Miami and University of Miami (UM) campuses
UM Rosenstiel School Campus
UM Coral Gables Campus
Driving directions to the UM Coral Gables campus
Miami International Airport
Visa RequirementsAll Institute participants who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States will need a valid passport to enter the United States. In most cases, participants will also need a valid B1/B2 or BCC visa issued by a United States Consulate.
An official letter of invitation to attend the Summer Institute will be sent to all participants by the University of Miami. This letter will state that participants will attend the Summer Institute with "observer" status. This means that participants will not perform work other than the activities planned for the Institute, and will not receive any monetary compensation (beyond expenses, such as housing and meals).
Participants who do not have valid B1/B2 US visas should contact their nearest United States Consulate and ask about the documentation required to obtain a B1/B2 visa. Participants applying for a B1/B2 visa should bring to the US Consulate the letter of invitation from the University of Miami.
Participants who already have valid B1/B2 visas or have passports from countries which do not require visas to enter the US (e.g., Argentina, Canada) do not need to take any special actions prior to departure, beyond having a valid passport.
An I-94W Form (Arrival/Departure Record) will be distributed to participants on their flight to the United States. Participants should fill out that Form (if needed, instructions are usually available in the airlines' magazines). When going through Immigration checks at Miami International Airport, participants should present the invitation letter, their passport, the Form I-94W and their round trip airline ticket to the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) Inspector. The INS Inspector will return the Form I-94W, indicating immigration status and the length thereof. Participants need to retain this document as it constitutes the record of their arrival to and departure from the United States.
Travel ArrangementsAirline tickets. Tourist-class round-trip tickets between the airport closest to the participants' home institutions and Miami will be provided by the Institute organizers. Whenever possible, travel must take place on US airlines. Participants will be asked to provide the organizers with desired dates of departure and return. The organizers will provide a possible flight schedule. Once a participant agrees to this schedule, any expenses associated with changes will have to be covered by the participant.
To save expenses associated with mailing airline tickets, whenever possible electronic tickets will be issued. An electronic ticket reservation code will be sent to participants so they can confirm their flights with the airlines, request seat assignments, or request frequent flyer miles.
Participants arriving on international flights. Follow signs saying "Customs" or follow the rest of the people. First you will go through Immigration checks (have your passport and letter of invitation ready, and a filled I-94 Form). Then you go to claim your luggage. After you have your luggage, you go through one more Customs check (you hand in the form they give you on the plane) and follow signs to "Land Transportation". Most probably someone will be waiting for you as you exit the Customs area (look for someone with an "IAI" sign). If you do not see anyone waiting for you, wait for a reasonable time (20-25 minutes). If nobody comes, exit the airport hall, and you will find taxis waiting there. Take a taxi to the University of Miami Coral Gables campus. More on transportation from the airport below.
Participants arriving on domestic flights or flights from Canada. You will be met as you exit the concourse where you arrived and enter the main airport hall (you will see the security checks in that area). Look for someone with an "IAI" sign, or proceed to the lower level to claim your baggage. Then exit the airport and take a taxi. More on transportation form the airport below.
Transportation from Miami International Airport. We will make every effort to try to meet all participants at the airport, and drive them to the residence hall at the University of Miami's Coral Gables Campus (see Housing section below).
If someone from the Institute is meeting you upon arrival, the meeting place will be as follows:
A map of Miami International Airport can be found at:
http://www.miami-airport.com/html/body_terminal_map.htm
If you do not see anyone carrying an 'IAI" sign, please proceed to the ground level (baggage claim level) and take a taxi to the University of Miami campus, asking to be dropped off at Eaton Hall (see map of the Coral Gables campus). Participants taking a taxi should ask for a receipt, so they can be reimbursed. The cost of the taxi ride should be about $20-25.
Health InsuranceBecause of the high cost of medical treatment, all Institute participants must have health insurance during their stay in Miami. Health insurance will be provided by the Institute organizers to participants who are not U.S. citizens or residents, or who do not have other insurance.
