Infos Teilnehmer Upward Bound 2013

UPWARD BOUND 2013 INFORMATION

Welcome to Upward Bound 2013 at Tauernhof! We look forward to having you with us for this course.  Here is some important information that will help you in preparing to come to Tauernhof.  Please read it through carefully, and bring it with you for further reference. Please also consider joining our Official Facebook Group for Upward Bound 2013, so you can connect, share travel and other ideas and maybe even meet up - see www.facebook.com/groups/451980421523580/

COURSE INFORMATION

Upward Bound is designed to facilitate the deepening of faith in and commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ, and to promote the development of the Christian as a whole person: spiritually, mentally and physically. This unique and intensive course also aims to increase Biblical knowledge and application, promote Biblical values, develop leadership potential, a sense of personal responsibility and self-confidence and to encourage cooperative teamwork and appreciation for others.
 
To this end, Upward Bound consists of teaching on subjects including Prayer, Ecclesiastes, The Armour of God and Leadership. These studies are integrated with a demanding program using the mountain and wilderness environment as a classroom providing both inherent and controlled challenges. Included in the course are lectures, seminars, backpacking, map and compass skills, hiking skills, camping, climbing, rappelling, caving, canyoning, rafting, river crossings, initiatives, solo, assignments and opportunities for further application and interaction in devotions, services and regular practical work and household duties. Participants will be divided into smaller groups of six to nine persons for various purposes such as small group problem solving tasks, leadership training, debriefing and fellowship.
 
Time for personal reflection, relaxation and recreation both individually and as a group is also vital. Besides planned activities and social events, the alpine environment of mountains, lakes and waterfalls offers great recreation opportunities such as sightseeing, hiking and running. Tauernhof has an outdoor volleyball court and climbing wall. Within walking distance there is also a gym, outdoor basketball court and soccer fields, as well as an indoor- outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, squash courts and fitness center (these all charge fees). Other recreation possibilities include mountain biking and horseback riding.
 
Tauernhof in Schladming is the base location for Upward Bound. Because of our smaller size (capacity of 40 Upward Bound participants) Tauernhof enjoys a warm and personal atmosphere, in a close community made up of participants from various countries and cultures. The accommodations are dormitory style, with rooms being shared by about six roommates. Much of the time is also spent away from Tauernhof as we move out into the fabulous mountain environment on several multi-day tours. Besides camping, sometimes we will also stay in alpine lodges.
 

Prior camping and mountaineering experience are not required for Upward Bound. However it is important to be in good physical health and condition. Therefore it is advisable to exercise regularly for at least two weeks prior to the course (cycle, run, or swim for at least 20 minutes daily).

TRAVEL AND ARRIVAL INSTRUCTIONS AND VISA REQUIREMENTS

The course begins with an evening meal at 6:30pm on Sunday 30th June 2013. Please arrive on the first day of the course. The Reception will be open from 10 am and you can check in from then.

The course ends after breakfast on Saturday 3rd August 2013 and so you are free to leave after 9 am. Please do not plan to leave Tauernhof before the conclusion of the course.

Please note that it is not possible to stay at Tauernhof before or after the dates of the course.

If you arrive earlier in Schladming or wish to stay in Schladming after the course has ended, you must arrange your own lodging at a guesthouse or hotel in town (please see the FAQ’s page on our website for Tauernhof approved accommodation and contact details).

You will need to bring the Acceptance Letter issued to you, this information document and your passport (make sure it is valid for the duration of your stay). A visa is not required to enter Austria unless you are from Asia or Africa. North Americans will only need a visa if they plan to stay in Europe for more than three months in total. If you require a visa, we can assist you with this once you are here - please refer to the FAQ’s page on our website for further information. Schladming is located about 90 kilometres (55 miles) southeast of Salzburg, in the heart of the Alps of central Austria.

Flying: The nearest airport is Salzburg. From the airport take bus # 2 to the main train station "Hauptbahnhof" (travel time: 20 minutes, frequency: every 15 minutes, price: EUR €2,30). Then follow the train directions below. From North America cheaper flights may be available to London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Munich or Vienna. From all of these cities there are train connections to Schladming (See www.db.de or www.oebb.at).

Train: Schladming is easily accessible by train from anywhere in Europe. From Salzburg "Hauptbahnhof" take any train going towards Graz, Austria. It will stop in Schladming but you may have to switch trains in Bischofshofen which is approx. 30 minutes after Salzburg. There are several train connections from Salzburg to Schladming available each day. See website www.oebb.at for detailed train schedule information.

