Will I receive documentation for the community service hours I complete?
Yes. Upon completion of the program we will provide each participant with a certificate indicating the number of community service hours. If you need a specific school form completed, please forward it to us and we will document your hours as required.
What precautions are taken for participants' health and safety?
At STRIVE, the safety of all our participants is of primary concern. All of our group leaders are fully trained in CPR and have a full first aid/medical kit. In the case of more serious issues, there are hospitals near the areas we're based. The STRIVE tuition fee includes medical insurance, including a medical evacuation policy if necessary (for the Peru program the insurance comes with the required ISIC). For Kenya, STRIVE also provides political and security evacuation insurance and for all programs registers participants with the US Embassy before travel begins.
If I have special dietary requirements, can they be accommodated?
Unless they are particularly complicated, the accommodations we're based in are fairly experienced in working with guests to accommodate specific diets. Please let us know the specifics of your dietary needs and we'll let you know what can be arranged.
What should I pack? Do I need any shots? Where will I get my travel visa? How much spending money will I need?
Once you've been accepted into a program, we will send you an information packet that gives you the answers to these and many other logistical questions. If, at any time, you have additional questions that haven't been answered, please email them to us at info@strivetrips.com. We also recommend that you check the US Department of State travel site for more information on travel to Kenya or Peru at: http://travel.state.gov/
Will STRIVE leaders travel to the starting cities with the student athletes?
We will work closely with all participants in coordinating travel so that groups of students can fly together to and from each program, developing departures groups from common airports around the US as possible. Our group leaders arrive in each country in advance of the participant groups and stay through the two programs we run each summer, so will not be accompanying the students on the flights. The arrival airports in Nairobi and Lima are very small and straightforward to navigate. STRIVE staff will be waiting at each airport to greet all arrivals and transfer them to the hotel. If you are particularly concerned about travel arrangements please contact us and we can discuss additional options.
Can I book my own international flight or use frequent flier miles to travel?
We allow families to make their own flight arrangements in order to keep the costs for participants as low as possible. This means that as long as you're able to find flights on the specific days that begin and end a program and the student will be arriving during the hours our tour leaders are available to meet arriving participants, then you are free to buy the best fares, with or without frequent flier miles. Anticipate paying somewhere between $1600 - $2000 for a US/Nairobi flight and $800 - $1100 for a US/Lima flight.
Who are the group leaders?
We look for highly qualified individuals who have experience working and traveling with young adults, who are familiar with the locations in which you will be traveling, and who have some coaching experience. All group leaders are fully certified in standard first aid and CPR.
Can students bring an iPod, laptop, or other electronics?
Yes, these items are allowed, although we hope that you'll limit their use in order to enjoy your new surroundings and develop relationships with others in the group. Further, you must be aware that when traveling to a foreign country, certain possessions attract unwanted attention so should be very carefully used in public settings. We cannot be held responsible for the theft of any valuables during your trip.
Will parents be able to contact their children?
Internet accessibility has improved in the past year so access to email should be possible about once a week. Cell phones are less reliable. You should also be aware that international calls to and from cell phones can be very expensive. STRIVE does ensure that each student calls home upon their safe arrive at their first destination hotel, using a Group Leader's phone.
If I'm a tri-athlete, or a soccer or football player, not a cross country or track runner, can I join this trip?
Absolutely. We expect all our student athletes to benefit from the daily running, swimming, and/or strength training regimen and look for participants who are enthusiastic and interested in the overall experience. The facilities in which we stay are selected because they are well situated for athletic training across a range of sports.
