RIG Seminar Tunisia

Tunisia: Navigating environmental challenges, solutions, andsustainable tourism

June 1-11 | Rollins CollegeProgram leaders: Sana Seghair & Constance Castillo Vottero

Start

General Information

Accommodation

• Hotel Sidi Bou Said (Sidi Dhrif) - Tunis
• Les chamières de Ain Drahim
• Dar Alyssa
• Hotel Thugga
• Dar El Gaied

Private bus

Meals

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Lunch at your own expense
• Dinner included (several locations)

To do before the trip

- Talk to your mobile carrier to buy an international data and calls plan. Or, buy a SIM card from a local provider at arrival. This option is only possible if you didn’t buy your cell phone from a carrier and/or your phone is totally unlocked.- Change some dollars to Tunisian dinars before your trip.

Essentials to pack

- swimsuit, beach towel, hat, sunscreen.- comfortable clothes and shoes. - outlet adapter US-France (keep in mind that the voltage power in Tunisia is 220V so your devices such as hair dryers, etc. might not function properly). - backpack for day trips and overnight trips.

Internet Access

Internet coverage is available throughout Tunisia and the access is affordable. While the two hotels where will be staying, the restaurants, coffee shops offer free WIFI, you still need to have access to internet outdoors and be able to make phone calls.

Cultural tips

- Western style clothing is the norm in Tunisia for everyday life.- Most dishes are vegetable-based, less fast-food restaurants. - Even though you can drink tap water, most people buy water bottles in Tunisia. - Most of the restaurants do not serve pork. - Tunisians do not greet with hugs. To greet both men and women handshakes and cheek kisses (between friends, family members, colleagues) are more common. - Over the counter medicines do not exist in Tunisian pharmacies. You can describe your symptoms and the pharmacist recommends medicines otherwise you would need to see a doctor and have a prescription. - You may encounter “overly persistent street vendors.” If you are not interested, just say “No thank you” and keep walking. - As pedestrians, be careful while walking around town: the cultural approach taken by Tunisian to crossing the road is to wait for a gap in the flow of cars and start crossing.

• Next meetings:

• 3/21 - 4 presentations + discussion
• 4/11 - survival Arabic and French
• 5/2 - 4 presentations + discussion

• Our fifth and last meeting will be held virtually during the month of May (date TBD).

• To-do list:

• pick a topic for your presentation and sign-up for a date

• join the WhatsApp group chat

• Make you sure filled out the required travel document for your fligths