What is included in the program costs?
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.
- Included in the program costs are:
- International airfare (return flight from SFO to India or China, depending on program)
- Domestic travel
- Accommodations (standard 3 star hotels)
- All meals will be provided (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
- Medical insurance will be provided to all participants.
- Daily Cultural and Social Activities.
When does the program fees have to be paid?
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.
How many participants will be on the program?
Each program will include 15-25 participants.
Will I fly alone to the host country?
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.
What will happen if I have a problem while I’m on my program?
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.
Health and Safety
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.
- We continually monitor and analyze any information available that may affect our program locations.
- We are in constant contact with the onsite staff. Our partners and local staff are the eyes and ears of the program!
- Our onsite staff gives a program orientation for all students upon arrival about the health and safety of the program location.
- We recommend students register with their embassy prior to departure.
- We communicate with our students any concerns they should be aware of.
- We adjust the activities to avoid any potential problem that may affect the program adversely.
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:
- Ensure that all students are accounted for.
- Contact the student’s indicated emergency contact person(s)
- Onsite staff provide reports to monitor the situation.
- Onsite staff will provide instructions to students as to how to remain safe.
- Onsite staff gather information as to whether or not classes will be held.
- If need be, an evacuation plan will be executed and instructions given to students and parents.
Will I have health insurance coverage while I am studying abroad?
Yes, you will be provided with limited health and accident insurance and will be automatically enrolled shortly before your study abroad program begins. The cost is included in the program fee.
Is there anything I won’t be able to do abroad?
Yes, all participants must be law abiding in their host country. There may be country-specific rules that apply. There also are limits on traveling independently. In a new environment, it’s important to be more aware than you might be at home. And remember: you are an ambassador for the U.S., so it will be important to act respectfully toward others and to give extra attention to being culturally aware. Students may be sent home for breaking rules or laws, or for persistent behavioral issues.
Do I need a visa?
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
Do I need to get any vaccinations before I go?
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.
What should I pack?
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!
How much luggage can I take?
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!
Can my family and friends visit me during the program?
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.
Can I bring my laptop or cell phone on program?
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.
I’ve heard that you should only have limited contact with your family and friends from home while abroad, is this true?
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.
How do I do my banking while abroad? How much money should I bring?
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.
How long is a heritage program?
Both heritage programs are approximately 3 weeks in length.
Where do I stay while on program?
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.
What time of year do programs take place?
The program will be taking place for 3 weeks in July 2018.
What are the age requirements?
Our programs are designed for youth ranging from 15-18.5 years of age.
Where will the participants eat and what type of food?
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.