Frequently Asked Questions

Pack light! You'll be toting your own luggage around, so bring only what you need—one small carry-on suitcase and your backpack should be enough. Checked baggage fees cost extra and vary by airline. If you decided not to check a bag, remember to check tsa.gov for current security requirements in carry-on bags.

Clothing and Accessories

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Shirts & Pants (Both short and long)
  Most days are casual
  For Pitch Day, attire can range from business casual to business formal

• Socks & underwear

• Watch

• Pajamas

• Bathing suit (Applicable for Lisbon. Optional for Columbia since the gym has a pool.)

• Dressier outfit (for Final Pitch Day)

• Lightweight jacket (for rainy days

• Sweatshirt or sweater (for classrooms with A/C)

• Reusable water bottle

Toiletries

• Toothbrush & Toothpaste

• Shampoo & Conditioner

• Soap

• Deodorant

• Hairbrush or Comb

• Sunscreen

• Prescription medications must be labeled and carried in their pharmaceutical container. (When flying, always carry your prescription medication with you.)

• Spare set of contact lenses/glasses (if applicable)

• Over-the-counter medicine for allergies or headaches

Money

• Credit or debit card (Call your bank prior to departure to alert them of your trip; foreign purchases sometimes result in a hold on bank accounts.)

• To get local currency, it’s easiest to withdraw cash at an ATM using your debit card.

• Pouch for storing money and passport under clothing (optional)

Electronics

• Your laptop

• Alarm clock (or iPhone)

• An adaptor/converter for your electronics (if applicable)

Documents

• Passport with expiration date at last 3 months past your departure date

• Notarized Parental Consent to Travel Letter (for students less than 18 years of age)

• Visa (if applicable)

Carry-on Bag

These items should be packed in your carry-on in case your checked luggage is delayed.

• Passport

• Money

• Airline boarding pass

• Laptop

• Prescription medications labeled and carried in their pharmaceutical container

• Glasses (if applicable)

Families are responsible for booking travel. We provide:

• Arrival and departure guidance

• Clear meeting points

• Expectations for local transportation

Students are expected to demonstrate age-appropriate independence.

You will need a valid passport for international travel. Many international destinations require that your passport expiration date be at least six months after your scheduled return home.

Minors under 18 years of age should be in possession of an authorization letter of parental consent to travel, if traveling with adults other than their parent(s) or legal guardian(s). The document must be signed and dated, with the signature(s) certified by a notary.

Non-U.S. citizens must check local visa requirements, including requirements for countries passed through in transit.

For commuter programs, meals are not included.

For residential programs, meals are designed to be supportive, flexible, and age-appropriate.

• Breakfast is flexible. Students will have reliable access to breakfast options every morning either through campus dining, nearby cafes, or simple food options arranged near housing, depending on the program location. While breakfast is not a required group activity, staff are present in the mornings and check in with students as they start their day. This approach allows students to eat when they are ready while ensuring they are fueled, supported, and accounted for before programming begins.

• Students eat lunch near the program site each day, using nearby dining halls, cafés, or food options appropriate to the location. Lunch time is built into the daily schedule, and staff ensure students have adequate time to eat and return ready for afternoon work. Staff are present and accessible during lunch and monitor student energy and engagement as the day continues.

• Dinner plays an important role in community and well-being. Each program includes 2 planned group dinners each week, where students and staff come together for shared meals and conversation. These meals are intentionally designed to support connection, reflection, and a sense of belonging. On other evenings, students eat in small groups or independently, with guidance from staff and clear expectations around timing, check-ins, and boundaries. Staff remain actively involved in evening supervision and are attentive to students’ routines, energy levels, and overall well-being.

This balance allows students to experience independence while remaining consistently supported.

Evenings are intentionally designed to balance connection and downtime.

• Some evenings are unstructured, allowing students to relax, go for a walk, visit a café, exercise, or spend time with peers.

• Each program includes some thoughtfully planned group moments such as shared meals, city walks, or informal gatherings to create meaningful shared memories.

• Students are also encouraged to suggest activities they care about. Staff support planning and supervision while allowing students to take initiative.