High School Summer Study and Travel FAQs

General Questions

Are scholarships or other financial assistance opportunities available for these programs?
Thanks to generous donor support, scholarships to cover a portion of High School Summer Study and Travel Programs costs are available for rising high school juniors and seniors. Consideration is granted based upon strength of application; no additional paperwork is required. Early application is encouraged, with scholarships being awarded as funds are available.

Are you required to have health insurance to participate?
Yes, students are required to have a health and accident insurance policy in effect to travel in these programs. Please be sure your policy provides worldwide coverage for abroad courses. It is recommended you inform your insurance agent of your travel plans and obtain a policy identification card. You should also discuss possible travel limitations, exclusions, or requirements in your policy if traveling abroad.

When do I book my flight to Hillsdale?
Flights should be booked after being accepted to the program, when optimal travel dates and times will be communicated. Flights abroad will be booked by a travel agency.

What should I pack if I plan to enroll in one of these travel programs?
A checklist will be provided with your admit letter.

Should students bring a laptop for their coursework?
A laptop (or tablet) computer is not necessary and should be left at home. Students will be provided a journal they will use for note-taking during their travels.

How long has Hillsdale been conducting High School Summer Study and Travel Programs?
Hillsdale College has been leading High School Summer Study and Travel Programs since the summer of 2004.

Can parents participate?
No, the programs are designed specifically as academic courses for high school students.

If I am a rising freshman in college, can I still apply?
These programs are designed for rising juniors and seniors in high school. Those graduating high school and entering their freshman year of college are not eligible to participate.

How many students and chaperones are typically on each trip?
Approximately 30-50 students attend each trip, with about one chaperone per ten students, including a Hillsdale College professor, professional tour guide, and admissions counselor.

Will students be given a plan of action in case of an emergency?
Yes, part of orientation will include information for students about how to act in case of an emergency, and each will receive an emergency contact card. Thankfully, there has not been a single safety concern or incident to date in any of these programs. If our experienced staff has a safety concern, they are authorized to and capable of changing the course itinerary on short notice.

How do I earn college credits?
Upon successful completion of the academic portion of the program, you will be issued a letter grade for the course. Provided you have passed with a “C” or better, you will earn three Interdisciplinary Studies credits, applicable to undergraduate studies at Hillsdale College and potentially transferrable to any other regionally accredited undergraduate institution. Acceptance or rejection of these credits is ultimately at the discretion of each institution. You will receive your course grade on an official Hillsdale College transcript, which will be mailed to you at the end of the summer. To transfer your credits to another institution, please order a transcript to be sent through Hillsdale’s Registrar’s Office.

On-Campus Questions

Where will students stay on campus?
Students will stay in residence halls on Hillsdale’s campus with Admissions chaperones.

Where do parents stay on campus?
Should parents wish to stay on campus while dropping off their student, we encourage staying at our Dow Leadership Hotel and Conference Center. Please call (517) 437-3311 to reserve a room.

Are parents required to attend the orientation for these trips?
No, parents are not required on campus for any portion of these programs.

Travel Questions

Who leads program travel?
The director of the tour program has decades of experience leading adult and student trips domestically and abroad.

Where will students stay off campus?
Participants and staff stay in quality hotels in safe neighborhoods which we have used continuously for more than a decade.

How do students travel?
Students ride on familiar, private charter buses with drivers who have excellent safety records.

Is there cellular or wireless internet coverage abroad?
Wi-Fi will be available in most hotels abroad; however, phone coverage depends on your phone provider’s policy abroad. Check with your provider for a temporary international cell phone plan.

How will passports be handled throughout the program?
Passports will be collected and held securely by the Admissions chaperone throughout the trip. They will be temporarily returned to students when needed at the airport.

Apart from the program fee, for what other expenses should I budget, and how will I pay?
Students are responsible to purchase their own lunches while traveling, as well as pay for the cost of transportation to and from Detroit Metro Airport on the first and last day of the program. If students are flying, a complimentary shuttle from the Detroit airport to Hillsdale College will be provided. We also recommend students set aside a small amount of funds for souvenirs. If traveling abroad, currency exchange is recommended at your local bank before travel. A debit card with limited funds is also encouraged.

Can I stay in Europe after my abroad program concludes?
Alternate travel plans can be arranged in consultation with the head of summer programs and the travel agency. Additional fees may apply if you require changes to your international flight itinerary. Please call Admissions at (517) 607-2327.