SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Passport

All participants will need a valid passport to travel. The passport must be valid through the end of JUNE 2010. Go to the US Department of State website at http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/get_840.html for directives to obtain a first time passport and/or renew an existing but expired passport. If you do not already have a valid passport, apply for one as soon as your participation in Guatemala 2010 is confirmed. According to their website, the US Department of State estimates the turn-around time at 4-6 weeks; however, recent applicants have reported the process to take significantly longer (several months).

Insurance

All participants must provide their own health insurance that includes medical Evacuation and Repatriation coverage. Be sure to consult with your insurance agent to find out if the individual or family policy has sufficient coverage and add a short-term temporary policy if needed. For students, Xavier’s student health insurance does include this. Please see the middle section of Xavier’s Emergency Medical Care Authorization form as it is here where you need to verify your insurance coverage.

Immunizations

Immunizations are not required but recommended especially considering the nature of the work in which participants will engage. It is possible that Guatemala 2010 participants will come in contact with bodily fluids including fecal matter; therefore, immunizations for Hepatitis A & B as well as Tetanus are recommended. For students, you will need these immunizations by Fall 2011 in order to participate in Fieldwork, so, obtaining them now simply positions you ahead of schedule. For clinicians, most are already required to have such immunizations by your place of employment. Go to the Center for Disease control and Prevention for the document entitled Health Information for Travelers to Guatemala for additional information.

Other

1. Current Travel Warnings can be found on the US Department of State website at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html. Guatemala is currently NOT on this list and it is anticipated it will remain off the list in the near foreseeable future.
   
   
   
2. In general, the US Department of State is an important resource when traveling abroad. For example, go to http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/tips_1232.html to see the document entitled Tips for Traveling Aboard.While on the website, look around to see what else you might learn. FYI, before leaving, all Guatemala 2010 participants will register with the US Embassy as directed.
   
   
   
3. All students will also need an International Student Identification Card. Details of how to obtain a card will be provided during Spring 2010 Semester to all student participants.