Frequently Asked Questions
STUDENTS OFTEN ASK
What if I have never traveled before
Whether you are a seasoned traveler or a first-time on an airplane, American Camp Experience is about embracing new adventures. We help you look through the windshield of life forming new friendships and opening new possibilities.
No previous travel experience is required. Where will I sleep?
While at EF Language School in Tarrytown, NY you will sleep in a dormitory with your peers. You may have one, two, or three roommates and you will share a bathroom with students on the same floor of the dormitory.
While in small towns, you will stay with host families. They will provide everything you need to “make yourself at home.” What do I need to bring?
Six weeks before your departure, you will receive a “What to Bring” list. When you arrive, you will be given an American Camp Experience swag bag, a selection of things you will need while attending American Camp Experience.
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PARENTS OFTEN ASK
Does my child need a student visa
No, your child will not need a student visa. Your child will travel under your home country's appropriate tourist VISA.
Will the flights be chaperoned?
Yes. We arrange for all campers from a given country to fly together with our Student Coordinator from that country. Parents will be responsible for making arrangements to the departing airport. Gateway departing cities will be posted in January 2024.
Students will be met at the gateway departure city airport by the Student Coordinator and all will fly together. Our partner airlines are all well versed in first time travelers and the attention that needs to be paid to underage travelers. What will my child eat?
All meals are provided. Snacks outside of mealtimes, will be at the camper expense. Any special dietary needs will be addressed in the application process.
Who will do my child’s laundry?
Students will be given the opportunity to do laundry and personal care while with their host family. Host families understand the value of integrating the students into their everyday family life. From festivals and cookouts to game night and visiting friends, what the family does, your child will do.
How are host families selected?
Host families are selected based on their openness to new experiences and the ability to provide guidance and support to an international camper. Families are vetted through an in depth application process, interviews, and background checks.
Will I have an opportunity to meet the host families?
Once host families have been selected and assigned, you will be given their contact information. We encourage all families to meet via Google Meets or Zoom prior to the trip.
Will my child be paired with other students for homestay?
Possibly. Based on host family availability, some families may choose to have more than one student. Our policy is no more than two age/gender appropriate children in one room with individual accommodations.
What happens if a student becomes sick or injured during the program?
The foundation of our program is family. Your child will be cared for just as if one of our own children were sick or injured. Your tuition includes a comprehensive healthcare plan. Costs will be covered under what is allowable through the included in the plan. Above all, should anything happen during your child's trip, you will hear directly from us.
How will I communicate with my child?
As a part of your tuition, each student receives a SIM card so that phone calls can be made. We use the “What’s App” app for ease texting and wifi calling as well.
Should I buy cancellation insurance?
This is a family choice and is completely up to you. We all know that things happen that may interfere with your plans. You will have the option to use our insurance provider for cancellation insurance. Please ask for details.
What happens if we decide to withdraw?
The payment schedule is staggered. However, all paid fees throughout the process are non-refundable. Should a family decide in the midst of the payment schedule to dis-enroll, future payments will not be required. However, any paid fees will not be reimbursed.
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