 EPF Ecole d'Ingénieurs |
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Summer Programs
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PUBLICITY
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IIWE 2006 |
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Practical Information Last updated: March 13th, 2006
This document was created in response to a wide variety of questions we have received about the IIWE sessions. Please make sure you have familiarized yourself completely with the contents of this document as it contains the keys to a successful experience at the IIWE. Although some of the information is directed to “first time” international travelers, more seasoned individuals are still likely to find the items of interest. Contents: Corresponding with the IIWE Applying to the IIWE 2006 EPF bank coordinates Withdrawal of participation Visas: important and urgent Connecting with the IIWE network Getting here Getting here ISIC card – cheaper travel? Timing your arrival and departure Can I come for only part of the seminar? Reserving your airline tickets and hostels May I come to the IIWE accompanied by family and friends? Communicating with your family and friends Lost luggage: While here: Will it be possible to travel around France during the IIWE? Staying on Weather conditions Dress Music anyone? Carry essential information with you Goodies from home Pictures and posters from home Other things to think about Telephones E-mail Your laptops Taking care of yourself while in a foreign country Your autonomy Personal safety Proving your identity Again, photocopy your documents! Register with Embassy Emergency number Medical concerns Health insurance How’s your geography? General description How to reach the dormitory A few details Decorate your door Transportation passes French Touring Paris Eating-out Emergency phone numbers Transportation Corresponding with the IIWE All correspondence will be conducted by e-mail and posting on the IIWE website. If you do not have your own personal e-mail address, you will need to find someone (university personnel or a friend) who will be willing to receive IIWE messages for you. You may also wish to register for a free email account (i.e. www.hotmail.com or www.yahoo.com). Check your mailbox often and be sure that it is kept unblocked so that you receive all the information you need for the session. Applying to the IIWE 2006 Instructions for applying to the IIWE 2006 can be found on the “application form” itself. EPF bank coordinates Details you will need to effect your international bank transfer: Tuition: 600 euros Object: FIRST NAME & PRINCIPLE FAMILY NAME + CIEW 2006 Foundation EPF 3 bis Rue Lakanal 92330 Sceaux, France Bank: 10207 Window: 00045 Account number: 04045001697 Key: 57 Location: BICS Sceaux International Bank Account Number – Bank Identification Code: FR 76 1020 7000 4504 0450 0169 757 CCBPFRPPMTG Withdrawal of participation Applicants who have been accepted to the 2006 program but who need to withdraw may do so. Please contact the IIWE coordinator immediately to inform her so that a replacement can be found. You will receive a 100% (minus bank charges) refund of tuition and housing if you notify the director before May 15th, 2006. After this date, the refunds will be digressive: § Before June 1st = 50% refund § Before June 15th = 25% refund § After June 15th = no refund Visas: important and urgent Don’t wait to start the visa process. Don’t get caught in the time squeeze. Visas are often necessary for foreign travel, so please check immediately with your local French embassy to find out if you will need one to enter France and participate in the IIWE. VERY IMPORTANT: inquire which documents and financial proof you will be required to provide to obtain the document as well as how long the process will take. Depending on what country you come from, it can take from a couple of hours to many months to obtain a visa. Connecting with the IIWE network One of the major objectives of the IIWE is to facilitate the creation of an international network of women engineers. The IIWE network now exists and it consists of participants and faculty from former IIWE participants. Once you have been accepted to the IIWE, you will be strongly encouraged to begin contacting the other IIWE 2006 participants as well as IIWE alumni from previous years. Like all networks, this group is only as strong as its members make it: the more you use the network, the more efficient it gets. Does being in a network mean that you are “friends” with all the other members? Not necessarily. A network exists for the mutual benefit of its members and those who use the network the most often do become friends. If you use this international network of women in engineering well, it can help you throughout your entire professional and personal life. We will be talking more about networking skills during our session. During the sessions, to facilitate meeting with other IIWE 2006 members, we will ask you to sit next to a different member during each session. Please “throw your net” as wide as possible and do not spend a lot of time with people from your own country. As charming as your compatriots might be, alumni from previous years have discovered that by staying with members from their own countries they had by-passed an excellent “once in a lifetime” opportunity internationalize their network. Word to the wise: arrange to meet your co-nationals once you return home and begin networking with the others as soon as you join. Many of you will be arriving early and/or staying after the sessions… so don’t hesitate to contact each other through the mails before the sessions to set up meetings and activities. GETTING HERE ISIC card - cheaper travel? You may find that having an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) opens up possibilities for travel reductions. Ask your university for more information. (http://www.carteisic.com) Timing your arrival and departure
