FALL 2008 General Information

KASTEEL WELL MAILING ADDRESS
For regular 1st class mail from the U.S. please use the following address:

(student name)
Kasteel Well
Kasteellaan 20
5855 AE Well (L)
The Netherlands

Occasionally family and friends may want to mail you a package at the castle. Whenever possible anything larger than a 1st class letter should be mailed via a commercial service, such as Federal Express.  The U.S. Postal Service is also an option, and usually less expensive, but in our experience not as quick or reliable. (Please note: due to billing issues with UPS, until further notice the castle will no longer accept packages from this service.) When addressing the package, leave “Kasteel Well” off the label and address it as follows:

When a package is sent overseas via a commercial service such as Fedex, there are generally (though not always) duties and taxes which must be paid.  This is usually a separate charge from transportation. It is important when completing the International Air Waybill that you request that taxes and duties be billed to the sender, or a third party (if applicable).  Otherwise, a bill for taxes and duties will be mailed to the recipient at the castle at a later date.  This creates all sorts of difficulties later on.  Also, where it asks for a description of the contents you should write that it is either a gift or personal belongings.

It is expensive to ship overseas, so whenever possible essential items should be brought over on the plane!

PHONE INFORMATION
In each dormitory hallway there is a phone extension.  After arrival at the castle you may give your family and friends this direct number where you may be reached from 8 am to 11 pm [Dutch time].

In case of serious emergency only family members may call 011-31-47850-7119.  At all other times the direct residence hall number should be used.  Residence Life staff may be reached at 011-31-47850-7117.

The international code from the U.S to Europe is "011," not "00," "0011" or "001."  The country code for the Netherlands is "31."  If there is a "0" immediately following the country code it should usually be omitted when calling from the U.S. [but not when calling Italy].  These rules generally hold true no matter what European country you are calling [though obviously each country has a different country code].  You can usually find a list of country codes in the phone book.

For outgoing calls there are two public pay phones, one in the main castle and one near the computer lab in the Voorburcht [forecastle].  The main castle pay phone takes only Dutch phone cards.  The payphone in the voorburcht takes coins. In addition to coins you may use international phonecards, which may also be used for collect calls.  These phones are for both local and long distance calls.  Phonecards may be purchased at the castle.

TELEPHONE CARDS
To place calls to the U.S., obtain an AT&T Calling Card, MCI Card, Sprint Card, or other major calling card.  Many prepaid telephone cards purchased in the U.S. do not work well on European phones. You may want to check to see if you can use your calling card to charge calls from the Netherlands to other European countries.  It might be cheaper to use local [i.e. European] calling cards for calls within the Netherlands and to other European countries.  Before you leave the U.S. you should make sure to check with the appropriate calling card company that your card will work in Europe. Dutch telephone-cards, only for the payphone in the main castle, may be obtained throughout the term for €10.

MOBILE PHONES
These days most student traveler’s want access to a mobile phone.  Many study abroad programs now require their participants to have a mobile phone, though the Kasteel Well program does not.  While these costs are coming down all the time, it can still be quite expensive.  Most countries in the world use GSM mobile-phone technology.  The U.S. does not.  Most new phones purchased in the U.S. include GSM technology, but still may not accept a SIM card – the chip that activates local service – from other companies, and the roaming charges can be prohibitive.  It is usually a more cost effective option to leave your current phone at home and purchase an inexpensive phone in Europe from a local provider, and use low-rate, prepaid airtime for the countries you are visiting.  However, there are many options out there and providers and plans change all the time.  You and your family must decide which option works best for your lifestyle and budget.

E-MAIL / INTERNET
The castle has a wireless Internet network, and participants who bring their own laptop can send and receive e-mail and access the Web from anywhere within the castle grounds. The network is available every day 24 hours per day.

COMPUTERS
IIf you plan on bringing your laptop with you to Kasteel Well [you may NOT bring a desktop computer], there are certain steps you must take prior to your departure in order to ensure your computer is free of viruses and other malware.  Malware, or "malicious software," are applications such as viruses and spyware intended to damage or disable a computer system.  Once computers are infected with malware, both the security and functionality of the system can be compromised. It’s also difficult to find a reliable fix, and often incredibly time-consuming…the last thing you want to be bothered with while in Europe.

In order to help you have a hassle-free, enjoyable semester abroad, Emerson requires you to purchase and install a security suite before you depart for The Netherlands. If you’ve downloaded Symantec Antivirus from Emerson, it won’t work at the castle, so you must buy your own software package. For your protection and everyone else’s, you will not be given access to the castle’s network until your system’s “cleanliness” is up to par. So, once you install your security suite, make sure you download any updates or new definitions for it, and run a full scan of your computer!  Emerson’s IT department recommends using one of the following:

• Norton Internet Security
• McAfee Internet Security Suite
• Trend Micro PC-cillin Internal Security
• ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite

Other security suites are acceptable as long as they include antivirus, firewall, and spyware/malware protection components. Make sure the subscription hasn’t expired and the virus definitions are up to date before you leave for Kasteel Well, or your computer could be exposed to the various maladies of the Internet.  To ensure your PC is protected from the latest security threats, be sure you’ve run all Critical Windows Updates.  If you have a Mac, it’s a good idea to run the Software Updates.

In addition to security software, you should also check for updates to your operating system and other software.  You can get more information at the Help Desk web site PC Maintenance Page (http://www.emerson.edu/helpdesk/services/maintenance/Windows-Maintenance.cfm) or Mac Maintenance Page
(http://www.emerson.edu/helpdesk/services/maintenance/Mac-Maintenance.cfm).  Remember, don’t download Symantec Antivirus from those pages, as it won’t work at the castle.

