Common Questions:
How difficult are the journeys?
All Programs vary in their degree of physical challenge. Each journey presents its own unique set of challenges and good physical condition is recommended. The programs are designed with the idea of offering a new experience to all the participants requiring no previous experience or skills.
Safety?
Safety is the most important aspect of any International Doorways journey. All of our programs consist of 2-3 trained staffed members including our Program Director in addition to our in-country facilitators.
Where are the participants from?
Participants come from across the United States as well as all over the world.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE?
Financial assistance is available to a limited number of participants. International
Doorways offer full & partial scholarships for all summer programs.
Awards are based on need & merit. Awards are processed on a first come first
served basis and are subject to availability.
Please contact our Program Director: Kathleen Vivas
Kathleen@InternationalDoorways.com
Telephone: 919-832-3706
FAX: 800-637-3793
Postal Address:
International Doorways Inc.
P. O. Box 12997 - Raleigh, N.C. 27605-2997
Medical & Insurance Coverage?
Two types of insurance are available to all ID participants:
1.International Doorways will purchase a limited Travel & Medical Insurance policy for all participants. This insurance is purchased for USA participants traveling internationally in their own name to protect against major medical injuries and evacuation. Additional coverage may be purchased separately or you may verify if your personal medical insurance will cover the participant during the program duration. Medical or dental treatment will be accessed in a reasonable amount of time at the nearest facility. Payment for treatment or emergency transport is the responsibility of your insurance company or family.
2. Optional Tuition: This insurance is highly recommended and can be purchased directly from International Doorways to guarantee your tuition against ANYTHING not covered by other insurance AT ANY TIME, with one exception. Participants sent home for breaking any International Doorways rules are not eligible for a refund even if optional tuition insurance was purchased.
Required Gear, Documents & Vaccinations?
Your cost of tuition covers most non-personal equipment. Upon acceptance to your preferred program we will send out a confirmation letter. In early Spring, we will send out an information packet which will consist of a detailed packing list, health information relevant to your destination, supplemental documents to be returned to us, travel details, suggested reading materials as well as any other relevant information. SECONDARY MATERIALS, which must be submitted by May 1st include: personal
profile, medical forms, international travel documentation/passport verification, Air Travel Itinerary and four recent photographs.
Travel Arrangements?
Participants are asked to travel with their group from the U.S. on seats reserved by International Doorways. International Doorways blocks group space, providing the most economical routing available on quality flights. Participants and their families are responsible for any increase in air fares levied by the airlines as well as any fees based on ticket changes or early program dismissal ticket changes. All participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation to & from the departure gateway city as well as the final program destination. . In the event that you prefer to use frequent flyer miles for your travel arrangements please contact our office. International Doorways will have a representative at a chosen "gateway" airport (Miami, Los Angeles or New York) to meet all participants and continue to our final destination.
Communication?
To follow your teen's journey you will have access to our travel journal, which will be updated periodically with pictures and other relevant information. Participants will also have the opportunity to call home. Participants have limited access to phones during most journeys and calling cards purchased in country generally work better than calling cards purchased in the United States. Internet access is usually available once a week, and most participants stay in touch with their parents and friends through e-mail. STUDENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO USE THEIR CELL PHONES WHILE OVERSEAS ON ANY International Doorways program, although they are permitted to carry cell phones for use within the United States. During the summer our office will be available at all times should an emergency arise at home. If possible, while in-country we will also have cell phones/satellite phones subject to service availability.
Accommodations & Meals Transportation
Journeys may include buses, trains, boats or air travel. Accommodations may include camping, budget hotels or a home stay with local families. Our meals consist of local cuisine. Please let us know in advance if you have any special requests. (Vegetarian meals etc)
How Are Community Service Hours Awarded?
Participants are awarded community service hours based on their actual participation and community service accomplishments. Participants who fully participate in their program receive the maximum hours listed. Upon program completion those that would like to receive a letter certificate of service must notify us & these are mailed out in the fall. Participants who have additional community service forms from their school should send us a copy when they return their forms and bring another copy along on their program and give it to their group leader at the beginning of the program.
Is Your Staff Qualified In First Aid?
Safety is our top priority! International Doorways staff commonly includes Wilderness First Responders, EMTs, Wilderness EMTs, Surf Life Guards and staff with Red Cross First Aid and CPR training.
Can I Join an International Doorways program From Outside The USA?
Absolutely! Many international participants join us each year. If you are beginning your journey from outside the USA, we will provide you with guidelines for making your own international flight arrangements, and our staff will meet you at the airport when you arrive. International students can contact us at info@internationaldoorways.com or by phone @ +1 (919) 832-3706, or fax on +1 (800) 637-3093
Tuition and Payments / Refunds And Cancellation Penalties?
The seasonal nature of our summer programs preclude any tuition rebate, reduction, allowance for later arrivals, early withdraws, non-arrival, dismissal for cause. Payment is agreed upon as follows: A $500.00 *Non-Refundable Deposit is due with the application. Balance of tuition is due April 1st and is non-refundable thereafter. (Note: Cancellations must be in writing) Tuition Payments are accepted by check or cash. (Note a $50.00 fee will be applied to any returned checks) (Note/Namibia Program:
Due to the risk of a significant decline in the value of the US dollar, there may be a surcharge of up to $150 based on the Rand/USD exchange rate on May 15th. This surcharge would be due on June 1st) PLEASE NOTE: Programs, dates and tuitions are subject to change.
Note: The application & Terms of Agreement & Release Statement must be signed by the applicant and his/her parent or guardian. All applicants must engage in a personal or over-the-phone interview before being accepted, and all participants must provide at least one teacher reference.
DO YOU EVER CHANGE program ITINERARIES? Our intention is to create a journey that addresses the goals and program elements as listed in each program description. All participants and families are advised to note that journey itineraries WILL change. When changes are made staff incorporate student goals and interests, they adjust to the health of the group, & sometimes make changes necessary because of, problems with transportation, political unrest or any other unforeseen circumstances, we will do all possible to structure the journey so that it stays true to its original intent.
School Credit? Our programs have components that may meet your school's criteria for athletic or community service credit. Participants may petition their schools for credit on other courses, particularly language credit. Please contact our office at any time with questions.
College Credit? Our programs have components that will allow participants to earn college credits during an International Doorways program. International Doorways is not issuing the credit. Participants are separately enrolling in an Independent Travel Study Program/Course. International Doorways is simply providing the experience from which students draw from for the course. Participants will be required to submit additional coursework directly to the accredited institution. For those who would like to become eligible for credit under this program, each will need to fill out a set of project proposal forms. Participants are required to submit their application forms at least 4-6 weeks before their program departure date. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will then be able to request an official transcript for the course in order to transfer the credits to whichever university they eventually attend. For additional information please contact the International Doorways office at info@internationaldoorways.com or by phone @ (919) 832-3706, or fax @ (800) 637-3093
Can I contact past participants and parents?
For a list of past participants, please contact the International Doorways office at info@internationaldoorways.com or by phone @ (919) 832-3706, or fax @ (800) 637-3093
What happens if a participant gets sick or injured?
We work with emergency response services and evacuation providers, and we have researched in-country medical facilities. When and if a participant becomes ill, we respond immediately, ensuring appropriate medical care. Regarding any emergency issue, we will be in constant & immediate communication with parents.
Tuition items included/ not included?
Included: Tuition for Language Study, Housing, All In-Country Meals & Transportation, Guided Visits & Entry Fees, International Travel Insurance
Not Included: Domestic/International Airfare, Required Immunizations (if applicable), Travel Documents & fees (Visa, Passport, if applicable), personal/medical expenses, laundry, optional activities, clothing, cost of evacuation, airport taxes, e-mail, extra baggage fees, phone calls, Equipment such as hiking boots, backpack/luggage, sleeping pad & bag.
INTERESTED IN AN INTERNATIONAL DOORWAYS PROGRAM?
HERE’S WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO!
1. Contact Us! Phone (919) 832-3706
Email info@internationaldoorways.com
We will be glad to answer any of your questions or
provide you with any additional resources to help
with your decision process.
2. Request a catalogue and references from past
participants and their families
3. Visit us online www.InternationalDoorways.com
4. Request a home visit
ARE YOU READY TO APPLY?
HERE’S WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO!
1. Download our application by visiting us online @
www.InternationalDoorways.com.
2. Please submit your Application as soon as possible by
mail or fax.
3. Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis.
4. Along with Application please include your initial
non- refundable deposit of $500.00, which is also nontransferable
and must accompany the signed
application, terms of agreement and teacher
recommendation.
5. Once your application is received we will contact you
and answer any remaining questions or concerns you
may have.
HERE’S WHAT YOU HAVE TO INCLUDE!
1. Registration /Application
2. Terms & Release Statement
3. Teacher Recommendation Form
4. $500.00 Non-Refundable Deposit
