Where is
Guadalajara, Mexico?
Guadalajara is in the state of Jalisco, México. It is
the second largest city in the country, after the capital, Mexico
City. It lies four hundred miles west of Mexico City, at an
altitude of 5,220 feet. Guadalajara anchors the southwestern
end of the Mesa Central and is located near the middle of the
valley of Guadalajara.
What documents
do I need to enter Mexico? Visas/Permits?
You will need a passport to travel to México and obtain
a visitor’s pass also known as a ‘tourist visa’.
You do not need to go to a Mexican consulate to obtain this.
You will get the form on the plane. The form must be kept throughout
the duration of your trip since you have to return it upon departure.
IMPORTANT
NOTE:
Students under the age of 18 MUST have a U.S. notarized letter
by BOTH their parents or sole-custody legal guardian, giving
them permission to enter Mexico as a VEM participant.
Without this paper, students will not be allowed to enter Mexico.
Student keeps original form since he/she will have to present
it at the airport.
Is there a time difference between Los Angeles and Guadalajara?
Yes. Guadalajara is two hours ahead.
Will you pick
me up at the Guadalajara airport?
You can be picked up at the airport and taken back for your
departing flight by VEM staff for an airport transportation
fee of $40.00. We charge this fee since our students will be
arriving at different times, from different places. This ensures
that someone is waiting for you at any time you arrive. The
time distance between the airport and hotel is about 40 minutes.
What happens
on the last day of the program?
Check out time is 12:00 pm. Please arrange your departure flight
to leave in the morning. You can take a taxi to the airport
or you can make transportation plans with VEM. (see question
above)
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
What clothing
should I bring?
Due to its altitude, the city enjoys mild daytime temperatures
of 75-85 F° most of the year. However rainfall season comes
mostly between May and October so we may have rain during our
stay. We recommend you bring summer and fall clothes. The most
important thing to remember is that you will be walking a lot
so you will need comfortable clothes and especially, comfortable
shoes. You will need some dress up clothes for the welcome dinner
and the “despedida” party at the end of the program.
We also recommend a jacket for the evening and since we will
be at the beach for a weekend, you will need to bring a swimsuit,
sandals, towels, hat and sun block.
What personal
items do I need to bring?
You will need your toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, personal
hygiene products and sunscreen lotion. Our apartments, Moralva
Suites, are located near a shopping mall and stores so these
products can be purchased there if you wish. But we recommend
you bring what you will need with you. Other items to bring
are: bath towel and beach towel, sunglasses, hat, alarm clock,
camera (with lots of film!) and extra batteries. A backpack,
money belt and Spanish/English dictionary will be very useful.
MONEY
How much spending money should I bring with me?
It all depends on you. You should bring at least U.S. $400.00
This will cover your lunches and perhaps some souvenirs. If
you plan to do lots of shopping then you will need to bring
extra. Remember you will have other expenditures such as laundry,
telephone calls, gifts and other personal expenses.
When and where should I exchange money?
You can exchange enough money for transportation (if you are
taking a taxi!) once you arrive at the airport. More money can
be exchanged near our apartment suites. There are local banks
and an American Express at walking distance from Moralva Suites.
Keep in mind that when you shop at the local ‘mercados’,
credit cards will not be accepted.
HEALTH
Do I need special immunizations before my departure?
No. There are no special health concerns for visitors of Mexico.
No immunizations are needed.
Is the water safe to drink?
We recommend you don’t drink tap water during
your stay in Mexico. It is best to buy bottled water at the
local store. Moralva Suites will provide purified water.
Will I have problems with the food?
All restaurants that we visit are clean and hygienic. We do
recommend that when you are on your own for lunch that you use
your common sense.
What happens if I get sick?
If you get sick, there is medical care that is readily available
to you. You will have medical and travel insurance coverage
in case of need.
How can I make a telephone call?
Students will not be able to make calls from their room, but
will be able to receive them. There are telephones nearby that
you can use to call home. You will need to purchase a telephone
card available at the local store.
How can someone get in contact with me?
Family and friends can reach you at the apartments. They can
send mail to you there and phone you as well. The address and
contact numbers are:
Moralva Suites
Attn: VEM Program
Av. Vallarta 2477
Guadalajara, Jalisco, México 44100
Ph. (011-52) 33-3615-4804
FAX (011-52) 33-3616-3817
The program will have an office number in Guadalajara and it
will be sent to you prior to departure.
