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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We deliver educational experiences that provide exposure to new places and a connection with cultures, languages and career opportunities.


Eligibility & How to Apply

Not at all. In fact, many of our students are traveling internationally for the very first time. That’s one of the reasons GEU exists—to support you and your family every step of the way, from the moment you show interest to the day you return home.

Our experiences are intentionally designed with first-time travelers in mind. With experienced staff on-site, you’ll have guidance and support to help you navigate the details of international travel and make the most of your experience abroad. You're not alone—we’re here to help you feel confident and prepared from day one.

No, a valid passport is not required at the time of application for a GEU experience. However, once you’ve submitted your application, it’s important to begin the process of obtaining a passport right away—or, if you already have one, make sure it will be valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. This will help ensure your travel preparations go smoothly.

Not at all. GEU experiences do not require any prior language experience. You’re welcome to join regardless of your fluency level. Of course, if you do speak the local language, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to use your skills—many students with language experience naturally step into a helpful role by assisting others in their group.

It depends on the course and experience. iStudyPREP and iStudyAWAY are open to all students, regardless of previous experience. These courses are designed to be accessible and provide foundational learning opportunities—perfect for those who are just beginning to explore international education or new fields of interest.

However, iStudyPRO is recommended for students who have some prior experience or have actively pursued exposure to their chosen industry. This course dives deeper into specific fields and is tailored for those looking to enhance their professional development through advanced skills, expert mentorship, and real-world insights. While experience isn’t required, coming in with a strong foundation will allow you to fully benefit from everything the experience offers.

The truth is, the sooner you go, the better. Many students tell us, “I wish I hadn’t waited so long to study abroad.”Delaying often means missing out altogether—whether due to packed schedules, unexpected responsibilities, or changing priorities.

Choosing to study abroad early opens up more flexibility in your course planning and gives you a head start on experiences that set you apart—like internships, leadership opportunities, and new perspectives that can enrich your time back on campus.

It’s never too early to explore the world and invest in your future.

We recognize that choosing to study abroad is often a decision made together as a family, and it’s natural for parents or guardians to have concerns about safety, academics, travel arrangements, and more. That’s why we’re here to support you. Our dedicated team is available to connect with parents, grandparents, and even other trusted family members to address any questions or worries they might have.

When you’re ready, let your family know you’re exploring a GEU experience, and encourage them to book a conversation with us. We’re committed to providing clear answers and peace of mind for everyone involved.

Eligibility varies depending on the course/experience you choose.
  • iStudyPRO and iStudyAWAY are designed for students who have completed high school.
  • The iStudyPREP is open to both high school students and those who have already graduated.

GEU students primarily come from across the United States and Japan, as our experiences are specifically designed to meet the needs of participants from these countries. At this time, we do not accept students from other nations to maintain a focused and tailored experience.

Yes, you can attend with a friend. However, one of the most valuable aspects of GEU courses are the group dynamic, and we encourage all students to come with an open mindset and a willingness to connect with everyone.

While joining with a friend is allowed, it’s important to note that exclusive behavior is discouraged. To support a welcoming and inclusive environment, instructors may place you and your friend in different sleeping arrangements or group responsibilities at the start of the experience. This helps foster new connections and ensures a positive experience for the whole group.

Deadlines vary by course or experience. Please refer to the specific Experience page for detailed information on application timelines.

A deposit is required to move forward with your application. This amount is credited toward your total cost and is not an extra charge. The deposit amount may vary depending on the specific course or experience, so be sure to review the details listed on the course page.

If you decide to withdraw, refund eligibility will depend on the experience you've selected. For full details, please review our refund policy [here].

Preparing for Your Traveling (Pre-Departure Information)

To apply for a new passport or renew an existing one, visit your local government’s official website and follow the instructions provided. It’s important to start this process early—don’t wait until the last minute—to ensure you have your passport in time for your travels.

First, check the expiration date on your passport right away. GEU recommends renewing your passport if it will expire within the year of your planned travel. Most countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your return date. For instance, if your experience ends on October 10th, you should renew your passport if it expires before April 10th of the following year.

Additionally, ensure your passport contains at least three consecutive blank pages, as many countries need this space for entry and exit stamps or visa endorsements.

Visa requirements depend on the specific course/experience you plan to attend. We recommend reviewing the details carefully to determine the exact documentation needed for your travel.

No, airfare is not included in the tuition. All flight arrangements and costs are the responsibility of the participant.

