Rio de Janerio Summer Program - College of Law

A. Students attending the entire Program or only the first module must arrive no later than noon on Saturday, May 17, 2008. Those students attending the second module only should arrive no later than Saturday, May 31, 2008. If you wish to be picked up at the airport, you must arrive between the hours of 7:00 am and 12 noon on those days AND you are responsible for getting your complete flight itinerary to the U.S. Program Assistant, Karen Butler, no later than Friday, May 2, 2008 at 12 noon. Ms. Butler can be contacted by e-mail at kpbutler@gsu.edu or by telephone at 404.413.9082.

The primary direct flights that will arrive at this time, as of January 17, 2008, are as follows:

· American Airlines Flight #905, Departs from Miami May 16, 2008 at 11:10 PM and arrives in Rio de Janeiro at May 17, 2008 at 08:25 AM.

· Continental Airlines Flight #93, Departs from Houston May 16, 2008 at 9:05 PM and arrives May 17, 2008 in Rio de Janeiro at 10:55AM

· Delta Airlines Flight #61, Departs from Atlanta at 8:45PM May 16, 2008 arrives in Rio de Janeiro at 7:30AM May 17, 2008

· TAM (a Brazilian airline) Flight 8095, Departs from Miami on May 16th at 11:05AM and arrives in Rio de Janeiro at 11:30PM (night time the same day).

· TAM also has TAM Flight #8077, which Departs from Miami on May 16th at 7:15PM and arrives in Manaus, Brazil at 12:20AM next day. Connecting TAM flight #3549 then departs from Manaus, Brazil at 2:30AM and arrives in Rio de Janeiro at 7:30AM on May 17th.

Of course, there are other flights, and the above list is in no way meant to recommend that you choose one of these carriers. It is provided to give you an idea of your likely departure and arrival times which, again, is especially important if you wish to be met at the airport.

International flights arrive at the Tom Jobim International Airport, sometimes known by its earlier name, Galeão. The international airport identification code for this airport is “GIG”. It is located about 30 minutes by car from downtown Rio de Janeiro. Please be sure to indicate whether you are scheduled to arrive in Terminal One or Terminal Two, if you know. If you have a domestic connection routing you through another Brazilian city to Rio, you may arrive at Santos Dumont airport (“SDU”), on the edge of downtown. If you are to be picked up there, please be sure to make this clear when you contact Ms. Butler.

Q. Is there a travel agency you recommend?

A. Many program participants have successfully booked their airline travel through Brazil Online Travel, or BROL (http://www.brol.com/index.asp). If you wish, you may call BROL at 1.888.527.2745 and ask for Leo Santos at ext. 216. Be sure to tell Leo that you are a student in this program. For every 15 individuals we get on the same itinerary, BROL will give us a free ticket. We will pass this savings onto the students. In the spring 2006, soon after the registration deadline, information about the preferred itinerary will be e-mailed to all students.

In addition, some past students have had good experience with STA Travel, which specializes in student travel. For a fee of $22, students receive an international student ID card that gives them discounts on a wide variety of travel-related services. With this card, students can also book travel to Brazil. An advantage of booking with STA is that the fares are refundable, minus $250.00, and changes can be made, where there is availability and subject to change in fare class, for only $25.00. NOTE: as of February, 2008, these refundable fares were available only with American Airlines from all cities. Fares thus booked through STA are refundable minus $250; date changes are $25. . Check with your STA office about this prior to booking. In Atlanta, the STA Travel office is run by Jennifer Bowser, jbowser@statravel.com , or telephone 404-592-4596. Their website is www.statravel.com.

An alumna of the program, Carol Teles, is now working in the travel industry. She knows the Program well and can help with your travel needs as well. Her email address is caroltecasi@gmail.com. Carol’s agency is BRASILMIXTOUR VIAGENS E TURISMO LTDA, Praça Serzedelo Correia 15 / 404, Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro – RJ Cep: 22040-050, Brazil, Telefax: 011.55.21 / 2545-5769, Cell: 011.55.21 / 9959-3419 / 9763-7144 Email: tour@brasilmix.com and MSN: brasilmixtour@hotmail.com.

Others have had success in obtaining very good fares from Brazilian Wave Tours, http://www.brazilianwavetours.com/

In the Seattle area, students have recommended TM&I, Inc. Lynn Gianelli is the Senior Account Manager and can be reached by email at lynn@travelmeet.com, or by phone at 425.787.6388. Their website is www.travelmeet.com . They may be able to provide tickets on a basis comparable to STA.

Q. Can’t I just get my tickets on my own?

A. Of course you can and should if you prefer. You may in fact find cheaper flights by searching the Internet and other sources. Before doing so, please look at a map. In the past, students booked flights with South American carriers that required them to fly well out of their way, causing delays in arriving in Rio.

