Important documents: passport and visa, IDs, directions to your destination Phone numbers (program contacts and emergency numbers) One change of clothes (underwear, shirt, pants) Jacket or sweatshirt (planes get cold on long flights) Any prescription medicines (including contact lenses and glasses)

Previous students suggest packing the following items: Warm slippers or flip-flops Comfortable walking shoes (better if water resistant) A set of workout clothes Swimsuit Coat/Warm Jacket (better if water resistant – semester programs only) Light water resistant jacket (summer programs) Physical Theatre and Dance students only: Warm wool socks for the dance studio Solid sweat pants and clothes appropriate for physical work. Jazz shoes and/or ballet slippers and/or character shoes (only if you already own them) Knee-pads Stage make up

You will need notebooks. Many American students prefer to bring their own supplies, as European academic supplies are different to what they are used to. Your free time at the Accademia will be limited during the week and you may not have the opportunity to purchase supplies prior to the beginning of classes.

Many products you normally use might not be available here, but similar items are typically accessible. If specific products are necessary to your daily regimen, bring them with you. Also, there is a Sephora in town, but prices are somewhat higher than in the US.

Do not plan to take more than you can carry yourself. Do a “trial run” and carry your luggage for 15 minutes. If that is not comfortable, decide what you can leave behind! Huge suitcases are not practical, especially since you will probably want a small suitcase or backpack for weekend trips. Remember that your luggage should make your trip easier, not more difficult. Pack lightly!

You cannot use American appliances in your rooms. Plugging in an American appliance can cause blown fuses, power outages and damage to the appliance itself. Laptops, digital cameras, video cameras and iPods are okay to use if they have internal converters and are used with adapters. Adapters adapt the plug prongs from the American version (flat prongs) to the Italian standard (round prongs) in order to get the plug into the outlet. They do not convert electricity. Adapters are used on appliances with internal converters. Usage of converters of electricity is forbidden because they will blow fuses.

Accademia dell’Arte requires students, along with his or her physician, to complete and submit the Health Information and Evaluation forms in their entirety. Should you wish, you may provide copies of basic health records so that they can be kept on file. This is not a requirement but any additional information could be helpful in emergency situations where you might not be able to speak for yourself.

In order to participate in our program you must have one of the following: Confirmed coverage for international travel through your American health insurance Student travel and health insurance sponsored by your university Student travel and health insurance you have purchased on your own

The Accademia dell’Arte has a school doctor. Visits can be booked through the Office of Student Services and their cost is included in your tuition. The doctor will be able to diagnose, treat and prescribe medications. You will be responsible for purchasing and obtaining any prescription medication. Your American insurance will typically cover up to 80% of non-emergency visits abroad. This of course depends on what type of insurance you have. You will need to keep the Italian doctor receipts and fill out a claim form for third party reimbursement. If you need to see a specialist (dentist, gynecologist, etc.) in a private office, you need to be prepared to pay up front from €30 to €100 (estimates), and then wait to get reimbursed. Should I bring any medications? Regulations regarding the availability of medication differ from country to country. This means that certain medication—in a generic form or otherwise—may not exist or may not be offered in Italy. This applies to certain over-the-counter medications, as well. Students who regularly take any medication should bring enough to last throughout the program, as well as the prescriptions themselves. It is virtually impossible to get medication mailed through customs. Previous students have suggested filling a prescription for general antibiotics in the United States and setting it aside in the event that an illness manifests itself that you will need to treat (generally pertaining to severe Flu or Bronchitis). If you have a chronic illness that requires daily medication, please bring enough with you for your entire time abroad. Get generic descriptions of the compositions of the medications you take from your doctor, just in case you lose your medication while you are here. This includes—but is not limited to—birth control, insulin and psychotropic medication. Students are advised to bring a personal first aid kit and include Bactine and Neosporin for minor cuts and abrasions, and Imodium for temporary diarrhea. In addition, we advise you to bring any standard medication with you. Suggestions include: Ibuprofen Tylenol Advil Motrin Nyquil Sudafed Benadryl (pills and topical) Bug bite topical ointment/insect repellant (the mosquitoes here are intense 365 days a year) Antibiotic topical ointment Generic sleep aid Over-the-counter yeast infection treatment (yeast infection medication requires a prescription in Italy)

Certain medications that are commonly prescribed in the U.S.—like Adderall and other stimulants used to treat ADHD or ADD—are classified as controlled substances in many European countries. That means even if you have a valid U.S. prescription, it doesn't automatically make the medication legal to bring or use abroad. The good news: You can still bring these medications with you—but only if you have the proper paperwork and follow specific steps. This is especially important for drugs that fall into the stimulant or narcotic categories, which are more heavily regulated overseas. Medications to pay close attention to include: ADHD/ADD medications (*Adderall, Concerta, Ritalin) *considered illegal narcotics in many European countries Pain medications (Vicodin, Oxycontin, Demerol) Anxiety medications (Xanax, Ativan, Valium) If you're traveling to Europe and need to bring medication like Adderall—which is classified as a controlled substance in many European countries—it’s essential to prepare carefully to avoid any legal issues. Here's how to do it right: Plan ahead with your doctor. Make sure you bring enough of your prescribed medication to last your entire time abroad. Ideally, set up an appointment with your doctor a few months before your departure to talk through your needs. Tip: If your doctor or insurance provider needs proof of your travel dates, AdA can give you a letter confirming your participation in the program—just reach out! Get a letter from your doctor. Ask your doctor to write and sign a note (on official letterhead) that includes the following information: The name of the medication, including its generic name, and a statement clarifying that it is not classified as a narcotic. Your full name, the quantity of medication you're bringing, and how long it’s meant to last. A brief explanation of your medical condition and why the medication is essential for your health while abroad. Keep medications in their original containers. Don’t transfer pills into travel boxes or unmarked containers. Bring the original packaging or pharmacy bottles with labels intact. Carry a copy of your prescription. Keep this with you in case you need to show proof at customs or to a healthcare provider while overseas. Pack it in your carry-on. Always bring your medication in your carry-on bag—never check it with your luggage. This ensures you have it with you at all times, even if your bags are delayed or lost. If you are currently taking any of the above listed medications, please read this information from the CDC about travelling with medication.

Please bring your current prescription written out by your eye doctor just in case you have to get new glasses here. Do not put any prescription medications or eyewear in your checked luggage.

While counseling services are not available on site, we do have a list of psychiatrists and psychologists that we can recommend. Most appointments can cost anywhere from €100 to €180 per hour. To see an English-speaking specialist you will have to travel to Florence, which is an hour train ride each way. It is the responsibility of the student to pay for their appointment and travel expenses. We can arrange for you to have a private space to Skype/call a therapist of your choosing back in the U.S.

If you are a vegetarian/vegan or have any dietary restrictions, you must note this on your Health Form as part of your enrollment process. We recommend that you touch base with our staff upon arrival to clarify and confirm about your requirements. You should describe your diet, specify what foods you avoid and inc

Currently, travel to Italy does not require immunizations. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of new health information regarding the locations to which they plan to travel. The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide a wealth of information for travelers. Please review the pertinent information on their websites prior to your departure. US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspxWorld Health Organizations www.who.int/en/ Routine shots are recommended if you are not up-to-date with shots such as, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria/pertussis/tetanu