FAQ | EXPLO

The following is a list of the most commonly asked questions we receive from students prior to arriving at Explo at Yale. 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 additional questions, please contact our Admission Office.

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 Yale a particularly good investment for this age group?
The time before college is a time to explore. It is a time to discover who you are, what your interests are, and where you might want to go with your life. A summer at Explo is a chance to do just this—to open yourself up to the world. With more than 150 course and mini-course offerings, students can pursue a developing interest or try something completely new. With weekend trips throughout New York and New England, students have a chance to see things and have experiences unlike anything they have seen or done before. And Explo’s balance of structured and unstructured time ensures that students are able to experience all of these things in an environment that replicates the types of choices they will have in college. Finally, 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. They are exposed to new ideas and new perspectives on a daily basis.

To thrive in a world that is becoming ever more complex and connected, students need to develop the skills to work and interact with those different from themselves. Students who can problem solve, think creatively, and see learning as a lifelong endeavor will be in demand by institutions of higher learning. They are also the kinds of people that employers pursue. Explo challenges students to think outside of the box, take the lead in their own learning, and to work cooperatively with a wide range of people. Explo has also helped thousands of students discover a passion that has lead them to study a particular discipline in college and/or pursue a particular career path. Finding something you love to do, early in life, is a great gift that impacts students for years to come.

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 — both inside and outside of the classroom — and our staff strives to create moments of learning for students in all aspects of life on campus. We recognize the value of teaching within a classroom and provide extensive professional development for 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. Explo is a unique program that combines the best of school and the best of adventure camp, fusing interactive teaching within the classroom with opportunities for fun and social engagement outside of it to create a dynamic environment of learning.

What experience does Explo have running summer programs?
Founded in 1976, Explo has been a leader in educational enrichment for more than 35 years and has expanded to three campuses. Our programs have always reflected a dedication to the best practices in education and student life. Members of Explo’s senior leadership are often asked to consult with schools and other organizations on many different topics in education today.

Is Explo the only summer program offered on the campus of Yale University?
While Explo is not the only summer program offered at Yale, it is by far the largest and most comprehensive. In addition, Explo has exclusive use of the Old Campus dormitories and is the only program that uses the Old Campus for the majority of its activities during the day. After the gates close each evening, the Old Campus quad is used only by Explo. Several of the classroom buildings are shared with a variety of other programs, conferences, and guests, and facilities such as the gymnasium are open to other members of the Yale community, but from the student perspective, there is minimal interaction with other Yale-based programs.

Will my experience at Explo help me to get into college?
Good question! And it's not a short answer. In highly competitive college and university admissions, attending any three week summer program is not going to make the difference in admission, regardless of what any program tries to tell you.

What really makes the difference is what you do with the experience. Over the years, thousands of students have taken advantage of the many opportunities presented by Explo, and in doing so have changed their lives. Their perspective — on the world and its people — has changed. Students often leave Explo having discovered strengths in themselves that they did not know existed. Upon returning home, Explo students are often inspired to start new clubs and organizations, to take on leadership positions in already established groups, or to join new teams and clubs. They become more passionate students. Many realize that doing well academically is not the same as really learning, and their newfound thirst for knowledge becomes apparent to teachers and family members. All of these kinds of changes can have quite an impact on college admissions. Explo is often a catalyst, and many students have written wonderful college admission essays on their Explo experience and how it has impacted them. Every year, a large number of Explo alumni are admitted to the most competitive colleges in the United States.

Attending Explo at Yale will likely make your transition to college much easier. With the numerous courses and activities offered, along with the experience of living in Yale's dorms with suitemates who come from all over the world, Explo prepares students for what they might experience at college. Students are able to discover what it feels like to live away from home and to make their own choices within a supportive environment, and become more independent and confident in their own abilities.

Finally, Explo at Yale is a superb place to begin or enhance your college search. With a college fair, workshops with admissions professionals, college trips, essay writing workshops, Princeton Review SAT/ACT courses, a college writing concentration, and various admissions presentations, you can get a great jumpstart on the college application process. And, you will be surrounded by more than a hundred college and graduate students who would love to talk with you about college options.

