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SCHOOL IN CORTONA
PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION

Congratulations!!!

If you are reading this document, you are about to participate in the University of Albertas School in Cortona. We
are very happy that you are taking this journey with us and we hope you have a wonderful experience abroad. To
help you prepare for this adventure we prepared some material which other students have found useful. We know
that each individual students experience will be different, and we hope that you participate on the program with a
great sense of curiosity, thirst for knowledge and are open to seeing and experiencing the world in a different way.
You have the opportunity to see, taste, smell, touch and hear and really live ladolcevitain Italy. There may be
times on this journey which may be a bit stressful and you may be missing home and your friends and family from
time to time, but you will have supports through our team in Cortona and in Edmonton, and through the network of
other students who are participating on this same journey.

Good luck and stay in touch. We wish you the very best on this adventure!

- School in Cortona Team

CORTONAPROGRAMRULESANDREGULATIONS

We are guests and resident scholars in Cortona and in Italy. The rules that govern proper behavior in Italy and in Canada
apply equally to all students and staff. As a guideline, you should conduct yourselves as responsible adults.

The Cortona Program is part of the University of Alberta, Faculty of Arts. The University Code of Student Behaviour (COSB)
applies at all times during the Cortona Program, including field trips, days off and evenings (cf. University Calendar, section
26). You are ambassadors of the University of Alberta, our Faculty and of Canada.

Unfortunately, there have been charged non-academic offences during the Cortona Program. Having been given clear
direction from Campus Security Services and from senior Univ. administrative officials, any non-academic offences committed
at Cortona will be dealt with immediately. Charges under the COSB are likely. This would naturally have repercussions for
the completion of a degree program. These are serious matters.

Generally, courtesy and respect should be utmost in your mind. There may be times when you wish to make strong feelings
evident. Use discretion. If there is an issue in the residence, please bring it up with our residence coordinator, Ms. Laura
Santiccioli. If there is an academic issue, please bring it up with the Program Manager, Dr. Alessandro Celani.


CAMPUSANDRESIDENCE

1. No alcoholic beverages on campus (classrooms and St. Agostino). It should be noted that excessive drinking is
strongly discouraged as this is a very small town and the behavior of students is taken as a reflection of the
University of Alberta in general.
2. Residence (hostel and convent) quiet hours 2300 to 630 hrs. Please keep in mind that noise should be kept at a
minimum regardless of the time. This includes things like door slamming.
3. Hostel and convent close on weekdays at 2400, on weekends at 100
4. When you come in, please reduce your volume in the hallways or in the rooms. Note quiet hours.
5. Kitchen in the hostel closes completely after dinner is served. No kitchen access between 2100 hrs and 700hrs.
6. Only registered students and staff are allowed to stay in the hostel or convent. Visiting parents, boyfriends may
come to the hostel for meals.
7. Public areas in St. Agostino are to be kept clean. Clean up your own mess.
8. No smoking in classrooms, hostel or convent. Smoking is allowed in outdoor areas only.
9. The classroom must be kept clean at all times. Please do not store food in the classroom. The floors are porous
clay, so please do not spill liquids (oil, soft drinks, coffee, and tea) on the floor. If this happens, clean it up
immediately.
10. There should be no downloading of large files (i.e. video) or streaming video using the Wi-Fi at the hostel as this is a
huge strain on the connection and can cause major issues with connectivity.
11. The use of cell phones, smart phones, or similar devices is not permitted during class time or on field trips. You can
use these devices on the bus, but not during any teaching time.

OTHER

We have and continue to make every effort to ensure that the program runs as smoothly as possible. However, we
may run into some snags as the term proceeds. Your patience, assistance and constructive suggestions are
appreciated.
Positive attitudes and smiles are contagious.
You will be interacting with some of the best academic minds in Europe and Canada.take advantage of that.
The Cortona Program is a great opportunity to learn.expand your horizons, within personal and legal limits.
The Cortona Program is a great social experience. You will make friends that last your lifetime.

