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Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
We know planning a faculty-led program involves a lot of moving parts. Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions we receive from faculty, students, and institutions – covering everything from payments and academic credit to travel logistics and support.
Are ITF Student tours academic?
Yes. All ITF tours are designed in collaboration with faculty to support credit-bearing academic programs. Each itinerary includes subject-specific activities that align with learning outcomes and course goals.
What are ITF Student Travel’s payment terms?
ITF Travel requires a 30% deposit upon approval of your tour package. The remaining balance is due 45 days prior to your date of travel.
What’s included in the cost?
Each tour includes accommodations, daily breakfast, group transportation, entrance fees for scheduled activities, academic visits, local guides, and coordination throughout. Some lunches or cultural meals are also included, depending on the itinerary.
How are accommodations arranged?
Students are typically housed in shared rooms by gender. Faculty are provided private rooms whenever possible. We use clean, safe, and centrally located hotels or guesthouses.
What academic fields are ITF tours designed for?
We work across disciplines – from environmental science, health sciences, and engineering, to arts, architecture, literature, and global business. Each tour is customized to meet faculty and course needs.
What support is provided during the tour?
ITF provides 24/7 on-the-ground support through your dedicated tour leader and local partners. We also assist with pre-departure logistics, safety planning, and emergency coordination.
Should I purchase travel insurance?
We strongly recommend travel insurance, and many universities require and cover this cost. Insurance helps protect against unexpected changes, delays, or medical issues while abroad.
How can I request pricing?
Each tour is custom-built based on group size, travel window, and academic goals. Reach out to us through our contact form, and we’ll create a personalized estimate and itinerary draft for your review.
When should we start planning our trip?
Ideally, planning begins 9–14 months in advance – especially for credit-bearing programs that require university approval. However, we’re happy to work on a faster timeline when needed.
Are ITF Student tours credit-bearing?
ITF faculty-led tours are designed to support academic credit. We work closely with faculty to ensure itineraries align with course objectives, institutional standards, and learning outcomes.
Who leads the tours?
Our tours are led by ITF-trained tour leaders or trusted local guides. Academic content is delivered by your faculty or guest lecturers, with support from subject-specific experts in each destination.
What is not included?
International airfare, travel insurance, personal expenses, most lunches and dinners, and optional activities are not included. Each program page provides a detailed breakdown.
Do faculty have to pay for their trip?
In most cases, faculty travel is covered by the sponsoring university. However, this varies by institution. We’re happy to provide documentation or itemized estimates to help with internal approval processes.
Do students need previous travel experience?
Not at all. Our tours are designed to be accessible and supportive, especially for first-time international travelers. ITF staff and faculty provide guidance throughout.
Will there be free time on the tour?
Yes. While the tours are structured to include academic and cultural experiences, students will have designated free time to explore, reflect, or rest.
Can faculty customize a tour?
Absolutely. All tours are customizable based on your academic focus, destination preference, and institutional requirements. We work closely with faculty from the first conversation to post-tour feedback.
Do I need a passport or visa?
A valid passport is required for all international travel. Visa requirements vary based on your nationality and the destination. We’ll help guide you through the process if a visa is needed for your tour.
What are ITF Student Travel’s certifications?
Our team holds industry-recognized credentials, including:
- Licensed Tourist Guide & Cultural Site Guide Accreditation
- IATA Travel & Tourism Consultant Certification
- IATA Managing Travel and Business Certification
- Diploma in Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
If you don’t see your question here, feel free to reach out and we’ll be happy to help.
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Francesca & Gareth Lynch
Chapel Hill, NC 27510
United States