Frequently Asked
Questions
Arrivals
Housing
Jobs
Local Information
Arrivals
Will someone
pick me up from the airport?
Schlitterbahn will make every attempt to pick you up
from the airport, but it may be difficult if your flight
arrives early in the morning, late in the evening or on
days the park is open.
What days
and time will Schlitterbahn pick me up from the airport?
Schlitterbahn will provide transportation from both
Houston Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Houston Hobby
Airport (HOU) on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
from 0900-2000. Schlitterbahn will NOT provide
transportation from the airport on Thursday, Friday or
Saturday or between the hours of 2001 and 0859.
What happens
if I arrive late in the evening /early in the morning,
or on a day Schlitterbahn does not provide
transportation?
Galveston Limousine Service offers transportation from
Houston Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Houston Hobby
Airport (HOU) seven days a week for $30 to $45 dollars
each way. Reservations are required and can be made in
advance online at
http://www.galvestonlimousineservice.com. If you
choose to arrange transportation once you arrive, taxis
are available but can be very expensive. There are no
bus or train stations in Houston that provide
transportation to Galveston Island.
What do I do
if I miss my flight, my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Please make every attempt to contact Kimberly Danesi,
the Staff Services Director for Schlitterbahn Galveston.
We will wait a maximum of one hour for students to
arrive at the airport. You can email Kimberly at
international_galveston@schlitterbahn.com or call
her at 00.1.409.370.0384.
What should
I pack?
Please remember that Texas can be very hot (up to 40
Celsius) in the summer. Galveston is also very humid.
You will not have a need for cold weather clothes such
as long sleeve shirts, pants or jackets. Most residents
wear shorts, t-shirts and tank tops. You will want to
pack comfortable walking shoes and beach sandals. We
recommend bringing rain gear such as umbrellas and rain
coats because you will still be expected to work when it
rains. You will need to bring your toiletry items such
as shampoo, soap and a toothbrush and toothpaste. If you
will be working as a lifeguard, it is a good idea to
bring a swim suit for your training class. Clothing is
very inexpensive in the United States, so please pack
lightly.
How much
luggage can I bring with me?
Schlitterbahn does not limit the amount of luggage you
bring with you. Most international airlines do not allow
bags to weigh more than 20 kilograms each, and only
allow two bags per person and one carry on bag per
person. Your carry-on bag cannot weigh more than 12
kilograms and cannot be larger than 35cm in height, 55cm
in length, and 25cm in width. You will probably want to
buy many things while you are in America, so please do
not over pack. All of your household items will be
provided in your Schlitterbahn provided apartments, so
it is not necessary to bring those items.
Are there
items I should hand carry on the plane?
It is very important to hand carry any documents
regarding your employment, passport or visa.
Schlitterbahn also recommends packing a small bag, with
a change of clothes, toiletries, and any medications you
are currently taking. Although it rarely happens, there
is a slight chance the airline could misplace your
luggage. We do not want you to be without a change of
clothes if this happens.
What will
happen after someone picks me up from the airport?
A
Schlitterbahn employee will drive you to Galveston and
your new apartment. The next day someone from your
department will pick you up and give you a tour of the
park. Once your tour is complete, you will meet with
Staff Services to complete your new hire
paperwork. After you are finished, someone will drop you
off at the grocery store for an hour to shop. Someone
will pick you up from the store and take you back to
your apartment. Depending on when you arrive in the
summer, you may start to work/training as soon as two
days after your arrival. If you arrive and we are only
open weekends, you cannot begin working/training until
the weekend.
If I provide
my own transportation to Galveston, what do I do once I
arrive?
If you arrive in Galveston between 0800 and 1700, you
will need to ask your transportation to drop you off at
the Schlitterbahn offices located at 2026 Lockheed
Drive. If you arrive before 0800 or after 1700,
you will need to arrange a hotel room for the night. If
you give Kimberly enough notice prior to your arrival,
she can try to help you arrange a hotel room. You can
contact Kimberly by email at
international_galveston@schlitterbahn.com. Once the offices open at 0800, you can go to the park
and meet with someone in Staff Services. We are open
seven days a week for your convenience.
