Below are a few tips for you about traveling to the United States. You will arrive in Syracuse towards the end of our winter and the beginning of spring. Syracuse is famous for its snow and we hope you will have chance to experience that.
Forecasting weather for any length of time in Syracuse can be challenging for the most experienced weather forcaster. The Weather Underground website has specific information about the normal temperatures through the year:
Syracuse Weather
Washington DC Weather
As such, it will certainly be cold when you arrive, around 30 or 40 degrees Fahrenheit (around 1 - 5 Celsius). By the time you leave Syracuse in late April, it will be significantly warmer, in the 50s or 60s Fahrenheit and then progressively warmer through your time in Washington, into the 70s and 80s (or 25 degrees celsius).
Packing your bags:
Given the temperatures, you should be prepared for the cold but recognize that it will get warmer. Given last two year's experience, and all the gift buying that occured for family back home, you will want to leave space in your luggage on the way to the US so you will not go over your two bag limit on the way back. NOTE: As in the past, we are planning to send back with you, as "excess baggage", one box for books purchased as part of the program. And though much more information regarding this will be discussed during the program, you should be aware that any additional baggage you'll have, from shopping or have acquired otherwise, you will have to ship home seperately and at your own expense.
Copying Travel Documents:
We strongly advise you to photocopy all of your travel documents and place it in your luggage. You of course will want to carry the originals with you at all times during your travel. But in case something happens it is extremely helpful to have these copies.
Customs:
Most all of you will be required to pass through customs after you land in the United States. In preparation for a potential inspection by an agent, pack your items in a way that you'll be able to repack them easily. Also please keep all of your documentation together and is in an easily assessable area. Everyone should also be given an I-94 "card" upon entry. If the agent at customs does not staple this card in your passport as typically done, please ask them to do so. If this card is misplaced/lost it will be inconvenient to have reissued.