COMPLAINTS/CONCERNS

Should you have any complaints or concerns about other students, Cortona Program staff, or any other concerns, please
see the Program Manager as soon as possible and the issue will be dealt with through official channels.

PREPARING TO GO

Preparation is the key to a successful trip. By doing your homework before you leave, you minimize the chances of something
going wrong. This handout is designed to help provide answers to most of your questions and help prepare you for your time
in Italy.

DOYOURRESEARCH

Before you board that airplane, carefully consider all materials issued by the University of Alberta that relate to safety, health,
legal, environmental, political, cultural and religious conditions in Italy. Learn at least a few key phrases in Italian. Even a
modest command of the local language will go a long way. You may also want to check out the Federal Governments Country
Travel Reports for Italy; the website is http://www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/menu-eng.asp.

BERESPONSIBLE

Assume responsibility for all the elements necessary for personal preparation for the Cortona program. Make sure that you
have provided the Faculty of Arts with the Medical Clearance Form, and any other personal data that you feel is necessary to
facilitate a safe and healthy study abroad experience. Accept responsibility for personal decisions and actions.

HAVEADEQUATEFINANCES

Make sure that you have sufficient funds and a secure financial plan to maintain yourself for the duration of the program and
for any additional travel. Speak with your bank to ensure that your debit and/or credit cards will work at ATMs in Italy. Have a
spare debit card in case and store it in a safe space.

BEINSURED

Obtain and maintain appropriate health, travel and personal liability insurance coverage and abide by any conditions imposed
by the carriers.

KEEPYOURPARENTSINFORMED

Inform parents/guardians/family members and any others who may need to know about your participation in the School in
Cortona. Provide them with emergency contact information and a detailed copy of your itinerary. If there are changes while
you are abroad, make sure that they are informed of the changes. A handout specifically for your parents is provided in your
package of information.

CONDUCT

Understand and comply with the guidelines for conduct in Cortona, the University of Alberta Code of Student Behavior and
obey Italys country laws. Behave in a manner that is respectful of the rights and well-being of others, and encourage others to
behave in a similar manner. When you are travelling in a foreign country, familiarize yourself with the way of life there.

Respect that countrys laws, religions, culture, class structure and economic conditions. Although you may not agree with
some of the countrys beliefs, remember that you are a visitor.

BEAWARE

Be cautious of local conditions and customs that may present health or safety risks when making daily choices and decisions.
While violent crime is low in Italy, petty crime is a serious problem, especially in large cities such as Rome and Naples. Pick
pocketing and purse snatching occur more often at tourist sites, on public transportation, internet cafs, and at major airports
and railway stations, so please stay alert and aware of yourself and your belongings.

HAVEANEMERGENCYPLAN

Become familiar with the procedures for obtaining emergency health and law enforcement services in Italy and anywhere else
your travels may take you. While you are in Cortona and participating on the program, our team will be able to assist you in
any emergency situation that arises, however it is your individual responsibility to ensure you know what to do in case of
emergency on your individual excursions.

PASSPORT

Have a valid passport. Your passport must be valid for six months beyond your date of entry. Scan an electronic copy and
store it in a secure location accessible anywhere, and also keep at least one photocopy of it in your luggage/carry-on. Before
you leave on your trip, be sure to complete the "In case of accident or death notify" section in your passport. This will help the
Canadian Consulate quickly notify your family or friends if an emergency arises.

If your passport is lost or stolen while you are travelling, contact the nearest Canadian Embassy office (Rome) immediately for
a replacement after reporting the loss or theft to the local police. Make sure you get a copy of the police report or the report
number. Before a new passport can be issued, you must complete an application form, produce documentary evidence of
your Canadian citizenship (e.g., a certified copy of your birth or citizenship certificate), provide a copy of the police report or
report number, present new photographs and pay the required fee.

STUDENTVISA

The laws regarding visas have changed radically in the past few years, and thus the Faculty of Arts can only report on the
situation as of the time of the printing of this document. At this time, Canadian students attending the School in Cortona do
not require a visa if you will only be in the country for less than 90 days (the term in Cortona operates for less than 90 days). If
you plan on staying longer than 90 days, it would be advisable to inquire about a working holiday visa. Visas are obtained
through the Italian Consulate and should be applied for early enough to allow sufficient time for processing (3-4 weeks). Visit
http://www.esteri.it/visti/ for complete details.