Books & Course Materials

It is the student’s responsibility to arrive in Rio with all of the assigned materials for the courses s/he has selected. Additional copies of the materials will NOT be easily available, if available at all. For students who attend or have access to the university bookstores of consortium partner institutions, many of the texts listed below will be available for sale. However, it remains the student’s responsibility to obtain the required texts and/or materials in advance.

The assigned readings for each course are as follows:

Module One:

o Comparative Approaches to Race, Ethnicity & the Law Seminar: There is no text book. Course materials will be comprised of cases, articles and other assorted readings. Materials will be sent to students by mail no later than Friday, May 2, 2008. There will be a charge of $25.00 for these materials to cover copyright costs. Students may obtain a copy by sending a check for that amount, payable to “GSU College of Law”, to Karen Butler.

o Comparative Concepts of Criminal Justice: Professor Forman will send a CD with materials to students by mail no later than Friday, May 2, 2008. There is a $15.00 charge for these materials to cover copyright costs. Checks in this amount, made payable to “GSU College of Law” should be sent to Karen Butler.

o International Environmental Law: the text for this course is L. Guruswamy et al, International Law and World Order (West, 1999), ISBN 0-314-22794-6, and L. Guruswamy et al, Supplement of Basic Documents to International Law and World Order (West, 1999), ISBN 0-314-23102-1 NOTE: The publication date IS 1999. The new edition (due out in July 2008) will NOT be available in time for this course. In addition, students will receive a CD with supplemental readings by May 2, 2008. There will be a charge of $25 to cover copyright costs. Students at Seattle University may purchase these at the Orientation on Saturday, April 26; all other students may obtain by sending a check for that amount, made payable to “GSU College of Law”, to Karen Butler.

o International Trade Law: International Trade Law: The primary text for this course is John H. Jackson, William J. Davey & Alan O. Sykes, Jr., Legal Problems of International Economic Relations (West, 4th ed. 2002), ISBN 0-314-24660-6. In addition to the casebook, we have assigned readings from certain legal documents of the WTO, as well as well as a number of articles and reports on various trade issues. These materials are on the compact disk that will accompany the Syllabus. A very helpful resource is the WTO website, located at www.wto.org. Supplementary materials on CD are also required and are available for a charge of $22.00 to cover copyright costs. Students at Seattle University may purchase these at the Orientation on Saturday, April 26; all other students may obtain by sending a check for that amount, made payable to “GSU College of Law”, to Karen Butler.

Module Two:

o Comparative Mergers & Acquisitions Law: Students must obtain two textbooks for this course. They are: (1) Stephen M. Bainbridge, Mergers and Acquisitions (Foundation Press, 2003) ISBN-13: 978-1587785795; and (2) Franklin Gevurtz, Global Issues in Corporate Law (Thomson West, 2006) ISBN-13: 978-0314159779. In addition, Professor Heminway will be sending a CD with supplementary materials in by April 25, 2008. If you have not received them by May 2, 2008, please contact Professor Heminway at Heminway@libra.law.utk.edu. If students wish to have a hard copy in Brazil they are encouraged to print this document before departure, as printing and photocopying costs in Brazil tend to be rather expensive.

o Comparative Perspectives on Domestic Violence and the Law Seminar: Domestic Violence and the Law: Theory and Practice 2nd Edition (2008) Schneider, Hanna, Greenberg & Dalton (ISBN 13-978-1-59941-028-9). There will also be a collection of articles, cases and other assorted readings that will be sent to students who have paid for them, by mail, no later than Friday, May 2, 2008. There will be a charge of $15.00 for these materials to cover copyright costs. Students may obtain a copy by sending a check for that amount, payable to “GSU College of Law” to Karen Butler.

o Human Rights Law Seminar: Materials have been sent to students by e-mail. If you did not receive this email, please notify Karen Butler.

o Sustainable Development Law: Students must obtain the following casebook: Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger and Ashfaq Khalfan, Sustainable Development Law: Principles, Practices, & Prospects, ISBN 0-19-927671-4 (paperback ed.)(Oxford University Press 2006)

Books – Reading About Brazil

For students who wish to read more about Brazil or Rio before the trip:

· Brazil: Five Centuries of Change, Thomas E. Skidmore (Oxford, 1999)

· The Brazilians, Joseph Page (Addison-Wesley, 1995)

· A Concise History of Brazil, Boris Fausto (Cambridge, 1999)

· Death Without Weeping: The Violence of Everyday Life in Brazil, Nancy Scheper-Hughes (California, 1992)

· A History of Brazil, E. Bradford Burns (Columbia, 1993)

