europe
0,75 €/flat + 0,29 €/min 0,75 €/flat + 0,29 €/min 0,75 €/flat + 1,99 €/min 0,75 €/flat 0,13 €/SMS 0,00 €
All fees above may be subject of change.
9,95 € 1,99 € 0,05 €/min 0,15 €/min varies from 0,04 €/min 0,05 €/min 0,00 € 0,19 €/SMS 0,19 €/SMS 0,29 €/SMS 0,00 € 0,75 €/flat + 0,29 €/min 0,75 €/flat + 0,29 €/min 0,75 €/flat + 1,99 €/min 0,75 €/flat 0,13 €/SMS 0,00 €
SECURITY, EMERGENCIES, STUDENT BEHAVIOR, AND LIMITS OF THE PROGRAM Security Issues The present time is one where acts of terrorism have occurred and will occur. These are isolated events and can happen anywhere in the world – in the United States as well as in places in Europe, Asia, and Middle East. As a result, there is an element of risk that is part of life in this generation. However, the chances of being affected by such acts of terrorism are, at present, very slim – probably less than being involved with traffic accidents or acts of violence in Boston. However, it is good to always be watchful and vigilant whenever possible – avoiding places where many US citizens group together (in US institutions, bars, military establishments), keeping a low profile in public, and not drawing attention to your being American, in dress (e.g. baseball caps or shirts, etc.), action or activity (loud group activity in public places). Emergency Procedures and Contacts Wentworth has detailed guidelines for handling emergencies in the unlikely occurrence of security, medical, or other issues during the study abroad program. If appropriate, participants’ parents or emergency contact(s) will be notified, so it is essential that you provide Wentworth with up to date information in this regard. Please note the following policies, as stated in your initial application materials: Emergency Contact Person (ECP): The ECP will be contacted in the event that your parents are not available and could be required to make a medical decision on your behalf. Do not select a younger sibling and/or a minor for this role. Sharing information: It is your responsibility to share all information with your parent(s)/guardian(s) and your ECP. Note that the Department is unable to give out information by phone to anyone while you are abroad. In the event that information is misplaced, your parents must produce a picture ID before the Department can release limited information. Student Behavior Wentworth expects that all students will conduct themselves with maturity, good judgment, respect and consideration while participating in the Institute-sponsored programs. Please consult the Wentworth catalog for the full policy on student behavior. All of the information in this policy applies to you in your study abroad term as well as in your travels and your independent time. You should be aware that Wentworth will cancel a student's participation in the program if actions or behavior by a student are detrimental to Wentworth's goals and educational environment, and to the future of the program. In addition, a student's participation in the program will be canceled if incidents of disruption occur in the residential and educational areas of the program as well as in public areas. This includes the places of travel - in cities, hotels, apartments, studio, and transportation vehicles. Disruptive behavior, including that following excessive drinking, damage of property, and acts of violence, disrespect or hostility toward
Student Behavior (continued) program participants and toward the public will not be tolerated. Student actions causing disruption to the educational planning and environment because of absences, lateness ("keeping everyone waiting"), unreliability, opposition, disruption, disrespect, or non-participation will not be tolerated. This includes abusive or discriminatory behavior toward any student, faculty member, or other person(s). The success of the program is determined by the respect directed toward Wentworth students by host countries, cities, and individual persons -- with invitations from them for WIT students to revisit their cities, important buildings, and hotels. Acts of disruption by one or more students will result in a negative view of the program, and can adversely affect all students. It is essential that all participants behave with mutual respect and consideration for others, and act responsibly toward each other and our hosts. o
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Students must call Rolf, Joachim, Charles, OR Keeran within 2 hours of missing the start of any class or scheduled trip. Rolf Backmann - 49 30 863 071 30 Joachim Doerr - 49 30 254 500 0 Charles Hotchkiss - 617-989-4831 Keeran Hariprasad - 617-989-4471 Failure to make the call in the allotted time will result in an immediate student Discipline Review. Results of the review will be discussed with the student and listed emergency contacts within 10 days. Possible actions include, but are not limited to, grade reduction, immediate termination of semester abroad participation (and return to Boston), and loss of paid fee.
Students should note that responsibilities abroad are significantly different than responsibilities in Boston. When a student in Europe is “missing”, non-trivial steps are immediately taken abroad and in Boston to find the student. Limits of the Program: The Architecture Department's Study Abroad Program officially ends on the date of your return flight from Europe to Boston. Recent information from the German and French Immigration Offices indicates that all visiting students are limited to a 90-day 'Permission to Stay', and it will not be possible to obtain an 'Extension of Permission to Stay' to remain in Germany, France or other Schengen Area countries (including most of western and central Europe) for touristic reasons beyond the official program dates. This is a subject we have been tracking closely, which is tied into European Union and Schengen Area agreements. These are issues of government policy, and are entirely outside our control. Due to these issues, Wentworth informs all students that the date of the return flight marks the end of the Study Abroad Program. Any decision on a student's part to alter the return flight ticket and/or stay beyond this date is entirely outside Wentworth's sponsorship and liability. Please note that neither Boston- nor Europe-based faculty will not be able to assist you in obtaining official permissions for extended stays.
