While on your educational program in Namibia . . .

Do the Following . . .

• Listen carefully to all safety information during your in-country orientation.

• Keep your passport with you at all times, inside your clothing if possible (unless our staff directs you otherwise).

• Stay close together as a group when you are out in public and always travel in groups of two or more.

• Always ask permission of a person before taping or photographing.

• Be cautious about what you say in public (including airplanes, airports, restaurants, and hotel lobbies). There will most likely be people around you who will understand English. Also, North Americans tend to speak in louder voices, so keep your voice at a low level-- even when in your hotel room.

• Be respectful of resource people, even those with whom your views differ. This doesn’t mean that you have to avoid asking the “hard” questions, just ask them in a nonconfrontational way.

• Be respectful of other group members. Before asking multiple questions of resource people, look around to see if other people have questions and remember that people have varied learning styles and may need more time before asking questions. Remember that you are part of a learning community and not simply an independent traveler.

• Drink a lot of water to maintain good health. When the weather is hot, you will dehydrate much more quickly! Our field staff will give you guidelines for finding sources of safe water.

Don't . . .

• Leave suitcases, bags, or purses unattended, even for a minute!

• Handle large amounts of money in public. Know how much you have and where it is.

• Give anybody any reason to rob you. That means don’t wear flashy (or any) jewelry, watches, bulging pockets, or expensive-looking sunglasses.

• Disclose the tentative schedule or names of resource persons and groups of which you may be aware. This information should not be given either to "friendly strangers," to other resource persons on the program, or to anyone outside of your group. If you want to ask someone about information provided by another resource person/organization, find a way to do this without mentioning the other person/organization (e.g. "I read before I came that. . .").

• Photograph military personnel or military installations. In many countries, airports and bridges are included in this prohibition. This is true for U.S. immigration and customs areas as well.

Your group will have an orientation session upon arrival in Namibia. You will receive additional information and have the opportunity to ask questions at that time. In the meantime, if you have any questions about the information above, call the Customized Programs Team at the CGEE Minneapolis office at 612-330-1159.