Trips - FAQ

01 - How long are the TRIPS take on trip?

the TRIPS Program will having a trip with 2 - 4 weeks, depending on location.

02 - What will we do on TRIPS of the trip?

TRIPS looks different on every trip we offer. You may check out the trip descriptions to get an idea of what TRIPS might look like in each country. We believe TRIPS is a way of learning, not just a daily assignment to complete. Some of your TRIPS is determined by asking yourself what do you calling yourself to specifically. You may see a need we don't even know exists and we want you to have the freedom to meet that need!

And remember, the most impactful TRIPS you're a part of might be the relationship you build with your intepreter or the vendors at the market where you buy groceries. Or it could be with your trek guide while you climb a mountain or a safari driver.

If you come with an open mind about what are you and has for you, you won't be disappointed!

03 - What is the Training about ?

Training is the first 3 days of your trip. You will fly/drive to Main City or nearby City on the first day of your trip and meet your team (and leaders) in the airport. Then you’ll go to our base in pointed site, for 3 days of training, team building, and preparing for your trip intellectually, physically, and emotionally. It’s fun, we promise! There is also time for communicate and most of all, laughter. By the time you leave for the field, you’ll feel like you’ve known your teammates for months instead of days.

04 - What is Debrief?

Debrief is a time to reflect over what you has done in your life, your teammates’ lives, and the lives of those you met on your trip. Your team will have a short debrief in country; then you will fly back to main city for a few nights and stay in a local hotel.

During this debrief time, you will have the opportunity to share what you has done on your TRIPS with other teams from your Training. At the end of Debrief in main city, you will fly/drive back to your home by yourself.

NOTE: Training and Debrief are included in the dates of your trip.

05 - Why choose the TRIPS Program?

The heartbeat of learners is simple: deeply connecting to your passion and knowledge movement. We want to go where that's leads and join in whatever you gonna doing.

The primary way we do this is through discipline, following the model of teacher while they walked to the classroom: raising up to greet and to helping you with the general knowledge from the textbook. Every student on a TRIPS is encouraged and mentored in their emotions, all while they do the same in application. They are discipline while on their own journey.

At a time when students are growing in and forming their idea, this is an opportunity for students to discover how real their knowledges are, to freely ask questions about their concept of understanding, and to explore moment of interest for their lives, all while serving a hurting world. We want to equip them in leadership and conceptual living for their return to their universities, schools, and even their homes.

06 - What does the cost of the trip include?

The cost of the trip includes roundtrip airfare to/from your pointed country, housing, meals, and the cost of any possible opportunities while in country. The average estimated cost of each plan is $3.82 per day for trips less than six months.

Additional costs may include your passport, luggage and visa fees (if needed), and transportation from your home to/from pointed meeting point, etc.

You'll find more information about support raising on your profile once you apply.

07 - Do I need to get Medical Injections?

We are not doctors and are not qualified from a medical perspective to say you should or should not get certain medical injection.

We suggest you determine which injections you may need by visiting the local hospital on your location or consulting your local travel health specialist and reviewing their recommendations based on the country(ies) you will be visiting.

Pay particular attention to countries requiring a Yellow Fever Certificate to enter. You may or may not choose to receive all the immunizations recommended by the CDC or your physician.

It is your personal decision what immunizations you receive, but we recommend you seek a medical professional’s advice concerning this decision.

08 - What will I eat?

Be prepared for food that may be outside of your comfort zone. You will be fed three meals a day and you are expected to eat what is prepared for you, even if you may not prefer it.

09 - Where will I sleep?

At the Barracks, Local House, Campsite, you may sleep on mattresses. On the field, you may sleep in a tent, on the floor, in a bed, or in a hammock. Bring a sleeping bag and a pillow.

TRIPS specifics will be posted on the beginning.

10 - Can I take a shower?

Yes, but it may not be in a traditional shower. You will have access to water, but you may not be able to bathe on a daily basis, and it might be from a bucket or river.

11 - Will I have electricity?

You may or may not have electricity at your location, so please leave the flat irons and hairdryers at home.

12 - Can I bring my phone, iPAD, or other modern electronic device?

You are welcome to bring your cell phone to take pictures, use as alarm clock, an iPAD, etc. You will have designated times throughout the trip to access a phone and/or the internet (depending on your location), and your trip leaders will have phone access for emergencies, so there is no reason for you to need calling or texting abilities.

Please evaluate your reasons for bringing phones or iPADs on this trip. You are on the trip to educating and helping to others, and develop a deeper relationship with your passions. Phones and other electronic devices may be a distraction to what you planing to do with you. We ask that you make wise choices with the music on your iPod. If a smartphone is used outside of times specified or becomes distracting, it could be confiscated by a leader until the end of the trip.

That being said, we also realize phones can also be great ministry tools! We want you to take pictures and video of your trip.

And don’t forget to tag them and you post them to social media.

Please note: we are not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged electronic devices.

13 - How much spending money do I need to bring?

How much money you will want depends entirely on your personal spending habits and financial situation.

A moderate amount would be approximately $100.

