Rules of the road
Because we’re committed to your child’s safety while abroad, EF has established the “Rules of the Road” to help the tour run smoothly and safely. Please remind your child that he or she is acting as an ambassador of the United States while abroad. Every tour participant needs to be punctual and attentive to the group leader, who is responsible for everyone in the group. Travelers must also demonstrate respect toward the tour director, who will handle all of the trip logistics. Please reiterate to your child that failure to adhere to the following could result in being sent home from the tour.
All EF travelers must carefully adhere to the following regulations while on tour:
- All scheduled activities are obligatory. If a participant is sick or has a physical ailment that might prevent him or her from participating in an activity, they should tell the group leader, who should notify the EF Tour Director.
- If students wish to visit friends or relatives in a destination country, the group leader must be informed before the tour begins. Please complete the Tour Release Form, also found under "Forms and Resources" on your personal account, to give permission for the visits. Your child should give the form to the EF Tour Director upon arrival.
- Travelers are expected to respect the nightly curfew for their own safety and security. The group leader might establish a curfew. Room checks will be conducted at the group leader's discretion. Visitors or group members of the opposite sex are not permitted in students’ rooms.
- Smoking is not allowed on buses, during meals, in hotel rooms or in any other shared, enclosed space.
- Hitchhiking and the driving or renting of any motor vehicle are strictly forbidden for all travelers.
- The consumption of hard liquor is strictly forbidden. Parents may sign a consent form at the group leader’s discretion, giving their permission for students under the age of 21 to consume the occasional glass of wine or beer with meals under the supervision of the group leader in countries where the participant is of legal drinking age. Excessive drinking by any participant of any age will result in disciplinary action, including dismissal from the tour at the participant’s expense.
- Shoplifting, possession of illegal drugs and all other illegal activities will not be tolerated and are punishable by immediate dismissal from the tour. All costs to return home are at the participant’s expense. Should the local authorities be involved, participants will be subject to the laws of the country they are visiting.
- Participants are required to pay for any phone calls or incidental personal expenses incurred at hotels. These must be paid the evening before departure at each hotel.
- Payment for damage done to hotel rooms or to buses is the responsibility of the participants. If a traveler notices any damage upon arrival at a hotel, he or she should notify the tour director immediately.
- Participants not conforming to any of these regulations risk disciplinary action and possible dismissal from the tour, returning home at his or her own expense. This decision is up to EF and/or the group leader.