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, iPods, tablets, and other personal music/reading devices with cellular or internet capabilities are not allowed on campus for the duration of the Program. Apple watches or other smartwatches/personal devices must also be disconnected from cellular, GPS, or internet capabilities. Students found to be using WiFi, cellular, or internet services in an unauthorized fashion will face disciplinary measures, and the item will be confiscated.

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.

English is the working language of EXPLO. To enroll in the program, you must be able to speak and understand English at a reasonably fluent level. To ensure that everyone is able to participate in all aspects of the program, students who do not attend a school with an English language-based curriculum or speak English at home may need to interview with EXPLO. Once you’ve submitted an application and deposit, we’ll contact you and your family about completing an interview should we determine that one is necessary.

Almost 90,000 students from 101 countries have attended EXPLO. The community is diverse, and students from around the world have made lifelong friends across cultures. Students attending EXPLO are eligible to attend under a B-2 tourist visa. You can check to see whether a visa is required using the online Visa Wizard on the US Travel website – select the “study or exchange” and then “recreational program.” Should you need to apply for a visa, EXPLO will provide you with a support letter tailored to your needs. 

Regardless of visa need, all students entering the US from abroad are encouraged to request a travel letter from EXPLO to expedite entry and should ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond their planned entry date.