Application and Eligibility

 

Q If I want to apply for more than one program, do I have to send in multiple applications?

A No; if you are applying for consecutive programs, please fill out the Program Information section of the application accordingly, providing information from all programs you will participate in. You will, however, need to submit 2 deposits of $100 each.

 

Q Can my application and application fee arrive separately, or do they have to be sent together?

A Application materials may arrive separately (and in any order) and do not have to be sent altogether. However, your application will not hold your place until your application fee is paid. Also until all supplementary materials have been received, you will still be considered unofficially accepted.

 

Q Can I participate in a program right out of high school?

A Yes, in most cases as long as you are enrolled in high school at the time of application, 18 yrs or have been accepted into a university/college. There are some exceptions, including traveling with a parent or our teen summer program. Please call our office before applying for more details.

 

Housing

 

Q Is a host family my only option?

A No. Residencies and apartments are available at some sites, but these are not guaranteed. However, if you choose the teen summer abroad program your accommodation will be with a host family.

 

Q If I'm dissatisfied with my host family can I change?

A Yes. We will work very hard to accommodate you to feel comfortable. Please keep in mind, houses and families are very different than here in the USA.

 

Travel Arrangements

 

Q What if I don't have my flight booked before the Final Forms and Payment due date?

A Your flight form and itinerary are due 4 weeks prior to the start date of your program. If we receive the information any later than that, we may not be able to arrange for you to be picked up at the airport.

 

Q Does WWSAP arrange group flights? Is this included in the price of the program?

A Yes. WWSAP offers group arranged programs with/without a chaperone. All our programs are group based accompanied by a chaperone.

 

Q Will I be picked up at the airport upon arrival?

A Airport transfer is an option for all DIY students arriving on a specified arrival date with the exception of the teen summer programs. Call the our office to arrange an airport pick-up for an extra fee.

 

Q What day should I arrive?

A The first day of the program, which is listed in the our catalogue and on the website, should be your departure date. For some programs, due to the time difference, you will arrive on the following day. The departure and subsequent arrival date may be within the same day (i.e. Mexico), or the next day (i.e. Spain). For programs in South America students usually depart in the evening and arrive on-site the following morning. You will receive more detailed flight information in your acceptance packet.

 

Q Can I arrive late? Can I arrive early?

A Students may arrive late but must make sure to arrive by the date of the placement exam (see program itinerary), and students must let us know at least 4 weeks prior to the start date of the program. Students may also arrive early but must contact us at least 6 weeks prior to the start date of the program to arrange early host family stay or hotel reservations.

 

Q What day should I depart at the end of the program?

A You should make arrangements to return to the U.S. on the last day of the program, unless you want to extend your stay in your host country for personal travel. You will finish your classes and all group activities on the day prior to the last day of the program listed in the WWSAP catalogue and on the website. If you stay in your host country longer, to travel on your own, you may extend your medical insurance coverage. Please contact your insurance company before the Final Forms and Payment due date to discuss this option.

 

Q Will I be taken to the airport upon departure of the host country?

A WWSAP will provide return transportation to the designated airport ONLY on the program end date. If you stay in your host country longer, to travel on your own, it will be your responsibility to get yourself to the airport on the appropriate date.

 

Q Can I leave the program a day early?

A Possibly, but at the risk of missing classes and/or final exams, and not receiving course credit. WWSAP can not pre-approve time off.

 

Passports and VISAs

 

Q Do I have to have a passport to study abroad?

A Yes, all WWSAP program countries require that you have a passport. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check with your local consulate for advice regarding traveling/studying in another country.

 

Q How do I apply for a passport?

A You can find passport applications and detailed information on how to apply on the webpage of the U.S. State Department: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html. Generally, post offices and sometimes courthouses serve as passport application sites.

 

Q Can I still send in the application even though I don't have a passport yet?

A Yes; just leave that section of the application blank, and send us a copy of your passport when you do receive it.

 

Payment, Withdrawals and Refunds

 

Q Does WWSAP accept credit cards?

A Credit cards may be used only for the application fee (VTSA, MasterCard, Discover). All other program fees can be paid by personal check, cashier's check, or money order.

 

Q Does WWSAP have payment plans available?

