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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1 What is the purpose of an ISC/Professional Exchange Network?
2 What is ISC/Professional Exchange Network?
3 Who will lead my trip?
4 What are the qualifications of delegation leaders?
5 Will I be able to get in contact with my delegation leader and other participants prior to departure to discuss the delegation topic?
6 As a delegate, what is expected of me?
7 What is included in my delegation program?
8 What kind of information will I receive to prepare for my trip?
9 Is it appropriate to bring a spouse or a guest?
10 How many members make up a delegation?
11 Are the departures guaranteed?
12 How much free time is set aside?
13 How do I apply to join a delegation and what is the application deadline?
14 Will you help me to get my visa?
15 How do I alter my itinerary and extend my trip longer than planned?
16 Will I be accommodated in a private room or will I have a roommate?
17 How do you determine roommate assignments?
18 What kind of accommodations are reserved for delegates?
19 Can I have more details on the delegation I'm interested in?
20 Will I be met at the airport?
21 By what date is final payment due?
22 What if I change my mind and want to switch to a different delegation?
23 What are the penalties for canceling my trip?
24 What if ISC PD cancels the delegation?
1 What is the purpose of an ISC/Professional Exchange Network?
ISC/Professional Delegations Program provides worldwide educational travel experiences for professionals, along with unique access to people, institutions and sites for participants with specific interests. Meeting in Russia, participants take part in both professional and intercultural exchanges with Russian colleagues as both groups introduce each other to new ideas and approaches to their work. Such exchanges are held during daily meetings, seminars, humanitarian efforts, and cultural activities. top
2 What is ISC/Professional Exchange Network?
ISC, founded in 1991, has been the premiere professionals’ organization, assisting in developing international relations between professionals from Russia and the West. ISC is known worldwide for providing journeys that enrich the world. Indeed, we have brought together thousands of professionals, as well as individuals, businesses, associations, academicians organized scientific and business seminars as they reach out to learn more about each other’s worlds, both professionally and interpersonally. Our experts have also provided invaluable assistance through our visa support and travel services programs to ease the way for travel between east and west. top
3 Who will lead my trip?
Every delegation is headed by a Delegation Leader, a well known and respected professional in the particular field. While in Russia, Delegation Leader is assisted by an experienced Russian coordinator. To learn more, please choose the delegation that best fits your interests. top
4 What are the qualifications of delegation leaders?
Our delegation leaders are often executives (e.g., presidents, past presidents, or board members) from notable professional associations as well as successful entrepreneurs, well known scientists and respected medical professionals. As delegation leaders, they are well qualified to assist us in the recommendation of meeting topics and delegation focus, as well as in determining the professional composition of the delegation. You can find detailed information about your delegation leader and his statement of purpose on the Delegate’s Page. top
5 Will I be able to get in contact with my delegation leader and other participants prior to departure to discuss the delegation topic?
Yes, through the Delegate’s Page you are able to participate in the Forum, where you can discuss any issues with your delegation leader and all participants.
You will also be able to introduce yourself on the Delegate Personal Page. top
6 As a delegate, what is expected of me?
As a delegate, you are asked to actively participate in round-table discussions with your professional counterparts. When discussions turn to a topic on which you feel qualified to speak, we hope you will contribute based upon your knowledge and experience. Delegates are also encouraged to make brief, formal presentations at the professional meetings, but these contributions are strictly voluntary. You will have a chance to discuss this, and all other issues regarding your delegation, in the Participants Forum available on Delegate’s Page. top
7 What is included in my delegation program?
The program consists of cultural/sightseeing and professional components and your time will be nearly equally divided betwenn both of them. You will be able to visit Russia's most famous cities and immerse yourself in the unique history and culture. You will be able to see the famous Russian landmarks and ancient churches as well as visit museums such as the Kremlin in Moscow and Hermitage in St. Petersburg. You will also participate in professional meetings, round table discussions and informal gatherings with your Russian counterparts. You will have a chance to visit organizations and insitutions in your particular field. For a full list of inclusions, please choose a delegation. top
