Packing, Housing, Dining, Orientation, etc...

Packing Suggestions

The weather in Spokane is relatively mild and will mostly be warm or hot during your visit to the United States.  We advise that you pack a variety of warm-weather clothes, including a swimsuit.  Attire for most Institute events is “business casual” but we request that you also bring at least one or two professional outfits for presentations and meetings with the university president and provost.  For men, a pair of pants (not jeans) with a button-down short sleeved shirt is considered business-casual.  For women, nice pants or skirts with a blouse are appropriate.  Both men and women should pack sufficient amounts of shorts and leisure attire.  Be sure to pack comfortable shoes which you are accustomed to walking in (if you purchase new shoes, please wear them prior to the trip). Additionally, our work with Riverfront Farms will likely involve some farm work, so bring some clothes that you don't mind getting dirty.

Important reminder: Be sure to bring ample supplies of prescription medicines, an extra pair of glasses/contacts, etc.  You should carry these items with them on the plane, rather than in your checked luggage.  These items are very hard to replace, and it is best to bring sufficient quantities with you to be sure that they last the duration of the program.  All prescription medicines must be carried in their original container from the pharmacy or with a copy of the doctor’s prescription.  If you take medications regularly, please make sure you have gotten an adequate supply before leaving for the U.S., as you will be unable to secure replacement prescriptions without doctor’s appointments. 

Arrival Orientation

Upon arrival to EWU, project administrators will conduct the campus orientation.  It will include information on J-1 visa requirements, logistics (housing/meals/laundry), issues of cultural shock and adjustment, an overview of the academic and cultural program, and itinerary of the program.  Participants will learn about weather, dress code, university policies, safety issues and expectations for the participants in terms of academic content, intensive program schedule, and attendance.  Peer mentors will participate in the orientation, and their role to the students will be clearly explained.  Housing, safety, and American student customs are all important domains for the peer mentors and this will be explicated during orientation.  As part of the orientation, project administrators will conduct a needs assessment so language, technology and content can be targeted to participant needs during the program. Participants will receive a campus photo ID that ensures access to campus computer, library, and recreational facilities and free transportation on the local bus system.

Housing and Dining

Students will be housed in Brewster Hall, an integrated suite-style residence hall on EWU’s campus, located three blocks away from classrooms.  Brewster Hall offers co-ed, suite-style living; each suite has 2, 3, or 4 large single rooms. Suite residents share a full bathroom (all same gender) and a large common area which serves as a living room, kitchenette, and dining room. The common area is furnished with a large refrigerator, a sink in the kitchen area, a couch, coffee table, and a dining table equipped with four chairs.  The suites do not have stoves or ovens but there are community stovetops in the building. Each individual room is furnished with a loft-able bed, a chest of drawers, an armoire, a desk, and chair. Large community lounges are located on the 2^nd and 3^rd floors.  The 3^rd floor is equipped with a gas fire place and sky light. All institute participants will receive approximately $35/day in cash stipends for meals and other incidental expenses.  Meals can be purchased at numerous on-campus and off-campus locations, and an additional $10 daily allotment for on-campus dining (only) will be provided as a pre-loaded amount on a meal debit card.  During the arrival orientation, project staff will describe the methods for distributing the meal stipends.  EWU’s Dining Services has provided Kosher and Halal meals for past DOS-ECA participants and is prepared to do so upon request for participants in the Pathways Institute. Several vegetarian and vegan options are available, as are other special dietary requests. Given that Ramadan will occur during this year’s Pathways Institute, it is likely that some of you will need to make special accommodations in diet and/or activities.  We can discuss this upon arrival.  If you have other special dietary requests, please contact Sean Agriss via email (sagriss@ewu.edu) as soon as possible.

I'd also like to remind each of you to create a personal blog on blogger.com that we will be using throughout the institute. Please refer to an earlier blog posting for additional details. Once you have created this blog, please email me the web address, and I will collect them on this main blog site. Again, don't hesitate to email with questions or concerns.

Be Well,

Sean Agriss

2011 EWU Pathways Project Coordinator

sagriss@ewu.edu