Fall 2007 International Exchange Forum

Frequently Asked Questions

We have outlined some of the most frequent questions that come up when getting to and from our Exchange Forums.  If you have any additional questions, or need help with travel arrangements and transfers, please contact Kelly Streit: Kelly@fieldtoplate.com or call 503.692.1335 (PST).

Q: Where are we staying in France?

A: Vaison la Romaine

Located in the beautiful Vaucluse region of Provence. The Vaucluse, and Provence are located in the South East of France, close to the Mediterranean. The town is situated about 20 miles from Orange and 30 miles from Avignon. While we are staying directly in Vaison la Romaine, we will be traveling to different places within the Vaucluse region, to include the famous market of Carpentras and the world reknown wine region of Chateauneuf du Pape.

Web Resources: Town Website

Q: Should I fly to France early?

A: We strongly recommend you fly to Europe 1-2 days early to acclimate to the time change. France is 6 hours ahead of East Coast time. We suggest flying into Paris and spending 1-2 days there and then traveling on to Avignon via train or plane. If you choose to fly on to Avignon, there are excellent flight connections to the Avignon airport. You can also take a train directly from Charles de Gaulle airport into Paris and then board a high speed train in Paris to Avignon (about 2.5 hours via train). Regardless of which travel mode you select, we request that you be in France and in Avignon by October 27th.

Q: What happens if I miss my connections or get stuck?

A: For the most part, you can avoid any problems by arriving early. Because our program is very detailed and intricately planned, we are not able to return to Avignon to collect you should you arrive late. We will ask you to take a taxi to the hotel at your own cost.  While we understand that things can happen on an international journey, we also must respect the needs of other guests who need our time and attention.

Q: Will you be picking us up and dropping us off?

A: Yes – we will be meeting you and the group in Avignon at a defined place: either a hotel, train station, or the airport. We will advise you where and when several weeks in advance. We will be dropping you off at either the train station or the airport, depending on which mode of transportation you are taking.

Q: Do I need to purchase foreign currency?

A: We recommend you obtain currency once in France. ATMs in country are readily accessible and accept most U.S. bank cards. While the conference covers your meals, refreshments and transfers, you may wish to make personal purchases during visits and tastings.

Q: What are the accommodations like?

A: Our accommodations are of superior quality. All rooms have private bathrooms. The hotel we are staying at is easily within walking distance of the town, allowing you to browse and relax in town during free time.  We recommend you bring a hairdryer with you, if you use one.

Q: Are the sessions in English or French?

A:  All sessions are presented in English or translated into English. All documents and handouts will be presented, or translated into English.

Q: Do I need to be able to speak French?

A: Hotel staff speak English. All visits and tours will be presented in English and a bilingual translator or speaker is present for every session throughout the week. 

Q: Is there a Guest or Companion price? Are any additional activities are planned for guests?

A: Yes, it is $2250 and includes accommodations for 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinner, 1 evening BBQ and wine tasting, cooking class with dinner. Tour day with group on Friday. Additional optional private guided tour of the renown Roman ruins in Vaison la Romaine.

Guests are invited to participate in all aspects and events of the conference. We have purposely built tours and cultural aspects into 5 of the 6 days of this Forum, allowing guests, who may not be interested in all learning sessions, to be intricately involved in the cultural and gastronomical aspects of Provence. The town of Vaison la Romaine is exquisite and affords plenty of options for conference guests to explore. We feel that guests will be very interested in our dynamic speakers. We will all be honoring our own senior years one day!

Q: When are payments due for the Forum?

A: Early bird payments are due by May 1st, 2007. Final payments are due August 28th, 2007.

Q: Do you offer a student rate?

A: Our experience has been that even with rate reductions in the past, students have not been able to afford these types of international educational events. While we honor the curiosity and perspective that students bring to the dialog, we do not offer a student rate.