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FAQ

Eligibility and Nomination

Who participates in the International Scholar Laureate Program (ISLP)?

While the honor of being a Scholar Laureate is a singular one, you will find our delegations are incredibly diverse. That said, your fellow Scholar Laureates will have some things in common. All of you have strong academic records and leadership skills. Also, everyone must be at least 18 years old at the time of the Program and currently enrolled in a college or university as an undergraduate or graduate student or be a recent graduate from the class of 2009. All scholars must speak fluent English.

How are scholars nominated to attend?

Scholars come to the attention of ISLP and are considered for nomination thanks to the input of a variety of sources, including:

  • Educators, student organization advisors and participating institutions
  • Alumni of previous ISLP delegations
  • Alumni of National Youth Leadership Forums
  • Alumni of Congressional Youth Leadership Conferences
  • Members of Golden Key International Honour Society
  • Members of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS)
  • Scholarship and financial aid services where students make their information available to colleges, universities and other approved educational organizations
  • Self nominations with a record of academic excellence and leadership experience

Is there a way for a non-nominated scholar to be considered for nomination?

If you have not been nominated but believe you would benefit from the experience, do not hesitate to contact us and we will be pleased to send you self nomination information.

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Daily Life

Who facilitates the programs?

Your delegation will be led by one or two Faculty Advisors who are knowledgeable professionals with experience in the corresponding career field of their delegation. Your Faculty Advisor will be responsible for implementing the curriculum, conducting your daily briefings and debriefings, facilitating small group discussions, participating in all scheduled activities and supervising Program scholars. ISLP also enlists in-country staff who function as guides, interpreters and points of contact in your host country. You can expect a scholar to staff ratio of 40 to 1 or less.

What is a typical day like?

Your typical day will begin with a group meeting and briefing session on the day’s scheduled events. While no two days are the same for any program, you will find almost all involve a mix of educational and cultural activities. Educational components may include distinguished speakers, panel discussions, group meetings and university and professional site visits. Free time is also built into the schedule for scholars to explore their host countries independently.

How many people make up a delegation?

Depending on the restrictions of the individual program site, you will have between 30 and 60 scholars in your delegation.

Is there anything I should do to prepare for my delegation?

Overall, you should do what you probably do anyway – keep up-to-date on current events and trends in your field of study through print and online media. You may also want to mention your upcoming experience to your professors or other advisors as they can often provide insights into areas that might be of special interest or importance to your career goals. Also, while we do not expect you to know everything about your host country in the weeks or months before your trip, we do believe that the more familiar you are with your destination’s culture and customs before you arrive, the more you will gain while you are there.

Keep in mind that once you are enrolled, you will receive further resources on the country you will be visiting as well as information to help prepare for the Program. This information will cover travel logistics, destination information and academic preparation materials.

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Career and Academic Benefits

How will this help me achieve my career goals?

Each of our career-focused delegations is designed to be a growth opportunity that will further your knowledge of and perspectives on your chosen field through experiential, 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 résumé.

Can I receive college credit for the Program?

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 therefore encourage you to work with your college or university to develop a credit plan for your international experience before you attend the Program. We have provided Tips for Earning College Credit at your university for your ISLP experience. To further support you in your effort to receive credit, you should also feel free to contact the Office of Admissions to request an Academic Overview of the educational components of the program. This can be an invaluable tool as you discuss the program with your university professors and set out to create a relevant, advancing and potentially credit-earning course of action.

What are some of the benefits of the Program?

International educational experiences such as ISLP provide global networking opportunities and insight into career fields. We are also more than happy to provide you with letters of participation that you may include in your applications for graduate programs, internships, jobs, scholarships, etc.

Equally important, ISLP safely exposes scholars to the ins and outs of navigating foreign cultures, the complexity of travel logistics and the myriad of other skills necessary to travel and compete in an increasingly connected global economy.

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Tuition and Finances

What does the tuition cover?

Below is a list of general items covered by tuition. For details particular to the delegation and country you are interested in, please see the “What’s Included?” tab on each country-specific delegation page.