Remember, all your meals will be covered by us during the events, so extra personal money would be used for souvenirs, extra internet time (if applicable), personal items, additional snacks, etc.

14 - What kind of clothing and shoes do I need to bring?

It is important to remember when you are on the field, you represent yourself, insititute, and your local country. Modesty is the key to all clothing you decide to bring with you. If you are questioning whether or not you should bring it, then leave it at home.

Here are a few guidelines for clothing choices:

1. Bring something modest to sleep in.
2. No short, tight, or clingy clothing is permitted. Wear one size larger in tops to ensure your shirt is not too tight.
3. No sleeveless shirts or tank tops are permitted for girls or guys.
4. If you cannot raise your arms above your head or touch your toes without showing your stomach or lower back, leave it at home.
5. Shorts must come to the top of the knee.
6. Skirts and dresses should be below or close to the knee. Depending on location, skirts should be to the ankle.
7. Bring a one-piece swim suit and think modest. Guys, normal swim trunks should be fine. Girls, be prepared to wear shorts and a shirt over your swimsuit. NOTE: a tankini is two pieces, even if it is a modest one!
8. Men need long pants in most cultural situations.
9. Make sure clothes are not stained and/or torn. You do not have to wear your best clothing but make yourself presentable. It may be offensive to the locals if you look sloppy.
10. Bring clothes for learning.
11. Bring closed toed shoes for field opportunities. You may bring flip-flops, Chacos, or other shoes for recreation time.

Depending on your location and the cultural norms, we may need to adjust the dress code. In some countries it will be necessary for women to be in long skirts all the time. Some cultures view men in shorts as little boys and you will not receive the respect of an adult.

Any tattoos or piercings may need to be covered at times if it offensive to the cultures. Your leaders will let you know this when you get in country. You may be asked to cover the tattoo or take the piercings out while involved in programs.

15 - Will we be able to wash our clothes?

You will be able to hand wash your clothes.

Please bring small travel laundry packets for laundry.

Be prepared to wear your clothes more than one day between washing.

16 - Will I be able to contact my parents while on the field?

Yes, but the times and methods will depend on the location of your trip and how long you are on-site in the country. Internet access is not available in every country.

17 - How do I apply for a passport?

For information on applying for a passport for the first time, visit this website or make an appointment at your local post office.

Generally, it takes approximately 4 – 6 weeks from the time of application for you to receive your passport.

We must have your passport information before airline tickets are purchased, so please get your passport ASAP.

Sometimes it may take longer than 6 weeks to receive your passport, so apply now.

18 - How do I find AT.LS Foundation teams at the airport?

Once your plane arrives and you have claimed your luggage, please meet teams in the center atrium on the main level of the Airport. You will be met at the Airport by our staff wearing the AT.LS Foundation staff sign at the Information Desk.

Upon arrival, we also ask that you contact your parents to let them know you have arrived safely.

You can use a staff member’s (or your leader’s) phone IF you have left your phone at home.

19 - Can I drive to the AT.LS Foundation pointed site?

I believe you are a skillful driver, but your team will not be too happy. We would like to have a team mates than self driving car.

20 - Does AT.LS Foundation provide scholarships or assistance?

No, we are not able to provide any financial assistance, but you can raise support to cover the costs of your trip.

We require all participants to send a support letter once they are accepted to our programs. The support letter is used to help you raise financial support and build a learning team.

The reality is opportunity has called you to discover yourself and you can be sure the understanding of your idea will always provide what you need to accomplish the things you calls you like to do.

21 - What are you safety and risk-management procedures?

We at AT.LS Foundation take the responsibility and care of our participants very seriously.

The reality is the world can be an unsafe place. That truth is not limited to overseas travel. While we cannot guarantee safety, safety and security is a top priority for our programs. We set protocols to minimize risk while expanding each student’s exploration and excitement.

Our staff monitors safety concerns and issues around the world, including organized protests, political uprisings, medical alerts, and natural disasters. We maintain active communication with our international contacts and will change locations if we believe the risk level in an area is no longer appropriate for our participants.

22 - Who are the leaders?

Generally, leaders are alumni or expert in the field. Most have led or participated in previous TRIPS in the past and all have gone through leader training with us. We perform background checks on all leaders prior to their acceptance.

Some examples of past TRIPS leaders include AT.LS Foundation staff, prior TRIPS leaders, and EXPLORE and Social Programme, alumni who exemplify desired leadership qualities.

23 - How can I lead a TRIPS on the trip?

Are you interested in leading this generation of young humans, to help with us through encouraging, empowering, and equipping young adult for life both on and off the field?

Qualifications:

• Age 21+
• Integrity, spiritual maturity, and passion for learners.
• Attend a 10 day Training for leaders in rural area.
• Attend an additional 3 day Training right before your trip.
• Previous leadership/missions experience
• Beginning in 2018, all TRIPS leaders will be required to be First Aid/Health Certified.

Application Process:

All leaders will fill out an application, submit references, and go through a recorded interview. Once accepted, in addition to the training, you will be required to attend a Leadership Training a few days prior to the launch of the TRIPS on trip you are leading.

To apply:

sent an email: alberttls@outlook.com