Flight Arrangements
FSMI will organize a group flight from Boston or New York . Specific information will be provided once you have been accepted into the program. Unless you have special circumstances, we strongly recommend you take the group flight.

Passports and Visas
If you do not yet have a passport, acquire one long before departure. Forms are available at most major U.S. Post Offices and online at http://travel.state.gov/passport_services.html. If you already have a passport, make sure it will not expire during the course of the program. Give yourself three months beyond the program before the passport expires.
Leave a photocopy of your passport and itinerary at home and send copies of each to the FSMIE central office. Keep your passport in a safe place. Do not pack your passport in a suitcase, since your luggage should be checked through to your destination at the point of departure. Also before you leave, scan your passport and e-mail it to your own email address. That way, if you lose your passport, you will have a copy that you can access and print out from any internet café. This also works for phone numbers and addresses, and any other paperwork as well.
FSMI will provide you with appropriate instructions in a timely fashion for Visas. You will need at least a month long tourist visa for this trip, and we will apply as a group. Click here for visa guidelines. Download Application for Ghana Entry Visa

What to Take with You
Most airlines allow one carry-on which must fit either under the seat or in the overhead compartment and 2 pieces of checked luggage not exceeding 70 pounds each. Size and safety restrictions on checked luggage also apply but vary depending on the airline. Please contact the airlines regarding updated carry-on and security regulations.
Luggage should be lightweight, with sturdy handles, zippers and/or latches. Past participants strongly recommend that you travel light. With a little imagination and use of accessories, a small wardrobe can produce versatile combinations. Most toiletry articles are available in ample supply abroad.

Visit Help for World Travelers at www.travel-advisor-online.com to receive comprehensive telephone and electrical information for where you are traveling.

• Don't forget these items:
• band-aids
• mini first aid kit
• tweezers
• safety pins
• 12-hour cold capsules
• anti-diarrhea pills
• contact lens solution
• motion sickness pills
• Insect repellant
• sunscreen
• pocket tool (must be checked in your luggage)
• dental floss
• nail clippers
• a sewing kit
• small flashlight
• travel alarm clock
• film or disposable camera (must be packed in your carry-on)
• Antacid
• small pack for weekend travel
  

If you take any regular medication, you should take an adequate supply to last for the duration of the program (providing the particular medication is not perishable). Be sure all medication is clearly labeled. If the prescribing doctor advises against taking a large supply of medication with you, the doctor should prescribe a diagnosis-prescription describing the medication so that an overseas physician may fill the prescription properly. In some cases, physicians will not fill a prescription without doing an examination and confirming the diagnosis of your condition.

If you wear glasses or contact lenses, it is best to take a written copy of the prescription.

Information on contraception may be more difficult to get overseas than in the United States. If you anticipate needing some form of birth control while abroad, take it with you.

FUNDRAISING

Fundraising can make a substantial impact on players' costs. Many players have been able to defray the majority of the tour fees by attracting local sponsors. However, hard work is needed. Amateur players at all levels, youth through senior, know that funding for training and competitions comes only from a well thought out plan. Based on our past experiences and the suggestions of some professional fundraisers, the following general guidelines should be followed:

1. Be as organized and professional as possible. Take the necessary materials with you as in forms, letters of introduction and brochures.
2. Be polite, positive and patient. Dress neatly.
3. Meet prospective donors face-to-face. Personal contact is the best way to show that you are interested in the donor. Phone calls (not too many) are also good.
4. Follow up your meetings with a thank you letter and any materials requested by the donor. We will provide you with as much of that as possible. Your excitement and enthusiasm is what gets you donors, so when you feel it act.
5. Do not always look for the big donor. Expect most to give between $25 and $50.
6. Start early. Plan a list of family, friends, relatives, local businesses and others. The more local, the better. Think of places where you shop.
7. The more sponsors, the more support you have.
8. If possible, try to find an adult who would be willing to serve as the guide for your fundraising efforts by giving advise, connections and support. You do the legwork.
9. Keep your sponsors informed from abroad. Budget a postcard or two for each. Be creative, honest and resourceful.

SUPERVISION

The ratio of players to chaperones (coaches, trainers and staff) is always kept around 10:1. We feel this ratio provides proper supervision without stifling individual creativity and growth.

Note to Parents / Players: We place a strong emphasis on Respect and Self-discipline. Sanctions, from missed sessions and games, to tour dismissal, helps players understand and respect the cooperation expected from them. Ghanaians will generously open their homes to anyone and they will address all with respect and regard There will, therefore, be no tolerance for any kind of disrespect or abuse either by Ghanaians or our players. Players are responsible for informing FSMI staff if there are problems with any arrangements or other issues not immediately obvious.

To enhance supervision, your trip is under the administration of FSMI. At FSMI we take the safety of players very seriously. All sessions will have emergency medical services. Game related injuries are handled by certified Trainers who have many years of on-field experience at the highest levels of competition. These personnel will be supported by FSM International staff who will accompany players to a local hospital for appropriate treatment.

Players are responsible for contacting FSMI staff to report an illness or injury not apparent to the coaches. Players have the opportunity daily to visit with these trainers and doctors for attention. In addition, all players are registered with a local private hospital that has 24-hour emergency medical services. Players may visit this hospital at any time for attention. It is further advised that players contact their doctor or local immunization center prior to departure for which inoculations or treatments, if any, need to be taken. Most common preventive treatments are for malaria, hepatitis, typhoid and yellow fever. Contact the Center for Disease Control for more information www.cdc.gov. Note: You are going to a beautiful country with very loving people. Besides the soccer, there will be a real cultural experience that will include the food, the climate, the people, etc. Ghanaians are not at all rich people by American standards, but they do a lot with the little they have. You are not going to have the material things you may be accustomed to at home. You therefore need to approach this program with an open mind and a great attitude You will learn a lot and achieve a great deal if you open yourself up for the experience.