  • All scheduled Program activities using air, ship, rail and chartered motor coach transportation
  • All accommodations (excluding laundry, telephone, etc.). Accommodations vary by country.
  • Curriculum materials
  • Meals provided during the Program vary by location.
  • One or two Faculty Advisors who accompany each delegation
  • Full-time, professional guides who are fluent in English for programs outside the United States
  • All educational components, including speaker fees
  • All entrance fees for scheduled Program activities
  • All taxes, gratuities and tips
  • Basic emergency health coverage for the duration of the Program

Is financial assistance available to help pay for the tuition?

Should you require financial assistance, a special fundraising guide has been prepared to help interested scholars raise the necessary funds within their communities. We strongly encourage scholars to use this guide to fundraise and obtain sponsors to help them pay for the tuition costs associated with attending ISLP. Over two-thirds of our scholars fundraise part or all of their tuition. Click here to read through our fundraising guide and get started. Interested scholars may download the Fundraising Guide here. (Adobe Acrobat Reader required. Experiencing difficulties? E-mail us: webmaster@scholarlaureate.org). In addition, the Office of Admissions is available to support scholars in their fundraising efforts.

ISLP is also proud to offer a limited number of scholarships to members of Golden Key International Honour Society. Please visit the Scholarships page for more information.

How much spending money should I bring?

You will need to purchase at least one meal per day (average $10-20 U.S. dollars, depending on personal choice and destination) and miscellaneous small purchases, including laundry services and telephone calls as needed. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to buy souvenirs and enjoy leisure activities during scheduled free time. Once you are enrolled, we will provide additional resources on spending money and currency exchange.

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Travel and Transportation

Where will scholars reside during the Program?

Carefully selected accommodations will be used throughout the Program. These could include hotel, university or other lodgings, depending on the country. For details particular to the delegation and country you are interested in, please see the “What’s Included?” tab on each country-specific delegation page.

Can I make a roommate request?

Yes, you are free to make roommate requests after enrollment through March 1, 2010. Interested scholars should contact the Office of Admissions after they receive their confirmation of enrollment.

The application says that I am automatically enrolled in the Tuition & Travel Protection Plan. Must I enroll in this?

You 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 or on the Online Enrollment Form. The Tuition and Travel Protection Plan premium is nonrefundable and may not be purchased after March 18, 2010. Detailed information on the Tuition & Travel Protection Plan will be sent to you upon completion of your enrollment. For an overview of coverage, click here.

How should I plan my international transportation to and from the Program?

The International Scholar Laureate Program has partnered with Australia New Zealand Group Services (ANZGS) to provide air booking services for ISLP scholars. ANZGS can handle all of your domestic and international flight needs. You may also book your flight arrangements on your own.

ISLP has arranged for group flights to delegations in Australia and China from gateway cities in the United States. Seats are limited and we recommend any scholar who will be traveling to/from the United States to book the group flight option. ANZGS can also assist you on your connecting flights to the U.S. gateway cities. Only by booking your international airline ticket on the group flight are you guaranteed these additional services:

  • ISLP staff to assist with any questions or concerns at check-in at gateway cities
  • ISLP staff and local guide to greet you in the international arrivals hall in your ISLP destination
  • Group transfer from the airport to the Program in your ISLP destination
  • Local guide to provide orientation en route from airport to the Program

How to book a seat on the group flight:
Contact ANZGS’s dedicated representatives: Wayne Stening and Myrna Fernandez
     E-mail (preferred): waynes@anzgs.com or myrna@anzgs.com
     Telephone: +1.310.546.8721
     Hours of Operation:
          Monday-Friday 6:00AM – 6:00PM PST
          Saturday-Sunday 8:00AM – 5:00PM PST

Am I allowed to extend my stay in the destination country?

Yes. Scholars are encouraged to take part in the Optional Extensions provided by ISLP. It is a chance for scholars to discover more of their host countries. Optional Extensions for 2010 are Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef for delegations in Australia, Hong Kong for delegations in China and Los Angeles, California for the delegation in the United States of America.

