March 14, 2008
Dear Roman travelers,
You have successfully been enrolled in ART/CLA 377, The City of Rome, term 7, next year. This means that this time next year we will be exploring Rome from antiquity to Mussolini! We are excited to have you in the course!
Because the two courses have a combined registration of 33 followed by a long wait list, we want to let you know more about the trip costs and payment schedule. At this time, our best estimate for the cost of the trip is $5000. We know that this is a significant commitment for you and your families, but we do not want to underestimate the total cost of the trip. With rising oil prices and a falling dollar in relation to the Euro, prices are going up rapidly and we don’t want to be put in a position next winter of asking you for more money. At the same time, you should all know that we will do everything we can to reduce the cost of the trip and make it more affordable. If the trip cost should fall below $5000, we will reimburse everyone accordingly.
The payment schedule is as follows:
Initial non-refundable deposit of $500 is due April 7
This is to secure your place and to indicate your commitment to make the trip. Since so many are on the wait list, we want students who are wait-listed to be informed this spring whether they will be able to participate.
Down payment of $2500 is due September 12
This is necessary to secure the best possible price for airfare, and to reserve a hotel in Italy.
Third payment of $1000 due November 24
Final payment of $1000 due January 5
If the cost of the trip is less than $5000, this final payment will be reduced.
Payments can be made at the Business Office in Old Sem. All checks should be made payable to Cornell College, with the memo "account #100-6509-72374, Rome trip."
Please check the Office of International Study website for information about scholarships, especially the Levy Award and the Class of "55 Award: http://cornellcollege.edu/academic_affairs/international_studies/ The deadline for applications is March 21!
If you plan to withdraw from the course, we ask that you do so no later than Accommodation Night, March 20, so that students on the wait list will have the opportunity to add the course and apply for scholarships.
We will be in contact with you early next fall to remind you of our schedule. We will also meet early next fall to discuss our itinerary, give you information about Italy, discuss passports, etc. Over the next few months, go to your local library and check out a book or two about Rome and begin to see the places we will visit. Just think, this time next year we'll be in Italy viewing the Pantheon and St. Peter’s, getting a taste of Italy, and celebrating Roman culture. We look forward to sharing our travels with you.
Arrivaderci!
