| January 9-16, 2006
Experience the culture, history, aesthetics, art, music, and drama that form the literary backdrop of Moscow and St. Petersburg during Kean's 36th annual Travelearn to Russia.
Museums, cathedrals, a midnight train ride, and more . . . it all adds up to an action-packed eight-day adventure. While visiting two European cities, you'll be astonished by the many things to do, places to go, and people to meet. It's an experience that will stay with you forever.
Contact the faculty coordinator, Dr. Robert Fyne, by phone at 908-737-0384 or in Center for Academic Success Room 229 to sign up.
Itinerary (subject to change)
Monday, January 9
DEPART USA -- Flying a foreign carrier, especially Finnair, Finland's world-renowned national airline, is starting your adventure as soon as you take off. Our plane departs Kennedy airport in New York at 6:00 PM. After takeoff, enjoy beverage service, delicious dinner and complimentary movie. Sit back and enjoy your flight to Helsinki. (Flight time: approximately eight hours.)
Tuesday, January 10
HELSINKI/ST. PETERSBURG -- We land in Helsinki, Finland at 9:00 AM. Wow! Europe! But don't get too comfortable; we have another plane to catch. Our connecting plane takes us on a one-hour flight to St. Petersburg.
Welcome to St. Petersburg. The adventure is set to begin. After hotel check-in, we'll view beautiful St. Petersburg via motor coach. During your stay, you'll have distinct impressions of Paris -- with its magnificent palaces and broad boulevards, or envision Venice, since St. Petersburg is built on 101 islands, connected by graceful bridges, and dotted with pastel-colored buildings. After a busy day, relax and get ready for your first Russian dinner at the hotel. Your authentic and delicious Russian meal will be served in the gracious dining hall.
Wednesday, January 11
ST. PETERSBURG -- Of course, a trip to St. Petersburg is not complete without a visit to the Hermitage, originally part of the Winter Palace. The Hermitage houses three million art treasures and would require nearly twenty-six miles of walking to see the entire museum. Afternoon at leisure to shop on Nevsky Prospect -- the Fifth Avenue of St. Petersburg -- or revisit any of the sightseeing highlights you desire. Look up Dostoyevsky's grave, perhaps, or maybe share a traditional taste of tea from a samovar with some newly found Russian friend.
Thursday, January 12
ST. PETERSBURG & NIGHT TRAIN TO MOSCOW -- It's your third day in Russia. Getting the hang of the place yet? Today, optional tours are planned. You may sign-up for a tour, venture out on your own, or maybe find a quiet place to write those postcards. The choice is yours.
Dinner at hotel before departing on your overnight sleeper train to Moscow. The romantic train ride is an experience in itself!
Friday, January 13
MOSCOW -- Good Morning train passengers! Welcome to Moscow, the capital city of Russia and a cosmopolitan jewel. Check into the centrally-located hotel and freshen up. After meeting the tour guide, hop aboard the bus for a get-acquainted tour of the city.
What makes travel to Europe so amazing for Americans is the appreciation of history. The United States is a young country -- America's oldest cities date to the late 1600's. Moscow, on the other hand, was founded in 1147. And, the older the country, the more stories it has to tell . . . Moscow has lots of stories to tell, and people to talk to (don't worry, most speak English) and sights to ogle over while you snap away on the camera. You're in a European capital, so things will move in a speedy fashion.
An early dinner at the hotel is planned, then, if possible, a trip to the Moscow circus to see those cute dancing bears.
Saturday, January 14
MOSCOW -- Following breakfast, enjoy a visit to the Kremlin. (Make sure you bring plenty of film -- it's a photographer's delight.) Your walking tour of this famous triangular-walled citadel, the seat of Russian government, will acquaint you with marvels dating back to the 1400's. See the bell tower of Ivan the Great, hear eerie tales about Ivan the Terrible, visit the glass-enclosed body of the Communist leader Vladimir Lenin -- if the Russians still haven't gotten around to burying him. Later, you might take a walking tour of Moscow's Arbat Street where local artists and craftsmen offer unique and very "Russian" souvenirs.
