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Participating in an AIDE program is an
unparalleled opportunity that brings about personal growth
and cultural awareness. Our programs are designed to take
participants behind the scenes to truly live and experience
another culture. By supporting your child in their decision
to journey abroad, you have chosen to take an active role
in their development.
For more than 16 years, AIDE has coordinated
international work and travel for students and young adults.
We understand the concerns associated with sending a child
far from home, so in order to ensure a successful trip, our
team works closely with both participants and their families
to respond to these common concerns. This information is intended
to better inform you and help address any questions you may
have. In addition, we encourage you to call our program coordinators
at 1(866) 6ABROAD or 1(512) 457-8062 for further questions
or additional materials.
Why
is a Work/Teach/Volunteer abroad program a wonderful gift
for my child?
Whether you are celebrating a successful semester in
school, graduation, engagement or a birthday, our programs
offer the gift of self-discovery. There is limited time in
one’s life to escape into another world, unlike anything
you’ve ever experienced and embrace it. An AIDE program
is not a weekend trip or vacation abroad. Our participants
live abroad and experience life abroad as no tourist sees
it. Your child will grow and enrich their life by learning
to appreciate other cultures and their own. Not only will
your child grow from their interaction with another culture
and through personal development, but they will also be gaining
International business experience – a competitive advantage
in today’s world market. This is an experience that
cannot be reciprocated in any classroom.
Why choose AIDE?
Founded in 1992, Alliance Abroad Group, AIDE`s parent
company, has continued to design and deliver customized programs
for individuals and groups from around the globe who dream
of experiencing another way of life. Through our passion,
we strive to make those dreams come true, to instill cultural
diversity and to support actions to close the gap between
countries.
The AIDE team is comprised of people from all over the world,
including: Colombia, Belgium, Korea, America, Bulgaria, Brazil,
France, South Africa, China... and growing! The depth of our
diversity and expertise strengthens our ability to offer the
best programs available to your child.
We provide full support throughout the program. The support offered
before, during and after each program is incomparable to any other.
Our Difference:
• Guaranteed quality placements
• Personal support throughout your program
• Program orientations
• Program informational packets
• Housing assistance
• Health and travel insurance
• 24/7 emergency contact
• Visa documentation and/or visa process assistance
What information will my child receive
before the program begins?
Traveling outside the U.S.A.
Prior to their departure, AIDE will mail detailed orientation
materials designed for each participant’s specific country
of destination and program. Our orientations serve to introduce
them to a country’s culture, explain the program expectations,
and eliminate any apprehension.
During orientation,
your child can expect:
1. Purpose and description of the program
2. Safety tips
3. Housing
4. Important contact information
5. Currency and banking procedures
6. Transportation
7. Insurance details
8. Country’s customs
9. Placement information
Will there be AIDE personnel abroad?
Aside from our excellent in-house program coordinators
and staff, AIDE is composed of well-traveled, trained and
In-country Representatives. They serve as a point person for
each participant; providing support in emergency and non-emergency
situations, fielding questions and concerns, and assisting
in cultural integration.
Will my child need medical insurance
while abroad?
Yes. It is required that every participant be covered
by insurance. Some programs include the cost of insurance
in the program fee. With all other programs, participants
can purchase insurance at an affordable rate. Our insurance
covers health, accident and personal liability. For more details
about the insurance coverage, click
here.
Who can I contact in case of an emergency?
In addition to our In-country Representatives, AIDE
has a 24-hour hotline 1(866) 6 ABROAD. In case of an emergency,
participants can access our operators 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week.
What procedures are
in place for emergency and non-emergency medical care?
Please go to our website
to find answers to all medical and emergency questions. If
you need further assistance, please call us at: 1(866) 6 ABROAD
or 1(512) 457-8062.
How much money will they need?
The exact amount of money needed varies by program. Review
the details of the program to determine if housing or meals are
included. If housing is not included, participants will need enough
money to cover their first month’s rent and deposit. All participants
are responsible for their personal expenses. Also, keep in mind
that many countries pay their workers only once a month, so plan
accordingly.
We encourage participants to carry several different
forms of money such as Traveler’s checks, credit cards, and
cash.
Will I be able to keep
in contact with my child?
Yes, we encourage you to contact your child during their
time abroad. They will be provided with the full contact details
(address, phone number) of where they will be staying as well as
their work site contact information. You can send mail directly
to your participant’s accommodations or work site.
Can I visit?
You would need to consider the country’s visa process
and the length of you child’s program. Be aware that visa
regulations vary per person and reason for entry. Please contact
us for assistance and questions. We will be happy to support you
and offer contact information for embassies or consulates. Depending
on the program’s duration, visiting may or may not be feasible.
For programs two weeks in length or volunteer programs in remote
towns, we do not recommend traveling. We do encourage you to visit
your child, but keep those two points in mind. A visit abroad allows
you to see and participate in your child’s cultural experience.
Please share all questions and concerns with us, we are always happy
to help.
Upon arrival, will my child be met at the
airport?
Airport pickup varies per program. Review the program details
and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact
us. For programs that do not provide airport pickup, all participants
are provided with specific instructions, a map of the area and details
about the city’s transportation system.
Will my child need a visa?
All programs will require your participant to obtain
either a work permit visa or tourist visa. Please consult
your AIDE representative for visa information relative to
your child’s program. All participants will be required
to have a passport and we suggest starting the passport process
as soon as possible as it may take several weeks to receive.
AIDE provides full assistance throughout the visa process.
Where can I find current
information about the country my child will work in?
We suggest contacting the country’s embassy.
* To find a list of all embassies, please visit
www.embpage.org.
* To find a complete listing of U.S. Embassies and relative information
is available at http://usembassy.state.gov.
* For travel advisories or warnings, visit the Central for
Disease Control’s travel web site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel
* You may contact your AIDE representative for further assistance.
Who is Alliance Abroad Group and
AIDE affiliated with?
* FIYTO (Federation of Youth Tour Operators)
* NAFSA (Association of International Educators)
* BBB (Better Business Bureau)
* GWEA (Global Work Experience Association)
* ALLIANCE for International Educational and Cultural Exchange
When should my child
apply?
We like to encourage participants to apply as early
as possible. We generally ask that participants apply 3 months
in advance, but application processes vary by program. Please
consult your AIDE representative for information on program
application process.
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