CYPRUS PROGRAM HANDBOOK. UC Irvine Summer Session at the European University Cyprus June 20 July 18, 2010

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1 CYPRUS PROGRAM HANDBOOK UC Irvine Summer Session at the European University Cyprus June 20 July 18, 2010 Please review the following information in its entirety and take a copy with you to Cyprus. This handbook works in conjunction with the Travel Study Student Handbook. Both should be read in detail to help you prepare for your trip abroad. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS All Travel Study Pre-Departure requirements, information, and policies are located online at Enrolled Students should access the Enrolled Student Webpage and log in with the password given in the Confirmation Welcome . Here is a list of what is required for all students: Certificate of Good Standing (Must be printed, signed by your academic counselor and returned to the Travel-Study Office) Judicial Review (Must be printed, signed by your home-campus Dean of Students Office or Judicial Affairs Office. Your home campus will return this form to UCI Travel Study) Health History Form (Must be Printed and returned to the Travel Study Office) Student Registration and Flight Information (Fill in the web form and submit) UC Travel Insurance I.D. Card (Note Health Insurance and Safety Policy. Instructions on Enrolled Student Webpage) Send a color Passport Scan (Note the Passport / Visas Policy. Upload on Enrolled Student Webpage) Send a Student Photo (Note the Passport / Visas Policy. Upload on Enrolled Student Webpage) DEADLINES (All Payments and Pre Departure Requirements are due by): May 1st (Session I programs) Deadlines are strict. Failure to submit all required pre-departure material by the deadline may result in enrollment cancellation without refund.

2 PREPARING TO TRAVEL A. PASSPORTS & VISAS All students are required to have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of the expected return to the United States. You are responsible for obtaining all necessary entry documents before departure for your travel abroad. If you fail to obtain the proper visa documentation prior to departure, you may be denied admittance into Cyprus, or the U.S. upon return. No refunds shall be given for students who fail to obtain the correct documentation prior to the program start date. Information about how to obtain a passport can be found in your Travel Study Student Handbook. If you are a United States citizen, visas are not necessary for the Cyprus program. However, if you are planning on traveling before or after a program, and will be in a country for 90 days or longer, you may need a visa. If this applies to you, you are responsible for checking with the country consulate and the consulate office of the country(ies) to which you are traveling to inquire about visa requirements and to obtain visa(s) where applicable. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you are responsible for checking with the country consulate to inquire about visa requirements and to obtain visa(s) where applicable. If your Travel-Study program visits more than one country, make sure you check the consulate of each country. No refunds shall be given for students who fail to obtain the correct documentation prior to the program start date. B. FLIGHTS & FLIGHT ITINERARIES UCI Summer Session highly recommends that all students purchase trip cancellation insurance, even after the program has reached its minimum enrollment. When a program reaches minimum enrollment, students will be notified by . In most cases minimum enrollment will be reached by February or March. However, please be patient, and keep aware that in some cases minimum enrollment could be reached as late as April 15, Students who purchase trip cancellation insurance can book their flight as soon as possible after enrolling to search for a lower price. Students who choose to wait for minimum enrollment prior to booking their flight are still urged to purchase trip cancellation insurance. In all, trip cancellation insurance is a necessity. SUBMIT YOUR FLIGHT ITINERARY: All students must submit their flight itinerary. Log on to the Enrolled Student Webpage for directions on how to submit your itinerary. Your program coordinators abroad will receive this information, and in some programs it will be used to facilitate an airport pick-up. Should your flight be changed, delayed, or canceled we will be able to determine appropriate arrangements. Students who do not submit their flight information by the due date jeopardize their airport pickup option, if airport pickup is available. C. ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE Please note that it is important to arrive on time and stay for the duration of the program. COLLEGE CONTACT INFORMATION: The European University Cyprus Ms. Andria Karekla (Office of Admissions, New Campus, Ground Floor) ADDRESS: 6 Diogenis Street, Engomi PHONE: (Direct Line), (Main Telephone) a.karekla@euc.ac.cy ARRIVAL: Airport pick-ups will be available at Larnaca Airport on Saturday, June 20 and will be scheduled based on the arrival dates and times we receive from the participants. It is recommended that you land by the late afternoon, that is 3 to 4pm, to give ample time for baggage and customs so you may check-in to the campus accommodations before it is dark outside. Orientation to the program will be the following morning, June 21.

