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
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