Travel Information
Before Departure
Packing
Please bring ONE SUITCASE AND ONE SMALL BAG ONLY. Don't pack too much! If you can't carry it easily, it is too heavy. Remember to put your name, address, and phone number in English on your suitcase tag.
Here is a suggested packing list:
Clothing
Other Important Items
Optional Items
Things to Consider When Packing
Visas/ESTA
Money
Traveler's checks in US dollars are the safest way to carry money. Do not bring large amounts of cash. Credit cards such as VISA or Master Card are widely used. Most students bring $500 - $700 (in traveler's checks and/or cash) for optional activities, personal shopping and souvenirs. VIA will cover all meals during the first two weeks at Stanford.
Please bring ONE SUITCASE AND ONE SMALL BAG ONLY. Don't pack too much! If you can't carry it easily, it is too heavy. Remember to put your name, address, and phone number in English on your suitcase tag.
Here is a suggested packing list:
Clothing
- T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, sweater or jacket
- Pants, shorts, skirts
- comfortable shoes for walking and hiking
- Sportswear for exercise (e.g. bathing suit, shorts, running shoes)
- Warm pajamas
- Formal wear (suit or dress/outfit)
Other Important Items
- Prescription medication
- Copy of passport, visa and medical insurance (VIA requires you to purchase medical insurance before coming to XSEL)
- Original signed XSEL agreement form
- Pre-program assignments
Optional Items
- Camera
- Laptop computer (internet connection is available for most of the program)
- Notebook and dictionary
Things to Consider When Packing
- Weather - California weather in the summer varies depending on the location
Stanford: 24 °- 32 °C during the day; 15°C at night
San Francisco: 10°- 20° C (often foggy, windy, cold even in daytime) - Differences in electronic goods (you may need a converter depending on country of origin)
- Travel insurance
- Emergency contacts
Visas/ESTA
- Participants from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Thailand must apply for a visa
- Participants from South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan must register with ESTA and bring confirmation page
Money
Traveler's checks in US dollars are the safest way to carry money. Do not bring large amounts of cash. Credit cards such as VISA or Master Card are widely used. Most students bring $500 - $700 (in traveler's checks and/or cash) for optional activities, personal shopping and souvenirs. VIA will cover all meals during the first two weeks at Stanford.
Arrival in the US
Immigration
Upon arrival at SFO, you will first go through immigration. When the border security official asks "What is the purpose of your visit?" you should respond with “To join a short cultural program” (a student visa is not necessary for this program). If you are asked, "Where will you be staying?" use the address of the hotel in San Francisco.
Luggage pick-up
You will pick up your luggage after going through immigration.
Customs
You will go through customs with your luggage.
List of prohibited items for entry to the US: absinthe, alcoholic beverages, dog and cat fur, drugs, firearms, fish and wildlife, certain food products (including meat products, fruit and vegetables), gold, etc. For the complete list, please go to http://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/kbyg/prohibited-restricted.
After exiting customs, you will be greeted and picked up by VIA staff.
Upon arrival at SFO, you will first go through immigration. When the border security official asks "What is the purpose of your visit?" you should respond with “To join a short cultural program” (a student visa is not necessary for this program). If you are asked, "Where will you be staying?" use the address of the hotel in San Francisco.
Luggage pick-up
You will pick up your luggage after going through immigration.
Customs
You will go through customs with your luggage.
List of prohibited items for entry to the US: absinthe, alcoholic beverages, dog and cat fur, drugs, firearms, fish and wildlife, certain food products (including meat products, fruit and vegetables), gold, etc. For the complete list, please go to http://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/kbyg/prohibited-restricted.
After exiting customs, you will be greeted and picked up by VIA staff.
Staying in the US
Accommodations at Stanford (August 3 - 17)
Roble Dormitory
374 Santa Teresa Street, Stanford CA, 94305
http://www.stanford.edu/group/resed/cgi-bin/roble/
You will live in a Stanford dormitory with coordinators and participants from other universities. Both men and women live in the same dormitory, but roommates are the same gender. All rooms have beds, desks, lamps, closets, and internet connections. On each floor there are common bathrooms with showers and toilets. You will have a key to your room and the dormitory, and there is no curfew. If you lose your key, you will be charged $135. You will eat your meals in the dining hall located next to the dormitory. Breakfast and dinner are served every day. Some lunches will be provided by VIA, others you will need to purchase on your own.
Accommodations in San Francisco (August 17 - 23)
Hotel Whitcomb
1231 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: 415.626.8000, Fax: 415.861.1435
www.hotelwhitcomb.com
The Hotel Whitcomb is located on Market Street, just several blocks from Union Square and the Civic Center. Hotel amenities include: CD player that is MP3 compatible, hairdryer, safe, iron & ironing board, coffee/tea maker, and wireless internet access.
Roble Dormitory
374 Santa Teresa Street, Stanford CA, 94305
http://www.stanford.edu/group/resed/cgi-bin/roble/
You will live in a Stanford dormitory with coordinators and participants from other universities. Both men and women live in the same dormitory, but roommates are the same gender. All rooms have beds, desks, lamps, closets, and internet connections. On each floor there are common bathrooms with showers and toilets. You will have a key to your room and the dormitory, and there is no curfew. If you lose your key, you will be charged $135. You will eat your meals in the dining hall located next to the dormitory. Breakfast and dinner are served every day. Some lunches will be provided by VIA, others you will need to purchase on your own.
Accommodations in San Francisco (August 17 - 23)
Hotel Whitcomb
1231 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: 415.626.8000, Fax: 415.861.1435
www.hotelwhitcomb.com
The Hotel Whitcomb is located on Market Street, just several blocks from Union Square and the Civic Center. Hotel amenities include: CD player that is MP3 compatible, hairdryer, safe, iron & ironing board, coffee/tea maker, and wireless internet access.