3 If you re arriving before June 20, you may contact Ms Andria Karekla at the University for advice on accommodations, etc. Students arriving early may also prefer to spend the time sightseeing before checking-in to the program on the 20 th. WHAT TO DO IF THE AIRLINE LOSES YOUR LUGGAGE 1. Report your missing items to the proper authorities at the airport. Look for the lost luggage information desk in the baggage claim area of the airport you fly into. 2. Ask them to deliver your bag the Campus Address: The European University Cyprus Marina Alexandrou 6 Dionenis street, Engomi 1516 Nicosia Cyprus 3. Give them the following phone contact information: Contact: Ms Andria Karekla Phone: a.karekla@euc.ac.cy They will print out a page with your lost luggage information that will have your claim reference number. Do not lose this piece of paper. DIRECTIONS TO THE CAMPUS FOR CHECK-IN: Students who do not wish to utilize the airport pick-up on June 20 th may travel to the campus on their own expense. It is very easy and safe to take a taxi from the airport to come to Nicosia. It takes 35 minutes to reach Nicosia and the fare will be approximately euro. EUC can arrange taxi pick up with a company we cooperate with. All students must submit their flight itinerary on the Travel Study Enrolled Student Webpage to ensure EUC is informed of individual arrival dates and times. DEPARTURE: Checkout will be Sunday, July 18 th as late as 18:00 hours. All participants are urged not to plan on leaving prior to the end of the Session -- that is, no earlier than Saturday, July 17 th or 18 th. On Friday the 16 th there will be a farewell dinner you will not want to miss. Saturday the 17 th is a free day for you to enjoy. Accommodations will be paid for the night of the 17 th, as official check-out is on the 18 th. Accommodations can be made for students to stay beyond July 18 th for a few days at a reasonable cost. However, such a stay is not covered by the regular program fee, and arrangements should be made ahead of time with Ms EleniMarkantoni (e.markantoni@euc.ac.cy) of the Office of Student Affairs. Daily rates will be 18 euro per person, and rooms will be subject to availability, so book early in advance via . Besides that option, the European University Cyprus can give you a few other choices to stay longer after the session. DUTY AND CUSTOMS: Know before you go! When returning home, make sure that you do not bring items that are considered prohibited or illegal by the United States. Upon entry into the U.S. you may be subject to a search, even if you have nothing to declare. You are responsible for knowing what is legal to being home to the U.S. Check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website before leaving to study abroad.

4 D. MONEY & FOREIGN CURRENCY: Currency: Cyprus uses the Euro through most of the country; this is what you will be using on the trip. It is important that you understand the currency conversion from U.S. dollars prior to departure. Check an online currency converter < If you choose to travel outside of program excursions, be aware some of the northern parts of Cyprus still use the Turkish Lira. Some places may accept US dollars, but it is best to change over to the Euro. ATM s are widely available, especially where you will be staying. Spending Money: You will need to budget for additional meals, souvenirs, excursions, personal trips, and other incidentals. We recommend students have access to $ U.S. Dollars (depending on your spending habits) for the duration of the Travel-Study in addition to expected expenditures before and after the session. Exchange: The use of ATMs is the most convenient way to exchange money in Nicosia and all over Cyprus. You will need a four-digit PIN. Your U.S. Bank may have an affiliate bank in Cyprus, which may not charge a transaction fee. Use of unaffiliated banks will result in a fee that is charged to your account. An exchange rate will be charged to your account from any bank. The fees described are a better rate than using traveler s checks! To cut down on transaction fees, withdraw larger sums of money ($200-$300) and store excess money safely in your dorm room. Never go to an ATM alone! Remember to contact your bank about fees and charges, and to inform them that you will be using your card(s) out of the country. Traveler's checks are not advisable as they offer poor exchange rates and exchanging can be inconvenient. Major (Visa and MasterCard) credit cards are widely accepted all over the country. Beware AMEX is not as accepted. E. ABOUT THE CAMPUS & PROGRAM Important People: In addition to the lecturers with whom students will interact in and out of their classes, the following are the people with whom there will be the most contact during the stay at the European University Cyprus. They will do their best to make your time at the University and in Cyprus a meaningful learning and social experience. Ms Marina Alexandrou, Program Director and Director of Admissions: Will assist students with any concerns during their stay. Her office is located at the Ground Floor of the new campus. Ms Andria Karekla, Program Coordinator and Admission Officer: Will assist students with any concerns during their stay and courses of instruction. Her office is located at the Ground Floor of the new campus. Program Assistants will also be available, and act as cultural guides and liaisons, exposing students to local activities and dining. Postal Address: Students can receive mail using their postal address of their apartment: TO: Your Name Here Harmony House 2 Shakespeare Street 2062 Strovolos Nicosia - Cyprus Telephone: The apartment accommodations are not equip with a land-line phone, so family and friends should be advised to contact students via or mobile phone (see below). The campus general phone number is: Keep in mind that Cyprus is 9 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time.

