Afic South African Tour 2018 (March 7-21, 2018)

af Innovative Concepts

SOUTH AFRICA

2018

w w w. af i n n ov a t i veconcept s l l c . com M a rc h 7 -2 1 , 2 0 1 8

LOC ATIONS

SIDE ATTRACTIONS

Victoria Falls Johannesburg Cape Town

Photo Safari Guided Tours

many more locations.

#uniquesatour

af Innovative Concepts

SOUTH AFRICA

afictour

w ww.afinnovativeconceptsllc.com

af Innovative Concepts LLC

515-207-0221

Making the smartest choice

2018

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Scan bar code from your device

af Innovative Concepts LLC. Ankeny, Iowa.

CONTENTS About 03 the trip

07 Itinerary

23 Price Package 28

ravel T Insurance

34 Travel Info

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Making the smartest choice

About af Innovative Concepts

SOUTH AFRICA

2018

www.a f innov a t iveco n c e p ts llc .c o m 515-207-0221

SI D E AT T R AC T I O N S

L O C AT I O N S

Cape Town Victoria Falls Johannesburg

Photo Safari Guided Tours

many more locations.

H

ELLO TRAVELERS,

#uniquesatour

On the cover: Cape Town covered in clouds.

af Innovative Concepts LLC promotes a unique and enhanced personalized multicultural experience in both travel and hospitality consulting. Our goal is to provide quality all inclusive tours that include but are not limited to Culinary, Wine, Historical, Cultural, Tourist, and Educational experiences.

Depart Wednesday March 7 through March 21st 2018, which includes Victoria Falls (one of the seven wonders of the world), Zimbabwe Guided Tour of Victoria Falls, Sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, gourmet dinner at Victoria Falls Hotel, Boma dinner (traditional dinner / drumming and dancing). Photo Safari at Zulu Nyala Game Reserves, Johannesburg - The Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill & Nelson Mandela’s House, Sterkfontaine Caves, Cradle Making the smartest choice

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of Human Kind, The Lion’s Park, Cape Town - Stellenbosch and Franschhoek Wine Regions, Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, Robben Island, Tour of Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet, cruise to Seal Island, Penguins at Boulders Beach, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens - home to some 3,500 species of Southern African Flora and Fauna.

the trip Included in the trip are as follows: •R ound trip flight from DSM to South Africa (other originating cities may vary in air fare costs).

• All flights within South Africa that is Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town and to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day.

• Photo Safari in Zulu Nyala – Kwazulu Natal • Two photo safari trips each day at Zulu Nyala and local Guides on every tour.

• All transfer and Visa’s • Basic Protection Plan To purchase other protection plans such as comprehensive or ultimate, please refer to page 26-28.

Not included in the trip as follows: • Estimated Tipping $5/day for Bus Driver, $7/day for Tour Manager.

Please take your time to review this guide, do not hesitate to contact tour managers below for any further information. Registrations is limited so please register now!

Emmanuel France 515-207-0221 Robert Anderson 515-210-6134 info@afinnovativeconceptsllc.com

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af Innovative Concepts

SOUTH AFRICA

2018

15 days

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Zulu Nyala Games Reserves

14 nights March 7-21, 2018

Johannesburg

Cape Town

Stellenbosch& Franschhoek Winelands

Itinerary MARCH 9 – 11 Destination: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Nights: 2 Basis: B, L, & D Accommodation: Victoria Falls Hotel

MARCH 7 Destination: New York 1 Nights:

Basis: B, L, & D Accommodation: To be announced

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MARCH 11 – 14 Destination: Kwazulu Natal Nights: 3 Basis: B, L, & D Accommodation: Zulu Nyala and Heritage Safari Lodge

Itinerary INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT DAYS March 8: New York to Zimbabwe March 22: Cape Town to New York

MARCH 14 – 17

MARCH 17 – 21

Destination: Johannesburg Nights: 3

Destination: Cape Town Nights: 5

Basis: B, L, & D Accommodation: 4 or 5 Star Hotel

Basis: B, L, & D Accommodation: 4 or 5 Star Hotel 8

Making the smartest choice

DAY 1

Wednesday, March 7 2018

TRAVEL

Take Off

DSM/Other connecting airports.

New York JFK International Airport Making the smartest choice

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Arrival 1

Johannesburg, South Africa (JNB)

DAY 2

Thursday, March 8 2018

TRAVEL

Arrival 2

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

We are met by travel Tour Company and transferred from Victoria Falls Airport to the Victoria Falls Hotel Activities Planned

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DAY 3

Saturday, March 9 2018

VICTORIA FALLS, HOTEL

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

DAY NOTES

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be met by your guide for the transfer to the airport to board the flight to Johannesburg and the onward flight to Zimbabwe. On arrival at Victoria Falls Airport, you will be met by your local English speaking guide for the transfer to the hotel. Enjoy time at leisure until you are met by your guide for a Sundown Cruise on the Zambezi River.

Overnight on a bed, breakfast, and dinner basis at the Victoria Falls Hotel – standard rooms.

Bed

Breakfast

Lunch

O Dinner

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ne of the original natural wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls is a World Heritage Site and an extremely popular tourism attraction. Known locally as ‘The Smoke that Thunders’ this spectacle is accessible from both Zambia and Zimbabwe and it is an ideal place to combine game viewing and water sports. There is excellent fishing, a terrifying bungee jump and arguably the best commercial white water rafting in the world.

DAY 4-5

Saturday & Sunday, March 10-11 2018

ZIMBABWE ACTIVITIES

S unset Cruise on the Zambezi River – beverage and snacks whilst keeping an eye out for the hippos, elephants, crocodiles and abundant bird life D inner at Bomo Restaurant – enjoy Zimbabwean cuisine with great entertainment from the locals.

Guided Tour of the Falls – explore the Falls up close and on foot, enjoy great views as you walk the path hovering up close to the Falls.

L unch at the Lookout Café. The Lookout Café is cantilevered over the gorge so that you stand insignificant in size when compared to the mighty chasm of the canyon dropping steeply away. 120 meters below, the serpentine Zambezi churns with incredible force and mellows into great, glass-like swathes that bely its power.

E njoy dinner at a classically-elegant Edwardian-style dinner in the Livingstone Room in Victoria Falls Hotel.

The restaurant features a la carte d’hote menus. The dress code is smart/business casual, sleeved collared

shirt and closed shoes for men for the convenience of guests in this more relaxed modern era. Strictly no safari wear, shorts, sandals or sneakers.

Village Tour - a visit to a local Zimbabwean village, it is an eye opening experience and interactive tour.

Transfer to Victoria Falls Airport Richards Bay, Kwazulu Natal We will be met by the Zulu Nyala Lodge Transfer company and transferred from Richards Bay Airport to Zulu Nyala Lodge / Heritage Safari Lodge

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DAY 6-7 Monday & Tuesday, March 11-12 2018

KWAZULU HOTEL

You will stay at Heritage Safari Lodge, or Zulu Nyala Lodge. Three delicious meals per day with an African flair.

DAY NOTES

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be met by your guide for the transfer to OR Tambo Airport and your scheduled flight to Durban then transfered to Zulu Nyala.

Overnight: Zulu Nyala Game Lodge Zulu Nyala Private Game Reserve provides a unique bush experience in the heart of one of South Africa’s most diverse conservation regions. Nestled between the wilderness reserves of Mkuze, Hluhluwe, St. Lucia and Sodwana Bay, this lush stretch of paradise is home to a wide variety of game, from the

Bed

Breakfast

Making the smartest choice

Lunch

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Dinner

DAY 8 Wednesday, March 13 2018

NATAL Daily open Land Rover Trips with experienced guides. These wonderful parks are renowned for their dramatic hilly countr yside, diversity of flora and fauna, high standards of conser vation and their invaluable contribution in saving the white rhino from extinction.