VISITORS / GUESTS AND TRANSPORTATION Visitors and Guests: Visitors and guests (family and friends) are not permitted to participate, tag along, or be part of travel in the program and electives, or in short day and weekend trips, because these are curricular "study trips". Students are not permitted to miss classes because of guests or to have guests stay in the studio during class time. We do not encourage visitors during the semester because the schedule is quite full with short trips (often on Fridays and weekends), meetings with architects, class schedules, due dates, and studio reviews. One of the aims in the study abroad program is for students to fully engage in the life and culture of the city and the studio for the months they are in Berlin. Lots of visitors may not contribute to this unique experience of study abroad -- one away from home in a new culture and country. However, if you wish to have guests and want to know possible times that are better than others, please check with Rolf Backmann after you arrive in Berlin. Generally, evenings and weekends (when you are not traveling with the group) are times that you may determine your schedule for yourself. Your guests can see the city on their own during days when you have classes, and connect with you in the evenings and weekends. Rolf Backmann determines the schedule of classes in Berlin and travel at the beginning of the term. Transportation Renting of scooters and cars by students: It has been determined in college travel programs, based on experience, that students' use of rental cars and scooters presents potentially serious risks to students, as well as to their classmates / passengers and to the families involved. Therefore, renting cars and scooters is not permitted at any time during the study abroad program - in Berlin and in your travels. WIT requires that you use public transportation (air, bus, or train) in your travels in lieu of rented cars and scooters. Europe has excellent transportation systems and we request that you plan your travels accordingly.
HEALTH ABROAD AND HEALTH INSURANCE Health Insurance Study abroad costs include coverage in an international health insurance plan, provided through HTH Worldwide. Coverage information can be found here: 2015-2016 HTH Wordwide Plan Wentworth also requires that students be covered under a US-based health insurance plan, either through the Institute or a plan provided by your parent(s). Prescriptions The easiest way to address a need for prescription medications is to bring an adequate supply to last for the entire time you are away. The process of arranging for advance prescriptions can be very time consuming and you definitely don’t want to be worrying about whether or not you will be covered a week before you leave. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you examine what you will need while abroad immediately. You should determine a timeline for getting it done – try to think ahead as far as possible. For example, if you need to have a supply of medication in your carry-on luggage, please research the steps you need to take to make sure you can get through security smoothly. If bringing a full term’s prescription with you to Europe is impractical, you should inquire in advance about means of filling your prescription while abroad. Rolf Backmann has identified a pharmacy near to the WIT studios in Berlin (contact information below). We recommend contacting Rolf Backmann in advance, as he can help you in communications with the pharmacy. Pharmacy Information in Berlin (closest to the WIT studios) Sylter Apotheke Tel. 030 – 861 – 42 – 11 Berliner Str. 37 Fax. 030 – 864 – 20 – 434 10715 Berlin-Wilmersdorf
MAILING IN ADVANCE To avoid too much luggage, you may mail in advance some items that you need in Berlin (e.g. linens, clothes, books, etc.) How far in advance should you mail things to Berlin? If you send a bag or a package via airmail it takes about 2 weeks and by regular mail (by boat) takes about 6-8 weeks. If you want to be sure your baggage items are in Berlin when you arrive, please observe the following guidelines: Fall travel: send no later than the beginning of August via air mail Spring travel: send no later than the beginning of January via air mail Please check this date with Rolf Backmann as the time approaches. Very important: Do NOT declare a value of more than $40.00 on packages or baggage, to avoid paying taxes and fees (min. 50.00 EUR) in Berlin. Mailing Address for Berlin: Your Name c/o Backmann Schieber Partner Brandenburgische Str 86 10713 Berlin Germany
LANGUAGE LESSONS Students will be offered introductory lessons in German (Berlin) at the beginning of your stay. Groups of 10 students will meet with a language teacher for two 1-hour sessions per week for five weeks, a total of ten hours instruction. This time will be spent studying basic vocabulary and useful phrases for travelers. This will be provided free of charge; these lessons in Europe are instead of lessons in Boston. For students interested in further study, small group or individual lessons may be arranged. These will be paid for by the participating students, rates to be determined by the number of students involved. Rolf Backmann will assist in making these arrangements, but it will be up to the students to pay the language teacher directly.
BUDGET PLANNING WORKSHEET The following chart is provided for your own use in planning your budget for additional expenses (items not covered by the program fee) during the study abroad program. Since each person’s choices are individual, it is not possible for Wentworth to advise on the amount of money you are likely to need for non-program expenses, but the following list should help you begin your budget planning. 1. Living Expenses: a. Food b. Subway (Transportation) c.
Entertainment, Eating Out
d. Other 2. Educational Expenses: a. Printing, Copying b. Books c.
Supplies
d. Other 3. Travel – Program Trips (transportation and accommodation costs are paid for by the program): a. Food b. Entertainment c.
Miscellaneous / Other
4. Independent Travel – Non-program Trips a. Travel b. Food c.
Lodging
d. Miscellaneous / Other