FAQ
Where is it?
The Institute is located on the west coat of Turkey directly on the Aegean Sea. It’s in the province of Dikili, about 20 minutes south of the town of Dikili, and about two hours north of the Izmir airport. (The Greek island of Lesvos is a short ferry boat ride from Dikili.)
When is it?
Students should plan on arriving on Sunday, June 28th and leaving on Saturday, July 18th.
Do I need to know Turkish?
No, all activities are conducted in English, though you are likely to start picking up some Turkish vocabulary right away!
What if I am not fluent in English?
For those students who understand English but are not yet proficient enough to fully participate in one of the tracks, there is an English as a Foreign Language track that is designed to improve your English while involving you in many of the same activities, but at a slower pace.
How do I get there?
Pick-up will be available from Dikili or from Izmir. From Istanbul you can fly to Izmir in an hour, or take a bus ride (about 10 hours!) directly to Dikili. Most Turkish buses are excellent, but there are many competing bus lines and quality varies.
Where do we live?
We live at the Decemko resort, a family hotel and conference center near the small town of Bademli. Most students will be lodged in 4-person suites in the main hotel building, with a balcony overlooking our private beach on the Aegean. For more information:
http://www.decemkoholidayvillage.com/index.htm
How’s the food?
The institute used to be held in Italy, and we all know how good Italian food is, but when we moved to Turkey, everyone liked the food even better! There are three bountiful meals a day, and the ingredients are marvelously fresh. Meat, poultry, or fish is served daily, but vegetarians will be pleased by the wide variety of vegetable dishes available.
What’s the weather like?
Moderate summer weather with very little rain. Not too many oppressively hot days!
How much will it cost?
The total fee for the three-week Institute is $2400 US. Limited scholarships are available. See below for what is included in this fee. Transportation between your home and Izmir is not included.
What does the total fee include…and not include?
Course tuition, use of equipment, lodging, three meals a day, one excursion per week, and pick-up from and drop-off at Dikili or Izmir at the beginning and the end of the three weeks are included in the total fee. Snacks, souvenirs, and optional excursions are not included; last year the two optional excursions cost between 25 and 35 Turkish lira each. Click here for a packing list of things you might want to bring.
Can I get college credit?
Yes, any student satisfactorily completing one of the three tracks can elect to receive 6 college credits from Bloomfield College (Bloomfield, New Jersey, USA; www.bloomfield.edu). There is no additional fee for this. College credit cannot, however, be awarded for English as a Foreign Language classes.
What about medical emergencies?
A full-time nurse is on duty, and all participants are insured through CareMed for the duration of their stay.
What’s a typical day like?
Four days a week, usually Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, are structured as follows:
6:30 — The hearty can rise at the crack of dawn to stretch on the beach with teacher and track coach Kent Fielding and then join him for a run down the local roads.
7:30– 8:45 —A very full breakfast.
9:00 — We all come together for a group meeting, which will often feature presentations by our climate change experts.
10:00 — We separate into our three tracks and have our first class of the morning.
1:00 — Lunch!
1:45–3:30 — Homework period, maybe even a quick nap!
3:30—6:30 — Continued classes in our track
6:30–7:30 — Dinner!!
7:30—10:00 — Extra-curricular activities, rest, hanging out, homework, etc.
One day a week (usually Wednesday) is a full-day excursion (costs included in tuition).
One day a week (usually Saturday) is an independent study day, with faculty available to assist students with projects.
Sunday is a day off, but optional excursions (additional cost) may be offered.
What are the extra-curricular activities?
There’s something going on every night. Last year’s activities included beach volleyball, basketball, ping-pong, swimming, juggling lessons, movie showings, soccer, dances, Country Night, a variety show, a chess simultaneous exhibition, Turkish dance lessons, and more!
What are the excursions?
Final arrangements have not yet been made for 2009, but last year we visited the ancient cities of Ephesus and Pergamum, the market in Dikili, the town of Ayvalik, and a boat ride (with diving and swimming) along the Turkish coast. Check back on the website for updates!
How’s the beach and the swimming?
The beach is all sand, all the way out, and quite pleasant. We’re in a cove, so the water always seems to be at low tide. You have to go pretty far out before it is over your head, but you can dive from the far end of the dock. Water temperature is on the warm side.
Who comes to this?
Last year 27 countries were represented at the Institute, and we’re expecting even more this year. It is an exciting mix of people who are actively involved with the issues of the day and dedicated to social progress. You will especially enjoy Country Night, where students and teachers from each country get together to present exhibitions on their own culture.
Can I take more than one track?
No, the three tracks run concurrently, so you must make a choice. We will of course be together for the morning climate change presentations and for all the extra-curricular activities. As much as possible, we will try to explore and encourage all sorts of connections between the three tracks.
How do I know which track to take?
Click here to read the description of the curriculum for each track before deciding.
Click here for an introduction to the instructors.
Any questions, just write us here.
How will I benefit from this?
It is the goal of the Institute for our students to return home not only with broader knowledge and a stronger skill set, but as members of an ever-expanding community of learners and activists. We hope and expect our students to become more effective global citizens and advocates for an open society. For example, after last year’s Institute, students from Alaska, China, Latvia, and Uganda joined forces to begin their own initiative addressing the similar needs of rural youth across the globe. Although our focus this year is climate change, the skills learned addressing this issue are equally applicable to other issues our students may also be involved with, now and in the years to come.
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