Italy Packet

ITALY

S t u d e n t & Pa r e n t O r i e n tat i o n

2

table of
contents

About 3
What to Expect 4
Sample Schedule 5
Lodging & Meals 6
Rules & Expectations 7
FAQs 8
Packing List 9
Medical Information 10
Flight Information 11
Departure Details 12

Preparing for your Trip 13

2

WHAT IS PATHWAYS ITALY ?

Our objective is to bring a culturally immersive experience to students
by gaining an appreciation for Italian arts and humanities.

YOU’LL DISCOVER Pathways Italy is designed for students to identify
when fear inhibits their ability to pursue their goals
ANCIENT ROME and how to create a mindset of positivity to form a
RENAISSANCE ART readiness for the future. The program offers students
LOCAL CUISINE
ITALIAN HISTORY & CULTURE the opportunity to understand and experience
...and so much more! Italian arts, humanities, and history while touring

beautiful cathedrals, historical monuments,
museums, and eat authentic Italian cuisine!

3

WHAT TO EXPECT

On a Pathways Italy trip, students can expect a fun and informative trip of a lifetime! You get
the opportunity to learn about different countries and their culture. What's more, this trip
inspires adventure and encourages students to get out of their comfort zone, see the value in

respect and gain new perspectives.

8 10+ 12 11

Cities* Sites Days Nights

STUDENTS RECEIVE WHAT WE'LL SEE

5 UNITS Academic Credit • The Colosseum • Juliet's House
• Sistine Chapel • The Vatican
• Gondolas in Venice
And so much more!

VERONA VENICE

PISA having fun atcloausrs!pasta making
FLORENCE
ASSISI

rome

Naples

Pompeii

cheese! ridinVgenoincea! gondola in

* Number of cities/sites will vary for each trip.

4

SAMPLE SCHEDULE

Here is an example of what a typical day would look like at Pathways Italy.
Every trip is different, but students are always expected to be engaged in

tours, during group assignments, at meals, and other activities.

A Typical Day

7:30am Breakfast
8:00am depart for activities
9:30am Site tour
12:00pm Lunch
1:00pm city tour
3:00pm siteseeing and activities
6:00pm Dinner
7:00pm academic programming
9:30pm Students Back in rooms
10:30pm Lights Out

5

LodGing & Meals

On a Pathways Italy trip, students stay in various hotels throughout the trip. Our lodging will be
the main place for our nighttime programming activities. Students are not allowed to leave their
room at any time unless otherwise stated (i.e. trip activities, night-time programming, etc). The

hotels include 24/7 hour security.

HOME-STAY* BREAKFAST, LUNCH & PRIVATE room/BaTH
DINNER
Students stay in private Students will have their own
home-stays with a local Meals will be provided bed, and typically share a
three times a day, every private room with another
family.
day during your trip. student. Private bathroom/
shower included.

try delicious, authentic Italian food! exploraentdhelocbaelaeuntvifiruol namrcehnitt!ecture

*housing will vary from home-stays to hotels depending on availability.

6

RULES & EXPECTATIONS

NO:

• Romantic relationships Violation of ANY of these will result
• Sex/Inappropriate physical behavior in student being sent home at the
• Violence/Abuse/Aggressive behavior
guardian’s expense.

• Inappropriate language

• Vandalism/Theft ** Parents/Guardians will be held liable for
• Drug usage, smoking, alcohol usage or paraphernalia any early dismissal from the program.

• Being in the opposite gender's living area and/or

inappropriate activity in same gender living area

• Possession of prohibited items (pocket knives, phones,

lighters, weapons, etc.)

• Going anywhere without chaperone supervision

Respect is the Key!

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

While you're on the trip, you are a representative of your school, your family, and your
country. We ask that you commit yourself to being respectful and responsible visitors.
Please respect all people and places, including your peers and staff. A positive attitude
and an open mind goes a long way. You'll be able to better immerse yourself into the
culture completely.

CULTURAL EXPECTATIONS

When you're in a new country or place, it's not uncommon that you'll find cultural and social
differences. All students are expected to be respectful to people and the areas we visit. This
includes being respectful and aware of the space, attractions, art, historical items, and more.
Some things you will experience on your trip:

• Exposure to various cultural & religious • See various art pieces that may contain

traditions: nudity

• Catholic Basilicas • Mature and well respected manner

• Cathedrals • High volume places

• Churches • Dietary restrictions

• Gluten/Dairy Free

7

FAQs

How many credits will I receive?
5 High School Elective Credits

What’s the Student to Teacher Ratio?
5 to 1 (May vary)

Do I need to bring any money?
You may want to bring extra money for snacks/souvenirs not provided by Pathways Travels and/or
school administration. Be sure to check the exchange rate as some places may hold more or less
value than the U.S. dollar.

