EXPLO at Wellesley: Frequently Asked Questions

The following is a list of the most commonly asked questions we receive from students prior to arriving at Explo at Wellesley. These questions address a wide range of potential concerns from living accommodations and dining options to medical needs and internet availability. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact our Admission Office at 781.762.7400

General

What is Explo’s mission?
Exploration Summer Programs creates a dynamic environment of intellectual inquiry, responsible decision making and spirited adventure. Led by enthusiastic teachers, our students are encouraged to respect the differences that make us individuals and to find the common ground that makes us a community. At its heart, Explo inspires students to challenge themselves, discover the world of people and ideas, and experience the joy of learning.

Why is a summer at Explo at Wellesley a particularly good investment for this age group?
A summer at Explo at Wellesley exposes young adults to worlds they might not otherwise experience. With more than 120 course and workshop offerings, students can pursue a developing interest or try something completely new. With weekend trips throughout New England, students see things and have experiences unlike anything they have seen or done before. And with a student body from more than 40 states and 50 countries, students have the chance to become friends with people from around the globe, and are exposed to new ideas and new perspectives on a daily basis. The most frequent comment we receive on our parent and student surveys is that Explo significantly increases a student's self-confidence—socially and academically. Explo at Wellesley’s balance of structured and unstructured time ensures that students have the freedom to grow without sacrificing any of the care and attention they need.

Is Explo more like a school or a camp?
Learning is central to Explo’s mission. We believe that learning occurs throughout the entire day at Explo — both inside and outside of the classroom—and our staff strives to create moments of learning for students in all areas. We recognize the value of teaching within a classroom, and intensively train our instructors in curricular design and best practices in teaching. We also recognize that learning occurs outside the classroom — during spontaneous conversations in the dorms, on trips, and during a pick-up game of soccer. In this way, Explo is a unique program that combines the best of school and the best of camp, fusing interactive teaching within the classroom with opportunities for fun and social engagement outside of it. We create a dynamic environment of learning in all facets of student life.

What experience does Explo have running summer programs?
Explo has been a leader in educational enrichment for more than 35 years, and our programs have always reflected a dedication to the best practices in education and student life. Founded in 1976, Explo has since expanded to three campuses. Senior members of Explo leadership are often asked to consult with schools and other organizations on topics ranging from student life to training teachers.

Is Explo the only summer program offered on the campus of Wellesley College?
No, although Explo at Wellesley is by far the largest and most extensive summer program offered. Explo has exclusive use of the residential quad dormitories and we have our own classrooms on the academic quad. In addition, most recreational spaces are scheduled for our exclusive use during activity periods. From a student perspective, there is minimal interaction with other Wellesley-based programs.

How do I get in touch with families who have attended Explo at Wellesley in the past?
Our Admission Office (781.762.7400) has lists of families from previous years who have agreed to serve as references. Please feel free to call to get contact info for a family who will be happy to speak with you.

What happens at an informational session? May I enroll while I’m there?
At an on-campus informational session, there is a 30-minute presentation, usually given by the Head of Programs. You will learn more about Explo’s general mission and philosophy, the different aspects of our program, and the schedule of a typical day. Afterward there is a brief tour of the campus and a chance for questions. All of our enrollment now takes place through our website. We encourage you to fill out the application online.

Residential Students

Where do students live on campus? What are the dorm rooms like?
The architecture of Wellesley College is gorgeous, and Explo students live in architecturally significant buildings that are more than a hundred years old. Explo students reside in a complex of dormitories surrounding a grassy common. All residential students have one or two roommates, and two Residential Advisors who supervise the single-sex floor. The dorms are also home to Explo’s administrative offices, dining halls, computer lab, and health center. Each residential room is furnished with beds, dressers, and closet space. Though the rooms vary in shape, size, and configuration, they all have at least one window and a locking bedroom door. Dorm rooms are not air conditioned, so many roommates share a fan to help cool the room on warm nights. The dormitory bathrooms have enough sinks, toilets, and showers for all of the students on the floor.

How do residential student groups function?
Residential students live on a hall with approximately 16 other students and two Residential Advisors. An advisor's primary responsibilities are to get to know the students in his/her student group, be aware of how they are adjusting to life on campus, and from that perspective, work with students to help resolve any questions, problems, or concerns that arise. Our schedule allows ample opportunity for advisors to meet with students formally and informally — sitting on a bus on a weekend trip, participating in activities together, sharing meals together, collaborating on a project, or meeting at regular check-ins. Students have a final extended check-in every evening, when they meet with Residential Advisors to talk about the day, discuss group dynamics, and discuss upcoming events.

Do boys and girls live in separate living areas?
Boys and girls live on separate floors with clearly defined physical boundaries, and it is considered a serious violation to be in the entryway, hallway, room, or any part of a residential space of a student of the opposite sex. During times when students are able to return to their rooms, staff are stationed throughout the dorms to ensure that students are not going into the residential space of the opposite sex.

How does the housing/rooming situation work at Explo?
Before arriving on campus, each student fills out a housing questionnaire, which is then used to make compatible housing assignments. While most students do not request a roommate when coming to Explo, there is a space on the housing questionnaire to request a single roommate or a floormate. Requests must be mutual to be honored and are not guaranteed. We believe that one of the greatest opportunities at Explo is for students to get to know people who are different from themselves. To that end, when we compose a Living Group, we make sure that there are students from different backgrounds and parts of the world.

How do students do their laundry? What if a student doesn’t know how to do laundry?
Our dormitories are equipped with coin-operated laundry rooms. The charge for each complete cycle is one dollar in quarters. Students may use the machines during their free times: during meal times and in the late afternoon. The laundry rooms are staffed during these free times in order to help students who need assistance (or a laundry lesson!).

This would be my child’s first time away from home. How can I tell if he or she is ready? What should we do to prepare?
If this is a child’s first time away from home, it is important to openly discuss his or her thoughts and feelings about it. Developmentally, most students by this age are ready for an overnight program. That doesn’t mean, however, that students won’t experience some nervousness about attending or that they won’t become homesick. Many students who leave home for the first time are both excited and nervous, and it is important to help them to understand that those feelings are not only normal, but quite common. Having open conversations about homesickness and what a student can do if they are feeling homesick while at Explo is essential and will help them to understand the support network that will be in place with their residential advisors and other members of the Dean’s Office.

How do you handle homesickness at Explo?
During the week of staff training and orientation, Residential Advisors are trained to identify signs of homesickness and how to work with students who are experiencing homesickness. If a student is identified as homesick, a member of the Dean’s Office who has spoken with your child will contact you to find ways to help your child transition through these natural feelings. After several days, most homesick students at Explo have created their own network of support and return home after the summer with newfound confidence.

What are your policies regarding cell phones and calling home?
Students at Explo are not allowed to have cell phones. While we encourage students to keep in touch with those close to them, we want them to be fully engaged in our programming throughout the entire day and evening. Students traveling unaccompanied to Explo may bring a cell phone for communication during their travels. However, upon arrival on campus, they are required to turn in their cell phones to the Dean’s Office.

Students may make phone calls starting at 4:30pm on the first Friday of each session. Students arriving unaccompanied will be given the opportunity to call a parent or guardian to confirm their safe arrival. This policy encourages students to become fully engaged at Explo from the beginning and helps them make the transition from home. If a parent has any concern or question before this time, he or she may call the Dean’s Office for a report on their child's well being. We encourage students to come to Explo with prepaid phone cards, though these may also be purchased in our Main Office during the summer. International students may want to purchase prepaid international calling cards in their home country.

What are your policies regarding laptops and other electronics?
The use of portable music, video, and video games are discouraged because of their tendency to limit student’s engagement in the community. Therefore, these electronics may only be used on Living Group floors and in student rooms. They may not be used during any class, activity, or meal.   Students are not allowed to bring laptops to Explo. Students who wish to use email to keep in touch with family and friends may use the Explo computer lab during free time beginning on the first Friday of the session.

Is there internet access for students?
Students may access personal email accounts via the Internet during open hours in supervised Explo computer labs, starting at 4:30pm on the first Friday of each session. Access is limited to 15 minutes to give all students the opportunity to use the computers and Internet.

What is the food like?
All meals at Explo are provided through the Wellesley College Dining Services at dining halls on the residential quad. There are hot options at every meal. Breakfast has items like eggs, bagels, a selection of cold cereal, and waffles. At lunch, in addition to the hot option, there is also a deli bar and salad bar, and students can eat picnic-style out on the quad. Dinner includes items such as pizza, fajitas, and pasta. Vegetarian options are available and clearly labeled at each meal.

How do you accommodate special dietary requirements?
We work closely with Wellesley Dining Services to meet students' needs. Foods are labeled for common allergies, and the Dining Services staff is available to meet with students as needed. One of our dining halls is designated "peanut-free." Special dietary concerns should be brought to our attention prior to the start of summer by calling the Head of Programs at 781.762.7400.

How do you coordinate air travel to and from Explo on arrival and departure days?
For those traveling to and from Explo by plane, we provide transportation from Boston's Logan Airport for students whose flights are scheduled to arrive from 12pm until 5pm. Our staff, wearing bright orange Explo T-shirts and photo IDs, will be located at the baggage pickup area of each of the major terminals of the airport. Again, please schedule flights to arrive between 12pm and 5pm. On departure days, all students must leave campus by noon. Our buses take students to the airport from approximately 5am until 12pm. If transportation is needed earlier than that, we help students arrange for a cab or car service, but we do not have staff available to chaperone.   If you would like assistance planning your travel to Explo, we invite you to work with our travel partner, Colpitts World Travel. Please see the next FAQ for full information.

Does Explo offer any assistance in planning travel to and from campus?
In order to help families make travel arrangements for their children, Explo has partnered with Colpitts World Travel. Colpitts is a leader in international travel assistance and helps families plan safe, full-service travel arrangements to and from Explo. By booking through Colpitts, you can quickly determine how many other students are already on a flight and whether the flight arrives during our regular airport pickup hours. If it does not, Colpitts can book travel between the airport and campus through another Explo transportation partner, BostonCoach. Colpitts negotiates discounts with the major airlines and their pricing is very competitive.

We did quite a bit of research to make sure both companies could serve our families worldwide, and because we are dealing with students under the age of 18, it was imperative that we find partners who would meet our high standards. Colpitts, a leader in the travel industry, will be able to assist families with unaccompanied minor paperwork as well.   

Families are not required to use the services of either company, but if you would like to do so, please call Colpitts at 781.326.7800 ext.460 and mention that you are calling for an Explo student. Families interested in car service can reach BostonCoach directly at 800.672.7676. You are welcome to use Explo account number 91030 with BostonCoach to receive a discounted rate.

Is there any flexibility around arrival and departure days?
We want our students to experience every possible moment at Explo. A student who arrives late to the program misses much of the important bonding that occurs on a residential floor the first night. Similarly, a student who leaves early misses out on the eagerly anticipated closing ceremonies and final party, where students have the opportunity to be with their friends one last time before going home. Occasionally, exceptions are made but they require a discussion with the Head of Programs at Explo at Wellesley. The Head can be reached at our Norwood Office at 781.762.7400.

May I visit my child or sign out my child during the session?
Students may be signed out and receive visitors starting on the first Friday of the session, which allows ample time for students to get accustomed to being away from home. All visitors must check in at the Main Office upon arrival. Only guests age 21 or over will be permitted to visit or sign a student out. All visitors must be specifically named by parents or guardians on the Authorized Visitor Form and must present a picture ID and leave complete information about intended destination, temporary guardian, and time of return. Students may not be signed out during a course or workshop, and signing out a student overnight is strongly discouraged. Please contact the Dean’s Office in advance if you would like to visit or sign out your child. Most families do not visit during the three-week session.

For residential students attending both sessions, what happens on the transition weekend between the two sessions?
On the Saturday of “intersession,” first session residential students depart. We take all six-week students on an all-day trip that includes lunch, dinner, and evening entertainment. This allows us to clean and freshen the dorms for the students arriving the next day. There is an additional fee for students participating in the transition weekend off-campus trip.

If parents or friends plan to visit six-week students over intersession, we request that students be picked up before noon on Saturday and dropped off for the 9:30pm check-in. Students may also be signed out overnight on the transition Saturday. Again, we ask that students be picked up before noon. Students signed out overnight on the transition Saturday should return after 1pm on Sunday.

If parents have concerns during the summer, whom should they contact?
If parents have concerns during the summer they should contact the Dean’s Office at 781.283.3781 to speak with Residence Directors, who supervise the Residential Advisors (RA’s) and can help answer questions and respond to concerns.

Day Students

What is different about the day program at Explo at Wellesley?
Explo at Wellesley’s day program is incredibly unique. First of all, day students are welcome to stay late into the evenings, and we encourage day students to participate in trips on the weekends. Because Explo at Wellesley enrolls students from all over the United States and from more than 50 countries, day students will meet and become friends with an incredibly diverse group of people. Day students can participate in our evening activities every night, and even sleep over three times a week. All of this extra time means there’s a lot more that day students can take advantage of than at a typical day program.

What are the hours of the Day Program?
The Day Program begins with a check-in at 8am with Day Advisors. Students are dropped off at Explo by parents (many in carpools that we can help you arrange) or by Explo buses with routes all over the Boston area. Students spend the day in courses and activities and meet regularly with their Day Advisors. Day Groups have a final check-in in the late afternoon, before the standard day student departure at 4:30pm. That being said, we are happy to have day students arrive earlier in the day, and we encourage them to stay late into the evening.

May students arrive early and/or stay late?
Yes. Some families find it more convenient to drop off their children for breakfast at 7:30. Students in the “Breakfast Club” are responsible for checking in at the Main Office before joining residential students for breakfast. There is an additional charge, drawn from a student’s miscellaneous account, to cover their additional meals. Families must arrange participation in advance.

We also encourage day students to take advantage of all of the additional opportunities we offer past 4:30pm. Day students simply need to bring in a signed permission slip every morning they'd like to stay later than the standard 4:30 check-out. Students will enjoy dinner, activities, and the evening's Main Event. There is flexibility in when students may checkout throughout the evening, but most students are picked up by car at 9:30pm. (At Orientation, you will receive notice about some events, such as off-campus evening trips, that may return later than 9:30pm.) Day students may stay late as many nights as they'd like, though please note that there is no Explo bus service in the evening, so families must arrange for a ride home. Students’ miscellaneous accounts are charged for the additional meal every evening students stay beyond 4:30.

May day students spend the night at Explo?
Yes. Not only do day students have the option to stay until 9:30 every night, but they may also choose to stay overnight up to three nights a week. Day students sleep in the same dormitories as residential students, though we designate special halls just for the day students. Students are supervised on these halls by Day Advisors who ensure that everyone understands the evening procedures. Staff members also assist students with the morning routine the next day. Overnights are a wonderful way to spend even more time at Explo a few nights every week. Day students who wish to stay overnight must bring a signed permission slip in the morning, along with a pillow, sleeping bag, and toiletries. A student’s miscellaneous account is charged for dinner and breakfast for every overnight stay.

How does bus service work at Explo at Wellesley?
Explo operates multiple bus routes that run through Boston and many of the suburbs. Our buses operate Monday through Friday, and pick up students at predetermined bus stops, bringing them to campus in time for the morning check-in. The buses leave campus each day at 4:30pm and bring students back to their original stops. There is an additional charge for bus service, and families must sign up in advance. A list of the bus routes, along with a link to the sign-up form, is available here: http://www.explo.org/360/wellesley/day_students.

What happens on the weekends? May day students participate in weekend activities?
Absolutely! Day students who wish to return to Explo may choose from more than 20 day-long clinics and off-campus trips every weekend. Students must select from a list of options by Tuesday each week, and the cost of the trip is deducted from their miscellaneous accounts. We offer many unique opportunities, even for day students who know the New England area, but familiar destinations are also fun with dozens of friends and the Explo staff. Just as on weekdays, day students still have the option to stay as late as 9:30pm or to spend the night. Please note that Explo does not offer bus service on the weekend.

Do day students belong to a group?
Each student is assigned to a Day Group of approximately ten students, supervised by two staff advisors who check in with them multiple times throughout the day. A Day Advisor’s primary responsibility is to get to know the students in his/her student group, be aware of how they are adjusting to life at Explo and, from that perspective, be able to work with students to help resolve any questions, problems, or concerns. Our advisors will also challenge students to try new things and truly make the most of the Explo experience. Our schedule allows ample opportunity for advisors to meet with students in both formal and informal ways. Students have a final extended check-in every afternoon at 4pm, when advisors meet with students to talk about the days, discuss group dynamics, and talk about upcoming events. For the first two days of the session, students are encouraged to sit with their student groups during lunch, helping to build a strong sense of community.

Where do day students go during the day if they don’t have a dorm?
From morning check-in until the 4:30 check-out, students are engaged in courses, workshops, and activities. Neither residential students nor day students are permitted to spend time in the dormitories during the periods of structured activities. If day students choose to stay past the 4:30 check-out, we offer a number of optional “Period 5” activities before and after dinner for all students who wish to participate. If they choose, day students may also visit the floors of residential friends of the same gender during Period 5.

What are your policies regarding cell phones and electronics?
In an effort to help students be fully engaged while on campus, students are not allowed to have cell phones while at Explo. If a parent has a concern at any point in the day, she or he may call the Main Office or the Dean’s Office for assistance. Though we only bring a student to the phone in the case of an emergency, we are happy to pass an important message on to your child.

Some families of day students prefer that their children carry cell phones when commuting to and from campus. This is permitted, provided the phones are turned off and placed in a backpack or bag while the students are on campus or riding on an Explo bus.

What is the food like?
The day student tuition includes lunch on weekdays. Our dining halls serve hot entrees like pizza, grilled chicken sandwiches, pasta, and more, in addition to a salad bar and deli bar. Vegetarian options are always available, along with a selection of soft drinks and juices, desserts, and snacks. Even the pickiest of eaters will be able to find something to enjoy.

How do you accommodate special dietary requirements?
We work closely with Wellesley College's Dining Services to meet students' needs. Foods are labeled for common allergies, and Dining Services staff are available to meet with students as needed. One of our dining halls is designated "peanut-free." Special dietary concerns should be brought to our attention prior to the start of the summer by calling the Head of Programs at Explo at Wellesley at 781.762.7400. We can accommodate many requests, provided we have advance notice.

Where do day students keep their belongings (swimsuits, sneakers, etc.)?
With so many activities to choose from each day, day students often bring a backpack to carry items like swimsuits, towels, and sneakers. We provide day students with a secure, locked area to place their belongings and access them throughout the day.

If parents have concerns during the summer, whom should they contact?
We believe that partnering with families is vital to the success of students at Explo. If at any time you have a question or concern, please bring it to our attention by calling your child's Day Director or the Assistant Dean of the Day Program at 781.283.3781. Likewise, we will always call families when we have any kind of question or concern.

International Students

Why have so many international families chosen Explo over the years?
There are many reasons why international families continue to choose Explo. We have been told by many families that our long history with international students has made them comfortable trusting us. At Explo, international students enter into a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that incorporates them into activities, athletics, classes, and trips, while also being open to the cultures of all students.

It is an exciting opportunity for international students to come to America and meet students from the United States and the rest of the world. For students who want to practice their English speaking skills, Explo is an accepting and supportive environment that immerses international students in American culture and language. For students who want to receive more formal instruction, we also offer English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses on the basics of the English language and American customs.

Our weekend trips — which go into Boston and New York City, as well as all over New England — are a great attraction for international students as well. Seeing the historical and cultural sites of Northeast America provides an eye-opening experience and a lasting memory for many students.

Do international students really get to experience authentic American culture while at Explo?
The ideal way to experience a new culture is to be completely immersed in it. All of our courses, activities, and events are conducted in English, and our enthusiastic staff represent many regions of the United States. Most international students have an American roommate who has expressed excitement about the opportunity to live with an international student. Every weekend, students leave our campus to explore sites all around New England.

How many students are international?
About 25% of residential students at Explo at Wellesley are international students who come from more than 50 countries around the world.

Where do your international students come from?
One of the most exciting facets of Explo at Wellesley is our geographically diverse community. Students have come to Explo from over 60 countries, spanning every continent but Antarctica! Recently, international students have represented: Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Curacao, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela, and Vietnam.

How does Explo approach cultural difference?
We recognize that cultural differences naturally exist among many of the students in our geographically diverse community. Part of Explo’s mission is to encourage students to discover the world of people and ideas, respecting the differences that make us all individuals and finding the common ground that makes us a community. Our staff is trained to be sensitive to cultural differences, while not shying away from engaging students in honest, safe discussions for the purpose of greater understanding. Our residential advising staff and Dean’s Office create an environment of support that is a catalyst for long-lasting cross-cultural friendships.

What level of English proficiency is necessary to attend Explo?
Because all of our courses, activities, and correspondence with students are conducted in English, it is crucial that students have at least an intermediate level of English proficiency to attend Explo and to take advantage of everything we have to offer.

Does Explo offer ESOL classes?
Yes. The ESOL class is a full course designed for international students to practice their English and learn more about American culture. If international students wish to take the ESOL class, they must register for the class on their online application. Students may sign up for the ESOL class as one of their morning courses.

Are ESOL classes required of international students?
Explo does not require international students to take ESOL classes. We do, however, require that students have an intermediate or advanced level of English proficiency. Before international students can enroll with Explo, they need to set up a language assessment interview with our office. Please contact our Admission Office at 781.762.7400 for complete information.

What if my child’s English is not strong enough for Explo at Wellesley?
If a student’s English skills are not strong enough to attend Explo at Wellesley, the student has the option of enrolling in Explo English, which is also held on the Wellesely campus. Explo English is for early English language learners. For more information on Explo English at Wellesley, click here.

What kind of visa do I need to attend Explo?
International students need to obtain a B-2 visa for a short visit. The B-2 visa is normally available at the United States embassy in your home country.

What if I am unable to obtain a visa? May I get a full refund?
It is rare for a student who is enrolled in an Explo program to have difficulty procuring a visa. Should this happen, we will provide a full refund upon receipt of evidence showing the student was denied a visa.

Will my insurance work in the U.S.? How do I enroll in Explo’s insurance?
International students are required to carry American accident and health coverage, which may be purchased through Explo. International participants and others without this coverage will be billed each session for a short-term accident/health policy.

What is the best way to get payment to you?
Payments may be made by check or international wire. Credit cards are accepted for online deposits only, not for final payments. All payments, including deposits, tuition, and cash advances must be made in US funds. We will not accept checks drawn on a foreign bank.
To request wiring instructions, please contact our Admission Office at 781.762.7400.

How do you coordinate travel to and from campus on arrival and departure days?
Explo provides transportation to and from Logan International Airport in Boston, Massachusetts to the Wellesley campus on arrival and departure days during designated times. If students choose to fly in to other airports, they are responsible for coordinating and covering the cost of their travel to the Wellesley College campus.

Students should schedule flights to arrive at Logan International Airport between 12:00pm and 5:00pm on arrival day. Departure day flights should be scheduled to leave Logan International Airport between 8:00am and 2:00pm. Enrolled students complete an arrival and departure form in the spring, which asks for the airline, flight number, and the arrival and departure times of the student's flights. 

In order to help families make travel arrangements for their children, Explo has partnered with Colpitts World Travel. Colpitts is a leader in international travel assistance and is capable of helping families plan safe, full-service travel arrangements to and from campus. By booking through Colpitts, you can quickly determine how many other Explo students are already on a flight and whether the flight arrives during our regular airport pick-up hours. If it does not, Colpitts can book travel between the airport and campus through another Explo transportation partner, BostonCoach. Colpitts negotiates discounts with the major airlines and their pricing is very competitive.

Activities, Trips + Main Events

When students are not in class, what do they do?
Students at Explo at Wellesley take two courses most mornings, eat lunch, and then participate in an hour-long enrichment workshop, followed by either a student life group activity or a recreational activity period. Typically, students choose from around 20 different activities each recreational period: sports, arts and crafts, theater games, boating, swimming, discussion groups, engineering challenges, nature walks, cooking, and more. Students do not need to pre-enroll in these activities — they will make decisions in the moment each day. Students check in with group advisors throughout the day, and are encouraged to take advantage of everything Explo has to offer by trying new activities.

How much unstructured time do students have?
Students at Explo have the freedom to choose from a variety of structured activities and events for most of the day. However, we also recognize the importance of independent downtime for middle school students. “Period 5” runs from 4:30pm to 6:30pm each day. During Period 5, students may choose to participate in a number of structured activities run by the staff, hang out with friends on the quad, quietly read in a student lounge, or do their laundry. Several staff members are on duty during Period 5 and are present and available in all the areas where students might be. Twice a week, we offer students an opportunity to walk into the town of Wellesley during this free time. Additionally, every evening, students have a 45-minute “winding down time” to catch up with friends on our quad, or return to their dorms early.

Are students required to participate in activities?
Yes, students are required to choose from approximately 20 different activity options during recreational periods in the afternoon. Recreational activities include athletics, arts and crafts, theater games, boating, swimming, discussion groups, engineering challenges, nature walks, cooking, and more. Advisors assist students in making informed decisions and challenge students to try new things.

What athletic options do you have available?
Students attending Explo at Wellesley benefit from having access to the Wellesley College athletic fields, courts, and field house. We offer a variety of athletic activities each afternoon, including soccer, baseball, basketball, lacrosse, tennis, squash, ultimate Frisbee, football, and more. Our activities are generally structured in a way so that experienced players can jump right into the game, while students who are trying a sport for the first time can learn the rules and skills necessary to play. In the afternoons, students can enroll in athletic workshops oriented around skill development. Finally, Wellesley College coaches offer several weekend clinics that students can attend for an additional fee. For more information on our sports clinics, see the athletics page.

What are the evening Main Events?
After a day filled with stimulating activities and challenging courses, evenings are filled with a wide array of events designed to entertain students, expose them to new ideas, and give them a chance to have some fun. On a typical evening, students choose from two or three different Main Events, such as Carnival Night, talent shows, open mic night, karaoke, magicians, staff improv night, and dances. Once a week, we take everybody off campus for special evening trips like Cruise Night, when we charter a boat from Boston Harbor and dance the night away under the stars.

What types of weekend trips do you offer?
Our trips offer you a unique opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of the Boston and New England area. Each weekend students will choose from 15-20 different trip options. We offer trips into greater Boston and to many destinations throughout New England. Some of our offerings include horseback riding, rock climbing, the New England Aquarium, Boston Duck Tours, sailing in Boston Harbor, Six Flags, and trapeze school. We also offer a variety of on-campus staff-led clinics for students who prefer to stay closer to home.

Students also have the option to enroll in advance in an overnight trip to the Berkshires in Western Massachusetts. There, students will join the nationally renowned Zoar Outdoors for a variety of adventures, including kayaking, whitewater rafting, and a zip-line canopy tour. Ninth-grade students also have the option to enroll in the New York City and Yale University overnight trip, for an additional charge. Students on this trip see a Broadway musical, eat dinner in Times Square, visit NBC Studios, and relax on an evening boat tour. On the way home, students visit the site of Explo at Yale for a picnic lunch.

How and when does trip selection occur? Are top choices guaranteed?
Students rank their top choices from 15-20 different weekend trip and clinic options by Tuesday of each week. Because some of our trips are limited, we process student choices through our specialized software, ensuring balanced trip assignments over the course of a session. It is unusual for a student to get every top choice all summer, just as it is unusual for a student to never get a top choice. Students are notified of their trip assignments by Thursday each week.

How are trips supervised?
Weekend trips are coordinated through our Programming Office and are supervised by our faculty. Faculty members have detailed information about the itinerary and are prepared with additional site information to provide an engaging and safe experience for every student. On some trips, such as a visit to an amusement park, there are staff checkpoints and students walk around in groups, checking in with staff members on a regular basis. At other destinations, such as museums, students are accompanied by staff leaders throughout their visit. Our staff members wear bright orange Explo T-shirts when off campus so they can be easily recognized, and students must wear their photo IDs at all times. Attendance is taken before we leave for the trip and as we board the buses to return home. All of our buses are driven by professional drivers, most of whom have been with us for years. In fact, the average driver has been driving with Explo for more than 15 years.

Healthcare and Medical Issues

What medical facilities are on campus?
Experienced nurses are available on campus 24 hours a day. Our nurses office is centrally located in one of our dorms and has regular hours to treat ill students and to administer student medications. We are able to schedule appointments with medical doctors and nurse practitioners at local medical practices. Newton-Wellesley Hospital is nearby for emergencies, appointments, and consults.

How are medications distributed to students?
All medications must be administered by our nursing staff. Most students who take daily medications do so at regular times throughout the day, and our nurses make the process as brief as possible. Nurses are always happy to speak directly with parents who have specific concerns.

How do you accommodate students with food allergies?
We are very familiar with some of the more common food allergies, such as peanut allergies and celiac disease. Explo at Wellesley designates several residential halls and one dining hall as "nut-free." Food in the dining hall is carefully labeled, and Wellesley College's Food Service managers are on-hand to answer questions. Our staff is also trained to use Epi-Pens, should the need arise. If you are planning to send a child who has severe food allergies to Explo at Wellesley, please contact the Head of Programs at 781-762-7400.

Is my child required to be covered by U.S. health insurance?
Yes. We can provide your child with U.S. health insurance for the session for an additional fee, if necessary. Please indicate your interest in enrolling in the insurance plan on the application, or call the Explo at Wellesley registrar at 781-762-7400.

Safety + Supervision

How are safety and security handled at Explo?
The most important aspect of ensuring the safety of our students is to make sure that a good supervision process is in place. To that end, we have an excellent staff-to-student ratio and we make sure that our staff is highly visible not only in classes and extracurricular activities, but during free time on the quad, in the dormitories, in the dining halls, and in town. We work closely with the Wellesley College Police Department to ensure a safe summer. Every person affiliated with Explo is issued a photo ID on a brightly colored lanyard. Even visitors must check in with our Main Office to receive a special visitor ID while on our campus. Student group advisors check in with their students regularly throughout the day and attendance is taken in each class and at each check-in.

What is the staff-to-student ratio?
Our staff-to-student ratio is approximately 1-to-6.