Your IIWE housing in the dormitory will be covered from June 30th – July 21st. We are expecting you to check into the dormitory beginning Friday evening, June 30th and no later than Sunday, July 2nd. IIWE interns (the majority are engineering students just like you) will be available to help you check into the dormitory, find your room and settle in, and answer your questions. Registration will take place on June 30th in the dormitory lounge. Can I come for only part of the seminar? No. The program is conceived “as a whole” and it would be extremely disruptive to have participants coming late and leaving early. If you cannot be with us for the complete session, then please consider applying for the IIWE 2007. Exceptions can be made for all alumni and certain amount of faculty members. Reserving your airline tickets: If you will be arriving by plane, reserve your tickets early. If you wait until the last minute, you will not only pay a higher price but also risk not finding a seat. May I come to the IIWE accompanied by family and friends? No! The IIWE may be in Paris, but the seminar is not an excursion, holiday picnic with friends, or an amusing family outing. The IIWE is a full time activity for which many of you will be receiving considerable academic credit. Look at the program description and you will see that you will be busy during the evenings and weekends working on presentations. You will need every minute available to participate in the required team projects and establish the basis for your future international professional network. Be aware that team members will definitely let you know when you are not carrying your own weight. Three weeks might seem to be a long time, but with 100 people to meet and a number of projects to complete, you will soon discover that the time available is very short. On the other hand, you could program time in Paris with your loved ones either before or after the IIWE sessions. No problem here. Communicating with your family and friends: You may need to call home as soon as you arrive. EPF cannot handle hundreds of calls from worried families and friends, so please call loved ones from the airport to inform them that you have arrived safe and sound in Paris. Then please keep them up to date on your safety so they will not be telephoning the EPF International Office inquiring about you. Many of you will be traveling with your cell phones, which of course is a wonderful convenience. But to avoid unpleasant surprises once you return home, first be advised that the price of international cell phone calls can be absolutely astronomical. Check the rates BEFORE you place the first international call! For information: you will not be able to take calls during sessions so please give your family and friends a copy of the schedule so they know when they will be able to reach you. You will have brief and limited access to mails here at EPF. In the evenings, if you are in Paris you can also check into any of the numerous cybercafés. But remember that the objective of an “IIWE experience” is to have a three week international immersion with live people and to discover Paris. It is not to spend three weeks in front of a screen. In order to avoid disappointment, it is best to inform your loved ones that you will not be in constant contact while you are away, but that you will be sharing your experiences in detail with them once you have returned. Lost luggage: be ready! Experienced international travelers regularly have “lost luggage problems” and every IIWE session this happens to at least one participant. While lost luggage is definitely inconvenient, if you are well prepared most air companies are able to locate and deliver it within 24 hours. Steps to take: Once you realize that the bags are missing, you must make a claim. In order to help the airline quickly return your belongings, be sure that you have clearly marked every piece of luggage with your name. Be sure too that you are able to describe each piece correctly to the airline officials (exact color, size, style and trademark of each piece) as well as any special identifying feature (such as a brightly colored ribbon tied on the handle). Everyone seems to travel with black bags, so if you can give your luggage some color, you will definitely speed up the “luggage identification process”. When you make your claim, you will need to give the airline the dormitory address and telephone number so they know where to deliver the luggage once it is found. Many travelers are used to such inconveniences and travel prepared. This means that they always pack basic necessities in their carry-on bags to cover their needs for the first 24 hours of their stay. The carry-on would include: § one change of clothing, § toiletries § travel information needed upon arrival (this “Practical Information” document, for example) § address of the dormitory! § medicine – enough for 4 days (for a “worst case” scenario) § money + documents (which should always be carried in a bag on in a money belt, but never packed) Again, at least one IIWE participant/session loses her/his bag, so if it happens to you, be prepared! WHILE HERE Will it be possible to travel around France during the IIWE? No! You will not have a minute free to travel during the sessions. The IIWE meets every day and there are pre-planned activities, visits, and there is work to be done. Also the weekends are packed! It is, however, a good idea to combine your experience at the IIWE with a French and/or European holiday together with family, friends, or perhaps with a new friend you’ve just made at the IIWE. Just plan this holiday to take place either before or after, but not during the IIWE sessions. STAYING ON If you wish to prolong your stay in the Paris region after July 21st, you can ask the dormitory about available space when you check-in on June 30th. Otherwise, you can certainly reserve in hostels. Make sure, however, that if you will need a visa to travel, that you request the correct dates on your visa application. Weather conditions Summer weather in Paris has always been variable and unpredictable and now that we are experiencing “global warming”, it is even more so. The weather can be a mixture of cold, hot, dry and wet. In addition the climate can change several times during the same day, which was the case for the IIWE 2001 and 2004 sessions. The weather can also stay in just one range: cold & wet (IIWE 2002) to very hot & dry (IIWE 2003). The weather forecast for the IIWE 2005 called for extremely high temperatures; however it rained enough to keep the temperatures cool. So you need to be prepared for everything. Dress The IIWE is a professional experience. So during the sessions please dress as you normally would at home when you go to work. The degree of formality in work dress differs greatly from country to country (and even from region to region within the same country). We would like you to wear what would be appropriate professional wear for young engineers in your region. It will be interesting for all of us to see the differences in style and formality. We are aware that it is not easy to pack for three weeks. We also realize that you are still students and you may not have a large variety of professional clothes. This is not a problem – improvise a bit, bringing the more “serious” pieces of your wardrobe. Just a few “professional type” outfits will do. In case you have not already guessed, please keep in mind that the IIWE is not a fashion show. Learn to pack lightly, to mix and match outfits… and plan on washing out items in the evenings. For days where there are no IIWE sessions, bring whatever is comfortable for touring Paris. But in general: with such variable weather in Paris, the best advice would be to dress in layers. So in addition to your usual summer wear, bring at least two sweaters (one light and the other heavy), a light jacket, at least one pair of long trousers, socks, waterproof shoes and an umbrella. Pack comfortable walking shoes. Swimming wear for men: in France, only classic racing briefs are accepted in public pools. Music anyone? Bring your musical instruments and favorite CDs (especially music from your country!) … very nice to have during the after-hours and at parties to teach us your regional dances. Carry essential information on you. Again, make photocopies of all your documents (passport) and coordinates of EPF Ecole d’Ingénieurs, and the dormitory as well as the Pre-Session Supplement as it was sent to you via email. Carry these items with you and not in your baggage. If you lose your luggage, at least you will know how to get to the dormitory. Reminder: For IIWE registration, you will need your official e-mail letter of acceptance to IIWE 2006, 2 photocopies of your passport (only those pages carrying vital information about yourself) and 2 identity photos. Goodies from home In the past participants have brought some locally made candies to share and you can be sure they were very appreciated. If you would like to continue this tradition, remember that there will be approximately 100 participants (students, faculty and staff combined), so bring something very small and inexpensive. We’ll love you for it! In addition, it is possible to cook at the residence and you might want to organize special evening where you cook your local specialties for each other. You may need to bring special spices with you. But if you’d like to cook, see information below on cooking facilities in the dormitory. Pictures and posters from home Door decorations and pictures will certainly be welcome; as it will help the members become more acquainted with your country and region. They can also be used for the personal presentation’s poster that will decorate the walls of the amphitheatre where the sessions will take place. You will be provided with a large sheet of paper and you will have three minutes to talk about who you are, your ambitions and hobbies, and why you chose IIWE. There will be a poster workshop discussing the specifics of this assignment (please see the schedule for dates). Though we will provide a large sheet of paper, you will need to bring your own supplies such as markers, pencils, pens, and pictures or buy these items in France. Please add a sign with your name and dorm room number on it so that the members know where to find you for more information. Please fix this sign to your door bearing your name, country of origin, plus your engineering specialization. You can also “dress-up” your door with personal decorations. Ideas from previous years included: flags, post cards, posters, pictures from home of family, friends, university, pets, etc. Other things to think about Each day, you will be traveling about 40 minutes (by train and walking) from the dormitory to EPF. As you will need to carry materials, such as a journal, manual, pens and pencils, to and from EPF we recommend you bring a medium-sized bag with you. You will attend several area presentations on engineering in a specific location (for example, Asia or Africa). However you are also responsible for teaching others about engineering in your country. To do this, you may find it helpful to bring along examples, brochures, newspapers, or magazines that illustrate engineering in your country. In the past, participants have organized a party (or parties) to get to know one another. We will provide you with a room however it is up to you as the participants to organize the party. This means providing music, food – whatever you imagine the party to be. If you think this is a good idea, you may consider bringing music you like in addition to anything else that will make for a pleasant party. Telephones There are pay phones on the EPF campus as well as in the dormitory, but you might want to bring your cell phones. (Be aware, however, that international calls can be very expensive.) International calling cards are available. All cell phones will be turned off during IIWE sessions, so please ask your family and friends to place their calls outside session hours. Your laptops You might want to bring your portable computers, as there will be projects to work on. Be sure, however, to lock your dormitory rooms to keep them safe. There is internet access in the dormitory where some rooms have a cord/plug. Access to the internet costs 10 euros (in cash) for the entire month of July. In the past, students using a Macintosh laptop were not able to receive internet access. Faculty are also ineligible for internet access. Participants wishing to have internet access in their room please email the Head Intern and be sure to bring your student identity card. If you do not have a student identity card, please consider obtaining an ISIC card or its equivalent by looking at their website. Computer labs will also be available for your use at EPF between 8.00 - 9.00 and 17.00 - 18.00 Monday through Friday. The computer labs at EPF will not be accessible on weekends TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF WHILE IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY Your autonomy In attending the IIWE, for many of you this will be the first step towards international autonomy. During your future career as an international engineer, you will find that very often you will be on your own: people will not find solutions for you, you will have to figure out things for yourself, obtain the information you need, find ways of getting from one point to another. All this when you are tired and stressed from travel, perhaps hungry too, and you don’t speak the local language is very important to keep in mind. Acquiring autonomy is a process that requires, first and foremost, confidence: confidence in yourself, confidence that you can indeed find the solutions to your own problems. It also requires, at least from the administrative point of view, that you have correctly completed ALL tasks required and supplied all the information requested so that you don’t create additional obstacles for yourself. Today’s global industries prize “international autonomy” in their workforce and it is for this reason that the IIWE will not “hand hold” you during the sessions. We are preparing you for your future. The IIWE will be giving you the opportunity to develop this confidence by putting you in a situation where you must be autonomous. We will of course provide you with basic information, but once you have this information our expectation is that as professionals you will take responsibility for yourselves. Expecting otherwise would be misunderstanding the nature of the IIWE. For example: we will not pick you up at the airport or train station. We will give you the information on how to arrive directly to the dormitory and then you have to find your own way there. We will give you information on phone cards, and then expect you to obtain them on your own. “Autonomy” also means choosing when and how you confront the “unknown”. Will you confront the unknown once you arrive at the airport? Or will you prepare before coming? People who do no preparation will perhaps be those who have the most “adventures” once they arrive. People who prepare will have informed themselves about France, Paris, EPF and the IIWE long before their departure date. They will use books and, above all, the Internet. They will contact the IIWE alumni. They may have a certain number of “adventures”, but if so, they will have more understanding of the situation and will be in a better position to quickly find a solution. Personal safety Paris is a big city with “big city problems”. If you have already lived in a large urban centre or if you have had extensive experience being an international tourist, then there is not a lot of additional information you need to know