Currency we will be using during the trip:
• Euro

How much walking will I be doing in a day?
Around 3-6 miles.

What is the time difference?
There will be a 9 hour time difference.

Can I use my cell phones?
Cell phones are not permitted on trips (per school administration).

Can I bring any electronic devices?
Devices that connect to the internet are not allowed on trips (per school administration). Cameras
are okay, but remember to bring your adapter.

Will I have to complete a workbook?
Yes, it’s fun! Workbook completion will determine if you will receive the 5 academic credits.

Will I have to participate in all activities?
Yes! And believe us, you’ll want to!

Who can I contact in case of an emergency?
Only in case of an emergency (i.e. illness, injury, behavior issue, or other emergency) should you
contact or be contacted by our Programs Manager, Kellie Smith. Please check your Departure
Sheet for emergency contact info.

8

Packing LIst

Our packing list is intended to keep you prepared, safe, and comfortable for your awesome trip
with us! Please be sure to check the weather beforehand. Keep in mind the luggage restrictions,

and use good judgment when packing (remember, this is a school trip)!

Special Notes: DO NOT BRING:
• Each student will be provided 1 backpack, water bottle, & a T-shirt
• Pathways Travels Backpack will be used as a carry-on - Matches/lighters
- Drugs/alcohol
• No additional luggage for a carry-on is permitted* - Valuables
• Laundry services will not be available - Bad attitudes
• Leave some space for souvenirs!

ESSENTIALS *See Rules & Expectations for further
information
⃝⃝ 1 Suitcase
⃝⃝ 1 Pathways Travels Backpack H E A LT H
⃝⃝ Passport
⃝⃝ Medications (i.e. Inhalers, EpiPens)
CLOTHING ⃝⃝ Prescription Medications
⃝⃝ Hand sanitizer
⃝⃝ Emergen-C

⃝⃝ Shoes – Good walking shoes and closed toed TOILETRIES
⃝⃝ Flip Flops
⃝⃝ Italy shirt- We will all wear this on the first day! ⃝⃝ Deodorant
⃝⃝ 4-5 Sweaters or sweatshirts ⃝⃝ Toothbrush
⃝⃝ Rain coat/Winter coat (rain resistant) n ⃝⃝ Toothpaste
⃝⃝ 1 Pair of pajamas ⃝⃝ Feminine Products
⃝⃝ 10-14 Pairs of socks* ⃝⃝ Toilet Paper
⃝⃝ 12-14 Pairs of underwear* ⃝⃝ Sunscreen
⃝⃝ 10-14 Shirts * ⃝⃝ Body Lotion
⃝⃝ 5-6 Pairs of pants* ⃝⃝ Personal Products
- Shorts - Hairbrush/Comb
- Hair Ties
- Jeans - Chapstick

⃝⃝ Hat/Baseball Caps v FOOD
⃝⃝ Thermal leggings/tops n
⃝⃝ Gloves/mittens n ⃝⃝ Water Bottle
⃝⃝ Beanies/scarves n ⃝⃝ Snacks
⃝⃝ Sunglasses v

MISC. *Use good judgment! Pack for enough
days and nights! Check weather forecasts.
⃝⃝ Camera
⃝⃝ Book, card games - for the long flight n For Winter Season
⃝⃝ Towel (optional) v For Spring/Summer Season
⃝⃝ A positive attitude!

9

Medical Information

Your safety is our top priority. We have refined our medical and safety protocols to ensure that you
are taken care of and safe to travel. Prior to attending a Pathways Travels trip, you must complete an
Intake Form (which includes your Medical/Health Information Form). It is vital that you complete

this form completely. Allergies, diet restrictions, medical information, medical history, and your
health insurance must be noted. Chaperones will administer and collect all medications.

TURNING IN YOUR MEDICATION

All over the counter and prescribed medication* The following items are allowed on
must be turned in. trips, but do NOT need to be turned in.

before »» Fill out and turn in your Intake Form • Birth Control
d e pat u r e • Inhalers (Nebulizers)
»» Submit your medication to your Chaperone. • Insulin
Day of • Please keep medication in original • EpiPen
D e pa r t u r e containers, labeled with student's
name. * If you’re bringing these items, please let your
• Medications will be held in a Ziploc Program Facilitator know if you will be carrying these items.
bag with student’s name printed on
the outside.

»» Chaperones will collect all medications and
administer them during the trip.

