Travel Terms & Conditions
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Student Travel:
The Education Travel is subject to participating students being in possession of
valid travel documentation and visas.
Air travel is subject to students
traveling "as students" with an International Student Identity Card for
which the following is required;
- Passport copy
- Name of the current school / campus / college
- Two passport size photos.
The cost for this is waived if ticketing is via our travel agent, Charleston Travel Ltd. failing which a fee of USD 10.00 per card is charged.
Costs for self-sponsored students do NOT include Visa fees. Assistance with block Visa application & access and interview is available for students seeking assistance via the foreign Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya only.Itinerary variations: The specific detailed itinerary is subject change due to airline schedules, weather, acts of God,
third party contractors (such as hotels) and cooperation by student
participants. The beauty and challenge of different seasons such as
winter provides unique learning opportunities that are totally
unavailable in tropical Africa.
Recording devices: Participants are encouraged to
come with or purchase digital recording devices such as digital cameras
in order to capture memories of the travel. These are key in
benchmarking their own progress and learning, for "faintest ink is stronger than strongest memory". These will, however, not be carried during the US Education tour of the White House in Washington DC.
Number of participants: Travel
is subject to a pre-set minimum & maximum number of participants.
The default visits are one university per day; two locations per day
subject to travel logistics on site. For example, travel within the US city of Boston
from Harvard, MIT and UMass Boston is easy as both are on the “Red line”
subway line. But there is no subway link in Baltimore linking Johns
Hopkins University to University of Maryland, Towson University or other locations.
Fee Exclusions: Fees
do not include local travel in Kenya to and from JKIA airport, Nairobi (or other international
access to departing airport in African countries), Travel & Health
Insurance, Clothing, extra drinks & entertainment, Souvenirs, special cab fare. Accommodation will be at locations as indicated in the program.
Payments and signing of travel contract will be made after booking confirmation with ourselves. Payments can be made at our attorney's offices below
Direct Payment is available via our Paybill Number 718653, Acc TRAVEL
For direct deposits in US dollars, kindly seek further advise from ourselves with details of prevailing exchange rates.
Refunds for unsuccessful applications are limited to;
- Visas not being granted by foreign Embassy
- Lack of travel documentation
- Late payment (minimum 10 days to travel)
- Uncleared funds are subject to bank charges and a 5% handling & administration charge
Health: Yellow fever certificate highly recommended as part of travel documents
Passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond period of intended stay at destination.
Prohibited Items: During the tour of the White House, the following are prohibited items that include, but are not limited to, the following: handbags, book bags, backpacks, purses, food and beverages of any kind, strollers, cameras, video recorders or any type of recording device, tobacco products, personal grooming items (make-up, hair brush or comb, lip or hand lotions, etc.), any pointed objects (pens, knitting needles, etc.), aerosol containers, guns, ammunition, fireworks, electric stun guns, mace, martial arts weapons/devices, or knives of any size.The United States Secret Service reserves the right to prohibit any other personal items. Umbrellas, wallets, cell phones and car keys are permitted.
Persons with disabilities: Persons with disabilities need to notify us in advance in order to make appropriate arrangements. These include visual, hearing or mental impairment. Request to use a wheelchair requires advance arrangements for aspects of the tour - such as on aircraft or visiting the White house for the US Education tour.
Visitors in wheelchairs, or with other mobility disabilities may need to use alternative entrances, such as at the White House - using the main Visitors Entrance and be escorted by ramp from the entrance level to the Ground floor and via by the elevator from the Ground floor to the State floor.
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Hotel Behavior
Accommodations shall be double occupancy in either mid-range hotels or in campus residences. (Our collaborative partners may use the Marriott or Hilton group of hotels)
Your hotel room/residence is your home away from home, so treat it with respect. The use of hotel facilities carries with it the responsibility of leaving them in the same condition in which they were found.
- Students should not use the phone, order food or movies without the permission from a counselor.
- No tour participant may leave the hotel grounds for any reason, or use the hotel pool, hot tub or sauna unless permission has been given by a chaperone, and are accompanied by at least one other tour participant.
- Students must lock their hotel room doors at night and not allow anyone in unless they have been identified as a tour participant or counselor.
- Tour participants must sleep in their assigned hotel rooms. Any change in rooming assignments can only be done with the Tour Leader’s approval.
- The student and parents are financially responsible for any damage to any hotel establishment during your stay.
- Tour participants are not permitted in each others’ rooms past 10pm.Students must remain in their hotel rooms once they are in them for the evening.
- We are not the only occupants in the hotel; please be as quiet as possible.
- All students are required to be in their hotel rooms at a time designated by the tour director. Room checks will be conducted by chaperones each night at the time of curfew.
Bus & Train Etiquette
Your motor coach will be your transportation during the tour.
- Buses must be kept in immaculate condition.
- Noise should be kept to a minimum so your bus driver is not distracted.
- Walking on the bus should be minimal.
- Headphones should be used to avoid disturbing others.
- Students and parents will be held responsible for any damage you cause to the motor coach
Medication
We legally are unable to give students medicine unless we have permission from parent. The Tour Director will have emergency forms and supplies for medical conditions.
Groups
No one may go anywhere alone for any reason whatsoever! You must remain in groups of at least three or four students. It is crucial that groups stay together at all times. It is of the utmost importance that your counselor knows where you are. Always be on time for scheduled activities and departures.
Contraband
Any student possessing or using an alcoholic beverage or controlled substances may be sent home at the parent’s expense.
Civility
We will be travelling and living together for several days. This is not easy for anyone – spending 24/7 with someone can get tiring. Exercise the same courtesy to others that you expect in return.
Rules and Expectations
Whether
you are a frequent traveler or venturing from home for the first time, a
college tour is an exciting opportunity. Along with the tremendous
benefits of seeing colleges firsthand, the College Tours provide
students with a chance to explore new people and places. For your
safety, our collaborative partners we have established important rules
and guidelines to ensure you get the most benefit and enjoyment from
this experience. Adhering to these regulations will not only enhance the
enjoyment of your trip, but also ensure the safety of all participants.
General Expectations
All
participants are expected to follow and respect all directions and
rules which have been established by the tour leaders and guides.
Student behavior is equally important on the bus, in eating
establishments, on tours, in the hotels, and on campuses. In additions
to these policies, student tour participants must also comply with any
specific regulations of various governmental, educational or commercial
institutions.
- Students must be prepared to follow directions quickly and quietly throughout the trip; common sense, respect and consideration for others and their property must be practiced daily.
- Each student is responsible for his/her personal belongings at all times. Special care must be taken with respect to one’s passport and any other valuables.
- Any student who is not following the rules and guidelines established understands that parents may be contacted and they may be sent home early from the trip.
- All students are expected to participate in every activity.
Hotel Behavior
Accommodations
shall be double occupancy in either mid-range hotels or in campus
residences. (Our collaborative partners may use the Marriott or Hilton
group of hotels)
Your hotel room/residence is your home away
from home, so treat it with respect. The use of hotel facilities carries
with it the responsibility of leaving them in the same condition in
which they were found.
- Students should not use the phone, order food or movies without the permission from a counselor.
- No tour participant may leave the hotel grounds for any reason, or use the hotel pool, hot tub or sauna unless permission has been given by a chaperone, and are accompanied by at least one other tour participant.
- Students must lock their hotel room doors at night and not allow anyone in unless they have been identified as a tour participant or counselor.
- Tour participants must sleep in their assigned hotel rooms. Any change in rooming assignments can only be done with the Tour Leader’s approval.
- The student and parents are financially responsible for any damage to any hotel establishment during your stay.
- Tour participants are not permitted in each others’ rooms past 10pm.Students must remain in their hotel rooms once they are in them for the evening.
- We are not the only occupants in the hotel; please be as quiet as possible.
