General

Students are responsible for meals and incidental expenses. Some meals are included in the lodging, provided by SEG, but not all breakfasts or lunches are covered, so students should plan expenses to include some meals. Students are responsible for all miscellaneous room charges such as phone calls (use a calling card).

Most major credit cards are accepted most everywhere. Travelers checks are accepted for a fee at banks but are a major hassle (DO NOT BRING TRAVELERS CHECKS UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY). ATM's should be ubiquitous.

Prior to Departure

· Information Required by SEG prior to departure:

Passport information: All participants must submit to SEG their Passport information (name, country of issue, date of expiry) - this is required for access to mine properties.

Proof of Insurance Coverage: Participants must provide to SEG proof of insurance coverage valid in Chile. Carry your insurance ID card with you at all times during the field course.

Liability Waiver Form: Prior to participation in the course, you must sign and submit to SEG a liability waiver form, provided by SEG. In case of emergency we need to know whom we should contact. This is an absolute requirement.

 

· Valid Passport: All participants must have a valid Passport that is not due to expire within 6-months of your visit to Chile. Photocopy your Passport: It is a good idea to carry a photocopy of your Passport with you, separate from your Passport and Chilean Tourist Card (issued on arrival, see below), and keep safe.

· Tour book/guidebook: Prior to arriving in USA, purchase a tour book/guidebook (with maps), such as "Lonely Planet" or "Fodor's". This will provide essential travel information, as well as some insight into the history and local customs in the USA.

· 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 destination country. Check with your doctor regarding any shots that you may require. You might want to check the CDC (http://www.cdc.gov).

· Safety and Field Gear: All participants must bring safety equipment / clothing required for mine visits (See: What to Bring)--there will be no opportunity to obtain these items once the field course begins.

Transportation and Lodging

We are planning to travel by rental vans.

We will use the least expensive and safe lodgings. 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.

Internet & Phone Calls

Internet access is available in all cities and towns. Wireless is available in most hotels.

If you have a computer or Wi-fi enabled device, Skype is the way to go.

Mobile phone use. Avoid expensive roaming charges. Most carriers offer limited-duration International call packages allowing for affordable calling and text messaging to your home country while travelling overseas. Check with your provider before departure. Also, you must make sure your device will operate in the USA- check your provider's website.

Other Important Information

When delcaring rock samples at customs be sure to state the rocks are from "underground"-- Never say "soil".

Wash your boots and samples if you are stopping in the USA on your way back home.

No alcohol is permitted at the mine sites-- Do not transport any alcohol into a mine; leave it at the hotel.

Mines have a "long sleves" policy even in hot weather.

Seatbelts must be worn at all times in all vehicles.

Laundry facilities are limited. Send out service in a hotel, if it exists, may take more than one day.

Electrical appliances run on 110 V, 60 Hz. Electrical sockets accept two flat pins-- converters from International to round pins to American flat pins can be found at the airport or hardware stores.

Photos: Do not take any pictures of the mine presentations without first asking trip leaders or mine personel.

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.

What if problems arise?

If you have 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.

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:

• Names of persons attending the trip or meeting
• Date
• Climate (if in the field)
• Company name and representatives
• Vital statistics
  • Discovery history
  • For mines: production rate, average grade, cut-off grades, reserves (past+present), number of employees, number of geologists
  • Geological features
• Other- general things you are interested in. 

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: 05/31/2011