Santa Clara University

10 individuals are the limit.

It is currently scheduled for 18 days, July 27, 2012 – August 13, 2012.

No.

The overall costs are 3 Units, plane fare, and in-country expenses. The in-country expenses are estimated to be about $1150; those costs will not go higher and in fact may go lower based on negotiations.

Housing, all meals (with the exception of 1 dinner), in country transportation, fees, speaker stipends, and host gifts.

Your personal spending money, any alcohol consumed, laundry charges, any phone costs beyond 300 pesos.

Outside of the academic pre-requisites, you must indicate in your application if you have any medical, psychological, or dietary restrictions. These are not of themselves proscriptive, but you need to understand that living in a 3rd world country is a significantly different experience and does not afford the variety of options that we enjoy in the U.S. While we will attempt to accommodate dietary restrictions, it is important to know that, and for example, nuts are a staple of the diet and show up in unexpected places. If someone has a peanut or nut allergy, then, this would cause a significant problem and we cannot insure that nuts will not appear somewhere in the cooking. Moreover, strict vegetarians will have difficulty. While vegetables are part of every meal, they are cooked. The meal plan never includes salads or vegetables that are raw.

No. This is a University sponsored trip, and is subject to the liability of University insurance, and is therefore, available to students or alums only (or non SCU University students based on home University’s approbation). Based on the schedule, there will be little time to spend with these individuals. It is suggested that these individuals visit you at the end of immersion experience.

Online.

February 20th

Yes. We are currently working with several sources to provide financial support to those in need.

Depends. Preference will be given to individuals who intend on spending the entire time on the immersion. If you are accepted for only part of the immersion you are still responsible for the full costs.

By plane. Outside of that there is some latitude. Some folks apply miles to their trip. Typically, Philippines Airlines, from SFO to Manila is the cheapest way to go. Moreover, PAL’s flight leaves at night, is non-stop to Manila, and arrives in the early morning.

Everyone will have a cell phone provided through the program. You are given 300 pesos to cover your in-country texting to other members of the group and leaders. You must buy a SIM card ($1) and phone card for all other phone calls. We will use the “Smart” card in country. WiFi is everywhere, even in MyPlace.

Additionally, you will be provided phone numbers for each of the places we are staying and the leader’s phone numbers to be given to friends and loved ones.

You are responsible for your phone. If you lose it or it is stolen you will need to reimburse the program for the cost.

Yes, if it works. You will, nonetheless, be required to carry and keep “minutes” on the phone you are given since it is the primary way to communicate with the Directors of the program as well as your fellow immersion companions.

Up to you. No programmatic need for it. Takes up space in your luggage. We suggest you take a break from technology.

Yes, in addition to being an intensive clinical immersion program, there is a syllabus of readings for pre-orientation meetings.

First Fridays of the month, from 2pm – 4pm, beginning in mid-March – July.

A journal of reflections on the readings, as well as your in-country journal.

It should be the end of typhoon season, but monsoon season will still be going on. Bring rain gear and water-proof shoes.

Due to airline restrictions as well as limited space in the van, each individual is limited to one (1) 50 lb bag and one (1) carry-on bag. This limit will be strictly reinforced. More than this and you may be assessed a surcharge of $200 per bag over the limit.

Basically two types of clothes: Business Casual (for attending seminars and meeting with officials) and clothes for working with the children, e.g., jeans and casual tops. You may bring shorts to relax in, but shorts are never appropriate for seminars or working at the orphanage. Remember, you are working with children and infants and will spend a lot of time on the floor. It is also rainy, so bring rain gear. Do not bring clothes that display the American flag or Americana of any type. It just makes you stand out more. Remember, you are going to a country that was occupied by the American military for 40 years; while many Filipinos are pro-American, there are some who are not. Do not wear clothes that are flashy or revealing (low tops or short shorts). Last, good walking shoes!!!

There is a laundry service across the street from MyPlace which does laundry at a very reasonable cost.

See the website, www.myplace.ph. Very nice place; every room has a kitchenette, 2 showers and a toilet. There is a cafeteria where we will have our meals, a good gym, and our own meeting space.

No. As a University sponsored trip, we are required to stay in the same residence. Tell your Filipino family and friends that you will be available after the immersion and can share good times then.

No, but you will incur a surcharge since rates are based on double occupancy.

First, Manila is a very large city in a 3rd World country. Like traveling to any foreign country it is important to exercise common sense: know where you are, travel in pairs and preferably in groups, don’t be auspicious in your dress or jewelry, keep your valuables close to you, and don’t go with strangers. Common sense is incredibly important. While the leaders of the group have done everything possible to inquire on the safety and security of the places we are staying, no one, anywhere or at any time, can guarantee your absolute safety and security. You are, and will be, the best guarantor of your safety.

There is a State Department advisory warning about travel to the Philippines. The University’s risk management office has authorized it since we are staying on Luzon Island. There are areas that you will not be allowed to travel to, specifically Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago where there has been unrest and issues of safety and security in years past. We are not traveling to those areas.

Depends. Our limited time is heavily scheduled; though there is some flexibility on the weekend. It is never wise to travel alone; always travel in pairs or more.

Most of our meals will be taken together. Breakfast will be American style: toast, cereal, yogurt, fruits. Lunch and dinner will always be Filipino food. A significant part of our experience is eating the food that is part of the culture. There will be a few nights when we will eat at a restaurant.

Go to a Filipino restaurant in Milpitas or Daly City and find out!! Seriously, our breakfast will be simple American. Lunches and dinners will be more Filipino style: you can expect a lot of rice, fish, chicken, beef, vegetables (cooked), etc. Filipinos will joke with you about the exotic foods you will eat, eg., balut, dog, monkey brains, etc. You will not have anything exotic like this unless you find a place to serve it to you! You will have some dinners where you can explore local restaurants and get your fill of Big Macs, KFC, and Shakey’s Pizza if you so desire. Also, there is a Starbucks Coffee 10 minute walk from My Space (as well as 5 other coffee houses).

Mostly. There are a few times when you will have an option of where to eat that you will cover yourself, but this will be inexpensive. You are also responsible for any alcohol you consume.

It is a bustling busy University neighborhood, hosting restaurants, bars, night clubs, coffee shops, and much more.

Preferably none. Use a credit card or better a debit card. Most costs are covered in your trip. However, there are some dinners that you cover, and you are responsible for any alcohol you consume. If you want to shop in the Malls, use your credit card. If you like the challenge of haggling in the markets, bring cash, they don’t accept plastic.

Philippine Pesos (PHP). The current exchange rate is USD $1 to PHP 45.20.

Comparison: if you go to a Manila Starbucks you are going to pay about 100 PHP for a coffee (house brew, not frills). If you go to McDonalds (which there are many, the Filipino variation is Jolly Bee) you can expect to pay about PHP180 for a happy meal. A beer, San Miguel is the local, will cost you PHP40. You can get a great meal for PHP40 in a local restaurant or you can pay PHP4000 at higher end restaurants.