· An Introduction to Brazil, Charles Wagley (Columbia, 1971)

· Laughter Out of Place: Race, Class, Violence, and Sexuality in a Rio Shantytown, Donna Goldstein (University of California, 2003)

· Race in Contemporary Brazil : From Indifference to Inequality, Rebecca Reichmann, ed. (Penn State, 1999)

· Racial Politics in Contemporary Brazil, Michael Hanchard, ed. (Duke, 1999)

· Samba, Alma Guillermoprieto (Vintage, 1991)

Cameras and Film

The price of film in Brazil is high. The cost of equipment for digital cameras (e.g. memory chips) is outrageous. You are therefore advised to bring plenty of either one. Alternatively, Rio and most other large Brazilian cities have cyber-cafes that, for a modest fee, will download digital photos onto a disk. Make sure that all film is carried in your carry-on bag. Film that is carried in your checked bag will be exposed when it is put through the explosive detection equipment. Also, take an extra set of camera batteries. It is also a good idea to keep a journal as the trip proceeds. You won't remember what you are looking at when you return.

Classes, Class Schedules and Evaluations/Exams

Classes are held four days a week (usually M, Tu, Th and F) from 8:30 am - 12:30 pm. The mornings are divided into three blocs of 70 minutes each, with 15-minute breaks in between. One day a week the 210 minutes of class time is spread across a slightly longer period, including transportation and translation, when the classes take a field trip. Typically but not always the field trips are held off-site. Each field trip applies the materials studied in a particular class. These almost always occur on Wednesdays, for all classes.

Classes are held either on the main campus of the Pontifical Catholic University (PUC, pronounced -- "POO-key" in Portuguese), or in the Centro Loyola, a building owned by PUC and near the campus. Both sites are in the Gavea neighborhood, about 15 minutes by city bus or taxi from Ipanema, the neighborhood where almost all students stay.

Most classes are evaluated by short papers and on the basis of in-class presentations and exercises. In the event that you have an examination (which is up to your professor), it will NOT be held during class time but will be held on the last Friday or the Saturday following the last Friday of class.

Clothing/What to Wear

Q. How should I dress?

A. Brazilians tend in general to be somewhat more informal than North Americans. Informal dress is standard for all sessions and activities of the program. However, because it will be late fall and early winter there, you should bring a light jacket or coat, and some sort of rain gear is advisable. For some of the field visits, you will want to have a comfortable pair of walking shoes. There is a wide range of clothing available for purchase in Rio de Janeiro, although the styles are somewhat different than in the U.S. and clothing does not tend to be a particular bargain in terms of price.

Computers and Internet

Q. Should I bring my laptop computer?

A. You need not, but if you wish to use a computer for notes or assignments, you are welcome to do so, remembering that the electric voltage in Brazil can vary from 110V to 220V, depending on the building (and sometimes within buildings.) In addition, although the program residence is secure, the program cannot guarantee your electronics from theft or damage. Students should be advised that Brazilian customs officials have sometimes been known to require proof of purchase of high-end electronics both upon entry and exit. As a result, if you no longer have a sales receipt for a computer or other device (e.g. MP3 player, iPod, cell phone, etc.), you risk having it confiscated.

Q. What if I don’t bring my computer?

A. Should you decide not to bring a computer, you should know that there are several cyber cafes located within a five-minute walk of the program residence. Each of you has a number of hours of computer and Internet time at one of these cyber cafes with rapid web access pre-paid as part of your program fee. Most cyber cafes allow you to print as well as access the Internet. As a result, it is possible to leave your computer at home and, if you wish to work on a computer, to do so at a cyber cafe.

Q. What services are available in cyber-cafes?

A. Cyber cafes are increasingly popular throughout Brazil. There are many in Ipanema, near the program residence. Typically, they offer Internet and word processing access and can print documents (for a fee of typically about $.40 U.S. per page). Many will also download material onto CDs or DVDs, also for a fee. In addition, Internet telephone service is very popular, allowing you to make international calls on Internet broadband lines. See, for example, a service such as Skype, which is widely available in Brazilian cyber cafes (http://www.skype.com/). Computer games are also very popular.

Costs and Expenses

Q. How much does the program cost?

A. The basic program cost consists of the program fee, tuition, and the housing fee. Students taking the entire month-long program (two modules) pay a program fee of $1950, which covers airport transportation, field visits, speakers’ fees, and other costs. For one module only, the program fee is $1250. Students must pay tuition at the rate of $264 per credit hour. Students must also pay the housing fee, which will vary depending on whether the student elects single-, double- or triple-occupancy accommodations. Travel costs are separate. Finally, the program cost does not include visa and passport fees, airport taxes, assigned texts and packets of course materials, most meals, personal expenses, and optional Portuguese language classes.

