How do I pay for it?

1. The tour company takes checks and credit cards.
2. The tour company will allow you to pay installments.
3. You can conduct fundraisers to help pay for the trip.
4. There is a possibility of financial aid via ECPI; please see your Financial Aid
officer as soon as possible to receive eligibility information.

When is the money due?

*Non-refundable deposits of $95 are due NO LATER THAN 120 days prior to departure.
*Entire balance of the trip is due NO LATER THAN 90 days prior to departure.
* The prices of the trips are low because the tour company can get the best prices
via advance purchasing.

What’s included in the price of the trip?

Airfare, all ground transportation, hotels, breakfast, dinner, airport taxes, specifically stated tour excursions, museum and tour fees, and tour registration. Everything EXCEPT: beverages, lunch and spending money. How much spending money do I need to take? Recommended spending money is roughly $30-$50 per day; this amount depends upon what you like to eat, drink and buy.

How do I sign up?

Step 1: Decide on your payment options. Review and meet application and financial deadlines

* Applications are available from Dr. Corillo OR register online at www.explorica.com- using the applicable Tour Code. You may only register online if you are paying the $95 non-refundable deposit via credit card online at that time
* Pay $95 non-refundable deposit at time of turning in the application - payment may be made via personal check, money order or credit card. Please make checks payable to Explorica.

May I bring a friend with me?

Yes, friends, siblings, alumni, in-laws, out-laws and otherwise are welcome on the trip with you. They are not eligible for ECPI financial aid or loans. They are required to sign the same “tour disclaimer” as students and are accountable to the same security rules as students. Participants must be age 18 or older to attend.

Who may I contact with questions?

Dr. Glenn Corillo, Study Abroad Program Coordinator Office 421A
Email: gcorillo@ecpi.edu

Michelle Jordal, Financial Aid representative
Email: mjordal@ecpi.edu

Do I need a passport? YES!

Where to Go:
Apply in person at a major post office, county clerk’s office, or passport agency. Please note that not all states have passport agencies so you can also apply online at 

www.travel.state.gov/passport_services.html

www.travel.state.gov/download_applications.html

OR www.travel.state.gov/index.html
For firts time passport applicants.

Passports and visa requirements and fees are subject to change.

How long will we be gone?

Each itinerary and trip is different. Please contact the Study Abroad Program
Coordinator for details.

How do I get foreign money?

You may purchase international currency from banks in the US. You must order currency roughly 10 days prior to picking up the currency. Please see you personal bank for details. Check the current currency exchange rates for conversion details at The Universal Currency Converter http://www.xe.net/ucc

Can I take the trip if I graduate before the trip?

Yes – as alumni you are welcome to attend the trips with ECPI. It is unlikely that you will be eligible for financial aid after completion of your program, but you are always welcome to join the Stduy Abroad trips with ECPI.

TRAVEL TIPS

How much luggage should I bring?

Pack light!!!!!!
On an ECPI trip, you’ll take one suitcase (70 lbs or less) and one carry on. Dragging your suitcase from your bedroom to the front door is not the same as lugging it through 15 foreign airports. Essentials only!
Examine your itinerary.
Does your destination require activity-specific attire? Bring it along.
Watch the weather.
Check expected conditions for your location and season.
Downsize Supplies.
Bring travel size bottles of shampoo, moisturizer, etc. Don’t completely fill them; cabin pressure can cause leaks.
Color coordinate.
Choose hues that match each other. Go with solids over patterns. Please consider the cultures in the places you will visit and attempt to be sensitive to cultural nuances.
Go With the Roll.
If you’re getting a new suitcase, buy one with wheels. (Whew, cannot tell you how invaluable this feature is!)
-- Put heavy items (hairdryer, shoes) on the bottom and sides of your suitcase.
-- Stuff socks and belts in shoes, jewelry in pockets.
-- Roll sweaters and knits.
-- Wear your coat on the plane.
-- Leave space for souvenirs!
-- Stand out from the crowd.
Speed through baggage claim by making your group’s luggage stand out. Tie a matching, brightly colored ribbon or other identifier to the handle of everyone’s suitcase.
Carry-on Clues
Luggage gets lost. Bring things you’ll need immediately—toothbrush, lotion, prescription medicines, your passport, cash, a T-shirt, an extra pair of underwear—in your carry-on.
Don’t Forget!
--Voltage converter and adapter for 110-220 volts
--Travel alarm clock
--Neck wallet or money belt
--Medications :Give your Group Leader a copy of your prescriptions and a record of your medical conditions and allergies. Don’t mix medications in the same bottle; customs officials may check the content against the label.
-- Extra contacts or eyewear
-- A Xerox copy of your passport
-- Camera

What if I don’t like the food?

We suggest that you take some of your favorite snacks (granola bars, protein bars, etc) with you in case you have special dietary needs. Part of the adventure is trying new foods and experiencing new things! Be adventurous. Continental breakfasts are served on the tours = coffee or tea, pastries, toast or cereal and possible fruit. American breakfasts of eggs, bacon, toast and pancakes are RARE outside of the US! Use a bit of your free time to explore local grocery stores and see what interesting or different products they sell.