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SECURITY
Make photocopies of your passport (identification page) and your airline ticket and itinerary, and keep these in a separate place from the originals. It's not a bad idea to bring along a duplicate set of passport photos to speed the process of getting a replacement document if your passport is stolen or lost. Also keep a page with telephone numbers of your credit card issuers in case you need to cancel your cards, and record the numbers of your traveler's checks, crossing off the numbers of checks that you have cashed. Leave another copy of all this information with someone at home.

When traveling anywhere in the world, you must take precautions against theft. Never leave anything valuable in the hotel room. Buy or sew a money pouch or belt that will fit your airline ticket, passport, and traveler's checks (all in ziplock bags) and will hide them under your clothes. Carry it with you 24 hours a day! Men should not keep wallets in their rear pockets. When buying food or souvenirs, do not let everyone see how much you have in your wallet. Be aware of who is around you as you are walking and when you go out in the evening; always have at least one other person with you. To a large degree, it just comes down to being sensible and alert.

TELEPHONING
Do not call from the hotel room unless you use your phone card. To call the US, dial 172-1011 for ATT; 172-1022 for MCI. Dial 170 from any phone to get an English speaking operator. For pay phones you can buy a "scheda" (phone card) for 5,000 or 10,000 lire at Telefoni offices or tobacconists.

BEHAVIOR
Remember that at all times, we, and therefore the university and even Americans, are being judged on the basis of our behavior. We must all be culturally sensitive and respectful. We may make some behavioral mistakes, thus appearing ill- mannered, but we are not expected to be perfect. It is important, however, to remember that we are guests in Italy and should conduct ourselves accordingly. For example, be mindful of your dress if you think you might want to go into a church. Churches have strict dress codes; women must cover bare shoulders and arms (perhaps with a shawl or light sweater) and shorts are not allowed for anyone. In the countryside and on the islands, however, shorts will be acceptable.

While on this trip, students are expected to be responsible and co-operative. There are too many of us and too many things to deal with to spend time watching over each person. And keep an eye out for your fellow travelers, too.

GUIDE BOOKS AND READING
For those continuing on after the course ends, we recommend that you purchase a guide book. Choose one that seems to accommodate best your needs and interests. Browse the bookstores--Barnes & Noble, MSU and NDSU bookstores, etc. Suggestions are Michelin Green guides, Rick Steve's 2-22 Days in Italy or Europe Through the Back Door, Access guides, Fodor's, Let's Go, Lonely Planet's Italy, and others. Try to learn about Italy through books, films, music, etc. before leaving. For example, consider checking out some Italian films at the video rental.

PACKING
The fewer things that you pack, the less you have to carry around and keep track of. Take only one suitcase/duffel and one carry-on bag, not counting purse or small personal pouch. Something with wheels is always nice. Weight limit for suitcases is 70 lb. Also bring a small backpack (possibly your carry-on) for our day trips to the archaeological and geological sites. Although we will be gone only two weeks, you may wish to wash some clothes and hang them overnight in your room to dry (if so, bring soap and a clothesline).