We have tried to anticipate questions that you might have about participating in one of our programs. We also provide information about what you can expect. If you have any further questions, please contact us. 

Click on Question Below for Answer:

How difficult is it to get accepted into the program?
What is the weather like? 
What Should I Bring
How much does airfare cost?
How does Passage pick the home stay families?
What vaccinations are recommended for this program?
Is it easy to get medical assistance if any is needed?
How much money will I need to bring?
I do not speak Nepali/Tibetan/Hindi
When is the application deadline?
What is Passage’s safety policy?
Have you ever had to cancel the programs due to safety concerns?
Can I get credits for participating in this program?
What do I need to do to volunteer for the programs / looking for work?
Do the students arrive in Kathmandu separately?
Is the $500 deposit refundable?
What is the cancellation policy?
Can I extend my stay after 12 weeks?

FAQ:  How difficult is it to get accepted into the program? Do you need any special qualifications? How many applications do you receive, and what percentage of the applicants are accepted?
Passage: Project for International Education is a non-profit organization that creates opportunities for students to live and learn abroad by placing a strong emphasis on experiential education and cultural immersion. No requirements or qualifications are needed. However, the application procedures must be completed before a final decision is made. We require a minimum of four participants to offer a group program.

FAQ:   What is the weather like?                                                              
In the Nepali & North Indian winters, it can be as cold as 32 degrees while the summer often sees the temperature into the low/mid nineties. In many ways, the weather is quite similar to that of North Carolina in the US: cold but mild winters and hot, humid summers.  Click here for Kathmandu climate information.

FAQ:  What should I bring?   
Once your application is accepted, we will send you a list of clothes that you should bring based on your program and the season.  We will then provide a comprehensive list of the appropriate types, and quantities of, clothes, gear and supplies that you may want to bring to make your time in Asia comfortable. In addition, many items can be purchased in the major cities that all of our programs start in. All of this will be detailed in information packages after you are accepted. However, the most important thing you can bring is an open mind and a great sense of curiosity.

FAQ:  How much does airfare cost?
The cost of our program does not include airfare. Costs will depend on when you want to fly and how far in advance you book a ticket.  Contact us for travel agent recommendations.

FAQ:  How does Passage pick the home stay families?                         
At Passage, we choose our home stay families based on extensive research, close community contacts and the family's interest in, and capacity for, cross-cultural exchanges. We work to find a variety of living situations so that our students can experience the wide spectrum of how people live in our host communities. All of our families have at least one member of the family that speaks English.

FAQ:  What vaccinations are recommended for this program?
Please consult with your personal physician.  You may also visit MDtravelhealth.com for additional information.

FAQ:  Is it easy to get medical assistance if any is needed?                  Top of Page
Yes. Should a student become ill during the program, the Passage staff will always be available to help obtain proper treatment. Regarding health precautions, we require participants have adequate health insurance that covers illness abroad.

FAQ:  How much money will I need to bring?
This depends on each individual student. The program covers most of the daily costs of living and learning. You will want to bring extra spending cash in the event that you need medical treatment, want to take taxis, eat out, buy gifts, have clothes made, etc. In the information package you will receive after you have been accepted, we describe money in more detail.

FAQ:  I do not speak Nepali/Tibetan/Hindi so I was wondering whether I would still be able to partake in the internship project you offer.

Throughout the beginning of the program, daily language classes will continue. You will be given one-and-a-half hours of organized language instruction every day, five days a week. Basic language skills are not hard to learn, especially when you commit to using it in your daily life abroad.

FAQ:  When is the application deadline?                                                    Top of Page
Our application deadline is normally 90 days before the program begins.  However, since our programs tend to fill up quickly, we suggest that you send in your application and fees/deposits as soon as possible to ensure a space on the program.

FAQ:  What is Passage’s safety policy?
Our primary concern is the safety and health of our students and staff. Passage relies on the Embassies of the United States and other concerned nations for information concerning safety and health issues. In addition, because most of Passage’s directors and educators live in South Asia, we have an extensive network of contacts throughout the region that enhance our awareness of any concerns. In the unlikely event of an emergency, we are well prepared with plans and guidelines that have been developed in consultation with the Embassy of the United States and with health care professionals.