MONEYMATTERS

Credit cards that you can withdraw cash from and debit cards are the best way to obtain money when needed. At the time of
compiling this document, only chequing accounts are readily accessible. It is recommended that you have an extra ATM/debit
card with you and stored in a safe place.

Visa and MasterCard are honored in most places throughout Europe and are widely used in Tuscany. They are not a
substitute for cash, but using them gives you the advantage of the best exchange rate when you are billed by the credit card
company. It is highly recommended that you bring a credit card in your name, signed on the back to be used in case of
emergencies.

Bank machines are also readily available throughout Europe and using them is the easiest way to obtain cash. Check with
your bank to ensure that the PIN number is valid for international use, particularly in Italy; in most cases, this will mean that
you will need a four-digit PIN number. There are numerous banks in the Cortona area but it is often more advantageous to
use your credit card as a chequing account, i.e., to have a positive credit balance in the account from which you can withdraw
without interest penalties.

You might also consider pre-arranging for parents or relatives to deposit money in your bank account in Canada, as you need
it, so you can easily access the money from Cortona. With on-line banking, you can then check your bank balance and pay
credit cards, etc.

DO NOT bring the entire amount of money you expect to spend in cash. You will not need a large amount of money with you
when you arrive in Rome or Cortona if you have an ATM or credit card. It is helpful to arrive in Italy with some local currency
(euros) in hand for the first weekend. We suggest changing $200 into euros before departure.

TRAVELARRANGEMENTS

Travel arrangements are your responsibility. Fares to Europe can vary considerably, so please make sure you shop around for
the best prices. Please make your travel reservations well in advance as this will lock in your fare. Not all roads lead to Cortona,
but there are some routings that may simplify your travels. Most flights arrive in Rome, but you can also connect to Cortona through
Florence or Perugia. The Florence airport has flights to/from Amsterdam, Barcelona, Basel, Brussels, Frankfurt, Geneva London,
Paris, Vienna, and Zurich. Both Perugia and Florence are smaller airports; both are marginally closer to Cortona.

MEDICALINFO

You may want to have a complete physical and dental check-up before leaving Canada. Inform your doctor of any travel plans
and ask for current health information and recommendations for Italy. You may also want to consult Health Canadas Travel
Medicine Program at http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/index-eng.php.

Some medications that are sold over the counter in Canada are illegal or require a prescription in other countries. Find out
whether your medication is legally available in Italy and/or any other countries you plan to visit. Ask your doctor for a letter
explaining what medication you are taking and why if Customs Officers inquire about any of your prescriptions, you can
provide an official medical letter.

Carrying a duplicate of your original prescription is recommended, especially when travelling to a country that is particularly
sensitive about drugs. Carry an extra prescription that lists both the generic and trade names of the drug, in case your
medication is lost or stolen. This is also a good idea if you wear glasses or contact lenses; having the prescription makes it
easier to replace them.

If you need syringes for a medical condition such as diabetes, it is very important that you take along an appropriate supply.
As well, you should carry a medical certificate that shows they are for medical use.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition that could present a problem while you are travelling, it is wise to wear a
MedicAlert bracelet. Through the MedicAlert Foundation (http://www.medicalert.ca/) your vital medical facts are stored in a
database that can be accessed 24 hours a day from anywhere in the world.

HEALTHANDTRAVELINSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover costs if you get sick or are injured while you are abroad. At best, your health
plan will cover only a portion of the bill. DO NOT leave Canada without supplementary medical insurance and travel
insurance. It is your responsibility to obtain and understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policies. Some credit
cards offer their holders health and travel insurance, but do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. For most
insurance companies, you will need to contact them before going to see a doctor so that a file can be set up for you.

Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or a relative at home as well as your travelling
companion how to contact your insurer.

Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you leave the country. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to
get the proper paperwork from thousands of kilometers away. Remember always to submit original receipts for any medical
services or prescriptions you received while travelling abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

MAKEEXTRACOPIESOFEVERYTHING

Carry with you (separate from your actual passport) a photocopy of your passport, two extra passport photos, your passport
number, the date and place it was issued and a certified copy of your birth certificate. You should also photocopy your
insurance documents, airplane tickets and your Letter of Acceptance to the School in Cortona. Trust a family member or friend
with copies of all the aforementioned important documents

PACKING

PACK LIGHTLY. One way to encourage yourself to pack lightly is to pack your bags and then carry them around the block a
couple of times. If it is difficult to carry them on your own, then go through your bags again and take out any unnecessary
items.

Every individual in the program, whether faculty member or student is responsible for carrying and moving his or her own
luggage. No help is available for you. Any experienced traveler will tell you it is not fun to lug around heavy suitcases. This
means you should pack a minimum of clothing and accessories in the lightest but sturdiest suitcase you have. Backpacks are
highly recommended for easiest transport.

Security: You should be able to lock your suitcase in some way. If your suitcase does not have a lock of its own, small
padlocks can be purchased at discount stores. When the need arises to ship luggage by railroad or truck, the lock is
indispensable; the railroad will not accept a piece of luggage that does not lock securely. Labels with your name and address
in Cortona are also necessary. Place one inside the bag and one in a visible position on the outside. All valuables should be
placed in your carry-on luggage.

WHATTOPACK

All of the following items can be easily purchased in Italy, but it may make you more comfortable to have your own items with
you when you arrive.

A wristwatch and an alarm clock are necessities.

Bath towel, hand towel, and face cloth: bring QuickDry towels that will dry easily and have antibacterial properties.
There are no clothes dryers at the hostel, so everything will need to be hung up after washing.
Spot treaters (like a Tide Pen)
Medical kit: bandages, cold tablets, aspirin, motion sickness medicine, insect repellent, anti-diarrhea tablets. Pack an
extra supply of necessary medication in case you are away for longer than expected. Do not try to save luggage
space by combining medications into a single container. Keep all medications in the original, labeled container to
avoid customs problems.
Plastic Ziploc bags: these are great for protecting your luggage against shampoo spills; also, medium to large bags
can be used for wet or dirty clothes or towels and small bags for soap and washcloths.
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Lightweight, drip-dry wrinkle-proof, dark-coloured clothing: make sure you can mix and match your clothes; bring one
semi-formal outfit as you will most likely attend at least one special function; bring a warm jacket such as a fleece
jacket and an umbrella. Dress in layers.
Dictionary: English/Italian, Italian/English
Travel guides for Italy: Lonely Planet Italy, Eyewitness Guides and Rick Steves Guides are good.
Adapter: the electric current is 220 V 50 cycles whereas in Canada it is 110 V 60.
Leave your sentimental and expensive jewelry at home.
Passengers are not permitted to transport dangerous goods on board an aircraft in carry-on or checked baggage or
on their person. Dangerous goods are articles or substances that are capable of posing a risk to health, life, property
the environment when transported. Before travelling to any destination, consult the airline or Transport Canadas web
site at http://www.tc.gc.ca/ to find out what you can and cannot transport.
Check with your airline prior to departure on rules regarding what you can and cannot bring in your carry-on luggage.
Also note that the size of carry-on luggage is much more restrictive in Europe than in North America.

NOTE: small appliances like hair dryers, hair straighteners, etc. can all be purchased in Italy. They are relatively cheap
and can be used throughout Europe.

WHILE ABROAD

When you first arrive in Italy, chances are you will be suffering from jet lag. While jet lag may seem to be just a general
nuisance, it can also lead to unsafe decision-making and leave you more vulnerable to petty criminals. Here are some
suggestions to limit the effects of jet lag:

Get a good nights sleep the first night you arrive. Hot baths and exercise will help.
Eat a high carbohydrate meal or snack before bedtime on the night of arrival. These foods may help bring on drowsiness.
Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day and during the flight.
Get up early the first morning or your arrival and at the same time every morning thereafter, regardless of how much
sleep youve had.
Avoid naps until you are fully adjusted to the new time zone.

