Email Archive:
_WINTER BREAK HONDURAS TRIP UPDATES
AIRFARE
We have some good and some bad news on the airfare. The good news is that we have an awesome price of $626.10 leaving out of Philadelphia. This means the total trip cost will be 626.10 + 750= $1376.10, which is actually really good, barring any unforeseen circumstances that would raise prices. Also, since we are leaving out of Philadelphia, we can park at Ricco's house, which would mean we wouldn't have to park at the airport (in which case we would have to ask for more cash from you guys).
The bad news on the airfare, is that with the good flight offer, we need to MOVE UP THE NEXT DEPOSIT DEADLINE TO JANUARY 9. Previously, $800 was due on January 24, but now you have to have a TOTAL of 626.10 in your empowered account on January 9, then a TOTAL of $800 on January 24. If you have any issues meeting the new deadline, send me an email and we can try to work something out.
ROSTER INFORMATION
Apparently something went wrong on empowered (if you think its glitchy now, you should have seen it 2 years ago when it started), and some information was deleted. Please fill out this google doc instead. YOUR NAME MUST MATCH THE NAME ON YOUR PASSPORT.
PASSPORTS/FOREIGN VISAS
Like I just said, make sure the name you provide on empowered matches the name on your passport. Also, make sure your passport DOES NOT EXPIRE for at least 6 months after we leave Honduras. If it does, make sure to reapply for a passport.
If you are not a US citizen, you will need to check with your embassy and the Honduran embassy ***now*** to see if you need a visa and how to go about getting it. Ask me and I can give you guidance on how to go about doing this.
HEALTH PRECAUTIONS
Check the CDC page for an overview of health concerns in Honduras. Even simpler (what I've done and recommend doing) is just get an appointment at the travel clinic at PSU. They will tell you all the vaccines you need and precautions to take. Book ASAP because the appointments fill up fast.
SUMMARY
Get a total of $626.10 in your empowered account by January 9 (or email me with issues)
Update your information on my google doc by January 9
Get your passport/make sure it won't expire within 6 months after Honduras (and tell me if you are a foreign student so we can look into your visa)
Schedule an appointment at UHS travel clinic
THE HONDURAS EMAIL
Hey everyone, Here are all the logistics for getting yourself to Honduras,
all in one piece. The sections are listed in the rough order in which
you should complete them. I know there are a lot of things to do—and
I'll try to remind you of the schedule—but save this email in a safe
place. As you'll see, #1-4 are due on December 5th. That will secure you're spot on the trip that will change... your... LIFE...
1. SIGN UP!!
Due Date: December 5
There was another form to get a rough idea of who's interested, now HERE is
the form for those who are coming, have checked with their parents,
have a way to pay for it, etc. Don't sign up if you haven't seriously
thought about everything. We use this form for booking the
trip with Brigades and negotiating plane ticket contracts that are based
on how many sign up.
2. SETTING UP AN EMPOWERED.ORG ACCOUNT
Due Date: December 5
First thing you should do is create an account at Empowered.org.
1. Go to the page, click on "Join" in the top right hand corner.
2. Fill out all the information, click "Sign Up".
3. Go to your email, click on the confirmation link, sign in on Empowered.
4. Once signed in, head to this LINK.
5. Click on "Volunteer", then I will verify you and you'll be in the group!
6. If you go to our Brigades page, click "donate" , then
select your name under "make a donation on behalf of a volunteer". This
is where you will make your trip payments.
3. DEPOSIT
Due Date: December 5
$250 in your Empowered account by this date. Secures your spot for the trip.
4. HTH WW Health Insurance
Due Date: December 5
Penn
State requires any organizations traveling abroad to get HTH World Wide
Insurance to cover the days they will be on the trip. This only costs
$1.04 per day so it will be little under $8 to purchase. Please fill
out THIS FORM.
I will fill out the roster for our brigade and email it to Student
Health Services. This information will get forwarded to HTH WW and they
will e-mail each person individually with instructions on how to
purchase the insurance. I have attached some additional information
about the insurance in case you are curious about what you are paying
for.
