Overnight Program Explo 360°

Airport

We know that one of the big concerns about traveling far from home is transportation. Our staff—easily identifiable in their bright orange EXPLO t-shirts—meet students at the airport, escort them to campus, and help them settle in. On Arrival Day, staff members remain at the airport until we know that the last student has been picked up.

When it’s time to return home at the end of the session, we take students back to the airport—and stay there until we’re sure everyone is safe and in the air.

The cost for airport transportation is $100 each way, and if a student is flying as an unaccompanied minor, there is an additional charge of $50 each way.

Car

Families may arrive between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM on the first day of their session. On departure day, students will be packed and ready to greet their families between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM. EXPLO signs will direct you through to registration

While most students will be housed in double rooms with traditional multi-stall hall bathrooms, there are also Jack-and-Jill style rooms that share a bathroom between two single bedrooms. We encourage families to work with their Admission Counselor to discuss housing for their child. Each student is part of a living group. There are two residential advisors per living group and the group is comprised of students from a diverse array of backgrounds. Living groups are determined based on student grade and gender identity, with an option for mixed-grade gender-inclusive housing should space be available.

Each living group is also supervised by two residential directors who work closely with the deans and assistant deans in the Office of Student Life. The Office of Student Life is focused on ensuring each student feels a sense of belonging at the program and is thriving. Since most students have never lived in a residence hall and most have never had a roommate, members of the Office of Student Life guide and advise students through this new experience.

Most students are assigned a roommate they do not know—a wonderful opportunity to get to know someone new. We recommend that if friends come to the program that they do not live with one another, but they can instead request to be in the same living group. That said, students may choose specific roommates as long as both students are in the same grade, same gender, and they request one another. 

Students are not permitted to have cell phones or laptop computers with them on campus for the duration of the program. For students traveling on their own, EXPLO can safely store these devices until departure. Communication will be through EXPLO phones.

Kindles, e-readers, and tablets that cannot access the internet on their own are permitted. We strongly encourage students to secure these valuables in their rooms.

In order to establish a support system with the other members of the EXPLO community, students may not make or receive calls during the first week of the program. Students may call home beginning the second Monday of each session from a shared phone on their floor.

Families can always call the Main Office and connect with the Office of Student Life for an update on their child or to leave a message. 

From day one, families may send emails to students using the student messaging service on the Student Portal. Students will not have access to their personal email accounts.

Students may send and receive snail mail and should bring stamps with them to the program. Most families go through the session without sending packages, however you are welcome to send packages to students.

Students at EXPLO Intermediate do their own laundry with washers and dryers in the residence halls. Because many students have never done their laundry prior to EXPLO, residential advisors walk students through the process, and are happy to offer assistance throughout the session.