FOREIGNLAWSANDCUSTOMS

When you are travelling in Italy, or in any foreign country, familiarize yourself with the way of life there. Respect that countrys
laws, religions, culture, class structure and economic conditions. Although you may not agree with some of the countrys
beliefs, remember that you are a visitor.

Drug use and trafficking are prohibited in all countries, even though drugs may be readily available and openly used in some
places. Please be aware of dangerous drugs that may be circulating in nightclubs in Italy. Most countries including Italy
impose heavy fines and long prison sentences for possession and trafficking. As well, public drunkenness is unacceptable and
can result in police intervention.

In Italy, appropriate attire for both sexes is very important. Italians are very respectful of traditions and customs, and Italy is
more conservative in terms of clothing and attire than Canada. It is important to dress appropriately or you may find yourself
the object of a lot of unwanted attention. What may be acceptable for a night out in Canada is probably not appropriate in Italy.
This can be especially true in Southern Italy.

Be especially respectful of temples, churches and other religious sites. In Italy, knees and shoulders will need to be
covered if you would like to enter a church.

Also remember to ask permission before taking photographs of religious artifacts or buildings. Be sure that you are permitted
to take photos in museums and galleries. Not everyone likes to have their picture taken, so make sure you ask for permission
first.

TAKINGPRECAUTIONS

The same rules apply abroad as at home, only more so. Foreigners are usually at greater risk than locals. In many countries,
foreigners are specifically targeted and Italy is no different. Dont wander into unknown areas find out how safe they are first.
Watch your luggage and make sure its locked. Never take anything, even an envelope, across a border for someone else.
Minimize or avoid travelling alone and do not hitchhike.

Do not display large amounts of money or expensive jewelry in public. Use a money belt or a case with concealed sections for
valuables. Dress appropriately and be discreet.

Leave a copy of your itinerary with someone at home so they can contact you in case of an emergency. Dont forget to
telephone home, particularly if you have promised family members or friends that you would do so.

Never carry your passport, travel tickets, identification documents, cash, credit cards and insurance papers together. If you do
so, you risk being left with no identification or funds.

CRIMEANDPUNISHMENT

While in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws and regulations. Your Canadian citizenship offers no immunity.

Canadian consular staff abroad must also follow the rules of the host country. If you do find yourself in trouble, they can help
you locate a lawyer, contact your family and friends, and ensure that you receive fair treatment according to the standards of
that country. However, they cannot wield any influence to reduce your sentence or fine.

Even if you are an innocent bystander at a demonstration or riot, you may be considered a participant and be rounded up with
those involved. Your Canadian citizenship does not grant you immunity.

If you do find yourself in legal trouble, contact the nearest Canadian government office immediately. If you cannot do so
yourself, have someone else do it for you. You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The
sentence will be served in local prisons.

TRAVELINGINITALY

Travelling by train in Italy is safe, enjoyable but sometimes requires patience as delays (and strikes) are not infrequent. The cost of
train travel is relatively inexpensive but if you plan to travel widely, talk with your travel agent about a train pass; numerous types
exist. Train schedules and tickets, as well as bus schedules and tickets, can be obtained from the Tourist Information Office in
Rome.

If planning weekend trips, you can easily find hostels to stay in. As well, if a group of classmates are travelling together, you could
also investigate the use of an apartment. Both options can be found quite easily online.

If you plan to drive in Italy, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. The IDP is a special license that allows travelers
with a valid Canadian driver's license to drive in Italy without a specific test. The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) is
the sole issuer of the IDP in Canada. Contact your local CAA office to pick up an application or have one mailed to you; you
can also download the application from the CAA website at http://www.caa.ca/. An IDP is valid for one year from the date of
issue.

LIFEINCORTONA

Weather: For month to month descriptions of weather in Italy, go to: http://www.italylogue.com/weather. Cortona is on a high hill
and it can be a little chilly first thing in the morning. That said, it will be much warmer there than it is in Canada. Many of the
courses will include a lot of walking up and down hills, so be sure that you have good walking shoes.

