TRAVEL SUPPLIES

Items such as money belts, belly bags, and electricity current converters which reduce foreign 220/240 voltage to American 110/ 120 voltage can be useful for the trip.  For example, in order to use your hair dryer (or other electrical appliances) you will need a converter (transformer) and a plug adapter (your unit's plug will not fit into European sockets).  Do not assume that a plug adapter is also a converter (a mistake will burn out your appliance!).  Converters can be purchased at some large department stores, electronics stores (e.g., Radio Shacks), or at travel shops.

A very important item is a battery powered travel alarm clock.  The KSU Geneva Hotel does not provide for "wake up calls" and their rooms do not come equipped with clock radios.

BAGGAGE

Because we will be very mobile (that is, moving from trains to busses, to subways with our baggage), it is strongly recommended that students pack light.  If possible, it is best to bring a single, small to medium size suitcase on wheels and a carry-on , and a backpack or a detachable day pack.  You do NOT want to be toting a heavy suit bag, large suitcase, carry on, and brief case on your travels!!
 

CLOTHING

Students are expected to be appropriately dressed for all meetings with business people and representatives of international organizations.  For men, this means nice pants, shirt, tie and jacket.  For women, nice slacks or skirt and a blouse.  The KSU Geneva Hotel  has small washers and dryers, so you do not need to pack for the full two-week trip.  You might want to bring two dress outfits, one or two pairs of causal pants, and assorted shirts/blouses (dress and casual).  Also, bring COMFORTABLE walking shoes (we will walk a great deal, occasionally over old world cobblestone streets), an umbrella, raincoat and/or jacket, a lightweight bathrobe or sweats, and plenty of socks, stockings, and underwear.  For the flight over, wear your most comfortable clothes.  You may want to pack one nice outfit in your carry-on baggage, so that you have something appropriate to wear in the (unlikely?) event that your checked bags are lost or arrive late.

MEDICINE and DRUGS

In addition to your regular toiletries (check the current restrictions concerning what you can take with you onto the airplane in your hand luggage), bring your important prescription drugs and a copy of the prescription for them.  Also, bring a copy of prescriptions for contact lens or glasses, as well as frame measurements.

CREDIT CARDS and MONEY

If you have one, you should bring at least one major credit card with you (Visa, Master Card, and American Express are most commonly accepted).  You get a good exchange rate when your purchases are made with a credit card (although you may be charged a fee for the conversion).

You will NOT be able to make all purchases with a credit card, and so will need to use the local currency (Swiss Francs or the Euro).  You can purchase Swiss Francs or Euros, for example, before you leave at your local bank (you may need to give them advance notice so they can have them available), or at the airport terminal in Geneva (at a Swiss bank or at a currency exchange booth), or at the Geneva American Express Office.  To do this, you will need some U.S. currency or travelers' checks.  Also, you can withdraw Francs or Euros directly from an ATM money machine, using your local bank card (if you are a member of the CIRRUS, PLUS, or similar network).  If you are in doubt, check with your bank about international use of your card.  You should bring cash or travelers' checks in case of an emergency.

PASSPORT

Of course, be sure to bring your passport.  You will need it to get on the plane (and back into the country).  You should make two copies of your passport.  Leave one copy with someone in the U.S. (friend, parent, spouse) and put the other in one of your bags.  Having a copy of your passport makes replacing a lost or stolen one much easier.
 

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