EDUCATION TRAVEL FAQs

PROGRAM QUESTIONS

IS THERE A DEADLINE TO REGISTER?

There is no deadline to register, however, programs and classes are based on availability. Once a program or a course is full, it is closed to further enrolment. We strongly advise early registration so you can get the program and course of your choice. Registrations received and paid in full by November 4, 2022 will received a 10% discount on the program fee.

CAN I SWITCH MY PROGRAM OR COURSE SELECTION?

Students can switch to a different Global Summers Academy 2023 program or course up until March 1, 2023.

WHEN IS STUDENT ORIENTATION?

Registered students will have an opportunity to meet their teacher, program staff, and fellow students at an Orientation Session to be held in May/June 2023. Students must be registered in order to attend Orientation.

CAN STUDENTS MAKE ROOMMATE OR CLASSMATE REQUESTS?

Yes. Students can submit roommate and classmate requests on their electronic Personal Information Form, which they will receive after registering. Please make sure your friends request you as well. Students taking different courses on the same program may still room together. Accommodation is based on same-sex rooms. Global Summers Academy is committed to working with students to ensure a solution that will work for each individual. The last day to make a roommate or classmate request is May 5, 2023. Most roommate and classmate requests can be accommodated, but cannot be guaranteed.

WHAT WILL THE ACCOMMODATIONS BE LIKE?

Accommodations will be in comfortable hotels and residences. The majority of our student accommodations are twin, triple or quad occupancy depending on location. All hotels have areas available for studying and writing. All of our hotels and residences offer comfort and safety. Internet access in common spaces will also be available, where possible. In some locations, students may be in private dormitories.

ARE MEALS INCLUDED?

For Grade 11 and 12 program participants, breakfast and dinner will be provided daily. Lunch is not included but part of the fun and immersion of the program will involve exploring local gastronomy. Program staff are on hand to help with restaurant recommendations for lunches. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner is included for the Grade 9 and 10 program participants.

HOW ARE ALLERGIES AND DIETARY REQUESTS MANAGED? CAN WE REQUEST SPECIAL MEALS?

We can cater to most diets in many of our locations. You must notify us of any dietary restrictions or allergies on the Personal Information Form prior to departure. We will forward this information to the accommodation providers, restaurants and airlines.

HOW MUCH MONEY SHOULD STUDENTS BRING?

Students should bring enough local currency to pay for lunch (unless provided), water, a few public transit trips per day and entrance fees for any local sites that they would like to visit in their free time. Many students also like to bring a little money for extras such as snacks, movie tickets, and souvenirs. We recommend, in general, the equivalent of about $250.00 CAD a week in local currency.

WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND FOR CELL PHONE PLANS WHILE I’M AWAY?

There are a few options to choose from:

  1. The most economical way to use your phone abroad is to set it to Airplane Mode while outside of your hotel and connect to the free Wi-Fi while at the hotel or in cafés and restaurants.
  2. If you want regular access to your phone while abroad, you can purchase a travel pack from your cellular service provider. Costs may vary. Please check with your provider.
  3. Purchasing a SIM card in your host country may be a possibility, however, it may require you to unlock your phone. Please note it can be difficult to purchase a SIM card for a single month in some countries.

WHAT SHOULD STUDENTS PACK?

Packing lists are available in the student handbook, distributed at Orientation in May. When visiting a different country and culture, please be mindful of the appropriate style of dress. Please ensure to pack clothes with sufficient coverage to be culturally sensitive. Laundry facilities will be available on location. Students will be responsible for carrying their own luggage, so we advise packing lightly.

ACADEMIC QUESTIONS

IS GLOBAL SUMMERS ACADEMY A SCHOOL?

Yes. Global Summers Academy is an Ontario Ministry of Education inspected secondary school (BSID #669205).

WHAT IS THE CLASS SIZE?

Classes run at an average of 11 students, with a maximum of 20.

DO STUDENTS NEED TO BRING OR BUY BOOKS?

The cost of textbooks and/or course packs is not included in the program fee. At Orientation, teachers will outline class materials needed and students will be required to purchase them prior to departure.

DO STUDENTS NEED TO BRING A LAPTOP?

Students will need to bring a personal laptop or tablet to complete their course work. Students are responsible for carrying and safekeeping their device during their program.

TRAVEL QUESTIONS

DO STUDENTS NEED A PASSPORT?

Students will need a passport for all international travel (including Canada to USA). The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the scheduled return date of the program. This is a mandatory requirement for travel with Global Summers Academy.

DO STUDENTS NEED A VISA?

Canadian students travelling on the Australia, New Zealand & Fiji program will require a visa and this will be arranged by Global Summers Academy. Students travelling with non-Canadian passports must ensure that they meet all eligibility requirements of the countries they are travelling to. It is the responsibility of the student/parents/guardian to ensure that all proper travel documents for all countries visited are obtained well in advance of departure.

DO STUDENTS NEED VACCINATIONS?

Certain destinations may require vaccinations or medication to be taken prior to departure. For information regarding required or recommended vaccinations please visit the Canadian Government website at www.travel.gc.ca. Please note: vaccinations or medications may have to be taken several weeks prior to departure. Please plan accordingly.

CAN STUDENTS CHANGE THE DATE OF THEIR FLIGHTS?

Global Summers Academy reserves blocks of roundtrip airline seats on specific flights and on specific dates. Flight changes may be permitted depending on the airline being used for your program. Please contact Global Summers Academy, no later than March 1, 2023 if you are considering a change to your return flight. Airline change fees and/or additional airfare may apply but you will be informed of costs prior to any changes made. Students who, for personal reasons, do not want to use the round-trip group flights included in the program fee will be eligible for a reduction in their program fee. Reductions will not be made if the return flight portion is unused. Students who opt out of the group flights must do so at the time of registration. Changes may be made by March 1, 2023 based on availability.

REGISTRATION QUESTIONS

HOW SHOULD I APPLY?

The easiest and quickest way to apply is on our website via our secure registration system.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I REGISTER?

Once your application and deposit is received, an Electronic Personal Information Form will be sent. This will ask you for information such as a copy of your high school transcript, a copy of your passport, dietary and medical information, and classmate or roommate requests.

MEDICAL INSURANCE & CANCELLATION PROTECTION QUESTIONS

IS MEDICAL INSURANCE INCLUDED?

In location travel medical insurance, including coverage for COVID-19 emergency medical and quarantine expenses, is included on all Global Summers Academy 2023 programs for residents of Canada. Emergency medical assistance is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in location if a student needs to be referred to a doctor or to access other medical assistance services in an emergency.

IS CANCELLATION PROTECTION INCLUDED?

Cancellation Protection is optional and is an additional cost. Rates can be found on your program’s descriptions page on our website. We strongly recommend that you purchase Cancellation Protection which will provide a full refund in the event that your program were to be cancelled due to the following reasons;

  • Cancellation prior to departure in case a medical emergency or covered illness prevents the student from travelling.
  • Cancellation prior to departure as a result of a COVID-19 government issued travel advisory affecting your destination.

COVID-19 QUESTIONS

WHAT IS GLOBAL SUMMERS COVID-19 STRATEGY

Global Summers Academy continuously monitors the COVID-19 situation in Canada and around the world. We will be following all government issued travel advisories and will adhere to all local requirements.