What should a student do for weekly spending money?
Students are discouraged from bringing large amounts of cash to Explo. Debit cards and traveler's checks are a better option, and there is a secure ATM located in the Student Activities Center for exclusive use by Explo students. Families may also want to check with their own banks, as many banks now offer a variety of options for teenagers, such as declining balance debit cards and other products.

Day Students

What are the hours of the day program?
Day students arrive each weekday for their Living Group meeting at 8:45, and classes begin at 9:10. The "regular" day for day students ends at 5:30, which marks the conclusion of our afternoon activity period. However, our day students are welcome and encouraged to stay later to attend our Main Event and to socialize with friends.

On the weekends, day students are invited (but are not required) to participate in our full array of trips. If day students choose to sign up for trips, they must arrive on campus at the time indicated for departure.

How early may day students arrive, and how late may they stay? Are there additional costs?
At Explo at Yale there is not a formal arrival time for day students prior to the advisor meeting at 8:45am. There is no charge for arriving early, unless a student wishes to eat breakfast in the dining hall on campus. In that case, the student must let the Main Office know the day before, so that arrangements can be made and the cost for breakfast ($10) can be deducted from the student's Miscellaneous Account.

Students may stay late (past 5:30pm and up until 10:45pm) an unlimited number of times during the summer. There is a charge for staying late, to cover the cost of dinner. This charge ($15) will be automatically deducted from the student's Miscellaneous Account each time he or she chooses to stay late. Students who stay late, but who will not be staying overnight, must leave campus by 10:45pm.

Are there opportunities for day students to spend the night on campus?
Absolutely. Day students may stay overnight up to three nights per week, and are welcome to sleep in a friend's room or in a designated day student suite. There will be an additional charge for these overnight stays to cover meals, custodial services, and related costs. The charge is $55 for weeknights and $70 for weekends.

May day students participate in evening and weekend trips?
Definitely. Day students are encouraged to participate in all aspects of life at Explo and have exactly the same opportunities as residential students to sign up for and participate in weekend trips and evening Main Events.

How is the day program at Explo different from most day programs?
Our day program is different from most in that Explo at Yale is about 95% residential. Because of this, there are terrific opportunities for day students to become completely immersed in everything we do, and in the diversity of students, faculty, and programming. Day students are always staying late to experience all we have to offer, and even when they go home for dinner, it seldom feels like they are leaving Explo behind. Although not technically in residence, our day students are an integral part of our residential environment.

Do day students belong to a group?
Yes. Day students are placed with a Living Group of their own gender and grade. In the group, day students have the opportunity to meet students and to have a "home base."

Where do day students go during the day if they don’t have dorms?
When not in class or taking part in a planned activity, day students have a variety of spaces available to them. In addition to the gym and the computer labs, which are open throughout the afternoon, day students often frequent our Student Activities Center, a co-ed indoor space with a variety of resources for students. Day students may also visit the suites of residential students, provided they are of the same sex.

Where do day students keep their belongings during the day?
Day students are welcome to leave personal belongings (sports equipment, musical instruments, etc.) in their Living Group Common Room or in the Main Office.

For students commuting by train, how does the Union Station shuttle service work?
Every morning, an Explo faculty member will be at Union Station to meet students arriving by train. The shuttle will leave Union Station at 8:30 each morning, in order to be on campus for the 8:45 advisor meeting. At the end of the day, the shuttle will leave campus at 5:45. Students staying late will need to arrange for other transportation, as there are no train station shuttles in the evenings.

What are your policies regarding cell phones and electronics?
Cell phones and other electronics are allowed at Explo at Yale, though we greatly discourage their use, as they tend to isolate students from the community at large. Cell phones may not be used during class periods, living group time, check-ins, and other formal meeting periods. Students are expected to use all technology responsibly.

What is the food like?
All meals are prepared and cooked by Yale Dining Services, and include a wide variety of options. Meals are served buffet style, and attendance at meals is optional (as there are also several popular restaurants in the area). There are always several hot entrees to choose from, in addition to a full salad and sandwich bar at lunch, and both salad and pasta bars at dinner. All meals include vegetarian and vegan options, and all foods are labeled with ingredients, including common food allergens.

