FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

There are a number of ways. You can ride public transportation, shuttle, taxi or transit app. Be sure to double check what transit app is used in country because not all use Uber. If you want to save on shuttle or taxi costs we recommend that you contact another participant who may be arriving or departing around the same time. We will provide suggested groups based on your flight arrivals and departures. Our handbook will also provide instructions and/or links for how to get to the meeting location if using public transportation.

Transportation to and from the airport does not need to be booked in advance. If there is a saving it is sometimes minimal. Often times you save money by booking in person once you arrive.

Passport information is required for all guests participating in flights, cruises and even some accommodations booked by GEA. Without your passport information, these locations do not allow us to make reservations. If you have concerns about the confidentiality of providing your passport information please contact a GEA representative.

On the cruises you will find other food options but they often range from $15-$40/per person. You also have the option of purchasing groceries/snacks and eating those instead of a meal on the cruise. That being said, the buffets provide an easier, less hassle option, but most participants only choose 1-2 meals per cruise.

Yes. Though we cannot guarantee that all food served in restaurants, buffets or host homes will be certified allergy free, they do have options available. Please make us aware of any food allergy concerns. If you also have severe allergies we recommend being prepared with the proper medication in case of an emergency.

Each district varies on what they accept for relicensure points or lane change credits. You will need to check with either your district or state entities to know what is applicable. As an example in one district, Joe earned 8.5 CEUs for the Entire Package (Pre & Post Trips). In his district 8.5 CEUs were equal to 5.5 credits. Since .5 credit = 7-13 professional development hours, Joe earned 77 hours of professional development. Again the conversion varies with each district or state.

Once you have paid the fee to receive CEUs, we cannot make any changes.

If you have any type of allergies you should come prepared with the proper medication. Please make us aware of any allergies so we can make adjustments to host family dinners. If you are participating in the Lapland experience, we will spend a day on a reindeer farm, so inform us ahead of time if you have any concerns about participating in this experience.

After you have been accepted into one of GEA’s programs, you will receive a sample itinerary. After orientation, about a month before the program start date, you will receive a more updated itinerary. However, the itinerary is always subject to change due to unforeseen events. The reason a full itinerary is not given until a month before the program starts is due to all the negotiating we have to do with the cruise lines, charter busses, flights, hostels, host families, schools and all the information and preferences we have to take into account. To customize the program for 100 participants each summer, it takes time to get all the details secured.

GEA incorporates some free time for participants to explore local markets and other activities, however, the rest of our time is often very tight and we have to be to certain places at specific times. For this reason, we ask that participants refrain from wandering off and stay with the group.