Welcome to New York!
Welcome to New York!
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Essential Arrival Information InterExchange Camp USA is looking forward to seeing you in the Big Apple. In order to ensure that your trip goes smoothly, we have prepared this instruction sheet. Please read everything below carefully before you leave your home country and call our local cooperator with any questions. Then, carry this sheet with you on the airplane! You may need it when you land. At the airport As you go through immigration, you will need to show the officer your passport (with the J-1 Visa stamp) and your DS-2019. Keep your placement offer with you as well, in case they want to know your U.S. address. Answer all questions honestly. Make sure the officer stamps and hands back your DS-2019. The officer should not keep it. If the officer tells you that you are not in the SEVIS system, follow these steps: 1. Ask him/her to manually reenter your SEVIS ID (the number in the top right-hand corner of your DS-2019) instead of scanning the bar code. 2. Confirm that s/he is entering the entire ID, not leaving off the N and the first few zeros. 3. Confirm that s/he is entering you as a J-1 participant, not an F-1 student. 4. Ask the officer to call InterExchange Camp USA at one of the following numbers: InterExchange Camp USA office: 1.800.597.1722, ext. 491. InterExchange Camp USA emergency line: 917.741.5057 Once you have cleared immigration, you will pick up your luggage, go through customs and follow the instructions for traveling to the hostel.
tRAVELING TO THE HOSTEL Now that you have cleared immigration and picked up your luggage, it’s time to go to the hostel. You have several options: 1. Take a Super Shuttle Van. Go to the ground transportation
desk and ask how to get a Super Shuttle. If no one is working at the desk, look for a blue Super Shuttle phone. All you have to do is pick it up and you will be connected directly with Super Shuttle. Tell them which airport and terminal you are in. If you do not see a Super Shuttle phone, you can call 1.800.BLUE VAN (1.800.258.3826) for free from any pay phone. The trip to the hostel will cost approximately $20 plus tip ($3). 2. Take a taxi. A taxi is more convenient but will cost you more money (unless you are sharing a taxi with at least two other people). Simply follow the taxi signs to the outside of the airport; you will see a line of taxis and someone directing people to the correct taxi. The trip will cost at least $45 ($55 from Newark), plus tolls and tip. Give the driver the name and address of the hostel: Hostelling International – New York 891 Amsterdam Avenue (at 103rd Street) New York, NY 10025 1.212.932.2300 www.hinewyork.org
PACK THIS SHEET IN YOUR CARRY-ON BAG. YOU WILL NEED IT WHEN YOU LAND!
161 Sixth Avenue, New York, NY 10013 | TEL 212.924.0446 FAX 212.924.0575 | www.InterExchange.org/camp-usa
3. Take the subway (only available from JFK airport). This is the least expensive but most complicated option. Take the Air Train to the Howard Beach Subway Station. This will cost $5. At this station, you will purchase a MetroCard for $2.50 and get on the A train to Manhattan. You can take this train all the way to 59th Street/ Columbus Circle, where you will need to change to the 1 train uptown. Get off the 1 train at the 103rd Street stop and walk 1 block east (do not cross Broadway!) to the hostel. Remember, transportation options change constantly. Take a look at www.panynj. com for updated transportation choices from all airports. At the Hostel When you arrive at the hostel, go to the front desk and tell them that you are with InterExchange Camp USA. We have already made a reservation for you so you should not pay for your room. The front desk will give you your room key and you should go to your room and get some rest. You will need to be up very early the next morning for orientation, so do not stay out late sightseeing! You will leave for camp immediately after orientation so make sure to check out of the hostel before you depart.
Orientation All orientations will be held at the InterExchange office starting at 10 a.m. Please arrive by 9:45 a.m. and bring all of your luggage. If you have any questions or problems, please call us! For the InterExchange Camp USA office, dial 1.800.597.1722 from any pay phone. This is a free call, but sometimes the airport phones charge you anyway (35 cents). Ask for anyone in the camp department. If you hear a recording, dial extension 491. If it’s after 5:30 pm, you will hear an option that will connect you to the Emergency phone. If you cannot reach us at the office, you can also call the InterExchange Camp USA emergency cell phone directly: 1.917.741.5057. DO NOT 1. Do not panic. Everything will be fine! You speak English, you know where you have to go and you have our phone number. Stay calm and follow the instructions above. 2. Do not call anyone other than InterExchange Camp USA. In the past, we have had participants try to meet up with “friends” they have met on the Internet. This is incredibly dangerous. 3. Do not go anywhere other than the hostel. We are waiting for you! If you don’t show up, we assume that something is wrong and we make lots of people (including your camp, our cooperator and your family) very worried.
4. Do not give up on calling us. If you
have a problem getting through, call us back. We would like to help you get to the hostel safely. Leave a message so we can get in touch with you and know what is going on. If you have any questions about these instructions, please talk to our cooperator before you leave your home country. Have a safe trip and we’ll see you in New York!
need help? Contact InterExchange Camp USA or the International Cooperator in your home country for assistance Camp USA (toll-free): 1.800.597.1722 Camp USA Emergencies: 1.917.741.5057 Medical Emergencies: Dial 911 from any phone.
