Frequently Asked Questions

Safety is paramount. It is woven throughout every aspect of programming. All our partners work exclusively with high school age students and are aware of the unique safety issues and concerns of this age group. Each student and parent sign a code of conduct, and precautions are taken to separate the genders, supervise students 24/7 to prevent access to drugs or alcohol. 

We are aware of the challenges associated with travel to foreign locations and have taken special considerations based on each country's location, culture and political situation to ensure safety above all else. Our partners have comprehensive risk management and crisis response systems and go to great lengths to educate and train their program managers in first aid. 

In our various programs in partnership with GLA, carefully researched in-country medical facilities and emergency service providers have been enlisted. Furthermore, GLA purchases secondary emergency medical insurance and evacuation insurance for all participants on the program. If a participant becomes ill or injured, GLA will respond effectively and immediately to ensure appropriate medical care. If it is determined that a higher level of care is necessary than can be provided in the country, the participant will be evacuated.

For more safety information for GLA Programs, click here.

In our other programs in partnership with Rustic Pathways - International SOS of the world’s leading providers of medical and travel assistance services has been enlisted to provide support to all participants. 

For more safety information for Rustic Pathways programs, click here.

Yes, all participants on YOLA programs must have comprehensive medical insurance coverage, even though our global partners will be carrying international insurance for each participant.

Essential items include clothing and personal items (such as toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, etc...). Towels and bed sheets will be provided at all campuses.

For clothing, we suggest you first visit www.weather.com to see what average temperatures and weather conditions are like for your particular destination. All students should bring shoes that allow them to comfortably do hikes or walking and participating in active sports, such as soccer or cricket.

Once you have registered into a YOLA program, you will receive a destination-specific packing list of recommended items to bring.

YOLA will help you purchase any flight that arrives in the destination country on the first day of the program. The camp staff will pick you up at the airport. Once you enroll in a program, we will provide exact information about which airport to fly into and any restrictions in terms of arrival times. 

Visas depend on the particular country you will be visiting. It is ultimately your responsibility to make sure you meet the entry and exit requirements for each country, but YOLA will assist you in procuring the Visa. 

All students need passports valid for at least six months beyond the last day of the program and with at least one full empty page (to allow for an immigration stamp upon entry at the designated destination airport). 

All YOLA programs are all-inclusive. The students will be provided housing, transportation, three full meals a day and entrance fees to all scheduled events. Therefore, additional expenses will be minimal. However, we understand that some students may wish to purchase additional snacks or souvenirs. We recommend you carry approximately $300 - $500 and strongly encourage you to bring an ATM card and credit card to access additional funds if necessary.

If you would like to change to a different program after you have signed up, simply send us a revision request. Revisions incur a INR 8000/- fee up until 30 days before your trip and are subject to availability. 

Refunds for program cancellations are issued on a sliding scale based on how soon the start date is. The cancellation schedule for your particular trip will be included on your invoice.

The residential structures vary by destination. All our program partners aim to provide a great home base environment with comfortable housing, discussion rooms, eating and recreational facilities in a self-contained area. Please refer to our destinations page and or go to the programs that you might be seeking to learn more about specific home bases.

No. All our programs will always have gender segregated rooms.

We encourage students to interact and meet new people from diverse backgrounds, similar to what they will experience when they go to college. We certainly encourage students to invite friends in joining them on the programs, but we expect them to be open to meeting and rooming with new people. Therefore roommate assignments are made with this philosophy in mind.

Our Program Partners strive to create an environment that encourages students to unplug and forge connections between fellow students and the local community. Cell phones, electronics, and Wi-Fi access create distractions that affect students' ability to be present and fully process their experience abroad. With that in mind, some of the following policies are listed below.

Cell Phones:

Students are welcome to bring cell phones to use during their travels to and from their program, and during designated free times (typically early mornings and before bed) or upon special request with staff permission. 

Use of phones and devices will not be allowed during service, excursions or workshops, with the exception of designated time for photography.

Internet / WiFi:

Internet / Wi-Fi will not be available for student use. It is reserved for staff use when planning program activities and for emergencies only.

Most of the program locations are remote and have very weak or no WiFi. Students might be allocated a stipulated WiFi time based on the type and duration of the program.

Electronics:

Laptops, iPads, and expensive electronics are not conducive to travel and are not permitted on YOLA programs.

Cameras:

We recommend that students bring a point-and-shoot camera separate from their cell phones. Cell phones may be used as cameras during designated times. DSLRs and expensive photography equipment are allowed, however students will be responsible for the security of their equipment.