If parents have any concerns during the summer, whom should they contact?
The Dean's Office staff live on campus and are available for students and parents. Residence Directors oversee student groups (including day students) and regularly check in with Day and Residential Advisors. For day student concerns, parents should contact these Residence Directors through our Main Office.

Residential Students

Where do students live on campus? What does a student room look like? What are the suites like in the residence halls?
Explo at Yale uses student residence halls on the Old Campus, each with multiple entrance doors or entryways facing the central quad. Access to entryways is by programmed card keys, and each suite has its own key. Inside each suite is a furnished common room and single and double bedrooms. Each residence hall has a unique floor plan, but all are equipped with student suites for two to nine students. (The vast majority of suites house 4-6 students.) Some suites have a bathroom within them for shared use by the suitemates, while others share a bathroom with another suite. Yale provides a bed, a dresser, a closet, and a pillow for each student and at least one desk and desk lamp per room.

How do living groups function?
Each living group has about 20 students (3-4 suites) and two Residential Advisors. Residential Advisors live in the dorms with residential students and are students' primary contacts throughout the session. Advisors regularly check in with students, both formally and informally, and serve as a liaison between students and the Dean's Office. Most students come to Explo not knowing other students, so the close living group structure helps students get to know a small group of people very quickly. In addition, all students participate in afternoon living group activities every Monday-Thursday, which are led by Residential Advisors. Ranging from discussions to games, these activities are a way for students within living groups to get to know one another and to encourage teamwork within the group.

Do boys and girls live in the same dorm?
All of our dorms are single sex. In order to respect each other's privacy, students must adhere to our single-sex policy, which states that students may not be in any part of residence halls of the opposite sex at any time.

How does the housing/roommate situation work? May my child pick a roommate, or are they assigned?
A housing questionnaire will be available online in the spring, on which students can request that one person be assigned to their living group. We make every effort to honor living group requests when they are made in writing on this form, as long as (1) the requests are mutual, (2) both are received prior to the spring deadline, and (3) the students are in the same grade. Most students who come to the Explo do not know other students and will be assigned to suites and rooms based on sex, grade, and geography. We also take into account living preferences designated on the housing questionnaire.

How does laundry service work? How do students do their laundry? What if a student doesn’t know how to do laundry?
Students are responsible for doing their own laundry. There are single-sex laundry facilities right on the Old Campus, which are available for students to use during their free time. Residential Advisors will distribute laundry cards at the beginning of the session. To use the laundry machines in the dorms, students will need to add money to their laundry card using the machines in the laundry facility. We understand that for many students, this may be the first time they will be doing laundry on their own. Residential advisors are available to assist students in this process.

This is my child’s first time away from home. How do you handle homesickness?
Students will have two Residential Advisors who will check in with them every day. Because of the small size of living groups, our Residential Advisors are able to focus on the needs of each individual student and quickly and support those needs. In addition, our Residential Advisors are trained to address issues of homesickness that may arise during the summer.

How can I tell if my child is ready? What should we do to prepare for Explo?
Many different types of students have had successful summers at Explo. It is important for parents to understand, however, that Explo might not be a good match for some students. Students at Explo need sufficient energy, concentration, and stamina to get through a full, busy, and structured schedule. We expect a lot from our students in their ability to handle the choices and responsibilities they are given with an appropriate level of maturity.

What are your policies regarding cell phones and calling home?
We discourage frequent cell phone usage as it tends to isolate students from the rest of the Explo community. If students do choose to bring a cell phone to campus, please be advised that they may only use phones during free time (not during courses, mini-courses, check-ins, main events, trips, living group time, or workshops). We provide free local phone service to a single phone line in each student suite upon request. Students must provide their own phone and will need to have a calling card to access long distance services.

What are your policies regarding laptops and other electronics?
Students do not need a personal computer at Explo, as we de-emphasize homework and have two computer labs with internet access on the Old Campus. (The exception is for students enrolled in HS2C: The College Writing Concentration. Those students are strongly encouraged to bring laptop computers.) Generally, we discourage bringing expensive electronics to Explo.