TIP: Bring a minimum of $250 USD with you for travel and other expenses.
161 Sixth Avenue, New York, NY 10013 | TEL 212.924.0446 FAX 212.924.0575 | www.InterExchange.org/camp-usa
InterExchange Office Directions Orientation will be held at the InterExchange office the day after your arrival. It will begin at 10:00 a.m. If you get lost, you can go to any payphone and dial our number for free: 1.800.621.1202.
By Subway ($2.50) *Subway maps are available for free at subway stations.
1 Train (Recommended) From the Hostelling International entrance (891 Amsterdam Avenue at 103rd Street) walk one block west towards the 1 subway stop. Take this train downtown to Houston Street. Walk south on Varick Street towards Spring Street. Make a left on Spring Street. Our office is on the corner of Sixth Avenue (also called Avenue of the Americas) and Spring Street at 161 Sixth Avenue on the 10th Floor. This will take about 30-40 minutes.
C Train (Blue Line) From Hostelling International (891 Amsterdam Avenue on 103rd Street) walk up to 104th Street and then head east until you reach Central Park West. The subway stop should be on 103rd Street and Central Park West. Take the C train downtown to Spring Street. Our office is on the corner of Sixth Avenue (also called Avenue of the Americas) and Spring Street at 161 Sixth Avenue on the 10th Floor. This will take about 45 minutes. Below is a map of the subway stops in the area surrounding Hostelling International.
Hostelling International 891 Amsterdam Ave
1 Subway 103rd St. Station
C Subway 103rd St. Station
161 Sixth Avenue, New York, NY 10013 | TEL 212.924.0446 FAX 212.924.0575 | www.InterExchange.org/camp-usa
By Taxi This is the simplest and fastest way. You can share a yellow taxi (which normally holds up to four passengers) with other Camp USA participants. The cost should be around $25 (not including tip) and you can share the cost with the other participants. Tell the driver to go to Sixth Avenue between Spring Street and Vandam Street. This will take less than 30 minutes. If traveling by taxi, be sure that it is a yellow car with the
T logo on the side. It is customary to tip the driver $4-5 for this ride.
Below is a map of the area surrounding the InterExchange office.
1 Subway Houston St. Station
InterExchange 161 Sixth Ave, 10th Floor
C Subway Spring St. Station
161 Sixth Avenue, New York, NY 10013 | TEL 212.924.0446 FAX 212.924.0575 | www.InterExchange.org/camp-usa
Exchange
In
t
er
A
mb
assador
Essential Arrival Information InterExchange Camp USA is looking forward to seeing you in the Big Apple. In order to ensure that your trip goes smoothly, we have prepared this instruction sheet. Please read everything below carefully before you leave your home country and call our local cooperator with any questions. Then, carry this sheet with you on the airplane! You may need it when you land. At the airport As you go through immigration, you will need to show the officer your passport (with the J-1 Visa stamp) and your DS-2019. Keep your placement offer with you as well, in case they want to know your U.S. address. Answer all questions honestly. Make sure the officer stamps and hands back your DS-2019. The officer should not keep it. If the officer tells you that you are not in the SEVIS system, follow these steps: 1. Ask him/her to manually reenter your SEVIS ID (the number in the top right-hand corner of your DS-2019) instead of scanning the bar code. 2. Confirm that s/he is entering the entire ID, not leaving off the N and the first few zeros. 3. Confirm that s/he is entering you as a J-1 participant, not an F-1 student. 4. Ask the officer to call InterExchange Camp USA at one of the following numbers: InterExchange Camp USA office: 1.800.597.1722, ext. 491. InterExchange Camp USA emergency line: 917.741.5057 Once you have cleared immigration, you will pick up your luggage, go through customs and follow the instructions for traveling to the hostel.
tRAVELING TO THE HOSTEL Now that you have cleared immigration and picked up your luggage, it’s time to go to the hostel. You have several options: 1. Take a Super Shuttle Van. Go to the ground transportation
desk and ask how to get a Super Shuttle. If no one is working at the desk, look for a blue Super Shuttle phone. All you have to do is pick it up and you will be connected directly with Super Shuttle. Tell them which airport and terminal you are in. If you do not see a Super Shuttle phone, you can call 1.800.BLUE VAN (1.800.258.3826) for free from any pay phone. The trip to the hostel will cost approximately $20 plus tip ($3). 2. Take a taxi. A taxi is more convenient but will cost you more money (unless you are sharing a taxi with at least two other people). Simply follow the taxi signs to the outside of the airport; you will see a line of taxis and someone directing people to the correct taxi. The trip will cost at least $45 ($55 from Newark), plus tolls and tip. Give the driver the name and address of the hostel: Hostelling International – New York 891 Amsterdam Avenue (at 103rd Street) New York, NY 10025 1.212.932.2300 www.hinewyork.org
PACK THIS SHEET IN YOUR CARRY-ON BAG. YOU WILL NEED IT WHEN YOU LAND!