When can I
get my Social Security card?
Someone from Schlitterbahn will take you to the Social
Security office approximately ten days after you arrive
in America. You cannot apply for a social security card
any earlier than ten days after you arrive. You will
need to bring your passport, DS2019, your I-94 as well as
an offer letter for employment. You will not be able to
apply for your social security card without these items.
There is no charge for a social security card.
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Housing
Can I
request a roommate?
Schlitterbahn does allow roommate requests, but cannot
promise your request will be fulfilled. It is easier to
accommodate these requests if you and your friends
arrive together. If you arrive on separate dates, it is
difficult to guarantee you will be in the same
apartment. There is a limit of four people per apartment
for men and three to four people per apartment for
women. Men and women cannot share apartments.
Can I live
in an apartment with women and men?
Schlitterbahn does not allow women and men to share
apartments. If you would like to stay with women or men,
you must locate your own housing within three days of
arrival. Schlitterbahn can provide you with apartment
brochures and pricing, but will not be able to drive
you to different apartments during your search. After
three days, you will need to move from Schlitterbahn
housing into your own apartment or sign a contract with
Schlitterbahn for housing. PLEASE NOTE: once you
sign a contract with any apartment complex or with
Schlitterbahn you are obligated to fulfill your lease.
How much
does it cost to live in Schlitterbahn provided housing?
Schlitterbahn will deduct $75.00 per week for the cost
of your apartment, water, electricity, furniture, and
household goods.
Is it
cheaper to find my own apartment?
You can find a one room apartment for $300 to $400 per
month, but that does not include the cost of electricity
or water. Apartments you find on your own typically do not
come with furniture, pots or pans, towels, etc. The
deposit for apartments is typically one month's rent.
You should expect to pay $600-$800 up front, but will
receive your deposit back if you leave your apartment in
good condition when you leave. If you want information on
apartment options and costs, please email Kimberly at
international_galveston@schlitterbahn.com.
What does my
apartment look like?
photos
What does
Schlitterbahn provide with their apartments?
Each apartment has living room, dining room and bedroom
furniture as well as a color television. The bedrooms
have at least one dresser, 2 twin beds or 1 queen sized
bed and linens. Each apartment has two separate
bathrooms with a bathtub, shower, toilet and sink.
Towels and shower curtains are provided. The kitchen has
a sink, dishwasher, microwave, oven, stove, refrigerator
and freezer. Schlitterbahn provides pots and pans,
plates, cups, bowls, eating and food preparation
utensils and some apartments have a coffee pot and garbage
disposal. You are responsible for cleaning your
apartment, which includes purchasing your own cleaning
supplies. Some apartments come with local phone service,
but all apartments have a public pay
phone nearby. All three apartment complexes have a swimming
pool and laundry facilities.
How close
are the Schlitterbahn apartments to the waterpark? Can I
walk or ride my bike?
The
apartments are between 1.6 kilometers and 1.0 kilometers
from the waterpark. You can safely ride a bike or walk
to work. Please remember that even when it is very hot
or raining you are still expected to come to work. You
will need to bring or purchase rain gear so you can
travel between your apartment and work on rainy days.
Is there a
deposit? How much?
Yes, there
is a $75.00 deposit for Schlitterbahn provided housing. It is due when you sign
your housing agreement and will be deducted from your first
three paychecks. If you choose to stay in Schlitterbahn
apartments, $100.00 will be deducted from your first
three checks for your apartment and your deposit. After
your third check, Schlitterbahn will only deduct $75.00
per week from your check for rent.
Is the
deposit refundable?
Deposits are
refundable, but only if you leave your apartment and contents in a clean, undamaged condition. Deposits
are not immediately available. If your apartment is
clean and the contents are undamaged, a check will be
mailed to you in your country for the $75.00 deposit. If
your apartment is dirty or items are damaged, you may
receive a partial refund of your deposit or no refund at
all.
