Airline tickets – must have boarding pass with you to board the plane

Passport – must have with you to board the plane and to enter the United States.
Visa – must have with you to board the plane and to enter the United States.
Emergency contact information – bring one copy of information with you and leave another copy with your family or other emergency contacts.
Copies of passport and visa – bring one set of copies with you and leave another set of copies with your family or other emergency contacts.
Photocopies of credit cards and other important personal information – leave copies with your family or other emergency contacts. This is only a suggestion and is not required.
Prescription medicine– Eyeglasses (if you use them). Reading materials / music for the long flights.
Anything you can’t afford to lose in your checked luggage (that is permissible), place in your carry-on.
Bring a sweater or jacket as the plane can sometimes be cold.

Upon arrival at the Hartford airport (BDL), you will stay one night at the hotel near the airport, and then a shuttle bus will bring you to the UConn Storrs campus the next morning.
Representatives from UConn will meet you in the baggage claim area to escort you to the adjacent hotel.

Orientation: Participants will have an orientation on campus on the first day of the program. The orientation will include a review of the program agenda, a campus tour, activities and services available during your stay, and introductions to key staff. The following links will better orient you with the universities and all that they have to offer:
University of Connecticut Website and the UConn Campus Map

At UConn, you will be staying at the Graduate Storrs Hotel located on the University of Connecticut campus.  Each hotel room will be shared by 2 YSEALI participants. Bathroom facilities are in each room, and shampoo, conditioner, soap, towels, and a hair dryer are included.  The hotels provide internet access and an iron in each room.

The YSEALI Program will pay for all participant rooms; however, participants will be responsible for any damage fees that might be assessed at the end of the program.

FALL:  The average high temperature in October is in the 50s°F / 15°C and the average low is around 40°F / 5°C.

SPRING:  The average high temperature in March is in the 40s°F / 5°C and the average low is around 28°F / -2°C. Expect to see temperatures below 32°F / 0°C, but temperatures begin to warm up slightly in April.

FALL & SPRING: It is suggested that you bring clothes that will allow you to dress in layers, such as a shirt with a sweater or pull-over on top of the shirt, to allow you to adjust to the varying temperatures.

• Long-sleeve shirts, warm jacket, sweaters, gloves, scarf, and hat for cold weather.
• Raincoat or other waterproof jacket or poncho, compact umbrella.
• Flip-flops or shower shoes might be helpful.
• Electric shaver, razors, or other grooming equipment.
• A pair of closed-toe and comfortable walking shoes for community service days and city tours.
• Sunglasses – nice to have but not required
• Classroom and Community Service Attire– On days spent in the classroom or doing community service, the dress code is casual to business casual. No jacket or tie is required. Comfortable shirts, pants, shorts, skirts and shoes are acceptable.
• Weekend and Night Activities Attire– Same as classroom attire.
• Visits to Businesses– Business casual. Shirt with a collar, trousers and/or skirts. Casual or dress shoes. A sweater or pull-over can be worn over the collared shirt. Tie and jacket are not necessary.
• Meetings with State Department representatives and closing dinner– Business attire or traditional clothes.
• Backpack (ruck sack) for class and daytrips – or any bag of your choice
• Camera, if you want to take photos
• Electrical adapter – the U.S. relies on alternating current, 60 cycles, 120 volts.

You will be provided with a meal card to use on days when you will be eating meals on campus. When necessary, we will issue per diem (per-day) cash allowance for meals not on campus and not part of a group meal, such as when you are off-campus for a daytrip. When a group meal is served, you will not need a meal card or per diem for that particular meal.

There is an AllPoint ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines) inside the CVS store, which is located in Storrs Center across the street from UConn’s campus.  You can use the Allpoint ATM to withdraw funds from your prepaid card or from your own debit card from home.  There is a small convenience fee for each withdrawal tranaction, but there is no fee to check your current balance.

• If you do not have an ATM card, be prepared with cash in U.S. Dollars for souvenirs or other expenses during your stay in the U.S.

