AFS DC/PHILLY/NYC Trip Program 2016

2016

Washington DC, Philly & NYC Tour 8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS Get ready to experience the vibrant cities of Washington DC and New York City!

Our adventure begins in Washington, DC, our nation’s capitol. Here, you will explore the many monuments and memorials in this important city! Enjoy an afternoon on the Smithsonian Museum campus, visit the quaint neighborhood of Georgetown, explore the life of George Washington on his Mt. Vernon estate...and more!

Continuing on to Philadelphia - we will see American history come to life! Explore the National Constitution Center, see where the Declaration of Independence was signed - even try one of Philly’s famous delicacies: the “Philly Cheesesteak”!

Finally, the group will visit The Big Apple. Who hasn’t dreamed of visiting New York City? There is no place like it in the world! A nice walk in Central Park, shopping in the cool, modern neighborhood of Soho, an exploration of the ritzy Upper East Side...the possibilities are innite!

Experience the city’s cultural signicance on Wall Street and at the Metropolitan Museum. Discover American history at the Statue of Liberty.

Enjoy modern NYC culture at a hip-hop dance class. Broadway shows, fascinating museums, the electric lights of Times Square and a view of the city from the top of the Empire State Building...get ready to explore this city that truly “never sleeps”!

Get ready for a week of exciting adventures as you explore the heart of America with friends from around the world!

Belo USA contact phone numbers: • Toll free: 1-877-235.6872 - 9am to 6pm CST • FAX: 1-312-376-3688 • E-mail: belo@belousa.com

Emergency contact: • Toll free: 1-866-314-0608 (Trip Coordinator - 24 hours during trip dates)

Operated by:

ATLANTIC

New York City Philadelphia Washington D.C.

Program DAY 1 - 6/28

Washington, DC - ARRIVALS Welcome to New York City!

Arrival Airport: Dulles International Airport (IAD) Arrival Window: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Belo USA staff monitors will meet arriving students at our pre-arranged pick-up points.

Departure from: Washington, DC Orientation Meeting: Belo USA will give all students the rules and guidelines for the trip during this meeting, as well as the logistical specics for the trip. The chaperone and the Belo trip coordinator will also be at this meeting so all students will have a chance to meet both of them.

This meeting will prepare all students to fully enjoy this fantastic trip safely.

DAY 2 - 6/29

Washington, DC

Emergency contact: 1-866-314-0608 Breakfast (included).

7:00 pm - Get ready to meet your new friends at our rst group dinner!

8:00 pm - Student orientation meeting for the trip.

9:00 am - Let’s head to the heart of America’s capitol city and visit some of its most famous landmarks. Today we will explore the memorials of Lincoln, Roosevelt, and Jefferson - as well as Arlington Cemetery. We are packing a lot of historic landmarks and famous sights into this day, but they will all be worth it!

1:00 pm - Break for lunch at Crystal City Mall (not included).

3:00 pm - Next we’ll head to Mount Vernon, home to George Washington, the rst president of the United States and a key gure in both the French and Indian wars and the American Revolution.

Experience the natural beauty and intriguing history of his beloved estate.

6:00 pm - We’ll end our exploration into the life of Washington with a traditional dinner at the Mt. Vernon Inn (included).

DAY 3 - 6/30

Washington, DC Breakfast (included).

9:00 am - Let’s start the day with a visit to one of the most famous houses in the world, home to the President of the United States the White House!

Next we’ll head to the Washington Monument to see on of the oldest and most prominent attractions in Washington, DC. Afterward we’ll head toward the Capitol building and the Library of Congress.

1:00 pm - Break for lunch on the Mall (not included) 3:00 pm - Spend the afternoon exploring the impressive campus of the Smithsonian Museums. No matter what your interests, there is something here for you, such as the Air and Space Museum, Natural History Museum, and Freer Gallery of Art, to name a few.

7:00 pm - Dinner and free time in Georgetown (included).

DAY 4 - 7/1

Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA to New York City, NY Breakfast (included).

9:00 am - Departure to Philadelphia, PA non-stop.

141 miles - 2.5 hours.

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Program 11:00 am - Arrival in Philadelphia - free time for lunch at Reading Terminal (not included).

1:00 pm - Let’s head to the Constitution Center in Philadelphia. The National Constitution Center in Historic Philadelphia is America’s most interactive history museum. After our visit, we will walk a few blocks to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.

