Travel Rules & Regulations
At The Global Citizen Program, our goal is for every participant to have a safe, rewarding, and unforgettable travel experience. While traveling, you represent yourself, your family, your school, and your community. We ask every participant to approach the program with respect, curiosity, kindness, responsibility, and a willingness to fully engage in every experience.
Traveling as part of a group requires teamwork, flexibility, and consideration for others. By following these Travel Rules & Regulations, you'll help create a positive experience for yourself and your fellow travelers while making the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Participation & Engagement
Participate Fully:
All scheduled activities are an important part of the program and are expected unless otherwise approved by my Teacher-Leader and Program Director. If I am unable to participate in an activity, I will notify my Teacher-Leader, who will inform the Program Director. I will make every effort to be on time for all scheduled activities.
Be Present:
I understand that one of the greatest benefits of travel is being fully present and engaged with the people, places, and experiences around me. I will embrace new cultures, traditions, foods, and perspectives with curiosity and respect, recognizing that different does not mean better or worse, it simply means different.
Mobile Devices & Screen Time:
Mobile phones, tablets, and other electronic devices may not be used during scheduled group activities, sightseeing, educational experiences, or group meals, unless specifically permitted by my Teacher-Leader or Program Director.
I agree to respect the instructions of my Teacher-Leader and Program Director regarding the use of electronic devices. If my use of a phone or other device interferes with the program or my participation, my Teacher-Leader or Program Director may temporarily collect, limit, or restrict my device until an appropriate time. I understand that these expectations are designed to help all participants fully engage in the program, build meaningful connections with one another, and make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Respect for Others:
I will treat my fellow participants, Teacher-Leaders, Program Directors, local guides, hotel staff, motorcoach drivers, restaurant staff, and members of the communities we visit with courtesy, respect, kindness, and consideration at all times.
I understand that bullying, harassment, discrimination, intimidation, physical violence, sexual misconduct, or inappropriate behavior toward others will not be tolerated.
Group Travel:
Traveling as part of a group is very different from traveling on your own or with your family. Being part of a group means that, at times, things may take longer, plans may change, and patience and flexibility are essential. You will travel with people from different backgrounds and personalities, learning the importance of teamwork, communication, and looking out for one another.
One of the greatest lessons of educational travel is learning to be a positive member of a team. By respecting one another, communicating openly, and supporting your fellow travelers, you'll help create an experience that is enjoyable, safe, and rewarding for everyone.
As a participant, I will:
Be on time for all scheduled activities and departures.
Respect the time of my fellow travelers.
Follow the directions of my Teacher-Leaders and Program Director.
Be patient, flexible, and understanding when unexpected changes occur.
Be aware of my surroundings and help look out for fellow participants.
Use appropriate language and maintain respectful behavior in hotels, restaurants, public places, and all program activities.
Cultural Engagement:
One of the goals of The Global Citizen Program is to help participants become thoughtful, respectful, and engaged global citizens.
I understand that I will encounter cultures, customs, beliefs, foods, traditions, and ways of life that may be different from my own. I will approach these experiences with curiosity, respect, and an open mind.
Safety & Communication
Safety is everyone's responsibility. My Teacher-Leaders and Program Director are responsible for the well-being of the entire group, and I agree to follow their directions at all times.
Curfews:
If my Teacher-Leader establishes an evening curfew, I will follow it. Leaving the hotel or program accommodations without permission is strictly prohibited.
Buddy System:
I understand the importance of remaining with my assigned buddy or group whenever instructed. I will never leave from the group without first notifying my Teacher-Leader or Program Director. When participating in water activities, I will always follow the buddy system and the instructions of my Teacher-Leaders and Program Director.
Communication:
If I become ill, feel unsafe, get separated from the group, or need assistance for any reason, I will notify my Teacher-Leader or Program Director immediately. While it is natural to want to contact my family first, I understand that my Teacher-Leader and Program Director are in the best position to assist me and resolve situations quickly while on the program.