Is there internet access for students?
Students can check and send email, do research for a class project, and surf the Web in the computer labs right on the Old Campus. Our computer labs have open hours and are staffed during these hours in case you need any help. The Old Campus is equipped with wireless internet service.

What is the food like? How do you accommodate special dietary requirements?
All meals at Explo are prepared and by Yale Dining Services, and include a wide variety of options. Meals are served buffet style, and attendance at meals is optional (as there are also several popular restaurants in the area). There are always several hot entrees to choose from, in addition to a full salad and sandwich bar at lunch, and both salad and pasta bars at dinner. All meals include vegetarian and vegan options and foods are well-labeled. If your child keeps Kosher, there are always options that will meet his/her needs. Please contact our office (at senior@explo.org or 781.762.7400) if your child has any special dietary needs or restrictions.

How do you coordinate travel to and from campus on arrival and departure days?
All students are responsible for making their own travel arrangements to and from Explo. Though not required, we recommend families consider using our travel partner, Colpitts World Travel. Residential students must fill out arrival and departure forms online in the spring so we know how and when each student plans to arrive and depart. Explo provides transportation between the Yale campus and Bradley International Airport in Hartford, CT from 12pm to 5pm on arrival day and 8:00am to 1:00pm on departure day. In addition, Explo provides transportation between campus and Union Station in New Haven between 1:00pm and 5:00pm on arrival day and between 8:00am and 1:00pm on departure day.

 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?
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 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 to 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, you may 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. Please use Explo account number 91030 with BostonCoach to receive a discounted rate.

Is there flexibility around arrival and departure days?
Because an EXPLO session lasts for only three weeks, it is important that students are able to attend the entire session before they commit to attending EXPLO. If a student needs to arrive early or depart late, they are responsible for making their own arrangements for accommodation, as we are unable to house students in Yale's facilities before or after the dates of the program.

May I visit my child or take my child off campus during the session?
Yes. Visitors designated by families on the Authorized Visitor Form may visit students at Explo during non-mandatory activities in the late afternoon and early evening on weekdays. In addition, students may be signed off campus for an afternoon, evening, or overnight visit following afternoon classes. In the event that a student is signed out of Explo overnight, he/she must be back on campus for the 8:45am advisor meeting. Students may also be signed out for a weekend visit, but may not be visited or signed out on trips.

For residential students attending both sessions, what happens on the transition weekend in between the two sessions?
On the last Saturday of first session, residential students will be leaving, and new residential students will arrive the next day. Parents or friends may want to sign out six-week students Saturday. We take all six-week students remaining on campus on an extended Saturday trip, which includes dinner and evening entertainment.

Who should parents contact with concerns or questions during the summer?
The Dean's Office staff live at the program and are available for students and parents. Each residential building has its own Residence Directors who oversee student groups and regularly check in with Residential Advisors. For concerns with all residential issues, parents should contact Residence Directors during the program. Residence Directors can be reached by phone through our Main Office.

International Students

Why have so many international families chosen Explo over the years?
There are a lot of reasons why international families continue to choose Explo. We've 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 of our international students. For these students, it is an exciting opportunity to get to come to America and meet students from the United States — as well as students from all over 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 offer an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), concentrating on spoken English and American customs.

 Our weekend trips—which go into New York City, Boston, Washington, DC, 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 at Explo?
The culture of Explo at Yale is akin to an authentic American college experience. Living in the dorms at Yale University and taking courses taught predominately by American instructors, Explo students are exposed to the cultural diversity of their peers and their teachers who represent a wide variety of backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs. The historic campus of Yale and the urban environment of New Haven offer a unique experience of life in an American college town. In addition, our 30+ weekend trip offerings — including trips to New York City, Boston, Washington D.C., and visits to college campuses in the northeast — allow international students to experience popular American sites.

What is the percentage of international students at EXPLO?
About 30% of the student body Explo at Yale are international students, representing over 50 countries.

