Frequently Asked Questions

Why Choose EWE Tours?

Safety. The health and safety of our participants is our number one priority. Our staff, program partners and host families know how to keep our participants safe and healthy. We have 24 hour emergency protocols in every country. Parents have our 24 hour emergency hotline for every trip.

Experience. Our staff have decades of experience leading international trips to more than a dozen countries in Africa, Asia & Central America. Our vetted program partners, staff, and host families abroad are continuously trained on our protocols and procedures.

Great Programs. Our programs provide athletes and students with the opportunity to learn about and contribute to communities and cultures abroad in safe, meaningful ways. The tours focus on service, academics, and sports, often combining all three. Our host countries span four continents, each offering diverse experiences.

Passion. Leading people on cultural immersion tours abroad is our passion! We love helping students, teachers, and families make life-changing trips and meet new friends abroad.

Emergencies

We are on-site 24/7 during the entire trip. Parents have the mobile numbers of our trip leaders before the trip starts. Parents can call us 24/7 for any urgent concerns. For emergency situations such as illnesses, injuries or natural disasters, our protocol is to immediately get your child to safety and/or medical treatment then call their parents. There are hospitals and clinics in all of our program areas and excursion locations.

What are the accommodations like?

Students stay at either homestays or 3-star and above hotels. Rooms are 2-4 students of the same gender per room. Shared bathrooms with hot water. Host families are known personally to us and are all experienced in hosting international travelers.

What are meals like?

Meals are mostly traditional local meals, with occasional fast food visits. Meals feature rice, beans, chicken, fish, beef, tortillas, bread, and tropical produce like corn, millet, plantains, cassava and more. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets can be accommodated.

Is the water safe to drink?

Tap water is only safe to drink in Costa Rica. For all other host countries, we provide filtered / bottled water daily.

Will my cell phone work?

Yes. You may want to add an international data roaming data plan to avoid surprise fees. Cell phone coverage is generally good in urban areas but spotty in rural villages. The app “WhatsApp” is one of the cheapest & most popular ways to stay in touch via text and calls.

Is WIFI available?

WIFI is available at all of the hotels and host families for your phone, tablet or laptop. We encourage students to (mostly) disconnect from technology in order to fully immerse themselves and get the most out of the trip. However we understand that you might want to call / text occasionally.

How to choose a tour?

Our tours vary greatly in terms of geography, culture and focus. Consider which of our tours reflects your vision, interests, and goals.

• Do you want to travel with your volleyball or soccer team?
• Or join your political science classmates on a trip to Ghana to meet the country’s leaders?
• Are you interested in a unique world culture like India’s?
• What about the cuisine, friendly people, and history of Vietnam, an emerging destination for world travelers?
• How far from home are you comfortable being? Vietnam is on the other side of the world, while Central America is only a 3-hour flight from Miami.
• Flight costs might be a factor too: round-trip flights can vary from $250 to Costa Rica to $1,300 to Ghana.

What’s included in the program fee?

• Our professional, bilingual staff on call 24-hours
• Accommodations at homestays / 3-star hotels
• All meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Private ground transportation
• Domestic Flights (India, Vietnam only)
• All Program Activities
• All Excursions
• Community Service
• Academic Credit
• Trip Director from the US
• EWE Tours t-shirt & water bottle

Not included: flights, visas, vaccinations

What are the age requirements?

For trips led by teachers and coaches, the minimum age for students is 13. For family trips, children must be age 10+. For individuals traveling solo you must be 18+. There is no age limit for any tour.

What are the entry requirements?

You must have a valid passport with 6+ months validity to join one of our tours abroad (see the US Department of State). For visa and vaccination requirements, see our entry requirements web page for each country. EWE Tours does NOT require any vaccinations. (We will explain the visa process after you book your tour)

When can I travel?

Our tours are available year-round. We have specific dates for sports camps. Your team / school can also choose custom dates for all tours.

How do I sign-up?

We use the secure website “We Travel” to process bookings & payments. When you are ready to sign-up for the trip, we will send you a customized link for We Travel. You will create a free account at We Travel which will have your total invoice and all your payments.

Do I need a passport?

You must have a passport with 6+ months validity. See the US State Department for how to apply for a new passport. Routine processing time: 4-6 weeks.  Expedited: 2-3 weeks and an extra $60.

Do I need a visa?

You need a visa for Ghana, India, and Vietnam. Our other host countries do not require a visa. The visa application process differs for each country. After you signup for your trip, we will explain the visa process.

Do I need vaccinations?

Ghana is the only host country that requires any vaccinations (for Yellow Fever). We do not require any specific vaccinations. We recommend that you consult a travel medicine doctor at least two months before your departure to discuss and allow sufficient time for any potential immunizations.

Do I need insurance?

Yes. We require that participants have an insurance policy that covers medical expenses abroad. This could be a current policy back home or a policy you purchase just for the trip. Our staff use Atlas Travel Insurance and Berkshire for our own policies. 

What paperwork do I need for EWE Tours?

• Online Sign-Up Form
• Passport ID page
• Visa (if applicable)
• Flights
• Insurance Policy
• Participant Contract
• Medical / Dietary Questionnaire
• Parental Consent Letter (for < 18 travelers)

Government Registry

We recommend that you register your trip with the US State Department’s Smart Traveler program. This can help expedite in-country assistance with lost passports and medical emergencies.

How much money should I bring?

We recommend that you bring $100 USD in cash, plus a debit card and a credit card. You won’t need to spend a lot of money because your program fee covers most expenses. If you want to buy food or souvenirs, cards are widely accepted. However you may have to pay in cash in local currency for stores in rural areas, and urban corner stores. The best way to get local currency is via at ATM machines.

Staying In Touch

Upon your group’s arrival at the airport in the host country, we will send parents and school admin(s) an email and text saying you arrived safely and we have met you. We will also post daily updates on social media for them to follow the tour.

Have more questions?

Please get in touch so that we can help you choose or customize the ideal trip. Call or text us at 267-764-4215‬ or email info@ewetours.com.