Frequently Asked Questions

General

What is EXPLO's mission?

What experience does EXPLO have running summer programs?

How does EXPLO accommodate special dietary requirements?

If parents have any concerns during the summer, whom should they contact?

Student Body

Are students at EXPLO cliquey?

How does EXPLO approach cultural difference?

This would be my child’s first time away from home. How do you handle homesickness at EXPLO?

What are the policies regarding cell phones and calling home?

Is there internet access for students?

What is the food like? How do you accommodate special dietary needs?

How does EXPLO coordinate travel to and from campus on arrival and departure days?

Does EXPLO offer any assistance in planning travel?

Is there flexibility around arrival and departure days?

May I visit my child or take my child off campus during the session?

Why have so many international families chosen EXPLO over the years?

Students at EXPLO at St. Mark’s are young.  Is this really a good age for international students to go away for the summer?

My child is young and not very independent yet.  How will he/she be cared for?

Do international students really experience authentic American culture at EXPLO?

What kind of visa do I need for EXPLO?

What if we are unable to obtain a visa?  May we get a full refund?

Will our insurance work in the United States? If not, how do we enroll in EXPLO’s insurance program?

What is the best way to get payment to EXPLO?

Health Care + Medical Issues

What medical facilities are on campus?

What happens when a student is ill?

Safety + Supervision

How are safety and security handled at EXPLO at St. Mark’s?

How are trips supervised?

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.

What experience does EXPLO have running summer programs?
EXPLO has been a leader in educational enrichment for over 30 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 the EXPLO leadership are often asked to consult with schools and other organizations on topics ranging from student life to training teachers.
What are your policies regarding cell phones and electronics?
Cell phones are not allowed at EXPLO at St. Mark’s. Should a student have a cell phone, we will take it. Most other electronics — gaming devices, laptops, etc. — are not allowed either. Ipods are allowed for bus rides or for falling asleep during an overnight, but not during the day so as not to hinder social interaction.

How does EXPLO accommodate special dietary requirements?
We already maintain and require our campus to be nut free during the summer and have experience dealing with a variety of food allergies and needs. Students with special dietary requirements should call our year-round office (781.762.7400) before the program starts to make appropriate arrangements.

If parents have any concerns during the summer, whom should they contact?
Students are assigned Residential Directors (RD’s) or Day Directors (DD’s) who oversee their Living/Day Groups and are part of the Dean's Office. In most cases, these are the best people to contact with any concerns or questions. If necessary, they can direct the call elsewhere.

Student Body

Are students at EXPLO cliquey?
We are told by our students and our families that EXPLO is a very welcoming place, one where you are free to be who you really are, and that cliques are not really a problem. Each session, around 50% of the students are new to EXPLO, so new friendships are formed every day.

How does EXPLO approach cultural difference?
Before students arrive, the staff practice solutions to the problems that may arise because of cultural differences. Through scenarios, role-plays, and talks from professionals with experience in schools with diverse student bodies, our staff and administration prepare to gracefully integrate our wide-ranging student body. We have found that creating an atmosphere on campus that emphasizes respect and celebrates differences has been the key to making sure that a wonderful mix of students and staff enjoy their summer.

This would be my child’s first time away from home.  How do you handle homesickness at EXPLO?
We regard homesickness as normal when a child experiences his or her first time away from home. By design, we keep our students very busy and active throughout the day so that there is little time for worrying or feeling lonely. Despite this, most students will feel some homesickness, and our staff is trained to deal with this. We will be in contact with the parents or guardians of any child for whom we feel that homesickness is unusual so that we can strategize effective ways for the child to be more confident and comfortable. Most children report that homesickness disappeared quickly as they got involved with the program.

What are the policies regarding cell phones and calling home?
Because we are trying to build support systems for children on campus, cell phones are not allowed at EXPLO. If a student will be traveling alone and needs a cell phone for that purpose, he or she may leave it in the Dean's Office safe, and it will be returned at the end of the session. We have found that limited contact with home and family makes the transition easier, as students are forced to develop their own support network at the EXPLO. Thus, students may not call home during the first week. Starting on the second Monday, students may make short calls home during quiet hour. To make sure you are in place to receive it, the first phone call will be scheduled when students arrive on campus.

Is there internet access for students?
No, there is not. Students may receive email through a form on our summer website, which we print out and place in their mailbox. They will not have access to computers unless they take a class that involves them. Most students admit it that it is nice to take a break from computers, games and the like while at EXPLO.

What is the food like?  How do you accommodate special dietary needs?
The beautiful dining hall serves food that keeps its customers in mind. Each meal has three or four hot entrees, a full salad bar, cereal, and beverages from fruit juices to water (but no soda). We regulate how many desserts a student takes, but generally, all are welcome to return for seconds. We receive high marks for our food in our student surveys.

We already maintain and require our campus to be nut free during the summer, and we have experience dealing with a variety of food allergies and needs. Students with special dietary requirements should call our year-round office (781.762.7400) before the program starts to make appropriate arrangements.

How does EXPLO coordinate travel to and from campus on arrival and departure days?
Most students are dropped off by parents on the opening day of the session, but many also arrive by plane. We send several staff members to the airport (Logan Airport in Boston), where we pick up students and bring them to the program. On departure days, parents pick up their children on the final Saturday morning of the program. For those who are flying, we leave at various times during the morning to accommodate the flight times of our students.

If you would like assistance planning your travel to the EXPLO, we invite you to work with our travel partner, Colpitts World Travel. Please see the next FAQ for more 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 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 working 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 Colpitts or Boston Coach, 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. We invite you to use the EXPLO account number 91030 with BostonCoach for a discounted rate.

