Participate Learning Travel Benefits
Participate Learning offers a one-way airline ticket for each teacher to travel to the U.S. at the beginning of their first year to help offset your cost to relocate. Those teachers who choose to bring their own car and drive to Participate Learning orientation from Canada or Mexico will receive a driving stipend for mileage to the U.S. rather than airfare. Participate Learning does not assist with travel for J-2 dependents or other family members. You are responsible for arranging and purchasing any additional travel during your time with Participate Learning, including your ticket home at the end of your program participation.
Travel tips
International air travel can be very expensive and prices have been steadily increasing over the past several years. It is very helpful to plan your travel in advance and to use a variety of resources to help you find the best rates. While Participate Learning cannot assist or advise you in booking travel during the remainder of your time with the program, we hope you will find the tips below helpful.
Research all possible avenues to compare ticket prices. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Use discounted travel websites, such as Expedia, Travelocity, Kayak and Orbitz.
- Research prices directly on airline websites, such as American Airlines, Delta, United, South African Airways, British Airways, etc. Remember to consider both U.S. airlines and local airlines in your area.
- Contact travel agencies in your home country. Travel is sometimes more cost-effective if booked where travel originates.
Book early to ensure availability during the busy summer travel season.
- Most airlines prefer that you book flights as early as possible.
- As an incentive they will often give better fares for tickets booked at least 14-21 days in advance.
Be flexible about what time and day you are leaving, how long you want to stay, and where you are going.
- Mid-week travel is usually less expensive than weekend travel. Whenever possible, avoid traveling on weekends and holidays.
- Flights will cost more for travel during the busiest part of the day. Whenever possible, travel during off-peak hours.
- Prices vary by airport. Search all airports within a reasonable distance from your origination and destination.
- If you are working with a travel agent, communicate to him/her that your travel plans are flexible and ask for help in finding the best rates.
- Sometimes round-trip tickets cost less than, or only slightly more than, one-way tickets. Instead of booking one-way tickets as you need them, plan your travel needs for the entire year and arrange round-trip tickets.
- Airline prices fluctuate and may change daily. If you find a good deal, book it immediately.
Share resources!
- Have you found a good travel deal? Share it with other Participate Learning teachers by posting it in the Ambassador Orientation Community.
Plan ahead. Set money aside for your travel expenses.
- Set up a savings account for your anticipated travel expenses and contribute monthly.
- Save your Participate Learning relocation payment to use towards travel expenses.