Québec Trip FAQs
Be sure to visit the site regularly for frequent updates!
❝Those who know nothing of foreign languages know nothing of their own.❞‒Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Q: Will students need passports to travel to Canada?
A: The answers are YES and NO.
If traveling by air, a passport is needed. Students age 18 and under, traveling (by land) on school trips, with parental permission and adult supervision, will need to have only an original or certified birth certificate. We take a bus, so a certified birth certificate is sufficient. However, if a student already has a passport, it should be used.
Each group should be prepared to present a letter on organizational letterhead with the following information: The name of the group and supervising adult, a list of the children on the trip, and the primary address, phone number, date of birth, place of birth, and name of at least one parent or legal guardian for each child, and a written and signed statement of the supervising adult certifying that he or she has obtained parental or legal guardian consent for each participating child.
Adults will need passports or passport cards, the latter a less expensive, wallet-sized version of a passport with which the holder can drive to Canada, but not fly there.Here's a link for anyone who might like more info:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card/ppt_card_3926.html
P.S. We are traveling by land! So NO we do not need a passport!
Q: To whom do we write the checks?
A: All checks should be make payable to ACIS and include a payment slip* from the payment booklet. We advise that payments be made online in the link given out in an email message.
Q: Are scholarships or financial aid available?
A: Yes. Please let either Madame or your child's guidance counselor know if you will be requesting aid. Financial assistance comes from School money as well as group fundraisering done by students attending the trip and aid granted by the tour company. Full scholarships will NOT be granted. Students will have an opportunity to additionally defray the cost of their trip by participating in individual fundraising events. Scholarships will be awarded based on financial need. A committee will determine those most in need and decide an appropriate monetary amount to meet individual needs. All decisions are final and private. Payment plans can also be set up to help ease financial issues.
To apply, applicants must:
submit a letter requesting financial assistance (either to Madame or guidance counselor)
participate in any/all fundraisers to help defray the cost of their trip.
be willing to work after school as Madame Carbonneauís helper in preparation for the trip.
show appreciation by working to the best of their ability and upholding YMS core principles.
Please submit application materials in a sealed envelope to Madame
Q: Can we apply for scholarships after the deadline if the need arises?
A: Of course! Funds will however, be limited.
Q: Can we set up a payment plan?
A: Of course! Please make arrangements with ACIS if this is something needed.
Q: What is the weather going to be like in February?
COLD! Here is a link for checking the weather prior to departure: http://www.visitcanada.com/educational-tours/weather.html
If the local forecast is questionable, please check the web site for trip updates and time changes.
Q: What about grades and behavior?
With the submission of a NONREFUNDABLE deposit, students are committed to attending the Québec trip and should remain in good academic standing in ALL classes. A student will not be held back from attending the trip due to grades, but should be at least progressing towards meeting all the standards in all classes, simply because it is the right thing to do. Students and parents are expected to monitor progress closely and to work with teachers to ensure success.
Failure to remain in good academic standing and failure to maintain good citizenship and behavior will jeopardize student's participation in the trip. Students who are suspended (2 in school suspensions, or an out of school suspension) will automatically be removed as well. If such circumstances prevent your student from attending the trip, all money paid is non refundable. Please read the behavior contract carefully. If such circumstances prevent your student from attending the trip, all money paid to ACIS is non refundable.