Bring cash with you on the plane which you can exchange at the airport (enough for the first couple of days).
If you have an ATM card or credit card that you plan to use in the U.S., you should call the company to alert them that you might be using your card in the U.S. to ensure service. Western Union is not located nearby, so you should not plan on having family send you money during the middle of the program.

Cell Phones: The U.S. cell phone companies operate with SIM cards. We suggest using messaging apps (WhatsApp, WeChat, Viber, Skype, etc.) that use WiFi to make international calls or you could buy a calling card. SIM cards with a limited amount of data will be made available to all participants.

Internet: There will be wireless internet access in your hotel room and throughout campus for you to connect to the internet from your own device if applicable. Also, there are also computers available in the Library with internet access. Participants are encouraged to use Skype and/or email to communicate with their families since these services are free of charge.

Local U.S. Contact Information:

The following contact information should be used for Emergency Situations Only:

1. Primary contact:
   Roy Pietro, Director, Global Training and Development Institute
   Office – 000 + 1 + 860 + 486 + 4252
   Alternate Office Number – (860) 486-0873
   Cell phone – 000 + 1 + 860 + 335 + 3057
   Email – roy.pietro@uconn.edu
2. Mailing Address if you need something shipped to you:
   Participant Name
   Graduate Storrs Hotel, Room Number
   855 Bolton Road
   Storrs, CT 06268
   USA

In the U.S., smoking is prohibited in public areas, especially inside buildings. Most offices and organizations have a designated smoking area outside the building. On campus, smoking is prohibited inside all buildings and within 25 feet of all entrance doors.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be available on campus. Further information on dining hall services can be accessed at https://dining.uconn.edu.

Participants will be covered by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ (ECA) Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE). This program covers medical expenses associated with each sickness or accident up to a limit of $50,000 U.S. dollars per occurrence, with a $25 payment required for a doctor appointment and $75 payment for an urgent care center visit or visit to the Emergency Room at a hospital.The ASPE program does not cover the costs associated with routine check-ups or with examinations or complications associated with pre-existing conditions.Coverage begins from the time that you depart for the U.S. and continues until you return to home.

The health insurance card will be issued to you at orientation after you arrive in the U.S.

Detailed information regarding the ASPE plan is available here.

For true medical emergencies while in the U.S., dial 9-1-1 for an immediate emergency medical response to the situation.

If you do not feel well and think that you need to see a doctor or receive medical treatment and it is not an emergency situation, please contact Roy Pietro at 860-486-4252 or 860-335-3057 to assist with arranging a doctor appointment.

Bring what medicine you think you may need, since medicine is expensive in the U.S.

UConn is committed to providing all visitors with a safe and enjoyable experience.
For true emergencies while in the U.S., dial 9-1-1 for an immediate emergency response to the situation.

• UConn has its own shuttle bus system.
• Most of the areas on campus that you will need to go are no more than a 10 to 15 minute walk, but the campus shuttle is available if you prefer.

On-Campus at UConn

Homer Babbidge Library: The main library on the Storrs campus. The library is an excellent place to study. It also has a café/coffee bar, computer terminals, phones, quiet study areas and study tables.

UConn Student Union: Home to a large food court, movie theater, sit down restaurant, ATMs, convenience grocery store, video game room, study lounges and center for many activities on campus. Visit here for more information.

UConn Bookstore: The official bookstore for the University of Connecticut. The campus store where books, study aids, university imprinted items such as sports wear and gift ware and other items of interest, living supplies and amenities, snacks, computer equipment, school supplies, and other items can be purchased. Visit here for more information.

Recreation Facility: For individuals interested in fitness and athletics. The fitness center has a huge selection of workout equipment and athletic activities including a pool and indoor track. There are fees to use the field house equipment. Visit here for more information.

Jorgensen Center for Performing Arts: Hosts plays, musicals, concerts and other performances throughout the year. Some performances are free and some require purchase of a ticket. Visit here for more information.

Because of the logistics involved with the daytrips, everyone must stay with the group agenda.The program does not allow for individual travel before, during, or after the program.