Information for Parents of Winter Term Participants

Off-Campus Winter Term is an opportunity for students to explore a new culture, learn a new skill, and experience a different academic field or industry in a non-traditional academic setting.  This resource for parents will answer the most frequently asked questions about Off-Campus Winter Term, and provide parents with more information about the program itself.

Financial Information
Health & Saftey
Travel Information
Communication

Financial Information

Winter Term on-campus courses are included in DePauw’s tuition structure, but there are some costs associated with participating in a select number of on-campus courses.  On-campus course fees are typically associated with field trips, supplies, or certification fees (i.e. EMT training). 
Off-campus study and service projects have fixed costs associated with travel (international and domestic), housing, meals, and entrance and activities fees.  Unfixed costs refer to the costs not built into the project costs, but are estimated as additional expenses associated with that particular project (i.e. passport applications, immunizations, additional meals and personal spending).  We do our best to keep project costs affordable in order to give all students access to the variety of opportunities presented each year.   Please see the payment schedule below for more detailed information.  Due to recent increases in energy costs and currency fluctuation, final project costs are subject to change at any time.
Internships, Independent Study and Study at Another School or Institution costs are based on the individual student’s arrangements during the month of January. 


The following links provide information for students needing financial support during off-campus Winter Term:
Student Financial Support
Winter Term in Service
Douglas B. White Memorial Travel Fund (Independent Study Projects only)


Payment Schedule for Winter Term Off-Campus Study/Service Projects

    • July 1: $100 non-refundable/non-transferable deposit charged to student account
    • August 1: $150 non-refundable/non-transferable deposit charged to student account
    • September: Final  project costs published (subject to change due to fuel surcharges and currency fluctuations)
    • September 30: Last day to drop with no additional financial obligation
    • September 24: Student Financial Support Awards Announced
    • October 1:
      • Students participating on January Winter Term Projects charged full project costs
      • Students participating on May Winter Term Projects charged ½ anticipated project costs
      • After October 1, students are responsible for any non-refundable funds committed on their behalf
      • Refunds for early withdrawal not determined until after projects return in Spring semester
    • March 1: Students participating on May Winter Term Projects charged the remaining balance for project costs.

    Return to the Top

    Health & Safety


    Immunizations
    Students participating in off-campus Winter Term projects are not required to receive immunizations for diseases prevalent in the location to which they are traveling.  However, the Center for Disease Control and the DePauw Wellness Center strongly recommends students traveling to these locations research the need for and complete vaccination and immunizations series for regional illnesses.  For a list of regional diseases and illnesses and corresponding vaccinations, please visit the CDC website, or consult your physician or a travel medicine clinic. 
    Immunization Information:

    DePauw Health Insurance
    All students traveling internationally on DePauw programs are enrolled in a basic insurance policy.  It is vital that all students remain on their current insurance policy while off-campus.  CIEE recommends students check with their insurance carrier for any international coverage.


    Emergency Contact Information
    All students receive a yellow Emergency Contact card featuring the phone numbers for Public Safety and the Center for International & Experiential Education Director and Associate Director.  Students should report emergencies with their faculty leaders immediately.  Faculty are required to communicate with the CIEE staff as soon as it is confirmed all students are safe and accounted for immediately following an emergency.

    Return to the Top

    Travel Information

    Group Travel
    Students are required to travel with their Winter Term Off Campus Study or Service group.  Faculty leaders work with travel agencies to set up group-rates and itineraries.  If you are planning to meet your group at the main departing airport, you must give your connecting flight information to your faculty leaders.

    Individual Travel (Internships, Independent Study Projects)
    Students are required to submit their travel itineraries to the Winter Term Office.  If students need assistance in financing travel to their project site, they should contact our Office for a Student Financial Support application.

    Passports
    Students traveling internationally will need a passport.  This includes projects traveling to Mexico or Canada.  Passports must be valid at least 6 months after the project end date. 

    Winter Term Participation Passport Must Be Valid Through:
    January Winter Term The following June
    May/June Winter Term The following December

    To apply for a new passport, or renew an existing passport, please visit the Passport Information page published by the U.S. Department of State.

    Return to the Top

    Visas
    Some destinations require visas to enter the country.  Off-Campus Study/Service Faculty leaders will coordinate with students and travel providers the need for a visa.  Students needing visas for Independent Study or Internships will need to pursue visas on their own.  As some visa applications required advance planning, including completion of an immunization series and detailed information, it is imperative that students submit all visa required documents on time.  International students traveling on International Winter Term Study Projects may have different requirements from U.S. citizens. 

    Return to the Top

    Currency
    Purchasing foreign currency prior to departure can be expensive.  Instead, it is advisable for students to exchange cash or traveler’s checks at the airport upon arrival.  Traveler’s checks can get a favorable exchange rate at Currency Exchange windows, and they are insured if they are lost or stolen.   It is recommended to travel with a credit card, for emergencies only. 
    For the most up to date currency exchange rates, visit www.xe.com

    Return to the Top

    Communication
    Many parents ask how they can communicate with their student while they are traveling internationally.  The following are methods past students and parents have used to keep in touch:

    • International cell phone
    • International calling cards
    • Skype
    • Internet Cafes

    While we encourage students to let their parents know they have arrived at their destination safely, keep in mind these projects are short, require a lot of travel, and don’t always have access to cheap and reliable means of communication.  Plus, it is best for students to get as much experience as possible while on-site; that is something they can’t do if they are instant messaging friends and family on a regular basis.

     

    Return to the Top