Ireland Traveling Studio 2004

STUDENT CHECKLIST

I will try to remind you about the items on this list, but I can not be responsible. Some of the items may not apply to you.

IDENTIFICATION ITEMS

• Two copies of your Passport. These copies are in addition to the copies that you have turned in to the IND office. Keep one copy on you at all times and hide another copy in your luggage or give to a friend.
• Keep your original Passport with you or locked in the safes at the hostels. I would suggest keeping your Passport in a hidden wallet.
• You’re responsible for keeping up with your airline ticket, you will be given your ticket at the Atlanta airport and after you arrive in Dublin you will not need the ticket until you the day you return back to Atlanta. I suggest you make a photocopy of your ticket.
• Bring you driver’s license and your Auburn University student ID card. We will need the AU ID card to present for the ISIC card.
• If you are on any prescription drugs you will need an actual prescription from the doctor.

PERSONAL ITEMS

My first recommendation is to minimize what you bring. I know this may sound silly, but after you have packed your backpack or duffle or what ever type of bag you plan to bring, take a walk around the block with your backpack or your bag. Yes, we are not hiking the Appalachian Trail, but there will be times when you will have to walk a couple of city blocks or through a train station. I like the backpack concept because I have my hands free. Also, don’t pack your backpack to the brim; you might want to purchase a jumper (sweater) or some other article of clothing on the trip.

• You can bring as many clothes as you can carry, but here is my suggestion: Synthetic materials or blends are light weight and can be washed easily in a sink and they dry quickly. A small scrub brush is useful along with a small bottle of Woolite.

1POTP = 1 pair you wear on the plane)

- 5 to 7 pairs of underwear (1POTP)

- 3 to 5 T-shirts (optional) (1POTP)

- 3 to 5 pairs of socks (1POTP)

- 2 pair of shoes (1POTP)

- 3 pairs of pants (1POTP)

- 3 shirts (one shirt on the plane)

- 2 pairs of gym shirts – to sleep in and for the shower

- 2 –t- shirts with graphics – you know the standard AU uniform top

- light-weight warm jacket/parka – water resistant or water-proof

- Fleece or sweater - optional

- pair of gloves ( small enough to carry even you don’t need them)

- flip flops (for the shower)

• Toiletries – you can always buy more in Ireland – its fun trying their toothpaste and other items.
• Medicine – for prescription medicine, bring an original doctor’s prescription. The leader may have a few generic pain killers and other over the counter medicines, but if you use a certain brand of headache medicine or cold and sinus pills, then take what you think you will need.
• Camera – bring plenty of film, it’s cheaper here than there
• Electrical converter for chargers, etc.
• CD or MP3 player – great for the train and bus rides.
• Batteries – they are cheaper in the USA, so bring what you need.

• Small Flashlight – this comes in handy when you don’t want to turn on the main overhead light in your bedroom.
• Contacts Lenses and Eye Glasses – bring back-ups of both.
• Jewelry – you’re responsible. This area is up to you.
• Travel Alarm Clock –
• Thin Bath Towel – thick towels are difficult to dry
• A good and flexible attitude and a kind and forgiving spirit. Remember, you are going to be living with, hanging out with, seeing your fellow students in the same clothes for ten weeks., so be understanding and respectful.

SCHOOL MATERIALS – all sharp objects should be packed in the luggage that you check at the ticket counter.

• Glue Stick(s) for gluing images in your journal
• Journal – to be provided
• Small pair of scissors – great for cutting out images for your journal.
• Pilot Felt Tip pens – Black – quantity (4 to 6)
• Flair Felt Tip Pens – Black – quantity (3)
• Sharpie – Black – quantity (2)
• Cool Gray and Warm Gray Markers – light, medium and dark
• Black Marker
• Color Markers – Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Violet – medium values
• 9” x 12” Beifang Graphics Pad – 50 sheets of paper
• Circle and Ellipse Templates
• 30-60 Triangle
• X-acto knife and extra blades
• Other materials that you think you might use – discuss with the leader for advise

DUBLIN and other places.

In the past few years, Dublin has enjoyed a new lease on life and has become a vibrant young city. The renovation of the Temple Bar area (5 minute walk form Kinlay House), combined with the numerous museums, galleries and shops, attracts thousands of visitors each year.

Dublin is generally a safe place, but it does have a wide mixture of area. You can very quickly find yourself out of the tourist area and in a less desirable part of town (as you can in any large city). It is wise to avoid the rougher areas to the north of the River Liffey, away from O’Connell Street.

Although crime in Ireland has long been a relative rarity, in recent years bag-snatching, pick pocketing and car break-ins have become more and more prevalent on the streets of Dublin. Levels of crime are still low by international standards, but Dublin is a modern city with most of the accompanying problems, and you should not allow the fable Irish friendliness over take you. I will point out areas to avoid, but anyone who takes simple precautions should enjoy a trouble-free stay. By world standards most Americans are considered wealthy and easy targets for theft don’t reinforce this image by not watching after your belongings.

Try to stay in pairs and not go alone – especially at night. Walk with confidence and keep moving if confronted by a beggar. Don’t venture very far west of the National College of Art and Design; there is not much that direction anyway. The Brewery Hostel is as far as you want to go west of the college. And don’t venture past St.Stephen’s Green Park (south) and the General Post office (north) on O’Connell Street. You will learn the streets and the area very quickly the first two days.

For more information about Ireland and for your Seminar Project we will visit the Irish Tourist Board ( Bord Failte) office. The office that we will visit is housed in a converted church. This will give us a good landmark and across the street is a Post office.

There are plenty of banks and ATM’s in Dublin. I suggest you try using both. Try an ATM machine outside a bank during the banks’ operating hours. If there is a problem then the bank can assist you. I want you to experience the banks in Ireland.

More about Dublin and the surrounding area will be shared in our itinerary.

TELEPHONES

The majority of the city’s phone booths are still controlled by Telecom Eireann. The wording around each phone booth indicates whether it’s a coin, phone card or credit card phone. I suggest that you purchase a phone card(s); this is by far the cheaper route. There are plenty of phones take phone cards.

Using a TE Card Phone:

1. Lift the receiver and wait for the dial tone.

2. Insert the card

3. A display will show how many units are left

4. Dial the number and wait until you are connected

5. When your phone card runs out you will hear a rapid beeping noise. To continue, press the “change card” button and the old card will come out. Remove it and insert a new card.

Making a Call to the USA

1. Dial 001 then the number. If I wanted to call the IND department I would dial the

following number: 001-334-844-2364

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IDENTIY CARD

One of the first things we will do in Dublin is to get each student an ISIC Card with a Travelsave stamp. This card will save us a significant amount of money on train and bus fares. You will need your Auburn University ID card.

CREDIT CARD INFORMATION

Be sure you and your parents have copies of both sides of your credit card so you and they will know who to contact in case of loss.