How does Explo approach cultural difference?
Because of the cultural diversity of student body at Explo at Yale, many of the discussions and activities that take place in the dorms surround learning from cultural differences. Our faculty is trained to act as a resource for students around issues of cultural difference and to mediate and help resolve any issues that may arise. International students are required to attend a meeting on the first day of the program that introduces them to the resources we have available.

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

Does Explo require international students to take ESOL classes?
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 to attend the program, and encourage international students to speak in English during check-ins, courses, and activities.

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

Will my insurance work in the U.S.? If not, 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 call our 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 Bradley International Airport in Hartford, CT, to the Yale 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 campus. One of Explo’s travel partners is BostonCoach, a trustworthy car service that can be hired for travel to Yale from airports other than Bradley.

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 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 BostonCoach. Colpitts negotiates discounts with the major airlines and their pricing is very competitive.

Health Care + Medical Issues

What medical facilities are on campus?
Explo at Yale has its own Health Office right on the Old Campus, staffed 24 hours a day. Nurses in the Health Office are available to answer health questions, dispense medication, examine students with medical concerns, and schedule medical, physical therapy, and other types of appointments. In addition to these services, our Health Office coordinates with both Yale University Health Services and the Yale-New Haven Hospital.

How are medications distributed to students?
All medications are dispensed by the nurses in our Health Office. Our Health Office has regular office hours from 7:00am-11:00pm daily, and students are responsible for going to the Health Office at the appropriate times to get any necessary medication. With very few exceptions (e.g., Epi-pens), students are not allowed to have any medications, including over-the-counter medications, in their rooms/suites. On days students are away from campus on trips, faculty chaperones will distribute necessary medications. All students who use prescription medication will need to come to Explo with their prescriptions filled by Group Rx. Once a student is accepted into the program, we will send home additional information about Group Rx.

What is the procedure when a student is ill?
When a student feels ill, he or she should go to the Health Office. Our nurses will address the student’s medical concerns and provide basic treatment/care, and will determine if a doctor visit is necessary. If the student feels too sick to go to the Health Office, the student should inform his or her Residential Advisors, who will help seek appropriate medical care.

How do you accommodate students with food allergies?
Yale Dining Services is extremely helpful and accommodating when it comes to providing meals for students with food allergies. All foods are labeled with ingredients, including common food allergens, and registered dietitians are available to answer and address all food questions and concerns. For students with more sensitive food allergies, we can make additional accommodations (e.g., peanut-free living suites, etc.).

Is my child required to be covered by U.S. health insurance?
Yes. All students are required to have coverage from a U.S. based accident and health insurance provider. International participants and others without this coverage will be billed each session for a short term accident/health policy.

How do I enroll with Explo’s insurance provider for the summer?
You may indicate a desire to enroll with our insurance provider on the online application. If you mark this selection, the registrar will send a brochure with detailed policy information.

Safety + Supervision

How are safety and security handled at Explo at Yale?
Safety and security are our top priorities and inform all of our rules and procedures at Explo. All students and faculty are required to wear Explo lanyards and IDs at all times so that students can quickly and easily identify who is part of our program and who is not. In addition, we have strict boundaries to ensure that students are only traveling in areas that we feel are absolutely safe for high school students. Each evening, we close the gates to our main quad on the Old Campus so that only those affiliated with Explo can access our space at night. All student dormitories are locked at all times, accessible only by electronic keycard. Finally, we have a close relationship with Yale Police and Security, and officers not only patrol the area day and night, but are also experienced in working with Explo.

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

What is the hiring process for summer faculty?
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 our hiring. In addition to this 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 experts in their particular fields. 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 of approximately 15-25 students, and each group has two Residential Advisors who are directly responsible for addressing the needs of their students. In addition, each dorm has two Residence Directors who oversee larger needs and concerns.

What is supervision like around male/female interactions?
At Explo at Yale, all of our dormitories are single-sex spaces. 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. There are a variety of indoor co-ed spaces on campus for students to socialize, such as our Student Activities Center.

Are students allowed to go wherever they want on campus?
We have designated certain areas of New Haven and the Yale campus as being "in bounds," and these boundary lines are clearly marked on all campus maps. These boundaries are in place for students' safety, and are informed by our determination of spaces we feel absolutely comfortable having students go on their own.

