Immersion Trips FAQ

Are there travel restrictions that will impact travel for my Immersion Project?

It is likely there will be travel restrictions, especially on travel outside of the country. These restrictions may be due to government regulations, or rules put in place by our host community partners in support of general community health. Local regulations and guidelines can change at any time – and that means students must be prepared to adhere to these changes.

I have applied for my Immersion Project, is it possible that Gettysburg College or the host community partner will make a decision that students cannot travel?

Yes, it is possible. The safety of Gettysburg students and our host communities are our highest priority. The Center for Public Service reserves the right to make decisions about Immersion Projects in the best interest of our students and local community partners before traveling for an immersion program. Decisions to cancel programs or modify program schedules are based on a balance of global and local news, public health and safety advisories and restrictions and input from our host community partners.

If my Immersion Project is canceled or I voluntarily withdraw from my project, will I receive a refund?

If the Center for Public Service or our host community partners cancel the program prior to the start, program deposits and additional charges will be refunded, but non-recoverable individual costs such as visa, passport or immunizations will not be refunded. If you voluntarily withdraw from your program prior to the start, the $100 deposit required within 48 hours of receiving acceptance into the project is non-refundable. In addition, you are responsible for paying for all expenses incurred on your behalf at the time of the withdrawal. For example, if airline tickets have been purchased by the time of withdrawal, you will be responsible for the cost of the ticket, as well as any other pre-paid expenses.

I have applied to an Immersion Project, but I am still not sure if I want to go. When do I officially need to make a decision?

You are able to withdraw at any time but keep in mind that you are responsible for paying for all expenses incurred on your behalf at the time of the withdrawal. You are required to submit a $100 deposit to reserve your place on an Immersion Project. This fee is non-refundable should you decide to withdraw from the project.

What do Department of State Travel Advisories or CDC Warning Levels mean for Immersion Projects?

Program providers and host organizations globally consider travel advisory levels issued by the U.S. Department of State, the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, and other information from trusted sources as they make decisions about whether their programs will run. Students will be required to acknowledge and accept the risks and responsibilities associated with participating in an Immersion Project by signing an Agreement and Release document prior to participating.

How do I apply for an Immersion Project?

Complete the online Application by the date listed on the Dates and Deadlines sections of this website. Upon submission of your Application Form, CPS will follow-up with your application status. Once accepted into the project, CPS will email applicants a link with payment information and hold your spot. Payment must be made within 48 hours of receipt to confirm a spot on the Project. Participants applying for projects are entering into a contractual agreement with the Center for Public Service. Each participant is responsible for paying the project fees or any expenses incurred on their behalf should they decide to withdraw. CPS has the right to remove any individual from the project for failure to meet the expectations stated in all materials/correspondence and mentioned on this website from the Center for Public Service.

How much does it cost? What does the cost of the trip cover?

The project cost is listed under each project description. The cost listed is all-inclusive: round-trip ground and/or air transportation from Gettysburg College to and from the project site, meals, accommodations, project supplies, and all activities. Any visa and immunization costs are not included and are the responsibility of the participant.

When do I make payments for the trip?

A $100 deposit is required within 48 hours of your acceptance to the project to confirm your spot on the Immersion Project. Remaining payments will be due as stated in the Dates and Deadlines section of this website. Participants failing to make these payments on time risk being removed from the project.

Who is eligible to participate on an Immersion Project?

Projects are open to all Gettysburg College students. Occasionally, persons from off-campus participate. Participants must be sixteen years of age or older. Students must be in good disciplinary standing (no more than 5 points and not on academic probation) in order to participate on an Immersion Project. Each participant must agree to full participation in their chosen project by attending all pre-trip meetings, completing required paperwork and preparatory assignments (such as readings, videos, other activities), behaving in an appropriate manner at all times, participating in group reflection, and contributing to the group follow-up project.

The Center for Public Service reserves the right to remove a participant prior to departure for reasons of, but not limited to, failure to make project payments in a timely manner, financial debt to the College, a history of judicial violations, failure to complete required participant forms (such as release and health forms), failure to attend mandatory Orientation Session and/or group meetings. The Center for Public Service reserves the right to send a participant home during the project (at the participant's expense) for reasons of, but not limited to, violations of College policy, the use of alcohol or illegal drugs, disrespect toward site community or group members, or medical/psychological emergencies.

Is there financial aid available?

As part of our commitment to making these experiences equitable and accessible, significant funding is already invested in every Immersion Project to reduce costs for all participants. Because of this upfront support, additional financial aid is very limited. Requests for extra aid will only be considered for students who can demonstrate genuine financial need and have exhausted all other sources of funding, including grants, scholarships, and personal resources. Students should plan accordingly, as we are unable to guarantee additional financial support, and participants are expected to cover any remaining costs associated with their Immersion Project.

How much can I expect to receive as a Financial Award?

Each Immersion Project is already significantly subsidized to make participation more affordable for all students. Because of this, additional financial aid is very limited. Financial awards, if available, are determined on a case-by-case basis for students who demonstrate significant financial need and have exhausted all other funding options. There is no set amount or guarantee of additional support, so students should plan to cover the remaining program costs.

Who will be leading the Immersion Project?

Each project is led by a student Project Leader with assistance from a faculty or staff member of the college who serves as a Project Mentor.

How can I become a Project Leader (students)?

Each Project Leader receives a reduction of $750 from their project fee (which in some cases is more than the total of the project fee - in this case, the leader does not receive the balance of that money, but does attend the trip at no cost). Participants interested in being considered for Project Leader must complete the Project Leader Application. A full description of the Project Leader responsibilities is included on the application, which is available on this website.

How can I become a Project Mentor (staff/faculty)?

If you are an employee at Gettysburg College and are interested in being a project mentor for one of the trips, please contact the Center for Public Service to discuss this opportunity.

Are the trips safe?

All domestic and international travel, whether personal or through the college, comes with a certain level of risk. The Center for Public Service and Gettysburg College takes all risk seriously and plans each project with attention to mitigating risk. Project leaders spend time in meetings prior to each project discussing cultural sensitivity issues and safety precautions. Participants are encouraged to do their own research on their destination to understand the community to which they are traveling. See the Safety and Medical information for more information.

What immunizations will I need?

We will make all participants on international Immersion Projects aware of what recommendations the Center for Disease Control makes for travel to those countries during orientation. However, participants are responsible to consult with their doctor about these recommendations and make informed decisions. You can see the CDC's recommendations for each country by searching the destination country on the CDC website.

What if I decide to withdraw from the project? Can I get my money back?

The $100 deposit required once you have been accepted to the project is non-refundable should the participant decide to withdraw from the project. In addition, the participant is responsible for paying for all expenses incurred on their behalf at the time of the withdrawal. For example, if airline tickets have been purchased by the time of withdrawal, participant will be responsible for the cost of the ticket, as well as any other pre-paid expenses.

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