Day 5 to Day 8— 3 days/4 nights Safari in Zulu Nyala where the Kim Basinger movie “I Dreamed of Africa” was filmed.

Your luxurious stay for two will be in the midst of the richest wildlife conservation region in Africa. majestic elephant to rhino, buffalo, hippo, giraffe, the secretive leopard and cheetah and the shy Nyala antelope that are endemic to the region.

The privately owned reserve is home to over 40 different species of animal and magnificent bird life. A large variety of game reserve activities and excursions are available to all guests of Zulu Nyala Safari Game Lodge, Heritage Safari Lodge and Hemingway Tented Camp.

Fly from Richards Bay to Johannesburg. Meet our Tour Manager and transferred to a 4 or 5 star hotel. The afternoon will be at your leisure.

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DAY 9

Thursday, March 14

JOHANNES HOTEL

4 or 5 star Hotel

DAY NOTES

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be met by your guide for a morning visit to Soweto and the legendary Apartheid Museum. After the visit, enjoy lunch at Chez Alina Restaurant (or similar) before a city tour of Johannesburg including Constitution Hill and the Newtown area.

Overnight on a bed and breakfast basis at a 4 or 5 star hotel.

Bed

Breakfast

Dinner Making the smartest choice

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Lunch

DAY 10

Friday, March 15

BURG HOTEL

4 or 5 star Hotel

DAY NOTES

Today you will visit the Sterkfontein Caves, Cradle of Humankind and the Lion Park

Johannesburg is one of Africa’s biggest and

most vibrant cities. It is the economic capital of Africa and the gateway to Southern Africa.

Although not as famous as other South African destinations, there is plenty to do in Johannesburg and nearby Pretoria. The old city is a multicultural mixture of traditional medicine shops, Chinese restaurants, taxi ranks and ultra modern skyscrapers. There are excellent museums, art galleries and organized tours of historical and political interest. The shopping is Southern Africa’s best and the many restaurants cater for all tastes. The nearby township of Soweto is Johannesburg’s most popular tourist attraction.

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a f I n n ova t i ve Co n ce p t

SOUTH AFRICA

2018

March 7-21, 2018

Explore the beach, shopping malls, & local markets at your leisure

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Zulu Nyala Games Reserves

Johannesburg

Cape Town

Stellenbosch & Franschhoek Winelands

DAY11-12 Saturday & Sunday, March 17&18 2018

CAPE HOTEL

4 or 5 star Hotel.

Transfer to Johannesburg Airport for your flight to Cape Town.

We will be met by our Tour Manager in Cape Town and transferred to 4 or 5 star Hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

DAY NOTES

Resting at the confluence of the Indian and Atlantic Ocean, sandwiched between the slopes of the iconic Table Mountain and the glistening sapphire waters of Table Bay, the exceptionally scenic city of Cape Town is in a class of its own. Some cities boast rich culture, vibrant nightlife, a cosmopolitan atmosphere and extraordinary architecture, while others boast breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary natural wonders. Cape Town, is lucky enough to be blessed with all of these attractions and so much more. With its bustling harbor, world class beaches, topnotch vineyards, and its mountainous surroundings brimming with diverse flora and fauna, Cape Town consistently captivates the hearts of all who visit.

Making the smartest choice

Bed

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We will take a Ferry to Robben Island (weather permitting).

Wine tasting and lunch at Groot Constantia.

Enjoy Cape Town City and Table Mountain Tour. Take a ride up the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway (weather permitting)

DAY 13

Monday, March 19 2018

TOWN Depart for the Cape Winelands Tour: Escape to the beauty and tranquility of the Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch Winelands.Visit some wineries of well-known estates to sample wine of merit.

Bed

Lunch

Dinner

DAY NOTES

Enjoy a full day tour of Cape Point.

Transfer to Hout Bay and enjoy a half hour cruise to Seal Island then continue on to Cape Point and reach the Cape of Good Hope, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet.

Visit the Penguins at Boulders beach.

The last stop of the day is at the Kirstenbosch Botanical gardens – home to some 3,500 species of Southern African Flora and Fauna.

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DAY14

Tuesday, March 20 2018

Stellenbosch & Franschhoek Winelands

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CAPE WINELANDS

A mere one hour drive from Cape Town lies the valleys and mountains which have become synonymous with some of the world’s finest wines.

Spectacular mountain scenery, fine hotels and guest houses, 300 years of wine making history and many of the country’s top restaurants combine to make the Cape Winelands into a much desired destination. This is the center of South Africa’s award winning wine industry and places of interest include Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and numerous award winning wine estates.

DAY15

Wednesday, March 21 2018

DEPARTURE DAY NOTES After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy time at your leisure until you are met by your guide for the transfer to the airport to board the flight to Johannesburg and the onward flight home.

Transfer to Cape Town Airport for return flight to the United States.

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TOUR PRICE PACKAGE Tour Cost: Cost Per Traveler: $9,662 $966/Month using automatic payment plan Cost breakdown Program Fee: $9,762 Saver Date Incentive: -$100 Total Group Fees 1: $9,662 Valid through 6/1/17 with deposit of $200

Additional Fees (as applicable) Single Room Supplement: $760 Ultimate Protection Plan: $400 Comprehensive Protection Plan: $300 Full Payment Deadline: 12/1/17 This includes Basic Protection Plan.

Please know that if you will be departing from a gateway other than Des Moines, this may alter the cost of your trip. Also note, trip may be modified subject to weather conditions and events beyond our control.

Alternate arrangements will be made accordingly.

Estimated Tipping $5/day for Bus Driver, $7/day for Tour Manager Making the smartest choice

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TOUR PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS The current pricing is good through 6/1/17. This should give those interested some time to think about their decision, while still making their decision a priority.

The deposit with registration is $200, which is put entirely towards the program fee.

There are now two options for payment schedules: 1. S tandard payment schedule: After paying a $200 deposit, $295 is due approx. 2 or 3 months after enrollment, with the final balance due December 1st, 2017.

2. Automated payment plan: After the $200 deposit, trip fees can be paid in even increments (monthly, bi-monthly, weekly, etc.) and withdrawn directly from a checking account. This allows you to budget more efficiently, and also gives you longer to pay – you can schedule your final payment up to 45 days prior to departure. Here are more details on the automated payment option: https://www.acis.com/students/autopay.

F or security reasons, there is no longer a space to fill in credit card information on the hard copy registration form. If someone would like to pay the $200 deposit by credit card, they will need to enroll online.

All of the applications need to have the name filled out as it appears on their passport (or birth certificate, if they have not yet gotten a passport). The name on the registration form is what we use to book the airline tickets and they need to match exactly – FIRST, MIDDLE and LAST. Please

select a payment plan (either standard or automatic) when you enroll. If you leave that field blank, you will default into auto-pay.

We’re happy to announce our Price Guarantee — which means that participants will see one single price for their trip (no more registration fees and departure fees!), and anyone who enrolls by the early registration deadline will see no increase in that price.

This price is based on a minimum of 15 passengers.

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OUR ETHICS

A

ll the elephants within our care are orphans for one reason or another, and we work closely with the Parks and Wildlife management authority, offering haven to elephants in distress within the country. Our initial operations started in 1993 with a group of 4 young orphaned elephants requiring a home, having derived from a population reduction exercise carried out in the late 1980’s by the Parks and Wildlife. Fortunately these methods of managing elephant populations are no longer practiced within the country. Since that time our complement has grown, to at one stage 23 elephants, some of which have since been successfully released into the wild.

