Q&A - Students

Q: Do I have to sign up for both the June and July tracks?
No. We have intentionally designed this tour to be flexible. If you would like to complete, say the South America track in June and then go to Eastern Europe or East Asia in July, you are more than welcome.

Q: I can only travel for a few weeks, and can't complete the entire track. Can I still join somewhere?
Yes, of course. Despite the formality of this website, this trip is designed to be informal and flexible. You are more than welcome to jump in our out anytime or anywhere during the summer. You will need to register and coordinate your schedule with the Travel Team Captains involved.

Q: How much is this trip going to cost?
As a traveler, you will be responsible for covering all of your own direct cost (e.g. transportation, lodging, food, entertainment, etc.). Once we determine the final itinerary, we will provide rough estimates for the cost of each section of the trip. Needless to say, your total cost will depend on what countries you plan to visit and the purchasing power of the dollar (or your own currency) at the time.

Q: Why is there a small registration fee?
The registration fee is designed to create a modest budget for the travel team captains to cover expenses during their planning process. If we are successful at raising sponsorships, we will allocate a proportional amount of the funds to cover group costs (e.g. hotels, group activities, etc.). Only people who have registered will benefit from sponsorship subsidies.

Q: Can my significant other (or non-CBS travel companion) join me?
Sure. We'd be glad to have them join. If they plan to participate in group activities, please have your guest register online and let the travel team captain know they plan to join us.

Q: What is the registration deadline?
The registration deadline is May 1, 2010. We probably won't turn you away if you register after the deadline; however, we may not be able to ensure that you will have adjacent lodging and your own travel expenses may increase due to last minute airfare and/or hotel reservations. While we will do our best to accommodate those who register after the deadline, we can't guarantee that we will be able to provide the same accommodations as others in the group. Please check with the Travel Team Captain for more information.

Q: I'm planning on going, but... I'm not 100% sure. Should I register anyway?
Yes. Once you register, your travel team captain will send you information about the trip that will surely convince you to go. All kidding aside, completing registration will reserve your spot in the travel team. In the event you cannot attend, we can always refund your registration contribution, if you inform us before the registration deadline (May 1, 2009). After that date, refunds will no longer be available.

Q: Will the travel team captain make my hotel reservations?
Yes. If you are registered, the travel team captain will select a hotel and make shared room reservations (to reduce costs) for the dates that the entire group will be staying at that location. You will simply split the costs with whoever you choose to share a room with. Please be in regular contact with your travel team captain about all reservations.

Q: Do I need to make my own transportation reservations?
Yes. You will be responsible for getting yourself to and from each destination city. The TTC will distribute a recommended itinerary, but you will be responsible for booking and paying for your own tickets.

Q: Will we have free time during this trip or will the day be packed with activities?
It will depend on how many activities the travel team captain has planned. This trip is designed to be flexible, so if you want to break away for a day or two, you are more than welcome. That said, please communicate your plans with the team captain.

Q: What is the format of the "Executive Chats"
It depends. Ideally, they will be an informal visit with an executive at his/her office. The executive may or may not be a CBS alumni. These chats are intended to be an opportunity for you to have a discussion with someone who can offer a high-level perspective of their industry, country, etc. They are not intended to be recruiting oriented, but they are a great chance to strengthen you network abroad. It is absolutely critical that you act professionally during these visits. Although you are not officially students, you are representing Columbia Business School. Your TTC will give you a quick briefing before these visits, but please spend some time to prepare so you can make the most of this experience.

Q: What is the dress code for executive chats?
It will depend on the city and company you are visiting. Some companies are more casual than others. Please plan to bring shoes, jacket, slacks, and tie just in case.