We are very excited you will be joining us here in Vermont! This year’s program will bring together peacebuilders from many countries around the globe. It will be an exciting and enlightening experience- May 26 - 15 June, 2013 or May 26 - 20 June 2013 for certificate students!
To better prepare you for your arrival, please review the essential information below. If you have further questions, do not hesitate to contact the program staff.
Topics at a glance:
United States Visa |Travel plans | Entering the United States | Travel
Orientation & Check-In | Health & Insurance | Room & Board | Finances | Contacts
United States Visa
In order to travel to the United States, you will need to procure a visa. It is your responsibility to make arrangements for your visa interview and procure either a B1, J1, or F1 (Certificate Students only) visa prior to coming to the US. Those students needing visas should e-mail contact@sit.edu to request supporting documents.
Students preparing for visa interviews should consult: ’Tips for Applying for Student Visas’
Financial Aid
A limited number of partial and full tuition scholarships are available. Preference is given to students who can demonstrate that they have the support of their community and/or organization. This indicates that not only are they trusted in their community, but that these students are more likely to return and share their knowledge to make a difference in their community. Financial support is a strong indicator. The Scholarship will cover part or (on rare occasion) the full tuition fees for the course. Scholarships will not cover: room and board, visa fees, and travel expenses, which must be paid by the applicant regardless if you have been awarded a scholarship or not.
Students requesting financial aid should fill out the Scholarship Request Form and submit it to contact@sit.edu no later than 15 April.
Travel Plans
When making airline reservations, please be sure to arrive at Boston Logan (BOS) on 26 May and depart on either 15 June (Summer Program) or 20 June (Certificate Program), depending on when your program ends. Airport pickups and drop-offs are available only on these days from Boston. Students may also be picked up or dropped off at the Brattleboro train station or bus terminal on these days only. Students who are driving to the program may view directions to the SIT campus here.
Students should submit their Travel Confirmation Form no later than May 13.
Entering the United States
Before landing you will be asked to fill out an I-94 form. This form will be required to enter and exit the United States and will be stapled to your passport. The form will require you to state the purpose of your visit. Please write Business in this blank. You will be asked to provide a permanent US address; please use SIT’s address: SIT Graduate Institute, 1 Kipling Road, Brattleboro VT, 05301.
Arrival and Customs
When arriving in the United States you will be required to go through Customs and Immigration. To expedite this process, please keep in mind the following guidelines:
- Comply with all customs directions. Failure to comply with any requests by Department of Homeland Security officials increases the amount of time you are likely to spend making it through Customs and Immigration.
- Have your passport with the necessary visa, as well as all documents and correspondence from your visa interview meeting, readily accessible as soon as you arrive.
- Note: You should have these original documents with you in your carry-on luggage and place a set of photocopies in your checked luggage.
If you are pulled aside for one of the random entrance interviews, do not worry. Follow directions, answer all questions truthfully, and comply with all requests for documents and baggage searches. If necessary, please contact SIT program staff.
Entry Requirements
B1/J1 visa holders will need to have their passport with the necessary visa. It is also recommended you bring all documentation that was required for your visa interview including your DS 2019 form (for J1), acceptance letter, consular letter, and statement of financial resources.
Please contact the SIT program if you are detained at Customs and Immigration.
Transportation to Brattleboro, Vermont
CONTACT staff will meet you at Boston Logan International Airport or at the train/bus station in Brattleboro. Depending on your arrival time, you may need to wait a few hours for other colleagues. You then will travel together directly to SIT. This will give you a chance to meet and talk to other CONTACT participants while you travel.
If you would like to have us pick you up or drop you off on the arrival and departure dates you must send us your Travel Confirmation Form no later than May 13.
For arrival on other dates and locations: If you plan on arriving earlier or later than May 26 or to other airports you must make your own travel arrangements to SIT. Note that alternative travel can be extremely expensive. Read about other transportation options.
Orientation and Check-In
Orientation and check-in will take place on Sunday May 26 at the International Center from noon until midnight. All CONTACT participants must register during this period in order to attend the program. If you experience travel delays, please contact us as soon as possible.
Registration process includes:
Billing | Course Information | Documentation | Medical Forms and Insurance | Student Photo
Room and Board
Students staying on campus are provided with single- or double-occupancy rooms and three meals per day. The SIT dormitories are within walking distance of all classrooms and dining facilities. Student staying off campus will either need to provide their own meals or pay an additional fee to eat on campus.
Billing and Finance
Participants must fully pay their tuition, room and board, medical insurance, and fees before registration. There are no exceptions. Additionally, participants should bring enough money with them to cover their personal expenses during the program.
To Pay By Check:
Send checks made out to CONTACT/SIT Graduate Institute in US dollars to:
CONTACT Programs at the SIT Graduate Institute
PO Box 676, Kipling RD
Brattleboro VT 05302
USA
You must put your name in the Memo line.
To Send Direct Bank to Bank Wire Transfer:
Contact your bank. They will instruct you how to move funds from your account to SIT's. They will need the information below. Please be sure to include your name and CONTACT in the wire transfer order and add $40 to pay for fees. The transfer information is below.
| Bank Name: | Wells Fargo |
| Bank Address: | 205 Church Street CT 3011 New Haven, CT 06510 |
| ABA Number: | 121 000 248 |
| Swift/BIC Number: | WFBIUS6S |
| Account Name: | World Learning Inc- Main |
| Account Number: | 2000013027272 |
Credit Card:
Should you prefer to pay via credit card-in order to keep this transaction secure, you will need to call either the CONTACT Office at 1.802.258.3433 to provide your information or directly the Student Accounts Office at 1.802.258.3191. You will be charged a $50 convenience fee for credit card charges.
Health and Insurance
By Vermont State law all international participants are required to fill out an SIT medical form. Please complete the medical form fully and send it back by May 13. Insurance is provided at cost to international students through the program for all participants who do not currently have coverage. International students with coverage extending to Vermont should submit proof of insurance with their SIT medical form. This insurance will cover any accidents or illnesses that occur on the program but will not cover medical issues that have occurred before the program’s start date. The insurance provided will also not cover prescription drug costs or dental work except in emergencies. US students should be prepared to show proof of insurance at registration.
Contact Information
You will receive the contact information for CONTACT program staff via e-mail. SIT recommends that you share this contact information with your family at home while you are away. Please read all messages sent by the CONTACT office.
Additional information will be provided to you via e-mail closer to the program start date.
Phone:
877.257.7751, extension 3433
802.258.3433
TTY:
802.258.3388
Fax:
802.258.3320
Mailing Address:
PO Box 676, 1 Kipling Road
Brattleboro, VT 05302 USA