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Winter School Q&A
Recent questions from the participants of the BAI Winter School at Caltech:
How can we register?
The registration process can be found here. If you would like to apply, please e-mail a copy (pdf or equivalent) of your valid passport or identity card, school transcripts, and health and civil liability insurance to admissions@baieurope.com
When does the session start, and when does it end?
The Winter Session will be held February 3-12, 2025.
Where can we find the session’s agenda?
The current agenda is published regularly in the WhatsApp group discussion. We will communicate the room assignments and passwords as soon as we receive them.
Where would you recommend we stay?
Winter School participants are free to choose accommodation with Caltech’s negotiated rates at either the Courtyard Marriott or by arranging private (Airbnb or other) on their own. If you would like an opinion on the location of a potential Airbnb accommodation, please reach out to Sarah Joubert.
Do we have to register for the social events?
We have made reservations for the participants for all group activities : the Welcome Dinner, the campus tour, the JPL tour, the Warner Brothers Studio Tour, the Huntington Library/Gardens, the evening cocktails and session at the ArtCenter. For the Clippers match, we have purchased tickets for the participants that have registered for this event. We will also be coordinating the Farewell dinner.
How can we travel around Pasadena? Is public transport a good option or do most people rent cars or even just bikes?"
This is essentially a question of budget and convenience. The locals all have cars - their own or rentals - it’s a question of culture. This said, there is a system of buses as well as a tram and Uber/Lyft that allow you to get anywhere in Pasadena, not to mention that it’s flat and the distances are relatively short (a 10 minute bike ride between the center of town and Caltech on the bike).
Can participants use Caltech’s sporting facilities?
Winter Session participants have student access to campus sporting facilities. We will communicate any potential restrictions due to climatic conditions at the end of January.
Do participants need to apply for a student visa?
We strongly recommend that Swiss and European citizens attending the BAI Winter School at Caltech apply for an ESTA waiver exception. An ESTA visa waiver is an online digital travel authorisation for tourists, students, and business travellers. You will need to provide a valid email address, home address, phone number, and emergency point of contact.
Who would be the "US Point of contact" for the ESTA?
James A. Cardello | Program Manager
California Institute of Technology – Division of Engineering and Applied Science –
1200 East California Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91125
Tel: 626-395-2523
Do we have an update on the California wildfires?
We are monitoring the progression of the Eaton wildfire and will continue to update you of any possible consequences for events in our session. All but one of the activities have been reconfirmed. You can find the latest info on the general situation and public recommendations here : https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2025/1/7/eaton-fire
When will the Summer School Site be updated?
The BAI Summer School will be held from July 3-12, 2025 in Anglet (next to Bayonne, France). The summer school website is already active and will be updated regularly.
Myra Kinalwa
Media Specialist and Data Scientist
Graduate of the University of Manchester/York University
““I liked the hands-on approach of the BAI session It was interesting to learn the analytical tools actually used in industry. I also enjoyed the social activities which were a great opportunity get a taste of the local culture.””