Plan Well. Plan Wisely.
We are going to provide you with ample planning information! As a small, student focused organization, we will be there to guide you during each step of the planning process.
Approximately ten to twelve weeks prior to the start of the program, students receive a “Logistics” email with detailed planning information describing each necessary step for participation. This email will provide information regarding travel/flight and visa information, meeting plans, equipment/gear requirements, food costs, group expenses payment, medical and vaccination recommendations, and academic preparations.
Meet us on-site.
Our programs meet on location. Detailed instructions on meeting the team are part of our logistics email. Programs meet at the arrival airport at a specified time unless another location is agreed upon ahead of time. It is very important that students arrive at the meeting location at the established meeting time.
Each student brings their own equipment and clothing on our programs, detailed in the logistics email. Most programs require a tent with waterproof fly, water filter, backpacking stove, sleeping bag, hiking boots, backpacking pack, day pack and clothes suited to living outdoors for an extended period of time. Equipment should be in good working order and suitable for the duration and rigor of the program. Pack wisely—you need only the essentials. Plan on one large backpack or duffle, plus a small daypack. Most programs will only have room to store one large bag in travel vehicles or at the field site, and each student may have to carry all of their own equipment at times between sites.
Book your own ticket.
Students book their own flight to and from our program locations. We will provide flight recommendations in the Logistics Packet sent to enrolled students about 10 weeks before the program begins. Please wait to book any travel arrangements till you receive the Logistics Packet.
Passport.
For international travel, students need a current passport that does not expire until six months after their departure from the host country. When you apply, we will ask for a student’s passport information, including name on the passport, passport number, date of issue and date of expiration. Many countries require this information for reservations and we use it as well for planning purposes.
Visas.
Most countries we visit require entry visas. We use tourist visas for our programs, not student visas, as they need a formal relationship with an overseas university. Wildlands Studies is affiliated with Western Washington University in the U.S., not with any foreign university. Therefore, we use tourist visas for our international programs.
Students must secure the correct visa before leaving. Instructions will be provided in the logistics email. Ensure your tourist visa covers your entire stay, including any pre- or post-program travel.
STEP, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
Wildlands Studies requires U.S. passport holders to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, lets travelers register their destination with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. By enrolling, you'll receive updates on issues in the country. Non-U.S. passport holders should register with their own embassy for the country they will visit.
Our programs are deliberately held in remote backcountry wilderness areas with limited communication access. Students will contact their families upon arrival and periodically, about once every two weeks. As a field-based program, and due to frequent locations without cell coverage or charging options, students will have very limited communication during the program. It is important that family and friends understand this to avoid unnecessary worry. The Wildlands Studies office will be able to reach students in case of emergencies.
Independent travel.
What better way to finish out the quarter than to travel independently? Most students opt to travel independently before or after our programs, either solo or with friends from the program. Instructors will accompany students to the airport on the last day or depart themselves from the final accommodation if students stay on. Once the program ends, students are responsible for themselves during their travels.
Wildlands Studies requires that all participants be covered by a medical insurance policy, as well as obtain travel insurance. Students are financially responsible for their personal medical costs during the program, including doctor visits and emergency care. This means that if a student needs to visit a doctor while on the program, or receive emergency care, the student bears the cost and any related costs (such as transport). Thus, it is required to have both medical insurance and travel insurance.
We require our students to purchase a specific travel insurance plan through World Nomads. Details on how to purchase the plan will be provided in the logistics email. The policy covers up to $100,000 for medical expenses, $500,000 for evacuation and repatriation, and includes all outdoor activities like backpacking, hiking, kayaking, and boating. Insurance is required throughout the duration of your Wildlands Studies program, and proof of travel and medical insurance must be uploaded to your account.
Immunizations.
We ask all participants to consult a travel nurse or doctor at least six weeks before participation on a program. Be sure to explain to the physician the location(s) our program travels to, so they can appropriately determine which immunizations you need. Students will want to keep immunization records on-hand in case this information is needed to enter into the country or in case of emergency. Information about travel, immunizations, and disease risk is also available at www.cdc.gov, a site maintained by the U.S.-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Participant Agreement.
We count on each student to bring their best to the program. How you conduct yourself is critically important. We expect you participate in all classes and field study activities, and adhere to all rules, regulations and policies. Through the online registration process and our logistics email, we will provide required legal documents including a Participant Agreement. These forms are required for participation and set the stage for behavioral expectations. We also ask you to read the Student Program Manual and adhere to our alcohol policy. We expect students to help manage risk and participate fully.
Currently, all our programs are operating as “Dry” without any alcohol allowed. The alcohol policy will be described in detail in the logistics packet. We may adjust our policy as needed. Please be prepared for a “dry” program.
Student Program Manual.
Please read each and every page. This wonderful document describes in detail the responsibilities and expectations we have of each student. It comes with the logistics letter and is available on each program page.
