Summer 2008 -- Read THIS First

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INTERCAMBIO CULTURAL de YUCATAN – JUNE 14 – 21, 2008
IMPORTANT INFORMATION! ! !
Please read this PRIOR to completing the application.

When we are staying in San Miguel on the island of Cozumel, lodging accommodations will be simple, Spartan, and in dormitory fashion: hammocks in the education wing of a church. These facilities provide NO hot water showers. However, “refreshing” cold water showers are available. The construction work will be strenuous and done under the Mexican summer sun.

There will be an overnight visit to a Maya village during the trip. During our entire stay in the villages and the church in San Miguel, we ask you to abstain from alcohol usage. We also ask that you not smoke in your hosts’ home, church, or other institution in which we will be staying. Also, while in the village, please do not wear shorts. Shorts are acceptable only in the tourist areas. We make these requests in order to honor the more traditional values of our hosts. For your safety, torso covering tops, long pants and sturdy shoes are required at the construction work site.

You will be expected to be part of the Intercambio community that works and learns together. As a part of our community life, you will be asked to help with various tasks (e.g. dish washing/sanitation, meal preparation, etc.).

A health examination and immunizations/medications are required of all participants. START that process as soon as you receive your acceptance letter from Intercambio since this process may take at least a month. Be advised that the costs associated with this may be in the range of $100 to $300 (depending on your doctor/clinic’s billing policies, and the availability of the medications/immunizations). Intercambio’s Health Form must be used. Participants who have previously participated in Intercambio must submit a new Health Form for this trip.

Intercambio and the USA government require a passport. To be considered as an applicant, you must provide your passport number on both the Application and Emergency Forms. You will also need a second photo I.D. It can be a valid photo driver’s license, an employee I.D., a school photo I.D., or any other photo identification showing your current name. A copy of both the face sheet of the passport and the second photo I.D. is required as a part of the application process. See the “Application Instructions” form for more information.

The trip will begin and end at Indianapolis (Indiana) International Airport. All participants are responsible for their own travel to and from the airport. Departures cannot be delayed for latecomers. You need to arrive 3 hours prior to your flight. If you must travel a great distance to the airport, we suggest getting a motel at or near the airport the evening prior to departure.

Transportation arrangements in Mexico may include chartered bus, public bus, local vans, trucks, taxis, and boats. At times, small groups may be formed for travel (always including a translator).

A $500.00 deposit must accompany this application. In the event you must cancel after applying, this fee will be fully refunded until April 10, 2008. Letters of acceptance will be mailed April 18, 2008.

This will be a cultural plunge into a very different environment. Flexibility is important. Much can be learned and barriers can be broken down.

If you have access to individuals, a congregation, or civic group who/that would be willing to donate $50, $100 or more toward building materials, this would help Intercambio provide the necessary supplies you will need on this mission and service project.