Staging Info!

So we finally got our staging information yesterday! We will fly to Philadelphia on the 2nd of July and then leave Philly for Johannesburg on July 3rd at 3:15. Basically how it works is we will check in at Staging at 12:30 on the 2nd and run around doing a bunch of stuff for a few hours and then leave for the airport (to fly to New York) at around 2:30 am. I'm just going to copy and past the info since its pretty to the point and fun to read! Its really happening guys! We are sooo excited! Our dream of over 5 years is coming true and we are really doing it! Wahoo!  Enjoy! and we hope to see you all at our going away party this weekend!

Greetings Lindsey:The Staging Unit is looking forward to your arrival in Philadelphia, PA on July 2, 2013 for the South Africa staging event. Please read this email and the attachments carefully, as the information here will answer many of the questions you have regarding your final steps prior to departing for South Africa.
Your staging event will be a brief, yet intense orientation to the Peace Corps and the general demands of being a healthy, safe, and effective Volunteer. Since our time at staging is limited, you should come prepared by reading your Welcome Book, Volunteer Handbook, and the attached Peace Corps’ Approach to Safety and Security. Your attendance at all sessions is mandatory.
Please note that as a Trainee and Volunteer overseas, you will be expected to act and dress in keeping with your status as a professional and guest. At staging, business casual attire is required.
STAGING DATES: July 2, 2013 - July 3, 2013

REGISTRATION: 12:30 PM on July 2, 2013

STAGING HOTEL: Crowne Plaza Philadelphia West
4010 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131
(215) 477-0200
http://www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/philadelphia/phlci/hoteldetail

SCHEDULE:

July 2, 2013 12:30 PM: Registration
2:00 - 4:25 PM: Who We Are, What You Expect
4:25 - 4:45 PM: Break
4:45 - 7:00 PM: What We Expect, What's Next, Closing

July 3, 2013 2:30AM: Check out of hotel
3:00AM: Bus arrives for loading and departure to the airport

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT ITINERARY:

03 JUL 13 - WEDNESDAY
AIR US AIRWAYS FLT:5557 COACH CLASS MULTI MEALS
NEW YORK JFK-JOHANNESBURG OPERATED BY SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS
LV NEW YORK JFK 1115A EQP: AIRBUS A340-600
DEPART: TERMINAL 4 15HR 05MIN

04 JUL 13 - THURSDAY
AR JOHANNESBURG 820A NON-STOP
ARRIVE: TERMINAL A

Travel Arrangements to Staging: Please contact Sato Travel immediately to make your flight arrangements to staging at 1-800-735-2554. When making your reservation with Sato, your name on your ticket must be an exact match to your name on the form of ID used when checking in at the airport. Please be sure to have this form of ID with you when making your reservation with Sato. If you intend to make your own arrangements for travel to Staging, or have any questions about your travel, contact the Staging Unit at 202-692-1865 or staging@peacecorps.gov.

Baggage Fees: Some airlines may waive baggage fees if you communicate that you are departing for the Peace Corps. However, if you are charged any fees for your baggage, while following Peace Corps luggage requirements, keep your receipts. You will be reimbursed in local currency after you have arrived at Post. The attached baggage advisory details Peace Corps’ luggage requirements.
Emergency or Travel Delays: If you are unable to get to your staging event on time because of an emergency or travel delay, please notify Peace Corps staff at the staging event. Call the Crowne Plaza Philadelphia West at (215) 477-0200 and speak with Greg Pachuta, Staging Coordinator.

Getting to the Hotel from the Airport: Although the Peace Corps does not organize transportation from the airport to the hotel, there are many options available. Call the hotel to see if they offer complimentary shuttle service, or know of affordable options. Group shuttles, booked in advance, are generally the most cost effective option. Taxis will also be available, but are more expensive. Pay close attention to the hotel address, as many hotels have several properties in the area.

Hotel Information: Peace Corps has made your hotel arrangements. You will not need to pay for your room, but you may be asked to present a credit card as a guarantee against incidental charges that will not be covered (i.e. telephone calls, in-room movies, etc.) Please try to check into your hotel room upon your arrival. Check-in time is typically 3:00PM, but rooms may be ready sooner. There will be a welcome sign at the front desk informing you of the time and location of the registration and event.
Registration: During registration, you will submit the mandatory Eligibility Verification Form. Please print the Eligibility Verification Form and bring it to registration. You should also have ready your student loan deferment forms for certification (if applicable). Please eat prior to registration. Registration will begin at 12:30 PM. If you have not completed your registration forms and activities in your New Volunteer Portal, please do so as soon as possible.



We look forward to meeting you, and feel free to contact us at 1-855-855-1961, option 1, extension 1865 with any questions.

Sincerely,
Staging Unit