Travel time from Salzburg is approx. 1.5 hours, price: 16.20 Euros, Munich approx. 4 hours, price: approx. 55 Euros and Vienna approx. 5 hours, price: approx. 50 Euros. When you arrive in Schladming, you can call us (just dial 22294 from the phone booth in front of the station – it will cost around 20 cents) and we will pick you up if it is the first day of the course. Alternatively, you can walk - approx. 15 minutes: turn left outside the train station, and walk into town. Tauernhof is located by the base station of the Planai ski area gondola "Planai Bahn", right next to the "Charly Kahr" ski and sport shop. Please see the FAQ’s page on our website for a map with the directions to Tauernhof marked on it.

If you are making any additional travel plans prior or subsequent to the course, or between if you are attending consecutive courses at more than one European Torchbearers' School, you may want to purchase a Eurail pass before coming, or if you are under 26, you may buy an Inter-Rail pass, available at most European train stations. For detailed information regarding train passes, please see www.oebb.at. An International Student Identification Card and an International Youth Hostel Card are also advisable. If you are traveling in Europe for the first time, a good investment is a guidebook such as "Let's Go" which is updated yearly (Harvard Student Agencies Inc., St. Martins Press, New York).

WHAT TO BRING

Because of limited space, and also for traveling convenience, we suggest that you bring along only what is essential. As the course will involve spending extended periods of time in the mountains, with a typically fair degree of temperature variation and precipitation potential, as well as at Tauernhof, you should bring the items listed below. Please see www.meoweather.com for historical weather trends, bearing in mind you will often be above 2000m and may experience snow!

Equipment for tours:
    - large backpack (approx. 50 - 60 litres, padded hip-belt, with rainproof cover that fits over entire pack)
    - if available: small backpack (day pack, approx. 25 - 30 litres)
    - sleeping bag (comfort zone 0°C and less)
    - hostel sheet (if you have one)
    - foam insulation pad (light weight)
    - flashlight (small)
    - pocket knife (small)
    - cup and bowl (plastic or aluminium), spoon
    - water bottle (1 litre minimum)
    - English Bible (small, translation, not paraphrase), Notebook and Writing Materials
    - sunglasses (100% UV rating recommended) and sunscreen
    - Band-Aids and moleskin
    - personal toiletries
    - any required personal medication

Clothing for tours:                       
    - mountaineering boots (these must have strong ankle support and VibramTM  or equivalent soles.
      Note: Boots need to cover and support your ankle (over the ankle boot). "Day Hikers" or Hi TecsTM are not adequate. Boots may
      be purchased here (120 Euros upwards). If you are bringing boots, you should wear them before you come to "break them in" as
      well as your feet. Also, bring along waterproofing agent (e.g. SnosealTM for leather and sprays for Gore-Tex material).
    - waterproof rainwear (jacket, cap or hood, pants) – breathable fabric is preferable, Gore-Tex is the best, 2 or 3 layers.
    - underwear
    - long underwear (it can snow in July!)                   
    - socks (including wool socks)       
    - swimsuit - one piece for ladies
    - t-shirts
    - long-sleeved shirts
    - shorts
    - hiking pants (not jeans)
    - tracksuit bottoms
    - cap (for sun protection)
    - warm sweater (preferably fleece)
    - wool or fleece mittens or gloves
    - warm hat (eg. wool or fleece)                               
    - running shoes                   
    - slippers
    - optional: cheap runners (used for canyoning, river crossing etc)

Clothing for school:                   
    - Clothing for various activities at Tauernhof (Church Services and special events, lectures, practical work, recreation)
    - dressing gown (optional)
    - towels

Note: Participants should maintain a general neatness in appearance. 
We also recommend easy care clothes that may be put in a dryer. Label your clothes for easier identification.

Optional:   
    - personal climbing equipment
    - camera
    - portable musical instruments
    - bandanna
    - A couple of heavy-duty garbage bags and a 1/2 dozen large Zip Loc™ freezer bags - excellent for watertight packing

Note:    
The electrical current in Austria is 220 Volts AC 50Hz, so if you intend to bring any electrical
appliances, you may need to bring a voltage converter as well as an adaptor plug.

Radios and iPods etc may only be used with headphones.

COURSE FEES

If you have not yet paid your full balance, please do so as soon as possible and in no event later than the first week of Bible School.

Please note that the deposit (of 300 Euros) forms part of the course fees.