We have had good experience through a Miami-based agency specializing in Brazilian travel, called Brazil Online Travel, or BROL ( http://www.brol.com/index.asp) and make this recommendation only because we have had success in getting good fares with them. If at least 15 people take the same itinerary with BROL, they will give us a free ticket and we will spread the value of that savings amongst all ticket buyers. It is true, however, that some of you may find cheaper fares on the Web and elsewhere. We by all means encourage you to look. However, please keep in mind that airport pickups in Rio de Janeiro are only guaranteed on the indicated dates and times. Please make your travel plans accordingly.

Q. How much will it cost to get there?

A. Generally between $800 - $1000 round trip.

Q. Do all students pay the same tuition regardless of what law school they attend?

A. Yes. All students enrolled in the program pay the same tuition rate of $264 per credit hour.

Students registering through Georgia State University pay tuition directly to Georgia State University and can do this online. Non-residents of Georgia pay a modest administrative fee of $250 in addition to their tuition.

Seattle Universty Students:

Seattle University students should consult their Registrar for details on tuition payment since the system will be slightly different for them

Q. Are there any other “hidden” costs of the program?

A. There are, of course, personal expenses, but the extent of these is largely up to the individual student. Meals and food service not covered by the program are the responsibility of the student but here, as always, you can spend a lot, or you can spend a little. Food is abundant and varied in Brazil and, like any major city in the world, food in Rio ranges from the cheap to the very expensive. Most students will find that they can eat reasonably well on about $15 U.S. per day, although some manage on less, and some may spend more.

In addition, the program will only cover utilities up to $100/ month (or $50/two weeks) per apartment. Anything above this amount will be the joint and several responsibility of the residents of that apartment. The Program reserves the right to withhold all credit and/or grade reports for all residents of an apartment until such time as the utility bill over that amount is paid in full.

Apartments with telephones, moreover, may be used for local ( Rio de Janeiro city) calls only. Any long distance or international calls are the responsibility of the student and credit and/or grade reports will not be released until they are paid for in full.

Finally, breakage ore damage in an apartment is the student’s responsibility. Credit and/or grades will not be given until the problem is paid for in full. If fault for breakage or damage cannot be assessed to an individual student, it will be the joint and several responsibility of the residents of that apartment.

In addition, students are expected to leave apartments as they found them. Upon departure, a member of the staff and/or Program faculty will inspect the apartment and sign off on its condition. If the apartment is not in acceptable condition, the occupants will be asked to pay, in equal shares, the cost of extra cleaning. Credit and/or grades will be withheld until any extra costs are reimbursed in full.

Culture Shock

When you are exposed to a different culture and environment than that to which you are accustomed, you may experience the sense of physical and psychological disorientation often referred to as “culture shock.” Smells, sights and sounds that are new for you may produce culture shock, as might different norms of behavior. The simple fact that signs are in a different language may be disorienting to many. The physical stresses and strains of international travel can be disorienting. Some of the symptoms of culture shock include depression, anxiety, withdrawal, insomnia, irritability and acute nostalgia for home.

There are several aspects of life in Rio de Janeiro, one of the largest cities in the world, that may induce culture shock. There is a stark contrast between rich and poor that will be evident as soon as your plane lands. There are favelas, or shantytowns, right in the fashionable Zona Sul, where you will be living, and you may notice that there are homeless people and street children. The noise level (voices, traffic noises, etc.) tends to be much higher in Rio than in most U.S. cities. In addition, North Americans tend, unconsciously, to maintain a wider area of personal space than most Brazilians and are sometimes made uncomfortable by physical contact that may take place in conversations with Brazilians. When a Brazilian touches you during an encounter – in the post office or in a supermarket, for example – he or she is likely not making a suggestive advance. This is a normal form of social interaction.

Different people experience different levels of culture shock. Some people adjust quickly to new surroundings. For others, it may take much longer for a feeling of disorientation to wear off. There are, however, many steps you can take to minimize any negative effects that culture shock might have on your ability to function normally:

· Reduce the stress you experience prior to travel. Try to have all your travel arrangements and most of your packing done at least a week before you leave for Brazil.

· Try to get some extra rest and relaxation time, particularly in the first few days after you arrive.

· Take care of your health (see more advice on this below, under “Health and Illness”).

· Learn at least a few words of Portuguese before you come to Brazil. Be patient with yourself -- you should not expect to feel “like yourself” the day that you arrive.

· Bring along some reminders of home, including photos of friends or loved ones.

· Touch base regularly with people at home through writing e-mails and postcards.