Feeding and raising a young orphaned elephant is an extremely complex business with a specially adapted milk formula being required as well as 24 hour supervision from staff. Young elephants will drink between 40 and 60 liters of milk formula per day which comes with some large costs.

However we are proud to say we have successfully raised a fair number of these orphans over the years. In addition we have cared for numerous young animals that have been injured in poacher’s snares over the years, and through the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust which we founded in 2007, we have assisted numerous other animals in distress both within our reserve and indeed throughout Zimbabwe when required.

Our elephant back safari operation is controlled by an extremely comprehensive code of conduct, and all our staff are trained at the highest level using a training manual developed over 20 years of operations. No form of abuse is tolerated when working with the elephants and our elephant managers are pioneers in the industry who have been working with orphaned elephants since our operations began. Without the commercial side of our operations, it would be impossible to care for these animals with the very large input costs required for their care. Our elephants work for a maximum of 3 hours per day with guests, the remainder of their day spent free ranging on our sanctuary property, interacting with each other and other wildlife as they would do naturally in the wild. Great care is taken to ensure the welfare of the elephants within our care comes before any commercial gain.

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register for your tour 1. CHOOSE HOW YOU WOULD LIKE TO REGISTER The first thing you should do is read this registration booklet carefully. It’s filled with a lot of important information related to your trip. Next, you should get your Group #, Departure Date and Program Name from your group leader. You can register for your trip in two ways: 1) Online: Register online at www.acis.com/register. Make your initial payment by MasterCard, Visa or through our Automatic Payments Plan.

2) Paper: Complete the registration form in the back of this booklet and mail it with your initial payment to ACIS, 343 Congress Street, Suite 3100, Boston, MA 02210. We accept checks or money orders made payable to “ACIS.” (Do not send cash).

Initial Payment: The minimum payment required to enroll is $200 when registering before September 1, or $495 if registering September 1, onwards.

Important Notes: Be sure to write your full name (first, middle and last) and date of birth exactly as they appear on your passport. If you do not have a passport yet, please list your full name as it appears on your birth certificate. The minimum age for travel with ACIS is 5 years old. ACIS communicates via email to cover invoicing and other important information. Please provide accurate participant and parent email addresses during registration so that these vital trip details are not missed.

2. CHOOSE A PROTECTION PLAN Peace of mind is key—make sure you have the level of insurance protection that's right for you. Your ACIS program fee includes Basic Protection coverage. ACIS recommends that participants upgrade to the Ultimate Protection Plan, designed specifically for your travel needs. For details of plan policies, please see the “Protection Plans” section on page 7 of this booklet.

INSURANCE COVERAGE

CANCELLATION REFUND POLICY*

RATE

MOST ENHANCED health coverage, program interruption, baggage delay/loss and travel delay protection while on tour.

Plus, enhanced medical/job loss cancellation refund policy.

MOST ENHANCED cancellation refund policy. Cancel for any reason up to your day of departure and receive a cash refund—the most generous plan in the industry.**

$ 30

COMPREHENSIVE PROTECTION PLAN

ENHANCED health coverage, program interruption, baggage delay/loss and travel delay protection while on tour. Plus, enhanced medical/job loss cancellation refund policy.

ENHANCED cancellation policy.

$25

BASIC PROTECTION PLAN

STANDARD health coverage, program interruption, and travel delay protection while on tour. Plus, standard medical/job loss cancellation refund policy.

STANDARD cancellation policy.

ULTIMATE PROTECTION PLAN

per day ($400 maximum)† surcharge for participants age 66+†

$100

The Ultimate Protection Plan must be purchased by the Full Payment Deadline.

per day ($300 maximum)† surcharge for participants age 66+†

$100

The Comprehensive Protection Plan must be purchased no later than 65 days prior to departure.

Included in program fee

*Cancellation Refund Policy summary refers to cancellations due to non-insured reasons. **Portion of the refund may be in the form of a travel credit voucher. †Capped at $400/$300 not including the surcharge for participants age 66+. Plan must be purchased for the entirety of the tour, including departure and return dates.

3. IMPORTANT TRAVEL NOTES YOUR PASSPORT

VISAS AND LETTERS OF CONSENT

Passports are required for all international ACIS trips. Passport processing times have increased, so apply for yours today. This is especially important if you need a visa. Contact your local post office or county office for the forms.

Visas are required for trips to or connecting through several non-European countries. ACIS will follow up with any groups requiring visas to travel. We recommend that all visa applications (along with each traveler’s passport) be submitted at least 16 weeks before departure. Letters of consent signed by parents/legal guardians are also required for participants under 18 years of age traveling to certain destinations. Contact your group leader for details.

Please note: some countries require that each traveler's passport expires no less than six months after the date of your final day overseas.

For more information, visit passports.state.gov.

NON-U.S. CITIZENS—IMPORTANT Non-U.S. citizens are responsible for obtaining all documents needed to enter the countries to be visited or connected through, and for reentry into the United States. Please consult the consular offices of the countries on your itinerary, as well as the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, for complete information.

ADULT TRAVELERS ACIS tours are designed primarily for students. As such, to cover the cost of increased fees, adult travelers age 24 and older must pay a $95 surcharge (waived for trips to the Americas) and double or single room accommodation fees as follows: Singles: $95/night (where available); Doubles: $45/night ($70/ night for cruises). All rooming requests must be received by ACIS 90 days prior to departure and they may not be available on all programs. www.acis.com • 877-795-0813

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payment plans 4. CHOOSE A PAYMENT PLAN You have two ways to pay for your tour:

automatic payments

A) AUTOMATIC PAYMENTS PLAN We’ll divide your total program balance into smaller monthly installments, which will be withdrawn from the checking account you provide. You can track your payments anytime on the My Account section of www.acis.com. Sign up for Automatic Payments by filling in that option on the paper registration form or by selecting that payment method during the online registration process.

Note: The deadline to enroll for Automatic Payments is 101 days prior to your departure date. You will be sent a notification email once your enrollment is confirmed.

B) MANUAL PAYMENTS PLAN After making your initial payment, you’ll then complete your payments by the following steps: • If registering before September 1, with an initial payment of $200, you'll then complete your payments in two steps: an additional $295 in program fees will be due 30 days from the date of your first invoice. Reservations of participants who have not paid $495 by this deadline will be assessed a $50 Deposit Late Fee and will be subject to cancellation. Full payment for your trip is due by the date in the chart below.

- THE SIMPLEST WAY TO PAY Benefits of Automatic Payments • It’s free.

• Payments are withdrawn automatically – no deadlines to remember or late fees to worry about.

• More time to pay: Final payment can be set for up to 45 days prior to departure compared to 90+ days under our manual plan.

• WIN A FREE TRIP! All participants enrolled in this plan are entered in our Free Trip Sweepstakes.

Learn more at www.acis.com/autopay

• If registering September 1, onwards with an initial payment of $495, full payment for your trip is due by the date in the chart below.

IMPORTANT NOTES • If you do not specify a payment plan option on the registration form at the back of this booklet, you will automatically be enrolled in our Automatic Payments Plan using the checking account you used to submit your initial payment. You can change this selection at any time.

• If you are registering within 45 days of your final payment deadline, full payment is due with your registration form*.

FULL PAYMENT DEADLINES By registering and paying in full by the deadlines listed below, you guarantee that no late fees will be assessed.

For trips departing

Full payment is due by this date

Oct 15 - Nov 30

Aug 1

Dec 1 - Dec 31

Sep 1

Jan 1 - Feb 28

Oct 1

Mar 1 - Apr 30

Dec 1

May 1 - May 31

Feb 1

Jun 1 - Jun 30

Feb 17

Jul 1 - Jul 31

Mar 1

Aug 1 - Oct 14

Apr 1

*If you apply within 45 days of the payment deadline, there may not be time to send an invoice prior to the full payment deadline. In order to avoid a late fee, we recommend that you send the full payment with your registration. If you apply after the full payment deadline, be sure to include the full payment of all trip fees and the $150 Full Payment Late Fee with your registration. Late registrations are subject to availability and must be paid by credit card, cashier's check or money order. We can not accept personal checks within 65 days of departure.

Now you are ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

Visit www.acis.com for information on what to pack, how much spending money to bring, fundraising suggestions and more.

www.acis.com • 877-795-0813

Making the smartest choice

If you do not pay in full by the full payment deadline, you will be assessed a $150 Full Payment Late Fee. If you do not pay in full 65 days prior to departure, your reservation will be cancelled as airlines and hotels cannot continue to reserve space.

5. GET READY TO TRAVEL

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IMPORTANT PAYMENT INFORMATION

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refund policies Should you have to cancel for a non-insured reason, our refund policy is outlined below. We can only process cancellations upon receipt of a cancellation letter. Any refund that you are owed will be sent within 45 days of receipt of your cancellation letter. ACIS recommends the Ultimate Protection Plan that allows you to cancel anytime up to your day of departure for any reason and receive a cash refund! # of days prior to departure

Ultimate Protection Plan

Comprehensive Protection Plan

Basic Protection Plan

130+ days

All payments less $100*

All payments less $350*

All payments less $350*

129 to 90 days

All payments less $450*

All payments less $650*

89 to 65 days

All payments less $675*

All payments less $1,100*

64 to 30 days

All payments less $400 Travel Credit Voucher*

All payments less $1,100*

All payments less $1,300*

29 to 15 days

All payments less $600 Travel Credit Voucher*

No refund

No refund

14 days or less

All payments less $800 Travel Credit Voucher*

*The Comprehensive Protection Plan Fee, Ultimate Protection Plan Fee and any visa fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Non-refundable fees also include, but are not limited to, ACIS Travel Credit Voucher credits, late fees and cancelled check fees. ACIS Travel Credit Vouchers are transferable, are not redeemable for cash and expire two years from the date of issue.

Please contact ACIS for more details.

CANCELLATION NOTES There is no provision for refunds for meals, accommodations or transportation, including flight costs or activities missed by participants, for reasons of absence once the program has started. Minor alterations in programs will not result in refunds. Pre-departure materials are not sent to participants who cancel from the program.

If a participant elects to obtain a refund, that refund shall be ACIS’ sole responsibility to participants and parents/legal guardians. All cancellations must be submitted in writing to ACIS’ Boston Headquarters at 343 Congress Street, Suite 3100, Boston, MA 02210, or by email to accounts@acis.com.

REINSTATEMENT FEES Cancelled participants who request to be reinstated must send full payment, including a $175 Reinstatement Fee (plus any additional airline charges), in the form of a cashier’s check or credit card, along with a written request to be reinstated. Reinstatements are subject to airline and hotel availability.

substitution policy Substitutions can be made provided that the participant finds a suitable replacement. Substitute participants must forward a completed ACIS registration form together with appropriate payment in accordance with the payment schedule, and these must arrive in the same envelope as the written notice of cancellation for the participant withdrawing from the program. Please write the word “SUBSTITUTE” in large block letters at the top of the form. The substituting participant will pay the trip fees applicable at the time of his/her registration on the ACIS program. Substitutions are not possible within 65 days of departure. Refunds will be made within 45 days of the completed substitution. Subject to airline and hotel availability. # of days prior to departure

Refund for Withdrawing Participant

90+ days

All payments less $200*

89 to 65 days

All payments less $350*

64 days or less

No substitutions possible

* The Comprehensive Protection Plan Fee, Ultimate Protection Plan Fee and any visa fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

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www.acis.com • 877-795-0813

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Making the smartest choice

terms and conditions These Terms and Conditions are valid for all ACIS tours departing after October 15, 2016 and are subject to change with or without notice. The most current Terms in effect at the time of your registration will apply, which are available at www.acis.com.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PROGRAM FEE? Basic Protection Plan coverage. Round-trip air transportation from the designated U.S. departure city. All breakfasts and dinners (except on “Your Way” programs where only breakfasts are provided) unless dine-out options are selected. Lunches aboard cruise ships and in China. Accommodation in double or triple rooms (or quadruple rooms in the U.S.). Service of an ACIS Tour Manager (except on "Your Way" programs). Tips (except to tour manager, long distance bus drivers and aboard cruise ships).

And, all charges for departure taxes, airport, airline and federal security fees and fuel surcharges.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PROGRAM FEE? Non-refundable passport fees; non-refundable Comprehensive or Ultimate Protection Plan fees; beverages with meals; lunches (except aboard cruise ships and in China); laundry; excess baggage charges; optional excursions; extensions; dinners and tour manager on “Your Way” programs; tips to tour manager, long distance bus driver and cruise ship staff; expenses incurred during free time periods; overnight lodging and meals in the United States prior to departure or upon return of the international flight; non-refundable visa and visa processing costs for destinations which have visa requirements (note: visas and visa processing costs for non-U.S. citizens may be higher); transportation from participant’s home to the airport of departure and back; weekend surcharge of $40 (prior to May 16) or $50 (May 16 onwards) in each direction if the departure or return dates fall on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday; all applicable adult surcharges; and, airport taxes that are collected on the spot in foreign airports.

CUSTOM TOURS & GALAPAGOS TOURS Due to advance reservation fees, ACIS reserves the right to change the non-refundable portions of the program fees. Penalties will depend purely on the refund policy of the local operators. Higher initial deposits may also be required in order to hold reservations and may be non-refundable in the event of a cancellation.

ENROLLMENT DEADLINES/WAITING LIST Registrations are processed in the ACIS Boston office only upon receipt of a completed and signed registration form together with the appropriate payments. ACIS reserves the right to refuse any registration at its sole discretion or when ACIS air or land space is full or after ticketing deadlines.

New enrollments are not usually accepted within 65 days of departure. In the unusual circumstance that new applications are accepted within 65 days of departure, full payment and late fee must be paid in the form of a cashier’s check, money order or by credit card upon registration, and the participant may be subject to additional air or land surcharges.

If a registration is refused, a full refund will be made within 45 days of such refusal. Participants who are placed on a waiting list will receive notification within 45 days of registering from ACIS.

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PAYMENT PROCESSING When you provide a check as payment, you authorize us either to use information from the check to make a one-time electronic fund transfer from your account or to process the payment as a check, image or draft transaction. For inquiries, please contact us by any of the methods listed on page 4.

RETURNED CHECKS ACIS will assess a $50 Return Check Fee for each returned check. ACIS can only resubmit returned checks with appropriate authorization either in writing or over the phone.

LATE FEES Participants who fail to make the appropriate payments or meet payment deadlines will be subject to the late fees outlined on page 6.

CAN I CHANGE MY PASSPORT NAME? ACIS will assess a $250 Name Change Fee plus any additional airline charges to all registered participants who request a passport name change within 90 days of departure.

DEPARTING FROM A DIFFERENT U.S. CITY Participants not originating from the same U.S. departure city as the main group will be required to pay a $175 Alternate Gateway Fee and will not be guaranteed air routings with the main group.

Depending upon their airport arrival time, these participants may not be met at their arrival airport and may have to make their own way to their first hotel. In these cases, ACIS will provide a standard transportation allowance. Participants wishing to fly internationally with the main group must arrange their own transportation to and from the main group’s airport.

EXTENDING YOUR STAY Please confirm the departure date and gateways of your program with your group leader before making your own bookings, as these may be subject to change. In order to return independently from the group, participants must complete an Alternate Return Request Form, indicating a specific alternate return date and Western European city (Russia not included). Participants may return from the city in which their program ends or choose one of the following cities: Frankfurt, London, Madrid, Paris, Rome or Zurich. ACIS will invoice participants a $175 Alternate Return Fee, weekend surcharge (if applicable) and any additional airline charges if this option is selected. Each subsequent change will be $130 plus applicable fees. Full flight and date details along with the Alternate Return Request Form must be received by ACIS at least 90 days prior to departure. No changes can be made within 65 days of departure. Otherwise, if participants wish to alter flight arrangements from scheduled program dates, they must plan to make their own domestic and international flight arrangements. All participants flying independently from the group must make their own ground transportation arrangements to and/ or from their departure city and/or arrival airport.

Neither ACIS nor the group leader supervising the group is responsible for the participant in any way when the participant is not part of the main group.

All changes must be submitted to ACIS in writing.

The airline used is at the discretion of ACIS. Confirmation of special flight arrangements is subject

to availability and will normally be made within 45 days of departure. No extensions to your stay may be made at the beginning of your tour. Please note: ACIS travel protection ends on the last day of your ACIS program.

BUYING YOUR OWN AIRLINE TICKET Please confirm with your group leader the correct departure date and gateways of your program before making your own bookings, as these may be subject to change. Travelers may choose to purchase only the land portion of trips traveling to Western Europe, Costa Rica and select other destinations, contact ACIS for more details. They must make their own round trip travel arrangements and join the program at the first hotel accommodation. Neither ACIS nor the group leader is responsible for the participant in any way when the participant is not part of the main group. Participants who change from an ACIS flight to their own transportation (NAF) or vice versa less than 90 days prior to the scheduled departure date will be charged $175 for each change. ACIS provides internal flights for NAF participants if included on the itinerary. Notification of such change must be in writing. No change can be made within 65 days of departure.

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS, EXTRA DAYS, EXTENSIONS, AND SPECIAL REQUESTS A minimum of 15 paying participants is required for ACIS to operate optional excursions (based on whole group participation), extra days or extensions offered on selected programs as noted in the individual program itineraries. The deadline to enroll and pay for all optional excursions, extra days and extensions is the full payment deadline listed on page 6. Extra days, extensions, homestay/language courses or special requests are only available when all group members (in groups numbering at least 15) participate. They may not be selected on an individual basis. Cancellation or unavailability of optional excursions, extra days or extensions shall not entitle participants to cancel basic programs. Once paid, optional excursions, extra days and extensions are not refundable. Extra days include: hotel accommodations, dinner, transfer to the airport and the services of an ACIS Tour Manager (except on "Your Way" programs). ACIS is able to operate the extra days offered on the catalog page for groups between 10-14 paying passengers for the same price, but dinner will not be included.

CHANGES IN ITINERARIES AND PROGRAM ASSIGNMENT ACIS reserves the right to make changes in fees, departure dates, departure cities, itinerary sequence, trip direction, airlines, hotels, optional excursions, activities, ship assignment or cruise ports-of-call. On certain dates, especially holidays, some attractions or activities may be closed. ACIS reserves the right to substitute attractions or activities. Such changes are not grounds for withdrawal with full refund except as noted under “Refunds.”

ACIS may cancel a program due to insufficient enrollment, unforeseen operational difficulties, lack of projected availability or any other reasons. If a trip is cancelled by ACIS, a full refund will be made within 45 days. This is ACIS’ sole liability, and under no circumstances will ACIS be liable for an amount in excess of the program fee.

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terms and conditions FINALIZING DEPARTURE DATES ACIS reserves the right to reassign participants to another departure date and/or itinerary. During the winter and spring vacation periods, reassignment will be restricted to a date within the same week as the date originally selected. ACIS will notify group leaders of their exact day of departure, who will in turn be responsible for informing participants.

DEPARTURE INFORMATION JFK, LaGuardia and Newark airports are used interchangeably for New York departures. Dulles and National airports are used interchangeably for Washington D.C. departures. ACIS reserves the right to use alternate airports in a city at its own discretion. Participants who change departure gateways between 90 and 65 days of departure will be charged a minimum of $175. Notification of such change must be in writing. Changes cannot be made within 65 days of departure. No stopovers in the U.S. are allowed.

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS ACIS primarily utilizes regularly scheduled flights.

Equipment, routing and itinerary for particular flights may be modified by the direct air carrier or by ACIS. Single plane service is not guaranteed; alternative aircraft of any carrier may be substituted at any time, and aircraft may make additional stops. Such changes will not create a right to cancellation or refund. On occasion, Geneva, Milan and Nice airports may serve as alternates for each other.

Paris and Brussels airports may serve as alternates for each other. ACIS is not responsible for flight delays, missed connecting flights, long layovers or any expenses related to such delays. ACIS books regular economy class seats and is unable to accommodate requests for any type of upgrade due to the terms and limitations of our airline group travel contracts.

TICKETS AND FINAL DETAILS The specific flight itinerary will be made available at least 45 days prior to departure. Airline eticket information will be sent only if full payment and the signed release from all participants has been received. Please note that ACIS only sends travel documents directly to the group leader, to individuals who are traveling from different cities than the rest of the group and to participants registering without a group leader.

LUGGAGE Due to airline and bus restrictions the limit is 44 lbs. per person, which includes one suitcase and one small carry-on item. Airline baggage fees may apply. Luggage travels at the risk of the participant, and ACIS is not responsible for any delay of, loss or damage to it or its contents. Airlines are strictly adhering to their policy of one carry-on bag.

Please check with the air carrier directly for their specific baggage liability limitation. Participants are responsible for any airline luggage fees. Airlines are not responsible for any act or event during the time the participants are not on board their planes or conveyances. The participant’s contract in use by the airline, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the airline and the participant.

Any and/or all transportation companies mentioned

herein shall have or incur no responsibility for liability to any traveler aside from their liability as common carriers.

TOUR MANAGERS ACIS groups are generally accompanied by an ACIS Tour Manager. ACIS Tour Managers do not normally accompany groups on homestay/language course extensions and “Your Way” programs. On cruises and programs to Africa, Canada, China, Latin America, the Pacific and the U.S., local representation may be provided instead.