3:00 pm - We will begin our tour of Colonial Philadelphia! Stops will include: Independence Square, the Liberty Bell, the famous “Rocky” stairs at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Elfreth’s Alley, a historic neighborhood in the heart of Philadelphia.

6:00 pm - dinner in Philadelphia (included)

1:00 pm - Lunch (not included) 3:00 pm - Visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art (included).

We will be embarking on an astonishing tour of the Metropolitan Art Museum. This afternoon will be lled with beauty, intrigue, and history: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, often referred to simply as “the Met”, is one of the world’s largest and most important art museums. The main building is located on the eastern edge of Central Park in New York City, along what is known as the Museum Mile. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986. Scheduled exhibits during our visit include Tibetan Arms and Armor, European Clocks and Watches, modern photography, as well as the Met’s vast permanent collection.

8:00 pm - Departure to New York, NY. DAY 6 - 7/3

106 miles - 2 hours

New York, NY

10: 30 pm - Arrival to New York City, NY. Time to get some rest for a big day exploring the Big Apple!

Breakfast (included)

DAY 5 - 7/2

New York, NY Breakfast (included) 9:00 am - Group departure to Manhattan for a City Tour.

Get ready to explore New York City! How many times have you seen Central Park in a movie or on TV and wanted to stroll through the amazing tree-lined park yourself? Ever heard of 5th Avenue? This is your chance to get to know some of New York City’s most iconic places. The tour will explore Harlem, Colombia University, Central Park, and head to 5th Avenue and Rockefeller Plaza!

9:00 am - We will head to one of the most famous sightseeing locations in the world - Liberty Enlightening the World, which you will probably know as the STATUE OF LIBERTY. Lady Liberty stands to welcome all those from far and wide to a new life of opportunity in America. Let’s take the ferry to Liberty Island and see the view from within, as well as visit the American Family Immigration History Center at Ellis Island.

Prepare your cameras for the amazing skyline pictures of New York City through this historic landmark!

12:00 pm - We will be heading to GRAND CENTRAL STATION for lunch (not included).

Although this is still a large working train station, it is also an important historic and famous location in New York.

2:00 pm - We will be visiting the UNITED NATIONS - Established in 1945, the UN is an international organization whose stated aims are to facilitate cooperation between countries around the world. We will be heading to the UN - ofcially an International Territory inside the United States, where there are six ofcial languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish. All of these within the island of Manhattan. This should remind everyone a little bit of their home country since every country is represented here!

5:30 pm - Dinner (included) 7:30 pm - BROADWAY SHOW. Seeing a Broadway show in New York City is an experience like nothing else! This will truly be a night to remember.

DAY 7 - 7/4

New York, NY Breakfast (included) 9:00 am - Are you ready for the view from a 102-storey building? Next up is the EMPIRE STATE BUILDING, which held the record as the world’s tallest building for more than 40 years. What more needs to be said? You can’t come to New York and not check out the view from the observation deck. Let’s go on up and admire all of Manhattan!

12:00 pm - Lunch (not included) 1:30 pm - Let’s explore another iconic New York landmark: Wall Street and the Financial District. We’ll take a walking tour to explore one of the world’s most important centers of capitalism. We’ll also see the site of the World Trade Center and learn more about the impact 9/11 had on this city.

Next up is Brooklyn - the most populous and famous of all the boroughs outside of Manhattan.

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Program We will see the Brooklyn Bridge. The bridge was completed in 1883 and it is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the US - not to mention one of the most famous. We’ll have a chance to take in a beautiful view and capture some breathtaking pictures of the gorgeous NYC skyline.

Next we’ll head to SoHo for shopping!

SoHo is one of the most popular shopping districts in New York City. Filled with both trendy boutiques and brand-name stores, get ready for the ultimate shopping experience!

7:30 pm - Free time and dinner in one of New York City’s most popular ethnic neighborhoods - Chinatown.

DAY 8 - 7/5

New York, NY to Home Breakfast at the hotel prior to individual departures (included).

DEPARTURE DAY: Our staff will be taking groups of departing students to the airport for departures all day.

Useful Hints!

MANDATORY ITEMS:

·· Sweatshirts, layered clothing; scarf, gloves

··Original Passport - students will not be allowed to travel without their passport;

·· Personal products;

··Approximately US$ 200.00 for personal expenses during the trip, such as meals, gifts, and others. If you are interested in buying gifts, remember to bring a larger amount; ·· Alarm clock; ·· Lock for luggage.

·· Sunscreen, sunglasses; ·· Accessories (belt, etc.); ·· Watch; ··If you bring a credit card, leave a copy with your host family; ·· Any medication you take regularly.