Dinner at hotel. This evening why not hit the town and check out the city's hip music clubs.
Sunday, January 15
MOSCOW -- On our final full day in Moscow, let's investigate the city further. Watch the children riding the giant Ferris Wheel in Gorky Park; look at the new businesses sprouting up; try to read the Cyrillic billboards for McDonalds, and Sony, and Microsoft; buy an original Russian hat from a street dealer and revel in the new democratic Moscow, that, magically, still retains its old-world Slavic charms.
Our final evening's dinner in Russia is a festive affair. By now you've learned to say "cheers" or "na zda-ro-vy." Before you retire for the night, don't miss out on the evening sights on beautiful Red Square. This historic square, within walking distance of our hotel, looks especially grand when darkness falls.
Monday, January 16
MOSCOW & RETURN FLIGHT TO USA -- The last day arrives and memories begin. (No college student is ever quite the same after spending a week halfway around the world with his Kean "comrades.") After breakfast, it's time for any last minute activities before your transfer to the airport for the flight home, via Helsinki. On the return flight to the US -- owing to the time differences, you'll be home the same day -- enjoy a hearty meal, a movie, and excited conversation aboard Finnair's comfortable, wide-bodied jet. You've got so much to tell everyone back in the States. You've been on an adventure that few people have experienced. Now you're a real "world" traveler.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates for the trip?
We leave JFK airport in New York on Monday, January 9, 2006 and return Monday, January 16, 2006. (Note: No class time is missed as we travel during the University's winter break.)
What does the trip cost?
$2,260.00*. A $250.00 nonrefundable deposit is due November 1, 2005. See below for additional payment and refund information.
What does this price include?
Round trip airfare on Finnair; hotel lodging (two to a room) in two cities: St. Petersburg and Moscow; two meals a day; sightseeing with an English-speaking guide; tickets to cultural attractions; an overnight train trip between St. Petersburg and Moscow; travel insurance; visa fees.
Are there any additional costs?
Yes. Passport fees, individual trip or airfare cancellation fees, late visa application fees, single room accommodations, lunch, and alcoholic beverages are not included in the program cost. Finally, the tuition for the three-credit course: ENG 3250 Russian Studies in St. Petersburg and Moscow, or the Continuing Education registration fee is not included in the basic trip price. See trip flyer or contact the Center for International Studies for additional information.
What about a passport?
You must have a valid passport to join us on the trip. Those currently without a passport should apply for one immediately. All travelers must have a valid U.S. Passport, and are responsible for related passport fees. Visit http://travel.state.gov for additional information. Non-U.S. citizens must make necessary arrangements to obtain appropriate documents to travel outside of the U.S.
Okay. So what are the Russians like? Should I be nervous about being so far from home?
Russia has far less street crime than major U.S cities. Kean University has shepherded students to Russia, without incident, for 35 years. (The former KGB spies during Communist times weren't even a problem.) Russians themselves are warm and friendly
Tell me more about the three credits.
Kean University considers the three credits earned on the eight-day trip a 3000 level English class. The credits may be used as a free elective.
Can the University's Financial Aid help defer the costs?
Each case is unique. You need to speak with the Financial Aid Department yourself, but contact Donna Alexander in the Center for International Studies (908-737-7142) for additional information.
Are non-Kean students welcome on the trip?
Yes. Students from other colleges may join the group, and the three credits are usually transferable. Friends and family members are invited on the Russian Adventure as well.
Travel Information
The best trip is a smooth trip. Below you'll find helpful advice on navigating the cultural and logistical differences common to foreign travel.
While your experience with Russia and her people will unlikely include any nuclear disarmament treaties, it's important that you acquaint yourself with some of the dos and don'ts appropriate for an enjoyable, provocative, and memorable Russian adventure. Remember: when Americans meet Russians, the whole world can hang in the balance!
1. Film.
Expensive in Russia. Bring lots. Fast film -- ASA 400 -- is recommended. Video cameras, so long as they're light and dependable, are not a problem. Digital camera users should be sure to have a converter and adapter to recharge their batteries. (See #14 below.)
