A: Your Zoped tuition is comprehensive. It includes your round trip international airfare, placement with a carefully screened volunteer host family and school (or community service project), orientations before and during your program, and comprehensive secondary medical insurance.
A: In order to secure a spot on your program of choice, Zoped Academy requests a complete application to be submitted. After you submit your completed application and deposit, Zoped Academy will review your application. Thus can take up to 10 days. Once you have been accepted into the program a deposit must be submitted. The deposit is $500, and is part of your tuition, not in addition to it.
The tuition deposit shows us that you are committed to participating. The remaining balance of your tuition must be received before you start your program. For more information please see our Dates and Fees page.
A: Each program will include 15-25 participants.
A: No. Participants will be flying over together with their peers and a Zoped Academy staff member from SFO (San Francisco International Airport) to their host country. All participants are required to meet at designated time at SFO on July 1st.
A: Zoped Academy has an extensive support network for you and your family in the US. Within the Zoped Academy support network, there are many layers of support beginning with the on-site staff member who will be with participants the entire duration of the program. In addition to the Zoped Academy staff member, Zoped Academy’s overseas partner will be providing a staff member who is trained in providing support to students. Additionally, Zoped Academy has an emergency Duty Officer system available through an emergency hotline after business hours. If you need us, we’re here for you.
A: Zoped Academy is dedicated to making our international programs safe for participants by maintaining high security and health standards. We are therefore taking all possible precautions in preparation for the travel portion of this program. Below you will find a list of some of these measures.
First Aid Kits and Training: All staff members accompanying students will be certified in First Aid and CPR. These individuals will be the first line of contact for a student feeling unwell. Staff members will carry fully-stocked first aid kits, including epi-pens, with them at all times.
If medical attention is needed while abroad, our onsite staff will accompany participants to an appropriate facility. We only choose program locations that we deem completely safe and healthy, and this extra precaution ensures that our students have a wonderful experience without worry.
Our onsite staff is trained in how to handle any type of problem that may arise during your study abroad experience.
Natural Disasters & Other Threats: If a natural disaster or any other situation arises that affects the health and safety of our participants our staff is well-versed in contingency plans. As soon as we have information we immediately contact parents.
Action Plan
Every health or safety threat is unique and we must customize our actions based on the situation. However, in general, if there is an incident that affects the health and safety of our students we take the following actions:
A: Yes, you will require a tourist visa for the program. Visas can be obtained through the Consular Offices of the destination country in various cities across the US.
Please note that some visa applications require you to apply in-person at your destination country’s consulate. You may be required to travel to the consulate in order to do so. Below are a couple of links that outline visa requirements for India and China.
Embassy of India – Washington DC
Embassy of the People’s Republic of China
A: Yes. Zoped Academy recommends immunizations based on the information provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. All Zoped Academy participants should be immunized against the seven childhood diseases: measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus (DPT), and polio. We recommend that you check with your family physician to determine which immunizations are appropriate based on your medical history.
A: Research your host country to learn more about the climate, how teens dress, and any school dress code that might be required. The best advice is to take things that you’re comfortable wearing.
Helpful hint: Clothes dryers may not be available in every hotel. Bring one or two nice outfits for special occasions – and leave room for things you might buy while you’re there!
A: We recommend that you pack a small carry-on bag with a change of clothes, a towel, and personal toiletries.
Once packed, weigh your luggage to make sure that it is less than 44 pounds. Even though most international carriers permit you to take more than 44 pounds of baggage, you may have to take a domestic flight within your host country and these flights often have more stringent rules regarding baggage. If you chose to bring additional or overweight bags, you will be responsible for all extra fees that may be charged by the airlines.
For safety reasons, most airlines have introduced stiffer carry-on baggage rules. Keep your carry-on bags limited to a backpack or something similar in size. The carry-on bag is limited to 8 inches x 16 inches x 21 inches; and a weight of 22 pounds. Most airlines will permit passengers to carry a purse, umbrella, or camera in addition to one carry-on bag.
Helpful hint: Remember that you will have to carry your own bags. Once your bag is packed, try carrying it around the block twice quickly. If you can’t make it, it’s time to re-pack!
A: Sometimes! We do have some available empty slots in the schedule in the evening during the program where participants can have their family and friends visit. With that said, it is up to the discretion of the onsite staff member during the program and is dependent on the schedule of the program for that day. Alternatively, we recommend that participants visit with their family and friends after the program is complete.
Please note, we’ve learned from experience that visitors can be very disruptive to your cultural immersion and adjustment. But, if this is something your family is considering, let us know after you’ve submitted your application so we can get you more advice and details.
A: This is up to you, but there are definitely a few things to consider. In the case of bringing your American cell phone, rates may be very expensive or the phone simply may not work abroad.
If you are considering bringing a laptop or tablet, remember that although catching up with friends and family back home is very important (and blogging about your program is a great way to share what you’re experiencing), don’t let it take away from why you’re doing a Zoped Academy program to begin with! Be mindful that although spending lots of time online can be a tempting escape during the cultural adjustment process, it can sometimes not allow you to enjoy the present moments. Also be aware that electrical outlets in your destination country are typically incompatible with American appliances.
A: While Zoped Academy does not put a specific limit on contact with friends and family back home, we do ask that you be conservative in communications with friends and family while you’re on program. Excessive phone or online communications will often exacerbate feelings of homesickness and make the adjustment period more difficult.
A: The answer to this question depends on individual preference, as well as your individual bank. Many participants find it easiest to use a debit card from their home bank, however be sure to research ATM or other fees associated with your bank in your host country as fees can sometimes be quite high. Also be sure to call your bank and inform them about your overseas travel and destination, or else they are likely to freeze your card when they see the first international transaction.
The amount of spending money needed also depends on your own habits as well as the exchange rate in your host country. Generally, students find that their spending money ranges from $100-300.
Helpful hint: It’s a good idea to have some cash already converted to your host country’s currency before you depart.
A: Both heritage programs are approximately 3 weeks in length.
A: Students will be staying in standard 3 star hotels throughout the program. Participant will be in a shared room with a member of the same gender. Members of the Zoped Academy staff will accompany the students the entire time while on program.
A:The program will be taking place for 3 weeks in July 2018. The dates for the India program are July 10 – 31. Participants are to depart from San Francisco International Airport on July 9, 2018. The China program will be taking place from July 10 – 31. Participants are also to depart from San Francisco International Airport on July 9, 2018.
A: Our programs are designed for youth ranging from 15-18.5 years of age.
A: Food will be eaten at hotels and restaurants. Restaurants and hotels where the participants will eat have been vetted and often visited by Zoped Academy’s onsite contacts and partners.
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