- All students are required to be in their hotel rooms at a time designated by the tour director. Room checks will be conducted by chaperones each night at the time of curfew.
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The International Student Identity Card was introduced in 1968 to provide the travelling student /teacher with a single, uniform identity document and since then over 40 million students have used the ISIC either at home or abroad. There are now over 4.5 million ISIC holders worldwide and an ISIC is issued somewhere every 10 seconds.
Advance Preparation
The key to a successful college tour is preparation. Preparing self and our students for the potentially life-changing experience. This requirs that we do our research and homework upfront in order to get the most out of this enlightening opportunity.
Parents
Sending their child on a school trip or college tour - especially overseas is a very unnerving event. For peace of mind and to ensure our children have the best experience, one needs to discuss and establish expectations of all stakeholders in advance. Should a parent require the child check in with you on a daily basis, this needs to be known prior to departure. Excited students often get wrapped up in the tour and forget to check in with mom and dad, leading to anxiety and sleepless nights for the parents. Expectations include topics such safety, behavior, and spending. Budget for the trip and ensure your child has sufficient pocket money; a credit, or prepaid debit card may be helpful.
Students
A college tour is an eye-opening and life-changing experience, especially for African students who may never have even boarded a plane before. Ensure you get as much as you can out of the tour by prior preparation through researching on the Universities through the internet. A simple "google" search will provide several links. Have a list of the places/people you wish to visit on each campus and an agenda to make the most of your travel. Prepare a list of unique and intelligent questions for admissions officers - the people making a decision on your application, and potential admission. Ask about specific clubs, teams or programs and social interests. Proper preparation is key to having a truly rewarding college tour experience.
The East Coast of the United States is home to some of the most varied and eclectic universities. These include some of the oldest and most distinguished universities in the world - and this collection of highest education establishments is known simply as The Ivy League. The tour allows you to become enlightened and newly influenced - to dare to dream big! With the history of the United States founded throughout this region, it is a great place to frame the legacy by which, you too, will one day be remembered after you have made your mark on this earth.
Waiver:
We understand:
That Akad Africa Ltd. is a private company. While advertising in international and other private schools in Africa and offering services to their students, we understand that there is no relationship between Akad Afriac Ltd and specific schools, unless this is specifically mentioned in writing.
I understand that;
That each participant is expected to abide by the rules, regulations and expectations of the program in the interest of the safety, security, and welfare of all participants.
That the fee for the College Tour program includes:
- All transportation once the student arrives at the airport where the tour begins - or unless where the fee has specifically incuded air fare
- All hotel and campus accommodations
- All meals - breakfast, lunch and dinner each day
- All fees paid to presenters and tours
- All materials and activities.
That participants are responsible for arranging and paying for own transport to and from arrival / departure airports. Students are responsible for their own spending money for snacks, college souvenirs or other discretionary spending money.
That students who make a deposit earliest will be given priority due to the limited available places.
That we reserves the right to select students for any reason including:
- Gender balance (needed for accommodation)
- Age,
- Group dynamics
- Behavioral concerns
- Legal concerns
- Likelihood of securing a US visa.
That the tour leaders will not be held responsible for any liability claims, including issues arising from any supplier / contractor of the tour services (airlines, bus, hotel, restaurants).
That participants or their parents are strongly encouraged to confirm and pay for flights only after the tours details have been finalized.
That Akad Africa Ltd. we will provide a letter stating the purpose and detail of the program to assist in securing a visitor’s visa. However, the letter cannot guarantee the granting of a visa by any embassy.
That participants must provide proof of adequate medical coverage and relevant medical information.
That the final details of the tour will be conveyed to within three (3) weeks of the tour travel date. If, for reasons of insufficient numbers, the tour is cancelled, the participant / parents will be refunded the full amount. All other refunds are subject to the company refund policy
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There are also other two alternative cards, with similar benefits. The
International Youth Travel Card (IYTC card) is for anyone under 26
years. Full-time teachers and professors can get an International
Teacher Identity Card (ITIC card).
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