A To arrange a payment plan, please contact the WWSAP office prior to the payment due date. There is a $100 fee, and monthly installments will be arranged with the final payment at least two weeks prior to the start date of the program.

 

Q Does WWSAP charge late fees?

A Adult Tailored Program Only! There's a late fee of $150 for every missed payment due date. 

 

Q If I withdraw, what kind of refund will I receive?

A Please refer to the "Cancellation Policy" located on the program Application or website.

 

Airport Security

 

Q. Are liquids and gels permitted in my checked baggage?

A. Yes. The new rules only apply to carry-on baggage.

Q. May I bring liquids and gels in my carry-on?

A. Yes, but only in limited amounts. Liquids and gels must be in individual containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and placed inside one clear, quart-size, plastic, zip-top bag. The TSA emphasizes that containers should fit comfortably into your bag, and that only one bag is permitted per passenger. If you need to bring more than 3.4 ounces of any liquid or gel substance, it should go into your checked luggage.

Q. What about prescription medications, baby formula or milk?

A. These substances are exempt from the rules above. As long as you declare them at the security checkpoint, you may carry more than 3.4 ounces, and they do not need to be placed in a plastic bag. The TSA recommends but does not require that prescription medications be in their original labeled containers to expedite the screening process. The TSA may also makes exceptions for other medical necessities such as insulin, eye drops or syringes; see the TSA Web site for more details.

Q. May I pour shampoo and other liquids or gels into unmarked, travel-size containers, or do these substances need to remain in their original bottles?

A. The TSA does not require that liquids and gels be kept in their original labeled containers, though doing so may help expedite the screening process.

Q. Do solid vitamins and medications need to be packed in their original containers?

A. While the TSA encourages travelers to keep their medications and vitamins in their original labeled containers to expedite the screening process, you may transfer them into more convenient smaller containers such as daily pill minders.

Q. What about makeup?

A. Makeup is subject to the same liquid and gel rules as all other substances -- so if you're bringing liquid mascara, lip gels (such as Blistex) or other liquid- or gel-like items, they will need to be placed in your quart-size plastic bag in 3.4-ounce or smaller containers. Lipstick, powders, solid lip balms (such as Chapstick) and other solid beauty products are not subject to the rules, and may be carried in your hand luggage without restriction.

Q. What about food?
Even though the TSA says to "try not to over-think" the new guidelines, that can be tricky when it comes to food items. Does a cheesecake count as a gel or a solid? What about pecan pie? And can you bring your holiday leftovers like turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes?
A TSA rep told us that turkey and stuffing should be solid enough to pass muster, but mashed potatoes are a bit too gel-like. As for baked goods, the latest word from the TSA is that travelers can take pies, cakes and other bakery products through security -- but be prepared for additional screening.

You may bring solid snack foods such as pretzels, potato chips or carrot sticks for the plane -- but you may want to hold the peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Single-serving packages of condiments are permitted as long as they fit within your single zip-top bag, so you can add mustard to your ham sandwich after you get through security. All food must be securely wrapped or in a spill-proof container. You may not bring gel packs to refrigerate food (though they are permitted for medication).

Our advice? If you have any doubts about an item, either check it or leave it at home. After all, you can always buy food or drinks after you pass through the security checkpoint if you need some munchies for the plane.

Q. If I purchase beverages or other liquids/gels beyond the security checkpoint at the airport, may I bring them on the plane?

A. Yes.

Q. Are there any special rules for batteries?

A. As of January 1, 2008, loose lithium batteries are no longer permitted in checked bags. If your batteries are installed in a device (such as a camera), you may pack the device in either a checked bag or a carry-on, but loose lithium batteries may only be transported in your carry-on luggage. Certain quantity limits apply to both loose and installed batteries; for more information, see the Department of Transportation's Web site.

Q. What are the rules for cigarette lighters?

A. Common lighters are permitted in carry-on baggage, while torch lighters (which are typically used to light pipes and cigars) are not. Neither type of lighter is permitted in checked bags. For more information, see the TSA Web site.

Q. May I bring needlepoint or knitting needles on the plane?

A.In most cases, yes, but TSA officers may confiscate your needles at their discretion if they think the needles could be used as weapons. Your best bet is to pack knitting needles that are no longer than 31 inches and that are made of bamboo or plastic (rather than metal). For more information, see the TSA Web site.

