Why New Zealand & Fiji?
Both places are truly epic. The South Island of New Zealand is an outdoor paradise of wondrous landscapes and cultures. We’ll be able to hike through unique landscapes and learn about ancient peoples. We’ll see glaciers, high mountain passes, as well as modern cities. In Fiji we’ll learn about the rich history of a dynamic island nation where we’ll be able to play around in lush tropical environments as well as explore lively ocean biomes.
How can I apply to join the trip?
Complete application information is online right here. Aplicants will be accepted on a rolling basis until the application deadline of Monday, May 9th, 2022 or until the roster cap of 12 participants has been reached.
I won’t be attending Williston until the fall of 2022. Can I still apply?
Absolutely! Please just make sure you complete the applicaton process as soon as possible. Keep in mind that you can email me ( jseamon@williston.com ) scans of your forms.
I’m interested in going on the trip, but I won’t be able to apply by May 9th. Can I get an extension?
Quite possibly. If you’d like an extension to the application deadline, please email me ASAP at jseamon@williston.com .
I play a winter sport that will likely go deep into the post-season, if not all the way to the championships. Can I still participate?
Yup! Our departure date of Sunday, March 5th, 2022 (at night) is after all possible Williston playoff and championship events.
What will happen on the trip?
You can read through the trip itinerary right here.
Who is running the trip?
New Zealand & Fiji 2023 is a Williston Northampton School trip run by Josh Seamon-Ingalls. He can be reached at jseamon@williston.com or 802-748-9857. You can read more about Mr. Seamon’s tour leading experience right here.
How long will the trip be?
The trip will last ~14 days. We are projected to leave on Sunday, March 5th, 2022 and return to campus on Monday, March 20th, 2022.
How much will the trip cost?
The current estimate is that the program fee will between $6,150 and $7,150. The overall program fee will come into focus in the coming two months as trip details are finalized and trip participant numbers become known. The program fee will cover cover airfare, all housing, all meals [except for ~3 dinners and ~3 lunches] tips, travel insurance, all entrance fees, a full time tour guide, and special site-specific guides. All trip participants will be required to carry at least $450 in spending money to cover the meals listed above and the small, random costs that always come up during tours of this length.
How many people will be on the trip?
We are currently projecting that there will be 12 students and 2 chaperones on the trip. Additionally, we will be accompanied at all times by a professional tour guide.
Who can apply to go on the trip?
Any Williston student is welcome to apply.
How will students be selected for the trip?
Students will be chosen for the trip based on their adherence to the central Williston values of Purpose, Passion, and Integrity. A completed application does not automatically guarantee a student is accepted to participate in the trip.
Will I need a visa?
It depends on which passport(s) you hold. If you have a US passport, you can get both visas on arrival. You can check New Zealand’s visa rules right here and Fiji’s right here.
What kinds of meetings will the group have before we leave?
We will have at least two group meetings before classes end this spring. Then, after the trip roster is finalized in mid-September, the group will meet every three weeks. All pre-trip meetings will be mandatory. At the meetings, which will most likely be before classes begin on weekdays, we will cover:
– Trip logistics
– Presentations given by trip participants on places we’ll be visiting
– Trip design based on trip participant input
– Lots more!
Will trip participants be able to contribute to building the trip?
Absolutely! During our first meetings trip participants will be given the chance to offer their input on the trip itinerary and make suggestions for modifications. It may also be possible to add and modify the trip (slightly) in September and October.
Will financial aid for trip participants be available?
A limited amount of financial aid will be available through the Immersion Experience Scholarship, which helps to underwrite the costs of off-campus, school-sponsored study abroad trips for students with financial need. Please contact Eric Yates (eyates@williston.com) in the Williston Advancement Office to receive the application. Important notes about financial aid:
– Awarded aid is not dispensed until around mid-December at the earliest
– Not all applicants receive aid
– The usual maximum amount of awarded aid is ~$1,000
– The earlier you submit your application to Mr. Seamon the better!
How do I make a trip payment?
You have a few options:
1) Checks should be made out to “The Williston Northampton School” and handed off to Mr. Seamon. Please make sure to write the trip participant’s name in the memo field of the check.
2) Payments can be made from student accounts or via credit card, wire transfer, or other electronic means by contacting the Williston Business Office. Payments should be made to the “New Zealand & Fiji” account. If you make your payment directly to the Business Office, please make sure you notify Mr. Seamon of the amount and date of the payment. You can make payments over the phone by calling Karen Yarra at (413) 529-3289 in our Business Office.
What is the electronics policy on the trip?
Except in the case of an emergency or when given specific permission, trip participants are not allowed to use the internet, a phone, or any device with a screen at any time during the duration of the trip.
What about Covid-19?
We are keeping close watch on local, regional, and country-wide Covid-19 policies and practices in all places we are visiting. Additionally, we are supported by International SOS. For specific information regarding Covid-19 preparedness, please contact Mr. Seamon-Ingalls.
What is the refund policy?
Drop on or before 7/19/22: Full refund
Drop between 7/20/2 and 9/1/22: All deposited funds less $350, unless a replacement is found in which case a full refund is possible
Drop after 9/1/22: No refunds unless a replacement is found
Do I have to scuba dive on the trip?
Nope! You can snorkel instead of scuba dive.
I want to scuba dive on the trip but I am not certified! Help!
A local dive shop will be running a PADI Open Water certification course on campus this fall!
