Fishing and shrimping boats on Bayou Petit Caillou.
A blue crab. Louisiana produces 30% of US seafood.
Fort Fourchon, the hub for offshore oil and gas development in the Gulf of Mexico.
Louisiana is losing a football field of wetlands every hour.
BELL: New Orleans & Louisiana Gulf Coast
Program and Travel Information for Admitted Students
Congratulations on your acceptance!
We are looking forward to your participation in this unique and engaging program. We have compiled some important information for you; please review this carefully with your family and don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions at Leadership@brown.edu
Connect with other students on Facebook
We've created a student group on Facebook for students to connect directly with each other, and arrange travel to New Orleans together. To access, the student must be a Facebook member and have been accepted into the Program. Click here to visit the BELL: New Orleans Facebook group and request to join.
Travel Dates and Times
March 22 - March 29, 2013
Arrive at New Orleans Airport (MSY) between 12pm and 2pm on March 22, 2013.
Depart from New Orleans Airport (MSY) between 11am and 1pm on March 29, 2013.
You can book your flight using almost any of the popular travel booking websites, such as Kayak, Travelocity, Expedia or Orbitz.
Student Pick-up and Drop-off
Brown University staff will meet you at the New Orleans Airport for transfer to Fountainbleau State Park. Proceed to the end of the baggage claim area toward Terminal D. There is a small waiting area where staff will be wearing brightly colored shirts. Call Dean Rose at 401-965-6134 if you need help.
If your flight is delayed
If you experience a delay while traveling, call Dean Robin Rose (401-965-6134) with your new flight arrival time.
Emergency Contact Information
If you cannot reach Dean Robin Rose, call Brown’s Department of Public Safety: 401-863-3322. They know how to reach us on-site.
Before you Arrive
We will be posting a few articles and resource links to this site. Please make every effort to read these articles as familiarity with content will enhance your experience.
Forms to Complete
The following items must be received by Wednesday, March 6, 2013.
- BELL: Hawai'i and New Orleans Acceptance Form and Code of Conduct
- Medical Authorization Form and a copy of your medical insurance card
- Immunization History Form (doctor's signature required)
- Disability and Medical Accommodations Form (if applicable)
- Travel itinerary information (online form)
- New Orleans and Louisiana Gulf Coast Program Waiver
- Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana Waiver
What to Bring
Please be very conservative in packing and bring only essentials. There is very limited luggage capacity in the program van and where we are staying. Luggage must weigh less than 65 lbs. Note: most airlines charge extra for luggage weighing over 50 lbs. Average temperatures range from a low of 55 to a high of 75 degrees.
You are required to bring the following items as these items are required for admittance on some properties and during certain activities.
Required items
- One large suitcase or duffle bag that will hold all of your packed belongings including sleeping bag. If you can’t carry it, it is too big and/or too heavy!
- Sleeping bag
- Long sleeve shirt (1-2 pieces)
- One pair of jeans
- One pair of lightweight pants
- Bathing Suit
- Hat – preferably with a wide brim for good sun protection, particularly if you burn easily
- Water Bottle (It is very important that you stay hydrated.)
- Day pack/back pack that can be used on hikes and as a carry-on for plane ride
- Sturdy, closed toe shoes
- Any prescribed medications and a copy of original prescription
- Government-issued photo ID
Recommended items
- Pillow (or to reduce bulk, bring a pillow case and stuff it with clothes)
- T-shirts (4 pieces)
- Fast drying shorts (1 pair)
- Sleep wear
- Underwear
- Socks
- Beach towel
- Fleece jacket or warm hoodie
- Sunglasses and back-up pair of prescription glasses
- Blank journal
- Small flashlight
- Sun block
- Bug Repellant
- Toothbrush and toiletries (we recommend using small sample sizes that can be purchased at drug stores or using items provided by hotels)
- Phone charger
What not to bring
We recommend that students do not bring laptops or valuable electronics.
Health and Well-Being
The Bell Gulf Coast program includes moderately physically challenging activities. We will spend a significant amount of time walking and on one day will do 2-3 hours of canoeing. All students will wear life vests in any boating activity.
For your safety and comfort, we expect students to fully disclose any and all medical conditions or dietary needs on the required medical forms. We will always be within 1-2 hours of a medical facility. For minor problems we have a well-equipped first aid kit and staff certified in first aid.
We must be informed of any dietary restrictions or allergies prior to the program's start in order to make accommodations. Vegetarian options will be provided at all meals.
CELL phones and Communication with Families
We recommend that students carry a cell phone that can be used during travel to/from Louisiana. Students will be very busy and must restrict their phone use to free time in the evening. Letting go of the frequent connection to phone, internet and social media helps us form a community and adjust to a new environment and culture more quickly; we ask students who do have phones to limit their use.
Families may contact us at any time during the program in the event of an emergency.They can do so by contacting Dean Rose at 401-965-6134.