GEU provides recommended group flight itineraries for each experience. You can purchase tickets directly from the airline’s website using these suggested flights. We encourage booking with the recommended airline to ensure your layover connects seamlessly with the official group itinerary. This way, all travelers share the same itinerary and ticket, simplifying logistics.

If you choose not to book the group flight, you are free to arrange your own travel schedule that best suits your needs. GEU will offer specific guidance on arrival and departure times to help you coordinate your flights as closely as possible with the recommended itinerary. Aligning your flights this way allows you to benefit from pre-arranged group transportation between the airport and your accommodations.

We strongly recommend that you do not wait until the last minute to book your flight. You will be required to submit your flight details to us at least one month before the start date. Booking early ensures better availability, pricing, and a smoother travel experience.

No, our staff members travel ahead of time to prepare for your arrival and will not be on the same flights as students.

If you arrive during the designated group arrival window for your experience, GEU will provide transportation to your accommodations. However, if your arrival falls outside this window, you will need to arrange your own transportation.

If you plan to arrive in the destination ahead of the official start date, please note that early check-in is not available. You will be responsible for arranging your own accommodations until the designated check-in day. No special permission is needed for early arrival. However, please inform us if you plan to do so, so we can stay informed.

Arriving late is generally discouraged, as it may negatively affect your participation and learning experience. However, if you face extraordinary circumstances, please reach out to us so we can explore possible options.

If your flight is scheduled within the designated group departure window, transportation to the airport will be arranged for you. However, if your flight leaves before the group departure period, you will need to arrange your own transportation.

Yes, we will hold a pre-departure orientation call online where you can connect with our staff and receive important information before your experience begins.

While Abroad: Safety & Support

Student safety is our highest priority. We are deeply committed to maintaining a safe and healthy environment throughout every stage of your experience. You can learn more about our health and safety practices (here)

Most of our experience’s locations offer convenient access to ATMs. We recommend withdrawing local currency directly from ATMs abroad rather than bringing cash from your home country to exchange. While foreign ATMs typically charge a flat fee, your home bank may also charge a fee.

Some U.S./Japanese banks have partnerships with international banks that allow for reduced or waived transaction fees, so it’s a good idea to check with your bank before departure.

Whenever possible, we also encourage students to use credit cards. Credit cards often offer stronger protection against fraud in the event your card is lost or stolen. Just be sure to review your card’s terms. Many charges a foreign currency transaction fee (often around 3%).

As a parent, it’s completely understandable to want to see your child while they’re abroad and be a part of this exciting journey. However, based on our experience, the most meaningful and least disruptive time to visit is either before the experience starts or after it ends. This allows your child to fully focus on their experience during the experience, while giving you the chance to enjoy quality time together without schedule conflicts. Although visits during the experience are not strictly prohibited, they are not recommended, as they can interfere with the learning environment, group bonding, and daily programming

We generally advise against sending mail or valuable packages (like electronics) internationally during the experience. In many cases, shipments can be delayed in customs for extended periods and may incur unexpected taxes or high import fees. To avoid stress and complications, we recommend communicating with your child digitally and saving any gifts or essentials for before or after their time abroad.

Financial

GEU accepts credit card payments, as well as debit card payments from U.S. participants and ACH transfers from both U.S. and Japanese bank accounts. Please note that a 4% convenience fee applies to all credit and debit card transactions, while eCheck (ACH) payments are processed free of charge.

Payment deadlines can vary based on the specific course or experience. Please refer to the individual page for detailed payment information and deadlines.

The tuition generally cover accommodation, all meals (except extra food such as snacks), all GEU planned activities, local transportation to GEU planned, and support from both domestic and on-site staff. Some meals may also be included, depending on the specific course/experience. However, it’s important to plan ahead for out-of-pocket expenses not covered by the tuition, such as airfare, additional meals, personal purchases, extra activities, and mobile phone usage while abroad.

At this time, GEU does not offer payment plans. All payments must be made according to the deadlines outlined for your specific experience.

Academic

Earning academic credit depends on both the specific course or experience and the policies of your home institution. We recommend reviewing the course page for details and consulting with your academic advisor or study abroad office to confirm credit transfer eligibility.

Most experiences do provide final grades. Typically, you can expect to receive your grades within two to four weeks after the experience ends. However, this may vary depending on the specific experience.

The effect of your abroad grades on your GPA is determined by your home institution’s regulations. For precise details, please check with your academic advisor or university registrar.

Cancellations and Refund Policies

Please see the refund policy here.



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We are committed to providing unique and life-changing experiences that resonate deep within our learners. Through cultural immersion and engagement and shared experiences, learners engage in intimate authentic encounters with the people, the cultures and the destinations.

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