In student accommodation, we are aiming at accommodation in rented out apartments, with bathrooms that have fully private access, i.e. both toilet and bathroom doors (sometimes a toilet room is separated from a bathroom/shower room in Czech apartments) can be closed. 

The Czech Republic is still a binary system that does not provide many non-gendered bathrooms even within the city. While there are many one-stall bathrooms, some students will find that in public spaces, like the public toilets in metro stations, as well as restaurants, cafes, museums etc. there are binary toilets. They typically have stalls, or separate lockable "rooms" within them.

This is also the case of the historic Grebovka villa space IFSA is situated in. In "men's restrooms", in some places, there can still be urinals, sometimes without privacy partition, but will always have a stall/room with a toilet seat etc.  In smaller spaces (small cafes, bars, gas stations etc) also just one toilet room for all genders - which typically means a small room with a lockable door.

Links to more articles regarding non-binary bathrooms in the Czech republic: https://kafkadesk.org/2021/11/01/international-school-in-prague-introduces-gender-neutral-toilets/

 Much of our classroom 'lecture' time will have been spent in the first few weeks of our course in Portland. We'll be practicing everything we've been learning 'in the field' and through hands on experience. Before we leave Portland, we will also discuss what is necessary for each one of us to pack with regard to our photo supplies and make sure that we improvise whenever possible so as not to have to purchase or bring anything extra that we may not need.

While we have planned activities and excursions - these are all focused on providing the experience and opportunity to create images and make our coursework.  There are many opportunities for us to explore on our own during unplanned or unscheduled time.  Time built in to the itinerary allows for day trips, side excursions and small group optional adventures. Folks will be encouraged to be safe, but to explore. Alone time will be essential to some of us and that is supported as well.

We will be exploring Prague through local markets and food, if you have allergies or specific restrictions please be sure to include that information so that we can plan ahead. 

Many European menus will have a number system by which they indicate which allergens are present in dishes. There is usually a consistent 'code' and the numbering system is very easy to navigate. I myself have a gluten allergy and have found that GF options as well as vegan and vegetarian are all very easily navigated abroad.

If you have concerns or medications that are required in case of accidental exposure - be sure to up your RX early and discuss options with your Dr. - as well as indicate any allergies, etc on your health forms.

Essential Class Equipment:

• Camera with manual exposure controls - our equipment information page can help

ART 140 - digital cameras are required - Mirror-less or DSLR, etc. cameras are preferred

ART 243 - both film and digital cameras can be used - students will need to process their film in Prague. There are a number of options for film developing however none for printing so students will need to work digitally even if their main practice is film based.

• Journal, notebook - notes, observations and course work

• Cell Phone - for communication and an international SIM card. Please refer to any additional notes from onboarding from our provider and from the Study Abroad office.

Not Mandatory - but essential:

• Laptop, Tablet that can be used with WiFi and with Photoshop (Chrome books can not use Photoshop)

• Backup power for devices and adaptors for international voltage.

Provided:

• Students will have a subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop & Bridge) throughout the term

• In Portland and on PCC's campus, we will have computers, printers, etc. as well as darkroom facilities for students to use depending on the section they are enrolled in.

• Reliable Internet and WiFi in housing and on campus throughout our trip.