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Click on the following links to jump to a specific FAQ topic:
Eligibility and Nomination
Daily Life
Career and Academic Benefits
Tuition and Finances
Travel and Transportation
Safety and Supervision
Special Needs
Preparing for Travel in a Foreign Country
ELIGIBILITY AND NOMINATION
Who participates in the International Scholar Laureate Program (ISLP)? Students come from various backgrounds, and all possess superior academic records and strong leadership skills. To serve as an international scholar, you must be at least 18 years old, currently enrolled in a college or university, enrolled in a graduate program or be a recent graduate from the class of 2008.
How are scholars nominated to attend? Scholars are selected through a variety of sources, including:
- Educators, student organization advisors and participating institutions
- Alumni of previous ISLP delegations
- Alumni of National Youth Leadership Forum programs
- Alumni of Congressional Youth Leadership Conference programs
- Members of Golden Key, The National Society of Collegiate Scholars and Phi Theta Kappa
- Self nominations with a record of academic excellence and leadership experience
How may a non-nominated scholar receive an invitation to attend? An interested scholar may contact us to receive self nomination information.
DAILY LIFE
Who facilitates the programs? Each program is accompanied by two faculty advisors who are knowledgeable professionals with experience in their respective and corresponding career field and have experience working with high-achieving university students. Faculty advisors are responsible for implementing the curriculum, conducting daily briefings and debriefings, facilitating small group discussions, participating in all scheduled activities and supervising Program scholars. ISLP also enlists in-country staff who functions as guides, interpreters and points of contact for our host countries. Each program will have a scholar-to-staff ratio of at least 20 to 1.
What is a typical day like? A typical day begins with a group meeting and briefing session on the day's scheduled events. While no two days are the same for any program, most are comprised of a variety of educational and cultural activities. Educational components may include distinguished speakers, panel discussions and university and professional site visits. Travel days and free time have also been built into the schedule.
How many people will attend the program? Depending on the restrictions of each individual program site, between 60 - 100 scholars attend each program.
How can I best prepare for the program activities? Scholars should keep up-to-date with current events and trends in their field of study through print and online media. Using professors as resources can also be a great step to better prepare for the experience. Scholars should also familiarize themselves with the culture, language and customs of the country where they will be traveling. An informed scholar will certainly gain the most from the Program. Once enrolled, scholars will be given resources on the destination(s) to be visited and the career focus in each destination.
Once enrolled, scholars will receive information to help prepare for the Program. This information will cover travel logistics, destination information and academic preparation materials. All mailed information will also be posted on the ISLP web site.
CAREER AND ACADEMIC BENEFITS
How will this help me achieve my career goals? All programs are growth opportunities to further a scholar's study in their respective field, allowing for hands-on, personal and professional enrichment. Previous scholars have found the Program to be an incredible "stepping stone" to further develop particular interests in their field of study and to enhance their professional and academic resumé/curriculum vitae.
Can I receive college credit for the Program? We encourage scholars to work with their college or university to develop a credit plan for this international experience. While we do not offer a formal credit program, previous ISLP scholars have succeeded in receiving credit from their home institutions in the past.
We have provided Tips for Earning College Credit at your university for your ISLP experience. Scholars may also contact the Office of Admissions to request an Academic Overview of the educational components of the program to assist in creating research projects and discussing the program with your university professors.
What are some of the benefits of the Program? International educational experiences such as ISLP provide networking opportunities and insight on careers both within the United States and abroad. We also offer letters of participation that may be used for graduate programs, internships, jobs, scholarships, etc.
TUITION AND FINANCES
What does the tuition cover?
- Travel from the gateway city to and from the country and all in-country travel
- All hotel accommodations (excluding laundry, telephone, etc.)
- Curriculum materials
- Meals provided during the program vary by location.
- Two faculty advisors who accompany each program
- Full-time, professional guides who are fluent in English
- All educational components, including speaker fees
- All entrance fees for guided exploration, taxes, gratuities and tips
Is financial assistance available to help pay for the tuition? For scholars who require financial assistance, a special Fundraising Guide has been prepared to help interested scholars raise the necessary funds within their community. In addition, the Office of Admissions is available to support scholars in their fundraising efforts. We strongly encourage scholars to use this guide to fundraise and obtain sponsors to help them pay for the tuition costs associated with ISLP. Over two-thirds of our scholars fundraise part or all of their tuition. Interested scholars may download the Fundraising Guide here. (Adobe Acrobat Reader required. Experiencing difficulties? E-mail us: webmaster@scholarlaureate.org)
ISLP is proud to offer a limited number of scholarships to scholars demonstrating financial need. Please visit the Tuition and Fundraising page for your specific delegation for more information.
How much spending money should I bring? Every scholar will need to purchase at least one meal per day (average $10-20 U.S. dollars, depending on personal choice) and miscellaneous small purchases, including laundry services and telephone calls. Additionally, there will be opportunities to buy souvenirs and to enjoy leisure activities during scheduled free time. After a scholar is enrolled, ISLP will provide additional resources on spending money and currency exchange.
TRAVEL AND TRANSPORTATION
Where will scholars reside during the Program? Scholars will always stay in at least three star hotels and each scholar will always have his or her own bed. All hotel rooms will have in-room western-style toilet facilities and will be located in safe areas of cities and towns visited.
Can I make a roommate request? Yes. Scholars will be able to make roommate requests after enrollment. Interested scholars should call the Office of Admissions after they receive their Enrollment Confirmation Letter.