· Try to practice “cultural relativism” -- try to understand different beliefs and behaviors from the Brazilian perspective rather than making judgments based on your own standards. You may not be comfortable accepting certain customs that are different from your own, but you may be able to better understand them.

· Talk to other students or to one of the program directors if you are feeling overwhelmed or depressed.

Departure from Rio de Janeiro

Q. When can we leave Rio de Janeiro?

A. Students attending the first module only may leave any time after 5 pm Saturday, May 31, 2008, and must check out no later than 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 1, 2008. Students attending the entire program or the second module only may leave any time after 5 pm on Saturday, June 14, 2008, through Sunday, June 15, 2006, and must check out no later than 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 15. STUDENTS SHOULD NOTE THAT EXAMS ARE OFTEN DUE THE SATURDAY AFTER THE LAST FORMAL CLASS AND SHOULD FIGURE INTO THEIR TRAVEL PLANS TIME TO DO THEIR EXAMS ON SATURDAY. IN ADDITION, BECAUSE THE APARTMENTS ARE PRIVATELY-OWNED (THESE ARE NOT HOTELS) STUDENTS CAN ONLY CHECK OUT ONCE THE APARTMENT HAS BEEN CLEANED AND RETURNED BY THEM TO THE CONDITION IN WHICH THEY FOUND IT UPON ARRIVAL. CHECK OUT WILL BE APPROVED BY A MEMBER OF THE PROGRAM FACULTY. THIS HAS PROVED POSSIBLE IN THE PAST BECAUSE MOST US-BOUND FLIGHTS LEAVE LATE AT NIGHT.

Food and Eating

Food is abundant and varied in Rio de Janeiro, with everything from fancy – and expensive – restaurants to a wide variety of street vendors selling everything from popcorn to grilled meat. Although the apartments in the program residence have fully equipped kitchens, it is worth stepping out to try local offerings. A popular specialty, for example, are tropical juice bars, many of which sell juices for fruits not available outside of Brazil. The Brazilian food supply is generally quite safe as well, and most visitors do not experience stomach or other digestive problems while in Brazil, as long as they avoid over eating the extensive array of fried foods, some of which are cooked in palm oil that is hard to digest if you are unused to it. A popular and economical way to eat in Brazil is at a restaurante a kilo – a kilogram restaurant, where you pay per kilogram of food that you eat. Such restaurants usually offer a wide range of dishes at a buffet. You choose what you want and then have it weighed to determine the price.

Much of the food in Brazil will be different from what you're used to. While your stomach is still adjusting, you may wish to include some familiar foods in your diet. Look around for a supermarket, and purchase some of the foods that you would eat at home. There are three large Zona Sul supermarkets in Ipanema alone, many of which will sell familiar products. You are likely to find restaurants that serve familiar foods in major cities and tourist areas. You can probably also find U.S. fast food chains for those times when you feel you need to have a burger or pizza, although these are typically more expensive than Brazilian fast food restaurants serving such foods as coxinha de galinha (a deep-fried dumpling of shredded chicken) or bolinhos de bacalhau (croquettes of fried codfish). Breakfast (café da manhã – literally “morning coffee”) in Brazil usually consists of a bread and coffee or juice or fruit. The mid-day meal, almoço, is much like a U.S. lunch. Many people grab a sandwich or slice of pizza, while others retire to an informal restaurant – abundant in Rio. The evening meal (jantar) is equally varied, depending on income and habits. Do not hesitate to try new foods and ask your hosts for suggestions or refer to guidebooks to learn what is typical. Vegetarians have a somewhat harder time in Brazil, although it is possible to survive without eating meat. If you are vegetarian or have special food restrictions, be sure to ask for suggestions.

Gyms and Fitness

Cariocas are famous in Brazil for their obsession with fitness. Unsurprisingly, Rio offers an abundance of fitness opportunities. The beaches in Ipanema and Copacabana have metal bars for gymnastics, and there are opportunities to play beach volleyball. A couple of bike shops near the program residence rent bicycles for daily and weekly use, and the nearby lagoon has bike, running and walking trails around it. On Sundays, the avenue in front of the ocean is closed off for recreation. Brazil also has one of the highest rates of gym membership in the world. The rates vary widely and, regrettably, in neighborhoods like Ipanema can be as much as three times the monthly rate for a comparable U.S. facility. Although the program residence has a small fitness center, it is not especially well equipped, and the equipment is old. There is a gym in one of the buildings where students are staying. It is equipped with the latest equipment and is open 24 hours. Interested students should inquire with the program director about the possibility of short-term membership.

