UNO: Study Abroad in Writing

Passport(!)

If you haven’t applied for your passport yet, do it today! You will not need a visa for our program. Also bring 2 or 3 photocopies of your passport. Once you get settled, you should carry a photocopy of your passport and leave the actual document in your room except when traveling out of the area.

Clothing

The weather in San Miguel in June and July will normally be quite warm in the middle of the day, cooling off, sometimes dramatically so, at night. It is a very high-and-dry, with low humidity.  We will, however, be there during the rainy season, so you may want to pack a small umbrella or other rain gear. You may find use for a light jacket or sweater at night.

Be sure to bring some good hiking or walking shoes and socks. The streets in San Miguel are all rough, uneven cobblestones, and they are very narrow.  Unfortunately ladies, I think heels are impossible!  So pack those cute flats and flops.  Also, some of our field trips and perhaps your own explorations may involve a good bit of walking in hilly areas and/or mountain trails, or on old cobblestone streets in Venice. A blister on your foot can be a major distraction from the experience.

A few other suggestions…
You will need a good strong sunblock.  While you can always buy more there, you will probably want this right away, and particularly if you want a certain brand, bring it with you!  I am allergic to most sunblocks, so I always pack the one kind I know I can wear with me.  Also, hats and sunglasses are a very good idea, but also available there if you’d rather wait an purchase them there.
You may want to pack one or two nicer outfits.  I’m not talking tails and evening gowns, but we do have our opening and closing banquets, and we tend to spruce up a little for these events.  Think “I’m going out for a nice dinner” wear, rather than I’m going to the ball.
Always pack a change of clothes and immediate essentials, such as prescription drugs and minimal toiletries, in your carry-on bag. Please check with your airline, though, to determine new carry-on and checked bag requirements, as well as the latest security requirements.  They seem to be changing daily lately!

You may also want to bring a small bag (or use your carry-on) for day and overnight trips.

Linens

Residents of Bosque, the Hacienda de Las Flores, and the Casita
Linens, blankets and pillows will be provided to everyone who is not staying at the hostel, so there is no need to bring along any of these items. However, when traveling it is always a good idea to carry your own towel, washcloth and soap since these are not always provided with economy lodgings. We recommend bringing a large bath or beach towel, and a smaller hand towel or washcloth.  Preferably something you can leave behind and make more room for all those souvenirs you are going to buy!
Residents of the Hostel, and Other Places on Your Own:
While basic bed lien will be provided at the hostel, you may want to pack or purchase your own.  Also, items like towels, washcloths, etc will not be provided at the hostel, so you will need to pack or buy your own.  I always recommend bringing your own towel, though, and then leaving it behind when you go, so that you have more room to bring back souvenirs.

Laundry

Laundry facilities and detergent are available in San Miguel de Allende.

Electrical Items

The voltage in Mexico is the same as in the United States.  I do, however, recommend that you bring three prong adapters and a surge protector for your computer, if you choose to bring it.

Computers

Should you bring a notebook computer? It’s up to you. If you do bring a computer on which to compose and store your work, you may also want to bring a portable printer, thought there are a number of places in San Miguel where you can print cheaply and easily.  There is only one printer available at the school, and it will be for emergencies only.  Internet is widely available in San Miguel, though, and is available at all of our housing locations, and I think if you have a laptop, and you are taking classes or planning on writing, you will be much happier with your own computer than having to budget free time to visit an internet café….

Health Insurance

We provide health insurance for all students through TW Lord and Associates. The coverage for the Writing Workshops in San Miguel de Allende program will begin June 23 and end July 18. You can purchase additional time or get further information by contacting TW Lord directly:
T.W. Lord & Associates
Emergency Center: 1-800-633-2360
Claims Processing Center:
T.W. Lord & Associates
Marietta, GA 30061
Phone 1-800-633-2360

Money

The easiest way to change your dollars into Pesos is with your ATM card, in which case you pay no exchange fees, only the standard ATM charges. You can also use your credit card to make purchases, in which case you also pay no exchange fees. Many businesses will require cash, however, so you will want to be careful with your budgeting when you decide how much cash to get out at one time.  You never want to carry too much cash, however, you don’t want to be stuck with a bill you can’t pay at the end of a meal or some such….

Prices in the region are slightly less than what you would encounter in a normal American city. You should probably plan on spending between 500 and 1,000 USD while you are there, though it is possible to spend much less (and, of course, much more).

Other Questions

Feel free to email any questions or concerns.

Tags: San Miguel //