Participants should incur no expenses directly related to the program. The U.S. Department of State has provided Project Harmony with funding to cover all expenses such as meals, transportation, program activities and some cultural activities.

All participants receive $25 for every day that their living expenses are not covered by Project Harmony. Project Harmony does not supply participants with book allowances or cultural allowances. This is not negotiable. Project Harmony does provide for a variety of cultural and educational expenses.

The per diem allowance of $25 is expected to cover such things as:

	A healthy lunch each day of the program
	Transportation to work every day (if necessary)
	Groceries so that you can cook a traditional meal for your host family
	Cultural events organized by your host family

TRANSPORTATION

Because Vermont has almost no public transportation at all, Project Harmony and your host families will take care of all of your travel arrangements. Project Harmony staff and host families arrange pick-up and drop-off places or participants are picked up right at the host family's house. Generally there is a lot of time spent in the car or van, as Vermont is a very rural state and host families and meeting places are sometimes spread out over a large region of the state.

COMMUNICATION WITH HOME

Telephone
The easiest way to call home from the United States is to buy a phone card for international calls. Phone cards are available at most large stores and at most gas stations. You can use these cards to call from any phone. Please be aware that international phone calls are very expensive and that you should always use your own phone card when making a call from your host family's house. All host families volunteer and do not receive any compensation for any expenses incurred during your stay. As a rule, you should not make personal phone calls home while you are at work if you are a business program participant.

Mail
Postage stamps can easily be purchased at any post office. Project Harmony staff can show you where and how to buy stamps.

Electronic Mail
Access to email is limited. It is possible that your host family will have Internet access. This should only be used with their permission. Project Harmony staff will also try to forward any email that they receive on to you. E-mail can be sent to program staff at cc@projectharmony.org.

HEALTH INSURANCE

The Department of State will provide health insurance coverage for you for the duration of your stay in the United States. This health insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions. However, if you fall ill or are injured during your stay, you will be covered by the insurance. For each visit to a doctor or hospital, you must pay $25 out of your own pocket and your insurance will cover the rest of the cost of the visit.

	Per diems come in a one-time installment
	Your program-related travel expenses are covered by Project Harmony
	Project Harmony staff will help you buy phone cards and stamps to call or write home
	Health insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions