FAQs

No, FCPS is not the sponsor of these EF tours. FCPS is not responsible for planning, supervising, contracting for, or financing these trips. The FCPS employees participating in organizing this activity are doing so as private citizens, not as representatives of FCPS. FCPS FS-151. 

Non-school sponsored travel allows us greater flexibility with our scheduling and itineraries. It also allows high school travelers of all ages, including graduating seniors, to participate!

EF is accredited, just like our school. EF's educational philosophy is simple: the best way to help students gain new perspectives and build skills for the future is through experiential learning. This allows us to ensure students gain valuable experiences that will transform the way they look at the world. Madison students, you can incorporate your international educational travel experience as a part of your WINGS portfolio!
Ms. Rachel VanPelt is the group leader for these educational international tours. Please contact Ms. VP at WarhawkWanderlust@gmail.com 

Almost everything on tour is included:
*24/7 tour director
*airfare & ground transportation
*hotels with private bathrooms
*breakfasts and dinners
*admissions to all sites on itinerary
*EF's Global Protection Plan
*unforgettable experience of a lifetime and personal growth!

Pretty much the only other things that travelers will be financially responsible for are tips for tour guides and drivers (tips will be collected before departure, typically about $15 x # days on tour); lunches/snacks on tour; and any other souvenirs they want to purchase while on tour.  

The restaurants that EF works with are usually able to accommodate most dietary restrictions (ex: vegetarian, gluten free, no pork, etc) and allergies (ex: nuts, eggs, dairy, etc). EF tries to accommodate all dietary restrictions during included meals, but travelers with strict food requirements are advised to bring suitable snack options. EF cannot make special meal requests with the airlines; travelers should plan to notify the airline of any restrictions directly a few days before the flight.

Keep in mind you will be making your own decisions for most lunches and snacks. Ms. VP will ask travelers about their dietary restrictions in advance so our Tour Director can arrange for accommodations for your meals. Each traveler and their family will also submit a health and med form before departure to inform Ms. VP and the chaperones about any other allergies or health conditions so we can keep you safe.

EF does not allow travelers under the age of 18 to consume alcohol on tour. Ms. VanPelt also prohibits alcohol consumption for all student travelers, regardless of age. All students  will sign a behavior contract and prohibiting alcohol on tour form at the final departure meeting. By signing this form you acknowledge that travelers are not permitted to consume alcohol of any kind for the duration of the tour. Not adhering to this will result in disciplinary action including dismissal from the tour at the parent/guardian’s expense.

A passport is required for all EF Educational Tours. EF recommends applying for a passport as soon as you enroll on a tour, as it can take up to eight weeks to process. U.S. citizens traveling abroad must bring a passport that is valid for at least six months after the tour’s return and has at least three blank pages.  If additional documentation is needed, Ms. VanPelt will inform travelers of any additional documentation needed closer to departure.

EF has more information about passports and visas here: https://www.eftours.com/help-center/preparation/passports-and-visas 

A good night’s sleep is important, so travelers can count on safe, clean and comfortable hotels with private bathrooms. Students (aged 19 and younger) are placed in student rooms of three to four people of the same gender. Students will be assigned roommates from their group or from another group with whom they are traveling (group leaders usually help with the rooming lists, so yes, you can stay with your friends). Ms. VP will ask travelers for rooming preferences before departure. Travelers must stay in their assigned rooms after curfew.

Since hotel styles and accommodations vary among destinations, room assignments are made while on tour and travelers who share a room in one city may not do so in the next. Student rooms may contain single beds, double beds that are shared by two students or a combination of the two. EF has more info about hotels here: https://www.eftours.com/help-center/what-to-expect/accommodations 

Some itineraries offer time for students to explore the city with fellow travelers and their Group Leader or chaperones. Our Tour Director knows the area well and can recommend local favorites and activities. Options might include a visit to a museum, sitting at a café to people-watch, souvenir shopping, taking pictures, listening to local music—the choices are endless.

Depending on the area we are in, Ms. VanPelt will let travelers explore in groups of three or more (in smaller towns/cities) or the group will split up by interest and be with a chaperone (in larger cities). When students are in groups without a chaperone, Ms. VP encourages students to include at least one student who has an international cell phone plan in case of emergency. Student travelers are NOT permitted to go away from the group on their own for safety reasons.

This is one of the most challenging questions for Ms. VanPelt to answer... it really depends on your spending habits, but EF recommends the equivalent of $30-$60 per day. You should bring at least $50 converted to the currency of the first country or region that you’re visiting (Ms. VP will share details closer to departure). You should also bring an ATM card and/or credit card. Do NOT bring US Dollars as most countries will not accept them and it is nearly impossible to find a place abroad to exchange USD to local currency.

That is totally up to you and your family to decide. Most of the hotels we have stayed at had decent wi-fi that travelers used in the evenings to check in with their family. Sometimes it is nice to disconnect from the notifications of your phone and live in the moment while on tour. When students are in groups for free time, Ms. VP encourages students to include at least one student who has an international cell phone plan in case of emergency.

Ms. VanPelt will have an international plan so she can communicate with travelers, families, and chaperones. WhatsApp is the primary method of communication on tour between chaperones and travelers.

Although some countries may have specific regulations for specific types of medications (ex: Japan), typically you can bring your regular prescription and/or OTC medications with you. All prescriptions should be filled, up-to-date and in the original packaging. Travelers should pack their prescriptions in their personal item with copies of the prescription paperwork. Group Leaders must be aware of every prescription in their students’ possession.