Health (including Prescriptions and Vaccines)

Q. Do I need to get any vaccines before traveling to Rio de Janeiro?

A. If you plan to travel just to Rio, you are not required to get any vaccines to enter the country. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that visitors to other parts of the country (generally those in the interior and the northeast) receive vaccines for several insect-borne illnesses, such as malaria and yellow fever. However, these illnesses are not endemic to Rio de Janeiro. For more information on health and disease prevention in Brazil, see http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/regionTropicalSouthAmerica.aspx.

Q. Can I get my prescriptions filled in Brazil?

A. Rio de Janeiro has an abundance of drug stores, and it is possible to buy many medications there. However, if you take prescription medications regularly, bring a supply to last throughout your time abroad, if practical. Foreign drugs are not necessarily closely related to those standards in the U.S., even if they have the same chemical formula. They may be marketed under different names and may not be available in the strengths you desire. It might also be wise to have a letter from your home physician or pharmacist describing your medicines, their dosage, a generic name for them and a description of the condition being treated. This letter could be helpful in an emergency. Make sure all drugs are in the original pharmacy containers and are clearly labeled. All drugs must have the same name on the label as on your passport. You should carry copies of the prescriptions to avoid problems with Customs. In the case of narcotic medicines, it may not be prudent to carry additional supplies because of possible Customs difficulties. In that case, bring a prescription with the drug's generic name. For certain conditions such as diabetes, asthma, mild epilepsy or allergy to penicillin, it would be wise to wear a tag or a bracelet or carry a card to identify the condition so that the student can be treated properly. Take an extra pair of eyeglasses and/or contact lenses if you wear them. Bring along extra contact lens solution too. Do not pack your medications in your checked luggage. Pack them in your carry on so as not to be without them if your luggage gets lost. If you have questions about any needs you have due to a chronic health condition, please speak with the program director or a U.S. program faculty member in advance of your departure.

Q. What if I get sick?

A. Your program fee includes basic health insurance for every day of the program. Be sure to read the pamphlet concerning that insurance with care. If you have special health concerns or needs, you may wish to consider purchasing more comprehensive health travel insurance. It is also advisable to speak with your health provider about the extent of coverage, if any, of your health plan while abroad. In the event you require a doctor, program faculty will do everything possible to see that you are well cared for.

Jet Lag

Rio de Janeiro observes Atlantic Standard Time and so is only one hour ahead of most of the eastern United States, including Atlanta and Miami. Nonetheless, the flight to Rio from most cities in the Eastern U.S. is at least eight hours, and usually takes places during the night, so that travelers can experience jet lag. In the first few days after your arrival, you are likely to experience physical changes as a result of taking a long flight. You may sleep poorly for the first couple of days, feel tired or have less patience than usual. This will pass within a few days, once your internal clock has adjusted to the time change and new environment. A tip: upon arrival, get some exercise and do your best to wait to go to sleep until it is bedtime in the new time zone. This disorientation can be minimized some by avoiding alcohol and caffeinated products prior to and during your flight, and drinking plenty of other fluids.

Language

Q. What is the official language of Brazil?

A. The official language of Brazil is Portuguese, a romance language that shares many features in common with Spanish and French, for example.

Q. Do I need to know Portuguese to participate in the Program?

A. No, Portuguese language skills are not required for program participation (since courses will be taught in English and guest lectures by Brazilians will be translated into English when necessary). However, in order to enhance the cultural immersion experience, students are encouraged to enroll in any optional Portuguese language classes available through the Program for a small fee or to take advantage of other opportunities in their home institution or elsewhere to acquire basic Portuguese language skills. Some Consortium institutions will offer a one-day “Survival Portuguese” crash course in the Spring 2006 for a modest fee. Successful applicants to the Program will be notified of this in advance.

Q. Can I get by in Brazil with little or no Portuguese?

A. Many Brazilians speak some English or some Spanish, but Brazilians are always appreciative when foreign visitors make an effort to speak Portuguese. Past students in the Program did not report any problems due to a lack of language skills.

Laundry and Dry Cleaning

Within minutes of the program residence, there are several laundries where you can either wash your clothes yourself or, for a higher fee, have the laundry wash and fold the clothes for you. Typically, clothes left before 10 a.m. are ready for pickup that evening. These laundries charge by the kilo. A 25-pound bag of laundry usually costs about $10 U.S. to have washed and folded. In addition, there are services that will pick up and deliver. Prices for these vary and must be negotiated before hand. See the program director for details. Most of these establishments will also dry clean. Dry cleaning rates are about the same as those found in the U.S.

