Frequently Asked Questions | Intermediate Program
The following is a list of the most commonly asked questions we receive from students prior to arriving at the Intermediate Program. These questions address a wide range of potential concerns from living accommodations and dining options to medical needs and internet availability. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact our admissions office.
Frequently Asked Questions
| General |
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| What is Exploration’s mission?
Exploration Summer Programs creates a dynamic environment of intellectual inquiry, responsible decision making and spirited adventure. Led by enthusiastic teachers, our students are encouraged to respect the differences that make us individuals and to find the common ground that makes us a community. At its heart, Exploration inspires students to challenge themselves, discover the world of people and ideas, and experience the joy of learning. |
| Why is a summer at the Intermediate Program a particularly good investment for this age group?
A summer at the Intermediate Program exposes young adults to worlds they might not otherwise experience. With more than 120 course and workshop offerings, students can pursue a developing interest or try something completely new. With weekend trips throughout New England, students will have a chance to see things and have experiences unlike anything they have seen or done before. And with a student body from more than 40 states and 40 countries, students will have the chance to become friends with people from across the globe, and will be exposed to new ideas and new perspectives on a daily basis. |
| Is Exploration more like a school or a camp?
Learning is central to Exploration’s mission. We believe that learning occurs throughout the entire Exploration day — both inside and outside of the classroom — and our staff strives to create moments of learning for students in all facets of life at the Program. We recognize the value of teaching within a classroom, and intensively train our instructors in curricular design and best practices in teaching. We also recognize that learning occurs outside the classroom — during impromptu conversations in the dorms, on trips, and during a pick-up game of soccer. As such, Exploration is a unique program that combines the best of school and the best of adventure camp, fusing interactive teaching within the classroom with opportunities for fun and social engagement outside of it to create a dynamic environment of learning. |
| What experience does Exploration have running summer programs?
Exploration has been a leader in educational enrichment for over 30 years now, and our programs have always reflected a dedication to the best practices in education and student life. Founded in 1976, Exploration has expanded to three campuses, and senior members of the Exploration leadership are often asked to consult with schools and other organizations on topics spanning the range in education today. |
| Is Explo the only summer program offered on the campus of Wellesley College? No, though the Intermediate Program is by far the largest and most extensive summer program offered. Exploration has exclusive use of the residential quad dormitories and the classrooms on the academic quad. In addition, most recreational spaces are scheduled for our exclusive use during activity periods. From a student perspective, there is minimal interaction with other Wellesley-based programs. |
| How do I get in touch with families who have attended Exploration in the past? Our Admissions Office (781.762.7400) has lists of families from the previous years who have agreed to serve as references. Call to get the contact info for a family who will be able to tell you more details about the Program. |
| What happens at an informational session? May I enroll while I’m there? At an Intermediate Program informational session on the Wellesley College campus, there is a presentation that lasts for about 30 minutes, usually given by the Head of the Program. You will learn more about Exploration's general mission and philosophy, the different aspects to our Program, and the schedule of a typical day. Afterward there is a brief tour of the campus and a chance for questions. If you have paperwork ready, we are happy to take that back to our office. Otherwise, we encourage you to fill out the application on the website. |
| Residential Students |
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| Where do students live on campus? What are the dorm rooms like?
The architecture of Wellesley is gorgeous, and Exploration students live in architecturally significant buildings that are more than a hundred years old. Exploration students reside in a complex of dormitories surrounding a grassy common and overlooking beautiful Lake Waban. All residential students have one or two roommates, and two residential advisors who supervise the single-sex floor. The dorms are also home to Exploration’s administrative offices, dining halls, computer lab, and health center. |
| How do residential student groups function?
Residential students live on a hall with approximately 16 other students and 2 residential advisors. An advisor’s primary responsibilities are to get to know the students in his/her student group, be aware of how they are adjusting to life at the Program and, from that perspective, be able to work with students to help resolve any questions, problems, or concerns that arise. Our advisors will also challenge students to try new things and truly make the most of the Explo experience. Our schedule allows ample opportunities for advisors to meet with students in both formal and informal ways, such as sitting on a bus on a weekend field trip, participating in activities together, sitting together at meals, collaborating for living group activities on Wednesdays, and meeting at regular check-ins. Students have a final extended check-in every evening, when residential advisors meet with students to talk about their days, discuss group dynamics, and look forward to upcoming events. |
| Do boys and girls live in separate living areas?