The application says that I am automatically enrolled in the Tuition & Travel Protection Plan. Must I enroll in this? Scholars are automatically enrolled in the Tuition & Travel Protection Plan. This trip cancellation insurance is recommended but may be declined by checking the appropriate box on the front of the Enrollment Application. The Tuition & Travel Protection Plan cannot be purchased after the enrollment deadline. Detailed information on the Tuition & Travel Protection Plan will be sent to each enrolled participant.
May I arrange my own international transportation to and from the Program? Yes, however if traveling to/from the United States, we suggest flying with the delegation since it gives scholars the opportunity to meet fellow scholars prior to arrival and insures a safe and comfortable flight to and from the Program. Scholars interested in the air credit option must contact the Office of Admissions.
Am I allowed to extend my stay in the destination country? This may only be possible if a scholar chooses to purchase his or her own transportation to and from the Program. Scholars interested in extending their stay or the air credit option must contact the Office of Admissions.
How will I travel while in the destination country? In-country travel is completed by plane or private motor coach. During some of the China and India Delegations, a portion of travel may be completed by train.
How and when should I obtain a passport? Scholars do not need to have a passport before enrolling in the Program, but they will need to begin the passport application process to acquire one immediately after confirmation of enrollment. All necessary information regarding acquiring a passport will be sent in the first enrollment confirmation letter. For U.S. passport holders, this information may also be found on the U.S. Department of State's web site: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.
Do I need a visa? U.S scholars attending programs in China and India will need visas; however, scholars do not need to start the visa process until after they are enrolled in the program. All information regarding visas will be sent in the enrollment confirmation mailings.
Scholars not traveling on a U.S. passport must contact the Chinese or Indian Consulate to learn about specific entry requirements, as acquiring and payment of all required travel documentation is the sole responsibility of the scholar.
SAFETY AND SUPERVISION
Should I be concerned about safety in a foreign country? The safety of our scholars is our number one priority. Our programs are highly structured and thoroughly evaluated for quality and safety. We will not bring our scholars into areas where we think their safety might be in question. If conditions exist or arise that make it impossible for us to offer a safe program, we will alter the itinerary and re-route the program to safer regions. ISLP adheres to international travel advisories issued by the U.S. State Department and the in-country U.S. Embassy. All U.S. scholars are registered with the U.S. Embassy in the destination country prior to their departure.
Do I need any immunizations? We suggest that scholars consult with the Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization current recommendations regarding international travel. The most current information can be found at http://www.cdc.gov and http://www.who.org.
Scholars should consult with their physicians or local health care facilities to enquire about any health concerns or immunization options.
Will there be an on-site nurse? No. Scholars should bring any medication along that they think they might need (i.e. cold medication, anti-diarrhea, fever, etc.). Should scholars need medical attention, we will assist them in visiting a doctor or hospital.
Will I be expected to follow rules such as curfews on the Program? Since this is an academic program we have established a Code of Conduct.
This is to ensure the highest level of safety, education and enjoyment for all scholars. We do ask that scholars take into consideration the intense academic nature of the Program, and as a result, expect them to be well rested and focused during the daily program. We ask scholars to remember that they are serving as ambassadors when they visit another country. As such, it is imperative that all scholars keep in mind the importance of their conduct when in-country. Our in-country hosts and speakers are expecting prepared, motivated and well-informed high-caliber scholars. Please refer to the Terms and Conditions on the back of the Enrollment Application to review the Code of Conduct.
SPECIAL NEEDS
Will there be vegetarian options at every meal? Vegetarian options are available but limited. Many meals are buffet-style, and due to limitations, sometimes vegetarian options may be repeated throughout the Program.
Will there be kosher options at every meal? Because of the cultures of the various countries, we are not able to guarantee kosher options. However, there will always be a vegetarian option at meals. In some cases, kosher meals can be provided at an additional cost. Please contact the Office of Admissions to speak directly with a staff member for more information.
Will there be opportunities to attend any religious services? There is time built into the schedule (day or evening) for scholars to do some independent exploration. Scholars can use this time for religious purposes or other needs. However, these times do vary by day and destination country.
Is it possible for scholars with special needs to attend? Potential scholars are encouraged to speak directly with a staff member to get a better idea of the program's activities. The staff member will be able to provide insight into potentially challenging activities, allowing scholars to make the decision whether or not to attend. Please contact the Office of Admissions to speak with an appropriate staff member.
PREPARING FOR TRAVEL IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY
What assistance will be available to prepare for the Program? After a scholar is enrolled we will mail all the information necessary to prepare for the Program including packing suggestions, suggested attire, currency, travel documents, academic preparation and useful travel tips. We also rely heavily on our web site to communicate important information. Scholars may also contact us by email at admissions@scholarlaureate.org.
What type of clothing should I bring? For most professional activities, business casual attire is appropriate. For example, men may wear khakis or dress pants with button-down shirts; women may wear skirts or dress pants with nice blouses or tops. During certain program components, more professional attire may be required. For cultural and leisure activities, casual dress is acceptable. All specifics regarding packing and appropriate dress will be explained in detail in the acceptance materials scholars will receive closer to the start of the program.
Are language skills going to be an issue at all? Will there be any basic conversational language training during the program? Scholars are encouraged to prepare basic language skills for their respective country on their own, as this will enhance their experience significantly. In areas where English is not prevalent, guides with fluency in English and the language of the host country accompany the group for all scheduled activities. All professional visits, speakers and workshops are conducted or translated in English.
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