NSF United-States/Middle-East Workshop On

Trustworthiness in Emerging Distributed Systems and Networks

 

Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey

June 4-6, 2012

Overview Venue Agenda FAQs Participants

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the workshop going to be held?

The workshop will be held at Koc University main campus in Sariyer, Istanbul, Turkey. http://www.ku.edu.tr.

How do I participate in this workshop?

This workshop is by invitation only, possibly based on short position statements submitted by interested participants.

How many participants are expected at the workshop?

Our plan is to have a total of 50-60 participants split evenly between US researchers and Middle-East researchers.

Who is sponsoring this workshop?

This workshop is possible thanks to a generous award to Boston University from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Office of International Science and Engineering (OISE) and from the CNS division of the CISE Directorate. The Hariri Institute and the RISCS Center at Boston University are providing administrative support. Koc University is providing generous local support as the workshop's host.

What financial support could I expect as a participant in the workshop?

If your organization cannot provide travel support, the NSF grant will pay for your coach fare to/from Istanbul, Turkey, as well as accommodation and local transportation in Istanbul, and meals. No other support will be provided.

Should I worry about accommodation in Istanbul?

No. Accommodation in Istanbul will be arranged for you. Participants will stay at Hotel Sheraton Istanbul Maslak (http://www.sheratonistanbulmaslak.com). NSF support will cover up to four nights (From Sunday 6/3/2012 through Thursday 6/7/2012). Once we know your travel plans, the booking will be made for you.

Could I extend my stay at the hotel in Istanbul?

Additional nights (if desired) can be booked at the Sheraton Istanbul Maslak subject to room availability on the requested nights. Please let us know as soon as possible if you would like to make extended reservations, noting that you will be responsible for additional nights.

I am a Mideast participant, how do I arrange for travel to Istanbul, Turkey?

Travel arrangements for participants from the Middle East will be handled by Setur Travel (Please do not buy your own tickets). Contact information for Setur Travel is below:

Setur Travel

E-mail: gonul@setur.com.tr

Phone: +90 (212) 368-6872

Website: http://www.setur.com.tr/

Contact Person: Gonul Elpek

I am a US participant, how do I arrange for travel to Istanbul, Turkey?

Travelers from the US need to make their own travel arrangements following the standard NSF rules which require travel on a US Carrier and the use of coach fare, noting that most US Carrier have “code share” agreements with non-US Carriers. To be reimbursed, your ticket/receipt must be issued from a US carrier and must be at coach fare. If you need help with reservations, please contact BCD Travel. Contact information for BCD Travel is below:

BCD Travel

Email: Boston.University@bcdtravel.com

Phone: +1 (866) 535-3238

Website: http://www.bcdtravel.com/aw/home/~bpm/United_States/

Meeting code: BUNIST01

I am a US participant, are there budgetary limits on tickets I purchase?

Yes. We have a limit of $2,000 per ticket. If you are unable to find rates below our $2,000 limit, then please contact BCD travel for assistance.

I am a US participant, should I purchase travel insurance? 

If for any reasons, you are not able to travel, we will not be able to reimburse your costs, so please consider adding travel insurance, which we will be able to reimburse as long as the total cost of travel (including insurance) is up to $2,000.

I am a US participant, could I combine other travel and be reimbursed?

If you plan to combine travel to the workshop with other travel, or if you have any other questions regarding travel arrangements and reimbursements, please contact Ms. Dalia Yassa (yassa@bu.edu).

What airport in Turkey should I use?

There are 2 airport terminals in Istanbul. In the European part of the city, Ataturk International Airport (IST) at Yesilkoy is recommended as the main hub. There are direct flights to every European capital, and many to USA, Asia and the Middle East. It is located twenty-five kilometers west of Taksim Square (about 40km from the Koc University campus). The other airport terminal is Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAV) that is located on the Anatolian part of the city. 

How do I arrange for transportation between the airport in Istanbul and the Hotel?

Local transportation to/from the airport to hotel can be arranged for you by Setur Travel.

Can I get transportation to/from the Hotel from another location in Istanbul?

No. We will only arrange for transportation between airport and the Hotel.

Would NSF support lodging in transit?

No. NSF support is only for your stay in the Sheraton Istanbul Maslak, and only for up to four nights.

Do I need a Visa to enter Turkey?

Turkey demands an official entry visa from citizens of several countries. The most up-dated visa information can be found from the Ministry of Public Affairs of the Turkish Government at: http://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa. We also recommend tat you consult the nearest Turkish Missions to find out if a visa is required for your entry to Turkey. The minimum validity of the passport should be six months.

I am a US Citizen, can I get a Visa at the port of entry to Turkey?

According to the US Embassy in Ankara, American citizens traveling to Turkey as tourists on U.S. passports can purchase a 90-day sticker visa at the port of entry (e.g., Istanbul airports) for $20. Check http://turkey.usembassy.gov/visa_requirements.html for more information.

Who may assist me in arranging for touristic packages before or after the workshop?

You may want to consider the Setur Travel which has been recommended by our hosts, and make sure to mention that you are part of the NSF US-Mideast Networking Workshop at Koc University.

For more information about the tours available and touristic attractions in Turkey, you may want to consult the information available at: http://www.bookinturkey.com/homeEn.seam 

What is the weather like in Istanbul in June?

Istanbul enjoys the four seasons. This is a transition between Mediterranean and Black Sea climates, with hot and dry summers and pleasantly warm spring and fall. Winters are cold but snow is rare. The best time to visit Istanbul is spring, early summer and autumn. In June, the average temperatures (in Celcius) are 25 (daytime) and 16 (night). For more information on Istanbul and touristic attractions, you may want to check the information at: http://www.istanbultourist.com/index.php

What is the voltage and type of power plugs are available for appliances?

In Turkey, the electrical supply is 220 volts, 50Hz. The connection for appliances is European plug (2 pin plug). Visitors who have flat 3-pin or other plugs, are advised to bring an appropriate adapter. The hotel may also be able to provide some adapters. More information about electric outlets and other questions regarding this is available at: http://www.turkeytravelplanner.com/details/Electricity.html


Updated On: June 13, 2012