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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I have to be a WVUP student to participate in the WVUP Study Abroad Program?

                No.  WVUP understands the value of offering this important program to our community.  Therefore, anyone can travel with the WVUP Study Abroad Program.  You do not have to be college student at all.  In fact, the age range in our travelers often spans from 17 to 70 with both students and community members.

Can I take my family or friends with me?

                Absolutely!  There are no limits to how many of your family and friends can travel with the WVUP Study Abroad Program.  There's no better and affordable way to see the world with those who are close to you.

Can I earn college credit while traveling with WVUP?

                Yes.  You can earn at least 3 credit hours in the study of International Culture.  Simply register for the course in the first summer session and enjoy your travels.  Is there a more fun and educational way to earn college credit?   We don't think so!

What is included in the program fee?

                The program fees include all transportation (airfare, bus transfers, train), all modern accommodations in hotels with private baths, all admissions to all venues and sites, breakfast and dinner daily, and the services of a full-time bilingual tour director.

What additional expenses can I expect to incur?

                You can expect tips and gratuities (typically $40 for the trip),  daily lunch, souvenirs, and your beverages to be additional.  Otherwise, all other expenses are included in the program fee.

Do I have to have a passport?

                Yes.  All persons traveling abroad must possess a valid passport.  If you do not have a passport, our expert study abroad advisors will be happy to guide you in the process.  Costs associated with obtaining a passport vary dependent upon the services requested and are not included in the program fee.

Will I need special health insurance?

                Probably, yes.  While each health insurance policy varies greatly regarding coverage abroad, most policies have limited or no coverage while traveling.   The WVUP Study Abroad Program requires that all travelers must have an international health insurance policy in force at the time of departure.  Inexpensive, but very comprehensive, insurance can be purchased through the study abroad program before departure for those needing this insurance.

Are other types of insurance available?

                Yes.  Optional baggage and trip interruption insurance is also available through the WVUP Study Abroad Program.

What will the rooms and accommodations be like?

                When traveling, we stay in "American-style" hotels.  Simply this means we will have clean, safe, and respectable rooms with private baths in some of the most beautiful areas of the world.  Participants under 23 years old will routinely be housed 3 to 4 to a room, while travelers over 23 years old will be assigned to double occupancy. 

What can we expect with the food?

                The program fee includes daily breakfast and dinner.  Breakfast is usually served at the hotel and is typically a "continental-style" breakfast.  Dinner is often at the hotel or an area restaurant and special effort is made to give the participants flavor of the local culture through the regional cuisine.  For many of the travelers, the food has been some of the most exciting adventure of the experience and, almost always, one of the highlights.

Must I be able to speak or read a foreign language?

                    No.  Our full time tour director is bilingual and at our immediate disposal from the time we arrive until the time we depart.  Travelers receive the full benefits of an experienced and knowledgeable team of tour leaders.

When will I meet my fellow travelers?

                    Beginning in March prior to our June departure, the participants meet for regular monthly meetings.  At these sessions, you will learn important cultural information, some basic foreign language expressions, and vital travel tips.  

How do I register?

                       To participate in the WVUP Study Abroad Program, you simply notify the study abroad office by email (studyabroad@mail.wvu.edu) or phone (304-424-8000, ext 409 or 304-424-8276) and then register with EF Tours at www.eftours.com .  If you are traveling on the 2006 trip you must enter the tour number when prompted (317216) and follow the directions.  It's just that simple.

Still have questions? Email the WVUP Study Abroad Program.