FAQs
Why study abroad?
The benefits to study abroad are many. Here are a few:
- Special academic opportunities
- Foreign language competency
- Preparation for careers with an international dimension
- Cross-cultural competence and understanding
How do I choose a seminar?
- PIIRS sponsors Global Seminar information sessions in the fall and early spring each academic year and in conjunction with the annual study abroad fair in the fall.
- PIIRS maintains information regarding Global Seminars, including evaluations by former participants, to assist you in selecting the program best suited to your needs and interests.
- PIIRS’ seminar administrators are a resource for students interested in the Global Seminars. You are encouraged to explore your options and discuss your plans with the administrators as well as the seminar directors.
How long is a Global Seminar?
The Global Seminars are six weeks long.
How many students attend the seminar?
Each Global Seminar has a maximum of fifteen students and a minimum of twelve. Three to five students from the host institution may also enroll in the seminar.
Where can I find the application forms?
Application forms can be found on the PIIRS website at: http://www.princeton.edu/~piirs/curriculum/index.html. Click on your seminar of choice and then on “Application Information.”
What happens once my application is submitted?
Applicant interviews for the 2010 Global Seminars will be held during the week of February 22, 2010. Acceptance emails will be sent out Thursday–Friday, March 1–2, 2010. The deadline to reserve a place in the seminar is Monday, March 22, 2010. A nonrefundable deposit of $500 will be charged to each seminar student’s account by April 1.
Should I make my own travel arrangements?
Students are required to make their own flight arrangements to and from the seminar. Transfer information will be available before you depart: transportation from the airport to the university or hotel will be arranged for you, or specific information on taxis or other public transportation to your accommodation will be provided. You will need to complete the travel database before you depart the U.S. for your Global Seminar.
What documents do I need to provide once I enroll in the seminar?
- Passport
- Completed visa application form and supporting documents if required (PIIRS will help obtain the travel visa, see below)
- Passport photos (2)
- Flight itinerary
- Completed profile on University Travel Database
- Two copies of Self Disclosure health form in envelopes marked “confidential”
- Emergency contact information
My passport expires a month after the seminar concludes. Is that okay?
No. For U.S. passport holders, most countries require that the passport be valid for at least six months beyond the departure date and have at least two blank pages for the visa.
Students holding non-U.S. passports should check with their government’s embassy for specific requirements.
How do I get a passport?
Please refer to the U.S. State Department website for passport information and an application. Forms are available online or at the post offices where some offices also offer application processing by appointment. Non-U.S. citizens should contact their government's embassy regarding plans for foreign travel.
Do I need a Visa?
Yes. Almost all foreign travelers to India need a visa.
How do I obtain a travel visa for the Global Seminar in India?
The seminar administrator will assist students in determining the required visa documentation based on their citizenship. The seminar administrator will coordinate submission of visa applications with Travisa, a visa expediting service.
Where is the housing in Goa and Madurai?
Housing will be at the Hotel Fidalgo in Goa and the Hotel North Gate in Madurai. Most meals will be provided at both.
What happens when I arrive in the host city?
After arriving in Goa, students will check-in to the Hotel Fidalgo and spend the weekend getting oriented and adjusting to the time difference. Full details will be provided by the seminar director. Classes will start on Monday, June 7. Classes will be held in hotel.
Can I arrive at the seminar early or leave later and stay at the seminar hotel or host university dormitory for the additional days?
The seminar housing fee collected by PIIRS covers accommodations for only the advertised dates of the seminar. At a seminar hotel, extra nights can be arranged and paid for by the seminar students. Dormitories at host universities generally do not accommodate students for additional nights; students will have to make their own arrangements, if needed, at a local hotel and cover all expenses. Your seminar administrator may be able to recommend a reasonably priced hotel in the host city.
What type of community service is planned?