GROUP SIZE ACIS reserves the right to offer small groups the choice of moving to an alternate itinerary which goes to the same general area or paying a small group surcharge. If ACIS is unable to provide an alternate itinerary option, small groups with no travel options can elect to receive a full refund less the Comprehensive Protection Plan fee and the Ultimate Protection Plan fee. For custom designed itineraries, ACIS reserves the right to charge a small group surcharge in the event the original projected participant numbers which were provided by the group leader and upon which the itinerary’s costing was based are not attained. It is at the group’s discretion whether to accept the small group surcharge or transfer to a catalog program suggested by ACIS. ADULT TRAVELERS In exceptional cases when a double room is not available for those who paid the double room surcharge, a refund of $45 per night (or $95 per night for a single, depending on rooming type) will be made by ACIS. SPORTS TOURS ACIS will try its best to reschedule games cancelled due to inclement weather, but can not guarantee it will be possible. Due to advance reservation fees at some golf courses, ACIS reserves the right to modify the non-refundable trip deposit. Penalties will depend purely on the refund policy of the golf course in question. Higher initial deposits may also be required in order to hold certain tee-time reservations and may be non-refundable in the event of cancellation.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Effective date of protection plan coverage is the day you depart for the ACIS program for which you are registered. Coverage terminates the day you have returned to your place of residence in the United States or at the end of the ACIS program for which you have registered. Notwithstanding any other provision of these Terms & Conditions, you acknowledge and agree that ACIS, its affiliates, directors, officers, employees or the group leader, host school or schools, including any person or entity employed or utilized by ACIS or host schools in any foreign country cannot be responsible for any injury, loss, damage, accident, delay or expense resulting from events beyond its control, including, without limitation, acts of God, war, terrorism, strikes, incidents of politically-motivated violence, sickness or quarantine, government restrictions or regulations, and, in the absence of its own gross negligence, arising from the use of any vehicle or

from ACIS’ selection of, or from any act or omission by, any host family, bus or car rental agency, steamship, airline, railroad, taxi or tour service, hotel, restaurant, school, university, or other firm, agency, company or individual. Although ACIS may endeavor to work with customers to minimize any losses, delays or expenses resulting from any such event, ACIS does not guarantee any right to a refund, travel credit, or postponement of travel, except to the extent provided under the Protection Plan in which you participate. Please note that the descriptions in the catalog or promotional brochure are sample program descriptions only. Your actual itinerary may be reversed or may vary slightly from the original description. The final itinerary which your group leader receives shortly before departure constitutes the program which will be provided by ACIS. No warranties, terms or conditions apply to any program unless expressly stated in this brochure or expressly stated in writing and signed by ACIS, 343 Congress Street, Suite 3100, Boston, MA 02210.

FINANCIAL SECURITY ACIS shares the coverage available under the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program with affiliates of the American Council for International Studies who, as an active member of the USTOA, is required to post $1 Million with USTOA to be used to reimburse, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program, the advance payments of ACIS customers in the unlikely event of ACIS bankruptcy, insolvency or cessation of business.

Further, you should understand that the $1 Million posted by ACIS and shared among its affiliates may be sufficient to provide only a partial recovery of the advance payments received by ACIS. More details of the USTOA Travelers Assistance Program and a list of affiliates may be obtained by writing to USTOA at 345 Seventh Avenue, Suite 1801, New York, NY, 10001, or by email to information@ustoa.com or by visiting their website at www.USTOA.com.

SPECIAL PROVISION Traveling abroad with ACIS will require the ability to walk distances, navigate stairs and transport luggage. Travelers should anticipate encountering natural and architectural barriers outside the United States which ACIS cannot and does not control.

Special meals and/or medical supervision cannot be provided. Porterage is not included on ACIS programs.

ACIS offers and provides services on a fair and non-discriminatory basis, without consideration of any factor or characteristic prohibited by law and with equal opportunity for all applicants and participants. ACIS complies with all laws prohibiting discrimination. © Copyright 2016 by the American Council for International Studies, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced without prior written permission. American Council for International Studies®, ACIS®, the ACIS® logo and Travel Changes Lives are trademarks and/or service marks of ACIS. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: ACIS believes all information to be accurate at the time of publication.

However, we reserve the right to make corrections.

Photographers: Julianne Stoker, Andrew Brilliant, Theresa Pittman, Michael Stultz, Tony Yaskulski

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Making the smartest choice

ACIS release 1. I, the undersigned, whose name and signature appear on the reverse side of this form (and my parent or guardian if I am a minor), a registrant for a trip with the American Council for International Studies, Inc. (“ACIS”), the Educational Travel Subsidiary of AIFS, Inc., hereby acknowledge that I have read and agree to the ACIS Terms and Conditions and my itinerary description, as well as those provisions contained in the Release below, and acknowledge that they form part of my agreement with ACIS including sections concerning responsibility, refunds and changes in dates, cities, hotels and prices.

2. I/my guardian voluntarily consent(s) to participate in all activities provided and/or organized by ACIS (including the possibility of biking, horseback riding, water-based activities and homestays), and I hereby assume all risks of loss and injury that may be incurred, directly or indirectly as a result of my participation in all activities provided and/ or organized by ACIS. I/my guardian also authorize(s) ACIS to arrange for professional care and treatment for myself in case of a medical emergency. I/my guardian agree(s) that if I become ill or incapacitated, ACIS may, without incurring any liability, take such actions as it considers necessary under the circumstances, including securing medical treatment for me and transporting me to the United States all at my own expense. I agree to release ACIS from any liability for the quality and timeliness of any such medical care received or for any expenses incurred. I understand I must adhere to ACIS’ Behavior Guidelines (available through my ACIS online account) while traveling and I acknowledge I have read and agree to follow such rules and regulations specified therein.

I understand that ACIS cannot accept responsibility for travelers not following these rules and regulations, and that I may be sent home at my own expense without benefit of any refund if I do not adhere to ACIS behavior guidelines and standards and the instructions of my group leader. I understand that if I am expelled from school or otherwise disciplined by school or civic authorities, I may be declared ineligible for the trip and my participation cancelled, subject to the refund policies stated below.

3. I will indemnify ACIS, its affiliates, agents, directors, employees, and my group leader, school, school officials and hold them harmless for any financial liability or obligation which I personally incur, or injury or damage to the person or property of others which I cause or contribute to, while participating on an ACIS program.

4. I understand it is my/my guardians’ responsibility to meet the group leader accompanying me on a trip with ACIS and satisfy myself/themselves as to the appropriateness of the group leader to meet my needs and I/my guardian will inform the group leader of any special requirements for me.

5. I understand that ACIS reserves the right to reassign participants to a replacement group leader should the original group leader not participate in the program for any reason.

6. I understand that the air carriers’ liability for loss or damage to baggage, or for death or injury to person or property, is limited by their tariffs and/or the Warsaw Convention and related agreements. Further, I understand that the air carriers assume no responsibility during such time that I am not on board their aircraft.

7. I understand that future ACIS/AIFS advertising and publicity material may include statements made by participants, or their photographs/video footage (including TripStream content). I consent to such use of my content, comments or photographic/video likenesses.

8. I understand that I am responsible for exercising caution

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

and common sense at all times to avoid injuries. I understand that ACIS is providing, as part of the program fee, basic protection coverage (see page 7) for my benefit, including limited health, accident and life insurance in the event of injury or illness while on an ACIS program, as well as limited program cancellation or interruption insurance if I fail to participate or am delayed in connection with an ACIS program as a result of certain specified actions or events. I acknowledge that I accept the full description and limitation of this coverage that appears in the protection brochure, a copy of which is available upon request.

I hereby waive and release ACIS, its affiliates, agents, directors, officers, and employees and my group leader, host school agents and school officials, including any person or entity employed or utilized by ACIS or host schools in any foreign country, from all claims arising from any injury, loss, damage, accident, delay, or expense resulting from events beyond its control, including without limitation, acts of God, war, terrorism, strikes, incidents of politically-motivated violence, sickness or quarantine, government restrictions or regulations, and, in the absence of its own gross negligence, arising from the use of any vehicle or from ACIS’ selection of, or from any act or omission by, any host family, bus or car rental agency, steamship, airline, railroad, taxi or tour service, hotel service, hotel, restaurant, school, university, or other firm, agency, company or individual.