PSU Study Abroad Insurance Program
HTH WW Insurance Flyer
PSU Political and Security Evacuation Coverage
5. PASSPORT
Due Date: *Immediately*
Get
a passport ASAP if you don't have one yet, or renew it if it has
expired. Your passport MUST be valid for at least six additional months
from the date you return to the US. If your passport will be expiring
before this, we highly recommend that you begin the passport renewal
process now. This process can take a long time to complete, and if your
passport is not returned in time, you will not be able to attend your
brigade. It looks like the easiest way would be to get all the
materials together and apply through the post-office on campus. It
looks like a passport takes 4-6 weeks minimum to receive, so if you
don't have one, get on that. You can also get the passport expedited
but it'll cost a little more.
Government website: HERE
Penn State Guide: HERE
7. VACCINATIONS/MALARIA MEDS
Due Date: on your own time
Fill out/print the "Patient for Registration Travel Form" found HERE
. Then drop it off at University Health Services. I think
you can drop it off at the front desk on the first floor. They will
contact you to set up an appointment for your vaccinations and malaria
prescription. The number for UHS is 814-863-0774, in case you have any other questions.
Here is also a CDC website that
you can check out for more information about health conditions in
Honduras . The length of stay of our trip is 7
days The destination is Tegucigalpa, Honduras. The nurse will tell you
what
vaccinations you need, but here's a probable list to prepare yourself:
HEPATITIS A
HEPATITIS B
THYPHOID
MALARIA
MEDS (This is optional as CDC says Malaria is in areas <1000 ft
and there is none in Tegucigalpa. We stay about 2 hours outside
Tegucigalpa in mountains even higher up than the city.)
8. PAYMENT DEADLINES
Due Dates: see below
The
deadline for payments is included below (sorry for the short
timeline). To make it as simple as possible, there will be only 2
deadlines after the initial deposit, as mandated by Global Brigades
headquarters. It is definitely fine to deposit the payments earlier than
the due date, or pay for the whole thing at one time. I will let you
know what the total cost of the trip (exactly what amount has to be
deposited into empowered.org) as soon as I know it. And just to be clear, all deposits are made into your empowered.org page.
Next payment: $750 added, empowered.org account up to $1000, DUE DATE: January 17
Final payment
: ~$500 added, empowered.org account up to ~$1500, DUE DATE: February 6
Social Stuff (as of 23 September 2011)
GB BBQ: Happening THIS Sunday (9/25) at 1005 N. Atherton St from 12-3pm. There will be a trampoline, corn hole, grills...I'm a little upset to report that there will be no more keg, but you are welcome to bring your own if Sunday drinking is your thing. Please bring a small snack or dessert if you can. All the Brigades are going to be there, its going to be a swell time.
sign up: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dDhCTWMxTUxsVnRLRDBVOHhjbThxVGc6MQ#gid=0
Mt. Nittany Hike: We're Hiking Mt. Nittany Sunday October 2nd at 1pm. Medical and Microfinance will be there, so this is an excellent opportunity to meet the Brigades that are going to Ghana with you. We'll have more details later, but keep the date in mind if you are interested.
sign up: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dGVDZTUzRkM3RnZNeDdxdDlVVnMxcWc6MQ#gid=0
Hayride: I've mentioned the hayride as my favorite PSU tradition, now here's the info and sign up. It will be on Thursday October 13th, buses will pick us up at 10pm, costs $20 per person. Once again another joint social with all of Brigades. You can bring a guest if you want, they have to pay $20 too. For your own sake, don't miss this one.
sign up: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dHM4Vkxncl80SUZoZUFtN3dnZjltQXc6MQ
Homecoming: Global Brigades is walking in the homecoming parade, Friday October 14th! Sign up so we can have a huuuuge presence in front of the rest of our community.
sign up: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dF9nb0hrdUIwamVaVXlJTlptQVFXOWc6MQ
sign up: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dDhCTWMxTUxsVnRLRDBVOHhjbThxVGc6MQ#gid=0
Mt. Nittany Hike: We're Hiking Mt. Nittany Sunday October 2nd at 1pm. Medical and Microfinance will be there, so this is an excellent opportunity to meet the Brigades that are going to Ghana with you. We'll have more details later, but keep the date in mind if you are interested.
sign up: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dGVDZTUzRkM3RnZNeDdxdDlVVnMxcWc6MQ#gid=0
Hayride: I've mentioned the hayride as my favorite PSU tradition, now here's the info and sign up. It will be on Thursday October 13th, buses will pick us up at 10pm, costs $20 per person. Once again another joint social with all of Brigades. You can bring a guest if you want, they have to pay $20 too. For your own sake, don't miss this one.
sign up: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dHM4Vkxncl80SUZoZUFtN3dnZjltQXc6MQ
Homecoming: Global Brigades is walking in the homecoming parade, Friday October 14th! Sign up so we can have a huuuuge presence in front of the rest of our community.
sign up: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dF9nb0hrdUIwamVaVXlJTlptQVFXOWc6MQ
THE GHANA EMAIL
Hey everyone, Here are all the logistics for getting yourself to Ghana, all in one place. The sections are listed in the rough order in which you should complete them. I know there are a lot of things to do—and I'll try to remind you of the schedule—but save this email in a safe place. As you'll see, #1-4 are due on October 3rd. That will secure you're spot on the trip that will change... your... LIFE...