What happens
if something breaks in my apartment?
You pay rent
each week, and therefore have the right to a safe
apartment with working appliances. If at anytime you
have a maintenance problem in your apartment, let the
apartment office know right away. If it is after hours,
you can call their emergency number. You will be provided
with this information upon arrival. It is your
responsibility to notify the apartment of any problems
you are experiencing. If they do not help, you can
always notify Staff Services.
Where can I
wash my clothes?
A limited
number of apartments come with a washer and dryer in
the apartment. Most do not, but do have laundry
facilities onsite where you can wash your clothes
for a small fee. You cannot hang clothes
outside your apartment or on the balcony to dry.
Are there
rules for my apartment?
It is
important to remember that you are not only an
ambassador for your country but you are also an
ambassador for Schlitterbahn. Schlitterbahn asks that
you respect other residents living near you. Do not
have loud parties or use curse words
or foul language outdoors. Do not leave trash outside
your apartment - there are dumpsters at each apartment where
you should place your trash. If you arrive or leave late
at night or early in the morning, be respectful of your
roommates and neighbors. Always keep your doors and
windows locked. The pool and laundry room are only open
certain hours of the day. Please do not use these areas
after hours. More details will be provided upon your arrival
and during your orientation.
Is there a
place for my bicycle at my apartment?
Yes, you can lock your bicycle on the patio or balcony
of your apartment. We ask that you do not bring your
bicycle inside because it may damage the carpet in the
apartment.
Can I switch
apartments after I arrive?
Typically
students cannot switch apartments once they arrive.
Schlitterbahn will only consider moving students in
extreme circumstances. Please see Staff Services if you
have any concerns.
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Jobs
What does
Schlitterbahn look like?
photos
What do I
wear to work?
What you
wear while you work depends on the type of job you have.
If you are working as a cashier or water quality
technician, you must wear khaki shorts or pants, white
tennis shoes, white socks, a Schlitterbahn Polo shirt,
hat and water bottle. If you are a food and beverage
employee or park services employee, you must wear navy
shorts or pants, black tennis shoes, black socks, a
Schlitterbahn Polo shirt, hat and water bottle. Shorts
cannot extend past the bottom of your knee, and cannot
be shorter than where your fingertips sit naturally at
your sides. If you are a lifeguard, you will need to
purchase Schlitterbahn specific shorts, swim suit, hat,
water bottle and safety gear. You will need to provide
your own shoes. Lifeguard shoes should be a neutral color
(black, white or tan), and you should wear white socks.
Lifeguards can wear sandals, but only if there is a
strap across the back of the ankle. Employees are NOT
permitted to wear flip-flops. Any item provided by
Schlitterbahn will be deducted from your paycheck.
Uniforms items vary in price from $2.00 to $40.00. The
average uniform costs $15.00, but lifeguard uniforms can
cost anywhere from $42.00 to $60.00.
How should I
look at work?
All
Schlitterbahn employees are expected to meet our
grooming guidelines:
MEN & WOMEN: We ask that you bathe daily to
assist with body odors, to help prevent infection and to
have a pleasant appearance for our guests. If you come
to work and have not bathed or have body order, you may
be asked to return home to shower. Only two rings per
hand, one necklace 12 to 14 inches in length, and one visible, peaceful tattoo
are allowed. Both
men and women must have natural hair color. No extreme
hairstyles of any kind are permitted to include
dreadlocks and mohawks.
MEN:
Facial hair for men is not permitted with the exception
of a well-groomed mustache that does not extend past the
corner of the mouth. Men's hair cannot extend past their
shirt collar or past the middle of the ear on the sides.
Sideburns cannot be longer than the bottom of the
earlobe and must be well-groomed. Earrings for men are
not allowed.
WOMEN: Long hair should be pulled back. Women are
permitted to wear one pair of earrings in the ear lobe
only. The earring cannot be larger than a dime or 19
millimeters in diameter.
