Revised: May 23, 2009
General Students are responsible for meals and incidental expenses. Some meals are included in the lodging, provided by SEG, but not all breakfasts, lunches or dinners are covered, so students should plan expenses to include some meals. Students are responsible for all miscellaneous room charges such as phone calls. You will need a passport to enter the United States. Please e-mail the leaders with your passport number as soon as possible. In general your passport must be valid for 6 months after your expected return date. Most major credit cards are accepted most everywhere. Electrical appliances run on 110 V, 60 Hz. Electrical sockets accept two straight pins.
Medical Bring with you all medicines that you think you might need including all prescriptions. Assume that you cannot obtain any medicines abroad (i.e. not available or not available when you need it). Be sure to check with your medical insurance for coverage in the U.S.A. Be sure to check with your life insurance company for coverage in the U.S.A. Check with your doctor regarding any shots that you may require. You might want to check the CDC (http://www.cdc.gov).
Transportation and Lodging We are planning to travel in two vans. To economize we will ask participants to share rooms (doubles, tripples, quadruples). The leaders will make the rooming assignments based on the number and types of rooms available. If there are issues with your room assignment, see below. You will receive your room assignment at the front desk. If any changes are needed, they must be made through Dr. Chavez or Petersen. Local Transport (Reno) International / National Terminal in Reno MAPS (Google)
Internet, Phone Calls & Laundry Internet is available in the hotels. The best way for making phone calls back to your home country is by buying and using a phone card. A phone card can be obtained at many grocery and similar stores. MCI and other carriers with local access numbers also work. Skype can be used as well as statelite phones. Laundry facilities are limited.
Other Important Information When delcaring rock samples at customs be sure to state the rocks are from "underground"-- Never say "soil". No alcohol is permitted at the mine sites-- Do not transport any alcohol in to a mine; leave it at the hotel. Mines have a "long sleves" policy even in hot weather. Photos: Do not take any pictures of the mine presentations without first asking mine personel or trip leaders. Copies of powerpoint presentations: Do not ask mine personel for copies of presentations as this can be a sensitive subject. The trip leaders may be able to request presentation materials informally and/or obtain permission to access and distribute any public information.
Climate Travel guides for Nevada indicate daytime highs of 25oC and night-time lows of 15 oC degrees in Reno in May. Weather reports: Reno | Elko | Photo1:
First Aid We will carry a first aid kit during the course. Please report any injuries or concerns to field course leaders so that we might take appropriate action immediately. All mines have a medical center capable of rendering first aidand providing ambulance service if necessary.
What if problems arise? If you have significant questions please talk to the leaders at any time. If there are rooming or incompatability issues with anyone or anything, please speak with Dr. Chavez or Dr. Petersen. Do not make any changes in the rooming assignments on your own; we will make whatever adjustments that can be made or are warranted.
Contact information In case of emergency we need to know whom we should contact. Please fill out the field trip "Travel-related Information Form" and return it to the field trip leader(s) as soon as possible after you have been notified of your participation. How to Take Notes-- A Primer It is a good idea to take notes or keep a log of all your activities. These notes can serve you in a personal and professional sense. Commonly you will need to make a report of your activities to your boss, so it would be a good idea to have an accurate record. Some things (if relevant) you might want to record are:
Disclaimer You will be traveling as a student tourist everywhere you go. Bring a student I.D., as commonly this can save you money. Your are responsible for your own well being. Observe all safety instructions. You must be in top physical and mental condition. The trip will be rigorous on both counts. You will be expected to participate actively. Revised: 05/23/2009 |