1. SIGN UP!!
Due Date: October 3
There was another form to get a rough idea of who's interested, now HERE is the form for those who are coming, have checked with their parents, have a way to pay for it, etc. Don't sign up if you haven't seriously thought about everything.
2. SETTING UP AN EMPOWERED.ORG ACCOUNT
Due Date: October 3
First thing you should do is create an account at Empowered.org. If you were at the meeting, you know its simple:
1. Go to the page, click on "Join" in the top right hand corner.
2. Fill out all the information, click "Sign Up".
3. Go to your email, click on the confirmation link, sign in on Empowered.
4. Once signed in, head to this LINK.
5. Click on "Volunteer", then I will verify you and you'll be in the group!
6. If you go to our Brigades page, click "donate" , then select your name under "make a donation on behalf of a volunteer". This is where you will make your trip payments.
3. DEPOSIT
Due Date: October 3
$250 in your Empowered account by this date. Secures your spot for the trip.
4. HTH WW Health Insurance
Due Date: October 3
Penn State requires any organizations traveling abroad to get HTH World Wide Insurance to cover the days they will be on the trip. This only costs $1.04 per day so it will be little over $10 to purchase. Please fill out THIS FORM. I will fill out the roster for our brigade and email it to Student Health Services. This information will get forwarded to HTH WW and they will e-mail each person individually with instructions on how to purchase the insurance. I have attached some additional information about the insurance in case you are curious about what you are paying for.
PSU Study Abroad Insurance Program
HTH WW Insurance Flyer
PSU Political and Security Evacuation Coverage
5. PASSPORT
Due Date: *Immediately*
Get a passport ASAP if you don't have one yet, or renew it if it has expired. Your passport MUST be valid for at least six additional months from the date you return to the US. If your passport will be expiring before this, we highly recommend that you begin the passport renewal process now. This process can take a long time to complete, and if your passport is not returned in time, you will not be able to attend your brigade. It looks like the easiest way would be to get all the materials together and apply through the post-office on campus. It looks like a passport takes 4-6 weeks minimum to receive, so if you don't have one, get on that. You can also get the passport expedited but it'll cost a little more.
Government website: HERE
Penn State Guide: HERE
6. GETTING A GHANAIAN VISA
Due Date: on your own time, or at our workshop (TBA)
Because getting visas for Ghana is more difficult that most other countries, we will be applying for visas before we leave for the trip. You can download instructions on how to apply for the visa HERE. It will be $60. Better to do it earlier rather than later. Follow the instructions closely. We'll also be having a workshop together with the other Ghana Brigades for people who would rather do it along side others (Date for that will be emailed out).
7. VACCINATIONS/MALARIA MEDS
Due Date: on your own time
Fill out/print the "Patient for Registration Travel Form" found HERE . Then drop it off at University Health Services. I think you can drop it off at the front desk on the first floor. They will contact you to set up an appointment for your vaccinations and malaria prescription. The number for UHS is 814-863-0774, in case you have any other questions.
Here is also a CDC website that you can check out for more information about health conditions in Ghana. The length of stay of our trip is 7 daysThe destination is Cape Coast, GhanaThe nurse will tell you what vaccinations you need, but here's a probable list:
HEPATITIS A
HEPATITIS B
TETANUS
THYPHOID
MALARIA MEDS
8. PAYMENT DEADLINES
Due Dates: see below
The deadline for payments is included below (sorry for the short timeline). To make it as simple as possible, there will be only 2 deadlines after the initial deposit, as mandated by Global Brigades headquarters. It is definitely fine to deposit the payments earlier than the due date, or pay for the whole thing at one time. I will let you know what the total cost of the trip (exactly what amount has to be deposited into empowered.org) as soon as I know it. And just to be clear, all deposits are made into your empowered.org page.
