Yes, students entering grades 9 through 12 are eligible for high school credit. Students must complete assigned pre-trip activities, be an active participant during travel, and complete a post-trip assignment to receive the credit.

No, students do not need to apply. Students entering grades 9 through 12 are automatically eligible to earn high school credit when they enroll. It is the teacher's responsibility to send a credit completion form for each student to the Washington School of World Studies for review.

Students who complete course requirements will be sent an official transcript from the Washington School of World Studies. This transcript will become a part of the student's academic dossier, and will reflect positively on the student when applying to a college or university. Students and their admissions counselors have told us that the additional work displayed on this transcript sets the student apart from other college applicants.

To ensure that our educators and students have the richest experience possible, we strive to include unique accommodations on each adventure. We may arrange for stays in hotels (minimum three stars), dormitories, a jungle lodge, an educational facility, a research center, or even an overnight aquarium experience. Some trips also include outdoor adventure accommodations, such as camping near Incan ruins or snow caving in New Zealand. On occasion, we also use night trains or overnight ferry services to maximize the time students spend in various destinations. Usual accommodations are three or four students per room, with one student per bed. Educators share a room with a fellow traveling educator.

Discovery Student Adventure trips are open to students in 5th through 12th grade.

Most daily activities call for comfortable yet presentable clothing. Bear in mind this type of clothing is also easier and lighter to pack and dries easily overnight if it becomes wet or requires laundering. A more detailed, recommended packing list will be provided closer to travel.

Once you've discussed this opportunity with your teacher, you can enroll online. In addition, if you are interested in a trip and are not aware of a local teacher enrolling a group, you may sign up to take a trip and be placed in a group with an assigned teacher.

Students will earn 10 service-learning hours for participation in service activities. Activities vary by destination.

Yes. Airfare will vary based upon the departure date and city. At the time of enrollment, you will see the adventure cost (representing the land travel and all activities), international airfare from the departure city, and optional insurance coverage. These figures combined give you the all-inclusive trip cost.

If no cost is available from the city you indicate, you will see a message asking you to contact an adventure specialist to provide your comprehensive trip cost.

The optional, supplemental insurance coverage will be a part of a student's cost at enrollment, but families may choose to decline the coverage after enrollment.

It is our goal to provide the most direct flights available and allow students to fly together. If you are a student interested in booking your own airfare, please check with the teacher leading your group first.

Students who book their own international flights incur a $150 travel deviation fee and are not covered by Discovery Student Adventures' group insurance until they join their travel group.

We cannot request individual seat assignments in advance. The airlines assign a block of seats for groups.

If you would like to use frequent flyer miles to book your child's air, which may cause your child to deviate away from the group, you will need to check with your child's teacher first, and then complete a deviation request. It is encouraged that students stay with their group at all times.

Fundraising can be a rewarding part of your Discovery Student Adventure experience. We encourage students to be creative when planning their fundraising campaign. Once you are enrolled, please visit the fundraising section of our student Travel Center website to find step-by-step guidance including downloadable worksheets, proven ideas, and other resources.

A U.S. citizen needs a valid U.S. passport, with at least six months' validity after the date of re-entry. A non-U.S. citizen needs a valid passport from the country of which they are a citizen (with the recommended six months' validity after the date of re-entry) and a valid U.S. visa, Permanent Resident (Green) Card, or U.S.-issued re-entry permit.

All students and teachers are covered by a basic group insurance plan that helps offset costs if a major injury is incurred during travel. This insurance is included in the trip cost and helps cover the cost of emergency evacuations and hospitalization. This coverage is primarily during travel. More insurance options are available to increase your coverage.

The trip cost includes three meals per day. Meals begin on the overseas flight and terminate upon arrival in the United States.

Yes, we can work with you in regards to dietary needs. Please note that anyone with a peanut allergy cannot travel to China due to the way food is cooked and prepared.

You should have the ability to participate in most activities listed in the itinerary for each trip, including but not limited to walking 3 to 5 miles a day over uneven terrain and in various weather conditions, and participating in any scheduled adventure activities.

The price includes international airfare, three meals per day including soft drinks, transportation during the trip, all accommodations and activities, basic insurance coverage, and all educational materials for the high school academic credit.

Deposit is required at the time of application. To ensure that your place is held for a specific trip, it is important for you to get your deposit in as quickly as possible.

Each travel group is determined by age group (middle and high school) and has an average of 35 – 40 students and 4 – 8 teachers.

Each group will have a travel manager who will handle all operational aspects of the trip. The travel manager will meet your group at the destination airport and remain with the group throughout the adventure, until the international departure.

Roommate requests should be directed to the teacher serving as your group travel leader.

Your child's travel manager awaits the group's arrival in country to welcome them and guides them to their private motor coach to begin their adventure.

Families may wish to purchase pre-paid international calling cards or buy/rent international-enabled cell phones for this purpose.

For urgent communication needs, our adventure office is available 24 hours a day to facilitate contact with the teachers, who carry international cell phones and are in regular contact with the office.

The safety of all Discovery Student Adventures participants is our highest priority. We are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable educational experience for all participants, and we pledge to maintain open and ongoing communication with students, teachers, and family members regarding safety and any world events that may affect our trips.

A Proven Track Record

Discovery Education is working with World Adventures Unlimited (WAU), a subsidiary of Ambassadors Group, the world leader in safe student travel experiences, to implement and operate these trips. As experts with nearly 50 years of experience, WAU works diligently with us to ensure the safety of every student and teacher on every trip. As part of our comprehensive commitment to safety, working with WAU, we provide the following services for our participants:

• A trained 24-hour response team stands available to respond to any emergency or situation that may arise during travel.
• A worldwide network of in-country travel experts allows us to anticipate possible situations and respond quickly to ensure that our trips remain high-quality, enjoyable experiences.
• Top-level experts in every country we travel to assess local situations and keep us informed of new travel precautions.
• Every group travels with international cell phones to ensure timely communication.

Our safety approach is unequaled in the industry and includes reliance on federal guidelines, trained and experienced teachers, expertise and experience in the destination countries, a vast global network of resources and team members, and a sincere commitment to the well-being of our educators, students, and their families.

Spending habits of students vary greatly. It is important to plan spending carefully. The amount of money required also varies with destination. We suggest that students plan to spend between $20 and $25 per day.

World Adventures Unlimited Inc., a subsidiary of Ambassadors Group Inc., implements and operates all Discovery Student Adventures. As a recognized leader in student travel programs, Ambassadors Group has nearly 50 years of experience operating student travel programs around the world.