Before you Arrive Conference Attire:

Casual attire is acceptable for normal class sessions; however, please bring proper business attire as you will be needing it at certain times throughout the course. Also keep in mind that some of the classrooms on campus are air-conditioned and may be much colder than average "room temperature," so you may want a sweater or light jacket.

Weekend clothing:

Casual dress is appropriate for weekends. It gets chilly sometimes in the evenings, so a jacket or a sweater should be appropriate. Also, bring comfortable shoes in case of weekend activities such as hiking and sightseeing.

Keep the weather in mind while packing:

In the fall, the weather in Virginia varies. The afternoons are generally mild while the evenings can be chilly, especially in November. Rainfall is common, so don't forget an umbrella.

Average Temperatures in Harrisonburg:

October:
Average High: 66^o F (19^o C)
Average Low: 41^o F (5^o C)
Average Precipitation: 2.82 in (7.16 cm)
November:
Average High: 55^o F (13^o C)
Average Low: 32^o F (0^o C)
Average Precipitation: 2.76 in (7 cm)

Country Presentations:

At some point during the course, you will be asked to give a presentation about mine action in your country. It is recommended that you put together a PowerPoint presentation and bring it on a floppy disc or CD to present to other students. This presentation should be no longer than 10 minutes with an additional 5-10 minutes allocated for questions and answers.

Personal items:

You will be in the United States for five weeks. While many items are available for purchase here if you forget to pack them (such as toothbrushes, shampoo, etc.), it will be very difficult for you to obtain personal prescription medications. It is also important to note that due to US travel regulations, you may not bring agricultural items (such as meats, fruits, vegetables, plants, soil, etc.) with you. Please review your airline's policies with regards to other personal items restrictions.

Camera:

Make sure you bring a camera and film. You will have the opportunity to take many field trips and will want to remember your visit. You will have easy access to developing film and buying more film if you need it while here.

Travel items:

As you leave, make sure you have your passport, visas, and any other documents that your country requires. Don't forget money in order to exchange it once you arrive in the United States; traveler's checks (in US dollars) are also extremely important. Additionally, you may wish to bring extra luggage with you in order to take back course materials you receive, souvenirs, and other items bought while in the United States. You should check with your airline regarding baggage weight and restrictions for your return flight.

The MAIC has sent out personal invitation letters through email and/or fax to you. If you have not received a letter yet, it is because we do not have your contact information. Please contact Tony Morin (smc.undp@gmail.com) as soon as possible with an email address or fax number in order to receive your letter. The UNDP will also send you a letter/note of support. Once you receive both letters, take these documents to the United States embassy in your country to apply for a visa as soon as possible.

Please talk to your country officer at the UNDP for all of your travel arrangement questions. When planning your travel arrangements, please be aware that you should arrive at Dulles International Airport (IAD) outside of Washington, DC, on October 14, 2007. Once you have made your travel arrangements, please inform the MAIC of your plans. The MAIC cannot arrange to pick you up at Dulles Airport if we do not have your flight information.

The UNDP will provide you with a nominal per diem to cover incidental expenses, such as laundry, long distance telephone calls or dining away from campus during your stay. Please be sure to convert your currency into U.S. Dollars ($US) or traveler's checks (in $US) before you leave your home country or as soon as you arrive at the airport in Washington, DC.

The UNDP will also provide you with emergency medical insurance for the duration of your stay in the U.S. Realize that you will have to pay for any medical or dental expenses incurred with your personal funds (or per diem funds) at the time the services are provided. If the services qualify for coverage under the emergency medical insurance, then you will be reimbursed after the proper paperwork has been filed. Please talk to your UNDP country officer if you have any questions or concerns about the insurance coverage.

The Mine Action Information Center has opened a telephone hotline for the Senior Managers Course. From October 13 - November 16 the hotline will be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The hotline phone number is 540.820.4406. If no one answers the phone please leave a message with your name, phone number and country. We will respond as soon as possible. Please remember the time difference (Harrisonburg is on Eastern Daylight Time = GMT - 4hrs) and only call in the late evening hours if there is an emergency.

It is very important that you remember this number for your travels. In the event that your flight is delayed or changed, you need to call us and let us know.