Glavin Office of International Education
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High School Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

What Global Entrepreneurship Experience locations are offered this academic year?

Visit the course offerings page to learn more about this academic year's locations.

Am I eligible to participate in all Global Entrepreneurship Experience locations?

These courses are designed for novice learners and would not be appropriate for students who are citizens of, or who have spent significant time in a particular country. For that reason, students will not be placed on a course of their same nationality unless you have never lived there. 

When does the Global Entrepreneurship Experience take place?

The Global Entrepreneurship Experience begins with on-campus classes in the fall semester. Students travel to the course location over the winter break. The class will wrap up with on-campus classes in the spring semester. Visit the course brochure page  to learn more about the dates for each course.

How do I choose my Global Entrepreneurship Experience location?

All students will complete a lottery application at the beginning of the fall semester, ranking their preferences and sharing their specific country experience as necessary. Students will be then placed on a course through a randomized lottery process, using the order of their preferred locations. Students who do not complete the lottery application by the deadline will be randomly placed on a course once the lottery is complete.

What if I do not like my placement?

Each course will provide a comprehensive cultural and academic experience, and for that reason once placements are made, they are final.

Do I need a passport/visa?

In order to travel on the Global Entrepreneurship Experience, your passport must meet the following three conditions:

  1. Valid for 6 months after the return date of your travel
  2. Has two blank pages available (if visa is required)
  3. Has the same name that you will use for your air ticket purchase/confirmation

If your passport does not meet the above requirements, you should apply for a new passport ASAP.

It is the responsibility of each student to secure their own passport and visa, as well as any transit visas (if applicable) for the Global Entrepreneurship Experience.

The Glavin Office will provide travel-specific information to assist students in completing their visa application. The most updated information should be obtained through the destination country’s consulate office. Given the number of course participants, the Glavin Office is unable to process student visa applications.

What if my passport is expired when I apply?

If your passport does not meet the above requirements, you should apply for a new passport ASAP. You can still participate in the Global Experience lottery.

Once you are placed on a course, you will be asked to verify the above three conditions and submit a copy of your passport. If your passport does not meet the above conditions, please answer “NO” on your passport form. Once you receive your new/renewed passport email the Glavin Office (glavinoffice@babson.edu) or call +1 781-239-4565 to schedule an appointment. You cannot travel with the course if this information is not received by the Glavin Office.

Can I choose my roommate?

Yes. You are responsible for selecting a roommate. Your program manager has provided a list of course participants and their contact information to assist you. Students traveling on the Global Entrepreneurship Experience are housed in double rooms based on the same gender/gender identity.* As part of the roommate selection process, we ask you to please specify your gender identity (e.g. female, gender nonbinary, genderqueer, male, trans female, trans male, etc.). It is VERY IMPORTANT that you confirm with the person you are selecting as a roommate prior to submitting your selection as they also MUST submit you as their roommate.

Can I stay with family or friends or find my own housing in the destination country during the course?

No. The Global Entrepreneurship Experience is an academic course and due to the complexities in managing the group abroad, all students must stay in the course accommodations.

May I bring my spouse / partner / relative / friend on the course?

No. The Global Entrepreneurship Experience is an intensive academic program and cannot accommodate additional, non-course participants.

What is covered by my tuition?

Your tuition includes the following program-related costs: international airfare, accommodations, breakfast, ground transportation, program planned meals, and cultural excursions.

What is not covered by my tuition?

Your tuition does not include the following program-related costs: visa costs and additional meals and personal expenses (estimates can be found on individual course brochure pages).

When can I book my flight?

Only book a flight after the program manager has confirmed that the course will travel and sent the final list of placements.

Will Babson pay for my flight?

Yes. Students will purchase their flights and submit them to the Glavin Office to be approved. If their flight is approved, Babson will reimburse them for their flight.

What are the requirements to purchase a flight?

To be approved, students must:

  1. Book their flights no later than the due date. See "Dates" on the course brochure pages.
  2. Complete the online Flight Information Form. This form requires a copy of the air ticket receipts/booking.
  3. NON-US passport Holders ONLY - Complete the online W8-BEN Form.

If I missed the deadline, can I still be reimbursed?

The reimbursement deadline is firm. Requests not submitted by the deadline will NOT be processed.

What should I consider before booking?

  1. Review the arrival and departure details outlined for your specific course.
  2. Research requirements for a transit visa (i.e. Canada requires a transit visa for certain passport holders when flight has a layover in one of their airports). A transit visa requirement MAY preclude booking certain flights.
  3. Check that you are looking at economy tickets. The Glavin Office will only reimburse economy tickets to ensure that the cost for all programs is equitable.
  4. Allow enough layover time between flight segments (i.e. it is recommended at least 2 hours) as flight delays happen.
  5. Double check your ARRIVAL and DEPARTURE DATES - often long international flights may include overnight flights.
  6. It is recommended that you arrive at the airport 3 hours in advance for international flights - some airlines are strict with their check-in requirements and will not allow check-in after a certain time.
  7. Review all the rules and regulations that apply to your ticket prior to your purchase, i.e. cancellation fees, non-refundable, change fees, etc.