Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will I be able to find hospitality with a local family? A: Thanks to the incredible support of the Binetto and Grumo communities, in 2009 we were able to accommodate all students and faculty with local families. Considering the success of the festival and the expected increase in the number of students and instructors attending the 2010 event, the City Administration of Binetto, the Grumonline newspaper, and the Pro Loco Association of Grumo Appula, have already offered their availability to work with us to select and involve more hosting families. Our hope is to offer every single participant free room and board. This opportunity however cannot be guaranteed, as it does not depend on us but on the generosity of the Binetto and Grumo communities. Please, consider that last year some families offered their availability up to the last week before the beginning of the festival, while some have already asked to be considered for the upcoming edition. Consequently, we decided to offer room and board with families on a first-come first served basis. The earlier we receive an application, the more chances to be boarded with a family. Q: How much should I budget for food in case I would not be able to be hosted by a family? A: Life in Southern Italy is quite inexpensive. You should plan to spend approximately €15-€20 per day or less, depending on your eating habits. Q: Where can I find local Bed and Breakfasts or Youth Hostels? A: On the Information Link page of this website you will find some useful links. Q: What Hotel would you recommend as an alternative solution to a Bed and Breakfast? A: The Hotel Adria in Bari is very conveniently located, only a two-minute walk from all railroad stations, and about ten from the oceanfront (lungomare). Q: How much should I budget for a Bed and Breakfast nearby Grumo? A: Approximately €15-€30 per day. Q: Without a hosting family, how much should I budget for room and board for a full week? A: As of today, the exchange rate is around 1.36-1.37: it takes one dollar and 37 cents to buy one Euro. Expected room and board costs for the week of the festival should therefore be contained in about 200-300 Euros, or $270-$400, at today's exchange rate.
Q: Are there restaurants in Grumo
and Binetto?
A: Yes, several restaurants and pizzerias.
Additionally you may want to taste the focaccia made by the local
Milillo bakery, the aperitivi at the Galena coffee shop, and the
roasted sausages prepared by local butchers. A daily Farmer's Market
provides fresh vegetables and fruit locally grown.
Q: How do I reach Grumo from Bari?
A: By train with both the Ferrovie dello
Stato or the Ferrovie Appulo Lucane. The ride is approximately 25
minutes long. Tickets can be purchased directly at the railroad
station.
Q: Will I need a car?
A: No, you will not. Grumo and Binetto are very close
to each other,
about half a mile. It is possible to walk everywhere and between the
two villages. The Centro Studi Musicale Zuccaro is close to the Ferrovie Appulo Lucane
railroad station, which is also the most convenient railroad stop for Grumo
downtown.
Q: What is the cost of tuition?
A: We are keeping our tuition at a very
promotional rate of $300 if received before
April 30, and $350 after that date. A $10 application fee
is required together with an application form which can be
downloaded on the registration page of the Grumo Festival
website:
http://www.grumofestival.com/register/register.htm
D: Quali sono le restrizioni di
età per chi si vuole iscrivere?
R: Non vi è nessuna restrizione di età. Tuttavia, nel caso di studenti minorenni bisogna che i genitori ci contattino prima di fare l'iscrizione, perche' il Grumo Festival non ha personale in grado di seguirli al di fuori delle lezioni. D: Chi ha diritto allo sconto sulla retta? R: I minori di 18 anni godono del 50% di sconto sulla retta. Se la retta viene pagata subito (entro il 30 aprile costa meno), lo sconto verrà rimborsato al momento dell'inizio dei corsi. Q: Do I need a visa? A: With a US passport you can travel to Italy for business or pleasure on a visa waiver, as long as your stay does not exceed 90 days. Detailed information are available on the Italian Embassy website.
R: Non vi è nessuna restrizione di età. Tuttavia, nel caso di studenti minorenni bisogna che i genitori ci contattino prima di fare l'iscrizione, perche' il Grumo Festival non ha personale in grado di seguirli al di fuori delle lezioni. D: Chi ha diritto allo sconto sulla retta? R: I minori di 18 anni godono del 50% di sconto sulla retta. Se la retta viene pagata subito (entro il 30 aprile costa meno), lo sconto verrà rimborsato al momento dell'inizio dei corsi. Q: Do I need a visa? A: With a US passport you can travel to Italy for business or pleasure on a visa waiver, as long as your stay does not exceed 90 days. Detailed information are available on the Italian Embassy website.
Q: What is the best way to reach
Grumo Appula by air?
A: The following destination airports are probably the best
options for those traveling by air.
1)
Bari, Italy (BRI) is connected both by domestic and
international flights. The airport is located approximately
twenty minutes by car from Grumo Appula and Binetto;
2) Rome Fiumicino (FCO) is probably the most important
airport in Italy, and it is located approximately 250 miles
(400 km) North-West of Bari. A local
shuttle train connects the airport with the main
railroad station in Rome, Roma Termini. From Roma
Termini several trains depart with Bari as their final
destination. Additionally,
EasyJet airline connects Rome with Bari at a convenient
price. You will need to transfer in Rome and recheck your
baggage. EasyJet domestic baggage restrictions and baggage
fees may differ from your international flight;
3) Milan (MXP) would be another viable option. From Milan a
train ride to Bari may take about 10 hours;
