Your role in encouraging and supporting your son or daughter to participate in summer programs like ours is critical to your child’s development. Your son or daughter needs to become culturally competent and environmentally literate while developing a well grounded world view to function in today’s increasingly challenging global economy. It is important that we accept students, like your daughter or son, for whom our programs are a good fit. We address some of the questions and concerns that are most commonly asked below. Please contact us about any questions you have. No question is too small. If the question is important to you, it is very important to us!
Do GATW’s students continue to develop their interest in the environment after completing the program?
Answer. Our former students have taken diverse pathways since completing one of our programs. These include careers as diverse as Environmental Science, Law, Biochemistry, Economics, Education and Farming. Many students have continued to travel and connect with people in other parts of the world. We hope that their experience with Green Across the Pacific put a stamp on their world view; and, as a result, they bring an improved understanding of cultures and natural resource management to all that they do.
How can participants grow from this experience?
Answer. Our programs offer an exceptional opportunity for growth. Participants who have an abiding interest in environmental studies, history, field science, business, economics, Asian and American cultures, politics, international studies, or experiential learning will gain perspective, depth of character, maturity, and a sense of joy and purpose during one of our programs. Participation in Green Across the Pacific is a life changing experience.
A common concern for the environment is what brings students from Asia, Africa and North America together in our programs. Do participants broaden their perspectives in other ways?
Answer. Participants will address some of the world’s pressing problems with experts in a variety of fields while forming enduring friendships with Asian, African and American students. Because students work hard, live and play together, cultural exchange is inevitable.
Will this program help with admission to a competitive college?
Answer. Our students have gained admission to very competitive colleges. Upon request, we provide each participant with a recommendation for college. These recommendations are a powerful tool helping students gain admission to competitive colleges. In addition, the University of Vermont offers up to 3 credits in Natural Resources for our summer programs.
Where have GATW students gone to college and graduate school?
Answer. American and Chinese participants have attended schools such as:
Wesleyan
University of Vermont
Beijing University
Rhode Island School of Design
Middlebury College
Harvard University
Tsinghua University
Dartmouth College
Hobart & William Smith
McGill University
Zhongshan University
Colby College
St. Lawrence
Stanford University
Duke University
Hong Kong University
Grinnell College
South China Institute of Technology
Brigham Young University
Cornell University
Oxford University
I would love to have my child participate in GATP’s program, but we cannot afford the total cost. Is there financial aid available and how I can apply?
Answer. We offer need based financial assistance to students who place the highest value on experiential learning, are willing to work toward financing their studies with us, and whose families can document financial need.
In this age of increased international tension, how safe are GATW programs?
Answer. At GATW, we take safety very seriously as do our host institutions in Africa and Asia. Dedicated local educators and guides are involved in all of our programs. With local knowledge, security and translators in each program, we are able to respond quickly and effectively to any medical need. In addition to your conventional family health insurance, students are insured through FrontierMedex or RCM&D Insurance for travel and medical risk oversees. We work with your insurer for medical risk domestically. We do everything we can to make certain that your daughter or son has a safe, challenging and enjoyable experience.
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Contact Information
If you or your student has other questions, please call us at (802) 897-5232 or send us a message.
Letters can be addressed to:
Peter Lynch
Executive Director
Green Across the World
1594 North Orwell Road
Shoreham, VT 05770