There are 3 possible ways to pay:

1)     Bank Draft or International Money Order in Euros drawn on an Austrian Bank and made out to “Tauernhof”.  This can be purchased at your local bank and sent to Tauernhof at the address above or brought with you when you come.  Please note that the local service charge for cashing an international check is 12 Euros, and so please add this amount to your check.

2)     Bank Transfer: Please use the Account Number 17400007708 at Tauernhof’s bank "Steiermärkische Sparkasse", A-8970 Schladming, Austria (International Bank Account ‘IBAN’: AT252081517400007708, Bank Identifier Code ‘BIC’: STSPAT2G). Please note that the local service charge for receiving an international bank transfer is approximately 25 Euros (this charge therefore only affects non-Europeans).  As the exact amount always varies, the easiest way around this is to tell your bank that you wish to pay the bank charges both at your home bank and in Austria (common practice is for the bank charges to be split).  Alternatively, please add 25 Euros to the amount but bear in mind that there may be a shortfall which will need to paid when you arrive.

3)     Visa/MasterCard: It is possible to pay online by Visa or MasterCard. Please see the payment window that you can access under www.tauernhofaustria.at/de/bankverbindung.html and ensure that you give details of the course you are attending as the "order number", i.e. "Upward Bound 2013".  It is possible to select “English” as the language by clicking on the British flag at the top right.  Please also add 2% to the amount you pay as there is a surcharge on credit card payments.

OTHER FEES

The Course Fees also cover tourist tax, an Upward Bound manual, weekly gym usage, e-mail access, class picture, a T-shirt, the use of washing machines, tumble dryer, washing powder (one load per week), a room deposit (see below) and various social activities (personal Saturday outings are not included).

ROOM DEPOSIT

The room deposit of 50 Euros (included in the student fee) will be refunded at the end of the course if you leave your room neat and tidy.

ADDITIONAL EXPENSES AND ACCESSING YOUR MONEY

You will also need to have personal spending money to cover additional expenses such as stationary and postage, telephone calls, toiletries, snacks and sightseeing. Remember of course your travel expenses to and from Tauernhof, as well as any additional travel plans you may have. Austria is fairly expensive. You can use Traveler’s Checks for your personal expenses. Personal checks are generally not accepted. As an alternative to Traveler’s Checks, you may also conveniently obtain cash through numerous local ATM’s with the use of a qualifying debit or credit card (PIN number required), which can be more economical than exchanging Traveler’s Checks.

HEALTH INSURANCE

You must have your own health and accident insurance coverage and you must bring a copy of your current insurance card or similar evidence with you. If you require medical treatment while you are in Austria, then (unless you are a European) you will have to pay when you have the treatment and then make a claim from your insurance provider.

COMMUNICATION INFORMATION

Here is your mailing address and telephone number during the course:

Your Name
Tauernhof
Coburgstrasse 50
A-8970 Schladming
Austria

Student Phone:    0043-3687-24190 (dial 011-43-3687-24190 from North America)
Office Phone:        0043-3687-22294 (dial 011-43-3687-22294 from North America)

Phone calls for you can be received only between 7:00am - 8:45am, 12:30pm - 5:15pm, and 9:00pm - 10:30pm Central European Time. Please note the time difference, for example Austria is 6 hours ahead of Toronto, and 9 hours ahead of Seattle.

For students from overseas:

If your families and friends intend to send you a package during your stay in Europe, they should know and take into consideration the following:

The value of the package should not be higher than 50 US Dollars, as the receiver will need to pay for import tax (customs) otherwise. The custom law has become very strict these past years, and we had many students in the past that got packages from home and because the value was above 50 US Dollars, they needed to pay customs on top of it, even if the content of the package were personal belongings (such as cameras, clothes, sports equipment, etc). Also, it is forbidden to send medicine from overseas to Europe (even vitamins have caused problems in the past!).

In Brief: Care packages from home should be kept small and the value of it should be less than 50 US Dollars.

UPWARD BOUND POLICY

GENERAL MATTERS

LAUNDRY: You can do your laundry weekly (one load per week is included in the 'student fee').

E-MAIL: Internet is available for all students Monday to Sunday.

VISITORS: Visitors for students are very welcome and may buy meals at Tauernhof with the secretary's approval (enquire the day before) and if space permits.

OUTINGS: For safety reasons (based on past experiences) you should not hike alone in the mountains during your free time. Whenever going up into the mountains during your free time, go in groups of two or more and never beyond the tree line (1700m) without supervision.

Hitchhiking is not advisable.

