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Resource Hub for
Friends & Family

Supporting Your Participant’s Educational Adventure:
A Comprehensive Guide to The GREEN Program

Introduction          Program Overview          Long-Term Benefits         Housing & Meals          Health & Safety          Program Fee         FAQ          Testimonial

Introduction

Welcome to The GREEN Program! The Resource Hub is designed to give parents, guardians, family members, and friends clear information and reassurance about their participant’s study abroad journey.

Here, you’ll find essential details on health and safety, program operations, financial considerations, and long-term benefits. The guide highlights our commitment to participants’ well-being, personal growth, and academic development, and includes insights from alumni and families who have experienced TGP firsthand.

Our goal is to empower families with the knowledge and confidence to support their participant every step of the way. Thank you for entrusting The GREEN Program with this transformative experience. We look forward to helping your participant grow, explore, and thrive abroad.

 

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Where you’ve seen us

Program Overview

The GREEN Program (TGP) offers university students and professionals hands-on, sustainability-focused study abroad and career development experiences. Participants tackle real-world challenges through site visits, expert discussions, and collaborative capstone projects.

Since 2009, TGP alumni from over 400 universities and institutions have gone on to impactful careers at organizations like NASA, Google, the UN, Microsoft, and National Geographic, with lifelong access to TGP’s global network for ongoing support and opportunities.

Long-Term Benefits of Real-World Travel Experiences

Studying abroad through The GREEN Program offers transformative experiences that spark personal, academic, and professional growth, with benefits that extend far beyond the program and into your participant’s future.

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Personal Growth

TGP participants gain cultural awareness, independence, and resilience while building confidence in new environments. They develop a global perspective on pressing issues, form meaningful relationships and professional networks, and return home with experiences that enhance their long-term success.

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Academic Growth

Through TGP, participants expand their knowledge, gain hands-on experience, and build confidence in new environments. They learn from faculty and industry experts, engage in immersive sustainability projects, and return home with skills and insights that strengthen their academic profile and future opportunities.

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Professional Growth

Participants gain career-ready skills, adaptability, and confidence in new environments. They develop entrepreneurial thinking, problem-solving abilities, and leadership skills, and return home with access to a global alumni network and resources that support long-term professional success.

Who's hiring TGP alumni

Preparing Participants for Impactful Careers and Global Citizenship

Employers increasingly value real-world experience—nearly 91% prefer candidates with hands-on experience, and 65% prioritize relevant experience. TGP programs are designed to help participants gain the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed for impactful careers—both for themselves and for the planet.

TGP prepares participants for impactful careers with hands-on, real-world experiences. They gain leadership, problem-solving, and systems-thinking skills, collaborate with diverse global peers, and build the knowledge and competencies employers value, while contributing to a sustainable future.

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Accommodations & Meals

TGP carefully selects all accommodations to provide a safe, comfortable, and culturally immersive home away from home, including guest houses, hotels, and dormitories.

Meals are thoughtfully prepared from local restaurants, and accommodate special dietary needs, accommodating special diets, while participants can enjoy local markets and savor authentic cuisine as part of their cultural experience.

Health & Safety

Every program is built with safety, preparation, and support in mind. The GREEN Program is committed to clear communication, proactive safety measures, and community support every step of the way.  Here’s how we ensure it on our programs:

 

  • Supervision: Our trained TGP staff, faculty, and guides provide supervision throughout all program activities, including classes, discussions, site visits, meals, and capstone projects.

  • Preprogram Orientation: All participants attend a mandatory orientation before the program begins. This session covers health and safety protocols, emergency procedures, and important program guidelines to ensure participants are fully prepared.

  • Trained & Certified Guides: Our guides hold First Aid/CPR certifications and are encouraged to obtain Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training, equipping them to handle a variety of situations confidently.

  • Guidelines & Regulations: We follow U.S. State Department and CDC guidance, as well as all local laws and regulations in program destinations.

  • Emergency Response: A comprehensive Emergency Crisis & Response Plan is in place to ensure participants’ safety and well-being at all times.

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Program Investment & What’s Included

We understand that program fees and what’s included can be a pivotal consideration when planning a study abroad experience.  Here’s the essential information you should be aware of:

  • Program Fees: Cover accommodations, meals, local transportation, activities, site visits, expert faculty and guides, program materials, and emergency support. Fees do not include airfare, visa/passport fees, or travel insurance.
  • Flexible Payment Options: We offer payment plans, scholarships, affordable financing, and financial aid guidance to help families manage costs. Participants can also explore funding opportunities through their home universities or employers.
  • Refund Policy: Clear terms for withdrawals and cancellations are available in our Terms and Conditions.

Our Inclusive Programs Typically Include:

  • Accommodations and meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

  • Expert local guides, faculty, and program staff

  • Pre-program support, orientation, and learning materials

  • Program site visits, excursions, and activities

  • Local transportation and emergency support

  • Academic credit or certificate of completion

  • Post-program alumni benefits: career coaching, mentorship, events, and exclusive job listings

Note: Inclusions may vary by program. See each program page for details.

We understand that program fees and what’s included can be a pivotal consideration when planning a study abroad experience.  Here’s the essential information you should be aware of:

  • Program Fees: Cover accommodations, meals, local transportation, activities, site visits, expert faculty and guides, program materials, and emergency support. Fees do not include airfare, visa/passport fees, or travel insurance.
  • Flexible Payment Options: We offer payment plans, scholarships, affordable financing, and financial aid guidance to help families manage costs. Participants can also explore funding opportunities through their home universities or employers.
  • Refund Policy: Clear terms for withdrawals and cancellations are available in our Terms and Conditions.

Our Inclusive Programs Typically Include:

  • Accommodations and meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

  • Expert local guides, faculty, and program staff

  • Pre-program support, orientation, and learning materials

  • Program site visits, excursions, and activities

  • Local transportation and emergency support

  • Academic credit or certificate of completion

  • Post-program alumni benefits: career coaching, mentorship, events, and exclusive job listings

Note: Inclusions may vary by program. See each program page for details.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) & Topics 

Simply click on the question you’d like to know more about, and the corresponding answer will expand below it.

 

General Health & Safety Abroad

Your participant’s health and safety are our top priorities.

  • Vaccinations & Health Prep: Check CDC guidelines (or similar) for destination-specific vaccines and bring a small travel health kit.

  • Medical Care: We have vetted local hospitals and clinics for emergencies. Staff are trained in first aid and know where to go if care is needed.

  • Medications: Participants should pack prescriptions in original containers and carry copies of prescriptions.

  • COVID-19 & Beyond: While COVID travel restrictions have eased, we continue to monitor global health updates and adjust protocols as needed.

What happens in case of a medical emergency?

We take the safety and well-being of our participants very seriously, and we have a comprehensive Emergency Crisis & Response Plan in place with our trained guides and team. In the unfortunate event of a medical emergency during the program, rest assured that your participant will receive prompt and appropriate medical attention.

As part of our safety protocols, we request that participants provide emergency contacts if they would like to receive updates in an emergency. In such cases, we will keep the emergency contact informed throughout the emergency, ensuring transparency and peace of mind for families. Your participant’s safety is our top priority, and we are well-prepared to handle any unforeseen medical incidents with the utmost care and professionalism.

How can I contact my participant during the program?

You will be able to maintain contact with your participant throughout the program. Participants will have access to Wi-Fi, which allows for communication. We recommend using messaging apps like WhatsApp for convenient and cost-effective communication.

Please be aware that participants will have busy schedules during the day, with classes and outdoor activities. However, they will have free time in the evenings to check in with their families and friends. This is an excellent opportunity to hear about their daily experiences and adventures while they’re abroad.

Travel & Visa Protocols

International travel today can sometimes bring extra steps and uncertainty. We’re here to make sure participants and their families feel prepared.

  • Passports & Visas: Ensure passports are valid for at least 6 months beyond the program dates. Participants should check visa requirements for their destination well in advance.

  • Re-Entry Guidance: If your student is traveling on a study visa or residency permit, we recommend carrying digital and printed copies of documentation such as:

  • Border & Immigration Updates: Policies can shift quickly. TGP monitors advisories and encourages participants to confirm with their school’s international office or embassy before traveling.

Are the site visits and outdoor activities safe?

TGP carefully designs all site visits and outdoor activities to be both safe and enriching, offering participants hands-on, real-world learning experiences that complement their study abroad journey.

Our safety measures include:

  • Trained Staff: Participants are accompanied by experienced TGP staff and guides who are skilled in managing activities, navigating destinations, and responding to any situation.

  • Strict Safety Protocols: All safety guidelines are enforced, covering transportation, group behavior, and emergency procedures.

  • Risk Assessment: Each activity undergoes a thorough risk evaluation, including equipment checks and preparation to prevent hazards.

  • Emergency Response Planning: A comprehensive Emergency Crisis & Response Plan ensures immediate medical attention, evacuation procedures, and communication with emergency contacts if needed.

  • Supervision: Staff-to-participant ratios are maintained to provide personalized guidance and attention at all times.

  • Local Knowledge: Our guides’ familiarity with each destination ensures safe navigation and enhances the educational value of the experience.

  • Safety Briefings: Participants receive pre-activity briefings to understand potential risks and safety practices, encouraging responsible participation.

  • Continuous Monitoring: Staff continuously monitor well-being and behavior, stepping in whenever necessary to maintain a safe and enjoyable experience.

Why it matters: These carefully managed activities not only keep participants safe but also provide hands-on learning and cultural immersion, making site visits and outdoor experiences a rewarding part of the study abroad program.

Travel & Medical Insurance

Travel medical 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 medical insurance and the insurance company’s 24-hour emergency contact number has been provided to us.

If you have credit card insurance, we 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.

Participants are free to choose their preferred provider. Past participants have had positive experiences using World Nomads.

Packing & Pre-Departure Checklist

A detailed packing list will be provided to your child before the program in the Course Catalog, outlining essential items and clothing suitable for the destination and activities. The Course Catalog can be found in their online Student Portal.


Packing smart helps ensure a safe and comfortable experience.

  • Essentials: Passport, visa (if required), program documents, and copies of all IDs.

  • Health & Safety: Small first aid kit, sunscreen, medications, reusable water bottle, and hand sanitizer.

  • Clothing: Weather-appropriate layers, comfortable walking shoes, and respectful attire for cultural visits.

  • Electronics: Chargers, travel adapters, and offline copies of important contacts.

  • Pro Tip: Keep one set of essential items (passport, phone, change of clothes, medications) in carry-on luggage.

 

Can my participant bring prescription medications?

Yes, participants are allowed to bring prescription medications with them during the program. We understand that some students may have specific medical needs that require prescription medications.

To ensure a smooth experience, we strongly recommend that participants check the local laws and entry policies of each country they will be visiting before they travel. It’s essential to be aware of any regulations or documentation requirements related to bringing prescription medications into a foreign country.

Additionally, we advise participants to consult with their healthcare provider, counselor, or doctor before traveling. Your participant’s healthcare provider can offer guidance on managing medications while abroad, including any adjustments or precautions that may be necessary due to changes in time zones, dietary habits, or environmental conditions.

By being well-informed about the destination-specific regulations and discussing their travel plans with their doctor, participants can ensure that they have all the necessary information and preparations in place to safely bring and manage their prescription medications during the program.

On-the-Ground Security Tips

We equip participants with the knowledge to travel smart and stay safe.

  • Everyday Safety:

    • Travel with a buddy whenever possible

    • Keep valuables secure and be alert in busy areas

    • Know emergency numbers and safe meeting points

  • Local Laws & Customs: Drinking ages, behavior expectations, and cultural norms differ by country. We brief participants on what to expect and how to show respect.

  • Incident Response: In the unlikely event of theft or safety concerns, our staff is trained to assist immediately.

How will I be informed about my participant's progress during the program?

Staying informed about your participant’s progress during the program is important, and we encourage students to take an active role in updating and communicating with their parents and loved ones.

Throughout the program, participants are responsible for keeping their families and friends updated on their experiences. They will have access to Wi-Fi, which facilitates communication, and they are encouraged to use this connectivity to stay in touch.

In addition to direct communication with your participant, we also recommend that parents follow our program updates on social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. By following @greenprogram on Instagram, you can access valuable insights into program activities, experiences, and important updates in real-time.

While students have busy schedules during the day, with classes and outdoor activities, they have free time in the evenings to check in with their families and friends. This provides an excellent opportunity for students to share their daily adventures and for parents to stay connected with their participant’s journey during their time abroad.

Mental Health & Emotional Support

We’re committed to supporting students’ well-being.

  • Culture Shock & Homesickness: These are normal parts of travel, and we support students with tools to manage them.

  • Peer Community: Cohorts are designed to foster strong support systems and self-advocacy among participants.

  • Staff Support: Our team is available for check-ins and can connect students to professional support resources if needed.

  • Virtual Counseling Options: We advise participants to ask their travel medical insurance provider or counselor about virtual counseling options during their travels.
  • Encouragement for Families: Remind your participant that reaching out is okay—they don’t have to navigate challenges alone.

How can I reach TGP staff in case of questions or concerns?

You can contact our TGP support team via email at info@thegreenprogram.com or phone (+1 215-821-0935) on Monday-Fridays between 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM ET (excluding U.S. holidays), and we will respond promptly to address any questions or concerns.

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This is an incredibly well-put-together program. The attention to detail is incredible.  They have literally thought of everything!  I asked every ‘what if’ question and ‘in the case of’ question and they had an answer and a solution already in place!

As a parent, I would highly recommend this program to any parent and more so to any student wanting to join a study abroad program.

– Samantha Jacobs
Parent of John Jacobs, Mechanical Engineering Student at Virginia Tech

Alumni Impact & Stories

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