Student FAQ

What is the goal of the program?
The mission of Up with People is to spark people to action in meeting the needs of their communities, countries and the world while building bridges of understanding as a foundation for world peace.

What are the main components of the program?
Up with People achieves its mission through a unique combination of program components: international travel, unmatched cultural immersion, performing arts, service learning and community impact, leadership and global education, and professional development.

How long is the program?
Each program lasts for approximately 22 weeks and begins each January (lasting through mid June) and July (lasting through mid December). Casts begin their tour in Denver, Colorado, USA with a four-week staging and orientation period.  Some participants tour for only one semester, while others choose to further their experience for a second semester.

Where do I travel?
As a participant in this 22-week long program, you and your international peers will travel to numerous cities throughout the world, soaking in the cultural sights, sounds and tastes of each community. Each tour includes mult-continent travel to various regions of the world.  Recent tours have included stops in some of the following countries:  the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, the Philippines, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Belgium, Poland, Switzerland and Italy.  Actual tour destinations vary each semester and are confirmed approximately 4 months before the program begins.  Each unique journey is sure to provide a unique balance of major metropolitan cities and memorable small town experiences in both established and developing nations.

What types of travel documents do I need?
You'll need a passport, valid for at least six months after the end date of the program. Depending on your native country, you may need visas to enter the various countries on your tour. Once you've been accepted to the program, we'll provide you all the information you need to secure the appropriate visas. Please note: it may take up to several months to secure your passport and necessary visas, so start the process early!

Who participates?
Up with People welcomes participants age 18-29 from all over the world. In our most recent cast, over 90 young men and women represented 22 countries throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and South America.

A team of approximately 15 staff facilitators travel with the participants to plan and organize educational opportunities, community service projects, the performance and ensure the safety and success of the participants and the program.

Can I get college credit?
All participants who complete a semester with Up with People are eligible to receive academic credit from our partner schools:  Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin; Hawai'i Pacific University in Honolulu, Hawaii; and Western New England College in Springfield, Massachusetts.  We also have a long-standing affiliation with the University of Arizona, in Tucson, Arizona.  In the past, many participants have also arranged credit - similar to study abroad or independent study credits - through their own universities. The study abroad office at your home school may be of assistance in gaining credit for the Up with People program. To learn more about our University Partners or how to receive academic credit, please click here.

How will this experience benefit my future?
The skills gained and experience garnered through the Up with People program will set your resume apart from any other candidate.  Your participation allows you to Travel with a purpose, Perform for thousands and Impact communities - a unique combination of hands-on learning opportunities that educate like no other.  The  benefits of our program may very well jump-start a career, gain entrance into grad school and will certainly last for a lifetime.  With a network of over 20,000 alumni around the world, the personal and professional connections are priceless!

Where do I live while traveling?
You'll live with a host family in each of the communities you visit. The home stay experience is a core component of the program. You'll share meals, learn language basics, join in family gatherings and gain an insight into the daily life of your host family. As a guest in their homes, you will also have a unique opportunity to share with your host families your culture, experiences, and perspectives. Often, you'll be paired with another Up with People participant, but may be hosted alone on occasion.

What if my host family does not speak my native language?
Some of your host families will not speak your native language, prepare familiar foods, or live the same way that you do. Your staff will prepare you for this cultural immersion before traveling into another country. You will learn to adapt to various situations while learning about various cultures and making the most of each unique experience.

Are musical talent and performance ability requirements for participation?
No audition or prior performance experience is required for acceptance.  However, if you have a vocal or instrumental music talent or dance abilities, you'll enjoy using them in the musical component of the Up with People program. Up with People was founded on the principle of using music as a means of communicating with, moving, and inspiring people -- a truly universal language. The Up with People show remains a core component of the program, along with a dedication to service learning, cultural exchange and hands-on workshops in each place we visit.  As a participant, you are expected to be involved in all aspects of the program.

How do I apply?
You may complete the free Up with People online application or contact admissions@upwithpeople.org for more information. 

When should I apply?
Up with People operates on a rolling admissions basis; there are no specific application deadlines for each program (beginning each January or July). We recommend you begin the application process as soon as possible for the semester in which you'd like to participate. Participants can apply for the next three program dates available.

