GENERAL
Is UVM GO a study abroad program?
UVM GO is not a study abroad program and is not connected to any academic coursework. It’s a pre-orientation option, like TREK or First Scholars. Our goal is to give students an opportunity to build community with fellow first-year students and faculty before starting in the fall semester. UVM GO provides short-term global learning experiences in a variety of locations in the U.S. (including Burlington!) and around the world. We offer travel options for interested students through UVM GO International and UVM GO Cities.
Study abroad programs are available to students through our Office of International Education, linked here, and most students typically participate in one of these programs for university credit after their first year.
Who is UVM GO open to?
All UVM GO 2024 programs are open to incoming first-year students entering UVM for the Fall 2024 semester, as long as there is no conflict with another UVM Pre-Orientation Program (like International Student Orientation, First Scholars, TREK, etc.)
UVM GO International programs are available to incoming first-year students with a valid U.S. passport. Students must be 18 years old by the start of their program to participate in UVM GO International programs in Costa Rica and Iceland. This stipulation does not apply to students participating in UVM GO Cities, UVM GO Community programs, or UVM GO International programs located in Canada. Participants under the age of 18 will be asked to submit additional parental consent forms.
We encourage all students, regardless of financial or accessibility needs, to submit a lottery form for these programs.
When is UVM GO?
UVM GO programs vary in length and the dates they take place. UVM GO International and UVM GO Cities take place in early- and mid-August while UVM GO Community takes place in late August, right before New Student Orientation. Please check out each program’s individual webpage for more tailored and detailed timelines!
Does UVM GO have a waitlist in case I do not get into any program, or I don’t get into a program that I am interested in?
Yes! Space on UVM GO programs is limited. When the enrollment period opens, you’ll enter a lottery for your selected program(s). In the UVM GO International and UVM GO Cities Lottery, you may select up to three locations that you are excited about. If you are entering the UVM Go Community Lottery, you are only eligible to participate in the program(s) offered in your assigned Residential Learning Community. If you are not drawn in the initial lottery, you will be placed on the waitlist. Waitlist offers will go out on a rolling basis, so keep an eye on your UVM email!
When will I receive notification of either acceptance into or waitlist for these programs?
First-round UVM GO International and UVM GO Cities applicants will receive notification in late May and are expected to pay and secure their spot one week later. First-round UVM GO Community applicants will receive notification in late June and are expected to pay and secure their spot one week later.
Who will be leading these trips?
UVM GO International and UVM GO Cities are organized and led by UVM faculty and their coleaders who bring their own areas of expertise within the realm of global learning. UVM GO Community programs are organized and led by faculty and residential Learning Community staff.
If I am accepted to a program, am I required to attend it?
You are not required to accept your spot in a UVM GO program if you are offered one – students will need to officially register and pay in full to secure their spot on the trip. We do offer full or partial refunds for students who need to unenroll from the program. Please check each UVM GO program’s webpage to see the timeline for refunds or email us at uvmgo@uvm.edu to request a refund.
REGISTRATION
Will there be a preference given to students who apply earlier in the lottery window?
No, completing your lottery application early in the open enrollment period will not impact or improve your chances of selection.
Can I rank my choices for UVM GO International and UVM GO Cities trips?
Yes! Preferences can be made for the three programs you are most interested in between UVM GO International and UVM GO Cities.
I did not get into my preferred program for UVM GO International or UVM GO Cities – can I now submit a lottery application for UVM GO Community instead?
Absolutely! UVM GO Community applications will open May 30, 2024 and close June 20, 2024, so you will know by that time which program or waitlist you were accepted into for UVM GO International and UVM GO Cities.
Can I sign up for a UVM GO Community program that is not in the Learning Community I was assigned?
No, students are only allowed to enter the lottery for their specific Learning Community placement. We hope that students will build relationships with members of their Residential Learning Community through this experience!
I have additional specific questions about my program with regards to accommodations or dietary concerns – who can I talk to about this?
Please feel free to send us an email at uvmgo@uvm.edu. Additionally, there is a text box available to provide additional information regarding specific needs, requests, and accommodation on your lottery form and we recommend filling that out as well!
FINANCES
How much does UVM Go cost?
UVM GO costs depend on the program. Please check out our cost webpage linked here and our lottery application for a more detailed breakdown of this information. Meals, lodging, transportation on program, activities, entrance fees, and administrative costs necessary to run the program are covered by the program fee.
Are travel expenses included in the cost?
No, travel is not included in the program fee. An additional charge will be added to some international programs requiring group travel from a centralized departure city to the destination. This additional charge will be applied when you register and pay for your UVM GO program. For other programs, participants are responsible for travel expenses and logistics. Our team at UVM GO can assist with any travel arrangement concerns, and even connect you with our travel agent to help you with the flight booking process. Specific details for each program will be clearly communicated on the website, and during the registration and lottery process.
Does UVM GO offer financial support?
Students can request a reduced program fee through their lottery application; this will have no bearing on acceptance into UVM GO.
Can I be refunded if I need to cancel my registration for any of these events?
Yes, as long as you let us know within each program’s dedicated timeline, listed on the right side of the program’s website. If you need to request a refund, please contact us at uvmgo@uvm.edu.
LOGISTICS
How do we get to these programs/cities?
It depends. Some UVM GO International programs require group flights with your trip leader from a centralized departure city, which will be booked by UVM GO. Participants should make their own arrangements to get to the departure airport. For all UVM GO Cities destinations and some UVM GO International destinations, participants are responsible for making their own travel arrangements. Details for specific trips can be found on the program’s web page. Our team at UVM GO can assist with any travel arrangement concerns, and even connect you with our travel agent to help you with the flight booking process.
Students participating in UVM GO Community will be expected to move into their Learning Community on Sunday, August 18, 2024 when their program begins. The UVM GO Team and Residential Life staff will be ready to help with early move-in for these students.
Where will I be staying during these programs?
Students will be staying with their fellow UVM students and faculty trip leaders for the duration of the program. Lodging for UVM GO International and UVM GO Cities will often be through hostels, hotels, or summer housing options at other university campuses. Students who participate in UVM GO Community will move in early to their assigned Learning Community and room. Fees for these programs cover lodging for students.
How will I know what to bring? Will there be an opportunity to meet with other students and the faculty leading these trips?
UVM GO staff will be sure to keep students updated throughout the summer with information on their trips, including more detailed itineraries and packing lists. Additionally, you’ll be invited to virtual meetings with other students and families, faculty, and staff to review itinerary details and answer questions. You can see a list of planned activities on each program’s web page.
When do I need my U.S. passport for UVM GO International?
A valid U.S. passport is required for all UVM GO International programs. In most cases, your passport’s expiration date needs to be at least six months after your trip ends. If your trip involves a group flight to your international destination, our travel planner will need your passport information at the time of booking, generally in early May. If you need additional information about applying for or renewing your passport, visit the U.S. State Department’s travel website linked here. (travel.state.gov) Please note that passports can take 10-13 weeks to process.