Summer School in Rome Pre-Departure Session Prof. Eugenio Bolongaro (Languages, Literatures, and Cultures) eugenio.bolongaro@mcgill.ca

mindfulness & openness The Three Essentials preparation patience mindfulness & openness

Before You Leave do as much of the legwork as you can at home documents passport and visas (bring photocopies, always carry personal ID) health insurance travel cheap flights cheap train coach ferries car rentals (international driving license) public transport accommodation outside of Rome Airbnb hotels places & people to see identify and contact to introduce yourself ask about facilities, hours, procedures, access to WiFi

When You Arrive if asked for a reason for your visit, the best answer is that you are a tourist and give the Residence as your address in Italy Leonardo Express train from Fiumicino Airport to Stazione Termini from Termini take metro Linea B toward Rebibbia, stop at Pietralta station take exit to via di Pietralta, go north, first street on your right is via Giovanni Michelotti, next street on your right is via del Cottanello, the Camp1us Residence is less than 100 m from the corner to your right (via del Cottanello 12) go to reception and ask in which room you will be staying Cristiana will already be on site welcome session at 8am in the Residence lobby on Monday, June 3

@ La Sapienza classrooms library cafeteria at the La Sapienza campus by Stazione Termini you will be taken there on the first day of classes library you will have access to library you only need an ID all your course material will be available in electronic form and on line cafeteria breakfast at the Residence second meal (lunch or dinner) in the campus cafeterias with a La Sapienza card

FAQs how to stay connected: telephony & internet check what your Canadian provider offers for Italy choose a reputable Italian provider (need passport and local address) explain exactly what you need ask about roaming charges if traveling to other European destinations how to get around: metro/bus pass if you are not well: health clinic

Patience bureaucracy language don’t argue about how things are done, just do it be courteous and present yourself as needing assistance language not everybody speaks/understands English attempts in local language are always appreciated

Mindfulness & Openness cultural sensitivity show interest and curiosity don’t work on assumptions, always ask/find out first pay attention to body language establish clear boundaries

Specific Issues if anything happens, contact Cristiana immediately! safety don’t take unnecessary risks -- if in doubt, discuss it with Cristiana take for granted that you need to be more careful than you would be in Montreal, for example, staying in groups is a very good idea sexuality / intimacy take time to understand the rules of the game sexism, racism, and homophobia theft pay attention to your belongings (e.g., don’t hang a bag on the side of a chair) smoking: follow the rules (even in Italy) vegetarianism/veganism: not easy but possible if anything happens, contact Cristiana immediately!