2026 Participation Guide & Code of Conduct
Participant Code of Conduct & Rules
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Arrival & Departure
Transportation to and from Airport
Transportation from each airport to the university will be provided for students traveling in the group flight only. A private bus for each group will be waiting at the airport.
Transportation from campus to the airport will also be provided on the final day of the program to those students flying back with the group.
For students not traveling in a group flight coordinated by Eduexplora, a staff´s contact information, exact address for drop off and pick up of students will be informed at a later date.
Immigration Tips & Reminders
Please make sure students always have all necessary travel documents with them including:
● Valid passport (with 6 months validity before expiration date),
● Visa (tourist visa or ESTA)
● Birth certificate (for countries that require it).
● Permission for minors to travel on their own
● Flight ticket.
Please make sure all travel documents are original or have the validation required by immigration of your country and the US. If you have your visa stamped on an expired passport, make sure the student brings the current passport and the one with the visa.
Please note that Eduexplora cannot guarantee that any student will be granted entry to the United States. Entry is at the sole discretion of U.S. immigration and customs authorities. In the event that a student is denied entry, Eduexplora will assist to the best of its ability, but is not legally or financially responsible for the outcome or any associated costs. All related expenses, including return flights or lost program fees, remain the responsibility of the participant and their family.
2. General Guidelines
Documents
Please make sure students have all their documents ready before their flight, including passports, visa, any health documentation required by the program, airline, university, or destination authorities, parent’s permission to leave the country, or birth certificates if needed. It is the parent’s responsibility to make sure their son or daughter has all the proper documentation to leave their home country and enter the United States.
Laptops /Personal Computer
Students are required to bring their own laptop to the program and are responsible to keep it safe. Make sure students bring power adaptors.
Packing Guidelines
What to Bring:
● Clothing for temperatures ranging from 50 to 90 degrees F (15 to 38 degrees C)
● A cell phone is strongly recommended.
● Wifi will be available free of charge at the campus. Students may travel with an international roaming service or purchase a SIM card.
● Personal health and toiletry items (shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc),
● Any needed medications (unexpired and in their original, labeled packaging)
● Supportive footwear for activities and excursions
● Credit Cards are strongly recommended or extra spending money. Eduexplora covers the cost of meals at the university and during weekend field trips, transportation, and entry fees related to program-sponsored field trips and activities. Meals at the airport and pocket money are not included.
● A laptop or personal computer.
● If desired, musical instruments, books, board games, e-readers, personal sports equipment
● Headphones
● If desired, a USB drive or other device for saving computer files
● If desired, hair dryer, small portable fan and shower shoes
● Clothes appropriate for academic setting
What Not to Bring
● No sheets, blankets, and bath towels are necessary; bedding and towels are provided.
● No valuable personal items (the program takes no responsibility for lost or stolen items)
● No cooking or kitchen appliances.
● No pets of any kind
● No personal transportation, including a car, bicycle, skates, or skateboard
● No flammable materials, including candles, incense, matches, lighters, explosive
● devices, and fireworks
● No alcohol, tobacco products, or any unauthorized drugs or unlabeled
● medications – violators of this policy will be subject to immediate dismissal.
● No weapons of any kind, including knives, firearms, paintball guns, laser points and other dangerous items.
For Parents and Guardians
Participants Adjusting to the First Days of the Program
It is normal sometimes for students to feel homesick at the start of the program and for them to require a few days to adjust to their surroundings and roommates.
Eduexplora encourages that participants meet and interact with students from other countries, as so students are mixed up within their units with students from different countries within their age level and gender. Students are not allowed to change rooms or units. Changes for room and roommates are not permitted.
Communication & Safety
Staff is available 24/7 and resides in the same building as students. Staff is responsible for the safety and security of students at all times.
Chaperones from each country will be traveling with students on the group flight, communicating daily with parents.
The ratio of adults to students ranges between 1:8 and 1:6
Exploring Campus and Sign-Out Privileges
During scheduled free time, students will be allowed to leave their residence and explore the campus and surrounding areas.
Students will be required to do so only as a group (of a minimum 3 students), never by themselves and only in a designated area. Details regarding the designated area will be provided to students during orientation.
Please keep in mind that students are allowed to sign out depending on behavior, level of maturity, and other criteria defined by the staff. Signing out is a privilege, not a right. In general, signing out privileges are granted after the 3rd or 4th day of the program.
For students to have the privilege of signing out and exploring campus and the designated area on their own (with a minimum of 3 students) and without adult supervision, at least 1 student in the group must have a cell phone with internet access (not Wi-Fi only), staff must be informed in advance, the group must remain reachable at all times, and participants may be required to keep location sharing enabled through a method designated by Eduexplora for safety and supervision purposes.
Residential Life
Eduexplora uses the same residences and dining halls that regular undergraduate students use during the regular academic year, allowing students to get a feel for real U.S. college life.
Most rooms range in size, they might be single, double, or triple rooms. In some cases, a unit might also include a small living area. Bathrooms are shared within units of the same floor.
Students are responsible for keeping their living space in an orderly manner and taking proper care of furniture, including taking the trash out on a daily basis. Rooms are not cleaned during the student stay.
Lost Keys
Students should immediately notify staff if a key has been lost. Please be aware that there is a US$ 150 lost key fee, and Eduexplora will email payment instructions to the parent or guardian of any participant who loses a key at the end of the program.
Locked Out
Please be aware there is a US $ 50 locked out fee. If a student is locked out of their room, the university charges for the service of having someone unlock the room. This US$ 50 fee will be transferred to parents or students and payment will be required during the program.
3. Participant Code of Conduct
As we come together from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, it's essential to recognize the richness that this diversity brings to all. Participating in this program is about academic growth, challenging yourself, connecting, creating networks and friends and it’s about fostering global citizenship and embracing the responsibilities that come with it.
At Eduexplora, we believe that good behavior transcends mere adherence to rules; it embodies the values of respect, empathy, and understanding. In today's interconnected world, navigating different cultures and customs is not just a skill, but a necessity. By embracing the principles of multiculturalism and global citizenship, we not only enrich our own experiences but also contribute positively to the global community.
As you navigate through our program, remember that your actions extend far beyond these walls. Each interaction, each decision you make, reflects not only on yourself but also on your school, your country, and our collective identity as global citizens.
By embodying the core competencies of global citizenship, teamwork, and social responsibility, you are cultivating the essential skills needed to lead effectively now and, in the future, and make a significant impact in your community, country, and world.
While rules and guidelines may seem restrictive, they are the foundation upon which we build a safe and inclusive community. They are not arbitrary impositions but rather tools to ensure the well-being and success of all members. Rules are in place not only to promote respect and harmony but also for safety reasons, ensuring that everyone can participate in our program in a secure environment.
By adhering to these guidelines, you not only demonstrate respect for others but also pave the way for a more harmonious and enriching experience for everyone. As you embark on this journey, embrace the opportunities for growth and learning that come with engaging with different cultures and perspectives. Let us strive to be not just students of academia but ambassadors of goodwill, fostering understanding and unity in an increasingly interconnected world. Together, let's make the most of this unique opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive as global citizens.
All Eduexplora participants are expected to abide by the following Code of Conduct:
● Participants are expected to adhere to the highest standards of good citizenship, honesty, and integrity in their academic work and in their personal conduct. We encourage participants to take meaningful action if they witness violations of this standard, including reporting violations to Eduexplora staff.
● Participants are expected to show courtesy and respect for their fellow participants, for university personnel, instructors, staff, chaperones and for campus visitors.
● Participants are expected to use language in a manner that is appropriate for a healthy learning environment. Obscene, derogatory, and abusive language is prohibited.
● Participants are expected to use English during classes, group activities, and other program settings where a common language is necessary to promote inclusion, participation, and communication.
● Participants are expected to dress appropriately for an academic learning environment, and in a manner that reflects positively on themselves, their schools and Eduexplora.
● Participants shall not take part in or facilitate discrimination of any kind, including, but not limited to, discrimination based on categories of culture, socioeconomic background, race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disabilities, religion, intelligence, and life experience.
● Participants are expected to show respect for and take reasonable care of Eduexplora and University property, including course materials and any distributed program materials. This includes not sharing Eduexplora course or student life materials with people outside of the Eduexplora community; do not share Eduexplora materials with people outside Eduexplora, whether directly or anywhere online, and seek advice from your instructor or a staff member if you have questions.
● Participants shall not use, possess, or distribute alcohol, tobacco, vape pens/e-cigarettes, or drugs (with the exception of prescription and over-the-counter medications approved for use by the participant’s parent/legal guardian) in connection with the program. This includes prior to and during a scheduled program event, or during independent work time. Participation in an incident involving alcohol, tobacco, vape pens/e-cigarettes, or drugs is cause for immediate dismissal, even if the participant did not consume or intend to consume these substances.
● Participants are expected to be well-behaved and follow the instructions of the program staff, instructional staff, and other University personnel. Unruly behavior, including causing disruptions at events, will not be tolerated.
● Participants shall not commit acts of violence on persons or property, nor shall they threaten to commit any act of violence.
● Any behavior that could expose others to a high likelihood of injury or endangerment is prohibited.
● Participants shall not engage in any form of harassment, bullying, or hazing. Harassment consists of conduct of any type (including but not limited to social media, written, verbal, graphic, or physical conduct) which has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering
with an individual’s academic or work performance, or which creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning or working environment.
● Participants shall not engage in any form of sexual misconduct. Sexual misconduct includes, but is not limited to, sexual harassment; sexual assault; or any conduct with sexual overtones, which has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s academic or work performance or which creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning or working environment.
● Participants shall uphold high standards of academic integrity through honesty, trust, fairness, and responsibility. Participants are expected to demonstrate a spirit of cooperation and exploration within the academic guidelines provided by their instructors, and to meet the intellectual challenges of the program through honest effort and hard work.
● Participants shall abide by all federal, state, and local laws, and University and Program rules and regulations.
Failure to comply with the Code of Conduct and Participants Rules may result in removal from the program, probation, or other disciplinary action, even for first time offenders. In all cases, program staff will contact parents/legal guardians to inform them of the participant's behavior and ensure a proper plan is in place for moving forward. Violations of the law may be reported to the local Department of Public Safety
Disciplinary Response Framework
The examples below are intended to help participants, parents, and schools understand the types of behaviors that may arise and the range of consequences that may apply. They are guidelines only and are not exhaustive. Some situations may not fit perfectly into a single category and may be evaluated based on the full context and Eduexplora’s reasonable udgment. Eduexplora reserves the right to determine the appropriate response in each case based on the nature, severity, frequency, surrounding circumstances, level of cooperation, safety concerns, and impact of the conduct on the participant, other participants, staff, or the program community.
Eduexplora is not required to apply consequences in a progressive order and may, when appropriate, impose a more serious consequence immediately, including probation, suspension, dismissal, or removal from specific activities or privileges.
Consequences may include, without limitation: verbal warning, written warning, reflection assignment, apology, loss of free time, loss of sign-out privileges, earlier curfew or lights out, parent/legal guardian notification, school notification, behavioral contract, probation, suspension from activities, dismissal from the program, or any other measure Eduexplora considers appropriate under the circumstances.
Category 1: Zero Tolerance / Immediate Dismissal Violations
The following behaviors are strictly prohibited and may result in immediate dismissal from the program:
• Use, possession, distribution, or involvement with alcohol, drugs, smoking, vaping, tobacco products, or e-cigarettes.
• Possession of weapons or dangerous items.
• Violence, threats of violence, sexual misconduct, or tampering with safety equipment • Any other conduct that Eduexplora determines poses a serious safety, legal, or community risk.
• Extremely serious disrespect, intimidation, or abusive conduct toward an instructor, TA, staff member, or other participant.
Category 2: Major Residential, Academic and Supervision Violations
The following behaviors are considered serious residential and safety violations and may result in major disciplinary consequences, including loss of privileges, probation, parent/legal guardian notification, school notification, suspension, or dismissal depending on severity and circumstances:
• Not being in one’s assigned room at lights out or at any other required time
• Sneaking into other rooms after lights out or sneaking out of the room in general after lights out.
• Leaving the residence, unit, or dorm without authorization
• Leaving designated supervision boundaries or sign-out areas without permission
• Serious or repeated academic misconduct, including using a phone when instructed not to, falling asleep in class, plagiarism, using unauthorized materials during an academic activity, falsifying data or sources for an assignment, or otherwise disrupting class in a way that interferes with teaching or other participants’ learning
• Serious or repeated disrespect toward an instructor, TA, staff member, or other participant, including openly defiant, hostile, intimidating, or highly disruptive behavior that undermines the learning environment or the authority of program staff.
Grounds for immediate dismissal may include, depending on the circumstances:
• Leaving the dorm/residence without authorization at night
• Leaving designated supervision boundaries or sign-out areas without authorization • Repeated or intentional violations of room checks or curfew rules
• Entering or remaining in another participant’s room in violation of safety, privacy, or supervision rules
Category 3: Minor and/or Repeated Minor Violations
The following behaviors may be considered minor violations when isolated, but may result in more serious consequences if repeated, intentional, disruptive, or part of a broader pattern of noncompliance:
• One-time lateness
• Using a phone when not allowed
• Minor dress code violations
• Leaving a classroom, dorm room, or common space messy
• Occasional failure to follow instructions
• Falling asleep in class or not paying attention, being disruptive and not following instructions from instructors or TAs in class.
• Failure to comply with English-use expectations where required
• Being in an unapproved location or violating sign-out rules when the conduct does not rise to Category 2
• Minor or isolated disrespect toward an instructor, TA, staff member, or other participant, including rude tone, dismissive comments, talking back, failure to respond appropriately to directions, phone use when not allowed, falling asleep in class, lateness, or other minor behavior that disrupts class or activities. Repeated instances of these behaviors may result in more serious consequences.
Possible consequences may include:
• Verbal or written warning
• Reflection assignment
• Apology
• Loss of free time
• Temporary or extended loss of privileges
• Earlier curfew or lights out
• Parent/legal guardian notification
• School notification when appropriate
• Behavioral contract
• Probation
Participant Rules
All Eduexplora participants are expected to abide by the following Rules for Participants, which is a non-exhaustive list of expected behavior within the scope of participation.
Pranks
Participants are not allowed to instigate or participate in pranks targeted toward other program participants, staff, or participants of other programs, as well as any other University employee or visitor.
Social Media
Sometimes, personal social media use, including off-hours use, may result in disruption in the program and the program staff may need to get involved. Interactions outside the classroom or program can have a significant impact on individuals and their relationships, to the extent that classes and other activities, which critically rely on a healthy and safe environment in the program community, are disrupted. Participants are expected to participate fully in related conversations, for the safety of the community.
Eduexplora instructors and staff are not permitted to accept social media connection or “friend” requests from current participants, parents/legal guardians of currently enrolled participants or prospective participants, or any former participants who are under eighteen years of age. To the extent that an Eduexplora instructor interacts with participants and/or parents/legal guardians through social media venues, such as through the program’s video conference system or professional educational sites, the instructor is not responsible for monitoring or reviewing the content or ensuring participants’ compliance with the terms of use of that social media venue.
Attendance
Participants are required to be present during each instructional and group work session. Participants are expected to take part in all scheduled activities (class, guest lectures, activities, meetings, etc.). Only in special circumstances, and with the approval of an Eduexplora staff member, may a participant miss a scheduled activity. Requests are typically granted for religious reasons, health reasons, or a family illness or death.
Electronics
Electronic devices such as laptops, tablets, and cell phones should only be used during program activities (both academic and student life events) for purposes directly related to the topic that the instructor or staff member is referencing. The program encourages all participants to engage fully in activities and to socialize with others in the program; accordingly, therefore, use of electronic
devices for social networking, emailing, talking on the phone, or playing games is not allowed during program events.
Location Sharing
Participants may be required to keep location sharing enabled through a method designated by Eduexplora for safety and supervision purposes. By participating in the program, participants and parents/legal guardians acknowledge and accept this requirement. Disabling location sharing, preventing staff from confirming a participant’s location, or failing to comply with this requirement may result in loss of privileges, increased supervision, disciplinary action, or removal from the program.
Entrepreneurial Activities and Solicitation
Participants are not allowed to sell goods or services during the program, nor are they allowed to gamble. Email or any other forms of solicitation is not permitted.
Public Displays of Affection
Participants are not allowed to publicly display affection in a way that makes other participants or staff members uncomfortable.
Residential Living Behavior
Participants are not allowed to cook in the residences. Participants are prohibited from having appliances and cooking equipment such as hot plates, microwaves, refrigerators, and toasters.
Whenever a visitor is present in a bedroom (including residents from the same house), the door to that bedroom must be open far enough that residential staff can observe the interior of the room from the hall. Participants are discouraged from having gatherings in their rooms; they should instead make use of common areas of the residences to meet with friends and to socialize. Participants must remain in their assigned rooms and sleep in their own assigned beds unless otherwise authorized by Eduexplora staff.
Parents or family are not allowed in students dorm spaces, including check in and check out days. Participants are responsible for keeping their bedrooms clean, and are expected to clean up after themselves in all of the common areas of their residence, both inside and out. Participants are expected to help maintain the cleanliness of common spaces by cleaning up trash in the common areas, even if they did not leave it there.
Each residence will have a house curfew of 9:00 pm and a lights out time of 10:30 pm. This means that students must be in their own residence by 9:00 pm, and in their own beds, with the lights out, by 10:30 pm. These times may be one hour later on Friday and Saturday evenings. Curfew and lights out may be moved earlier for individuals or residences with behavioral issues. Staff may make changes on schedule as needed. Staff reserves the right to modify any of the scheduled times during the program.
Participants are expected to behave with maturity and responsibility when in the dining hall. They must return their trays, clean up after themselves, and treat the dining room staff and other students with respect.
Animals and pets of any kind, including aquatic, are prohibited.
Participants are not allowed to rearrange furniture in the residences without permission from summer staff. Any furniture that is moved must be returned to its original state by the end of the session. A labor fee will be charged to a student if furniture is damaged or is not returned to its original location.
Keys are the responsibility of the participant. Any participant who loses a key can expect to be charged a replacement fee.
Participants will be given program lanyards to carry their room key and ID card, and they are expected to always wear their lanyards around their necks. Avoid swinging or twirling of lanyards which may lead to injury.
Use of bikes, inline skates, motorized vehicles, roller skates, scooters, skateboards, or other forms of personal transportation are not allowed.
Participants are forbidden from using any form of public transportation, such as city buses, Ubers, or taxis, without being accompanied by an Eduexplora staff member.
Participants are not allowed to entertain personal visitors inside program residences.
Participants must use designated crosswalks when crossing any street on campus or in any other location they visit while enrolled in the program. Crossing the street illegally (or “jay-walking”) is prohibited. Cross only when safe to do so.
By law, students must not tamper with any safety equipment, including, but not limited to, fire alarms, fire extinguishers, and smoke detectors. There is a significant fine for tampering with this equipment. Additionally, fire hazards such as candles, incense, halogen lights, matches, lighters, torches, barbecue grills, propane cylinders, charcoal, starter fluid, fireworks, explosive devices, and open flames are prohibited in or around the residences.
Participants are expected to dress in a manner that is appropriate for a learning environment and not disruptive to others. Participants are prohibited from wearing items that display offensive logos, symbols, or language, inappropriate sexual content, or slurs or symbols of hate, prejudice, intolerance, or discrimination.
Privacy and Media Protection
Respecting Private Information
Participants are not allowed to distribute the contact information, image, or likeness of any Eduexplora participant, instructor, or staff member without explicit permission of the person (or parent/legal guardian of the participant) whose information, image, or likeness is to be shared.
Sharing Course Materials
All course materials provided by the program are intended for the participant's personal use in the program and may not be shared or distributed.
Disciplinary Procedures
By participating in an Eduexplora program, the participant and the participant’s parent(s)/legal guardian(s) agree to support any necessary inquiry into a violation of the Rules for Participants or the Code of Conduct. Consequences for violating the Rules for Participants or the Code of Conduct may include, but are not limited to, disciplinary actions such as requiring participants to write letters of apology or complete reflection assignments; reflection meetings, possibly with parents/legal guardians present; probation; and/or immediate dismissal from the program. In all cases, program staff will contact parents/legal guardians to inform them of the participant’s behavior and ensure a proper plan is in place for moving forward. Violations of the law may be
reported to the local Department of Public Safety.
Probation Process
An Eduexplora participant who repeatedly or seriously violates the Rules for Participants or the Code of Conduct—but not enough to warrant immediate dismissal—will be placed on probation for a specified amount of time during the program. Any decision to place a participant on probation requires the approval of Eduexplora Senior Staff. Once a participant has been placed on probation, any further violation may subject the participant to immediate dismissal. Additional consequences may be assigned to the participant if deemed necessary. Once the decision to place a participant on probationary status has been made, both the participant and parent(s)/legal guardian(s) will be notified and will receive a disciplinary letter from Eduexplora Senior Staff.
Dismissal and Release Process
Eduexplora reserves the right to release a participant from the Eduexplora program for disciplinary and non-disciplinary reasons if the program believes the participant’s participation in the program will cause harm to, interfere with, or disturb other participants in Eduexplora programs, or if the program believes continued participation in the Eduexplora program is not in the best interest of the participant or the program. If a participant is dismissed for disciplinary reasons, a tuition refund will not be granted. If a participant is released for non-disciplinary reasons, the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) may be entitled to a partial refund. Any decision to dismiss or release a participant from the program requires the approval of Eduexplora Senior Staff.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging
At Eduexplora we seek to promote an inclusive learning environment for students from around the world. We endeavor to create inclusive educational experiences and student programming that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. We recognize and respect all areas of diversity, including, but not limited to, categories of culture, socioeconomic background, race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disabilities, religion, and life experience.
Attendance & Excused Absences
We expect participants to be fully involved in the program, and they should only miss scheduled activities for health, religious, or other warranted reasons.
Attendance Policy
Participation in Program Activities
Participants must be fully involved in the program and should be present for all program activities. All activities are designed to provide participants with a well-rounded experience both inside and outside of the classroom.
Commitment to the Program
Participants should not have any non-program commitments that directly conflict with required program activities.
Excused Absences
Participants should communicate directly with their Residential Counselors if they need to miss class for one of the permitted reasons (medical or religious). Communication should happen in advance of the absence whenever possible.
Parents/legal guardians should email contact@eduexplora.com to make a request for a participant to miss class or activity for reasons outside of the above categories. We will review all requests and respond within one to two business days before the Eduexplora program; thank you for your patience with our response.
Emergency Exceptions
For last-minute emergencies that require a participant to miss scheduled activities while attending the program, the parent can reach out directly to the chaperone in charge.
Program Completion
Participants who successfully complete the program will receive a Certificate of Completion.