Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
| 1) Q: Do I need a visa to travel to the US? A: GEU Residents are eligible under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) to travel for business or tourism to travel to the US without obtaining a Visa if they meet the requirements of the program. This web site gives complete information about the VWP and the rules and regulations therof. Please read it carefully and make sure that you qualify: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html#travelertype A couple of important notes about eligibility. 1) Please make sure that your passport is in good standing for at least six months after your expected departure date from the US. 2) All non US nationals are required to fill out an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) form prior to their travel. It is highly recommended to do this sooner rather than later. |
| 2) Q: Do I need to receive any special shots or inncoulations prior to my visit to the US? A: No. But as rules and regulations regarding travel constantly change, we highly recommend checking this web site for updated information, especially in light of the H1N1 virus and the changing regulations and information about traveling. |
| 3) Q: What should I bring with me to the Camp? A: As the weather in South Louisiana can be very changing in October, ranging from 30° Celcius and Sunny to 8° Celcius and rainy, we recommend: * a range of clothes from Summer to Fall styles and a light rain jacket. It is often warm in October, and the humidity can be quite high. But it does rain often as well. Short pants are normal wear on a hot day! * sunscreen. The sun in Louisiana can be quite intense, even in October. It is recommended to use sunscreen for outdoor activities. * mosquito or insect repellent for your body. Louisiana is a water paradise, with swamplands, lakes and rivers. And that usually means lots of mosquitos. The West Nile virus exists in Southern Louisiana. It is contracted through the bite of a mosquito. Although it is not usually a problem, it can be quite serious or fatal for some people. It is recommended that all read the pdf document about West Nile virus at this web site: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0004457/ * other items that might be considered useful would be musical instruments (we are checking on the amount of luggage the group can bring and should be able to provide good information shortly as to whether you can bring a guitar or other instrument along), ear plugs (lodging is double occupancy) |
| 4) Q:Which language will the teachers at camp be speaking?
A: The workshops will mostly be done in English with help for those who need clarification. We are organizing the programs to be self-explanatory regardless of language. |
| 5) Q: What is the lodging like at the Camp?
A: NOTE: The 2011 Camp will be held at a historic Convent in the French Quarter. Due to pending fire alarm installations, the Convent is currently not allowed to have guests stay overnight. Thus our quarters will be at a hotel near the Convent. Rooms will be double occupancy, and if you have a roommate request, we will try to fulfill that. If not, a roommate will be assigned to you. |
| 6) Q: Is their lodging for Handicapped participants?
A: Yes. The hotel has handicap accommodations as well. |
| 7) Q: I’ve heard that all Cajun and Creole food is very spicy. Is this true? I don’t like my meals too spicy hot!
A: Absolutely not. Cajun and Creole cuisines are very different from each other, and there are varying levels of spices in each dish. Spices in both styles are used to bring out the flavors of the dish, rather than to make it fiery hot. Often a restaurant will have pepper sauce on the table should the patron like their meal a bit spicier. |
| 8) Q: Will this camp enhance my abilities as a singer?
A: Perhaps, but that is not the focus of the camp. The purpose of the camp is to bring singers from Europe who have an interest in singing Gospel music together with some of the best Gospel choir directors of New Orleans to sing together and experience Gospel music at the source of the well so to speak. |
| 9) Q: I am not a professional singer and I have the fear that I may not be good enough to sing at the camp. Should I still sign up?
A: Of course! There are no rules about how experienced a singer must be to come and sing and have fun with us. The workshops will mostly be for all experience levels. |
| 10) Q: Is there any way of attending the camp without paying?
A: Sorry, no. |