STUDENT TRAVEL PROGRAM
DETAILS

2012 OPEN ENROLLMENT PROGRAMS

Program tuition includes: Program tuition includes: International airfare, media package, three meals a day, all accommodations, domestic airfare in host country (when applicable), ground transportation, contributions to service projects, group activities, entrance fees, group entertainment costs, rentals, etc. Personal expenses such as souvenirs, internet, laundry, snacks, and international phone calls and baggage fees are not included.

Chaperoned international air travel is included in the published tuition from a designated departure city* (listed below). Participants are responsible for getting themselves to the departure city, where the chaperone will be waiting. Alternately, participants are welcome to find their own international airfare for a discounted tuition and join the group in country on the day the program begins. For a list of the amount of the tuition to be refunded in this circumstance, please refer to the matrix below.

*Due to the unpredictable nature of international air travel, we reserve the right to change the gateway airports and/or travel dates. Please look at our website or contact us for the most up-to-date information.

Walking Tree will follow the published itineraries as closely as possible. However, it may be necessary or advantageous to alter our programs slightly because of weather, transportation impediments, or unexpected opportunities. If changes are necessary, we will provide as much notice to students and families as possible.

We accept applications that are mailed, faxed, or emailed, but the easiest way is to complete the online application found under apply. For us to review your application, it must include a deposit check or credit card payment of $890, a completed application and a brief personal statement. here

Once accepted, for Spring Break Programs, students have until January 1, 2012 to pay the balance of their tuition. Any application received after January 1, 2012 must be accompanied by the full tuition.

Once accepted, for Summer Programs, students have until March 20, 2012 to pay the balance of their tuition. Any application received after March 20, 2012 must be accompanied by the full tuition.

Contact us to discuss a different payment schedule, if desired. Any participant who returns from a program before the scheduled return date forfeits the tuition and must cover all expenses associated with an early return.

Please click here to learn more about our Local Roots Opportunities!

Walking Tree expects its participants to behave in a manner consistent with a successful group dynamic and safe travel. Walking Tree aims to provide significant, impacting and fun summer programs for high school students. In order to achieve this goal, Walking Tree and its participants need to create an environment of trust, security and respect. All individuals participating in Walking Tree programs are required to take responsibility for their actions and adhere to a high standard of behavior. Any of the following, at the discretion of Walking Tree, are grounds for early dismissal from the program:

1. Possessing, consuming or distributing alcohol or drugs
2. Consuming tobacco
3. Getting a piercing or tattoo
4. Stealing, or deliberately damaging or defacing any personal property, buildings or materials
5. Riding any type of unauthorized vehicles
6. Hitchhiking
7. Boys visiting girls’ rooms, or vice versa without permission.
8. Behaving in a way that consistently damages the group dynamic. This includes consistently displaying a negative attitude, intimidating or excluding other participants and any other behavior that is not conducive to an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect.

These standards are essential for the successful completion of a Walking Tree Program. If a participant breaks any of these standards of behavior, or acts in a way that is harmful to the operation of our program, he/she may be dismissed and sent home early at his/her own expense.

Anyone that will be participating in one of our programs from outside of the United States is welcome to either meet the group in our departure city in the United States or arrange their own flight to the destination country for a discounted tuition. Please see the above chart for the amount that will be refunded. International participants must also make sure they have a valid passport and visa to enter the destination country.

Our experience has taught us that travel can be unpredictable. As such, we STRONGLY recommend that all families purchase a travel insurance policy to guard against sudden or unexpected changes before or during the program. Walking Tree recommends policies offered by VolunteerCard whose coverage is underwritten by TravelGuard, the largest travel insurance provider in the US. Medical doctors are available 24/7 through a free international phone number and personnel can assist in everything from flight and luggage delays, to emergency situations. There is no deductible associated with any of their policies which will cover you for multiple trips – up to 180 days of travel in a given year. An additional benefit for the Volunteer Card is they offer 100,000 discounts for volunteer travelers.

There are different plans to choose from but their Plus plan covers the following and only costs $35:

What is included in our supplied coverage is:

$25,000 Accident Medical Expense

$25,000 Sickness Medical Expense

$300,000 Emergency Medical Transportation

$25,000 Repatriation of Remains

$300 Travel Delay

$1,000 Baggage & Personal Effects

$150 Travel Document Replacement

$100 Baggage Delay

Trip cancellation is an additional option. It covers your trip being canceled for natural disasters, organizational failure, debilitating sickness or tragedy preventing you from going on the trip. You can also purchase this through the Travelguard.

To view more details regarding these plans, please visit http://www.volunteercard.com/