Luggage

You will be allowed a maximum of two checked bags, one carry-on bag and a personal item such as a computer case, brief case or purse. Each airline has specific measurement and weight maximums. These are strictly enforced. They will charge you large amounts of fees to take oversized bags or may simply refuse to take additional luggage. Backpacks or roller suitcases (suitcase that has a handle and can be wheeled like a hand truck or dolly) are the best kind. Be sure that you can carry all of your luggage yourself and be able to carry it up and down several flights of stairs -- elevators are not prevalent in Brazil and when present are often quite small by U.S. standards. Mark your suitcase with your name, address, etc. on the inside as well as the outside. Outside tags can be ripped off. Bring an inexpensive tote bag to pack in your suitcase empty (for the overflow of items that won't fit in your suitcase when you return). Make sure you have a security lock for your suitcase. Be sure to pack your important documents, any prescriptions, film, toiletries and one or two changes of clothing in a carry-on bag. It is unfortunate, but normal, for luggage to get lost in transit.

Money (includes ATMs, Credit/Debit Cards and Foreign Exchange)

Q. What kind of money do they use in Brazil?

A. The official currency of Brazil is the “real” (pronounced “HEY-all” in Portuguese.) Two or more reals become “reais” (“HEY-ice”). It is usually abbreviated as “R $”. In recent years, the official exchange rate has usually varied at between R $2 – R $3 to the U.S. dollar.

Q. Can I pay for things in U.S. dollars?

A. Although some vendors will accept (and may even encourage) payment in dollars, you are strongly encouraged NOT to do so, as this may violate Brazilian currency and banking regulations.

Q. Will my ATM card work in Rio de Janeiro?

A. Probably. Automated teller machines (ATMs) are available in an ever-growing number of locations throughout the world, including Brazil. However, not all banks accept foreign ATM cards and even in those banks that do accept foreign cards, often only a limited number of machines will work. If your bank is part of an international network (check on this in advance) you can use your ATM card to obtain cash in the local currency from your bank account in the United States. The most widely used networks are the PLUS network and the CIRRUS network. ATMs generally give preferable exchange rates as well, because it's the same rate the banks get when exchanging money. However, you should check with your bank about additional fees for using foreign or out of network ATMs. Also keep in mind that foreign banks may charge you for using their network. Thus, there will be a charge for every withdrawal – often both in Brazil and in the U.S. There are branches of Citibank and the Banco do Brasil (the federal bank) that accept U.S. ATM cards within walking distance of the program residence. American Express also now offers a “Traveler’s Cheque” card that looks like a credit card but is prepaid and secure like traveler’s checks. We have had positive reports about its use.

Q. Can I cash traveler’s checks there?

A. Numerous banks and exchange offices in the South Zone of Rio will cash traveler’s checks, although these services are sometimes limited to different times during the day and require individuals to wait in lines for a long time. Traveler's checks are practical and can be exchanged at banks, airports, main hotels, etc. You might also consider purchasing your travelers checks in Euros, and this can be done at most major banks and at AAA.

Q. Can I exchange U.S. cash?

A. You can, although it is advisable to use traveler’s checks or ATM and credit/debit cards for your financial transactions instead of cash.

Q. Will my credit and/or debit cards work in Brazil?

A. Probably. Major credit cards are honored in most hotels and restaurants, main stores, rent-a-car companies and others, although this should be checked before each transaction. Credit cards can be used to get foreign currency at a good rate of exchange and are invaluable if an emergency arises. They are widely accepted in Brazil, although some businesses will only allow cash for financial transactions. The three main cards are American Express, Visa and MasterCard, although American Express is less common in most student settings. Visa is the most commonly accepted throughout Brazil. Make sure that you notify your credit card company that you plan to use your card while overseas to prevent blocking due to fraud detection.

It is advisable to call your bank and/or credit card provider before leaving the U.S. and notify them that you will be abroad including the locations and dates of your travel. Ask the bank to make a note on your file and NOT block your card when you use it overseas. This happens frequently as part of the increasing efforts to detect fraud and identity theft.

Get a phone number from the bank that you can call from overseas in case your card is blocked.

Remember that in order to use ATMs abroad, your PIN code must be no longer than four digits. Be sure to memorize the numbers as well as the letters -- some ATMs abroad have number pads without letters. Ask your bank for a worldwide directory of its ATMs. If your ATM card is part of the Cirrus network, you can find the location of these ATMs abroad by calling 1-800-424-7787. You can also get information on whether your host country has ATMs on your network by contacting http://www.mastercard.com or http://www.visa.com.

Plan your money in advance. In order to get the most for your money, we advise you to bring some U.S. currency to exchange upon arrival (for your initial expenses) and exchange the rest of your dollars or travelers checks at the bank once in Brazil. Alternatively, you can withdraw money from the Banco do Brasil terminals when you arrive in the Rio de Janeiro international airport.

Passports and Visas

Q. Do I need a passport to go to Brazil?

A. Yes, U.S. citizens and permanent residents need a valid passport in order to obtain a visa to enter Brazil. Non-U.S. nationals should consult the embassies and/or consulates of their countries for entry requirements.

