Tuition fees does not include airfare, baggage fees or other travel-related expenses, evacuation insurance, medical expenses, cost of evacuation, health and travel insurance, personal spending money, cost of calls home, or airport taxes.

The 50% tuition deposit holds a space in the program and is credited toward tuition. Half of the deposit is refundable until 6 months prior to the program commencement date. The full tuition fees is due 3 months prior to the program date. Anyone who enrolls after the 3 months prior program date must pay full tuition in order to be registered. Because makes commitments and financial decisions related to each person’s participation in advance of the program, tuition is non-refundable 3 months prior to the program date for any reason, including but not limited to, family or personal emergencies, physical or mental illness or injury, voluntary departure, and participant dismissal.

We understand that program tuition is an investment, and that personal or family plans sometimes change. We strongly recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance or speaking with your insurance provider about the options. You may also check with insurance companies that provides the evacuation insurance for all participants.

Listed tuition prices are for payment via Bank transfers only. Payment by credit card is not acceptable & payment by international wire is an additional $40.

 

Program Alterations:

Program activities or sites may be altered or cancelled due to any force majeure, including weather or other conditions affecting the safety of participants, cultural sensitivities, and circumstances beyond the control of Globe Trotts. Families will be notified as soon as possible in the case of significant changes. In the case of cancellation, Globe Trotts will place participants on a comparable program of his/her choice depending on availability. If no alternative programs are available or considered to be a suitable substitute, Globe Trotts will refund all of the tuition payments already made. Globe Trotts is not responsible for other expenses incurred during travel preparation, including airfare.

 

Flights & Travel

Globe Trotts strongly suggests that flights are booked with our designated travel agents listed on our website. Flights follow specific arrival and departure time parameters, and the travel agent books participants on the same flight itineraries whenever possible. If a family chooses to book through an alternative option, the flight itinerary must be approved by Globe Trotts prior to booking. Globe Trotts will only approve flights that fall within the defined arrival and departure parameters. If a flight is approved and booked through an alternative option, the itinerary must immediately be provided to Globe Trotts. Neither Globe Trotts nor our designated travel agent will be able to assist with travel issues for flights that are not booked through our suggested travel agents.

Globe Trotts representatives do not fly with participants, and participants may fly directly to the program from their own home airport. Global Citizen Ambassadors greet each participant upon arrival at the program airport and see each participant off at the end. Globe Trotts has no control over the airlines and is not responsible for cancellations or disruptions in travel.

 

Food & Accommodations

Menus are comprised of meat and vegetarian entrees and side dishes. Exceptional dietary restrictions must be noted on the Health Form that parent/guardian(s) complete so that requests can be evaluated well in advance of the program.

Accommodations and resources available in program locations are unsophisticated compared to home. We live in communal settings and make every effort to create a comfortable, clean, and welcoming environment within the framework of the host community. In locations where tap water is not potable, we purchase bottled water for drinking and cooking.

 

Communication

Parent/guardian(s) are notified by email or phone when participants arrive at the program airport. Time is subsequently provided once a week for participants to contact home. The cost of these weekly calls home is the responsibility of the participant. Suggestions for affordable communication will be provided in the preprogram preparation materials. Parent/guardian(s) will be given a phone number to reach the program directly in the case of emergencies. Additionally, the Globe Trotts home office can be reached 24 hours a day while programs are in session.

 

Terms of Participation

All Globe Trotts policies are established with safety, health and welfare, common sense, group dynamic, and local laws in mind. Participants who completes Global Citizen program successfully and within the Terms of Participation receive a Certificate of Service recognizing the completed service hours and projects.

Globe Trotts is a Zero Tolerance program regarding (1) consumption, possession, or attempted possession of alcohol and drugs/illegal substances, (2) sexual contact. Consuming, possessing, or attempting to possess alcohol or drugs/illegal substances will result in immediate dismissal from the program. Participants may not abuse over-the-counter drugs or use medications not prescribed to them. Sexual contact—meaning conduct deemed unacceptable in public places—also will result in dismissal. Use of tobacco and e-cigarettes are also prohibited on Globe Trotts programs.