Boys and girls live on separate floors with clearly defined physical boundaries and it is considered a serious violation to be in the entryway, hallway, room, or any part of a residential space of a student of the opposite sex. During times when students are able to return to their rooms, staff are stationed throughout the dorms to ensure that students are not going into the residential space of the opposite gender. |
| How does the housing/rooming situation work at Explo? Can I pick a roommate or are they assigned? Before arriving on campus each student will fill out a housing questionnaire, which is then used to make compatible housing assignments. While most students do not request a roommate when coming to the Program, there is a space on the housing questionnaire to request a single roommate or a floormate. Requests must be mutual to be honored. We make sure that there is a real diversity of students on each floor because we believe that one of the greatest opportunities of the program is for students to get to know students who are different from themselves. To that end, when we put together a living group, we make sure that there are students from different parts of the United States, as well as international students, and students of varying ethnic backgrounds. |
| How do students do their laundry? What if a student doesn’t know how to do laundry? Our dormitories are equipped with coin-operated laundry rooms. The charge for each wash and dryer cycle is one dollar in quarters. Students may use the machines during their free times: during meal times, and in the late afternoon. The laundry rooms will be staffed during these free times in order to help students who need assistance (or a laundry lesson!). |
| This would be my child’s first time away from home. How can I tell if he or she is ready? What should we do to prepare? If this is a child’s first time away from home, it is important to openly discuss their thoughts and feelings about it. Developmentally, most students by this age are ready to do an overnight program. That doesn’t mean, however, that students won’t experience some nervousness about attending or that they won’t become homesick. Many students who leave home for the first time are both excited and nervous and it is important to help them to understand that those feelings are not only normal, but quite common. Having open conversations about homesickness and what a student can do if they are feeling homesick at the Program is essential, and will help them to understand the support network that will be in place with their residential advisors and other members of the Dean’s Office. |
| How do you handle homesickness at the Program?
During the week of staff training and orientation, residential advisors are trained to identify signs of homesickness and how to work with students who are experiencing homesickness. If a student is identified as homesick, a member of the Dean’s Office who has spoken with your child will contact you and to find ways to help your child transition through these natural feelings. After several days, most homesick students at our Program have created their own network of support and return home after the session with newfound confidence. |
| What are your policies regarding cell phones and calling home?
Intermediate Program students are not allowed to have cell phones at the Program. While we encourage students to keep in touch with those close to them, we want them to be fully engaged in the Program throughout the entire day and evening. Students traveling unaccompanied to Explo may bring a cell phone for communication during their travels. However, upon arrival at the Program they will be required to turn in their cell phones immediately to the Dean’s Office. |
| What are your policies regarding laptops and other electronics?
The use of portable music, video and video games, are discouraged because of their tendency to limit student’s engagement in the community. Therefore, these electronics may only be used on living group floors and in student rooms. They may not be used during any Program class, activity, or at meals. |
| Is there Internet access for students?
Students may access personal email accounts via the Internet during open hours in supervised Exploration computer labs, starting at 4:30pm on the first Friday of each session. Access is limited to 15 minutes to give all students the opportunity to use the computers and Internet. |
| What is the food like at the Intermediate Program?
All meals at the Program are provided through the Wellesley College Dining Services at dining halls on the residential quad. There are always hot options at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast has items like eggs, bagels, a selection of cold cereal, and waffles. At lunch, in addition to the hot option, there is also a deli bar and salad bar that students can eat picnic-style out on the quad. Dinner includes items such as pizza, fajitas, and pasta. Vegetarian options are available and clearly labeled at each meal. |
| How do you accommodate special dietary requirements?