If I observe another participant who may need assistance or notice unsafe or suspicious behavior, I will notify a Teacher-Leader or Program Director immediately.
Mobile & Social Media Responsibility:
Social media should be used responsibly and respectfully throughout the program.
I understand that photos, videos, comments, messages, and other online content should reflect the same standards of respect and good judgment expected during the program. Bullying, harassment, discrimination, threats, or inappropriate comments directed toward fellow participants, Teacher-Leaders, Program Directors, local communities, or others—whether made in person or through social media—will not be tolerated.
I understand that my Teacher-Leader or Program Director may limit or restrict access to mobile phones, social media, or other electronic devices if their use interferes with the goals, safety, educational value, or overall experience of the program.
Accommodations & Personal Responsibility
Respect for Accommodations:
I will treat all hotels and accommodations with respect, be considerate of other guests, and promptly report any existing damage to my Program Director upon arrival. I understand that I am financially responsible for any damage I cause.
Personal Expenses:
I am responsible for all personal expenses incurred during the program, including hotel incidental charges, telephone calls, room service, laundry, and similar expenses.
Visiting Friends or Relatives:
If I wish to visit friends or relatives during the program, arrangements must be made prior to departure with my parent or legal guardian and approved by my Teacher-Leader and Program Director. Additional release documentation may be required before travel.
Laws & Prohibited Conduct
Compliance with Laws:
I will obey all local, state, and national laws while participating in the program. Shoplifting, theft, vandalism, possession or use of illegal drugs, possession of weapons, or any other illegal activity will not be tolerated and may result in immediate dismissal from the program at my own expense. If local authorities become involved, I understand that I am subject to the laws of the country or jurisdiction in which I am traveling.
Alcohol, Tobacco & Vaping:
The possession or consumption of alcohol, tobacco products, marijuana, vaping devices, or any nicotine products is strictly prohibited, regardless of local laws or legal age.
Vehicles & Hitchhiking:
Hitchhiking and operating any motorized or non-motorized vehicle (including cars, motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, e-scooters, e-bikes, ATVs, boats, or similar vehicles) is strictly prohibited unless it is part of an organized GCP activity.
Zero Tolerance Policy
The Global Citizen Program maintains a zero-tolerance policy for behaviors that jeopardize the safety, well-being, or experience of participants or others.
The following behaviors may result in immediate dismissal from the program, at the participant's expense and without refund, including but not limited to:
Possession, purchase, sale, or use of illegal drugs.
Possession or consumption of alcohol, tobacco products, marijuana, vaping devices, or nicotine products.
Shoplifting, theft, vandalism, or other illegal activity.
Possession of any weapon, including knives, firearms, or decorative weapons.
Bullying, harassment, discrimination, threats, physical violence, sexual misconduct, or inappropriate behavior toward others.
Inappropriate or harmful use of social media directed toward fellow participants, Teacher-Leaders, Program Directors, local communities, or others.
Leaving the group or accommodations without permission.
Operating any motorized or non-motorized vehicle unless it is part of an organized GCP activity.
Participation in unsafe activities not organized or approved by GCP, including but not limited to hitchhiking, bungee jumping, skydiving, hang gliding, parasailing, tattooing, or body piercing during the program.
Any behavior deemed by GCP to seriously compromise the safety, well-being, or success of the participant or the group.
Failure to Comply
Failure to comply with these Travel Rules & Regulations may result in disciplinary action appropriate to the severity of the violation, including verbal warnings, restriction of privileges, parent or guardian notification, removal from activities, or immediate dismissal from the program.
Participants dismissed from the program will be returned home at their own expense, without escort if deemed appropriate, and will not receive a refund for any unused portion of the program.
I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to abide by these Travel Rules & Regulations and understand that they are intended to ensure a safe, educational, and rewarding experience for all participants. I further understand that failure to follow these expectations may result in disciplinary action, including dismissal from the program.
