Travel
Before You Go
- Travel Log
If you have not already created your account on International SOS (ISOS), our travel log system, please do so before arriving to campus. All student are required to use ISOS while participating in all International Programs.
- Packing
When thinking about packing for life in the residence hall, you will want to pack similarly to how you packed for life in Malibu, just a bit lighter. Rooms come equip with furniture and bed sets, and the kitchenettes include dishes. You will be responsible for bringing all toiletries and bath sets (i.e Towels). Please follow the attached guides for a more in depth packing list based on the season(s) you will be in DC.
Arriving to DC
DC group flight participants fly into either Washington's Reagan International Airport (DCA) or Dulles International Airport (IAD). Group flight students will be greeted at baggage claim by the DC Program staff and will shuttle to campus. Flight exemption students are expected to arrive to campus between 10am and 5pm on check-in day. Flight exempt students must let the Program Coordinator know what time they plan to arrive to campus.
There are three major airports in the Washington DC Area;
- Ronald Reagan International Airport (DCA) -About 6 Miles from Campus
- Dulles International Airport (IAD)- About 26 Miles from Campus
- Baltimore/ Washington Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)- About 40 Miles from Campus
Group Flight Information
International Study Tour (IST)
Each term all program participants and staff will travel internationally for our International Study Tour (IST), also known as the EFT in the other IP Programs. In the past the DC Program has travel to places like Morocco, Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Dubai. The DC Program IST is designed to give students a truly immersive experience in another country and culture. Before departure, students will participate in discussions, workshops, and lectures to prepare them for the trip.
Currently, the program will travel to Berlin, Germany for the Fall IST and to various cities in Peru for the Spring IST. Due to the length and nature of the summer session, international Study Tour's are not offered during the summer term.
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- Fall 17 IST Dates: September 30th- October 6th, 2017
- Spring 18 IST Dates: February 16th-February 23rd, 2018
Resources to help you prepare for the IST:
- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's "The Danger of a Single Story"
Weekend Travel
Washington DC is strategically placed where you can explore many historical areas in the northeastern part of the United States. Many students enjoy weekend trips to New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, and many more! Students have also explored beyond just the northeast traveling as far south as Florida and as far north at Niagara Falls. Below are some resources for planning amazing weekend getaways.
- Helpful Sites
These sites will inspire you to plan trips like a professional travel agent on a student budget. Please also feel free to contact the DC Program Coordinator for travel planning advice when needed.
Wanderu - The simplest way to book bus and train travel
Lonely Planet- Informs and inspires travelers with trusted content for print and digital from experts who have visited every destination.
Trip Advisor- Provides travelers with the wisdom of the crowds to help them decide where to stay, how to fly, what to do and where to eat.
Hipmunk- Offers the most comprehensive travel search, from commercial flights, trains, and charter flights to hotels and vacation rentals through Airbnb.
- Ground Transportation
DC's Union Station is the hub all of your long distance ground transportation. There are many different ground transportation options and companies to choose from. Below are some of our student and staff favorites!
MARC Train (Best for Trips to Baltimore)
- Lodging
- Day Trip Ideas
- Gettysburg
- Mount Vernon
- Monticello
- Philadelphia
- Baltimore
- Fredericksburg
- Annapolis
- Virginia Beach
- Dewey Beach