Participants will be given a card to carry with them with a telephone contact number for the insurance company (this card should be presented when requesting medical assistance). The following hospitals are available to participants for emergency care:
HEALTHSOUTH DOCTORS' HOSPITAL
5000 University Drive
Coral Gables FL 33146
Telephone:305-666-2111
[This is the hospital closest to Eaton Hall] SOUTH MIAMI HOSPITAL
6200 Southwest 73rd Street
Miami FL 33143
Telephone: 305-661-4611 MERCY HOSPITAL
3663 South Miami Avenue
Miami FL 33133
305-854-4400
[This is the hospital closest to the Rosenstioel School]
Housing and other facilitiesParticipants will be housed in Eaton Hall, a residence hall at the University of Miami's Main Campus in Coral Gables (about 8.5 miles from the Rosenstiel School). All participants will have single rooms with private bathrooms. Housing will be available 1-2 days prior to the Institute's start, and one day after the end of Institute activities. All participants must check out of their rooms by Saturday, July 31, 1999. Participants staying in the Miami area after July 31 should make their own lodging arrangements.
Eaton Hall is locked 24 hours a day for security reasons. Upon arrival, unaccompanied participants must use a telephone located just outside the entrance to request entry (press "on", and dial 84282). After checking in at the front desk, each participant will be given an access card to the building and a room key. Participants should carry the access card and room key at all times. Participants will be responsible for any expenses associated with the loss of the card or key.
Sheets, a blanket, a pillow, and towels will be provided. Sheets and towels will be changed once per week. Every Friday, participants should bring the used sheets and towel down to the Front Desk, where they will receive a clean set. There are coin-operated laundry facilities (washer and dryer) in each floor of the dormitory building. The cost is 75 cents for the washer and 75 cents for the drier.
A classroom has been reserved at Eaton Hall in case participants want to hold meetings or discussions during the evenings (6-10 PM). Also, there are two study rooms in each floor, as well as several couches and tables in the building's lobby.
There are vending machines (drinks, snacks, ice cream) near the Front Desk. A change machine ($1 and $5 bills) can be used to obtain chnage for the washers/dryers. There is a coin-operated copying machine near the vending machines.
A Convenience Store is available in the Student Union building. The store offers drinks, snacks, canned foods, toilet paper, laundry detergent, etc. Participants should be aware that the cost of goods in the convenience store is higher than in out-of-campus stores.
Institute participants can use the UM Wellness Center, which has exercise machines, free weights, racquetball and squash courts, and a covered swimming pool. There is a charge of $20 for the 3-week period. Participants can also access the open-air swimming pool for a charge of $2 per use. Hours of operation for the open swiming pool are: Monday through Friday 11AM to 7PM, Saturday and SUnday 12AM–5PM.
For the safety of participants, there are security telephones (indicated with a blue light) throughout the Coral Gables Campus.
MealsBreakfast and lunch will be provided to participants from Monday to Friday at the Rosenstiel School Cafeteria. A dinner allowance ($25) will be given to participants during weekdays. During weekends, participants will receive a $45 per day allowance. The allowance will be reduced proportionally if meals are provided as part of the Institute's activities (e.g., coordination meetings).
There are several restaurant, fast food places and coffee houses within walking distance of the dormitories in the Coral Gables campus. A list of these places will be provided to participants upon arrival.
IMPORTANT: Meal allowances will be distributed on a week-by-week basis. Participants will be reimbursed for meals from the time they arrive in Miami. The first reimbursement will take place during the orientation session on Sunday July 11, 1999. Therefore, participants should bring enough funds to pay for their meals during the first 1-2 days.
Local TransportationA shuttle bus will transport participants between the University of Miami dormitories and the Rosenstiel School, where Institute activities will take place. Shuttle departure times and bus stop locations will be provided in the Institute Work Book and in this Web site.
There is a Metrorail stop within walking distance of Eaton Hall. Metrorail is an elevated monorail that goes to downtown Miami and ends near the Dadeland shopping mall.
A map showing the relative locations of the Coral Gables campus, the Rosenstiel School , and Miami International Airport is available here.
Weather and clothingThe weather in Miami is hot and humid in July (and in August, and in September...). Participants should bring comfortable, informal clothing (shorts are acceptable attire in Miami). Participants may consider packing a nice pair of pants or a nice skirt/dress for the opening and closing dinners. Even at these events, dress will be casual (that is, no ties!).
Hurricane PlansThe month of July is in the middle of the Atlantic hurricane season. It is possible that a hurricane alert will be issued while the Institute is in progress. The Institute organizers have developed a hurricane emergency plan, which will be discussed during the orientation session on Sunday July 11.
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Page Last Updated: July 3, 1999 Contact Information: Guillermo Podestá, Institute Science Coordinator e-mail: gpodesta@rsmas.miami.edu Telephone: 1.305.361.4142 FAX: 1.305.361.4622
