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Get Ready to Travel

There are plenty of things to worry about and look forward to when traveling overseas. The anxiety and excitement is often overwhelming and it's easy to forget the important details you need to focus on. If it's your first time traveling, you'll definitely have a lot of questions for us. Whether you are a student, parent, faculty member or study abroad administrator, we look forward to hearing from you. More specific travel details are provided in our program handbook and during our pre-departure orientation. This page and the FAQ section provides some essential travel-related details. 

Travelling in America

Planning Your Trip

Whether it's your first time travelling as a group or individual, we will guide you all the way.

Insurance 

Safeguarding your Trip

Bearing in mind that there are no guarantees and absolutes when it comes to health and safety in any setting, it is mandatory for every student to carry comprehensive health and travel insurance. Some students are covered by their institutional insurance, however, others need to purchase a separate policy for their trip abroad. Insurance matters are usually handled directly through institutional coordinators since we mainly deal with student group travel. We require proof of insurance coverage before the start of any program. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization provide useful health tips for travel.

Personal Safety

Your Safety is our First Priority

Our programs are designed to minimize risk and to create a great sense of security and comfort. We ask every student to assume full responsibility for personal preparation and to participate fully in our orientation programs. It is equally important for every student to undergo a medical checkup before travel. We have in place a robust Crisis and Incident Management plan in the event of any emergency. Additionally, we enforce standard COVID-19 guidelines and also require proof of vaccination (or a waiver) for every student. Overall, we work hard to ensure a safe and pleasant stay. Ask about our Health and Safety Guide.

We understand the anxiety and stress that may be associated with having your student far across the pond. Our supportive team is on standby to answer any questions, provide updates and alley your concerns. It’s important for parents and family to be supportive of this important process that cultivates personal growth, self-discovery and independence among students. We ensure that parents and students can communicate effectively throughout the duration of the program using email, text messaging, social media and phone – we provide 24-hour Wifi access. 

Parents and Family

Health and Wellbeing

We work hard to make sure you have a pleasant trip

Medical Support Team & Resident Physician

We have a resident physician, highly trained local staff and a solid in-country network which includes health care providers, embassies, security agencies and relevant personnel. We strongly advise students to visit their doctors for medical advice before international travel.

24-hour Support and Monitoring

We have an elaborate incident management plan and a 24/7 support system. We provide ongoing communication using phones, email alerts and notifications to our students (and parents) during their stay and monitor local and international events that relate to safety.

Mental Health Support and Counseling

Although most of our programs are short-term and highly interactive, there is a possibility for students to feel homesick, experience cultural shock and also deal with mental health issues. We have a dedicated session to educate students how to seek help if they need it.

Carry-On Suitcase

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Travel Funds

To begin with, you must secure funding for your trip. There are different avenues to raise funding for your trip and these must be exhausted to ease the financial burden of your once in a lifetime journey. Get in touch for details on how you can set up an effective fundraiser for your trip.

Visit a Doctor

As you plan for your trip, make sure you visit your doctor who will give you the best medical advice about travel to Uganda. You might need to take some medication or vaccinations before, during and after travel. We advise students to visit government authoritative websites for health related details or to get in touch with any questions.

Research

It is advisable to explore different information resources to improve your understanding of the country’s history, people, politics, culture etc. Tourism activities and related events are also worth looking into. Learning a few words in Luganda (with the help of Google), which is widely spoken here, is also a good way to charm Ugandans.

Items to Pack

Plan to carry along light clothing although it is still advisable to have a warm jacket for any cold rainy days. For the most part, Uganda is bright and sunny and you'll most probably need a good supply of sunscreen and a pair of sunglasses. Also plan to carry along your usual personal essentials and gadgets (phone, camera etc).

Air Ticket & Visa

It's advisable to look into air tickets way in advance. You'll be flying into Entebbe International Airport (EBB). You may want to plan a day time arrival to make the most of your first road trip from the airport. In most cases a visa is required at the port of entry and an accompanying immigration fee.

For magnificence, for variety of form and color, for profusion of brilliant life — bird, insect, reptile, beast — for vast scale — Uganda is truly 'the Pearl of Africa'

Winston Churchill

We have comfortable housing facilities with all the basic amenities needed to enjoy a pleasant stay. Our facilities are a relaxing safe haven that offers genuine moments for reflection, deep introspection, privacy and a good night’s sleep. The premises have adequate security, spacious rooms, WiFi, hot water and a luscious green compound. During the course of the program, we provide three (3) meals a day which will include a fusion of local and continental menus. All our activity and accommodation providers are thoroughly screened. 

Meals and Housing

Meals

12 Things To Consider During Your Visit

Extracurricular Activities

Suggested Readings

Learn a little more about Uganda

These reading suggestions are meant to complement students' wonderful class-readings and to give a deeper insight about Uganda, the language and the people. 

Resources
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