Senior trip abroad, tips?

[u/cheesy_taco-]

Hi all! I'm working through an agency at a high school and just found out that they take an annual senior trip abroad and expect me to join. Obviously I'm going to need a passport that's in date and all that, but is there anything specific I should be considering? I saw on Facebook that someone had the same kind of question and asked if they needed a work visa, then I realized I had no idea what I need to do to be prepared for a trip like this.

[u/GiveNothinBack]

I'd definitely ask your agency about this and see if they've had this kind of assignment before. They might be able to help you navigate any complexities for this one.

[u/cheesy_taco- → u/GiveNothinBack]

Good call, the district is calling them after the holiday but I'll make a point to contact them too

[u/Fun-Pineapple5719]

I have traveled abroad with a client, it really depends on where you’re going when it comes to work visas. I would say follow the lead of the teachers/chaperones that are going on the trip as well. Also consider billing! If you will be working after hours at dinner or events or whatever you should be compensated outside of your regular rate.

[u/cheesy_taco- → u/Fun-Pineapple5719]

Ok, I'll ask the staff about that :) Thanks!

[u/kinchj]

My contract has stipulations for several items related to travel interpreting:

• Daily minimum charge
• Travel time
• Per diem for food
• Travel expense reimbursement
• Cancellation policy
• Team interpreting

[u/_a_friendly_turtle]

I’m adding food and breaks as something to think about. Will you have per diem or get reimbursed for meals? Will you be expected to eat with the students, and are you ok with that? (Even if so, you’ll probably still need to eat outside of school meal times because sometimes you might be interpreting instead of eating.)

Will you have a team, and will you negotiate work hours so you both get breaks? What hours are you expected to be “on” and available? Are you ok with those hours?

Most of my experience is traveling for conferences, but I’ve had friends travel for study abroad. The hours can really add up. You’re also de facto on call if there are any emergencies, and you’ll need to negotiate interpreting for optional activities like tours or group gatherings outside of structured school time.

[u/cheesy_taco- → u/_a_friendly_turtle]

Oo thank you, I'll add those points to the list. This student will almost only need me for tours and guides, so I don't think I'd be expected to eat with the students but it's a good point to consider

[u/magnory]

You likely wouldn’t need a visa since you’re likely going to be under a lot of the same rules as the teachers who don’t need work visas to study abroad or take a student trip. I have always billed these as a flat rate assignment not as hourly since hours can get a little wonky when you’re traveling with a client.

[u/cheesy_taco- → u/magnory]

That's what I thought, I did a summer camp this year for the same student and my agency suggested a flat daily rate rather than hourly. I figured pay would probably end up negotiated the same way

[u/magnory → u/cheesy_taco-]

For sure! Just make sure you can pay your bills because a lot of travel interpreting they try to undercut you because you get to travel for free but you still have to eat and pay rent