·Health Insurance Card

CLOTHING AND OTHER NECESSSARY ITEMS · Shorts, Jeans - take a look at the weather before you leave home and decide what you will need to wear; ··Sandals, sneakers, tennis shoes and/or trekking boots; ·· Swimming suit. ·· T-Shirts;

ADDITIONAL SUGGESTED ITEMS (Remember to put your name on your belongings!) ·· Camera, memory card and charger; ·· Video Camera and charger; ·· Cell phone and charger; ·· MP3 and/or I-Pod; ·· Flag from your country;

·· Cap; warm hat ·· Musical instrument you play, etc.

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Departures can be anytime on this day BETWEEN 6 am and 3 pm EST from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).

Students are not permitted to stay longer than the planned trip. All departing ights must be scheduled for this day. If there are any ight cancellations or delays, we will communicate with the host family.

Thanks for traveling with us and we look forward to seeing you very soon!

PRICE & INCLUDED ITEMS PRICE INCLUDES · Transportation during the trip on a charter bus;

· Ticket to the Statue of Liberty Tour; · Ticket to a Broadway play;

· 4 Nights in New York Area (4 person shared accommodations); · 3 Nights in Washington DC Area (4 person shared accommodations); · 7 Breakfasts; · 7 Dinners; · Hip Hop Classes

· Ticket to Mount Vernon in Washington, D.C. (historic home of President George Washington); · City Tours; · Local guide; · Transfer Airport - Hotel - Airport;

· Ticket to the Metropolitan Art Museum;

· Belo USA Coordinator;

· Ticket to the American Museum of Natural History;

· Belo USA Monitors;

· Ticket to the Constitution Center in Philadelphia · Ticket to the Empire State Building Tour;

· Chaperone; · 1 Trip T-shirt; · 1 Trip Video.

Hotels NEW YORK CITY: Hampton Inn & Suites 144-10 135th Ave, S Ozone Park, NY 11436 718-322-7500

WASHINGTON, DC: Hilton Garden Inn 22400 Flagstaff Plaza Ashburn, VA 20148 703-723-8989

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General Conditions 01. English is the official language of this trip.

18. Swimming: Even if you know how to swim please BE 33. In case you do not receive an email containing the CAREFUL, because you are unfamiliar with the link to the video, please contact Belo USA with your pool/places and are not aware of all potential current email address.

02. It is not allowed, under any circumstance, for any hazards.

34. Please make any comments or complaints student to separate from the program during the trip.

19. Please note that additional expenses are different regarding the trip in writing (via email or standard 03. All students must bring their original passport on the for each individual. We believe that $25/per day is letter) to Belo USA Travel within 30 days of the end of trip, however please leave a copy of your passport enough for food, extra entertainment, optional items, the trip to ensure Belo USA a chance to respond. All with your host family. etc, but remember to bring additional money if you contracts with Belo officially end 30 days after the trip are planning to buy gifts. Also remember that and Belo USA, the tour operator, is therefore 04. Each student must submit the proper authorization anything you buy will have to fit into your suitcase in relinquished of any responsibility. forms to the Belo office 7 days before the start of the order to get it on the bus and back home. trip or their reservation may be cancelled. Students 35. Once any student requests the description of any of who arrive on the trip without the proper forms 20. There will be plenty of ATM machines available the trip's programs organized by Belo USA Travel submitted will not be able to participate, and will during the entire course of the trip in case you need Inc., the client declares to know and to agree with all responsible for any fees associated with an early more money. the terms of this “General Conditions”, that can be return flight. Additionally, at the beginning and end found in our trip program or on our web site.

21.

Please bring all cash in US dollars. of the trip, each student must leave from and go Cancellation and Refund Policy: directly to their host community, unless the student 22. If you are not comfortable traveling with cash, has written permission from Exchange Student Traveler's Checks are a safer option. Most banks in 36. In case we do not achieve the minimum number of Organization and their host family. the US can provide you with Traveler's Checks, participants needed, Belo USA Travel Inc. reserves which are accepted at most commercial locations. the right to cancel the trip or to transfer the date 05. Belo USA Travel Inc. is not responsible for buying and/or to offer other options of tours as well, any bus, airline and train tickets from the trip's final 23. Travel expenses from your host city to the trip's according to the clients wish. If this occurs, all destination to your host city. It's the student's departing airport are not included in the program fee. payments already made will be returned in full. responsibility to pay for the ticket.