If my local municipality, school, school board, school administration or similar group is officially sponsoring this trip, I will receive written notification of that fact from my local municipality, school, school board, school administration or similar group, together with a statement of any responsibility for the trip assumed by that organization. In the absence of such a written notification, I understand that the trip is not officially sponsored or supported by my municipality or my school system, although they may, as a courtesy to the teacher involved, allow school or municipal premises or services to be used in connection with planning for the trip. Therefore, my local school, school board, school administration, school officials, municipality and municipal officials have no liability or responsibility whatsoever with respect to the trips unless they expressly inform me otherwise in writing, and by going on an ACIS trip I expressly release and waive all claims of any type against any or all of the foregoing in any way related to, or arising out of, the trip.

I understand that ACIS reserves the right to make changes in the program and in program costs as described in the ACIS catalog, program brochure and itinerary description without liability for refund.

I understand that obtaining a passport is my responsibility.

If I am not a U.S. citizen, I understand it is my sole responsibility to obtain, in advance, any visas and other documents which may be required to enter or connect through all the countries on my itinerary and to re-enter the United States. If I have a passport from a country other than the United States, I must contact the local consular offices of the countries I will be visiting to obtain the necessary visas. Such visas are not obtainable on the spot overseas. Whether I am a U.S. citizen or not, ACIS will be held harmless in the event I am unable to obtain the necessary documents for participation in the program. I understand that inability to obtain these visas and other documents does not constitute grounds for withdrawal with full refund; the standard refund policy will apply.

I understand that ACIS provides without charge a rerouted itinerary if: 1) The U.S. Department of State states

there has been a terrorist attack against U.S. interests and 2) the U.S. Department of State issues an official Travel Warning that Americans should not travel to any country visited on the itinerary and 3) the official Travel Warning is issued or in effect within 90 days prior to departure. In such situations, if ACIS in its sole judgment decides to operate its program, I may withdraw and receive from ACIS, under my protection coverage, a full refund less $100, Comprehensive or Ultimate Protection Plan fee and any visa fees, or after the trip has already commenced, I may withdraw and ACIS will provide the cost of a return flight to the U.S. city of departure up to the limit provided without refund of any other fees paid. In situations where protection coverage does not exist, ACIS’ standard refund policy shall apply. A copy of the protection brochure describing this coverage is available upon request. In all cases ACIS reserves the right to cancel, alter, relocate or postpone programs as it determines necessary without penalty.

14. I acknowledge acceptance of the terms of the refund policy as outlined below and in the ACIS Terms and Conditions, including the following: If a participant withdraws this many days before departure

The refund consists of all payments LESS:

130+ days

$ 350*

90 to 129 days

$ 650*

65 to 89 days

$ 1,100*

30 to 64 days

$1,300*

29 days or less

No Refund

* If the withdrawing participant has paid $1,300 or less at the time of withdrawal less than 65 days before departure, there will be no refund. Cancellation/Refund Policies may differ for domestic trips; contact ACIS for more details.

• I understand that the above chart is the Basic Protection Plan cancellation/refund policy of ACIS and that participants may have purchased an upgraded plan.

• I understand that all refund requests must be in writing and addressed to American Council for International Studies, 343 Congress Street, Suite 3100, Boston, Massachusetts 02210.

15. I understand that teachers who travel with their students will receive complimentary benefits from ACIS or its affiliates as compensation for chaperoning, preparation and organization of the educational travel program.

16. I agree that any dispute with ACIS will be submitted to binding arbitration, to be conducted substantially in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. Unless ACIS agrees to a different location, the arbitration shall be conducted in New York County, New York State. I agree that if I do not substantially prevail in the arbitration, I will be responsible for ACIS’ expenses, including lawyers’ fees participating in the arbitration. The decision of the arbitrator shall be final. I understand that by signing this agreement, I am giving up my right to have any claim against ACIS decided in court before a judge or jury.

17. This agreement will be effective when my application is accepted by ACIS and shall be governed by the laws of the State of Connecticut. This agreement cannot be modified except in writing by ACIS.

Note: Please be sure that the appropriate signatures appear on the reverse side of this form in the section designated “signatures.”

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11

Office Use Only

ACIS Registration Form 10748

Please use blue or black ink, print in CAPITAL LETTERS and fill in circles completely (ex: Please return this form to: ACIS, 343 Congress Street, Suite 3100, Boston, MA 02210

Program Selection Group Leader's Last Name Departure Date

). Do not staple anything to this form.

Group #

/

MM/DD/YYYY

/

Program Name

Personal Information

Last Name (Print all of your names exactly as they appear on your passport.)

Middle Name

First Name Address

Zip

State

Home Telephone

/

Date of Birth MM/DD/YYYY

/

Gender:

M

F

Participant Email Parent/Other Email

Parent/Emergency Contact Info: Required for all participants.

Telephone

Name

Rooming and Additional Options: Please fill in all that apply.

I am traveling with a family member and prefer to room in a with:

double

twin

triple (Both participants must pay a surcharge to guarantee a twin or double room)

and

I am over 24 and wish to pay a surcharge for a single room (where available).

I will book my own round-trip air transportation. (I will meet the group at the first hotel.)

I would like to extend my stay after the trip. (A form will be sent to you about alternate returns. Western Europe only.)

I would like ACIS to book me from a DIFFERENT U.S. departure city than that of my group:

Protection Plans: Please see page 5 or www.acis.com/studentsparents/insurance for more information.

Sign me up for the Ultimate Protection Plan (our most enhanced health, baggage and cancellation coverage).

Sign me up for the Comprehensive Protection Plan (our enhanced health, baggage and cancellation coverage).

I decline additional coverage at this time.

Payment: Please pay via check or money order made payable to ACIS.

Minimum Payment: $200 if registering before Sept 1 or $495 if registering Sept 1 onwards.

Select your preferred Payment Plan: Automatic Payments My program Enter to Win Your Tour For Free! balance will be divided into convenient Available to all participants enrolled equal monthly installments and deducted in our Automatic Payments plan. from the checking account used for my Learn more at www.acis.com/autopay initial payment, up to 45 days prior to departure.

(If no selection is made, coverage defaults to the Comprehensive Protection Plan)

Amount Enclosed

$

Return this form to: ACIS, 343 Congress St, Suite 3100, Boston, MA 02210

City

.

(If no selection is made, payment plan defaults to Automatic Payments)

Manual Payments If registering with $200 prior to Sept 1, I will be responsible for paying an additional $295 within 30 days of first invoice. I will pay my full balance by the deadlines on page 6 (typically 90 days or more prior to departure). Late fees apply.

Signatures

I have read the attached ACIS Terms and Conditions and the ACIS Release and agree to be bound thereby, and agree to be responsible for all amounts owed ACIS. I am in good physical and mental health and am able to travel without special medical supervision or special counseling.

Signature of Parent or Guardian

Print Name

STU-18HS-01

Signature of Registrant Date All registrants under 21 years of age must have the following section completed: I am the parent/legal guardian of the above minor registrant. I have read the ACIS Terms and Conditions and the ACIS Release, and agree to be bound thereby, and agree to be responsible for all amounts owed ACIS by the minor and any other actions by the minor on the ACIS trip. I hereby consent to the above minor registrant’s participation in all activities organized and/or provided by ACIS. I hereby assume all risks of loss and injury that may be incurred, directly or indirectly, as a result of any such participation and authorize ACIS to arrange for professional care/treatment in case of an emergency.