For practical reasons and in order to successfully complete the course, we ask that you do not plan to leave Upward Bound before departure day.

RESPONSIBILITIES

PARTICIPATION: As a participant in Upward Bound, you are expected to take part in all of our scheduled activities (lectures, meals, etc.).  This includes co-operative and punctual adherence to the timetable and guidelines unless exceptional permission has been given by the Principal.

CONDUCT: While living in a community it is essential to be aware and respectful of the different backgrounds and cultures of other people and therefore you are expected to conduct yourself in a manner appropriate to the directives and examples of God's Word. 

The use of alcoholic beverages and tobacco is not permitted for the duration of Upward Bound.

MEDIA: In order to provide time for personal study, reading, quiet times and fellowship with other students and staff, we ask you not to watch any movies on your personal laptops or media devices.
    -    Music may be listened to during free time WITH HEADPHONES only.
    -    Laptops will be removed when misused! Movie Nights will be organized by Staff.

APPEARANCE: We ask you to maintain a neat and tidy appearance.
    -    Please be dressed appropriately for meetings (lectures, meals and other activities).
    -    Casual attire is allowed for Worship or Church Services as long as it is clean, neat and tidy (example: no torn jeans, shorts or
         sweat pants).
    -    For hygienic reasons, do not go shirtless or barefoot in our buildings.
    -    In order to promote a healthy and wholesome community life all students are to dress appropriately in consideration of the
         opposite sex.
    -    Body piercing (with the exception of ear piercing for ladies) and/or tattoos may not be initiated during your time at Tauernhof.

OUT OF BOUNDS: Keep out of:
    -    Bedrooms of the opposite sex. Also, do not have persons of the opposite sex (student or staff) in your room.
    -    The main office (office open hours are between lunch and 3pm);
    -    The kitchen, while it is in use.

RELATIONSHIPS: Relationships (romantic attachments) with the opposite sex that begin in Upward Bound can be disruptive, divisive and embarrassing, and tend to isolate those involved. Students come to Upward Bound to develop a deeper relationship with God not the opposite sex. Relationships and physical expressions of romance are therefore not permitted during your time at Upward Bound.

While we encourage friendships, our definition of a relationship (romantic attachment) is when a couple isolates themselves from the School community and/or is involved in recurring physical contact. If a student believes a relationship is developing which is unavoidable they are asked to speak to the Principal first.

PROGRAM

MEALS: For practical reasons you are expected to attend all required meals.

DUTIES: All students will be assigned daily practical duties to be carried out immediately following the meals and/or practical work around the house when necessary.

ROOM TIME: For safety and practical reasons outside doors of the buildings are locked at 10:30pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 11:30pm.

There is a wake up time of 7:30am during the we
ek when you are required to be up and prepare yourself for breakfast. Therefore we ask you to be in your room half an hour after lock up time and to keep it quiet so that everyone is able to sleep and get a good rest for the next day.

SPORTS: Located directly in the Alps, the environment of mountains, lakes and forests offer great opportunities for walking, running, hiking, climbing, and skiing. Tauernhof has outdoor volleyball and a climbing wall. Within walking distance there is also an outdoors basketball court and soccer fields and for additional fees a public indoor-outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, squash courts and fitness center. Other recreation possibilities include mountain biking and horseback riding.

IN CLOSING

During your time at our Upward Bound, Tauernhof will be your home together with 80 other students plus staff. Therefore, we ask you to conduct yourself in a manner that is honoring to the Lord Jesus Christ and considerate of others. Since we come from a variety of different backgrounds and have different expectations, we believe it is necessary to set out the foregoing guidelines to assist in the smooth running of the course.

By your enrolment and arrival at Tauernhof we assume that you have read the foregoing pages and commit yourself to diligently and lovingly uphold the basic principles of Biblical and community living we have established in the interest of creating a comfortable, enriching and mutually beneficial environment for all to appreciate and enjoy.

Thank you very much in advance for your co-operation!

If you have any questions, please first refer to the FAQ’s page on our website and if that is unable to help you, feel free to contact the Registrar: registrar@tauernhofaustria.at

We as the staff are praying for you as you prepare to come to Tauernhof. We are anticipating this course to be a very valuable time of challenge and growth in the Lord. Be praying that the Holy Spirit will prepare you for all that God will do in your life, and also for your fellow students, lecturers and staff as we expectantly approach our time together.

We look forward to seeing you in June!

Sincerely in Christ,
Martin Buchsteiner
Principal