As a Global Citizen Journey (GCJ) delegate, you are embarking on a commitment to citizen diplomacy and service.
A GCJ trip is very much a shared experience: you will be part of a group and most of your time in the host country will be with the group. You will participate in workshops and dialogue, to develop skill and capacity as a citizen diplomat, including cross-cultural communication, conflict resolution, leadership development, compassionate listening, and environmental awareness.
During the journey, delegates will be expected to exhibit standards of behavior that are sensitive to the needs of the group: our personal choices impact the whole. We ask you to refrain from behaviors that may detract from the unity of the group, bring an element of risk or violate the trust or integrity of the group. This includes any behaviors that are unsafe, unhealthy or illegal either in the U.S. or in the host country, and calls for discretion around behaviors that might be deemed offensive to others. Global Citizen Journey reserves the right to dismiss from the group any delegate who violates these agreements.
There will be preparatory meetings prior to departure – conference call participation is an option, if you are unable to be physically present. In September there will be two evening meetings. Approximately 2-4 weeks prior to departure, there will three sessions, one of which will be an all-day training session.
Upon return, the delegation will continue to meet to provide mutual support, integration and processing of lessons learned, as well as planning for the implementation of individual communication plans to share experiences with the public. Specific dates and times will be communicated well in advance.
International airlines require that you check-in for your international flight no later than two hours prior to departure; three hours may be a safer bet. This is often needed because of time-consuming security checks and the risk that the airline may have overbooked the flight.
Should your luggage get lost en route, it may take several days to recover. Most items are fairly easily replaced in India and can be bought. Valuable items such as cameras or binoculars, and essentials such as prescription medications and of course your travel documents and money should always be hand carried on all flights. Checked luggage should be locked and properly labeled. Remember to remove all sharp objects from carry-on and stow in your main luggage.
For most trans-oceanic flights, you may only be allowed to check your baggage to your first major layover city where you must claim your baggage, and re-check it onto your continuing flight.
If you miss your flight or are otherwise delayed, please contact Susan by messenger or WhatsApp – or by text. If your flight was cancelled, or you missed your flight, you need the airline to put you on the next flight to your destination – either on one of their flights or on another carrier. Explain that you are joining a pre-paid trip and you must arrive in time or you will have trouble meeting up with your group. Once you know what time you will arrive please call or email. If you are not met at the airport upon arrival go to the group hotel and contact your trip leader. If the group has already departed, ask for a message from the trip leader or call the emergency contact number listed on your final bulletin for further information.
Upon arrival proceed through customs and immigration and then baggage claim and currency exchange.
Fatigue, loss of appetite, difficulty concentrating and generally feeling off form.
The symptoms arise because your body clock is slow to adjust to the new time zone. Jet-lag tends to be more of a problem if you are older, if you are flying east or if you are flying long distances.
If your stay in the new time zone will be brief (1 or 2 days) then you are unlikely to be able to adjust to the new time zone.
This can be achieved with a few simple remedies. During the flight the air you breathe on the plane is very dry; you can reduce the risk of dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids (although the free booze may be tempting it's best to stick to water or fruit juices to stay hydrated!) Avoid cramps by taking brief strolls but if this isn't possible then stay in your seat and perform neck and breathing exercises, toe wriggling and tensing and relaxing the muscles of your arms and legs. Then adjust your watch to your destination time and, in accordance with this, plan when to stay awake and when to sleep, and when to take a snack or main meal.
In your new time zone adjust your habits as fully as possible to the new local time. Physical activities (walking, sightseeing) that take you outdoors are particularly important as light and activity help your body clock readjust. After a flight to the west times corresponding to 9pm – 3am on old time are best. Naps however can mislead the body as to when it is night and so try and push through the tiredness.
Research has demonstrated that exposure to bright light at appropriate times can reduce the symptoms of jet-lag. The times of exposure to light and dark are important and the light source must be sunlight or from special light bulbs. As a rough guide, the symptoms of jet-lag will last up to TZ/2 days after a flight to the west, and TZ/1.5 days after one to the east, where TZ is the number of time zones crossed.
Avoid sun exposure between 12 and 2pm when the sun's rays are at their strongest and where possible stay in the shade (the sun is also stronger the closer you are to the equator). Remember though to be careful in and around water as UV rays are reflected by water.
Wear loose-fitting, closely woven cotton fabrics that you cannot see through, a broad-rimmed hat to protect head, face and the back of neck and use a broad spectrum (blocks UVA and UVB rays), high protection factor sunscreen (SPF 15) applied frequently especially after being in water. Also wear sunglasses that filter out UVA and UVB rays to protect your eyes from sun damage.
Another risk of overexposure to the sun is becoming dehydrated. Avoiding strenuous exercise during the hottest hours is an obvious start and drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids to replace lost fluid.
As a friend and US delegate on behalf of Global Citizen's Journey we will do everything we can to make sure your time with us is safe, healthy and successful. However, should the unexpected occur, we want you to be fully protected. We therefore strongly recommend that you purchase comprehensive international travel insurance.
** We require the Medivac portion (emergency assistance and evacuation).
Some delegates have had good luck with Urban, recommended by Lonely Planet. Other insurance plans are available. It is wise to secure this insurance as soon as you purchase your ticket.
As a traveler, it is extremely important to have an emergency contact person in the U.S. This could be a parent, other relative, or friend. That person's contact information: name, address, and telephone number(s) (preferably 2) should be kept with you at all times and given to the project director. Your contact person should also have a copy of your passport, including the page that has the visa stamp on it in case your passport is lost or stolen. She/he should also have a copy of your birth certificate, flight and program itineraries. This would be helpful in case you lose your passport and information needs to be sent to the U.S. Embassy to speed up the process.
Emergency information concerning U.S. citizens traveling abroad may be obtained from the Office of Overseas Citizens Services at (202) 647-5225 and (202) 647-4000 after working hours, on Saturdays and holidays.
These are suggestions based on past experiences by GCJ delegates. Some things will not be needed unless you are continuing your travels after the delegation trip.
Cash and travelers' checks are readily accepted and can be exchanged for local currency at the airport, hotel or any banks when you arrive. All participants should carry a money belt for carrying valuables such as cash, air tickets, passports and credit cards.