Scholars may also choose to extend their stay on their own for independent exploration.

How will I travel while in the destination country?

During scheduled Program activities, travel in your host country will be by plane or private motor coach except in China where a portion of the trip may be completed by train.

How and when should I obtain a passport?

You do not need to have a passport before enrolling in the Program, but you 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 communication. For U.S. passport holders, this information may also be found on the U.S. Department of State's web site: travel.state.gov/passport.

Do I need a visa?

For scholars traveling on a U.S. passport:

American citizens attending programs in Australia and China will need visas; however, scholars do not need to start the visa process until after they are enrolled in the Program. All information regarding visa processing will be sent in the enrollment confirmation communications.

For scholars not traveling on a U.S. passport:

Scholars not traveling on a U.S. passport must contact the respective consulate (Australia, China or United States of America) to learn about specific entry requirements, as acquiring and payment of all required travel documentation is the sole responsibility of the scholar.

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Safety and Supervision

Should I be concerned about safety in a foreign country?

Your safety is our first priority. As a result, our programs are highly structured and thoroughly evaluated for quality and safety. We will not bring you into areas where we think your 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 the Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization current recommendations regarding international travel. The most current information can be found at www.cdc.gov and www.who.int. We also recommend that you check with your physician or local health care facility to inquire about any health concerns or immunization options.

Will there be an on-site nurse?

No. You should plan to bring any medication along that you think you might need (i.e. cold medication, anti-diarrhea, fever, etc.). Of course, in the rare occurrence that you may need medical attention, we will assist you in getting to a doctor or hospital.

Will I be expected to follow rules such as curfews on the Program?

Since this is an academic program, there is an established Code of Conduct. This exists to ensure the highest level of safety, education and enjoyment for all scholars. Further, we do ask that scholars take into consideration the intense academic nature of the Program, and as a result, we 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 traveling. Our hosts and speakers are expecting prepared, motivated and well-informed high-caliber scholars. Please refer to the Information, Release and Agreement on the back of the Enrollment Application to review the Code of Conduct, or click here to read it.

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Special Needs

Will there be vegetarian options at every meal?

Vegetarians should inform ISLP of their dietary requirements prior to the start of the Program. We will ensure there are vegetarian options available, but the realities of foreign travel do mean that they are often 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?

Due to varying cultures in 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 and you are free to use this time for religious purposes or other needs. However, these times do vary by day and country.

Is it possible for scholars with special needs to attend?

Yes. However, the first recommendation we would make would be that you speak directly to a staff member at our Office of Admissions to get a better idea of what potentially challenging activities your delegation might involve so that together you might make the best decision about whether or not to attend and which Program would be best for you.

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Preparing for Travel in a Foreign Country

What assistance will be available to prepare for the Program?

Once you are enrolled, you can expect to receive communications with all the information necessary to prepare for your journey, including packing suggestions, suggested attire, currency exchange information, travel documents, academic preparation and useful travel tips.

Also, as we rely heavily on our web site to communicate important information, it would be a good idea once registered to stop by regularly to check for updates and drop by the message boards to hear the latest news.

Prior to enrollment you can also contact us by e-mail at any time at admissions@scholarlaureate.org.

What type of clothing should I bring?

For most professional activities, business casual is what you would want to wear. For example, men would feel comfortable in khakis or dress pants with a button-down shirt and women would be completely appropriate in a skirt or dress pants with a nice blouse or top. During certain program components, more professional attire may be required and during some cultural and leisure activities you may want to be more casual. Well in advance of your departure, we will get you specific details about what you should plan to pack so that you will have what you need in order to be appropriately dressed.

Are language skills going to be an issue at all?
Will there be any basic conversational language training during the Program?

While we do not expect fluency in your host country’s language or even basic proficiency, as all world travelers know, every bit of your host countries language that you do know will increase your overall experience. But again, the only language requirement is to speak fluent English and there is no language training offered during the Program. Bear in mind that each delegation will have guides fluent in the host language during all professional visits, speakers and workshops.

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Enrollment is Open for Summer 2010

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