In Panaji (Goa) you will work in Mother Theresa’s home with the Sisters of Charity. Depending on the work available on the day/week, you will be asked to assist. This particular house is a home for the elderly as well as an orphanage.
In Madurai you will assist the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) with their conservation work.
The seminar director will provide the full details.
Do I need health/travel insurance?
Yes. All participants MUST have proof of up to date health/travel insurance.
Is India safe for travelers?
India is safe for travelers. Take the same precautions you would in any other place you visit for a holiday: don’t befriend strangers, be aware of your surroundings, don’t draw attention to yourself, and don’t wear expensive jewelry. Also exercise caution while swimming in the open waters in Goa, as trained lifeguards are rare on the beaches. There is a strong undertow during the monsoon, and thus the waters should be avoided during the rains.
Read the following carefully: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html
Are there any health concerns in India?
The University’s McCosh Health Center will provide information on required immunizations and other health precautions (e.g., regarding water and food).
What if I have a medical emergency abroad?
- Students are covered by the International SOS program through Princeton University and will be given an ID card prior to travel. International SOS customer service will assist with locating medical assistance as well as provide recommendations for dealing with other emergency situations. Students and parents should familiarize themselves with the International SOS program by visiting its website. (PU ID 11BSGC000022 Scholastic Comprehensive Membership).
- All emergencies should be reported to the seminar director who may consult with on-site staff to determine the best way of handling the situation.
- U.S. embassies abroad can direct U.S. citizens to medical care in a foreign country. U.S. embassies may also provide additional assistance in cases of severe emergencies.
Will I be able to purchase my preferred brand of over-the-counter medicines?
You should bring any preferred brands of over-the-counter medications such as cold and flu tablets or antidiarrheal, etc. If you are taking any prescription medications, we advise you bring slightly more than you’ll need for the duration of your stay.
What student policies apply to the Global Seminars?
Princeton University regulations on conduct, health, safety, and academic integrity apply to all Global Seminars. Additionally, students are subject to the regulations of the host institutions. Please consult the university’s Rights, Rules, and Responsibilities publication for more information.
How much spending money shall I bring?
This depends on the individual and is really a personal decision. You’ll need enough to cover entertainment, transportation, and meals during your free time, as well as any shopping you make want to do. A general idea of expenses in India includes:
- Entertainment: A cinema ticket in a multiplex will cost $3– $4; theatre $30–$40 depending on the venue; concerts $2.50– $10; and nightclubs $10–$15 entrance fee.
- Transportation: The amount will differ in each city. For example Mumbai is much more expensive than Goa, and Goa is more expensive than Madurai. Rickshaws are cheaper than taxies. City taxis and all rickshaws run by the meter; before you get in, make sure the meter works or bargain for a price that you think is suitable. A four to five block trip should not cost more than .20 cents by rickshaw. Ask the hotel reception for directions and how much you should pay for a trip before talking to a rickshaw/taxi driver. The hotel may be able to arrange a prepaid taxi service for you; prepaid taxi service is more expensive.
- Food: You can pay a few cents for a whole meal or amounts equal to as much as a meal in any five-star restaurant in the U.S. would cost. For example in the hotel in Goa (five restaurants in the building including a 24-hour cafe)—an entrée costs from $2 to $5, a slice of cake $1, bottled water $0.50. As with transportation, costs vary from city to city. For example the bottle of water that costs you 50 cents at a hotel in Goa, may cost $0 25 in Madurai, and $1 in Mumbai. You must drink only bottled water while in India. It is also recommended that you brush your teeth with bottled water.
- Shopping: If there is no price tag on an item, you may bargain. Handicrafts can be bought at state tourism stores for nominal prices. If you shop in stores such as Fabindia (recommended for cotton clothing), you can buy clothing for relatively little. For reference go to: http://www.fabindia.com/.
- Internet: At the Hotel Fidalgo in Goa, wifi costs approximately $1.70 an hour and $10 for 24 hours.