We work closely with Wellesley Dining Services to meet students’ needs. Foods are labeled for common allergies and Dining Services staff is available to meet with students as needed. One of our dining halls is designed “peanut-free.” Special dietary concerns should be brought to our attention prior to the start of the Program by calling the Head at 781.762.7400. |
| How do you coordinate travel to and from the Program on arrival and departure days? For students traveling to and from the Program by plane, Exploration will provide transportation from Boston’s Logan Airport for students whose flights are scheduled to arrive from 1:00pm until 5:00pm. Our staff, wearing bright orange Exploration t-shirts and photo IDs, will be located at the baggage pick-up area of each of the major terminals of the airport. Please schedule flights to arrive between 1:00pm and 5:00pm. |
| Does Exploration offer any assistance in planning travel to and from the Program? In order to help families make travel arrangements for their children, Exploration has partnered with Colpitts World Travel. Colpitts is a leader in international travel assistance and is capable of helping families plan safe, full-service travel arrangements to and from Exploration. By booking through Colpitts, you can quickly determine how many other Exploration students are already on a flight and whether the flight arrives during our regular airport pick-up hours. If it does not, Colpitts can book travel between the airport and campus through another Exploration transportation partner, BostonCoach. Colpitts negotiates discounts with the major airlines and therefore, their pricing is very competitive. |
| Is there flexibility around arrival and departure days? Why?
We want our students to experience every possible moment at the Program. A student who arrives late to the program misses much of the important bonding that goes occurs on a residential floor the first night. Similarly, a student who leaves early from the program misses out on the eagerly anticipated closing ceremonies and final party, where students have the opportunity to be with their friends one last time before going home. Occasionally, exceptions are made but they require a discussion with the Head of the Intermediate Program. The Head can be reached at our Norwood Office at 781.762.7400. |
| Can I visit my child or sign out my child during the Program?
Students can be signed out and receive visitors starting on the first Friday of the session, which allows ample time for students to get accustomed to being away from home. All visitors must check in at the Main Office upon arrival. Only guests age 21 or over will be permitted to visit or sign a student out. All visitors must be specifically named by parents or guardians on the Authorized Visitor Form and must present a picture ID and leave complete information about intended destination, temporary guardian, and time of return. Students may not be signed out during a course or workshop, and signing out a student overnight is strongly discouraged. Please contact the Dean’s Office in advance if you would like to visit or sign out your child. Most families do not visit during the three week session. |
| For residential students attending both sessions, what happens on the transition weekend between the two sessions? On Saturday, first session residential students will be departing. New residential students will arrive the next day. We take all six-week students on an all-day trip that includes lunch, dinner, and evening entertainment. This allows us to clean and freshen the dorms for the students arriving the next day. If parents or friends are planning to visit six-weekers that Saturday, we request that students be picked up before noon and returned for the 9:30pm check-in since we will not have staff available to be with students on-campus. Students may also be signed out overnight on the transition Saturday. Again, we ask that students be picked up before noon. Students signed out overnight on the transition Saturday should return after 1:00pm on Sunday. There is an additional fee for students participating in the transition weekend off-campus trip. |
| If parents have any concerns during the summer, who should they contact and how? If parents have concerns during the summer they should contact the Dean’s Office at 781.283.3781 where they can speak with Residence Directors. Residence Directors (RDs) supervise the residential advisors and can help answer questions and appropriately respond to concerns. |
| Activities, Trips, + Main Events |
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| When students are not in class, what do they do?
Students at the Intermediate Program take two courses most mornings, eat lunch, and then participate in an hour-long enrichment workshop, followed by a recreational activity period. Typically, students can choose from around 20 different activities each recreational period: sports, arts and crafts, theater games, boating, swimming, discussion groups, engineering challenges, nature walks, cooking, and more. Students do not need to pre-enroll in these activities, and can make decisions in the moment each day. Students check-in with group advisors throughout the day, and are encouraged to take advantage of everything Explo has to offer by trying new activities. |
| How much unstructured time do students have at the Intermediate Program? Students at the Intermediate Program have the freedom to choose from a variety of structured activities and events for most of the day. However, we also recognize the importance of independent downtime for middle school students. Period 5 runs from 4:30pm to 6:30pm each day. During Period 5, students can choose to participate in a number of structured activities run by the staff, hang out with friends on the quad, quietly read a book in a student lounge, or do their laundry. Staff are on duty during Period 5 and are making their presence known in all the areas where students might be. Twice a week, we offer students an opportunity to walk into the town of Wellesley during Period 5. Every evening, students have a 45-minute “winding down time” to catch up with friends on our quad, or return to their dorms early. |
| Are students required to participate in activities?