161 Sixth Avenue, New York, NY 10013 | TEL 212.924.0446 FAX 212.924.0575 | www.InterExchange.org/camp-usa
3. Take the subway (only available from JFK airport). This is the least expensive but most complicated option. Take the Air Train to the Howard Beach Subway Station. This will cost $5. At this station, you will purchase a MetroCard for $2.50 and get on the A train to Manhattan. You can take this train all the way to 59th Street/ Columbus Circle, where you will need to change to the 1 train uptown. Get off the 1 train at the 103rd Street stop and walk 1 block east (do not cross Broadway!) to the hostel. Remember, transportation options change constantly. Take a look at www.panynj. com for updated transportation choices from all airports. At the Hostel When you arrive at the hostel, go to the front desk and tell them that you are with InterExchange Camp USA. We have already made a reservation for you so you should not pay for your room. The front desk will give you your room key and you should go to your room and get some rest. You will need to be up very early the next morning for orientation, so do not stay out late sightseeing! You will leave for camp immediately after orientation so make sure to check out of the hostel before you depart.
Orientation All orientations will be held at the InterExchange office starting at 10 a.m. Please arrive by 9:45 a.m. and bring all of your luggage. If you have any questions or problems, please call us! For the InterExchange Camp USA office, dial 1.800.597.1722 from any pay phone. This is a free call, but sometimes the airport phones charge you anyway (35 cents). Ask for anyone in the camp department. If you hear a recording, dial extension 491. If it’s after 5:30 pm, you will hear an option that will connect you to the Emergency phone. If you cannot reach us at the office, you can also call the InterExchange Camp USA emergency cell phone directly: 1.917.741.5057. DO NOT 1. Do not panic. Everything will be fine! You speak English, you know where you have to go and you have our phone number. Stay calm and follow the instructions above. 2. Do not call anyone other than InterExchange Camp USA. In the past, we have had participants try to meet up with “friends” they have met on the Internet. This is incredibly dangerous. 3. Do not go anywhere other than the hostel. We are waiting for you! If you don’t show up, we assume that something is wrong and we make lots of people (including your camp, our cooperator and your family) very worried.
4. Do not give up on calling us. If you
have a problem getting through, call us back. We would like to help you get to the hostel safely. Leave a message so we can get in touch with you and know what is going on. If you have any questions about these instructions, please talk to our cooperator before you leave your home country. Have a safe trip and we’ll see you in New York!
need help? Contact InterExchange Camp USA or the International Cooperator in your home country for assistance Camp USA (toll-free): 1.800.597.1722 Camp USA Emergencies: 1.917.741.5057 Medical Emergencies: Dial 911 from any phone.
TIP: Bring a minimum of $250 USD with you for travel and other expenses.
161 Sixth Avenue, New York, NY 10013 | TEL 212.924.0446 FAX 212.924.0575 | www.InterExchange.org/camp-usa
InterExchange Office Directions Orientation will be held at the InterExchange office the day after your arrival. It will begin at 10:00 a.m. If you get lost, you can go to any payphone and dial our number for free: 1.800.621.1202.
By Subway ($2.50) *Subway maps are available for free at subway stations.
1 Train (Recommended) From the Hostelling International entrance (891 Amsterdam Avenue at 103rd Street) walk one block west towards the 1 subway stop. Take this train downtown to Houston Street. Walk south on Varick Street towards Spring Street. Make a left on Spring Street. Our office is on the corner of Sixth Avenue (also called Avenue of the Americas) and Spring Street at 161 Sixth Avenue on the 10th Floor. This will take about 30-40 minutes.
C Train (Blue Line) From Hostelling International (891 Amsterdam Avenue on 103rd Street) walk up to 104th Street and then head east until you reach Central Park West. The subway stop should be on 103rd Street and Central Park West. Take the C train downtown to Spring Street. Our office is on the corner of Sixth Avenue (also called Avenue of the Americas) and Spring Street at 161 Sixth Avenue on the 10th Floor. This will take about 45 minutes. Below is a map of the subway stops in the area surrounding Hostelling International.
Hostelling International 891 Amsterdam Ave
1 Subway 103rd St. Station
C Subway 103rd St. Station
161 Sixth Avenue, New York, NY 10013 | TEL 212.924.0446 FAX 212.924.0575 | www.InterExchange.org/camp-usa
By Taxi This is the simplest and fastest way. You can share a yellow taxi (which normally holds up to four passengers) with other Camp USA participants. The cost should be around $25 (not including tip) and you can share the cost with the other participants. Tell the driver to go to Sixth Avenue between Spring Street and Vandam Street. This will take less than 30 minutes. If traveling by taxi, be sure that it is a yellow car with the
T logo on the side. It is customary to tip the driver $4-5 for this ride.
Below is a map of the area surrounding the InterExchange office.
1 Subway Houston St. Station
InterExchange 161 Sixth Ave, 10th Floor
C Subway Spring St. Station
161 Sixth Avenue, New York, NY 10013 | TEL 212.924.0446 FAX 212.924.0575 | www.InterExchange.org/camp-usa