5 For international calls, you can use pre-paid cards, which include the instructions to make international phone calls, to make calls from public pay phones. There are also public phone companies around the city from where you can make international phone calls, at very reasonable cost. Cell Phones: You may bring your own cell phone, provided you contact your service provider ahead of time to discuss international options. Some phones simply need be unlocked, but please beware of the international charges. Sim cards will be available for purchase in Cyprus for phones that have a sim card option. Internet & Computers: The campus is equipped with wireless internet. Students will also have access to the on-campus computer center and free usage of the library database for projects and research. The student apartments will also be equipped with wireless internet for those students who wish to bring a laptop. If you plan on bringing your laptop, be sure to bring a power converter and wall adaptor (so that it is usable overseas!). Calendar of Events: You will be provided with a calendar of events on the Travel Study Enrolled Student Website in April of Laundry: There is laundry room available at Harmony House. It is open 24 hours. The cost of washing will be 2 euros and 2 euros for drying (7 kilos capacity) F. WHAT TO BRING Nicosia is a modern city. Merchandise available in the U.S. can be purchased there, so it is not necessary to over pack consumable items! Bed linen and pillows are provided in the apartment accommodations. Note the packing list on the Travel Study Enrolled Student Webpage. Electricity (converters & adapters): The Nicosia electrical system is 240 volts at 50 cycles. Plugs take a British 3-pin rectangular blade plug format. Most electrical items can be adapted with relative ease, but ask for advice and make sure you purchase an electrical converter and wall adapter before leaving the U.S., especially for expensive items of equipment. You may want to bring your ipod, CD or MP3 player. Hair dryers and straighteners do not usually survive the power conversion, so consider buying these items abroad. Book Purchase: Students are urged to purchase any necessary books in the U.S. before departure. Please note that books will not be ordered for the UCI bookstore and students should purchase books online or locally. A book list will be available on the Enrolled Student Webpage in April. Dress: In June summer arrives in Cyprus. Temperatures continue to rise but do not reach their highest until July and August. Students should bring comfortable clothes as it will be hot in Cyprus during June and July. Dress code is smart but casual. G. LIFE IN NICOSIA & EUROPE Travel Books: The Travel Study office and Program Coordinators in Cyprus can be quite helpful, but students who choose to read and research Cyprus prior to departure will ultimately have a more rewarding experience. May we recommend travel books and maps by the following providers: o Lonely Planet Series o Rick Steve s o Let s Go Series o Rough Guide Series News: We encourage you to read a good newspaper and one of the major news weeklies regarding U.S. news and events prior to leaving for the program (Time, Newsweek, The Economist). Remember, you will be questioned constantly on American policy and American attitudes. Informing yourself through the newspaper will also allow you to hold conversations on current issues facing your host country.

