Frequently Asked Questions
The following is a list of the most commonly asked questions we receive from families prior to arriving at EXPLO Vet. These questions address a wide range of potential concerns, from living accommodations and dining options to medical needs and trip selection. If you have any additional questions, please contact our Admission Office.
General
What experience does EXPLO have running summer programs?
Why is a summer with EXPLO a good investment?
Is EXPLO more like a school or a camp?
Is EXPLO the only summer program offered at St. Mark’s?
What happens at an informational session? May I enroll while there?
What are your policies regarding cell phones and electronics?
How does EXPLO accommodate special dietary requirements?
If parents have any concerns during the summer, whom should they contact?
Student Body
What kind of student is a good fit for EXPLO?
Do most students come to EXPLO alone or with friends?
Are students at EXPLO cliquey?
How does EXPLO approach cultural difference?
Residential Students
This would be my child’s first time away from home. How do you handle homesickness at EXPLO?
How can I tell if my child is ready for EXPLO? What can we do to prepare?
Where do students live? What does a student room look like?
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?
For residential students attending both sessions of EXPLO, what happens on the transition weekend?
International Students
Why have so many international families chosen EXPLO over the years?
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?
Where do the international students come from?
How does EXPLO approach cultural difference?
What level of English proficiency is required?
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?
Activities, Trips, + Main Events
What do students do when they are not in class?
How much unstructured time do students have?
Are students required to participate in activities?
What athletic options does EXPLO have available for students?
What types of trips does EXPLO offer?
When and how does trip selection occur?
Will my child always get his/her top choice for trips?
Health Care + Medical Issues
What medical facilities are on campus?
How are medications distributed to students?
What happens when a student is ill?
How do you accommodate students with food allergies/sensitivities?
Does my child have to be covered by U.S. insurance?
How do I enroll with your insurance provider for the summer? What is the cost?
Safety + Supervision
How are safety and security handled at EXPLO at St. Mark’s?
What is the staff-to-student ratio?
What is the hiring process for summer staff?
How do you ensure that all students receive personal attention?
What is the supervision around boy/girl interactions?
Are students allowed to go wherever they want on campus?
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.
Why is a summer with EXPLO a good investment?
On so many levels, a summer with EXPLO exposes children to worlds they might not otherwise experience: children from many different countries and different parts of this country; a focus on a discipline they would not have exposure to elsewhere, taught in an exciting, hands on manner; and a caring, enthusiastic and well-trained staff. All of these open the minds and fuel the imaginations of young people. The most frequent comment we receive on our parent surveys is that EXPLO significantly increased their child’s self confidence–socially and academically. Self confidence, a sense of the world as full of opportunities and possibilities, learning how to learn–these are habits of mind and spirit that are best started early, and all are a focus at EXPLO.
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.
Is EXPLO the only summer program offered at St. Mark’s?
There is a music program of fewer than 20 students that meets for two weeks and uses a performing arts space that we do not use. Otherwise, we are the only program at St. Mark's. We have full, exclusive access to dorms, athletic fields, classroom spaces, and the dining hall.
What happens at an informational session? May I enroll while there?
At an on-campus informational session there is a 30-minute presentation, usually given by the Head of the Program. 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. Enrollment now occurs through the website only. We encourage you to fill out the application online.
What are your policies regarding cell phones and electronics?
Cell phones are not allowed at EXPLO. 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. However, much of our programming occurs off campus and we cannot guarantee nut-free sites once students leave St. Mark's. 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 who oversee their living 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 will direct the call elsewhere.
Student Body
What kind of student is a good fit for EXPLO?
We at EXPLO are proud and happy to be able to work with a wide array of students. Despite differences in how our minds and bodies work, one thing that our students have in common is intellectual curiosity, a desire to know why things happen and how things work. Good grades in school may or may not be an indicator of a good fit. A lot of EXPLO students do very well in school, and many have been called gifted. But other students find that our hands-on, project-based classes fit their way of learning better than school, and so find EXPLO to be a more comfortable match than traditional schools.
Do most students come to EXPLO alone or with friends?
While some students do come to EXPLO with friends or siblings, the vast majority come by themselves, ready to meet new people.
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. 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.
Residential Life
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.
How can I tell if my child is ready for EXPLO? What can we do to prepare?
While this is not an exact science, over the many years at EXPLO, we have found that the vast majority of our students are ready for this experience, often more ready than their parents! Young children are still adult-oriented—they make their needs known with little of the self-consciousness that older adolescents have, and so it is easier to know what they need, and how to provide for them. If a student has expressed interest in going to a sleep-away program, then that is a good sign he or she is ready. That being said, it not unusual for a student to feel both excited and apprehensive at the same time.
Where do students live? What does a student room look like?
During a session at EXPLO a diverse group of students who share a common interest live and learn together. Students are housed in a single dorm (boys on one floor, girls on another). Each living group has Residential Advisors who are immersed in the lives of their students. They live with students on the floors, sit with students at meals, help them choose activities and make friends, assist with issues associated with being away from home, and make sure everyone is comfortable, safe, and happy.
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 first Friday of the session, 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. 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. However, please keep in mind that much of our programming takes place off campus and we cannot guarantee nut-free sites once students leave St. Mark's. 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 curriculum is 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.
International Students
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. Our weekend trips further expose international students to sites of cultural and historical interest in the Northeast, the birthplace of America.
Students at EXPLO 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. Our weekend trips further expose international students to sites of cultural and historical interest in the Northeast.
Where do the international students come from?
Our international students come from all over. Australia, Brazil, China, England, France, Germany, India, Italy, Jordan, Korea, Panama, and Venezuela are just some of the countries represented at EXPLO recently.
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 that emphasizes respect and celebrates differences has been the key to making sure that a wonderful mix of students and staff enjoy their summer.
What level of English proficiency is required?
Before signing up for EXPLO, international students must be able to speak and understand English at an advanced level. To ensure that students will be able to participate in all aspects of EXPLO—from instruction and projects, to residential life, to extracurricular activities—all international students must schedule an interview that assesses their English-speaking abilities.
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.
Will our insurance work in the United States? If not, how do we enroll in EXPLO’s insurance program?
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.
How does EXPLO coordinate travel to and from campus on arrival and departure days? Are there additional costs?
For EXPLO at St. Mark’s, we have staff ready to pick up and drop off students at Logan International Airport in Boston. We ask that families find flights that arrive between 12:00pm and 5:00pm on arrival day, and flights that depart between 8:00am and 1:00pm on departure day. Most children fly as “unaccompanied minors” and are met by our staff at the gate, although some parents arrive at Logan with their child and drop him/her off with our staff at a central location. Students who fly alone will be sent an EXPLO shirt so they may be easily identified by our staff (also wearing EXPLO shirts). Due to increased security measures, only children flying as unaccompanied minors may be met at the gate. There are no additional charges to pick students up at the airport.
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 EXPLO 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.
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.
Activities, Trips, + Main Events
What do students do when they are not in class?
In addition to the EXPLO curriculum, we have a full program of activities, trips, and Main Events. The regular curriculum, while very important, is only a part of the EXPLO experience. Each day, students choose from a lineup of 8 to 10 activities. Some of these are athletic, like the sport of the day, while others are skill- or craft-based. Other options might be a discussion group, a chess match, or quiet reading.
How much unstructured time do students have?
By design, students at EXPLO have very little unstructured time. The day is fast paced, and participation is required.
Are students required to participate in activities?
Yes, all students must participate in the activities offered for their age group. However, since choice is very important at EXPLO, the decisions of which activities to take each day are up to the individual student.
What athletic options does EXPLO have available for students?
There are a number of athletic classes offered as Wednesday Workshops; these offer actual instruction three times throughout the session in a particular athletic discipline. During daily activities periods, there are always some athletic options, including an introduction to a new “Sport of the Day” (which could be anything from lacrosse to non-contact rugby) by our two Athletic Directors.
What about swimming?
Weather permitting, EXPLO offers an opportunity to use the pool during every activity period during the day. Typically, one of these periods is pool games and one is free swim. Students are always supervised by staff members who are trained and certified lifeguards.
What are evening Main Events?
Most evening Main Events are performers/performances of some sort that we bring to campus: magicians, fantastic acrobatic jugglers, musicians, and marionettes. Other Main Events include Carnival Night, On-Campus Movie Night, staff improv and competitions, talent shows, and the Final Party.
What types of trips does EXPLO offer?
One day each weekend is dedicated to more academic trips (e.g.. the Science Museum, New England Aquarium, Battleship Cove, on-campus workshops), while the other day offers more recreational field trips (e.g. Water Country, Canobie Lake Park (amusement park), hiking Mt. Monadnock, the trapeze school, the circus, or a professional theater production in Boston).
When and how does trip selection occur?
Residential Advisors will help students pick three choices for each weekend day on the Monday of each week. The choices are entered into a database, and trips are assigned accordingly. Students are notified of their trips for the weekend by Thursday.
Will my child always get his/her top choice for trips?
Although most trips are available to all interested students, some are limited in size. To ensure that each student has an equal opportunity to attend limited trips, our trip database randomly assigns students to available trips based on their preferences and previous trip assignments. During the summer, these assignments are tracked to ensure no one is consistently assigned his/her third choice. With this system, most students do get their top trip choices—though it is unlikely a student will be assigned his/her first choice every time, particularly if he or she signs up for multiple limited or special evening trips.
How are trips supervised?
Once students have been assigned to trips, we designate the appropriate number of faculty to chaperone. All students must wear their EXPLO lanyards (identifying badges) at all times, and staff members all wear bright orange t-shirts so they can be easily spotted. A dual attendance system is used to ensure that all students are properly accounted for when we depart St. Mark's (and later when we depart to the trip location). While on the trip, most venues require that students stay with a staff member at all times. At some theme parks, seventh graders are allowed to travel in groups, provided that they check in with a designated staff member every half hour.
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. 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 EXPLO, we will provide additional information about Group Rx.
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.
How do you accommodate students with food allergies/sensitivities?
EXPLO at St. Mark’s is a nut-free program on a nut-free campus. We have children with other food allergies, and we have been able to accommodate their needs as well. Please call the Head of the Program to discuss any food issues that you anticipate. We make every effort to be sure that all of our children are safe and feel comfortable with the food we serve.
Does my child have to be covered by U.S. insurance?
Yes. We can provide short-term health insurance for any family that needs it at modest cost.
How do I enroll with your insurance provider for the summer? What is the cost?
Families are able to enroll in EXPLO’s insurance policy on the program application.
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.
What is the hiring process for summer staff?
In the fall, we hold info sessions and interviews at a number of top colleges around the country, and students from other institutions are welcome to apply as well. Any prospective staff member must have an interview, and anyone we hire must have three positive references, as well as criminal and sexual offender background checks.
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 are small, we and have two Residential Advisors living on the floor.
What is the supervision around boy/girl interactions?
While our students are not as interested in romantic relationships as they soon will be, we are nonetheless careful in how we supervise our boys and girls. All classes, and most activities and workshops are open to both boys and girls. For activities and workshops other than classes, we usually have two staff members of each gender leading. In some cases, we may have a sport such as “basketball for girls” that is not open to boys. We occasionally offer activities such as “boy talk” or “girl talk,” in which our students get into single gender groups for carefully led discussions.
In the dorms, all floors are single gender, with two staff members of that gender living on the floor with the students. The bathrooms are assigned to only one gender. It is against the rules for a boy or girl to be on the floor of the other gender.
Are students allowed to go wherever they want on campus?
Students are always carefully supervised. They may go to the restroom while classes are in session, but in no circumstances is a student be allowed to go back to his or her dorm room, or anywhere else on campus, without a staff member.
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.