Yes, students are required to choose from approximately 20 different activity options during recreational periods in the afternoon. Recreational activities include athletics, arts and crafts, theater games, boating, swimming, discussion groups, engineering challenges, nature walks, cooking, and more. Student group advisors assist students in making informed decisions, and challenge students to try new things. |
| What athletic options do you have available for students?
Students at the Intermediate Program benefit from the Wellesley College athletic fields, courts, and field house. We offer a variety of athletic activities each afternoon, including soccer, baseball, basketball, lacrosse, tennis, squash, ultimate Frisbee, football, and more. Our activities are often structured in a way so that experienced players can jump right into the game, while students who are trying a sport for the first time can learn the rules and skills necessary to play. In the afternoons, students can enroll in athletic workshops oriented around skill development. |
| What are the evening Main Events?
After a day filled with stimulating activities and challenging courses, your evenings are filled with a wide array of events designed to entertain you, expose you to new ideas, and give you and your friends a chance to have some fun. On a typical evening, you will choose from two or three different Main Events such as Carnival Night, talent shows, open mic night, karaoke, magicians, staff improv night, and dances. Once a week, we take everybody off-campus for special evening trips like Cruise Night, when we charter a boat from Boston Harbor and dance the night away under the stars. |
| What types of trips do you offer?
Our trips offer you a unique opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of the Boston and New England area. Each weekend, you will choose from 15-20 different trip options. We offer trips into greater Boston and to many destinations throughout New England. Some of our destinations include horseback riding, rock climbing, the New England Aquarium, Boston Duck Tours, biking on Cape Cod, and trapeze school. We also offer a variety of on-campus staff-led clinics for students who prefer to stay closer to home. |
| How and when does trip selection occur? Will I always get my top choice? Students rank their top choices from 15-20 different weekend trip and clinic options by Tuesday of each week. Because some of our trips are limited, we process students’ choices through our specialized software ensuring balanced trip assignments over the course of a session. It is unusual for a student to get every top choice all summer, just as it is unusual for a student to never get a top choice. Students are notified of their trip assignments by Thursday. |
| How are trips supervised?
Weekend trips are coordinated through our Programming Office and supervised by our faculty. Our faculty has detailed information about the itinerary and is prepared with additional site information to provide an engaging and safe experience for every student. On some trips, such as a trip to an amusement park, there are staff checkpoints and students walk around in groups, checking in with staff members on a regular basis. At other destinations, such as museums, students are accompanied by staff leaders throughout their visit. Our staff wear bright orange Exploration shirts when off-campus so they can be easily recognized, and students must wear their photo IDs at all times. |
| Safety + Supervision |
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| How is safety and security handled at the Intermediate Program?
The most important aspect of ensuring the safety of our students is to make sure that a good supervision process is in place. To that end, we have an excellent staff-to-student ratio and we make sure that our staff is highly visible not only in classes and extra-curriculars, but during free time on the quad, in the dormitories, in the dining halls, and in town. We work closely with the Wellesley College Police Department to ensure a safe summer. Every person affiliated with the Program is issued a photo ID on a brightly colored lanyard. Even visitors must check in with our Main Office to receive a special visitor ID while on our campus. Student group advisors check in with their students regularly throughout the day and attendance is taken in each class and at each check-in meeting. |
| What is the staff to student ratio?
Our staff to student ratio is approximately 1:6. |
| What is the hiring process for summer staff?
We recruit at many of the top colleges and graduate schools throughout the country, looking for energetic, caring, and accomplished faculty who are passionate about teaching and caring for adolescents. Our faculty go through a rigorous application and interviewing process, including comprehensive background checks, and we are extremely selective in whom we hire. In addition to this hiring process, all of our faculty work hard throughout the winter and spring, preparing curricula for their classes under the guidance of experienced teachers, mentors, and experts in their particular fields. We also work with faculty throughout the spring, and during our Faculty Orientation, on the non-teaching components of their jobs, ensuring that everyone who is charged with caring for our students has the tools to respond to the variety of student needs and concerns that arise throughout the summer. |
| How do you ensure that all students receive personal attention?
Because of the small staff-student ratio, personal attention is the rule at Explo, rather than the exception. Each student is part of a living group (or day group) of approximately 14 to 20 students, and each group has two Residential (or Day) Advisors who are directly responsible for addressing the needs of their students. In addition, each dorm has two Residence Directors, to see to larger needs and concerns. Living groups and day groups check-in multiple times per day, and Advisors make it a point to get to know the students in their groups. In fact, the Advisor’s job is to make sure that each student is finding his or her niche at the program. For some students, that will happen very quickly, while other students will need more assistance. |
| What is supervision like around male-female interactions?
At the Intermediate Program, all of our dormitory floors are single-sex spaces. Students are not permitted to be in the entryways, hallways, rooms, or any other part of the residential space of a student of the opposite sex. Single-sex dormitory rules are strictly enforced. |
| Are students allowed to go wherever they want at the Program?
No, but students do have free reign in the residential quad. During appropriate times, students are allowed to walk to classes on their own, if they choose, but must arrive in time for daily attendance. Twice a week, students have an opportunity to walk into the town of Wellesley (about 5 minutes away), where Exploration staff surround the perimeter of our designated boundaries. Once again, students are responsible for returning to campus before their living group's check-in. |
| Is the town of Wellesley a safe area for middle school students?
Yes. Wellesley is a safe small town, the heart of which is only a five minute walk from campus. Students have the option of going into the village of Wellesley, also known as the Vil, twice a week for up to two hours. In the Vil, students can find convenience stores, small restaurants, and ice cream parlors. Students must sign out to the Vil and they must stay within the designated boundaries set out by Exploration. Staff are assigned to the Vil during town time and there are clear rules about return times. Spending time in the Vil is very popular, and many students enjoy the feeling of independence, and the ability to get a slice of pizza, or to pick up things they might need such as shampoo or soap, or even snacks for their room. |
| How are trips supervised?
Weekend trips are coordinated through our Programming Office and supervised by our staff. Our staff has detailed information about the itinerary and is prepared with additional site information to provide an engaging experience for every student. On some trips, such as a trip to an amusement park, students are given some independence. They can walk around the park in student groups, and are required to check-in with staff at set times throughout the day. In addition, there are staff stations set up so that a student who needs to find a staff member always knows where one can be found. In addition to occupying the staff station, other staff are walking around the park, often with students, to make sure there is a strong staff presence. At other destinations, such as a hike through a National Park, students are accompanied by staff leaders throughout their visit. Our staff wear bright orange Exploration shirts when off-campus so they can be easily recognized, and students must wear their Explo photo IDs at all times. Attendance is taken before we leave for the trip and as we board the buses to return home. All of our buses are driven by professional drivers, most of whom have been with us for years. In fact, the average driver has been driving with Exploration for more than 15 years. |
| Day Students |
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| What’s different about Exploration’s Day Program?
Lots! Exploration’s day program is unlike any other day program. First of all, day students are welcome to stay late into the evenings and we encourage day students to participate in trips on the weekends. Because the Intermediate Program enrolls students from all over the United States and from more than 40 countries, day students will meet and become friends with an incredibly diverse group of people. Day students can participate in our evening activities every night, and even sleep over three times a week. All of this extra time means there’s a lot more that day students can take advantage of than at a typical day program. |
| What are the hours of the Day Program?
The Day Program begins with a check-in at 8:00am with Day Advisors. Students are dropped off at the Intermediate Program by parents (many in carpools that we can help you arrange) and by Explo buses with routes all over the Boston area. Students spend the day in courses and activities and meet regularly with their Day Advisors. Day Groups have a final check-in meeting in the late afternoon, before the standard day student departure at 4:30pm. That being said, we are happy to have day students arrive earlier in the day, and we encourage them to stay until late into the evening. |
| Can day students arrive before 8:00?
Some families find it more convenient to regularly drop off their children at the Intermediate Program for breakfast at 7:30am. Students in the “Breakfast Club” are responsible for checking in at the Main Office, before joining residential students for breakfast. There is an additional charge, drawn from students' miscellaneous accounts to cover their additional meals. Families must arrange their participation in advance. |
| Can day students stay at the Program past 4:30?
Yes! In fact, we encourage day students to take advantage of all of the additional opportunities we offer beyond 4:30pm. Day students simply need to bring in a signed permission slip every morning they'd like to stay later than the standard 4:30pm check-out. Students will enjoy dinner, activities, and the evening's Main Event. There is flexibility in when students may check-out throughout the evening, but most students are picked up by car at 9:30pm (at orientation, you will receive notice about some events, such as off-campus evening trips, that may return even later than 9:30pm). Day students may stay late as many nights as they'd like, though please note that there is no Explo bus service in the evening, so families must arrange for a ride home. Students' miscellaneous accounts are charged for the additional meal every evening students stay beyond 4:30pm. |
| Can day students sleep over at the Intermediate Program?
