1. Do you have a choice of what activities you can participate in?

The beauty of Give Back(packing) is you can create your own trip!  Service is at the core so we expect you to participate in all service activities but internships/externships are completely up to the participant!



2.  I see the plane flights are covered between the cities but why not the beginning and ending flight?
Great question!  Through our research we have found that most program participants want to start their trip earlier or end later.  We give you the freedom to continue traveling before and after the program.  We only take care of the travel between the cities to ensure we all get there as a team.  (You also may want to check into programs like AirTranU or other student airfare deals that may allow you to fly standby for cheaper)



3.  What is the cost of the trip?
A typical summer study abroad cost over $6,000 versus our cost of around $3500.  Room and board, group air and ground travel, group food tours in DC and San Francisco, New York City 4 day excursion, group adventures in each city (Moonlight Monuments Tour, Snorkel-Sail-Hike St. John Excursion, and three day professional guided camping trip to Yosemite National Park), tailored externships, pre-departure one-on-one orientations, professional networking, service projects, and all the resources to create your own adventures is included in this cost!
Also remember there are not passport cost (U.S. citizens), foreign cell phones, bad exchange rates, foreign transaction fee costs, or outrageous plane tickets.



4.  Can I put this on my resume?
YES! In fact, businesses want to see what extra steps you took in college to do something out of the "norm."  The hands-on experience will allow you to gain tangible experiences from working within a team, being a leader, working on a project, and endless other experiences.



5.  Is drinking alcohol permitted?
We follow the laws.  Drinking age in the mainland of the United States is 21; however in the Virgin Islands the drinking age is 18.  If it seems to disrupt the trip you may be asked to leave with no refund.

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6.  Is a Passport Required to The US Virgin Islands?
As a United States Territory, travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands does not require a passport for U.S. citizens arriving from Puerto Rico or the U.S. mainland. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens are the same as for entering the United States from any foreign destination. Upon departure, a passport is required for all but U.S. citizens.  If you want to visit the British Virgin Islands you will need a passport.

 

7.  What are the accommodations?

The accommodations in St. John are eco-cottage treehouse resorts.  The island's focus is on sustainability and the accommodations follow suit.  The eco resorts overlook Salt Pond Bay with a spectacular view from every cottage!  The accommodations will be dormitory style rooms in Washington D.C. and San Francisco and ONLY other Give Back(packing) participants will be staying in the same room.  The accommodations in each city are close to EVERYTHING.  They are in the best areas of DC, NYC, and San Francisco.  All possessions will be properly secured.  You may checkout the accommodations at the following websites:
St. John in US Virgin Islands: www.concordiaeco-resort.com

Washington DC: http://www.hiwashingtondc.org

New York City:  http://www.hinewyork.org/

San Francisco: http://sfhostels.com/downtown



8.  What type of service projects will we be participating in?
The service projects will be mostly with 501(c)3 non-profit organizations.  Service projects will include, but not limited to, working with reputable organizations like National Park Services, Special Olympics, Friends of the Virgin Islands, and we will be doing a few of our own initiatives through Give Back(packing).



9.  What is an Externship?
Externships are very similar to internships but a shorter duration. Another common name for externship is job shadowing. Although these opportunities may only consist of a few hours to a half or full day, they tend to offer participants a bird’s eye view of what it’s actually like working in a particular career field as well as providing some professional contacts for future networking.

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10.  What type of externships and/or career opportunities are possible?

We will work hard to get an externship as close to your interest as humanly possible.  We have opportunities ranging from the medical field, lobbyist, consultants, social media firms, real estate, photography, fashion, and many more!  We will tailor externships just for you!

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11.  Why does Give Back(packing) not offer course credit?

Give Back(packing)’s goal is for the participant to apply what he or she has learned in the classroom to real life situations like the tailored externships, service projects, and adventures.  We are all hands-on with our activities.  The long-term values of the program are just as valuable as the class work.  Our program will help the participant gain those experiences that will be asked in interviews and daily job applications.  Our objective is long-term growth.



12.  If I go to another college, can I apply?

YES!  We want to expand and grow the program to other schools.  If you have a friend or know someone that would be perfect for the program, please tell them or us!



13.  I am graduating this coming May; can I still go?

We do allow graduating Seniors to go on the trip.