Q. Do I need to a visa to go to Brazil?

A. If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, yes. This can take as long as six weeks. As a result, advance planning is essential. Where you apply for a visa depends on your state of residence. Visas can be obtained either in person or, depending on the rules of the Brazilian Consulate with responsibility for your jurisdiction, by mail or by using a visa service. In order to find out your options, please contact the Brazilian Consulate in the U.S. responsible for your jurisdiction. A list of the consulates is available at: http://www.brasilemb.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=36&Itemid=86. For example, residents of Florida and Georgia apply to the Brazilian Consulate in Miami; residents of Washington State apply to the Brazilian Consulate in San Francisco. Should you wish to apply in person, it is important to know that you need two full days. In most cases, no Brazilian consular office will accept a visa application and issue the visa on the same day. As of this writing, your visa must be used for the first time within 90 days of issuance. However, as soon as you register for the program you are advised to check the relevant Web site for application details and visa application fees.

Q. What kind of visa should I apply for?

A. On April 18, 2008, the Brazilian Embassy in Washington, D.C. informed the Program that students attending the Program should apply for a “Temporary I” visa. The Program will assist with necessary documentation. Students at Georgia State, The University of Tennessee and non-consortium law schools should contact the Rio program Assistant, Karen Butler (kpbutler@gsu.edu) and students at Seattle University should contact Seattle Administrator in charge of Rio details, Junsen Ohno (ohnoj@seattleu.edu).

Q. Should I carry my passport with me?

A. While in Rio de Janeiro you may do so or, at a minimum, should have a copy of your passport and visa with you at all times. We recommend that you send copies of your passport and visa to a couple of friends and/or family members as well, for safekeeping. It is also important to keep in a safe place the immigration entry paper that you receive upon arrival. This is required for departure. It is a good idea to make a copy of this form upon arrival as well.

Registration with the U.S. Consulate

It is highly recommended that you register yourself at this Web site: http://travel.state.gov/. This will allow the U.S. government to assist you in the case of an emergency in Brazil or assist your family in contacting you in the case of an emergency at home.

Safety

Q. How safe will I be?

A. Rio de Janeiro is a huge city and, like any large city the world over, has safer areas and others that are less so. It pays to be attentive to your surroundings and to use the usual precautions appropriate in any large metropolis. Some basic tips will be covered at orientation. In addition, upon arrival students will be instructed on what places to visit and which ones to avoid. Like most of the thousands of visitors who go to Rio every year, in the program’s first year no student was the victim of any crime or assault.

Here are some important precautions to observe:

· Don't go out alone at night. Even when you're with friends, stick to well-lit streets where there are a lot of people.

· Don't flash jewelry, expensive cameras or electronic equipment.

· Use caution when walking or jogging.

· When crossing the street, keep in mind that pedestrians may not be given the right of way. Remain alert when walking. Before crossing streets, remember to look both ways.

· Be careful with alcohol. If you drink, make sure it is only with people you know and trust, and designate one person to remain sober. As in the U.S., never drink and drive. (Drunk driving laws abroad are sometimes much more severe than those in the U.S.)

· Don't attract attention to yourself with provocative or expensive clothing or boisterous conversation in public. Observe local students' behavior and dress, and try to mimic it.

· Use only official taxis. Unless meters are used, agree on the fare before you get in.

· Before you travel from your program site, find out what methods of transportation are safest and whether any roads should be avoided.

· Stay away from demonstrations or any kind of civil disturbances. Even innocent bystanders can be hurt or arrested.

· Protect your passport. Keep it with you, in a front pocket or in your purse. Consider purchasing a money belt to be worn under your clothing. Be careful when displaying it.

· In general, avoid being engulfed in a crowd. This is the preferred environment of pickpockets.

· Accidents can happen anywhere. If driving, know what local traffic laws are and follow them. Always use a seat belt. Make sure you understand local road signs and signals.

Telephone (including cell phones)

Q. Can I call the U.S. from my apartment?

A. You cannot dial international calls directly from your apartments. Because the apartments are privately owned, the phone lines are blocked from making long distance calls. However, you can buy relatively inexpensive phone cards to make international calls in varying amounts (between, e.g. $5-$20 U.S.). These often permit you to call for as long as two or three hours by dialing a local access number. Be advised that many phone cards available in the U.S. that purport to work outside of the country often do not function in Brazil. It is generally preferable to buy the phone cards there. These phone cards may be used at public telephones located on most blocks in central Rio de Janeiro. Many cyber cafes also offer private phone booths for a slightly higher fee – usually between $.33 and $.50 U.S. per minute. (See Computers and Internet above.)