Business Hours: Stores are open from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM and then 4:30 to 8:00 PM most days except that stores selling food are
closed on Thursday afternoons. Other stores, bars and restaurants all have their own weekly closing day posted in the window.
The Cortona Library (with books in Italian, French and English) is open from 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM, and then again from 3:00 to
7:00 PM. If you plan to study in the library, please note the hours.

Meals: Despite a reputation for spontaneity, Italians are actually extremely formal people. Mealtimes are set for you. Breakfast at
both the hostel will be provided from 7:30 to 8:30 AM; dinner will be at ~7:30 PM. Restaurants will also not begin to serve dinner
until that hour. Lunch, and the siesta hour, are from 1:00 until 3:30 PM. Snacks in Italy consist of pizza or a slab of focaccia by the
piece, sweet rolls, pastries, chips, etc. and can be most cheaply purchased at grocery stores or bakeries.

In general, breakfast in Italy is less sustaining than it is in Canada. A continental breakfast is served every morning at the
respective housing establishments. A basic continental breakfast consists of bread, jam and coffee or tea. Students who want
or need additional food for breakfast may buy groceries.

Evening meals in Cortona (Monday-Thursday) are typical Tuscan fare. Dinner normally consists of three courses: the first
course (primo piatto) is usually pasta or rice, the second course (secondo piatto) is usually meat or fish and a selection of
salad or vegetables, and dessert (dolce) is usually fruit, cake or pastry. Bread will be abundantly served but be forewarned that
Tuscan bread is unsalted. Vegetarians can be accommodated but if you do not eat dairy products you should take vitamin
supplements.

Other shops sell cheeses, yogurts, fruit and vegetables. Also keep in mind that soft drinks and beers are more expensive in Italy
than in Canada.

Laundry: At the hostel there is a coin-operated washer available for shared use. Most students will hand wash their clothing.
There is no clothes dryer in the hostel and you will have to use the clothes lines set up in the laundry room. Another option is to
use the laundromat in Camucia.

Internet and computer access: Wireless internet access is available in the hostel. There are also 7 desktop computers for your use
in the hostel. NOTE: the hostel is a former convent built in the 15th Century. It was not designed for wireless internet, and thus you
should expect that connection times can be slow and that there may be some dead zones where wireless is not available. Internet
access is also available in Camucia at Internet cafes. You can also visit the local travel agency, Tuscan Magic, and take advantage
of one free hour of internet access per day.

Telephone access: The best option is to buy a cell phone in Italy, use calling cards or pay phones. In the hostel, there is a shared
phone for incoming calls. A fax machine is also available for emergency communication. You can also Skype with family members
(please use AUDIO ONLY no video as it might make the wireless internet crash). Please keep in mind that Italy is 8 hours
AHEAD of Mountain Standard Time and phone calls will not be accepted before 7:30 AM and after 11:00 PM Italian time.

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Nightlife: There are several discos in Camucia and the coffee bars are open until midnight in Cortona. The curfew at the hostel is
12:00 midnight from Sunday to Thursday, and 1:00 AM on Friday and Saturday. This means the doors to the hostel are locked,
and if you are not back in time you will be locked out of the hostel for the night.

Other aspects of life in Cortona: People are very friendly, and in the winter there are few tourists. People will greet you, especially
after they have seen you a few times. Please greet them back with at least a big smile or a Buon giorno (good morning). When you
enter and leave shops, you will be acknowledged, so you should respond with a smile and a Buon giorno (or buona sera good
evening - after 4:00 PM). Leaving, you should also say Ciao or better Arrivederci (when we meet again). The Canadians have an
excellent reputation in the town for being polite and respectful of 'the public structure' as well as individuals.