2. Batteries.
The same as film. Expensive. Bring extras.
3. Cash.
Plan to spend at least $300.00 dollars on the tour. (Lunch daily, souvenirs, and available optional tours/cultural events -- see #19 below.) Inspect your currency. Torn, stained, or wrinkled bills are usually refused. Please bring "new" money, as the Russians are a superstitious lot.
You will need to exchange currency in Russia (rubles). The country's stores, restaurants, buses, and subways do not accept US dollars.
4. Credit cards.
Good for hotel shopping and most restaurants in Russia. Not good on street.
5. Travelers' checks/MAC machine.
Travelers checks are not always accepted in Russia, therefore they are a bad idea. ATMs for cash advances on your credit card are unreliable in Russia -- don't count on their ready availability. Your best bet is to bring cold, hard cash.
6. Wallet.
Clean it out; bring nothing extraneous.
7. That Crazy Looking Russian Alphabet.
If you can, try and learn the Cyrillic alphabet before we leave. (It's easier than it appears -- maybe four hours of study.) While there's no need to speak Russian, sounding out their words on subway maps and street signs can be useful. The alphabet -- replete with its backward R's and odd-shaped X's -- is found in many guide books.
8. Jewelry.
Do not bring expensive jewelry.
9. Ladies.
No heels or accessories.
10. Gentlemen.
No suits or ties.
11. Clothing.
Camping concept. The January temperatures average in the 20s. (Look in the left-hand column for our on-line weather links) Pack warm: heavy coat, hat, gloves, long underwear, and flat boots -- preferably waterproof. Also, be prepared to relinquish your coat to the tyrannical "coat-check matrons" each time you enter a public building. To argue against this national custom is taboo. Just do it.
12. Alarm clocks.
Bring one. The sun rises around 10:00 AM in St. Petersburg, and the tour's bus driver gets cranky when you're late.
13. Hair dryers, shavers, camera chargers.
The Russians are wired for 220 volts. You'll need to bring along an electricity converter and a two-prong, oval-shaped adapter. (Available at Radio Shack.)
14. Smoking.
Please do not smoke at meals. Remember to obey all "no smoking" rules.
15. Calling Home.
While Russia continues to modernize its infrastructure, some glitches remain -- most notably overseas telephone calls. Calling home from Russia is expensive and cumbersome. Avoid it if you can. (From the Finland airport, there is no problem.) Finally, never call home from a hotel-room phone. NEVER!
16. Personal Safety and Common Sense.
While St. Petersburg and Moscow both have much less street crime than comparably sized American cities, foreign travelers, regardless of their destination, should always exercise common sense. Do not flash your wallet. Avoid conspicuous jewelry. If you opt to leave the tour group at night, travel in pairs. Taxis and street vendors are safe -- just negotiate any prices beforehand. By all means, MEET the people -- Russians generally enjoy casual contact with Americans -- but conduct any meetings with strangers on your own terms.
17. The Water.
Don't drink the water in St. Petersburg. The water in Moscow is safe.
18. R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
When visiting religious, cultural, and historical sights, especially those places commemorating Russia's many war victims and heroes, please remember to show proper respect: speak softly, avoid chewing gum, remove your hat, and adopt a solemn air. The Russians are obsessed with their torturous war-time history. (In World War ll, which Russians call "The Great Patriotic War," the nation suffered 27 million casualties, including 15 million civilians.) It's no wonder that peace, or mir, is a word every Russian citizen values.
Additional information:
http://travel.state.gov
http://www.cdc.gov/travel/illness_injury_abroad.htm
Payment and Refund Information
Deposit: $250.00
Due: November 1, 2005
Final payment: $2,010.00
Due: December 1, 2005
• *Price based on 15-person group rate and subject to change
• All payments are nonrefundable
• Payments may be made via credit card or check payable to Kean University
• Payments must be provided to the Center for International Studies by the dates above
• Individuals may request to be put on a waiting list if a payment deadline has passed
• Contact the Center for International Studies for information regarding Financial Aid
Center for International Studies
Kean Hall 225
Tel: 908-737-7140
Email: ifsd@kean.edu |