6 In addition, reading up on current events in Cyprus will keep you updated on current culture, politics and issues. Culture & Customs: In Cyprus, respect and personal relationship are key. Individuals are very respectful of one another, always greeting each person individually when coming and going. They tend to take time to build relationships, but once they are built they are very long lasting. When interacting with locals, keep this in mind. The use of first names only is not considered polite practice, so if you do meet people be sure to get permission to address them so informally. Otherwise, but mindful that you are visiting a new country and keep an open mind to things that are different than you are used to. With the increasing westernization of Cyprus, you will notice that some parts feel very European. Tips: Tipping is customary at restaurants of about 10% and many times it is already included. Taxi drivers and other attendants expect tips as well. There are also taxes placed on goods and services in Cyprus, similar to sales tax in the United States. Taxis: Taxis are available for transportation needs. It is always advisable to check the rate before getting in to avoid unexpected fees. Don t forget, tip your taxi driver. H. HEALTH, MEDICAL AND SAFETY IN CYPRUS You will want to reference the Travel Study Student Handbook for general travel tips on health and safety. Safety: Cyprus is generally a very safe place. Since its addition to the EU, it has become an increasingly western place. Be mindful of your personal belongings in crowded areas and in unfamiliar or secluded areas late at night. There are some differences between the main Republic and the northern parts of Cyprus. There is a dividing line in the north part of the capital of Nicosia and it is important to stay clear of any prohibited signs and if you do cross, use a designated check-point. This should not be a concern while on the program, but if you do choose to explore the country on your own during free time, be mindful of where you are. Water: Water is safe to use, but it always recommended that you drink bottled water in Eastern Europe to prevent your stomach from getting upset due to the differences in mineral content. Immunizations: Currently, Travel Study does not require immunizations beyond those that are required for regular university enrollment (Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) and Hepatitis B; Meningococcal recommended). It is the student's responsibility to be aware of new health information regarding the locations to which they plan to travel. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide a wealth of information for the traveler. Please review the pertinent information on their websites prior to your departure. U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) < World Health Organizations < > For Cyprus, routine shots are recommended if you are not up-to-date with shots such as, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) vaccine, poliovirus vaccine, etc. Ask your doctor if any vaccinations are recommended. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention currently recommends Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG), Hepatitis B, and Typhoid as precautionary vaccinations. Insurance: When participating in off-campus activities sponsored and supervised by the University, students will be covered worldwide, 24 hours a day, for a wide variety of accidents and incidents while away from the campus. Reference the Travel Study Student Handbook to learn how to register for UC Insurance and for details.

7 Medical Services: The University has First Aid Services available from hours. In case of emergency students should contact the Office of Student Affairs located at west block building of the old campus, at the ground floor. In the event students will require medical attention then they should contact the Office of Student Affairs to assist them in contacting a physician. The University is near 2-3 private hospitals. If an American citizen becomes seriously ill or injured abroad, a U. S. consular officer can assist in locating appropriate medical services and informing family or friends. If necessary, a consular officer can also assist in the transfer of funds from the United States. However, payment of hospital and other expenses is the responsibility of the traveller. Before going abroad, learn what medical services your health insurance will cover overseas. If your health insurance policy provides coverage outside the United States, remember to carry both your insurance policy identity card as proof of such insurance and a claim form. Although many health insurance companies will pay customary and reasonable hospital costs abroad, very few will pay for your medical evacuation back to the United States. Medical evacuation can easily cost $10,000+, depending on your location and medical condition. For further information: Prescriptions: Students will want to take a supply of their current medications to last them through the end of the trip, and some extra in case of loss or damage. It is advised to keep medications in their original container and bring a copy of the prescription from your doctor. Consult with a doctor (the university can assist you whom to contact) to have new prescriptions filled at a local pharmacist (as prescribed by a doctor while in Cyprus). A receipt should be obtained from the pharmacy and an insurance claim form should be completed after purchase so that reimbursement may be sought upon return to the U.S. If you have a prescription that needs to be filled, please bring the original container and prescription from your doctor at home. Hospital: Referral to a hospital will normally be made by the nurse or by a doctor. In case of accident or emergency, a patient may be taken directly to a hospital by ambulance, and the resulting hospital treatment must be paid for on site, and then reimbursed by the student s insurance in the U.S., but be sure that the insurance obtained covers the fee for the ambulance (this is not always the case). Treatment of Pre-Existing Condition: Students who are receiving medical treatment of any kind before they leave the U.S., which they wish to have continued after they arrive in Nicosia, must bring a letter from their home doctor(s) for the doctors who may be involved in Nicosia. The letter should provide full details of the condition and specify treatment already given. Resumption of treatment may be delayed if this information is not immediately available. Please advise program staff if you are undergoing medical treatment so they can assist you. Dental Services: EUC can refer students to a dentist should the need arises. The cost for a simple dental service will be 60 euros but for more serious cases the cost will vary. The Office of Student Affairs can contact the dentist to receive an estimate of cost in advanced based on each case. Please ensure that any insurance you already have or take out for the purposes of this trip, in conjunction with insurance provided as part of the UCI package, provides adequate coverage for all forms of medical emergency while you are traveling (see Insurance ). Please note that your health insurance does not cover theft of personal property. Keep your luggage in sight while traveling, especially in rest rooms, in restaurants and on public transportation. The European University Cyprus accepts no liability for property loss, so keep the door to your room locked whenever you go out. In short, the safekeeping of your possessions is your responsibility. If you have concerns or questions, don t hesitate to contact the UCI Summer Session Travel-Study office at (949) For local advice, contact Ms Andria Karekla directly via at a.karekla@euc.ac.cy