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What makes Global Works unique? |
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In our 17th year of service and adventure, Global Works has shaped its own unique formula of high quality summer experiences for both teens and community partners.
Our program design allows participants to travel to three or four different communities within a country. This ensures that participants experience the diverse geography and culture unique to each country. In each of these areas, we enjoy adventure activities while working alongside the local people and form meaningful, lasting friendships. We strive to offer a truly rounded and rewarding travel experience.
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Who participates on a Global Works program? |
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The Global Works community is comprised of a diverse group of students from across the United States and around the world. A common trait in our enrollees is an inquisitive, open-minded approach to travel that includes a desire to learn more about other people and cultures. A desire to work side-by-side with community members on service projects and an adventurous spirit are characteristic of our participants as well. Students who join us must be ready to ‘step out of their comfort zone,’ work hard and be willing to reach out, while making new friends and being part of a close community.
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What are Global Works’ health and safety protocols? |
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Since our inception in 1990, health and safety have been our first and foremost criteria in choosing our travel locations. We take a preventative approach to minimize the inherent risks of travel, avoiding areas that do not meet our standards, with contingency plans in place. We would be happy to talk with you further about our Emergency Action Plan, and safety measures for each program.
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May I come with a friend? |
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Yes, however, we do need to keep tight limits on how many people know each other on any given trip. If friends do decide to travel together, it is vital that each individual reaches out to make new friends. Global Works offers small group experiences, and it is necessary for everyone to feel welcome, not excluded. The vast majority of participants will be attending without a friend.
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Should I be nervous if I don’t know anyone on the trip beforehand? |
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Absolutely not! Even though it is perfectly natural to feel nervous of the unknown, those feelings will disappear quickly after the first few days as you become familiar with your group and new surroundings. Our fun and caring staff spends the first couple of days facilitating group orientation and teambuilding activities. Our staff keeps a watchful eye on the emotional well-being of each individual, as well as the dynamics of the whole group.
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What experience do I need? |
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You do not need experience, just a willingness to try and a desire to learn. Skilled guides and tradesmen will explain the requirements and safety procedures for all projects and adventure activities.
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How much time is spent on service projects and do we receive documents for the hours we complete? |
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The total number of service hours may vary from 40-80 hours, depending on the location, program, and variables beyond our control, such as weather. A month after your program ends you receive a letter and “Certificate of Service.” Both documents note the number of hours you completed and a detailed description of the tasks and projects accomplished.
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May I call home during the trip? |
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Yes, we encourage you to call home! Program leaders will ask all students to call home upon arrival. Many locations have public phones so students may call home regularly using phone cards. Some locations do not have on-site telephones accessible for students; in these situations the group is periodically taken to an available phone for use. Emergency communication is always available through the use of radio communication and Satellite telephones. Calling home once a week is fine. Frequent calls home or to friends are discouraged because they detract from the experience and disrupt the bonding process.
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Do I need a Passport/Visa? |
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A valid passport is required for all international programs, but US citizens do not need passports to travel to Puerto Rico. Visa requirements vary; US citizens do not need a pre-issued Visa for any Global Works locations. International applicants should contact us with specific visa questions.
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May I use my frequent flyer miles? |
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We feel it is critical for all students to be on the same flight with our staff members when leaving the country. We negotiate with the airlines and hold seats by putting deposits down for our group. We want students to ticket on that flight. However, if you find a seat on that same flight, and it does not cost us our “Group” status with the airline, then, by all means, use your frequent flyer miles. We understand and support the logic of saving on airline costs. Our trips to Puerto Rico are the exception, as we do not have group flights designated for those programs. Instead, we meet everyone in San Juan.
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What is and isn’t included in the trip tuition? |
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Trip tuition includes all accommodations, food, activities, and transportation once the trip begins. You should be able to fully participate without any additional expense once you are there. Our tuition prices do not include airfare, personal insurance, or personal spending money for gifts or extra sweets.
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The drugs and alcohol question? |
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There is no question. The rule is clear: no drugs, alcohol or tobacco products. If you are not sure you can live by this rule for the duration of the program, then please do not come on the trip. We have sent students home for this reason, and we are firm on this subject.
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What are the behavioral expectations? |
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Global Works rules and guidelines are implemented to ensure a united, safe and successful group travel experience. Global Works participants are expected to maintain high standards of personal behavior. While the majority of activities are structured and supervised, students also have “free time” which does not involve constant supervision/surveillance. Group members must be able to assume responsibility for their actions and decisions. Students whose parents require them to be under constant surveillance or who are likely to act irresponsibly should not apply.
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How does Global Works select the homestay families? |
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Global Works has been committed to providing secure and meaningful homestay experiences for the past 17 years. Homestay families are carefully chosen through a standardized process of interviews, home visits by our country directors, contractual agreements, and careful consideration for our students’ privacy and safety. In addition, we search for families who have the desire to partner with our groups in service work and cultural exchange. Most families live in simple homes and are committed to providing a caring, secure environment for our participants.
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How are participants placed with a homestay family? |
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We match participants based on a number of criteria that you provide on a Homestay Information Form, including (but not limited to): allergies, diet, age, language proficiency and personal preference. We do consider participants wishes as far as having kids and teenagers in the home (a vast majority do), etc. but cannot always guarantee this will be available. Our first priority is a reputable, responsible, and warm family with an authentic interest in cultural exchange.
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What do we do during a typical day in the homestay? |
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Participants eat meals, sleep, and spend weekends with their homestay families. Most weekday mornings, afternoons, and evenings, the groups comes together to work on projects and engage in organized activities with fellow Global Works participants and members of the community. Please visit our website at www.globalworkstravel.com for more details on homestays, including a sample homestay schedule!
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