24. If you take any regular medication, make sure to 37. If the student chooses to leave the program or is sent 06. Illegal drug use of any kind is prohibited. bring enough for the trip's duration. Also, please home for breaking any program rules, he/she will bring a copy of the prescription in case you might 07. Stealing of any kind will be severely punished in pay a penalty according to the date of his written need it (just to be safe.) addition to any possible legal consequences. order to cancel the tour, read below: 08. Purchasing or consuming alcoholic beverages is strictly forbidden.

25. Since we will be outside, please be careful and use lotion/sunscreen.

* Cancelled more than 30 days before the beginning of the trip: 10% of the trip's price.

09. Tattoos and body piercings are extremely discouraged and allowed only with the preauthorization of the natural parents and sponsor/local Exchange Student Organization.

26. If any student's conduct is considered harmful to the rest of the students, or if any student breaks any of the program rules, he or she can be sent back to their host community immediately, assuming all extra costs, to his or her host city/family. Additionally, any violation of the rules and any students removed from the program will be reported to Exchange Student Organization.

* Cancelled between 29 and 21 days before the beginning of the trip: 20% of the trip's price.

10. Our schedules and itineraries must be followed by all students. The trip coordinator reserves the right to make changes in the schedule, when necessary, or if it is in the best interest of the group.

11. Lodging does not cover incidental costs, such as phone calls, mini-bar purchases, etc. If the students decide to use these services, they are responsible for paying these costs.

27. All prices are in US dollars. In case of payment by international wire transfer, the dollar/euro/your local currency exchange rate to be considered for conversion will be the one listed by Chase Bank / JP Morgan on the day that the payment arrives in the USA.

12. Keep luggage to a minimum. All students will carry 28. All other optional activities that may be offered and be responsible for their own luggage at all during student's free time are considered extra times. The maximum amount allowed is 50 pounds costs, and are not included in the overall trip price.

(23 kg) and a carry on bag (small bag or back pack).

Remember to keep those items you will need during 29. Belo USA Travel Inc. is not responsible for the cost of the day with you on the bus - like iPods, cameras, the student's travel expenses from his/her host city wallets, etc. to the departure point and back.

13. Students must be approved by Exchange Student 30. Lost & Found: all the students' items found during Organization in order to travel. Students who have the trip will be sent to Belo USA's office and kept for faced disciplinary action with Exchange Student 60 days after the end of the trip. Any student who has Organization may be denied approval for lost something must send us an e-mail with the participation. description of the item within 60 days of the end of the trip. Postage to return the item to any student is 14. All departure/arrival times from/to our activities will the student's responsibility. be decided by the coordinators, depending on the exact length of each activity.

31. All students who take part in this trip grant image use rights to Belo USA to produce a Trip VIDEO, as well 15. The trip has a limited number of vacancies, which as use of photos from the trip on our website and will be filled on a “first come – first serve” basis. program materials.

16. There must be at least 35 students signed up to 32. The Trip Video will be sent to the students within six open up the trip. However, there is a possibility for months of the completion of the trip. Belo USA will us to open more buses depending on the number of contact students by email when the video is ready. reservations.

You will be sent a link and a password in order to 17. Belo USA Travel Inc. reserves the right to operate view and download the video. the trip program backwards (i.e., switching the departure city and the arrival city) if needed because of number of students and availability.

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* Cancelled between 20 and 7 days before the beginning of the trip: 40% of the trip's price. * Cancelled between 6 days or less before the beginning of the trip: 100% of the trip's price.

- If a student cancels his or her trip, any payments previously made cannot be transferred to another student or host sibling.

38. Any student who leaves the trip during the program, for any reason, will not receive any refund.

39. A request for reimbursement due to trip cancellation because of an early return of the exchange student to his/her original country, must be made to Belo USA Travel Inc. at least seven (7) days in advance of the program trip's departure. After initial request, reimbursement will be made to a U.S. bank account and the penalties will be applied according to the “cancellation and refund policy” above. If the student does not follow the deadline established by the program, making it necessary for us to proceed with the reimbursement through International Wire Transfer, all taxes and bank fees will be the client's responsibility.

- In case of early return of the student from the trip or to his/her original country, cost of return ticket is the student's responsibility.

40. Any cancellations or withdrawals must be made in writing – via letter, fax or email – by the tour's participant to Belo USA Travel Inc. 41. Belo USA Travel is not responsible for any reimbursements or change fees associated with flight or travel arrangements.

Operated by: