Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about the program?
Here are some of our most popular questions, answered by our alumni and team!
You can read below or watch this video for a more personal experience.
FAQ Video: Chapters
00:45:26 – Why TGP?
01:39:14 – What is TGP?
02:41:29 – Our Program Model
04:26:10 – Education & Exclusive Facility Tours
06:33:08 – Will I get credit?
08:17:56 – How will TGP help me advance my career?
11:59:49 – What are the benefits of being a GREEN alumnus?
14:42:09 – GREEN Alum: Meet Amanda!
15:50:18 – What are the Capstone Projects?
17:42:01 – Capstone Project Examples
22:14:15 – Who can go on The GREEN Program? Do I have to be a certain major to join TGP?
26:48:18 – A Day in the Life With TGP!
29:23:16 – How does TGP get involved with local communities?
31:42:57 – Is it safe?
33:25:07 – How do I apply?
34:11:15 – How much does it cost?
35:31:39 – How can I fund my program?
37:22:18 – Funding: University Funding
37:59:46 – Funding: Become a GREEN Influencer
38:43:14 – Funding: Crowdfunding
39:28:56 – Funding: Financial Assistance
40:00:08 – Funding: TGP Scholarship
40:20:53 – Funding: Advice From GREEN Alumni
44:41:31 – Payment Options
45:46:18 – Advice From GREEN Alumni
47:34:55 – Contact Info
Tell me more about The GREEN Program
What is The GREEN Program?
The GREEN Program (TGP) serves to bridge the gap between traditional textbook learning and career development for positive change through our short-term, accredited, experiential education programs abroad. With the launch of the SDGs, we are fusing the UN’s 17 Global Goals framework with The GREEN Program’s model to continue exposing students and professionals to sustainability challenges and initiatives around the world. We aim to continue reshaping higher education curricula for students across 470 universities and 40 countries around the world by embedding The GREEN Program’s model within existing university STEAM degree tracks and corporate training.
Why should I go abroad with The GREEN Program?
With The GREEN Program, we don’t want students or professionals to have to choose between a job or a study abroad experience. In fact, we want everyone to do it all. We help individuals maximize their holiday breaks to enable a fulfilling study abroad experience within just 7-10 days. Meanwhile, students can pursue that coveted internship or complete remaining classes needed for timely graduation, and professionals can continue advancing their careers or business goals without missing out. We live in a time where opportunities are endless — so why limit ourselves?
Who goes abroad with The GREEN Program?
The GREEN Program is open to and attracts students and professionals around the world who are curious about the world and seek opportunities to adventure, break out of their comfort zone, and stand out among their peers as global citizens. We have attracted participants from more than 70 countries and 470 universities and corporations around the globe. From STEM to Environmental Studies to Communications & Media to Business & Law to Liberal Arts and everything in between, we believe that diversity is our greatest asset. Our participants have one underlying mission in common: they have consciously chosen to pursue a future of possibilities and are determined to be part of the solutions toward a better world.
University faculty, professionals, and executives now have opportunities to travel with TGP, too!
Is there a sample itinerary I can check out?
Additional information and sample itinerary can be found on the program pages of our website: https://thegreenprogram.com/programs/
What resources can I share with my family or friends?
The Resource Hub for Friends and Family is a comprehensive guide designed to provide family members, parents, guardians, friends, and the most important people in TGP participants’ community with essential information and reassurance about their incredible journey on The GREEN Program’s study abroad program.
Feel free to pass along our contact information to parents or guardians. We can be reached at:_+1 (215) 821-0935 or info@thegreenprogram.com. From here, a member of our team will be able to forward additional information and answer any questions that they may have.
When do the programs run?
Our 7-10 day programs operate during popular holiday breaks throughout the year (Winter, Spring, & Summer) so you can select which program date works best for your schedule. Details about which programs are enrolling can be found on our programs pages.
General questions
What's included in a program?
Generally, most in-country expenses are included in the program fee while on the program. This may include hotel accommodations, in-country transportation, meals, educational materials and lectures, adventure excursions, facility access and tours, cultural activities, credits and transcript from our host university, access into TGP’s Alumni Network, and post-program Alumni benefits. Inclusions may vary per program. For a complete list of what is included in each program, see the “What’s Included” section of each program page.
What's not included in a program fee?
Airfare, travel documentation, and travel medical insurance are not included in the program fee as well as discretionary funds for souvenirs or additional snacks, meals, or beverages for the participants’ choosing. If you miss your flight or your flight is canceled you will also be responsible for the cost of transportation to the group.
Travel health insurance is compulsory for all our programs. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation throughout your travels. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. When traveling on a trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel health insurance and the insurance company’s 24-hour emergency contact number has been seen by our team. If you have credit card insurance, TGP will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact number rather than the bank’s name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. Students have had positive experiences using World Nomads.
Where can I find the program dates?
The dates for our open & enrolling programs can be found on our programs pages.
Can I use my debit or credit card abroad?
Yes, you can use your debit card abroad. However, please note that you may incur international transaction fees depending on your credit or debit card provider. Additionally, while you will have the opportunity to exchange currency upon arriving at the airport, some countries or rural areas may have more limited access to ATMs or card payment options. This information will be covered in your pre-program orientation. We also highly recommend informing your credit and debit card providers of your upcoming travels to avoid any unexpected card holds or interruptions.
Will I receive academic credit and will it transfer?
TGP can guide students towards obtaining credit for the program. We can also provide you with supplemental materials, such as a syllabus or a course catalog, to support your conversation and learning outcomes with your university. For some programs, you will automatically receive a credit-bearing transcript from our partner university. Reach out to your Personal Representative to start the discussion regarding obtaining credit. As a resource, see our guide: “10 Essential Steps to Seek Academic Credit for Your Study Abroad Program”
Should I bring a laptop?
What should I pack?
A packing list can be found in your Course Catalog in your Participant Portal. Upon acceptance into The GREEN Program, students will receive this information (and more) in greater detail.
How do I secure my spot or make a payment?
Participants can use their debit or credit cards to make their payments through the Participant Portal or over the phone with a member of our team. To make a payment over the phone, contact us at +1 (215) 821-0935.
Will I have access to wifi?
Yes! You will have WiFi access throughout the program to work on your Capstone Projects, complete assignments, and stay connected with family and friends. Please note, however, that WiFi availability may be limited in certain locations, especially when the cohort visits more rural or remote areas. We’ll provide guidance on how to prepare for these situations to help you stay productive and connected.
Will I be able to talk to TGP students pre-program?
You will have multiple opportunities to connect with your cohort, starting with your program orientation and continuing through an active group chat before the program begins. These early connections help build a supportive community, making it easier to collaborate, share experiences, and feel engaged right from the start.
Can I speak with students who have attended the program in the past?
Yes! We encourage this and are more than happy to put you in touch with a TGP Alumni. Please contact info@thegreenprogram.com to be connected.
Who leads the programs?
The GREEN Program is proud to have dedicated, enthusiastic local teams in each country who are passionate about sharing their home communities with TGP students. Our commitment to students’ long-term success goes beyond the program itself—our leaders also serve as mentors, providing guidance and support every step of the way. Our global staff brings a remarkable diversity of expertise and interests, ranging from PhDs and researchers to mountaineers to engineers. Each team member is carefully selected through a rigorous hiring process and thoroughly trained and vetted by The GREEN Program’s HQ team. Simply put, you won’t find mentors quite like your TGP Program Leaders and Mentors anywhere else!
Will I be able to contact my friends and family back home during my time abroad?
Yes, of course! While you are abroad with us, you will have access to wifi at the university and/or accommodations of your program. You can also look into international phone plans, e-SIMs, and/or SIM cards during your travels.
What are accommodations like on the program?
There are generally 2-3 different housing locations for each program. You will be staying in local guesthouses, hotels, and dormitories. Every participant will be provided with their own bed. On the first day of the program, students will be paired up or be able to select their roommate(s). Single room accommodations may be available upon request for an additional fee.
Are there language requirements?
All TGP programs are taught and run in English. Participants should be able to read, write, and speak English.
Will it be safe where I'm travelling?
All program locations and lodging are properly vetted by our team to ensure a safe environment for our students. In the case of safety concerns, our team will always communicate safety protocols with students. We suggest students review travel and safety tips through travel.state.gov.
What happens if I have a medical problem on the program?
In the event of an emergency while on the program, a member of our team will assist you in seeking medical attention as needed. Participants should always let their program leaders know of any serious medical conditions at the beginning of the program. Clinics and hospitals are accessible to students if they request medical attention.
Will I need vaccines?
Participants are responsible for obtaining any necessary vaccinations prior to travel on our program as recommended by the CDC. We also recommend that participants schedule an appointment with a doctor to make sure they are in good health for travel. Learn more here: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list.
All TGP participants who are traveling to a program destination must follow the entry requirements of the specific destination at the time of travel.
How physically demanding are the programs? Are there any physical restrictions or things I should be doing to prepare?
What is the food like on the program? What if I have a dietary restriction?
Students can enjoy local cuisines and freshly cooked meals while on the program. We provide meal accommodations for students with vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, and gluten-free dietary restrictions or preferences. If you have questions about dietary restrictions, contact info@thegreenprogram.com.
Application process
Where can I find the application?
How are applications reviewed?
Who is eligible to participate?
Our applications are open to all passionate university students and professionals worldwide! To date, we’ve proudly hosted participants from over 400 universities and corporations across 70 countries. Whether you’re driven by a love of travel, sustainable development, or education, we would be thrilled to have you join us on this journey.
All of our programs welcome individuals aged 18 and older. While most participants are undergraduate and graduate students, we’re excited to see growing interest from sustainability professionals, university faculty leading student groups, and recent graduates eager to gain global experience before entering the workforce.
Universities and corporations interested in partnership opportunities can learn more here: https://thegreenprogram.com/partner/.
What if I don't have a LinkedIn for my application?
If you do not have a LinkedIn account, please upload a URL link to your resume (for example, a Google Doc) in your TGP Application, where it asks for your LinkedIn Profile.
When will I hear back about my application?
You can expect to hear from our team within 48 hours. Please note that this timeline may vary depending on holidays and the volume of applications we receive. Since applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, we encourage you to apply as early as possible to maximize your chances.
Is there a GPA requirement?
No, there is no GPA requirement when applying to The GREEN Program.
Is there a professor or professional recommendation requirement?
No, a professor or professional recommendation is not a requirement to apply.
When should I submit my application?
Because our team reviews applications daily, our programs fill on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis. We strongly encourage interested participants to submit their applications as early as possible—the sooner, the better! Applying early not only increases your chances of securing a spot but also allows you more time to prepare for your program.
Academics of the program
What kind of classes will I be taking?
Classes differ for each course and program; however, classes will be taught by our educational team from our partnered university in each country and/or local experts in the field. Classes will be a mix of in the classroom and in-the-field experience.
How do I transfer academic or continuing education credit?
Many of our programs offer college academic or continuing education credits through our university partners. If you’re interested in transferring or earning credit at your home institution, be sure to reach out to your academic advisor, counselor, or study abroad office to confirm eligibility and ensure a smooth transfer process.
For professionals, in addition to academic credit, The GREEN Program’s courses are eligible for Continuing Education (CE) credit through GBCI Inc. for the Sustainability Excellence Associate (SEA) and Sustainability Excellence Professional (SEP) credentials.
Email GBCI at sustainabilityexcellence@gbci.org with questions about earning continuing education hours and renewals.
See program details for more information. Credit and credit eligibility may vary by program.
Where can I find more information about the courses I'll be taking??
Students can read more about the courses in the Course Catalog in their Participant Portals.
How will I receive my transcript?
If you’re receiving credit from a host institution, you will receive an email after your program with instructions on how to request your transcript. Please note that there may also be additional fees involved to send the transcript to your home university.
What kind of academic credit will I be receiving?
Based on our past experiences, students have been able to receive credit in the way of: technical credit, elective credit, independent study credit, internship credit, and more. While all accredited TGP programs provide an academic transcript, we cannot guarantee that students’ home universities will always accept them. We recommend you speaking with your advisor to confirm if your home university can accept those credits.
Costs
Is there a program fee associated with The GREEN Program opportunities?
Yes, there is a program fee associated with each of our programs. The specific amount is dependent upon the season and program location. You can see the program fees on the specific Program Pages.
Can I leverage my financial aid?
Ultimately, it is up to your home university to decide if it is possible to leverage your university’s financial aid. If you are able to receive credit at your home university, the chances are you will be able to use financial aid. Our team is here to help provide you with the proper resources and assistance when reaching out to your university. Let us know how we can help!
What are the most popular ways students fund their program?
We’ve put together this Study Abroad Funding Guide with proven ways that alumni have funded their TGP programs. Also, check out this blog with Alumni Advice, sharing essential fundraising tips, with email templates to support your study abroad!
What are The Green Program's payment plan options?
We have several flexible ways to secure your spot on a TGP program! Select the option that works best for you, from full payments, custom payment plans, and financing on our Pricing Page.
What does it mean to submit my deposit and how do I do that?
By submitting your deposit, you will officially secure your spot and are added to the program roster. In order to secure your spot, you must place your payment through one of our payment options. When submitting your payment online, this can be done through your Student Portal and found under “Step 1: Submit Payment”.
Additionally, you may submit your payment via telephone. Feel free to give us a call Monday – Friday (9:30 AM – 5:00 PM EDT) at (215) 821-0935.
Because applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and spots are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, we recommend that you secure your spot at their earliest convenience.
*Please note: Deposits are non-refundable. See our Terms and Conditions for more information.
Can I secure my spot without a deposit?
No, as an accepted student of The GREEN Program, you must secure your spot with your deposit or full payment. By placing your deposit at a minimum, you will officially secure your spot and will be added to our student roster. From here, our team is here to help you with the next steps of registration.
Is there a deadline to secure my spot?
Programs fill on a first-come, first-served basis. However, the enrollment deadline is typically 8 weeks before a program’s start date. Program fees and registration materials must be submitted six weeks before the program start date. We recommend that participants enroll at their earliest convenience, as spots are limited and may fill quickly. See enrollment deadlines on each Program’s Page.