When do I hear if I've been accepted?
You will receive email notification of your status within 2-3 weeks following submission of your completed application and the completion of your personal interview with an Up with People Admissions Representative.

When do I submit the reservation deposit?
To reserve your position in our program, a $500 USD, non-refundable deposit is due upon acceptance to the program. This deposit will be applied toward your program fee. Should you decide to delay your enrollment, your deposit can be applied to the following semester's program.

Who should I contact with questions regarding the application process?
Please e-mail any questions to admissions@upwithpeople.org or contact an Admissions Representative at any of our offices. Click here for contact information.

How much does it cost to participate in the program?
Currently, the Up with People program fee is $14,250 USD.  This all-inclusive investment covers all training, materials, entrance fees, air travel beyond Denver, housing, meals and ground transportation, as well as the services of our full-time staff that travel with the cast throughout the program. The program fee is subject to change at any time and varies from program to program due to changing economic conditions.

Participant fees currently cover approximately 30% of the total costs associated with making the program possible, with the remaining expenses paid for by the generosity of grants, donations, sponsorships, and other sources of funding.

What about Personal Expenses?
Participants are responsible for arranging and paying for transportation to Denver, Colorado, U.S.A. at the start of the program and the return trip to their home city at the program's conclusion. Other costs that should be budgeted for by each participant include passport and visa expenses, international health insurance and medical expenses, and personal expenses (such as cell phones or phone calls, postage, internet, health and beauty items, etc.).

What’s the best way to finance the program?
In addition to personal and family finances, participants find a variety of ways to pay for their Up with People global experience. Many approach service clubs, businesses and others in their community for sponsorships; others raise funds through benefit dinners, dances, car washes, walk-a-thons and even by creating their own websites. We have hundreds of unique ideas for fundraising that our alumni have successfully used in the past. Contact an Admissions Representative for more information.

Does Up with People offer any type of Financial Aid?
Yes, partial financial aid may be available to qualified candidates and is awarded to participants based on demonstrated financial need, efforts to raise the program fee investment and the goals of Up with People to create a balanced, diverse experience for each semester.  Financial assistance may vary from a few hundred dollars to several thousands of dollars and may be in the form of discounts, scholarships and/or merit awards.  Upon acceptance into the Up with People program, you will receive further information on financial aid and fundraising ideas.  Financial Aid applications are available approximately six months prior to the start date of each semester of travel.  The UWP Financial Aid Committee will review applications in the months prior to each program start date.

Can I travel for a second semester (full year)?
Participants may travel for one or two semesters.  Up with People's 2nd Semester is designed for alumni who are still within the traveling age of 18-29.  This program is a continuation of the first semester curriculum and allows for innovation of oneself while traveling to, performing for and impacting new communities around the globe.  A written application and personal interview is required for admittance into this opportunity.  Although financial aid is not available, the program fee for a second-semester participant is offered at a significant discount.  For more information, please contact an Admissions Counselor or click here.

Is there an alumni organization?
Yes, the Up with People International Alumni Association (www.uwpiaa.org ) represents over 20,000 alumni of our program, with an independent governing body and chapters all over the world. There are international alumni reunions held each year in various cities such as Boston, Denver, Orlando and Tucson. Regional and cast reunions are very common in various states, provinces and countries in Europe, Asia and Australia.

What should I pack?
You'll receive a handbook prior to departure that gives you guidelines for what to bring with you. Because you'll travel to many different places, you'll need clothing for different climates. You're encouraged to bring items such as pictures, traditional clothing, musical instruments, toys, flags or books that reflect your culture. Laptops and mobile phones are not required and are only allowed during certain times of the day.  While some participants prefer to bring them as a means to document their experience and connect with home, many others prefer to "disconnect" from their daily lives in order to more fully engage in the experience of the tour.   Whatever you choose to bring, be sure to pack efficiently, as you'll need to carry your own luggage and ensure that your luggage conforms to current airline restrictions.

How do I stay in touch with family and friends during my travels?
As mentioned above, you're welcome to bring a mobile phone.  However, be aware that additional technology may be required for your phone to work in other regions of the world. Pre-paid calling cards and services are another option to consider. Your own laptop or internet cafes and libraries worldwide offer another way to stay connected and share great photos with friends and family back home. Regardless of access to technology, you may find the best way to stay in touch during your travels is by good old-fashioned letters and postcards.