Q. Are the rules different for international travel?

A. The European Union (E.U.) as well as other countries such as Australia, Japan, Singapore, Iceland and Norway have adopted similar security restrictions to those in the U.S. You are permitted 100-milliliter containers of liquid and gel substances, packed within a clear, resealable, one-liter plastic bag.

Q. Am I permitted to bring duty-free liquids in my carry-on bags?

A.Duty-free liquids, such as perfume or alcohol, are subject to the same rules as all other liquids and gels when it comes to U.S. security checkpoints -- containers must be no larger than 3.4 ounces, and they must fit into your clear, quart-size, plastic zip-top bag. That means that if you have a connection in a U.S. city before reaching your final stop, you must use your time in customs to put your duty-free items into your checked baggage.

The same rules apply to the security checkpoints in the European Union and other nations mentioned above, with one exception: duty-free items purchased in airports in those countries will be given to you in special tamper-evident bags, which may be safely taken through airport security checkpoints in those countries. However, the tamper-evident bags will not pass muster in the United States, so you must transfer the items into your checked baggage while you're in customs. For more information, see the TSA's tips and rules on duty-free items.

Q. May I bring dry ice in my carry-on? What about my checked bags?

A.The FAA has strict regulations (PDF) about the transportation of dry ice on airplanes. Passengers may bring 2 kilograms in carry-on luggage or 2.3 kilograms in checked luggage as long as it's stored in a package that allows the venting of carbon dioxide gas. A DOT spokesperson suggests that travelers avoid packing dry ice in carry-on luggage, as individual TSA agents unfamiliar with DOT regulations may confiscate the substance.

Q. I have a hearing aid, C-PAP machine, pacemaker or other medical device. How will this be handled during my security screening?

A.The TSA is used to dealing with these kinds of medical issues and will work with you to maintain your privacy and get you through security with your medical equipment intact. As soon as you approach the TSA agent, you should notify him or her of your medical issue so that they can determine the best way to screen you and any equipment you may be carrying. The TSA does not require travelers to carry a doctor's note describing their condition, but having this written description may help expedite the screening process. For more information on traveling with special needs, see the TSA Web site.

Q. How early should I arrive at the airport?

A. We recommend arriving at the airport two hours before your flight, especially if you're traveling during the summer, the holidays or another particularly busy time of year. If you're flying internationally, you should allow yourself even more time.

Q. What should I expect at the security checkpoint?

A. You will have to put your clear plastic bag, jackets, jewelry, cell phones, keys and metal items into a bin for screening before you step through the metal detector. (Your shoes go directly onto the X-ray belt rather than into a bin.) Laptops and video cameras must be removed from their cases and screened individually.

Save time at the checkpoint by putting metal items into your carry-on ahead of time, taking your electronic items out of their cases and wearing easily removable footwear.

Q. I'm bringing birthday or holiday gifts. What's the best way to pack them?

A. Do not pack wrapped gifts in either your carry-on or checked baggage, as the TSA may have to unwrap them for inspection. Your best bet is to wrap your gifts once you arrive at your destination, or ship them ahead of time.

Q. May I bring electronic items on the plane or in my checked luggage? If so, how should I pack them?
Laptops, video cameras, iPods, Gameboys and most other standard electronic devices are permitted in both checked and carry-on luggage. As noted above, you should be prepared to remove laptops or video cameras from their cases at the security checkpoint for additional screening. Because electronic items tend to be frequent targets for security screening, you may want to pack these near the top of your bag so that inspectors don't need to unpack your whole suitcase to get to them.
A. Keep in mind that certain electronic devices -- such as radios, cordless computer mice or portable GPS systems -- may not be used in flight even if you do pack them in your carry-on, as they may interfere with the plane's navigational or communications systems.

Q. Can I lock any suitcases that I'm checking?

A. Yes, but you'll need to use a TSA-approved lock so that screeners can open it if your bag is selected for inspection. TSA screeners will simply cut off non-approved locks if they need to get into your bag. You can learn more about approved locks and where to find them at the TSA Web site.

Q. Where can I find more information about airport security?

A. Check the TSA Web site for packing tips, a full list of permitted and prohibited items, and information for travelers with special needs.