Is there flexibility around arrival and departure days?
No, there really isn't flexibility around arrival and departure. We do not have the staff to make special trips to the airport, and our program and curriculum are designed for the entire length of the program. Students who arrive late or leave early disrupt classes and living groups and miss out on vital aspects of EXPLO. If you think you have an exception, please contact our office (781.762.7400) and speak to the Head of the Program.

May I visit my child or take my child off campus during the session?
Beginning on the second Monday of each session, students may be signed out by an authorized adult between 4:00 and 8:45pm. Because we don't want to induce homesickness or sadness in students with families who are not close enough to visit, families need to take their visit off campus and are encouraged to go out to dinner or to make evening plans nearby.
 

Why have so many international families chosen EXPLO over the years?
We are told that our long history with international students has made it comfortable for families to trust EXPLO. It is exciting for international students to meet students from the United States, as well as from all over the world. At EXPLO, students get to practice their English speaking skills in an accepting and helpful atmosphere that immerses students in American culture while also being very open to learning about the cultures of our international students. We offer English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) as a course for all students who want to learn more of the basics of the English language and American Culture. Our weekend trips further expose international students to sites of cultural and historical interest in the Northeast, the birthplace of America.

Students at EXPLO at St. Mark’s are young.  Is this really a good age for international students to go away for the summer?
Yes. In fact, if a student is looking to become fluent in English, there is no better time. Young children are like sponges, and their ability to soak up a new language is better the younger they are. Because we make classes, activities, and trips so much fun, students do not feel like they are in school and are very eager to get involved. EXPLO students improve their spoken English quite quickly.

My child is young and not very independent yet. How will he/she be cared for?
We understand that international families are anxious about sending their children far from home. EXPLO understands children very well. We know what they are capable of and we have high expectations of them. But we also know where they will struggle. We make sure they change their clothes daily, that they brush their teeth daily, and that they wash their hair and take showers regularly. We take students to meals and make sure they are eating properly. The day is very structured, and kind, caring adults are always nearby. Students tell us that one of their favorite aspects of EXPLO is the staff. Our staff members are very responsible, warm, well-rounded people who love children. We train and supervise our staff well, and in turn, they care and supervise students well.

Do international students really experience authentic American culture at EXPLO?
Just spending time with American students will give a great taste of American culture. We offer English for Speakers of Other Languages as a course for all students who want to learn more of the basics of the English language and American culture. Our weekend trips further expose international students to sites of cultural and historical interest in the Northeast.

What kind of visa do I need for EXPLO?
Students coming to EXPLO only need a B-2 visa, or traveler's visa. Many countries are exempt from this through a visa waiver program. Contact our Admission Office (781.762.7400) for more information on which countries require a visa.

What if we are unable to obtain a visa? May we get a full refund?
It is rare for a student who is enrolled at EXPLO to have difficulty obtaining a visa. Should this happen, EXPLO will provide a full refund upon receipt of evidence showing the student was denied a visa.

What is the best way to get payment to EXPLO?
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. Click here for payment information.  To request wiring instructions, please contact our Admission Office at 781.762.7400.

Health Care + Medical Issues

What medical facilities are on campus?
EXPLO at St. Mark’s has its own Health Office right on campus, staffed 24 hours a day. Nurses in the Health Office are available to answer health questions, dispense medication, address medical concerns, and schedule medical, physical therapy, and other types of appointments. In addition to these services, our Health Office coordinates with Southborough Pediatrics, which is within a mile of campus, for anything that requires a physician.

How are medications distributed to students?
The nurses in our Health Office dispense all medications. Our Health Office is open from 7am-11pm daily, and students are brought 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. For students with medications, more information on required forms and procedures will be provided to families after enrollment. Please contact our Admissions Office with any questions.

What happens when a student is ill?
If a student doesn’t feel well, he or she will be brought to the Health Office on campus, which is staffed 24 hours a day. The nurse on duty determines the next steps, which may include rest in the Health Office, a trip to the doctor’s office or, in an emergency or after regular business hours, a trip to the emergency room.
 

Safety + Supervision

How are safety and security handled at EXPLO at St. Mark’s?
The St. Mark's campus is located in quiet, bucolic Southborough. While EXPLO is essentially the only group using the campus, we still require all students and staff to wear lanyards and IDs. This way, we are able to keep track of our own and immediately identify someone who is not associated with EXPLO. The dorms and main building all lock at night and only those with pass cards can access the buildings. The Southborough Police and Fire stations are literally next door to St. Mark’s, and their response is immediate.

What is the staff-to-student ratio?
The staff to student ratio is typically 1:5. This does not include our bus drivers, nurses, or the St. Mark's staff in the buildings and dining halls.

How do you ensure that all students receive personal attention?
Because we have a staff-to-student of approximately 1-to-5, we have many eyes with which to watch our students. Living groups never have more than 14 students (more commonly 8 to 12), and have two Residential Advisors living on the floor. Our Day Advisors have a maximum of 8 advisees. Students meet with their advisors many times throughout the day, and advisors get to know their students very well. Additionally, class enrollment is capped at 14.

How are trips supervised?
EXPLO trips are supervised by the same staff that teach in the classrooms, lead activities, live in the dorms, and advise day students. Our staff members know our students. Every staff member is assigned a small group of students for whom they are responsible. For a few special trips, 7th graders are allowed to be in groups without a staff member escorting them, but they must check in with a staff member twice every hour. In all other circumstances, our students attend all trips with a staff member present in their group.