Parent Information
Traveling abroad can be both exciting and scary at the same time. At Live N Learn, the safety and security of all our travelers is our top priority.
Broadening your child’s horizons
Sending your child abroad isn’t just a change of scenery, it’s a GAME-CHANGER for their education, career, and life skills.
Imagine your child not just learning from books but from a world of cultures, gaining a global perspective that sets them apart. Live N Learn offers a unique, authentic experience that goes beyond traditional travel and learning. Life is not just about grades; it’s about real-world experience. Plus, navigating life in another country builds resilience and independence. This is experiential learning — the start of a journey preparing your child to conquer the world.
Safety
Safety Above All
The safety of our travelers is always our top priority at Live N Learn. We take the time to prepare our Group Leaders prior to departure on safety protocols while in the destination country. We will also provide pre-departure materials to travelers and parents with full details on safety while abroad.
Food & Allergies
Live N Learn can accommodate allergies, dietary restrictions, and other food preferences of travelers. Program Directors and restaurants will be made aware of any allergies or dietary restrictions prior to departure and if there is any need for additional consultations regarding your traveler’s needs, a Live N Learn team member will be able to assist leading up to the trip.
We’re always a call away
When you call Live N Learn, you will speak directly with one of our team members. We pride ourselves in the fact that we provide all travelers and parents a personal and direct contact for anything needed before, during, or after the program. During the travel program, Program Directors will also be available 24 hours a day to assist with any situation that may arise.
PAYING FOR The TRIP
STEP 1
Submit a $250 deposit to secure your traveler’s spot on the trip.
STEP 2
Select a payment plan to enroll in. You can enroll in our Automatic Payment Plan or Dual Payment Plan.
Payment Option Details
Automatic Payment Plan
After initial $250 deposit, payments will be divided into monthly installments and deducted from the checking account used for your initial payment, finalizing around 45 days prior to departure.
Dual Payment Plan
After the initial $250 deposit, your remaining balance will be split into two payments with the final balance due 110 days prior to departure.
STEP 3
Start making payments leading up to the trip with final payment deadlines around 2-3 months prior to departure. Adventures here we come!
F.A.Q.’s
Will my child need a passport?
All participants need to have a passport in order to travel internationally. Once at the destination, the Group Leader will collect all students’ passports and keep them secured for the duration of the trip.
If your child does not currently have a passport, be sure to apply several months before the tour departs. For U.S. citizens, the passport needs to be valid for at least six months after returning home and have at least two blank pages. Non-U.S. citizens need to carry a non-expired passport and a multi-entry visa. Verify all requirements with the governing agency of the tour destination.
For all passport information, including how to apply, please visit the U.S. Department of State website (passports.state.gov) or the governing agency of your home country.
Will I be able to contact my child while they are traveling?
Students will have Wi-Fi connection at hotels and if their trip includes a homestay, also in their host family’s home. They will be able to communicate with their families via Skype, WhatsApp, iMessage, FaceTime, etc. Your phone carrier may provide the option for international data, so make sure to contact them prior to departure.
Does Live N Learn offer cancellation insurance?
Yes! At the time of registration, you will have the option to purchase cancellation insurance for your trip. This is something we recommend as it’s a protection of your investment!
Does Live N Learn offer financial assistance or scholarships for their trips?
Yes! We offer the opportunity to earn a scholarship toward your trip by participating in one of our hosting programs over the summer. See here for details!
What are the procedures if my child needs to seek medical treatment while on the trip?
In the case that a traveler would need to seek medical treatment, one of the Group Leaders, the Live N Learn Tour Director, and/or the host family will accompany the child to the nearest hospital. Minor expenses will be covered out of pocket by the student and a claim must be made upon return to the U.S. and all expenses will be refunded. Any major incident requiring hospitalization or surgery will be pre-authorized by the insurance company and there will be no out-of-pocket expenses. Live N Learn provides participants with a comprehensive insurance policy that covers up to $100,000 and has no deductible. Click here for more information on the insurance policy.