How does money exchange work in India? How should I bring money?
The exchange rate is approximately 46 INR (Indian rupees) to $1 U.S. India is still mainly a cash economy, however traveler's checks, ATM/debit cards, and credit cards are also accepted. Major hotels and most fine restaurants and stores now accept credit cards. ATM cards are probably the most convenient option for accessing money while in India. Carry your bank- and credit-card-related telephone numbers with you, in case of loss.
- Cash: Do not exchange all your money; do not carry large amounts of U.S. dollars. Use the ATM machines to withdraw Indian rupees.
- Traveler’s Checks: Traveler’s checks are not recommended because most restaurants and stores will accept only cash (or credit cards in some cases).
- Credit Cards: Visa and MasterCard are accepted at all upscale hotels and restaurants, as well as by large stores.
- ATM/Debit Cards: A Visa or MasterCard bank card should be easily accepted at the various Indian banks’ ATM machines. The withdrawal limit is about INR10,000 per day, though this will vary. INRs 10,000 is approximately $218.
Let your ATM/debit/credit card bank know that you will be traveling to India and the dates of your visit. If you use your card without letting them know first, there is a good chance that they will block all payments.
Do you recommend exchanging money before leaving for India?
Yes, it is always good to travel with some money. Convert $100–$200 either before you leave or at the airport upon arrival in India.
What clothing should I bring?
The summer is hot throughout most of India. Students should bring cotton clothing: shirts, skirts, pants, etc., as well as a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and swimwear. Tank tops and shorts are appropriate in Goa, but not in Madurai or other cities. In cities, pants or long skirts with shirts and tops with sleeves are appropriate. Clothing and shoes can be bought inexpensively in India, but sizes run small.
Students should bring a waterproof jacket or rain poncho, since monsoon season runs from June through September. Umbrellas are easily purchased locally. If you should get caught in a typical monsoon shower, your clothes—especially jeans—will take a long time to dry in the hotel room.
Bring a waterproof backpack for weekend and day trips.
Where can I do my laundry?
The Hotel Fidalgo in Goa will provide laundry facilities for a small fee. If you chose to use this service, the fee will be charged to you directly and is not covered by the program.
What’s the weather like in India?
Goa and Madurai, India have tropical climates with warm, humid weather for most of the year. The summer months are hot, with July temperatures averaging 85°F to 90°F, and there are monsoon rains from June to September.
How easy is it to find vegetarian food in India?
Most Indians are vegetarians, thus finding vegetarian food will be no problem. In fact in cities like Madurai, you may find it difficult to find a restaurant that sells nonvegetarian food.
How much should I tip in India?
People are generally expected to pay small amounts in order to get things done in India, as well as to reward for jobs accomplished. This is called ‘bakshish.’
In cafes and restaurants it is appropriate to tip about 5 percent. However, in upscale restaurants, especially those within hotels, a 10 percent tip is appropriate. Hotel bellboys and porters should be tipped about 10–15 rupees per bag and 15–20 rupees for room service.
Never tip a taxi or rickshaw driver; pay by the meter or confirm an amount before you sit in a vehicle. If you hire a driver for a whole day or several hours, give the driver 50–100 rupees for lunch or/and dinner at the appropriate time.
What voltage is used in India?
India uses 220 volts (the U.S. uses 110 volts) and European-style wall sockets. You will likely need a voltage converter and plug adaptor to use your appliances. Both may be available for purchase at the U-Store.
What is the best and least expensive way to stay connected while abroad?
- Cell phones: Check with your carrier to make sure that your cell phone will work in India before you leave the U.S. This is an expensive way to keep in touch, but important in case of emergencies. You can also make international calls from telephone booths in India; the rates are very low.
- Internet: This is probably the least expensive way to stay in touch with your family and friends. You can buy minutes in the hotel lobby and use wifi service in your room (approximately $1.70 per hour and about $10 for 24 hours).
