Mexican
Gulf Coast Cultures
Travel
Group behavior and solidarity:
Living and traveling as a group requires of each member a strong
spirit of cooperation and a willingness to place the needs of the
group above personal preferences. We expect all members of the group
to stay in the accommodations provided by the program, and participate
in program activities together. The unique and ongoing dialogue
between students and faculty is born in response to program experiences
and activities. We expect participants to be receptive to the experiences
offered on the program and respectful of one another. We also expect
students to show respect at all times when interacting with the
people and cultures visited. A disregard of these rules may lead
to dismissal of the student from the tour.
Backpacks:
Participants may carry one internal or external frame backpack small
enough to be considered "carry-on" by airlines and bus
lines. Once in Mexico, backpacks will save space for all during
the many trips by van. Backpacks are also preferred over wheeled
suitcases because there will be many settings lacking pavement. Students may wish to bring a separate but small bag for daily needs
such as water, snacks, notebook and camera. This facilitates travel
and keeps personal effects to a minimum. Accepted students will
receive more information on backpack specifications.
Program Travel:
This is a traveling program. On most days, we check out of a hotel
early in the morning and spend several hours in a van between visits
until we arrive at a new hotel in a different city or town. The
program fee covers all travel within Mexico: from the Villahermosa
airport upon arrival to the Mexico City airport upon departure.
Public Transportation:
Most travel will be in a van. However, we also move quickly using
public transportation, which enables program participants to mix
as much as possible with local inhabitants throughout the program.
We might travel by metro and bus. In Tabasco we take local small
fishing boats on a tour of a coastal area.
Round-Trip Air:
Once accepted into the program, students will receive information
on arranging their air transportation.
Where we stay:
The program fee covers the costs of hotel lodging in all cities
and towns visited. Each student should be prepared to share hotel
rooms and possibly king-sized beds. Each hotel is chosen based on location, relative quietness, safety, friendliness and cost. Some
hotels will have restaurants and additional services while others
will not. We stay one night at a house in a fishing village and
will have close interaction with the house owners. While at the
house, 3-5 students will share a room with beds and hammocks. Participants
will be expected to abide by the rules and regulations established
by the tour director at the hotels and house, and the rules of the
hotels and house owner. A disregard of these rules may lead to dismissal
of the student from the tour.
Travel requirements:
- Beginning January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document.
- If you have not yet applied
for a passport, please do so immediately. Applications can be obtained
at any county court house, passport agency or designated post office.
The expiration date of your passport must be at least six months
after the tour ends. For complete passport information, including
printable application forms, visit the State Department website
at: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
- Applications can also be obtained at any county court house, passport
agency or designated post office.
Participants who are NON-U.S. citizens may be required to have an
additional visa, depending on citizenship and are responsible for
securing the necessary visa. The Office of Academic Programs Abroad
at Eastern Michigan University will inform non-U.S. citizens about
which steps to take to receive a visa. The Mexico Gulf Coast Cultures
Program cannot be responsible for delays, detainments or losses
incurred by non-U.S. citizens due to visa problems arising from
their citizenships.
For more information:
Dr. Bradley E. Ensor
bensor@emich.edu
Tel. 734.487.4246
or
Academic Programs Abroad
Eastern Michigan University
103 Boone Hall
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Voice: 734.487.2424 or toll free 800.777.3541
FAX: 734.487.4377
E-mail : Programs Abroad
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