General Frequently Asked Questions
For Schools & Principals
We work directly with school principals and administrators to design a customized 2–3 week program. Once your school confirms interest, our team coordinates the academic placements with partner schools abroad, arranges lodging, cultural excursions, and supports logistics such as visas and travel.
Yes. Students are placed in classes at *partner schools abroad* that match their grade level. We work with host schools to align subject areas where possible, ensuring the immersion is academically relevant as well as culturally enriching.
We recommend a minimum of 10–12 students to maximize value for the host institution, but we can accommodate smaller groups or bigger groups on request.
Programs are offered on a tuition-based package, which covers:
- Academic placement fees
- Housing (host family or school campus lodging)
- Meals, excursions, and cultural activities
- Local coordination and 24/7 support
- Pricing may vary by destination and add-ons such as university tours or career workshops.
Yes. We encourage at least one faculty chaperone per 10–12 students. Their costs can often be partially or fully subsidized within the program fee.
Yes. We hold pre-departure briefings for principals, teachers, and families covering academic expectations, cultural differences, safety, packing, and travel requirements.
For Parents & Families
Students live either in partner school dorms or with vetted host families. Both options provide a safe, structured environment, with meals and adult supervision.
Each destination has regional coordinators and on-site staff at the partner school. Chaperones from the sending school travel with the group, and our team provides *24/7 emergency support* throughout the trip.
The core package includes:
- Academic placement at a partner school abroad
- Accommodation & meals
- Excursions and cultural activities
- Airport pickup and local transfers
- Local program coordinators
- Optional add-ons: visa processing, insurance, flights, and concierge services.
- U.S. → Europe & Africa
- Africa → Europe (UK, Spain, France)
- Africa → Africa (Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Senegal)
- Middle East → Europe & Africa
Most immersion programs last 2–3 weeks, balancing academic participation with cultural exploration. Longer options (semester or year abroad) are also available.
No prior language knowledge is required. Many partner schools abroad offer instruction in English, though students are encouraged to try local phrases. Language tutoring can be added to the program.
We work with host families and schools to accommodate special diets and medical requirements. Parents should provide detailed information during registration so arrangements can be made in advance.
Absolutely. Immersion trips strengthen a student’s college application profile, foster independence, and encourage global perspectives — all of which are highly valued in university admissions.
Global Travel Holdings assists with visa processing and documentation. Our team provides checklists, embassy appointment guidance, and optional concierge services.
Basic travel and health insurance packages are available. Parents can also opt for enhanced coverage that includes cancellation, medical evacuation, and extra travel protections.
For the questions that follow:
I am a parent with questions, where do I go? Please head to our Parent Handbook page. You’re also welcome to set up a time to chat with us about your child’s program abroad here. We’re happy to chat with you about this big decision!
- I identify as LGBTQ+. How will I be supported?
- When should I apply?
- I missed the deadline to apply! Is there any way I can go?
- Can I choose where I will be placed with my host family?
- What if I don’t like my host family? Can I request a new one?
- Will I be placed in a city like Paris?
- Will I have a host sibling my age?
- Are flights included?
- Will someone pick me up at the airport?
- Will anyone at my school speak English?
- Will I get to travel?
- Do I need vaccines?
- What is the insurance?
- What happens if I get sick or have an emergency?
- What visa do I get and how do I apply?
- Do you offer any scholarships, financial aid, or special discounts?
- Do I need to be fluent in French?
- Can I come home to visit or can my parents visit while I’m abroad?
- Can friends study abroad together?
- My school requires service learning in order to graduate. How will I do that abroad?
- Can I take the SATs while abroad?
- I have already graduated, can I still go?
- Can I speak to current high school students or alumni?