DEALINGWITHCULTURESHOCK

Even the best of travellers experience some form of culture shock once immersed in another culture for a period of time.
Initially, there is a feeling of elation about being in a new culture: everything in Italy seems exciting and fascinating! However,
over time you may start to feel fatigued and frustrated from continuously trying to comprehend basic things such as housing,
transportation, food, language and people. Its natural and very normal to go through these stages, but there are a few steps
you can take to help alleviate the effects of culture shock:
Keep in touch with family and friends back home.
Dont dwell on negative things about Italy and avoid people who do.
Make an effort to make friends with the local Cortonese.
Keep your sense of humour!
Speak a little Italian whenever you can people appreciate the effort.
Take care of yourself by exercising, getting enough sleep, eating properly and doing things you enjoy. Make sure you
walk the loop around Cortona and see Francis Mayes house.
Find a routine adjust to local time schedules for meals and work.
Participate in social events with your fellow students and the local town people.
Explore the town with a friend (or by yourself); its almost impossible to get lost in Cortona.

RETURNINGTOCANADA

CANADIANCUSTOMSANDIMPORTCONTROLS

You must declare everything you have purchased and acquired abroad, whether the items are for yourself or intended as gifts,
as well as goods bought at a Canadian or foreign duty-free store. Keep your original receipts if possible.

Since you will have been away from Canada for more than 7 days, you may bring back goods worth up to C$750 without
paying duties or taxes. These goods can include tobacco products and alcoholic beverages. When calculating the number of
days you are absent, do not include the date you leave Canada, but do include the date you return.

Certain items are restricted from entering Canada. If you are considering importing meat or dairy products, plants, weapons,
vehicles, exotic animals or products made from their skins or feathers, contact your local Customs Border Services Office of

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the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/) beforehand for guidance. The booklet I Declare
describes what you can and cannot bring back to Canada if you have been away for less than a year.

STAYINTOUCH!

Make sure you stay in touch with your fellow Cortona students and the Cortona Advisors in the Faculty of Arts. We would love
to hear your suggestions, comments and experiences about your time in Cortona! Youll be invited to volunteer and share your
experiences to other students, as well as help out with future pre-departure orientations. Also check out UAlbertas Back2U
Conference, which happens in the Fall and is specifically designed for students who have gone abroad and are now back on
campus. Its a great way to unpack your experience and translate your new knowledge into whats next.

CORTONAALUMNITIPS

I didn't speak a word of Italian prior to leaving for Rome. Looking back, it would have been REALLY helpful to at least have
known how to ask for directions and to order food in Italian before arriving in Rome. Finding our hostel and getting something
to eat would have been made a lot easier! - Lily Ma

Take a moment to soak the experience in, because the term goes too fast. Go on as many fieldtrips as you can, you may
never see sites on your own. Walking on the hills will not be the same when you leave as they were when you arrived. -
Matthew Doering

As the Italian trains are relatively inexpensive, it is better for students to buy single tickets in Italy. Eurail passes for a number
of trips in a certain time frame are not economical. A map of Italy would be useful-Melanie McCallum

I remember arriving in Camucia not having a clue where to catch a bus, or how to pay for a ticket. I naively assumed I could
pay on board. That is not the case. It might be helpful for students to know beforehand that they should purchase bus tickets
at a tabacchi or some store because you can't buy them on the bus.

Also, everything can be bought in Italy, including notebooks, pens, pencils, etc. so don't feel you have to pack them with you.
Don't touch the fruit and vegetables in the stores -- the owner will pick them out for you. Smile, be friendly and polite -- the
people will love you for that. Do everything at least once, and the fun stuff at least twice. I am so wishing I could go again!! -
Agnes Pieracci

Losing your luggage. Yes, its a nightmare and yes, it happens to at least someone each year. I was one of them. Just
remember that you cant control everything . Just be ready to accept that all will not go according to plan. Get into the
Italian mind set early, learn to appreciate the good and go with the flow. - Rochelle Roy

Pack lightlyespecially if you plan on traveling around afterwards. You can pretty much buy anything you might need when
you're there and the last thing you need is to be weighed down by 50 pounds of luggage. I ended up spending a ludicrous
amount of money sending some of my stuff home through the mail and I still killed my back and arms traveling before I went
home. That, and hand sanitizer is your best friend. - Sara King

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Canadians in Italy can obtain consular assistance and further information from the Canadian Embassy in Rome or from the
nearest Consulate at the following addresses:

EMBASSY OF CANADA (Rome)

Via Zara 30, Rome, Italy 00198
Tel.: 39 (06) 85 444 2911
Toll-Free (within the country): 00-800-2326-6831
Fax: 39 (06) 85 444 2912
E-Mail: rome.citizenservices@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/italy-italie/index.aspx

CONSULATE OF CANADA (Milan)

Piazza Cavour 3, 20121 Milan
Tel.: +39 02.62694238
Fax: +39 02.29013600
Email: consul.canada.milan@gmail.com

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Canadian Embassy in Rome or the Consulate General of Canada in Milan and
follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa toll-free at 00-800-2326-6831 or use the services offered
by Canada Direct.

Canada Direct, offered by Canada's major telecommunications companies, provides travellers with toll-free and hassle-free
access to the Canadian telephone network. The Canada Direct access number from Italy is 800-172-213, where a Canadian
operator is always available. For more information, call 1-800-561-8868 or visit the Canada Direct website at
http://www.infocanadadirect.com/.

CORTONACONTACTS
Program Director ~ Dr. Helena Fracchia Helena.fracchia@ualberta.ca ~ Phone: (011-39) 0575-164-5225
Program Manager ~ Dr. Alessandro Celani celani@ualberta.ca ~ Phone (011-39) 333-898-6592
Residence Coordinator ~Ms. Laura Santicciolli laura@creacortona.com ~ Phone (011-39) 380-332-7572
In Edmonton ~ Ms. Sherilyn Trompetter ~ cortona@ualberta.ca ~ Phone 780-492-4389

HOSTELADDRESSINCORTONA
Ostello San Marco
Via Maffei 57
Cortona 52044, Arezzo, ITALIA

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HOTELADDRESSINCORTONA
Hotel Sabrina
Via Roma 37
Cortona 52044, Arezzo, ITALIA

CLASSES
St. Agostino
Via Guelfa 40
Cortona 52044, Arezzo, ITALIA

ARRIVINGINCORTONAINCASEYOUMISSTHEBUS!!

a) When you get off the plane, simply follow the other passengers to passport control and then the baggage claim. This may
involve a short shuttle ride to the main terminal.

b) If you are unsure of any of these instructions you should always find an information booth. They are always around (plus
the word information sounds quite similar in Italian; you can also ask the people at the ticket booths!)

c) You will need to take a 30-minute train ride from DaVinci airport the main train station in Rome called TERMINI. You can
purchase a ticket from the airport to Roma Termini at the airport train station. The cost of the ticket from the airport to
Roma Termini will be approximately 12 euros. At this point its a good idea to purchase your ticket from Roma Termini to
Terontola-Cortona as well.

d) To get to the train station in the airport, go outside of Arrivals and turn to your right. Go up the escalator and then go on
the walkway that leads to the train station (away from the airport). Once on the train, you should never have to disembark
elsewhere in Rome, except TERMINI.

e) At Roma Termini you will disembark and make your way down a very long platform to the main foyer of the station. You
will be boarding a train bound for Firenze (this is Florence in Italian). Be absolutely sure to match the departure time on
your ticket to the one on the large display board and then again at the one at the specific platform (look for R or IR trains;
this means regionale and interregionale). This is crucial as many trains go to Florence, but they do not all stop in
Terontola, nor are they all the same class of train. Make sure your ticket validated in one of the yellow validation boxes on
most pillars on the platform before boarding the train. Once you are aboard the train, look for a car that has the number 2
on the door as this designates second class.

f) After two hours and 25 minutes, you should be watching for the stop that says Terontola. This is essential because the
stops are not announced. The train stops for less than two minutes so you need to be ready to jump off with all your
luggage. The stop before Terontola is Castiglion del Lago, so when you see this stop you will have 5-7 minutes before
Terontola. Be waiting close to the doors!

g) Once you are off the train, exit the station. You can then take a taxi to the Ostello San Marco in Cortona. Cortona is
situated at the top of a hill overlooking the town of Camucia and Terontola. The train does not go directly to Cortona.

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