Are all of the host countries safe places to travel?

Safety is our number one priority at Walking Tree. Although travel is never without risk, our staff has lived and traveled in our host countries for years and understand how to best experience the country. We design all of our itineraries evaluating safety concerns above all else and have tried to anticipate all eventualities, planning each phase of the program with the utmost care and diligence.

When does Walking Tree assign students to their homestay family?

Participants are assigned to their host families after the program begins but before arrival in the host village. This gives leaders a chance to become familiar with the personalities and specific interests of each participant so that we can place them in the best possible homestay environment.

How does Walking Tree select homestay families?

Walking Tree interviews and spends significant time with all host families to ensure they will provide a welcoming and comfortable environment for each participant and that they understand our expectations and rules regarding behavior. We make certain that each student will have his or her own bed, access to running water and that the house will be located close to the families of other students.

What is the average family like?

We try to work with families who have children so that our participants can have host “brothers” and “sisters.” That said, we also use the utmost discretion when assigning students. For example, if a family has a 15-year-old son we are likely to put a male student with the family. We are consistently moved by the generosity, hospitality and dedication of our host families. They truly care for our participants as if they were their own children.

How does Walking Tree decide on service projects?

Walking Tree representatives meet with village committees to decide on a needed and viable service project. These projects take many different forms and are always a collaborative effort with both sides contributing resources to the common goal.

What are some examples of past community service projects?

Projects have included construction of kindergarden classrooms, a ramp for handicapped students, community kitchens, a community library, a two-mile long sidewalk along a dangerous road, a playground, a sophisticated drainage system, countless painting projects, creating green spaces, and teaching English.

What if a participant has very specific dietary or medical needs?

We understand that some students have special needs related to health, diet or other concerns. Walking Tree is committed to doing all we can to accommodate the special needs of students and it’s important we know as much about the issue as possible before the program’s departure.

What if a student has no exposure to the particular foreign language?

A foundation in either Spanish or Mandarin will obviously be helpful, but not essential for Walking Tree participants. If students are diligent in their approach, those who already have a grasp for the language will improve tremendously while those with no previous exposure will return with a basic understanding of the language and enthusiasm to learn more. The only exception is our Spanish Intensive Program in Costa Rica, which has a two-year minimum requirement.

Do participants need special insurance for Walking Tree programs?

Apart from the required international health insurance (most students are covered under their parent’s/guardian’s plans), no other insurance is required. That said, some families choose to purchase additional travel insurance, such as evacuation and cancellation. Walking Tree is happy to refer you to a provider.

What is the typical profile of a Walking Tree leader?

Walking Tree leaders are dynamic young adults. All leaders have shown excellence in leadership positions, have extensive travel experience, are fluent in the necessary foreign language and are enthusiastic about showing young people the world around them. In addition, all leaders are CPR and First Aid certified and have been trained by Walking Tree for this important position. There is at least one female and one male leader on all of our summer programs.

What if a participant has no prior international travel experience?

We are delighted to welcome people who have limited travel experience, and strongly encourage that they apply in spite of understandable anxieties.  Even participants who have traveled internationally will see and experience things they have never seen before due to Walking Tree’s uniquely planned itineraries and expertise.

How do we know what to bring on a Walking Tree program?

Once the application process is complete and the applicant accepted, Walking Tree will be in frequent contact with each participant to ensure that both the participants and their families are prepared for the program.  We will send a variety of mailings and information to you and your family, including a suggested packing list. You can also download this packing list at any time from our website by clicking on DOWNLOADS.

Can a group of friends go on the same program?

Friends are welcome to participate in the same program. However, it is important for them to understand that it is our expectation that all participants make a concerted effort to spend time with all travelers and ensure there is no exclusion within the group.

What is the ratio of students to leaders for Walking Tree programs?

In order to ensure the safest, most memorable programs possible, Walking Tree will maintain a ratio of at least two leaders (one male and one female) per group of around 15 students.

How do the three Costa Rica programs differ?

All three programs (Immersion, Discovery, and Spanish Intensive) emphasize community service, language immersion, adventure travel and include a homestay. The main difference between the three is the length of the program, number of destinations visited, and the concentration on Spanish learning. For more specific details please see page seven.

Do participants need special insurance for Walking Tree programs?

Apart from the required international health insurance (most students are covered under their parent’s/guardian’s plans), no other insurance is required. That said, some families choose to purchase additional travel insurance, such as evacuation and cancellation. Walking Tree is happy to refer you to a provider.

What immunizations are required for Walking Tree programs?

Currently, there are no required vaccinations to enter any Walking Tree host country.  For additional recommendations and information, we encourage you to contact the CDC or your local travel clinic.

What about malaria?

Small malaria zones do exist in our host countries, but they are generally isolated to certain regions we do not currently visit.  The vast majority of our participants do not take malaria medication, but it is something we leave to each family to decide.  For more information we suggest that families contact the CDC or their local travel clinic.

What travel documentation is required?

A valid and current US Passport is required for all travel outside of the United States.  The passport must be valid for six months beyond the time of travel and in reasonable conditions. China requires a Visa from all US citizens. Participants are responsible for obtaining this visa ahead of time. Once accepted,  Walking Tree will send you information on when, where, and how to apply for the visa. Peru and Costa Rica do not require an additional visa.