Other computing essentials/facts:

• The castle has a wireless Internet network that you can access anywhere on-campus. If you bring your own laptop you’ll be able to send and receive emails and surf the Web every day from 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM.
• 12 networked PCs are available in the computer lab located in the Voorburcht, or Forecastle. In addition to Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox, the PC’s have Microsoft Word, Excel and Frontpage. The lab may also be used for Internet and e-mail access. The lab is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Whether you have a Macintosh or a Windows computer, your laptop must be equipped with a wireless network card for a “B & G” network. If your laptop doesn’t have an appropriate wireless card, make sure you obtain and install one before you leave for the castle.
• You may want to consider bringing with you your original software disks.  If you have a hard drive or software issue while at the castle, you might not be able to fix it if you don’t have the software.
• Mac users should bring their VGA adaptor if they think they might need to hook their laptop to a projector for a class presentation.
• There is no networked printer at the castle.  To print a document you will need to use one of the computers in the lab.  For this reason each participant should bring some kind of portable data storage, either a memory stick or compact flash drive.
• If you bring your laptop computer to Kasteel Well, please be aware that you do so at your own risk.  As your Kasteel Well Student Contract states, "7.  Emerson College and the European Center are not liable for loss of money or valuables, or for loss of or damage to my personal property […] in the residence halls, dining halls, lounges on campus, or during European Center field classes and activities."  Also, you are responsible for the operation of your own equipment.  The Kasteel Well staff are not computer experts, and while they may be able to assist with connectivity issues, they cannot repair your computer if it is not running properly.  However, you may still consult with the IT Help Desk here in Boston via e-mail at Helpdesk@Emerson.edu if you are having problems.

If you have any questions at all, call the IT Help Desk at 617.824.8080 or stop by the office on the 4th floor of 120 Boylston Street before you leave Boston.

GUESTS
Due to space constraints, you are NOT allowed to have overnight guests.  A reasonably priced local inn is the “Grote Waaij” {011-31-47850-1641: e-mail grotewaaij@planet.nl}.  You are welcome to have guests in common areas and are responsible for registering them through the Student Services Center.  You are expected to remain with your guests at all times. 

CLASS ATTENDANCE POLICY
There is a strict class attendance policy at the castle, generally stricter than in Boston.  You may miss each 4-credit class once before mid-terms and once after mid-terms without penalty or prejudice.  This would be for any reason other than illness or a doctor visit, including religious observance.  You may not use these cuts in conjunction with the extended travel breaks, either immediately before or immediately after.  All missed classes must be approved in advance by your instructor[s], and may not conflict with exams, class presentations, etc.

Unexcused absences in excess of this policy may result in the lowering of your final grade for a course.  You will find more detailed information about the class attendance policy in the Kasteel Well Student Handbook.

PACKING
Pack lightly!!!  A frequently heard comment from former participants is that they brought too much “stuff.”  Travelers are restricted by most airlines’ regulations to two [2] suitcases and one [1] carry-on bag, and there are strict weight limits.  Additionally, due to recent world events, the items you may carry in your hand luggage are restricted.

Most airlines now limit bags on overseas flights to 50lbs./bag.  Overweight bags will be assessed hefty fees [with international flights the excess weight fee is usually based on the distance traveled.]  Consult the Traveler’s Checklist with this packet when deciding what to bring.

Suggestion:  You should lay out what you intend to pack on your bed...then cut that in half! And remember:  You are responsible for carrying any luggage you bring.

LINENS
Bring two sets of long twin sheets, two pillowcases and two or three [thin] towels. Blankets and pillows are provided.

LAUNDRY
There is an onsite laundry facility at the castle.  Laundry room use policies have recently changed.  Students will receive 14 free laundry coins for the whole semester - this comes out to roughly 1 load per week [approx].  Extra laundry coins will cost €2 each.  You must provide your own detergent that can be purchased for a small cost at Sophie’s Student Lounge during its open hours.

WEATHER / CLOTHING
BRING WARM CLOTHING! The weather in the Netherlands is much like that in Boston. It tends to be rainy during the winter months and occasionally it snows. It can be bitter cold, so be prepared! A warm overcoat, gloves, and a scarf are a must, as well as warm sweaters and a waterproof slicker & shoes/boots. You should bring one dressy outfit. Otherwise your regular clothing will be fine.

TEXTBOOKS
It is important that you purchase textbooks for your classes.  Do not assume that you will be able to find English language textbooks easily in Europe, or that instructors will make allowances because you are at the castle.  Just as in Boston, you are expected to purchase your textbooks and keep up with reading assignments.  Also, do not assume that you will be able to find copies of your textbooks at the castle.

It is also important that you do NOT purchase your textbooks until you know your schedule is final.  Textbooks may be purchased the day of departure in the Emerson College Bookstore [617.824.8696].   A book list will be mailed to you at a later date.  Participants who live near the college and can purchase their textbooks beforehand are encouraged to do so; however, please be aware that textbooks may not arrive in the bookstore until sometime in August.  Also, most courses require you to purchase a photocopied “Academic Reading Packet” before classes begin, during orientation.  These packets usually cost no more than €10-€20 per class, though some may be more.  [Please note:  Academic Reading Packets must be purchased with Euros [cash] at the castle during orientation weekend.  Credit cards, debit cards and checks cannot be used.]

Participants traveling independently from the group, who will not be coming through Boston on their way to Europe, may contact the bookstore and have their books shipped to their home prior to departure.  Shipping charges are the responsibility of the student.