Next payment: $1550 added, empowered.org account up to $1800, DUE DATE: November 1
Final payment: ~$500 added, empowered.org account up to ~$2300, DUE DATE: December 1
9. SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Due Dates: vary
Honors College Travel Grant
Easy Guide to Study Abroad Scholarships (out of Education Abroad Office at PSU)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. SIGN UP!!
Due Date: October 3
There was another form to get a rough idea of who's interested, now HERE is the form for those who are coming, have checked with their parents, have a way to pay for it, etc. Don't sign up if you haven't seriously thought about everything.
2. SETTING UP AN EMPOWERED.ORG ACCOUNT
Due Date: October 3
First thing you should do is create an account at Empowered.org. If you were at the meeting, you know its simple:
1. Go to the page, click on "Join" in the top right hand corner.
2. Fill out all the information, click "Sign Up".
3. Go to your email, click on the confirmation link, sign in on Empowered.
4. Once signed in, head to this LINK.
5. Click on "Volunteer", then I will verify you and you'll be in the group!
6. If you go to our Brigades page, click "donate" , then select your name under "make a donation on behalf of a volunteer". This is where you will make your trip payments.
3. DEPOSIT
Due Date: October 3
$250 in your Empowered account by this date. Secures your spot for the trip.
4. HTH WW Health Insurance
Due Date: October 3
Penn State requires any organizations traveling abroad to get HTH World Wide Insurance to cover the days they will be on the trip. This only costs $1.04 per day so it will be little over $10 to purchase. Please fill out THIS FORM. I will fill out the roster for our brigade and email it to Student Health Services. This information will get forwarded to HTH WW and they will e-mail each person individually with instructions on how to purchase the insurance. I have attached some additional information about the insurance in case you are curious about what you are paying for.
PSU Study Abroad Insurance Program
HTH WW Insurance Flyer
PSU Political and Security Evacuation Coverage
5. PASSPORT
Due Date: *Immediately*
Get a passport ASAP if you don't have one yet, or renew it if it has expired. Your passport MUST be valid for at least six additional months from the date you return to the US. If your passport will be expiring before this, we highly recommend that you begin the passport renewal process now. This process can take a long time to complete, and if your passport is not returned in time, you will not be able to attend your brigade. It looks like the easiest way would be to get all the materials together and apply through the post-office on campus. It looks like a passport takes 4-6 weeks minimum to receive, so if you don't have one, get on that. You can also get the passport expedited but it'll cost a little more.
Government website: HERE
Penn State Guide: HERE
6. GETTING A GHANAIAN VISA
Due Date: on your own time, or at our workshop (TBA)
Because getting visas for Ghana is more difficult that most other countries, we will be applying for visas before we leave for the trip. You can download instructions on how to apply for the visa HERE. It will be $60. Better to do it earlier rather than later. Follow the instructions closely. We'll also be having a workshop together with the other Ghana Brigades for people who would rather do it along side others (Date for that will be emailed out).
7. VACCINATIONS/MALARIA MEDS
Due Date: on your own time
Fill out/print the "Patient for Registration Travel Form" found HERE . Then drop it off at University Health Services. I think you can drop it off at the front desk on the first floor. They will contact you to set up an appointment for your vaccinations and malaria prescription. The number for UHS is 814-863-0774, in case you have any other questions.
Here is also a CDC website that you can check out for more information about health conditions in Ghana. The length of stay of our trip is 7 daysThe destination is Cape Coast, GhanaThe nurse will tell you what vaccinations you need, but here's a probable list:
HEPATITIS A
HEPATITIS B
TETANUS
THYPHOID
MALARIA MEDS
8. PAYMENT DEADLINES
Due Dates: see below
The deadline for payments is included below (sorry for the short timeline). To make it as simple as possible, there will be only 2 deadlines after the initial deposit, as mandated by Global Brigades headquarters. It is definitely fine to deposit the payments earlier than the due date, or pay for the whole thing at one time. I will let you know what the total cost of the trip (exactly what amount has to be deposited into empowered.org) as soon as I know it. And just to be clear, all deposits are made into your empowered.org page.
Next payment: $1550 added, empowered.org account up to $1800, DUE DATE: November 1
Final payment: ~$500 added, empowered.org account up to ~$2300, DUE DATE: December 1
9. SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Due Dates: vary
Honors College Travel Grant
Easy Guide to Study Abroad Scholarships (out of Education Abroad Office at PSU)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------