Globe Trotts expects that all participants understand that they will be asked to put the group’s needs ahead of their own. Participants are ambassadors for Globe Trotts while in our host communities, and are expected to uphold an ethic of service and goodwill. Safe, considerate conduct, and respect for program policies are essential. We live and work in the public eye, and appropriate behavior, language, and clothing are necessary. Participants assume responsibility for their conduct and their part in creating a productive group experience.

Globe Trotts may refuse and/or rescind acceptance at any time, to any participant who is believed to be unsuitable for Globe Trotts programs, for reasons including but not limited to: health, physical ability with or without reasonable accommodation, behavioral history, attitude, or if parent/guardian(s) is/are not in agreement with Globe Trotts terms of participation/program goals. Failure to disclose information regarding the participant that results in inappropriate program placement is cause for dismissal without refund. If Globe Trotts rescinds a participant’s acceptance prior to the program start date, paid tuition will be reimbursed at the sole discretion of Globe Trotts.

Globe Trotts reserves the right to rescind participation in a program at any time to any participant who subjects the program (“program” is including but not limited to: Ambassador, other participants, community partners and associates) to any risk of harm or disrespect. Inappropriate or romantic relationships, ongoing profanity, pervasive negativity, bullying, unsafe conduct, self-harm, body modifications, and chronic defiance of protocols also are grounds for reprimand/dismissal at the sole discretion of Globe Trotts. Body modifications include new tattoos or piercings, and any other activities or actions that would subject one to unnecessary health risks and/or wound care.

Dismissal or early departure from a program is without rebate or refund. Expenses related to dismissal, such as a new flight, are the responsibility of the parent/guardian(s). In the event of dismissal, the parent/guardian(s) is/are responsible for purchasing a ticket for the most immediate flight home that allows for travel time to the airport from the program home base. Participants who leave early at any time prior to the completion of the program will forfeit the Certificate of Service Hours / Projects. This rule applies whether departure is on a participant’s own accord, they are dismissed, and/or they break a zero tolerance rule.

DRESS CODE: All participants are required to comply with the dress code as outlined on the packing list. The modest dress codes have been developed intentionally to be appropriate for the cultural and social standards in our communities. As guests, temporary residents, and collaborative partners in our host communities, insensitivity to the dress code interrupts the program and undermines important local relationships. Participants may only bring clothing that falls within dress code parameters. If dress codes are not followed, the participant will be required to immediately purchase appropriate clothing at their own expense.

CELL PHONES, ELECTRONICS, and VALUABLES: Globe Trotts is an opportunity to forsake regular routines and focus instead on what has the potential to be a profound experience. By unplugging from devices, participants have the opportunity to fully plug-in to the personal connections and unique program surroundings.

Globe Trotts is an electronics/gadget-free program. Participants may bring cell phones and small music devices for use on flight days. Leaders then collect these and any other devices upon a participant’s arrival to the airport, and those items are stored for the duration of the program. Failure to turn in devices may result in confiscation and donation to a local nonprofit. Cameras are allowed and encouraged, but must be separate from a phone or Internet device. Unnecessary valuables and other electronic devices (including e-readers) should be left at home. While Ambassadors do their best to secure all belongings on site, Globe Trotts is not responsible for theft or loss of personal property or equipment, nor are those items covered by Globe Trotts insurance.

 

Daily Life on the Global Citizen's Program

Four days a week, participants typically work on their chosen projects, such as helping on construction projects, working on farms, leading day camps and more. We work until mid-afternoon most days, and have time before dinner to participate in artisan workshops, take short hikes, go swimming, play games with neighborhood kids, or to simply have free time to relax or stroll in the community.

One day a week, every participant joins the “homebase crew” with a few other other students and an Ambassador. The crew wakes up early to cook breakfast for everyone, cleans our home base, does errands and shops at local markets for the rest of the day’s meals.

No matter which program you choose, weekends are for traveling to the best sites and attractions. We go to Machu Picchu in Peru, explore the Galapagos in Ecuador, and backpack through Glacier National Park in Montana. Our adventures take us through sprawling markets, off the beaten path with friends from the host community and, in Alaska, up the side of a glacier. Some programs also include day stays with local families.

