Participating
in an Alliance Abroad Program is an unparalleled opportunity
that brings about personal growth and cultural awareness.
Our “escape abroad” 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 12 years, Alliance Abroad Group 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.
Click
here to download the printable
version of this document.
Why
is an escape 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 AAG 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.
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Why
choose Alliance Abroad Group?
Founded in 1992, Alliance Abroad Group 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
AAG 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
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What
information will my child receive before the program
begins?
Traveling outside the U.S.A.
Prior to their departure, AAG 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
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Traveling
to the U.S.A.
Before the program, your child will participate in an
orientation in their home country or in the U.S.A. The
topics covered in orientation include:
1.
Purpose and description of the program
2. Culture shock
3. Host company and placement information
4. Currency and banking procedures
5. Program regulations
6. Housing
7. Important contact information
8. U.S.A. - rules, regulations and laws
9. Social security information
10. Program handbook
11. Insurance details
12. Other services: phone cards, tax return, etc.
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Will
there be Alliance Abroad Group personnel abroad?
Aside from our excellent in-house program coordinators
and staff, Alliance Abroad Group 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.
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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. Insurance
is provided by SITE and covers health, accident and
personal liability. For more details about the insurance
coverage, click
here
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Who
can I contact in case of an emergency?
In addition to our In-country Representatives, AAG has
a 24-hour hotline:
- 1(866)
6 ABROAD for in the U.S.
- 1(512)
457-8062 for outside the U.S.
In
case of an emergency, participants can access our
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What
procedures are in place for emergency and non-emergency
medical care?
Please go to http://www.allianceabroad.com/participants/insurance.htm
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 AAG 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. AAG provides full assistance
throughout the visa process.
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Where
can I find current information about the country my
child will work in?
We suggest contacting the country’s embassy.
Who
is Alliance Abroad Group affiliated with?
- AILA
(American Immigration Lawyers Association)
- FIYTO
(Federation of Youth Tour Operators)
- NAFSA
(Association of International Educators)
- BBB
(Better Business Bureau)
- GWEA
(Global
Work Experience Association)
- IAAPA
(International Association of Amusement Parks &
Attractions)
- 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 AAG representative for
information on program application process.
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Let’s Get Started!
 For
programs outside the U.S.A.
Get
Paid Escapes
Immersed
Escapes
Group
Escapes
For
programs in the U.S.A.
Work
Travel Escape
Seasonal
Work Escape
Cultural
Escape
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