The Traveling School

I love the idea of your school. Are there any programs out there like this for boys?
We work closely with a co-ed private school in Missoula, Montana called the World Class Kayaking Academy. They travel around the world with kayaks, teachers, and all of their textbooks. You can contact them at http://www.worldclassacademy.com.

 

Where are the girls from?
Our students have been from New York, California, Colorado, Kansas, North Carolina, Idaho, Washington, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Ohio, North Dakota, Montana, Vermont and Wyoming... you name it! We try to select a diverse and interesting group and like to include girls from around the country.

 

Can I get full credit from my home high school for the courses I take while I'm with The Traveling School?
At the end of the semester, you'll return to your home high school with 7 semester credits in Math, English, Foreign Language, Science, History, Global Studies and PE. Before you join us for a semester, we talk with the counselor from your home high school to ensure that you receive full credit. High Schools across the country have given students full credit for their coursework from The Traveling School.

 

I need to take US History to graduate from my home high school. Can I take it while I'm with The Traveling School?
In some circumstances, we can tutor specific students in various subjects. We do not recommend this because the curriculum at The Traveling School is interesting and targeted toward the country where we are traveling. However, if it is required for your home high school, we may be able to tutor you for a course as an Independent Study. There is an additional fee for an Independent Study. We do not allow students to complete more than two Independent Study courses per semester. You must clear this with our administrators, your home counseling office, and the teacher in your home high school. It is your responsibility to bring a textbook from your home school. It is your responsibility to make sure that your teacher talks directly with one of our teachers before we leave to ensure that you receive full academic credit.

 

Will a semester with The Traveling School help with my college admissions?
Our students have remarkable stories and experiences for their college applications. 100% of our students have graduated from their home high school, and 100% have continued on to competitive colleges, including George Washington University, NYU, Colorado College and more.

 

What about SATs?
Some students take (and re-take) their SATs during Fall Semester. We work with the College Board to determine specific locations and availability. During the semester, we offer a tutorial to help student prepare for the SATs. Students must be registered for SATs before we leave the country. We arrange for one test date while overseas. This test date is only offered during our Fall Semester. We also may arrange for ACT exams depending on interest and availability.

 

What should I do about my college applications?
During the semester, we work with students who would like for us to assist them with their college applications and essays while we are overseas. We suggest students complete as much of the application as possible before we leave. This includes filling out the written information with name, address, etc. Make photocopies of the rest of the application. We work on these copies while you are overseas and we e-mail them or mail them to your parents. Be sure to know the dates when the material is due.

 

Do we all have to fly together?
We have a group of students and staff that fly together from the gateway city, or if students choose to fly separately from the group, we arrange to pick-up the student at our international destination. An orientation is scheduled the day before our departure for all students and parents. For orientation, we have dinner and a slide show. We review some preliminary information about traveling as a group, how to carry money safely, what to expect at customs, and what your responsibilities are for the group.

 

Where do we stay while we are overseas?
For accommodations other than the groupstay, The Traveling School arranges accommodations that adhere to our educational and cultural mission. Accommodations range from family homes, to dormitories, youth hostels, tents, guesthouses, and suitable local accommodation. The places you stay can change from week to week, or night to night!

 

Do I need to bring a laptop computer?
We used to travel with a single laptop for the group to share during the semester. With modern developments, we now have ready access to modern computers on a regular basis overseas. Instead of having the students share a single computer, we utilize the computers at Internet cafes overseas to ensure that students can complete papers, and do research online. The cost of this is covered in your book fee.

 

Can we get mail from home during the semester?
During the semester, we arrange several places where we can receive mail. The students love to receive candy, photos, and news from home. We will let you know the specifics for each semester.

 

I don't have a backpack. Do I need to go buy one?
If possible, we recommend that you buy a backpack that fits and is suited specifically for you. However, we also have a limited amount of technical gear for rent from The Traveling School. The Traveling School provides tents, stoves, and First-Aid kits for all students.

 

Should I get an International Student ID Card?
For $22, this card provides basic accident and sickness insurance for travel outside of the US, including hospital stays, accident medical expense, and emergency evacuation. This card also provides student discounts to museums and for travel overseas. Apparently, there has been a sudden increase in forgeries for International Student ID Cards. Your International Student ID card may not be sufficient without an additional ID card from your home high school. Please make sure you bring both of these cards. The website to order it online is http://book.statravel.com/staglobe/
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Do you travel with a radio or cell phone?
As mentioned in the handbook, we always make an effort to travel with a cell phone or radio. Unfortunately, this phone cannot receive calls or voice mail. Instead, we use it for emergencies, and to call The Traveling School office in Montana. If you need to reach us for an emergency while we are traveling, please contact our home office, and we'll be able to locate our group as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Have another question? Email us at: info@travelingschool.com