Our non-emergency safety and health procedures are also extensive. We also hold regular meetings with the Regional Security Officer for the US Embassy to monitor their assessment of the regions we operate in. Upon arrival, all students are registered with their respective embassies. On field trips, our leaders have a list of people or offices, both official and other, to contact in the event of an emergency of any kind. Wherever service is available, they also carry a mobile phone. Our leaders are in touch with the students daily, monitoring their adjustment, health, and well-being. Our directors and coordinators are also accessible 24 hours a day throughout the program. Parents receive a list of contact numbers both in the US and in-country to ensure they can reach their child or the program directors for any personal emergency. Parents also receive regular reports during the program via emails.

We have lived and worked in our host communities for over 15 years and feel confident in our ability to provide safe learning environments for students.                                              Top of Page

FAQ:  Have you ever had to cancel the programs due to safety concerns?
No, we have never had to cancel our programs.

FAQ:  Can I get credits for participating in this program?                       
Passage students seeking credit can receive documentation of their participation in the various components of the program.  Besides Passage's documentation, a written evaluation of their performance as a Passage student can be provided.

Using these documents students have made arrangements with their schools to receive credit for participation in our programs.  It is important that these arrangements be made in advance.  If getting credit is of interest to you, please talk with your teachers, advisors, or professors.

FAQ:  What do I need to do to volunteer for the programs / looking for work?
Currently Passage does not have volunteer or paid positions. 

FAQ:  Do the students arrive in Kathmandu separately?
Sometimes students meet in the US and fly to Asia together, especially if they buy their tickets though a US-based travel agent we trust and recommend. Because participants can be from many parts of the US, this is not always practical. However, students are always met on arrival of their end destination.

FAQ:  Is the $500 deposit refundable?
The $500 deposit acts as a guarantee and is therefore non-refundable. Once your application is received, reviewed and you are accepted, the $500 deposit becomes non-refundable. The only time the deposit is refundable is if we consider the situation in-country grave enough to warrant cancellation of any program, in which case we of course refund the full amount. However, this deposit can be carried over to a future program. You will not need to re-apply and re-pay to attend a future Personal Passage, even a year later.

FAQ:  What is the cancellation policy?                                                          Top of Page
With your application a $500 deposit is due in order to be considered for acceptance. Once your application has been received, reviewed and you have been notified via email (or regular mail if email is not possible) of your acceptance the $500 deposit becomes non-refundable.

At this point, the balance of your tuition is due 90 days before the beginning of your trip. (This schedule for payment will be included in your acceptance letter). Students who apply within 90 days of the beginning date of a trip should submit their entire tuition to be considered for acceptance. If the balance of your tuition is not paid 90 days prior to the beginning of your trip we cannot guarantee the reservation of a place for you until your tuition has been fully paid.

We may accept applications submitted less than 90 days prior to the start date for a program.  If you wish to apply less than 90 days prior to the start date of a program, please submit a special request in writing with your reasons for the shorter timeline.

If we receive your notice of cancellation (in writing) 90 days or more prior to the start date of your trip and your spot cannot be filled, your tuition will be refunded less a $1,000 cancellation fee and the deposit (a total of $1,500).  If your spot can be filled, your tuition will be refunded less the deposit (a total of $500).

If we receive your notice of cancellation less than 90 days and more than 30 days prior to the start date of your course and your spot cannot be filled, your entire tuition will not be refunded.  If your spot can be filled, your tuition will be refunded less the deposit ($500) and an additional $500 fee for the efforts to fill your spot.

No refunds will be given for cancellations made less than 30 days prior to the start of your trip, after your program starts or in the event of an expulsion.                                                  Top of Page

Passage reserves the right and sole discretion to expel any student that may be engaging in activities which seriously threaten the health, safety, or well being of anyone associated with the program. This includes, but is not limited to, the abuse of alcohol or illegal drugs as well as other activities deemed dangerous by Passage. No refund will be made in the event of an expulsion.

Passage reserves the right to cancel programs that may not have sufficient enrollment or due to other safety reasons. This decision is at the sole discretion of our staff and a full refund of the tuition will be made. Passage is not responsible for other costs incurred in preparing for a trip. In the event a program is canceled after being started, a partial refund of the tuition may be given. The amount of the refund will be determined pro rata.

Passage's programs may vary slightly from the planned schedule and the itineraries in the brochures. These variations are made to ensure the students' safety or to take advantage of unique cultural opportunities that often arise unexpectedly. Our programs will always be comparable to what was presented in the original materials.

FAQ:  Can I extend my stay after 12 weeks?                                               Top of Page
Yes you can.