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European Study Program -- in Leysin, Switzerland
General Information for Students
General Information for Students Welcome to the longest running study abroad program in hospitality and tourism education. Originally founded by Professor Ashby Stiff in the 1960's, the program continues today under the Office of International Programs at Florida State University. You will be in Europe during the relaxed, pre-tourist season when trains are uncrowded, accommodations readily available and cheaper, and when restaurants have time to serve you unhurriedly. You will see Europe at its most beautiful - in early bloom of spring. You could not have chosen a better time to go. The approximate five-week schedule of the program coincides with the first summer term on the FSU campus (and it also fulfills the one summer session residency requirement on campus). Or if you desire to continue your studies in the second summer session, you will be able to return in time for that. Getting to Leysin, Switzerland Students should coordinate travel with the International Program Office at FSU. Those students who choose to travel on their own are advised to fly to Geneva, Switzerland, and from Geneva take the train to Leysin. Those students traveling with the group will be met at the Geneva Airport (at the 'Meeting Place', located just past the Customs exit). The group will then take a bus to Leysin. Should a student be traveling on their own, take an eastbound train from Geneva to Lausanne/Montreux to Aigle. At Aigle you will need to transfer to the Leysin cog train. In Leysin get off at the Feydey stop. Exit the station, turn right and walk down towards the bridge, which overlooks the tracks. Bear right once you cross the bridge, and almost immediately on your left you will see a large, brown chalet with red shutters. Welcome to Chalet Fougeres. Your Home Abroad - Chalet Fougeres Postal Address:
Chalet Fougeres is owned and operated by Village Camps, S.A., of Nyon, Switzerland. For telephone use, consider purchasing a phone card when you get to Leysin. Calling home is expensive, so consider having your family and friends call you (Remember that Leysin is 6 hours ahead of Tallahassee time). Your housing at Chalet Fougeres is available seven nights weekly. Rooms at rustic Chalet Fougeres accommodate four to six students. Bed linens are provided, and changed and laundered once weekly. The Chalet can be aptly described as comfortable, but not luxurious, ski-lodge style with built in bunk beds and comforters. There is minimal storage space (PACK LIGHT!). Most rooms open onto balconies with panoramic views of the Alps and the Rhone Valley. Towels and washcloths are the responsibility of the student. A sink is located in each room. Modern showers and bathroom facilities are located on each floor. Meals are provided to students Sunday through Tuesday. Students departing for weekly travel Tuesday afternoon may request a bag lunch to take with them. Special requests such as vegetarian diet may be accommodated (please let us know of your dietary restrictions). Meals are served cafeteria style and are eaten in window booths with scenic views. Students generally register for 6-9 credit hours. Usually three hospitality classes are offered; European Food & Wine; European Travel & Tourism; and International Hospitality Administration. In summer 2005 there will be two art classes offered as well. Be sure to visit the International Programs website to see the course offerings for 2005. Classes are scheduled Sunday through Tuesday. This allows the student the flexibility of traveling Wednesday through Saturday. Required textbooks will be available at the FSU Bookstore and Bill's Bookstore. All grades will be submitted at the conclusion of the 2005 summer session. Each respective faculty member will address specific course assignments. If a student wants materials returned from the faculty member (such as a scrapbook or project), the student will need to provide a stamped, addressed envelope for that purpose. Leysin is located in the French-speaking sector of Switzerland. All classes will be in English. You will find English to be understood, and spoken, in most of Europe. However, you should not go to Europe expecting everyone to completely understand you. You should attempt to learn basic words and phrases in French, as well as those of other countries where you think you might travel. If you make the attempt to speak the native language, you will find that the native speakers will quickly try to speak English with you. Always remember that a smile and friendly attitude go a long way in any language. If you already have a passport, check to be sure it is still valid, and will remain valid through the duration of the program. If you do not have a passport, you need to apply for one immediately. Applications are available at any U.S. Post Office. You will need two passport photos (available at Kinko's or free for AAA members), as well as a certified copy of your birth certificate (available from the Bureau of Vital Statistics in the city of your birth). Keep in mind it usually takes six to eight weeks to process passport applications. We would suggest you examine the different types of Eurail Pass available, and choose the one that best meets your needs. A First Class Pass is more expensive, but it gives you more flexibility, as well as comfort and security. Remember that a Eurail Pass may be purchased only in the United States. You will be free to travel Wednesday through Saturday. Many students take overnight trains Tuesday evening so they arrive at their destination Wednesday morning. You must return in time for class on Sunday. Leysin is approximately 125 kilometers from Geneva. Some examples of distance from Geneva are; Amsterdam 964 km, Barcelona 772 km, Berlin 1129 km, Brussels 664 km, Copenhagen 1533 km, Florence 614 km, Munich 587 km, Paris 517 km, Rome 882 km, and Vienna 1018 km. Special Note on Car/Motorcycle Rentals While driving a car or motorcycle can be an exciting way to see Europe, we do not recommend this for students. Unless you are experienced in European driving you should not consider any city traffic. Use of a motorcycle, moped, or scooter should also be avoided unless one is experienced in European traffic. Suffice to say that this is simply dangerous, and you should avoid such activity. We can strongly recommend you buy a couple of such books, and read them, before you depart for the summer program. You can include them in your packing and will likely find them useful for any trips you take. Should you become ill or injured while traveling, go to a physician or hospital for treatment. A travel companion should remain with you, as well as notify the Program Director, the Chalet Fougeres, and your parents/guardians. Note that the health policy provided to you will reimburse you, so be sure to keep all receipts. It is likely that any physician or hospital will require payment