Three to four nights a week, participants and leaders have group meetings that last about an hour. This deliberate slow-down time allows everyone to get to know each other while reflecting together on our volunteer and cultural experience. Issues that arise naturally in a group of people who live and work closely together are acknowledged and addressed. Group meetings help bind everyone together as we work toward a common goal.

 

The Living Condition

• We live together in a community center, school or rented home in a neighborhood. While basic, accommodations are clean and comfortable.
• Boys and girls have separate rooms and Ambassadors live with the kids. There are social areas, kitchens, bathrooms and showers for each gender.
• We provide bunk beds or floor mattresses. You bring your own sheets and pillow. You will have a shelf or cubby for storing clothes and personal items.
• You may encounter unexpected, temporary inconveniences. This is the reality of life in many of our host communities. What we take for granted at home, such as ample water for daily showers, may not happen reliably at your program site. You can count on having a shower at least every other day. Electricity at some sites can be inconsistent at best. Together, we adjust and adapt.
• Laundry is done once a week.

 

The Meals

• Rotating homebase crews, comprised of a few participants and an Ambassador, prepare breakfasts and lunches that are plentiful and varied.
• Scrambled eggs, pancakes, French toast, yogurt, fruit and cereal are among the regular options for breakfasts. Lunches often feature sandwiches, salads, as well as some hot meals.
• Fruit, crackers and trail mix are just a few of the items available throughout the day as healthy snacks. Participants also can purchase their own favorite snacks at local stores.
• Globe Trotts employs local cooks who prepare dinners that satisfy each person’s palette. Meals blend Western fare and local cuisine.
• Global Citizen programs are accustomed to accommodating allergies and food restrictions. There are full vegetarian options at all meals, and we are also able to accommodate gluten-free and vegan diets as long as we receive advance notice. If your diet is highly specialized, please call to discuss your needs.

 

Global Citizen Ambassadors

Our diverse Ambassador teams are comprised of returned Peace Corps, volunteers, teachers, graduate students, wilderness instructors, carpenters and professionals from the host community. They bring with them a wide range of life experiences and skills working with youth. The minimum age of our leaders is 22, and most are in their mid-20s to early 40s. All are First Aid and CPR certified, and many hold advanced safety certifications, such as Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR). Some Ambassador teams may include one junior leader who is either an alumni of a Global Citizen program or who holds special, advanced medical or construction credentials that make them an excellent addition to our well-rounded teams.

For programs with backpacking, climbing, diving and other adventure activities, our Ambassadors or contracted guides teach the required skills and are accustomed to working with students who may not have outdoors experience. Ambassador interviews are conducted face-to-face or through video conference. In addition, Globe Trotts speaks to three professional references for each Ambassador, and also performs background checks on each person before they are hired. Our Ambassador return rate is exceptionally high, at 40-50 percent. Every season we receive many more applications for employment than we have positions to fill, which allows us to be highly selective in our hiring.

Globe Trotts maintains an average Ambassador to participant ratio of 1 to 5. This is in addition to our local staff hired on the ground as drivers, project coordinators and dinner cooks.

 

The Technology & Phone Policies:

Global Citizen programs are gadget-free. You may bring a cell phone or music device for the flight, but we collect all electronics and store them until the end of the program. Here’s why:

• Without tech devices, you are able to focus on the immediate experience––the people, sights, sounds and sensations of your program environment. Global Citizen is an unique opportunity to step out of the regular routines and distractions of home for a short while to focus on an experience that potentially will be one of the most powerful in your life. Every season we get feedback from participants who tell us how refreshing it was to live without the constant pull of their device.
• Equally important is the reality that people in our host communities have far fewer material objects than we do. Global Citizen chooses not to accentuate the electronics gap.
• Cameras are welcome as long as they are separate from other devices.
• Time is set aside every week for participants to call or email home. Parents also receive a “safe arrival” call or email once their child is received at the program airport. Parents are provided with a phone number for the program phone and may call if needed.