A. Passport: No one can leave or re-enter the country without a valid passport. Make sure you have a passport , which is valid well beyond your planned date of return. Write down your passport number and keep it in a safe place.

B.  Check-in at the airport 2-3 hours ahead of time since strict security measures delay check-in. Allow yourself plenty of time to get to the airport. Luggage: You may have two standard sized suitcases plus a carry-on handbag of a size which must fit below your seat or in the overhead bins. Be conservative with your luggage, since we will be traveling extensively throughout Germany.

C. Telephone calls: In Trier you will not have access to a telephone in your room. You can use the post offices in town or coin/card operated public phones. You might want to purchase a "Telefonkarte". You can buy them at any post office. It is easy to get access to an AT&T operator from any German phone. Otherwise you can call from your hotel room. Beware of the high hotel surcharges.

D. Money: Just how much you will spend depends on how much you want to do. Bring at least $600 for pocket money. Be sure to have the money in travelers checks, or use your VISA/MASTERCARD . Remember, the card must be signed and issued by you. If you have a "pin" number, you can easily get cash. Take as few valuables as possible. Leave expensive watches, gold bracelets and jewelry at home. A money belt is highly recommended.

E. Clothes: The weather may be hot (85-95), especially in July, but the summer can be surprisingly cool and wet in Germany. You will need a sweater or jacket or both. A collapsible umbrella is very handy. You need one "dress-up" outfit. You might also need jogging shoes and swim suits. Towels and blankets are all provided while in Germany.

F. Laundry and Cleaning: You will need to use laundry mats or dry cleaning places in town.

G. Electrical appliances: Germany has 220 volts. You need an adapter and/or converter if your appliance does not convert with a switch.

H. Food and Eating: The program cost covers breakfast and a warm meal every day.

I. Alcohol/ Drugs/Valuables/Medication: You are expected to comply with Appalachian's policy while on this study abroad program. Do not become involved with illegal drugs whatsoever. No abuse of alcohol will be tolerated. It is extremely risky to violate the laws of any foreign country. Their legal systems are different. If you get into trouble with local authorities, trip leaders may not be able to help you.  Make sure you have an adequate supply of your medication. The trip leader MUST be aware of any condition you have. Make sure of informing him!
 
 

FRANKFURT AIRPORT INFORMATION
Most students will be arriving at Frankfurt airport. Here some helpful information on how to catch the train to Trier from the AIRail Terminal:
The long-distance railway station is at the AIRail Terminal, right next to Terminal 1. Trains arrive at and depart from platforms 4 to 7.

If you land in Terminal 2, follow these directions to the AIRail Terminal:
Follow signs to the Sky Line, a rail system that will bring you to Terminal 1. This service to Terminal 1 runs at 2 minute intervals. In Terminal 1 follow signs to AIRail Terminal.

For more info about Frankfurt Airport and train schedules visit: http://www.flughafen-frankfurt.de
 

Tax Refund at Airport:
Travelers, who are residents of none European countries, can claim a VAT Refund by presenting goods with the purchase receipt to customs officials (Hauptzollamt).

For goods in your checked baggage:
Terminal 1: Go to one of the customs offices in the baggage claim areas in Arrival Halls A, B and C (access via the Terminal Supervisor desk) or Level 3 near Sky Line Station B.
Terminal 2: Go to German Customs in Hall D, Level 2 (opposite the Delta Air Lines Check-in counters).

For goods in your hand baggage:
Terminal 1: Go to German Customs at Gates A 15/17; Transit Area B, near the passport control or baggage claim area, Hall C.
Terminal 2: Go to German Customs in Hall E, Level 3, (near security control).