Travel Policies and Forms

Global Insights students are not permitted to travel outside the local area alone or with peers. (The local area will be defined by Global Insights in consultation with the local Area Representative.) Overnight travel is permitted with the host family, with an approved adult (25 years or older), or with an approved group (e.g. church, school, etc.) For all such trips without a host parent, the student must complete the appropriate travel form, available below, PRIOR to making travel plans, and must gain permission first from his/her host parents, as well as the Area Representative, before Global Insights staff will consider the request. Permission forms must include all pertinent information, including the location and dates of travel, as well as emergency contact information.

A student who plans to travel outside the U.S. (including Canada and Mexico) must send his/her DS-2019 Form to the Global Insights office at least two weeks in advance of the trip, in order for the form to be signed, indicating he or she is in good standing on the program. This travel authorization signature is REQUIRED in order for the student to be able to re-enter the US. When traveling outside the US, the student must carry a passport, the DS-2019 Form, and I-94 Card.

Many host families decide to include their students in family vacations. This is acceptable as long as the student completes the appropriate travel form and that the travel does not prevent the student from leaving the US prior to his or her visa expiration. Should host families invite their student on such travel, it is entirely appropriate for the student to cover his/her airfare and some of the expenses.

Regarding natural parent visits, any such trip can be very disruptive to the adjustment process of the student. Therefore, Global Insights discourages any visits by natural parents or family friends until the very end of the program and only then with PRIOR written permission from Global Insights. In such situations, host families are under no obligation to offer housing or cover any expenses associated with such visits. Should such trips be discussed between host parents and natural parents, host parents should feel free to suggest dates that are convenient and which do not interfere with the student’s school attendance or family plans. (Students are not allowed to miss school to travel with natural parents.)

DOWNLOAD TRAVEL FORMS HERE
 

Student Travel Notification Form
This form must be completed to document student travel 1) with the host family or Area Representative during the program in which school absences will NOT be required, and 2) with natural parents and/or designated adults over 25 at the end of the program only. This form must be submitted to the local Area Representative prior to commencement of travel.

Student Travel Request Form
This form is to be completed if a student would like to request permission to travel without his/her host family or Area Representative, or in cases where the student requests to miss school to travel.

Natural Family Visit Request Form
This form must be completed for Global Insights to consider granting program approval for the student’s natural parent to visit their son/daughter. Such visits are only considered at the very end of the program.


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