In addition to boundaries, and the required attendance at all classes and living group check-ins (which occur 4 times per day), all students must be on the Old Campus by 7:30pm each weekday, and 8:30pm on the weekends. At these times, the gates to Old Campus are closed, and students must remain within the Old Campus for the remainder of the evening.

Is New Haven a safe area for high school students?
We are confident in our ability to ensure students' safety at Explo at Yale. Our home on the Old Campus and the spaces we use surrounding campus are at the center of a bustling college town, with a variety of shops, restaurants, and other businesses nearby. Yale has hosted high school students on its campus during the summer for many years, and both Yale and New Haven Police boast an exceptional safety record. We implement our rules and procedures with student safety as the top priority, and we are excited by the opportunity to host our program in such a vibrant, exciting, and resource-rich environment.

How are trips supervised?
Each weekend trip includes a team of chaperones who supervise students throughout the day. Some trips, such as our adventure trips (whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and others), also include trained professional guides. Most trips include a detailed itinerary and set activities, though some also include a degree of free time (for example, lunch in Central Park following a museum visit, shopping in Harvard Square, etc.). Whatever the specifics of the trip, our chaperones require regular student check-ins and will set clear boundaries and expectations for students, just as we do on campus at Yale.

Activities, Trips + Main Events

When students are not in class, what do they do?
Afternoons at Explo at Yale offer a number of activities that mirror the extracurricular environment students will find when they get to college. With plenty of options and the ability to choose what they will participate in, the extracurricular programming at Explo gives students the chance to make each day different. During “Open Time,” students can take full advantage of all that Yale and New Haven have to offer, from the variety of shops and restaurants, to the enormous Payne-Whitney Gymnasium, to the campus computer labs, and more. Students remain free during “Activity Period,” when they may also choose from a variety of staff-led discussions, sports, movie screenings, and other activities. At night, students may opt to go to the Main Event (a performance, theme night, or other type of show that changes nightly), and also have time to relax and socialize at the end of a busy day. In addition to all of this, Explo’s own Student Activities Center, with a variety of games, arts supplies, and other resources, remains open throughout the afternoon and evening.

How much unstructured time do students have?
Explo provides a balance of structured and unstructured time similar to what students will find in college. All class periods (two morning courses, and either a workshop or Princeton Review in the afternoon) are required, as is daily living group time and four check-ins per day. However, the bulk of the afternoon and evening, beginning at 3:00pm, includes an array of options, with no specific required activities. During this time, students may choose from a variety of activities and a different Main Event each evening, and also have ample time to go to the gym, use the computer labs, take advantage of our Student Activities Center, and socialize.

Are students required to participate in activities?
Students at Explo at Yale are not required to participate in activities, though they are strongly encouraged to do so. There is a wide and ever-changing variety of offerings each day, and we always encourage students to explore things they have not yet tried (as well as enjoy those activities they know they like).

What athletic options are available?
The athletic options change daily, as faculty offer different athletic activities each day. In addition to these planned activities, there are daily shuttles to the fields and tennis courts, as well as to the Payne-Whitney Gym, which houses a fitness center, squash courts, and basketball courts and is open throughout the afternoon. We also offer a variety of athletic workshops, along with a golf clinic and sailing clinic on the weekends.

Is there daily swimming?
Yes. Yale's indoor exhibition pool is open and supervised 4:30-5:30pm each weekday for exclusive use by Explo.

What are evening Main Events?
Main Events occur each evening at the Explo and include a variety of performances, concerts, theme nights, and other special events. In the past, Main Events have included cover bands, dance troupes, a Carnival Night, a Casino Night, and the ever-popular Club Night, an Explo-only dance party at New Haven's legendary rock club Toad's Place. Attendance at Main Events is optional for students. Those who do not attend may remain on the Old Campus to spend time in our Student Activities Center, take advantage of the computer lab, or just visit with friends on the quad.