What is the hiring process for summer staff?
We recruit at many of the top colleges and graduate schools throughout the country, looking for energetic, caring, and accomplished college and graduate students who are passionate about teaching and caring for adolescents. Our faculty go through a rigorous application and interviewing process, including comprehensive background checks, and we are extremely selective with whom we hire. In addition to this hiring process, all of our faculty work hard throughout the winter and spring, preparing curricula for their classes under the guidance of experienced teachers, mentors, and field experts. We also work with faculty throughout the spring, and during our Faculty Orientation, on the non-teaching components of their jobs, ensuring that everyone who is charged with caring for our students has the tools to respond to the variety of student needs and concerns that arise throughout the summer.

How do you ensure that all students receive personal attention?
Because of the low staff-to-student ratio, personal attention is the rule at Explo, rather than the exception. Each student is part of a Living Group or Day Group of 14 to 20 students, and each group has two Residential or Day Advisors who are directly responsible for addressing the needs of their students. In addition, each dorm has two Residence Directors who see handle larger needs and concerns. Living and Day Groups check in multiple times per day, and advisors make it a point to get to know the students in their groups. In fact, the advisor’s job is to make sure that each student is finding his or her niche at Explo. For some students that happens very quickly, while other students need more assistance.

In addition, our classes are usually limited to 16 students, so there is always personal attention in the classroom. Throughout the day, our staff members lead activities and supervise all aspects of student life. Explo is designed to have as much staff involvement in student life as possible, and a desire for personal attention informs all of our staff assignments—from chaperoning the sports center, to supervising the quad in the evening, and beyond.

What is supervision like around male/female interactions?
All of our dormitory floors are single-sex spaces At Explo at Wellesley. Students are not permitted to be in the entryways, hallways, rooms, or any other part of the residential space of a student of the opposite sex. Single-sex dormitory rules are strictly enforced.

Are students allowed to go wherever they want on campus?
No, but students do have free reign in the residential quad. During appropriate times, students are allowed to walk to classes on their own, if they choose, but must arrive in time for daily attendance. Twice a week, students have an opportunity to walk into the town of Wellesley (about 5 minutes away), where Explo staff surround the perimeter of our designated boundaries. Once again, students are responsible for returning to campus before their Living Group check-in.

Is the town of Wellesley a safe area for middle school students?
Yes. Wellesley is a safe small town, the heart of which is only a five-minute walk from campus. Students have the option of going into the village of Wellesley, also known as “the Vil,” twice a week for up to two hours. In the Vil, students visit convenience stores, small restaurants, and ice cream parlors. Students must sign out to the Vil and are required to stay within the designated boundaries set by Explo. Staff are assigned to the Vil during town time and there are clear rules about return times. Spending time in the Vil is very popular, and many students enjoy the feeling of independence, and the ability to get a slice of pizza, or to pick up things they might need such as shampoo, soap, or snacks for their rooms.

How are trips supervised?
Weekend trips are coordinated through our Programming Office and are supervised by our faculty. Our faculty members have detailed information about the itinerary and are prepared with additional site information to provide an engaging and safe experience for every student. On some trips, such as a visit to an amusement park, there are staff checkpoints, and students walk around in groups, checking in with staff members on a regular basis. At other destinations, such as museums, students are accompanied by staff leaders throughout their visit. Our staff wear bright orange Explo T-shirts when off campus so they can be easily recognized, and students must wear their photo IDs at all times. Attendance is taken before we leave for the trip and as we board the buses to return home. All of our buses are driven by professional drivers, most of whom have been with us for years. In fact, the average driver has been driving with Explo for more than 15 years.

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Frequently Asked Questions

General

Residential Students

Day Students

International Students

Activities, Trips, + Main Events

Healthcare and Medical Issues

Safety + Supervision

General

Residential Students

Day Students

International Students

Activities, Trips + Main Events

Healthcare and Medical Issues

Safety + Supervision

Want to see what a summer at EXPLO is all about?

on the Campus ofWellesley College2013 Program Dates

Residential Program

Day Program

Alumni Profile

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Frequently Asked Questions

General

Residential Students

Day Students

International Students

Activities, Trips, + Main Events

Healthcare and Medical Issues

Safety + Supervision

General

Residential Students

Day Students

International Students

Activities, Trips + Main Events

Healthcare and Medical Issues

Safety + Supervision

Want to see what a summer at EXPLO is all about?

on the Campus ofWellesley College2013 Program Dates

Residential Program

Day Program

Alumni Profile