First Year Program FAQs

We are now accepting application for the 2021-22 First Year Program.

Click HERE to apply

If you have any questions, please email programs@global-visionaries.org

Scheduled dates for the 2021-22 Guatemala Immersion trips are*:

A full calendar of program dates is included in the "Important Program Dates" tab on the First Year Programs page of our website.

*Please note that fluctuations in air ticket prices and/or school closures (snow days) may change our departure and return dates slightly (+/- 2 days) from published dates.

2021-22 application deadlines:

Application deadline: October 25, 2021

If you apply by the early bird deadline you will receive a $100 discount, applied to the total program fee.

The program application deposit is $50 for participants requesting financial aid and $250 for participants not requesting financial aid.

You can submit your deposit: 1) via check, made out to Global Visionaries and sent to 2524 16th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144 and be sure to write the applicant's name is the memo line. 2) online by credit card or automatic bank withdrawal.

If you are accepted into the program, the deposit amount will be applied to your program fees. If you are not accepted we will either void any checks sent or refund your deposit paid online.

Please schedule an interview at your school with one of the teachers listed below as soon as possible. Waiting until the last minute will put your chance of getting an interview at risk. After your interview, the teacher will return an interview form to us.

If you do not attend one of the schools listed below, please call Global Visionaries at (206) 322-9448 or email us to schedule an interview with one of our program staff at our office.

Ballard High School:

Vanessa Lopez, Spanish Teacher, dvlopezmadri@seattleschools.org

Eileen Yardley, Spanish Teacher, emyardley@seattleschools.org

Chief Sealth High School:

Pedro Lopez-Chavez, Immersion Program & Social Studies Teacher, plchaves@seattleschools.org

Cleveland High School:

Paige Wakamatsku, Math Teacher jpywakamatsu@seattleschools.org

Franklin High School:

Cara McEvoy, Spanish Teacher cjmcevoy@seattleschools.org

Olivia Geffner, Social Studies Teacher, oageffner@seattleschools.org

Garfield High School:

Gretchen Sloan, Spanish Teacher gesloan@seattleschools.org

lizabeth P Perez, Spanish Teacher epperez@seattleschools.org

Ingraham High School:

Sarah Kerr skkerr@seattleschools.org

Noah Zeichner nczeichner@seattleschools.org

John F. Kennedy Catholic High School:

Jenny Farrell, Director of Campus Ministry farrellj@kennedyhs.org

Mercer Island High School:

Chris Twombley, English Teacher chris.twombley@mercerislandschools.org

Mount Rainier High School:

Marlene Mersch, Spanish Teacher Marlene.Mersch@highlineshools.org

Nathan Hale High School:

Marni Balint mabalint@seattleschools.org

Rainier Beach High School:

Roosevelt High School:

Erika R Ahlstrom, Spanish Teacher erahlstrom@seattleschools.org

Jeanne McGuire, Spanish Teacher jmmcguire@seattleschools.org

Shorewood High School:

Brenda Gilman, Librarian brenda.gilman@shorelineschools.org

Amanda Stoker, Spanish Teacher amanda.stoker@shorelineschools.org

West Seattle High School:

Anne Eades, Spanish Teacher aleades@seattleschools.org

Laura McCarthy, Spanish Teacher lwmccarthy@seattleschools.org

Letters of recommendation are not required, except when requested by Global Visionaries staff.

If we do request a letter of recommendation, print the form linked here and have an adult (teacher, coach, community member, religious leader, etc.) fill it out. Once completed, have them email the form to programs@global-visionaries.org.

Acceptance decisions will be made on Friday, October 29, 2021. All students who are accepted will be notified at that time.

If you are not accepted into the program, you will be put onto a waiting list. We will notify you if/when spots open up.

The information below will help you estimate your total program cost.

Program cost is based on a sliding scale in order to increase equity and accessibility of our program. Our scale is base on program cohort, household income, and family size.

While we cannot guarantee a specific amount of financial aid, we are committed to working with every family to make our program accessible and affordable. Please contact our program staff, programs@global-visionaries.org to discuss your situation, even if you feel that you do not qualify for financial aid.

If parents are separated or divorced, and you are applying for financial aid, please provide financial information for the person who claims the child on their tax forms.

Spring and Intensive Program Cost

Total Program Cost: $4,350

The table below estimates financial aid amount and program cost based on household income.

Summer Program Cost

Total Program Cost: $4,825

The table below estimates financial aid amount and program cost based on household income.

We invite all prospective participants and their families to attend a Financial Information Night to learn more about the program cost, available financial aid, and fundraising options.

Information Nights are held in the evening online 9/28, 10/14 and 10/20 and one in person at El Centro de la Raza (2524 16th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144).

If you cannot attend either of our scheduled Information Nights, please contact programs@global-visionaries.org to discuss any questions you may have.

Information Meetings

If you applied for financial aid, you will be notified of your financial aid package at the time of acceptance.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact a member of our program staff at programs@global-visionaries.org and we would be happy to discuss the process with you.

Participants who do not have a U.S. passport can still travel to Guatemala as long as they have a valid U.S. residency card and a valid passport from the country in which they were born.

Guatemala requires visas for travelers from some non-U.S. countries. For more information on visa requirements, visit the Guatemala Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, here.

The Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, COVID-19 and tetanus vaccinations are required for travel to Guatemala.

If you prefer not to receive these vaccinations, we require you to sign and submit a "Vaccination Opt Out Form". Please contact a member of our program staff at programs@global-visionaries.org to get a copy of this form.

The safety of our youth participants is our top priority in every activity we plan, whether here in Seattle or in Guatemala.

To date, GV has had zero serious incidents with any of our youth. We attribute this, in part, to the close community we have established in Guatemala and the pre-departure safety training we conduct for all participants. Please refer to the U.S. Department of State website for more information on traveling conditions in Guatemala.

Short Answer

Currently, Zika does not affect Global Visionaries' travel plans, nor do we foresee it affecting our travel plans. We continue to monitor the situation, and will notify all participants, families, and trip leaders of any changes.

Long Answer:

The Zika Virus has become a rising concern in the last few years after thousands of cases were discovered in Brazil in late 2015 and early 2016. Cases of the virus have been identified throughout Latin America, and it is expected that the disease will spread throughout all countries in the Americas with the exception of Canada and Chile. The mosquitoes that spread the virus already live in the United States, but are mainly confined to the Southern region of the country.

Regarding Guatemala specifically, the mosquitoes that spread Zika virus are in the country. However, in the region that GV operates - at higher altitude and with a drier climate - they are less common. Our Guatemala staff is not aware of any cases in the area at this time and they will keep us abreast of any changes. We continue to monitor the situation on an ongoing basis to evaluate and determine methods of reducing risk and update any protocols necessary.

The symptoms of Zika Virus include conjunctivitis (pink eye), rash, and achy bones. The main risk associated with Zika is for pregnant women due to the association with birth defects. Pregnant women may wish to reconsider travel plans to Latin America.

The CDC recommends that travelers to Latin America protect themselves by taking measures to prevent mosquito bites, including using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Travelers may also wish to purchase permethrin-treated clothing, available at stores such as REI, L.L. Bean, and on Amazon, to further reduce risk of mosquito bites.

For more information on the Zika Virus and travel in Latin America, consult the following sources: The CDC: Zika Virus in Central America or NPR for the latest news on Zika Virus.

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