8 What kind of information will I receive to prepare for my trip?
After completing our one-step registration you will be assigned full access to the Delegate’s Page where you will find a complete pre-departure information packet, including detailed packing guidelines, visa regulations and visa application forms, a descriptive itinerary, recommended reading and research and travel tips. If requested, we will be happy to send the complete pre-departure information package to you by e-mail or post. top
9 Is it appropriate to bring a spouse or a guest?
Spouses and guests are invited to participate in the Professional Delegation for most programs and can enjoy separate cultural and humanitarian exchanges while you are in professional meetings. We can provide an English-speaking guide for guests and spouses as well additional cultural activities upon request. top
10 How many members make up a delegation?
An average delegation size is 20 to 40 participants, but the size of each delegation depends upon the interest of those invited. We have delegations as small as ten and as large as 90. top
11 Are the departures guaranteed?
Departures are guaranteed when we have the minimum number of travelers for any given delegation. The minimum number of travelers varies from five to ten. Please see the specific program information for details. delegationCurrent delegations. top
12 How much free time is set aside?
Approximately 50-60% of your program will be spent in professional meetings and site visits. The remaining time is set aside for cultural activities and free time. top
13 How do I apply to join a delegation and what is the application deadline?
To apply to participate in a delegation, please view our Registration page. Typically, all delegates have completed registration 90 days prior to departure. If it is less than 90 days prior to departure, please contact us at 800.322 4174 to ensure space is still available. top
14 Will you help me to get my visa?
We will provide you with free Russian visa support and will answer any questions you may have regarding applying for a visa. We can also recommend a visa processing agency in your area in order to simplify the process. However, the cost of visa processing by the Russian government is not included in the package. top
15 How do I alter my itinerary and extend my trip longer than planned?
We can alter your international ticket to allow you to extend your stay in the final city we visit or possibly to depart from a different city all together. We can also arrange for additional trips including visits to other Russian cities, cultural activities and sightseeing. You may request a later return date or a trip extension by contacting the program office to request a later return date. top
16 Will I be accommodated in a private room or will I have a roommate?
Single rooms are available upon request. A moderate single supplement fee will apply. top
17 How do you determine roommate assignments?
We assign roommates based upon the date your application was received and processed. We also take into account your gender and the smoking/nonsmoking preference you noted on your application. Once you receive access to your Delegate’s Page you will be able to receive more information and submit requests through the Trip Details page. top
18 What kind of accommodations are reserved for delegates?
Please register for a delegation of your interest to view description and pictures of hotels on the Trip Details page. top
19 Can I have more details on the delegation I'm interested in?
Additional information is available at the Delegate’s Page or call 800.322 4174. You are also welcome to email info@professionaldelegations.com for a descriptive daily itinerary of the delegation that you are interested in. top
20 Will I be met at the airport?
Yes. Our ISC PD transfer agent will be waiting just past customs and passport control, holding an ISC PD sign, for those delegates arriving for a delegation on the day the program begins and in the city where the program begins. If you are traveling independently, or are arriving before the official start date of the delegation, we will be happy to arrange transportation from the airport to your hotel. top
21 By what date is final payment due?
Sixty days prior to departure. We accept payment by check or by Visa, MasterCard or Discover credit cards. We are unable to accept the American Express card. top
22 What if I change my mind and want to switch to a different delegation?
You can transfer from one delegation to another at no additional charge up to 30 days prior to the delegation departure. For more details, please give us a call or to email at info@professionaldelegations.com. top
23 What are the penalties for canceling my trip?
For a full schedule of cancellation penalties, please give us a call or see Travel Information on your Delegate’s Page. top
24 What if ISC PD cancels the delegation?
Your money will be completely refunded if ISC Professional Exchange Network cancels your delegation. top
Please use Request form to get detailed information on any program of your interest or contact our Group Coordinators by calling 800.339.2118 with any questions you might have.
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