Question: Last Day

Volunteer: I was just wondering on the last day, August 8th, what city we would be in, and what time we would finished.

Catherine: On the last day, Friday, 8 August, every volunteer will be in his/her second village. You can leave after your last class, or a bit beforehand. For now, I recommend that if you plan on heading home (not traveling) after your second village, you book your flight for Saturday, and plan on traveling to Budapest (or wherever your flight leaves from) on Friday afternoon. All volunteers will be expected to teach for the whole three weeks in their second village. Your host family will help you find a way to the airport at the end of your stay. These arrangements should be made with them when you arrive (dont wait until Thursday to tell them that Friday- tomorrow- you need to be in Budapest.)

Hello!!

I am so excited to meet all of you this summer! My name is Taylor Ann and I am currently a junior at the University of Florida. I study health sciences and education. I grew up in Florida, but I have traveled all over the world. Budapest is one of my favorite cities in Europe, so I am looking forward to seeing it again in June. I hope to hear more about y'all! Also, I have been looking up tickets. What is the average cost you guys are seeing? I am looking at 1,200 to 1,500 bucks out of Florida. Thanks!

TAD

Flights

What time do we need to be there for introductions on June 26th? I am planning to fly into Vienna because it is cheaper and then take the train, so I just want to make sure I get there on time. Thanks!

Share your flights!!

Hi Volunteers!

Please respond to this post with any cheap flights you find!

Question: flights

Volunteer: I know I'm bothering you so soon already, but ticket wise etc. are we going to be contacted about how that process works or should we start looking for those ourselves and just book them?
What is the best and least expensive way to book airfare to Eastern Europe? (certain websites, when should I book it, etc.)
When should I plan to arrive in Budapest? The morning of June 25 or the night before?
Should I even be trying to book airfare this early?
I have health insurance but should I also get traveler's insurance for this trip?

Catherine:

- In the Addendum (it was just sent out) there are some places listed where you can begin looking for flights. Once the blog starts, hopefully by the end of the week, I am hoping volunteers will begin to share flight suggestions. If you find a flight, you can go ahead and book it; please note the program dates which are also listed in the addendum, and allow time for transportation after the program ends, from the village to the airport or your next destination.

-some websites where you can begin looking for flights:

kayak.com

studentuniverse.com

statravel.com

discountfares.com

ba.co.uk

virginatlatnic.co.uk

hotwire.com

expedia.com

-Orientation begins on the 26th, but the day is open for independant sight-seeing and check-in at the hostel. The first group activity will be introduction, followed shortly by dinner. So, it is up to you if you want to come in on the 25th, or the morning of the 26th.

-In my opinion, the earlier you start looking for airfare, the better. However, once the blog starts, probably by the end of the week (I'll e-mail everyone with that), I suggest that volunteers begin to share flight info- cheap fares, etc.

-Please check for insurance details in the addendum

Questions: bottled water

Volunteer: I was wondering if you knew anything about the availability of bottled or filtered waterwater in different countries can be harsh on your body. in the villages. I know that

Catherine: As for water in the villages- bottled water is available 99% of the time. Some host families only drink bottled water. When I was a volunteer, I was very cautious about drinking only bottled drinks, and I did not run into a problem. I had brought with me (accidently, actually) water purification tablets, but I didnt ever use them.

Welcome Volunteers!

Hi Volunteers!

Welcome to the LE family! This blog will be your LE lifeline- a great resource for any and every question you may have between now and the end of your in-country experience this summer.

The blog will be used for the following purposes:
- introduce volunteers to one another
- answer any questions that you have (instead of mailing each of you individually answers to your questions, I will post them all here, as many of you will have the same questions)
- share cheap flights
- give tips about good lesson plans, and lesson plans that should be avoided
- update your fellow volunteers about your villages

Feel free to get posting! (I will have a few little assignments via the blog to help you to get to know one another in the coming weeks, so no extensive intros are necessary yet.)

I'm looking forward to all of you!!!

Catherine