This page is a collection of online resources to help parents share the
excitement of the Semester in Regensburg Program experience. It
includes links with information on various aspects of the program as well as the
destinations students might be visiting
Predeparture Preparation
On campus orientation, including Friends and Family night
Paperwork, ours and Regensburg's
Course schedules, textbooks
Travel arrangements, booking
Financial and communication planning
Packing and departure
Arrival in Regensburg
Munich Airport - the most common point of entry, with a chartered bus to Regensburg
The Regensburg Tourist Office city information, focus of on-site orientation in first week
Map (Stadtplan) see the next section for housing maps
On site orientation
Housing, Dining and
Travel
Program Housing apartments available to the program
University Student Housing - map and pictures of all student housing, text is in German
Mensa - what's for lunch (and dinner) in the University cafeteria this week?
Regensburg RVV this is the system students will use to travel around Regensburg
Communication, Program
Facebook Page and
SiR 2010 Group
eMail and IM options
Murray State, University of Regensburg accounts will be available
A web based email account provides flexibility, ISIConnect,
MSU WebMail, HotMail,
Gmail
This account can be accessed by any system with Web connection,
i.e. Internet Cafes
Subscribe to the
SiR
discussion list for continuous program information,
leave the Subject line blank, and enter JOIN sir youremail@address
as the message, then Send
Windows Live Messenger - instant messaging, audio and video chat, synchronous communication, (remember 7 hour time difference)
SKYPE - VOIP service, free computer to computer calls, reasonable fees apply to computer to landline or mobile (more expensive), recharge online
Telephone options
Local country phone cards - widely used throughout Europe, but country specific
ISIConnect
account - prepaid calling card, rechargeable via phone or Web,
about $.55 per minute from Germany
ISIConnect
Access Numbers by country
AT&T - provides easy Europe to US contact, but is expensive, access numbers in each student's packet
Credit card phones - direct charges to various cards, expensive
Cell phone (Handi) - provided by program, personalized contact, less expensive when used for callback, though higher for caller
Your cell phone, perhaps if it is GSM, Quad Band and unlocked like these on eBay
RiverOffers
- a jump station site for international calling card options
Financial Arrangements
In general, students should have access to several different sources of funds such as
ATM cards, with an ALL NUMBER PIN, a high daily
limit, tied to a CHECKING account
This allows you to deposit funds to a readily available source and
allows students access
to funds in local currencies at modest transaction costs
a MasterCard and/or Visa card, which now charge a
transaction fee
These cards should be distinct from ATM and phone cards to avoid
disastrous losses
travelers' checks, which will likely serve as an
emergency resource,
Consider larger denominations, as exchange services often charge a per
item fee
Students should keep these resources in separate places in their housing and while traveling to avoid losing them all at once.
Students do NOT need a large supply of Euros
when they arrive in Munich, IF they are meeting Program Faculty on the
designated arrival date
Health Insurance
Students are required by the University of Regensburg to purchase a health insurance policy which allows them to participate in the extensive German health insurance system. Our plan goes into effect upon arrival.
The International Student ID card provides some coverage, including repatriation of remains
Many family health plans cover medical expenses abroad. YOU SHOULD CHECK WITH YOUR PLAN ADMINISTRATOR TO DETERMINE IF YOUR PLAN PROVIDES THIS COVERAGE.
Generally, health care providers abroad expect immediate
payment for which your insurance plan would reimburse you. THUS
YOU SHOULD PLAN ON COVERING HEALTH CARE EXPENSES YOURSELF THROUGHOUT THE
REIMBURSEMENT CYCLE.
Academics
Universität Regensburg - the site of our classes (Here's one you won't be taking)
During the first two weeks, only German language and culture classes will meet
Other classes will begin in third week, continue throughout the semester
All classes are regular MSU courses, with no transfer arrangements necessary
Excursions and some tours will be included in activities
for various courses
Excursions
Bill'sBlog - Dr. Bill Schell's blog and pictures from Fall 2005 SiR Program
Tours of businesses and other organizations will also be scheduled
Berlin - site of our extended excursion
Independent Travel
After first two weeks, three day weekends will be open for independent travel
Fall Break and early finals will allow two opportunities for extended independent travel
Larry Guin's Travel Guide for SiR students
Deutsche Bahn - look here for connections that students will be making to their destinations
RyanAir, Opodo, EasyJet, Kayak - European airline bookings are an option for longer trips
Fodor's and a
commercial standby as well.
Emergencies
Priority 1: Prevention review the following guidelines for safe, secure travel
Read Consular Information Sheet(s) for the country or countries you plan to visit
Review see suggested travel tips in Handbook or State Department International Travel Guide
Carry contact information for appropriate US Consulate available from Dept of State US Embassy Database
Priority 2: Preparation keep the following information handy (it is required on Student Travel Form)
Your International Student ID Number - this gives you access to the Emergency Response System
ISIC Emergency Access Phone Number use your ID number and the menu for Emergency Response System
Local US Consulate Phone Number acquired from this list prior to departure
Appropriate Murray State phone numbers
Program faculty contact phone numbers
Priority 3: Emergency Response use the following resources to get help
Checkout, Departure and
Return
Students must arrange for a checkout housing inspection with their Hausmeister
The program provides a train-to-bus ticket from Regensburg to the Munich Airport
Welcome Home!!! Remember, culture shock works in reverse as well! You will miss Regensburg.
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Program Pictures over Several Years |
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