ALLERGIES

All allergies must be noted on your Intake Form.
This includes:

1. Medications
2. Food/Drinks
3. Seasonal/Environmental
4. Animals

SPECIAL DIETS

We can accommodate medical and religious
preferences when it comes to special diets. This
includes:

1. Vegan or Vegetarian
2. Halal
3. No Pork
4. Lactose Intolerant

10

Flight Information

Flying can be stressful so please make sure you are following the
baggage limits and flight requirements to ensure that the process goes

smoothly! See attached Departure Sheet for more details.

BAGGAGE REQUIREMENTS

• Checked bag weight must be under 45 pounds.
• Airlines have different luggage requirements. Below are sizes compatible for most

major airlines.

** Double check the airline website for
22’’ 30’’ baggage requirements and sizing
10’’
9’’

14’’ 22’’
Carry On ChBeackged

CARRY ON (Credit: Transportation Security Administration)

• A Pathways Travels Backpack will be SECURITY PROTOCOL
provided and used as your carry-on.
You will go through a metal detector and you
• No liquids over 3oz. may be additionally searched.
• Check TSA website for more details.

• What to bring:
• Travel pillow
• A book or game
• Earphones - flight may or may not
have in flight entertainment

PASSPORT & VISA

In order to fly internationally you will need a
Passport. All passports must be valid for six
months beyond your departure date.

Pathways Travels handles Visa Requirements
(unless otherwise stated). Please ensure that
you submit all necessary documents to our
Program Coordinator before your trip.

11

Departure Details

Be prepared for your trip! Prior to day of departure, please be
sure you have submitted all of your necessary documents.

See attached Departure Sheet for more details.

CHECK-IN

1. Meet at designated location as stated on your Departure Sheet
• Specified time will be located on your Departure Sheet

2. Bags will be checked by school staff during Check-In at your center/school
3. Check in medications with your chaperones

• Update Intake Form if needed

REMINDERS

Eat breakfast
• Only lunch and dinner will be served on the first day (unless otherwise stated by your school)
• Pack snacks for your trip (recommended)

Pick up Pathways Travels swag
• You will receive a shirt, backpack, and water bottle

explorin' ancient Rome! reppin' our Pathways swag!
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Preparing for your trip

Before any international trip, it's important to research and rest. This includes researching your country/place,
travel precautions, and more. Bring copies of your passport and make sure you have the correct currency (if
you're bringing any). Do your research ahead of time and get to know a little bit about the country's culture,
society, political climate, etc. In addition, you'll need to make sure you're resting and staying healthy so that you

don't run into any health issues during your trip.

RESEARCH

• Language
• Although, in a majority of the places we visit we are able to communicate with English, it may be helpful
to brush up on the country's national language. Understanding the general greetings and cues can be
helpful when navigating the area and communicating with locals.

• Culture
• Social: Take a look into the social culture of the country. Some of their local traditions and mannerisms
may be different to the U.S., and it's important to acknowledge and understand them. Some things to
note:
• Personal space: In some countries, people are generally very affectionate (even with strangers-
don't be surprised if in Southern Europe or Cuba you'll be greeted with a hug or kiss).
• Hand gestures: Careful with how you use your hands! Research different hand gestures and
social cues to make sure you're not offending someone.
• Queuing: Waiting in line may be common in U.S. and orderly in England. However, informal
queuing can be found in many parts of Southern Europe and Asia.
• Economic: Research the economic standing of the country. Understanding their economic system can
be helpful in conversations with locals. It also teaches you to be mindful of your luxuries, and become
aware of the risks in the country.
• Political: Every country has their own political structure and it's important to note their political climate
in order to ensure that you and those around you are safe. Whether you're in a communist, socialist, or
republic state, you should always be respectful towards those around you.

• History of the country
• History plays a huge role in today's society. You should brush up your knowledge on the impact of the
world wars (especially for the WWII trip), revolutions, transitions, etc. and how they played out.

How To be a Travel Savvy Student 101: 13
1. Never wander off from the group
2. Understand and be prepared for the time change
3. If approached by street vendors say, “No, thank you”
4. Don’t pack or wear anything valuable
5. Be prepared for lots of walking
6. Be cautious in congested/crowded areas
7. Avoid putting items in back pocket of pants
8. Students will stay in assigned rooms, no room changes, or leaving rooms
9. Bring a luggage/backpack lock
10. Bring all prescribed/ OTC medication
• Will collect morning of departure: EpiPens, Insulin, Inhaler, etc.

Pathways Travels is a non-profit academic organization
that aims to educate youth in a school environment while
offering experiential learning programs to enhance their
social, emotional and scholastic skills. Pathways partners

with public schools and other organizations to provide
students with experiences and skills that allow them to

achieve their academic, career, and life dreams.



Find us online

@pieadventures
@pathwaystravels