Munich Handbook - Preparing for the Program

Preparing Yourself
There are some things you can do to prepare yourself for the program. The more you know about Germany and the better you know German, the more you will get out of your time there. Take as many German courses as you possibly can before departure and try to read German during the summer so that you do not forget what you learned during the school year. In addition, read about German culture, history and politics. It will also be to your benefit to know as much as you can about American culture, history and politics. Germans are extremely well informed about European current events and know a great deal more about the US than Americans generally know about Germany. Germans like to discuss contemporary issues and will probably ask you your opinion of NATO, environmental policy or racism in the US.

Preparing to Leave

Passports and Visas
It is important for you to apply for your passport as soon as you learn of your acceptance. If you are not an American citizen and do not belong to a Schengen Country (West European Union), you will need to apply for your visa well ahead of time. Contact the local German consulate and submit your passport along with your acceptance to the University of Munich and the "Bestaetigung" form, which is available at the Overseas Programs office. You will need to get a "Nationalvisum" not a "Schengenvisum".

Sending Packages
If you wish to send some of your things ahead of time you may use Herr Saborrosch's address. Allow six to eight weeks for surface mail. Unless you are willing to pay heavy customs, do not specify the contents or exact value of the contents. Instead write "Used Clothing" or "Candy," etc. No medicine, not even aspirin, should be specified. The same procedure applies for Christmas or birthday packages sent by your family. The custom formalities at UPS are somewhat complicated, thus regular mail is preferable. Unless the content of the package is extremely valuable, do not insure it. It is very difficult to pick up insured packages and impossible for anyone but yourself to do so.

Mail and Phone
You will learn your exact mailing address and phone number as soon as you arrive in Munich. Normally there is a phone in your house for all students to use. However, many students get their own phone line in their rooms. Some students even choose to get a mobile phone. If you wish to give friends and family an address before you leave, give them the address of the institute. This address can be used as a mailing address for packages throughout the entire year. Expect airmail to take up to two weeks.

Travel Arrangements
You are responsible for making your own travel arrangements to and from Munich. The program in Munich begins on the first Monday in September. You may arrive as early as September 1st, but no later than that Monday. It is imperative that you let Herr Saborrosch know of your arrival day, time, flight number and carrier. Please write to him as soon as you know when you will be arriving. It should be at least a week in advance. You will be picked up by a program assistant when you arrive. If you plan to arrive before September 1st, whether to take a preparatory language class or to travel independently, you need to make these arrangements with Herr Saborrosch ahead of time. He will find you a room to stay in.

Should you arrive before the program begins, you will be taken to your room in the dorm, but you will be on your own. Herr Saborrosch is always available to help out, but the orientation for Lewis & Clark starts on the first Monday in September.

International Student ID
The International Student ID is extremely useful. It gives you discounts on travel, museums, cultural events such as theater tickets, and historical sites. You will find it easily pays for itself during the program. The cost is $20 and it can be purchased through the Overseas & Off- Campus Programs Office at Lewis and Clark College or through a travel agent.

Eurail Youth Pass
If you plan to travel in Europe before or after the program, you may wish to consider the Eurail pass for train travel. The Eurail Youth Pass is available for periods of time. This pass must be purchased in the US and is available through most travel agencies. A new hit in Germany is the BAHN CARD. For 60 Euro you will receive a 25% reduction on all German trains for one year. There are German Rail passes similar to the American Eurail passes that allow you to travel throughout Europe. You will see that traveling by train is a clean and efficient way to get around!

Packing
You will be expected to carry your own luggage, sometimes for considerable distances along train platforms, so it is important that you choose lightweight yet sturdy luggage. You may not take more than two pieces of luggage on the airplane. A sleeping bag is not necessary for the program. A day pack or travel backpack will definitely come in handy for weekend excursions or personal travel.

Some students have brought skis, guitars and bicycles with them. The airlines provide packing for such items, however, it is possible to buy second-hand or new equipment in Munich and sell it after the program. Often, bicycles are available which have been passed on by our students from year to year, and you can always rent skis. Used portable radios and stereos are also available, or you can buy new ones and sell them when you leave. It is not recommended that you bring a lot of bulky equipment.

Clothing
As mentioned earlier, the weather in Munich in the winter is cold. It is sometimes sunny, but winter temperatures are often in the 20s and 30s, so warm clothing is necessary. Germans wear lined boots and heavy coats during the winter, items that you might want to purchase after you have arrived. You can find everything you will need in Munich if you should forget or run out of something.

A reminder: Do not bring bedding, lamps, stereos or boomboxes. Travel lightly by pack ing only what you absolutely need. If you find you can't get along without another sweater, you can buy one in Munich. You do not need to bring a years supply of medication. Your insurance in Germany covers all medical costs including prescriptions.

Banking
The most effective way to transfer funds during your time abroad is through a debit card. Debit card holders don't pay interest when advancing their own funds. You are thus able to disburse your own funds using ATMs located throughout the world. The funds are issued in local currency, thus avoiding fees for conversion. Funds can also be disbursed in appropriate amounts, which eliminates the need to carry large sums of money.

German banks will not accept personal checks, so don't ask your parents to send you money that way. Since you will be in Munich for a year, we recommend opening a personal bank account at the Deutsche Bank 24. There you can have money sent to you in the form of an international bank draft drawable on a German bank and deposit it in your account. Credit cards are also accepted in Europe, but not as widely as in the US. For example, grocery stores and smaller stores (bookstores) do not accept credit cards.

Health and Insurance
No immunizations are required for travel in Europe. However, get a tetanus shot if you have not had one in the last 10 years. It is also a good idea to take a small medicine kit with you. Some suggestions for items are: band-aids, aspirin, vitamins, and any prescription medication. If you wear glasses or contacts take a back-up pair and a copy of your lens prescription.

Upon arrival you will be asked to have a physical examination.

Complete health insurance is provided through the program, starting immediately upon arrival in Germany. Insurance covers all necessary medication, hospitalization and treatment. It is, however, recommended that you see your dentist before you leave.