What type of
work will I be doing?
See jobs page for detail descriptions
How much do
I get paid?
International Students are paid at a rate of $7.00 per
hour. Company policy does not allow you to speak about
pay to other employees. If you have questions about your
rate of pay, please see Staff Services.
How often
do I get paid?
You get paid once a week on Wednesdays. Your first
paycheck comes nine days after your first day of work.
After your first check, you will receive a check every
Wednesday.
How do I get
the money from my check?
You have several options. You can cash your check at any
bank for a small fee. If you open an account at a bank,
you can cash your check for free. Schlitterbahn also has
a Total Pay Card. This card has a VISA logo and can be
used anywhere VISA is accepted worldwide. Your money
will be deposited on this card each Wednesday, and
you can purchase items using the card or take money from
an automatic teller machine (ATM).
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Local
How can I
get around town?
Galveston is
a small island, so it is not difficult to get from place
to place. The roads are set up like a grid, so it is
very easy to navigate the streets. Galveston has a
public bus system, taxi services, a trolley as well as
sidewalks for walking or biking. Last year was the first
year we had International Students at Schlitterbahn
Galveston Island. Most students were able to travel to
major stores by bicycle. Some of the tourist attractions
as well as the library are only a few kilometers from the
apartments and are easier to reach by bus. Schlitterbahn
will provide you with information on the bus system with
your arrival pack.
Where can I
purchase a bicycle?
Wal-Mart, a
local store close to the park and Schlitterbahn
apartments, offers new bicycles starting for
approximately $60.00 each.
Schlitterbahn has a limited number of gently used
bicycles that students can use for the duration of their work
contract. A $30.00 deposit is due when the bicycle is
given to students, but will be refunded if the bicycle
is returned in good, working condition. Schlitterbahn is
not responsible for normal wear and tear and students
are responsible for replacing damaged parts.
What is
there to do in Galveston?
LOTS!
Galveston is an island in the Gulf of Mexico, so there
are beaches everywhere. We have a
seawall, where you can walk, jog or ride bicycles,
museums, restaurants, tropical attractions, an aquarium,
and a historical district. There is something fun and
interesting to do each and every day. Learn more at
www.galveston.com.
Can I play
in the park on my days off?
Yes you can!
Employees receive free admission and are encouraged to enjoy
the park on their day off. Employees cannot play in the
park if their department is short-staffed, their day
falls on a holiday or certain weekends in the summer.
Your friends can visit the park at a discounted rate,
but you must complete a discount form at least one week
prior to their visit.
Is Galveston
a safe place?
Absolutely!
As with all towns in the world, Galveston has safe areas
as well as potentially unsafe areas. It is a good idea
to stay close to home at night. Use your best judgment
when you are in town. If something does not look safe,
stay away.
What is
shopping like in Galveston?
Galveston
has terrific shopping. We have stores for clothes,
sports, fishing, swimming, groceries, books and movies
and much more. Wal-Mart is very popular in America, and
has items such as clothes, household goods, groceries,
gifts and toys. Marshalls and Ross are popular
discounted clothing stores where you can purchase name
brand items at discounted prices.
What does
American currency look like and how do I use it?
It is very
important that you know what our currency looks like,
what its value is and how much you should pay and
receive back after payment. Schlitterbahn suggests
studying American currency before you leave your
country, but will cover currency briefly during your
orientation. If you have a question or feel you were not
given proper change after a purchase, please see Staff
Services.
Can I drink
alcohol in Galveston?
Texas law
prohibits anyone under the age of 21 to consume or
purchase alcoholic beverages, and no one is permitted to
purchase or give alcohol to anyone under the age of 21.
If you are caught drinking under the age of 21, or
providing alcohol to someone under the age of 21, you
may be arrested and taken to jail. Schlitterbahn
prohibits the consumption of alcohol on employee
property to include Schlitterbahn provided housing. If
you are caught with alcohol on property or in your
apartment you may be terminated.
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