How do I make a payment?
Participants can use their debit or credit cards to make their payments through the Participant Portal or over the phone with a member of our team.
What credit cards do you accept?
How much additional money should I bring with me?
While all GREEN programs include all in-country expenses, we recommend bringing spending money for souvenirs and/or additional snacks. On average, students often bring between $100 – 300 USD for miscellaneous expenses. You may also be able to use your credit or debit cards within the country.
If I receive funding for your program, how does this get added to my account and/or removed from my program fee?
Cancellation & payment policy
Please refer to our Terms and Conditions.
Pre-program paperwork & preparation
What kind of classes will I be taking?
A passport and or Visa may or will be required for you to legally enter and exit the country your program is taking place in. It is your responsibility to understand these requirements to the fullest extent before attending the program and to be able to present the required documents upon entering and or exiting the country your program is taking place in. Your personal representative can help guide you based off of our past experience with Passport and Visa requirements. However, we are not experts on the document requirements for you to lawfully enter and or exit the country your program is taking place in. GREEN is not held responsible for any costs incurred in the case you cannot enter and or exit the country your program is taking place. For assistance with Visas or passports, students can contact CIBT Visas.
How do I submit my program paperwork?
Upon acceptance into The GREEN Program, students will receive access to our Participant Portal, where they will find all of their pre-program paperwork and enrollment logistics. Students are required to submit their paperwork through this online platform.
Does The GREEN Program arrange my travel?
Participants are responsible for arranging their own round-trip flights to and from the program location. However, our team is here to support you throughout the process by providing clear logistical guidelines. Once accepted into The GREEN Program, you will gain access to our Student Portal, which contains detailed information on travel logistics, including flight recommendations and requirements. This resource is designed to help you navigate your travel planning smoothly and confidently.
Is there pre-program educational materials or "homework"?
Yes, accepted students will receive educational materials before the start of their program. Depending upon their GREEN program and interest in receiving academic credit from our in-country educational partner, there may be additional educational components to their registration process.
Who will I be in touch with during my registration process?
We are here to help! A member of our team will be in touch with you throughout the entire registration process. Additionally, you may reach out to our office Monday – Friday (9.30 AM – 5 PM EST) with your questions. We can be reached at: +1 (215) 821 0935 or info@thegreenprogram.com.
Travel To & From the Program Destination
Is the flight included?
Flights are not included; however, our team provides Flight Guidelines in your Participant Portal after your enrollment to ensure a seamless program experience.
When do I need to arrive or depart?
Upon acceptance into The GREEN Program, students will receive access into the Participant Portal, where they will find additional information and program specifics for arrival and departure requirements.
Where do I meet the group once in-country?
Before the program begins, students will receive an email containing important information and specific instructions about where to meet in-country upon arrival, as well as details about your TGP guides and their direct contact information.
On the first day of the program, our team will be there to greet you at the airport or the designated meeting point.
Do I need a passport?
A passport is typically required for international travel, which is defined as traveling between countries. In general, a passport is a document issued by a government that certifies the identity and nationality of the holder and allows for international travel. It’s important to note that passport requirements can vary depending on the country of citizenship, destination, and length of stay, so it’s always best to check the specific requirements for the countries you plan to visit before you travel.
I don't have a passport. How do I get one?
If you are looking to study abroad and you need a passport, here are the steps to obtain one. U.S. citizens should also visit the State Department’s resources HERE for up-to-date information on how to get a passport.
It’s important to begin your passport application process as early as possible, as obtaining a passport can take several weeks or months. Additionally, some countries may require a visa in addition to a passport, so be sure to research the specific entry requirements for your destination well in advance. University students are encouraged to connect with their university’s study abroad office for valuable support and resources to help them secure your passport smoothly.
My flight was cancelled or I missed my flight, what happens now?
Arriving early / staying late:
If you are arriving early, please let us know at your earliest convenience. You will also receive specific instructions on where to meet up with the group on the first day of the program. Any additional costs outside of the program dates and logistics schedule will be incurred by the student.
Leaving early:
We don’t want you to miss out on any TGP moments, but we understand that sometimes there may be conflicting schedules. If you are planning to leave the program early, please let our team know before your travels. We are happy to assist you in getting to the airport, but please note that you may incur additional transportation costs, as this is a separate expense.
How do I make flight arrangements?
Participants are responsible for arranging their own round-trip flights to and from the program location. However, our team is here to support you throughout the process by providing clear logistical guidelines. Once accepted into The GREEN Program, you will gain access to our Participant Portal, which contains detailed information on travel logistics, including flight recommendations and requirements. This resource is designed to help you navigate your travel planning smoothly and confidently.
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