about Paris. You need to behave as you usually would in a “big city”: - always be aware of what is happening around you - avoid drawing undue attention to yourself: o wear non-provocative clothes o speak softly, especially when you are in groups of foreigners o look like you know where you’re going: walk with confidence o carry your map in an inconspicuous way o consult your map discreetly by stepping out of the main thoroughfare - don’t expect people to be honest: o don’t leave personal items (especially bags) unattended o be mindful that purse snatchers love big cities: hold your bag very close to your body o be mindful that pickpockets are always operating in crowded areas - follow the local rules governing “polite public behavior” * * Every country and region has its own version of “polite public behavior”. Here are a few tips for blending into Parisian behavioral patterns: - say hello and good-bye to shop personnel as you enter and leave stores - do not say hello when you enter public transportation (bus/metro) - generally, keep to yourself and respect other people’s right to privacy. Beginning conversations with complete strangers, while not unheard of, is not a French habit. - avoid a lot of direct and prolonged eye contact with strangers - but don’t become un-nerved when people “look you over” from head to toe. This habit is not intended to be rude or threatening. You might need to be concerned, however, if the person persists and tries to become overly friendly. If you are uncomfortable speaking to a stranger, you are not obliged to respond. - other than asking people for directions if you are lost, start conversations only with people you already know - when buying food in outdoor markets, let the merchant pick it out for you - quickly excuse yourself if you accidentally bump into people by saying “Pardon” or “Excusez-moi” - avoid picking your teeth after you’ve eaten - don’t put on make-up, including lipstick, in public - don’t wear a hat inside a building - always wear shoes If you have found some of the items on the above list strange or amusing, it might be interesting to speak to other IIWE members about this… you will probably discover that there are a lot of very different practices around the world about what is – and isn’t – considered to be “polite”. Also, if you have heard that there are gypsies in Paris, we can tell you that this is true… and we can also confirm that the ones you find in the metro system are not always amongst the most honest. Therefore we suggest that you don’t respond to their solicitations for alms… and you should always watch your purse and jewelry when they are around. There are of course areas of the city that are more risky than others, and we will be alerting you to this during the orientation session. Rest assured, however, that EPF and dormitory are not located anywhere near these areas. To the contrary, the dormitory is in the center of the city and EPF is in a very attractive, sleepy, residential suburb far from the big city lights and action. Even so, it is common sense that you always must be mindful of your personal safety, no matter where you are. There is no reason to be alarmed about the above information. To put things into perspective, it is important to understand that people who live in Paris do not feel in danger when they step out of their front door. Parisians are simply aware that they live in a big metropolis and that they need to be attentive. Proving your identity As you begin to travel internationally, you will discover that rules and regulations change as you move from country to country. Foreigners need to be aware of how this plays out concerning the obligation to “prove your identity”. In France, you are obliged by law to be able to prove at all times who you are by instantly showing your original identification papers. This law is in place to help catch criminals and illegal immigrants… and according to the police, it’s quite effective. While it is highly unlikely that any IIWE member will be subject to an identity check (which often takes place on the metro system), should this occur, we advise you to politely cooperate with the authorities by immediately producing your passport. Again, photocopy your documents! Experienced travelers know that there is nothing more annoying than having your money, credit cards and/or passport stolen while abroad. As with lost luggage, this happens to almost everyone at least once during their international professional career. While the IIWE certainly hopes this will not happen to you while you are in Paris you need to take the proper precautions. To speed-up the re-issuing of documents and settling of your financial affairs, make sure you have made two photocopies of all your documents (passport, drivers license, etc.), credit card details and emergency numbers, travelers check numbers, and cell phone information. In addition, it might be of great interest to have a copy of your birth certificate in case your embassy requires this to issue a new passport. Keep the photocopies in separate places so that they will not be stolen together with the originals. Register with Embassy If your country recommends or requires travel registration, don’t forget to register with your embassy. Visit your embassy’s website or contact your embassy in France in advance to find out! (http://www.embassiesabroad.com/embassy.cfm?embassy=home&countryID=31) Emergency number |