Transatlantic Renewable Energy Exchange Study Tour

Program Details

Information

You will receive email updates on German issues, as well as updates on the study tour itinerary. It is crucial for the success of the study tours that you check your email frequently and respond as soon as possible. Please inform CDS immediately of any changes in your contact information.

Orientation

In May, you will receive a pre-departure orientation mailing covering details related to your program. Topics will include important what to bring, travel specifics, an introduction to Germany’s demographics, culture and new energy economy, and other important points related to your stay in Germany.

Upon your arrival in Germany, CDS will conduct a briefing covering intercultural training, important logistics, and other information to ensure that you well-prepared for the week.

Study Tour Itinerary

The dates for the tours are June 6–12, 2010. The following itineraries are tentative and will be finalized based on the availability of host organizations and logistical constraints.

TREE Itinerary

	Technical Tour	Policy and Planning Tour
Day 1	Berlin Arrival in Germany. Welcome meeting and introductions at 5:00 PM. Free evening.	Berlin Arrival in Germany. Welcome meeting and introductions at 5:00 PM. Free evening.
Day 2	Berlin Introductory seminar on renewable energy goals in Germany followed by a meeting at the German Parliament. Afternoon tour of Berlin focused on sustainable architecture. Evening concert.	Berlin Introductory seminar on renewable energy goals in Germany followed by a meeting at the German Parliament Afternoon tour of Berlin focused on sustainable architecture. Evening concert.
Day 3	Berlin Morning seminars with in-depth review of wind and biogas sectors in Germany. Afternoon visit to a wind park. Free evening.	Berlin Morning seminars with in-depth review of wind and biogas sectors in Germany. Afternoon visit to a wind park. Free evening.
Day 4	Berlin Meetings with German Solar Industry Association and German Sustainable Building Council. Afternoon seminar on Germany’s Renewable Energy Sources Act. Free evening.	Berlin Meetings with German Solar Industry Association and German Sustainable Building Council. Afternoon seminar on Germany’s Renewable Energy Sources Act. Free evening.
Day 5	Berlin/Bremerhaven Morning visit to a leading research institutes. Travel to Bremerhaven and visit with wind tunnel research institution. Free evening.	Berlin/Dresden Morning visit to a leading research institutes. Travel to Dresden with visit to solar plant and Dresden city tour. Free evening.
Day 6	Bremerhaven/Berlin Meetings with offshore wind turbine manufacturer and leading wind power research institute. Lunch and city tour. Return travel to Berlin and farewell dinner.	Leipzig/Berlin Travel to Leipzig for meetings with leading biomass research institute and tour of one of the most modern pellet production facilities. Return travel to Berlin and farewell dinner.
Day 7	Berlin Evaluation meeting and conclusion at 10:00 AM. Return flight to U.S.	Berlin Evaluation meeting and conclusion at 10:00 AM. Return flight to U.S.

Health Insurance

You must have health insurance during the program. CDS will enroll participants in a health insurance policy covering accident and illness. Pre-existing medical conditions are not covered.

Lodging

You will stay in budget hotels in double occupancy rooms. You will change hotels during the study tour, with 4–5 nights being spent in Berlin and 1–2 nights being spent in Bremerhaven or Dresden. Participants not wishing to share a room may stay in single occupancy rooms for an additional fee.

Travel

Participants must bear their travel costs to and from the start/finish cities of the study tours. You are expected to arrive in Berlin by mid-afternoon on Sunday, June 6, 2010 and may leave Berlin on June 12, 2010. CDS can offer advice on travel booking and logistics. All travel arrangements and expenses within Germany are covered by the program fee. Those who wish to extend their stay in Europe are welcome to do so, provided they are compliant with visa regulations. All costs associated with an extended stay are the responsibility of the participant.

Other Costs

Participants are responsible for one meal daily and incidentals such as phone calls and cosmetics. CDS recommends bringing a minimum of EUR 200. Non-U.S. citizens are also responsible for any visa fees incurred in the U.S.

Feel free to contact us with all questions you might have while completing your application, as it might save you (and us!) time and work.