when services are rendered. In the event that you are arrested or detained for an infraction of the law, contact the nearest U.S. Consulate or Embassy, the Program Director, your parents/guardians, and the Chalet Fougeres. In these particular situations, the issue is one for you and your parents/guardians to resolve. We strongly caution all students against illegal possession, use, or transfer of controlled substances within, or at the borders of any European country. This is a problem you do not want to experience. The U.S. State Department issues travel advisories in the event of situations, which it deems potentially dangerous to Americans abroad. If you are traveling and not near Chalet Fougeres, and such an advisory is issued, follow its instructions. If an evacuation advisory is issued, return at once to Chalet Fougeres. If you encounter any difficulty leaving a country, go to a U.S. Consulate or Embassy. If a dangerous situation exists, seek protection at the consulate or embassy, or the nearest U.S. military installation. In any such case, make every attempt to contact the Program Director or Chalet Fougeres, and inform us of your condition and whereabouts. If possible, also contact your parents/guardians. Should an evacuation advisory counsel a return to the U.S., the program will follow State Department directions. Your air carrier will provide evacuation assistance. The European Study Program in Leysin may be closed down on orders from the President of FSU, or her/his representative. Based on previous years of this program we can say that students spend more then they plan. For this reason it is very important to have a budget, and make every attempt to stay within its guidelines. Switzerland is an expensive country, as are the more northern, Western European countries. You should be aware of the currency for each country you hope to visit, and with the help of your Guide Books, try and develop a plan for spending that you are comfortable with. Take a small amount of cash (no more than $200) on the trip to Europe. This can be easily converted to European currency on arrival. Again, know currency exchange rates and pay attention to which exchange center can give you the best rate (keep in mind you will be charged some type of exchange fee). Many students have found that use of ATM to be most convenient, as well as exchange friendly, so be sure to check and see if your current bankcard will work in Europe. Traveler's checks can also be used, so check with your financial institution as to what works best for you. We strongly recommend you not bring valuable jewelry or expensive possessions to Europe. Since you are traveling quite a bit, the chance of loss/theft on trains, buses, or in hotels are realities. You should consider a safe pouch that can be worn inside your clothing for your passport, money, and any valuables. Medical Care and Prescriptions All students are covered by a health plan while the Program is in session. To get reimbursed for any care/service, keep all receipts and file a claim upon your return to the U.S. Leysin has a small, modern clinic, as well as a dentist and pharmacy. If you regularly use prescription medications, or wear prescription lenses, be sure to have a copy of your prescription. If you have a chronic or recurring ailment that could require medical attention, it is suggested that you bring a report from your attending physician. It is certainly possible that friends or relatives traveling in Europe will want to visit Leysin. There are a number of lodging facilities in Leysin where they can stay, as well as restaurants for meals. We do not allow visitors to stay overnight or eat meals at Chalet Fougeres. Packing & Wardrobe Suggestions The following hints have been compiled from the best student guidebooks and from the experience of our own students over the years. We urge you to travel as light as possible. One suitcase for trans-oceanic travel and a backpack for your weekend trips are all that you will need. Dress in Leysin is very casual. Remember, however, that Switzerland temperatures are NOT Florida temperatures. Be prepared for chilly May weather (60's days; 50's nights, sometimes cooler) with frequent cold spring rains and sometimes snow. In June, the weather warms up a bit and it's nice for swimming on the Riviera. Men
Women
*These items are recommended for we will be visiting First Class hotels and/or restaurants as part of course work. It is our wish that, when representing the University in professional settings, our students be appropriately attired and well groomed. These items also are suggested for persons who will wish to dine at a fine restaurant or two, or to visit other establishments of a dressy nature. Additional disco duds for evenings are a thought. Brightly colored ponchos make one more visible to drivers in rain and at night. HANDY: 1-2 wash cloths; beach towel; 5 or 6 large plastic bags (for packing wet and soiled clothes); extra pair of glasses or contacts; travel alarm clock; camera and plenty of film; small sewing kit; diary or journal; compact umbrella; European converter or adaptor for small appliances; credit cards for emergencies; CD player/MP3; paperback books (hard to find in English). We repeat, 2 pieces of luggage ONLY. Mark your bags with tape, or some such, for easy spotting at luggage terminals. Take clothes that are durable, comfortable and preferably wash/wear (professional laundry and cleaning are exorbitantly priced in Europe). Smart travelers take older clothes that they can dump after the trip, to make room for all of those treasures they bought. Our first priority is to ensure that each of our participants gains a tremendous amount of knowledge, and has the most enjoyable, most richly rewarding experience of his or her educational career. We'd much rather devote our time to the realization of this goal than to the handling of behavioral problems. In your day-to-day life in Europe, we expect you to conduct yourself as a well-bred, law abiding representative of the Florida State University, and to respect the property, rights, safety and well being of others. Conduct or activity that is contrary to this code, or that is disorderly, disruptive, destructive or unlawful will result in (1) termination of residence in the chalet and (2) expulsion from the program. A full report will be made to university administrative, disciplinary or judicial officers for further action under the guidelines of the F.S.U. Student Handbook. Canton ordinances prohibit smoking in the Chalet Fougeres (Fine: 2000 Swiss Francs). Damage or breakage in the chalet will be assessed and charged to the responsible parties, and will be paid in full before their grades are released. The possession, use or transfer of controlled substances at any time, in any place, in Europe is unlawful and expressly prohibited. Ten Tips for Hassle-Free travel
For more information on Hospitality Administration, please contact Robert Brymer. |
Location & Hours
850/644-4787