What types of trips do you offer?
Weekend trips are focused on cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities, including sight-seeing, theatre trips, and outdoor adventures throughout the New York and New England area. On any given weekend, we offer up to 30 different trips to choose from, including trips to Broadway shows, visits to museums in New York City, whitewater rafting and rock climbing trips, visits to college campuses, and many more. We also offer overnight trips to Boston and Washington, D.C., and an extended day trip to Newport, Rhode Island. Students interested in the overnight or extended trips must sign up in advance.

How and when does trip selection occur?
With the exception of the overnight trips, the Newport day trip, and our golf and sailing clinics, sign up for all weekend trips occurs on campus during the summer. Students go over the upcoming weekend's trip choices in their living groups at the beginning of each week, and select their top three trip choices. Students will then be assigned to a trip based on those choices. Trip lists are published toward the end of the week.

Are top trip choices guaranteed?
It is rare that a student will not get one of his or her top three requests, given the number and breadth of trip offerings each week. In the unlikely event that this occurs, the student will have the option to choose from the open trips, and we will make every effort to ensure that the student gets one of his or her top requests on subsequent trip days. We keep track of all student assignments, and our system is designed not only to give students their top requests whenever possible, but also to give preference to students who have not gotten their top requests on previous trip days.

How are trips supervised?
Each weekend trip includes a team of chaperones who will supervise students throughout the day. Some trips, such as our adventure trips (whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and others), also include trained professional guides. Most trips include a detailed itinerary and set activities, though some also include a degree of free time (for example, lunch in Central Park following a museum visit, shopping in Harvard Square, etc.). Whatever the specifics of the trip, our chaperones will require regular student check-ins and will set clear boundaries and expectations for the students, just as we do on campus.

Student Body

What kind of student is a good fit for Explo?
At Explo, we are looking for bright, curious, and interesting people. Our students are young people eager to try new things, meet new people, and actively participate in the Explo community — both inside and outside the classroom. Because of the diversity of personalities and interests of Explo participants, almost all of our students will find their niche.

How many students attend Explo at Yale each session?
Explo at Yale hosts approximately 650 students each session.

How many students stay for the full six weeks?
About 30-35 students stay for the full six weeks at Yale. Given the range of options, students who stay for six weeks are able to partake in new courses, activities, trips, and living groups during the second session.

Where do most of the students come from?
Our students come from all across the country and all over the world. Students come to Explo from more than 40 states and 50 countries — from urban areas, rural areas, and small towns.

What is the male/female ratio within the student body?
About 60% of our student body is female and 40% is male.

Do most students come to Explo alone or with a friend?
The vast majority of students come to Explo not knowing other students, and small living groups help students get to one another well, and very quickly. Year after year, many of our students tell us that the best part of Explo was all the new friends they made, many of whom they stay in touch with long after the summer ends.

Are students at Explo cliquey? What do you do to ensure that all students feel included?
Because of the diversity of our student body and offerings, many types of students are attracted to Explo. For this reason, all kinds of students are able to find their niche. Countless opportunities are available to meet new people — through courses, activities, Main Events, living groups, and trips. Small class sizes and living groups, along with our low student/staff ratio ensure that students feel included and are able to receive individual attention.

How does Explo approach cultural difference?
Because of the diversity in cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs of the Explo student body, many of the discussions and activities that take place in the dorms surround learning from cultural differences. Our residential staff is trained to act as a resource for students around issues of cultural difference and to mediate and help resolve any conflicts that may arise.

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At Exploration, we want students to exercise their curiosity.

A 3-week summer program for students entering grades 10-12 at Yale University.

A 3-week summer program for students entering grades 8-9 at Wellesley College.

A 3-week summer program for students entering grades 4-5 + 6-7 at St. Mark’s School.

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Frequently Asked Questions

General

Day Students

Residential Students

International Students

Health Care + Medical Issues

Safety + Supervision

Activities, Trips + Main Events

Student Body

General

Day Students

Residential Students

International Students

Health Care + Medical Issues

Safety + Supervision

Activities, Trips + Main Events

Student Body

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

on the Campus ofYale University2013 Program Dates

Residential Program

Day Program

Alumni Profile