Courses & Travel
1. What is included in the program costs?
Generally, your program fee covers the course itself, housing, two meals per day, excursion transportation, and in-country transit from the airport to the site and back to the airport. Airfare is not included unless it is provided by one of our partner schools. You are responsible for knowing the details of what is included and not included before undertaking any expenses by contacting us at (732) 579-8500.
2. Why doesn't my school inlcude airfare?
In short because Global PACT participants come from across the country and across the globe. Students from Boston wouldn't want to leave from New York and vice versa. Additionally, some Global PACT students wish to stay in country longer, some wish to arrive and leave exactly on the program dates, and some like to use airline miles. After considering all these individual needs, we believe you should have the utmost flexibility by individually choosing when and how you would like to travel.
3. How do I buy airfare and where am I flying?
We do not endorse any particular travel agency. You should always purchase your tickets from a reputable agent to avoid any difficulties in the event that you need to change your plans for whatever reason. We can suggest it’s always better to buy earlier than later. All airfare details will arrive in your admissions packet.
4. I need to know everything about calling home, doing laundry and other things. Where can I find that?
Once admitted, you will receive a Global PACT Participant’s Packet which covers everything you’d want to know about the course and specific place you’re staying. However, we’d recommend picking up a Lonely Planet (www.lonelyplanet.com) or Rough Guide (www.roughguides.com) book on the location of your program. These guides can give you a lot more detailed information on the country in general. You can also use Google Earth to “visit” where you are going from above and use Google Images to view photos taken by previous visitors.
5. What documents will I need?
If you are not a national or resident of the country you are visiting, you must investigate whether or not you’ll need a visa or other documents by contacting the embassy or nearest consulate of the host country for your program.
Please bring the following with you:
- Several photocopies of your passport in case you lose the original and must replace it at the U.S. embassy.
- A copy of your prescription if you wear glasses.
- Copies of the prescriptions for any medications you take.
Global PACT advises that you purchase and wear a money belt to avoid losing your passport. It is best not to carry valuables and expensive jewelry while traveling.
It does depend on the course, but generally a Global PACT staff person will meet you at the airport and accompany you to our accommodations. During the program you will be able to get around on foot, by taxi, bus or tram, depending on where you are. Weekends we will go on group excursions by bus.
To access money, ATMs are available in the major cities of your host country. But since access to an ATM may not always be guaranteed, it is advisable to obtain the relevant currency on arrival and whenever you get the chance thereafter. It is also important to inform your bank that you will be leaving for your host country in order to prevent suspicion of foul play upon use of an ATM overseas in accessing your account. Debit cards are preferable to traveler’s checks.