Our trip includes a homestay, how are host families vetted and matched with students?
Live N Learn finds host families through schools we work with, past participants in both our hosting and travel programs, and through word of mouth. We personally visit each family in their home in order to get to know the family and see the living quarters, specifically the room the student will sleep in. Students are also interviewed in person or via video call before they travel. Students and families are then matched based on their answers to the questions during our interview and information from their profile.
Can parents be chaperones?
Traveling to another country and being away from home at a young age is a chance for students to become independent and step outside of their comfort zone. For that reason, the group leaders are teachers and other responsible adults who will assure the safety and well-being of the students during the trip. There is one chaperone per every 6 students included in the program price.
What if my child doesn’t get along with their host family?
Live N Learn will talk with both the student and family to see if the issue can be resolved and encourage everyone to work through it. If after a discussion there is no resolution, Live N Learn will temporarily place a student with the host family of a friend while we find another replacement family.
What should my child pack?
For most destinations, participants are permitted to bring one checked luggage and one carry-on. Keep in mind when choosing a suitcase that you will be carrying your luggage through airports and hotels and getting on and off buses. Please check the baggage regulations on the airline’s website and the TSA website before you pack. Before departure, Live N Learn will also review the weather of the destination country, suggested attire and other important things to consider while packing.
Can my child receive college credit for their trip?
Yes, we partner with Sacramento State to offer the opportunity for students to receive college credit for their Independent Travel Program. See here for more information.
Will my child need vaccinations before traveling?
Requirements vary for each individual and depend on health status, destination, trip itinerary, and length of stay. Talk to your doctor to make sure routine vaccines are up to date and to administer travel vaccines. Also, find more information on required travel vaccinations on CDC’s website.
How will my child’s medications be handled?
Live N Learn should be notified before departure of any conditions that require medications, but the individual student will be in charge of their own medications.
How will physical disabilities be accommodated while on the trip?
Live N Learn is dedicated to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. Our trips do involve walking long distances, climbing stairs, and transporting luggage. We kindly request to be informed of a student’s needs before registering so that we can discuss with the student’s family and Group Leader about the trip itinerary and the possibility of accommodations.
Can travelers come before or stay after their trip?
They must request permission from their Group Leader and consult school policy. If given permission to do so, Live N Learn can try to organize an alternate flight for them.
What is Live N Learn’s cancellation policy?
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to Live N Learn by email (info@livenlearn.com) by a traveler, their legal guardian, or the Group Leader. Please clearly indicate the participant’s name, school, and program name. Live N Learn will issue a check for refunds within 30 days of cancellation.
Refund Policy:
| Days before departure: | Refund |
| 160+days | All payments less $250 |
| 110-159 days | All payments less $500 |
| 60 to 109 days | All payments less $1,300 |
| 35 to 59 days | Determined on a case by case basis |
| 34 days or less | No refund |
It is recommended to purchase the optional cancellation insurance to assure a 75-100% refund of program price in case of cancellation.
Involuntary Cancellations
Live N Learn may cancel a student’s participation due to lack of payment or failure to abide by school or teacher’s rules/standards prior to the trip. Cancellation fees will be assessed in these cases.
Re-enrollment
Based on availability, canceled participants may re-enroll by submitting missing payments, a $50 fee, and any applicable changes in airfare.
Substitution Policy
Substitutions can be made if the participant finds a suitable replacement and it is approved by the Group Leader. The substitute participant must fill out all registration forms and pay all applicable trip fees at time of enrollment. All substitution requests must be submitted in writing to Live N Learn by email (info@livenlearn.com). Please clearly indicate the substitution’s name, school, and program name. Substitutions are subject to hotel and airline availability.
Refund Policy for Substitutions:
| Days before departure: | Refund for Withdrawing Participant |
| 90+days | All payments less $500 |
| 45-89 days | All payments less $750 |
| 44 days or less | Determined on a case by case basis |
Price of cancellation insurance is non-refundable in case of cancellation or substitution.
Signature is required by parent/guardian.