Not only do day students have the option to stay until 9:30pm every night, but they may also choose up to three nights a week to stay overnight at the Program. Day students sleep in the same dormitories as Residential students, though we designate special halls just for the day students. Students are supervised on these halls by Day Advisors who ensure that everybody understands the evening procedures and helps walk students through the morning routine the next day. Overnights are a wonderful way to spend even more time at the Intermediate Program a few nights every week. Day students who wish to stay overnight must bring a signed permission slip in the morning, along with a pillow, sleeping bag, and toiletries. Students' miscellaneous accounts are charged for dinner and breakfast for every overnight stay. |
| What happens on weekends? Can day students participate in the weekend activities? Absolutely! Day students who wish to return to the Intermediate Program can choose from more than 20 day-long clinics and off-campus trips every weekend. Students must select from a list of options by Tuesday each week, and the cost of the trip is deducted from their miscellaneous account. We offer many unique opportunities, even for day students who know the New England area, but familiar destinations are also fun with dozens of friends and the Explo staff. Just like weekdays, day students still have the option to stay as late as 9:30pm or spend the night. Note that Explo does not offer bus service on the weekend. |
| Do day students belong to a group?
Each student is assigned to a day student group of approximately ten students, supervised by two staff advisors who check in with them multiple times throughout the day. A day advisor’s primary responsibility is to get to know the students in his/her student group, be aware of how they are adjusting to life at the Program and, from that perspective, be able to work with students to help resolve any questions, problems, or concerns that arise. Our advisors will also challenge students to try new things and truly make the most of the Explo experience. Our schedule allows ample opportunities for advisors to meet with students in both formal and informal ways, such as participating in activities together, sitting with each other at meals, living group activities three days a week, and at check-ins. Students have a final extended check-in every afternoon at 4:00pm, where advisors meet with students to talk about their days, discuss group dynamics, and look forward to upcoming events. For the first two days of Program, students are encouraged to sit with their student groups during lunch, helping to build a strong sense of community. |
| Where do day students go during the day if they don't have dorms?
From morning check-in until the 4:30pm check-out, students are engaged in courses, workshops, and activities. Neither residential students nor day students are permitted to spend time in the dormitories during the periods of structured activities. If day students choose to stay past the 4:30pm check-out, we offer a number of optional Period 5 activities before and after dinner for all students who wish to participate. If they choose, day students can also visit the floors of residential friends of the same gender during Period 5. |
| How does bus service work at the Intermediate Program?
Explo operates multiple bus routes that run through Boston and many of the suburbs. Our school buses operate Monday through Friday, and pick up students at predetermined bus stops, bringing them to campus in time for the morning check-in. The buses leave campus each day at 4:30pm to bring students back to their original stops. There is an additional charge for bus service, and families must sign up in advance. A list of the bus routes, along with the sign-up form, is available in the Downloads section of the website. |
| What are your policies regarding cell phones and electronics?
Intermediate Program students are not allowed to have cell phones while at the Program, in an effort to help students be fully engaged in the Program throughout the entire day and evening. If a parent has a concern at any point in the day, she or he may call the Main Office or the Dean’s Office for assistance. Though we will only bring a student to the phone in the case of an emergency, we'll be happy to pass an important message on to your child. |
| What is the food like at the Intermediate Program?
The day student tuition includes every weekday lunch. Our dining halls serve hot entrees like pizza, grilled chicken sandwiches, pasta, and more, in addition to a salad bar and deli bar. Vegetarian options are always available, along with a selection of soft drinks and juices, desserts, and snacks. Even the pickiest of eaters will be able to find something to enjoy. |
| How do you accommodate special dietary requirements?
We work closely with Wellesley College's Dining Services to meet students’ needs. Foods are labeled for common allergies and Dining Services staff are available to meet with students as needed. One of our dining halls is designated “peanut-free.” Special dietary concerns should be brought to our attention prior to the start of the Program by calling the Head of the Intermediate Program at 781.762.7400. We can accommodate many requests, provided we have advance notice. |
| Where do day students keep their things (swimsuits, sneakers, etc)?
With so many activities to choose from each day, day students often bring a backpack to carry items like swim suits, towels, and sneakers. We provide day students with a secure, locked area to place their belongings and access them throughout the day. |
| If parents have any concerns during the summer, who should they contact and how? We believe that partnering with families is vital to the success of students at the Intermediate Program. If, at any time, you have a question or concern, please bring it to our attention by calling your child's Day Director or the Assistant Dean of the Day Program. Likewise, we will always call families when we have any kind of question or concern. |
| International Students |
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| Why have so many international families chosen Exploration over the years? There are many reasons why international families continue to choose Exploration. We've been told by many of these families that our long history with international students has made them comfortable trusting Exploration. At the Program, international students enter into a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that incorporates them into the activities, athletics, classes, and trips of Explo while also being open to the cultures of all of our international students. For these students, it is an exciting opportunity to get to come to America and meet students from the United States and the rest of the world. |
| Do international students really get to experience authentic American culture at Exploration? The ideal way to experience a new culture is to be completely immersed in it. All of our courses, activities, and events are conducted in English, and our enthusiastic staff represent many regions of the United States. Most international students have an American roommate who has expressed excitement about the opportunity to live with an international student. Every weekend, students leave our campus to explore sites all around New England. |
| How many students are international students?
About 20% of residential students at the Intermediate Program are international students who come from more than 40 countries around the world. |
| Where do your international students come from?
One of the most exciting facets of the Exploration Intermediate Program is our geographically diverse community. Students have come to the Exploration from over 60 countries, spanning every continent but Antarctica! Recently, international students have represented: Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Curacao, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela, and Vietnam. |
| How does your Program approach cultural differences, either between a student’s home culture and American culture or two non-American cultures? We recognize that cultural differences naturally exist between many of the students in our geographically diverse community. Part of Exploration’s mission is to encourage students to discover the world of people and ideas around them, respecting the differences that make us all individuals and finding the common ground that makes us a community. Our staff is trained to be sensitive to cultural differences, while not shying away from engaging students in honest, safe discussions for the purpose of greater understanding. Our residential advising staff and Dean’s Office create an environment of support that acts as a catalyst towards long-lasting cross-cultural friendships. |
| What level of English proficiency is necessary to attend Explo?
Because all of our courses, activities, and correspondence with students are conducted in English, it is crucial that students have at least an intermediate level of English proficiency to attend Exploration and to take advantage of everything the Program has to offer. |
| Does Explo offer ESOL classes?
Yes. The ESOL class is a full course designed for international students to practice their English and learn more about American culture. If international students wish to take the ESOL class, they must register for the class on their online application. Students may sign up for the ESOL class as one of their morning courses. |
| Does Explo require international students to take ESOL classes?
Explo does not require international students to take ESOL classes. We do, however, require that students have an intermediate or advanced level of English proficiency to attend the Program. Before international students can enroll in the Program, they need to set up a language assessment interview with our office. Please contact our Admissions Office at 781.762.7400 for complete information. |
| What kind of visa do I need for Explo?
International students need to acquire a B-2 visa for a short visit. The B-2 visa is normally obtained at the United States embassy in your home country. |
| What if I am unable to obtain a visa? Can I get a full refund?
It is rare for a student who is enrolled in an Exploration Program to have difficulty procuring a visa. Should this happen, Exploration would be happy to provide a full refund upon receipt of evidence showing the student was denied a visa. |
| Will my insurance work in the U.S.? If not, how do I enroll in Explo’s insurance? International students are required to carry American accident and health coverage, which may be purchased through Exploration. International participants and others without this coverage will be billed each session for a short term accident/health policy. |
| What is the best way to get payment to you?
Payments may be made by check or international wire. Credit cards are accepted for online deposits only, not for final payments. All payments, including deposits, tuition, and cash advances must be made in US funds. We will not accept checks drawn on a foreign bank. Click here for payment information. |
| How do you coordinate travel to and from the Program on arrival and departure days? Exploration provides transportation to and from Logan International Airport in Boston, MA to the Wellesley campus on arrival and departure days during designated times. If students choose to fly in to other airports, they are responsible for coordinating and covering the cost of their travel to the Wellesley College campus. |