Date

12

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EXPERIENCE SOUTH AFRICA

FEELS LIKE HOME JUST AWAY FROM HOME w w w. af i n n ov a t i ve c o ncept s l l c . com

Travel Information SOUTH AFRICA •ATTRACTIONS: V&A Waterfront, Chapman’s Peak, and Boulders Penguin Colony.

•TOWNS: Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschoek.

VISA REGULATION AND GUIDANCE As for all international travel, the visitor to South Africa is required to be in possession of a valid passport. U.S. citizens (US passport holders) traveling to the Republic of South Africa for 90 days or less for tourism or business purposes do not need visas. U.S. green card holders (non US passport holders) require visas to visit South Africa. Nationals of other countries must check the list of visa exempt countries to see if they need to apply for visas. Please note that all foreigners who wish to visit South Africa must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after his/her intended return date. The passport must have a minimum of four blank (unstamped) visa pages in the passport to enter the country. It is preferred these are facing pages. Your international carrier can deny boarding if you do not have the blank (unstamped) visa pages.

Travelers should make sure there are sufficient pages for visas and immigration stamps to enter into South Africa and other countries to be visited. These blank pages cannot be endorsement or amendment pages. As a general precaution, all travelers are advised to carry a photocopy of the photo/bio information page of their passport and keep it in a location separate from their passport.

BANKING AND CURRENCY South Africa’s currency is the Rand, which offers visitors great value for their money.

The rand come in a range of coins (R1 = 100 cents) and note denominations of R10, R20, R50, R100. With the exchange rate in your favor, you’ll find South Africa offers great value. It is advisable to exchange US Dollars into Rands upon arrival for tips and small purchases where credit cards are not normally used. Exchanging large denominations of US Dollars at game lodges can be challenging so come prepared.

Banks are found in most towns, and are generally open from 09h00 to 15h30 on weekdays and 08h30 to 11h00 on Saturdays (Closed Sundays and Public Holidays). Most of them offer foreign exchange services with cash, bank & credit cards as well as travelers cheques. You can also obtain cash from automatic teller machines (ATMs). Several international banks have branches in the main city centers. Always advise your bank that you are traveling outside of the country as they might block your purchases if they are not informed.

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Making the smartest choice

Travel Travel Information TRAVEL, TRANSPORT AND GETTING AROUND

Traveling around South Africa is relatively easy by air, road and rail. Principal air routes are serviced by SAA and British Airways, operated by Comair. There are 2 low cost carriers on main routes, namely Kulula.com and Mango.

Facilitating travel around South Africa are 10 airports managed by the Airports Company South Africa (Acsa). In addition, there are some 90 regional airports, including the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport in Nelspruit and the Skukuza Airport, offering access to the Kruger National Park.

An extensive tarred road system makes traveling in South Africa by vehicle convenient and easy. You will find gravel roads in rural areas though. Note: Another means of getting around South Africa are luxury intercity bus services such as Greyhound and TransLux. Metrobus buses are available for in city transport. Metered taxis must be ordered by telephone. There is a hop-on hop off bus in Cape Town and Johannesburg. Our rail system includes the long haul, inexpensive Shosholoza Meyl Metrorail trains.

HEALTH / MEDICAL INFORMATION/ SAFETY NOTICES

Many of the main tourist areas are malariafree, so you need not worry at all. However, the Kruger National Park, the Lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, and the northern part of KwaZuluNatal do pose a malaria risk in the summer months.

CLOTHING / DRESS RECOMMENDATIONS Summer: Bring clothes that are cool, light and comfortable because summer temperatures can get

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Many local people and some travelers do not take anti malaria prophylaxis, but most health professionals recommend that you do. All guests must consult their own medical doctor or health authorities regarding the use of antimalarial tablets prior to departure. Whether you take oral prophylaxis or not, always use mosquito repellent, wear long pants, closed shoes, light long sleeved shirts at night, and sleep under a mosquito net in endemic areas (the anopheles mosquito, which carries malaria, operates almost exclusively after dark). Mosquito repellent containing “deet” is best. It is advisable to avoid malarial areas if you are pregnant.

If you have lost your passport or wallet, please contact the local police department and file a report. Once you have done this, contact one of South Africa’s U.S. Embassies or Consulates (located in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban).

Contact Information: Cape Town Consulate General Telephone : (021) 702 7300 Email: americanscapetown@state.gov Durban Consulate General Telephone: (031) 305 – 7600 Email: consulardurban@state.gov Johannesburg Consulate General Telephone: (011) 290 3000 Email: consularjohannesburg@state.gov Alternately, you can obtain information online at http://southafrica.usembassy.gov/.

Information FOOD, DRINK AND CUISINE ADVICE Standards of hygiene in relation to food health and safety in South Africa, are generally high in hotels, restaurants, pubs and nightspots. Tap water in South Africa is safe to drink and cook with when taken from taps in urban areas. Not all tap water in rural areas is safe for consumption, so take precautions if necessary. It is safe to eat fresh fruit, vegetables and salads, and put ice in your drinks.

South Africa’s fish, meat and chicken are of excellent quality, so there is no need to limit yourself when enjoying the local cuisine. Restaurants are subject to South Africa’s food safety control legislation, which is implemented by local government.

Regulations include certification and regular inspections by health inspectors to ensure hygienic standards are maintained. Street food is not as common in South Africa as it is in other countries, although vendors selling traditional snacks and meals can be found in city centers and townships.

Food safety in such instances cannot always be guaranteed.

ELECTRICITY AND PLUG STANDARDS The South African electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 HZ. With a few exceptions (in deep rural areas) electricity is available almost everywhere.

However, you will need to purchase or bring adapters for the outlets. You can purchase the adapters in many US stores, online, or from a store while in South Africa. Adapters are usually available on loan at major hotels in South Africa. Three to five star hotels usually have 110 volt outlets for electric shavers in bathrooms and often provide hair dryers and irons. An NW 4 plug with two prongs, 0.19 inches in diameter is required for compatibility.

well into the 30 - 40 degree Celsius range in some areas. Also bring an umbrella or raincoat during summer as this is when most of the country gets its rain, but don’t forget a swimming costume (bathing suit).

Winter: The winters are generally mild, comparing favorably with European summers.

But there are days when temperatures dive, especially in high-lying areas such as the Drakensberg, so be prepared with jerseys and jackets. Cape Town gets its rain during the winter season so it’s advisable to bring rain gear along.

General: Always bring a hat, sunglasses and sunblock as the sun can be strong even in the winter months. Walking shoes are a good idea all year round, with warm socks in the winter.

CLIMATE AND WEATHER In the Western Cape, the average rainfall is highest in the winter months, while in other provinces, the average rainfall is highest during the summer. Overall South Africa enjoys a temperate and pleasant climate, with lovely warm sunny days most of the year.

KwaZuluNatal has a sub tropical climate with high humidity in Summer. The Cape interior and the Free State have similar weather conditions to the Southern Gauteng region.

The Western Cape region has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters. Spring: September – October Summer: November - February; Autumn: March – April; Winter: May – August.

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Making the smartest choice

VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE

Travel Travel In

ZIMBABWE A nation of spectacular natural beauty, friendly people and rich culture, Zimbabwe’s status as one of Africa’s leading safari destinations was dampened for years by its political instability. But now that the country is transcending its strife and returning to a state of equilibrium, it is once again emerging as a vacation highlight of the continent. Victoria Falls – known to locals as ‘The Smoke That Thunders’ – is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and the sheer power of this massive body of water plunging into the Zambezi Gorge is awe inspiring and unforgettable. Lake Kariba, with its game rich shores and islands, is an idyllic safari spot featuring mind blowing sunsets; Hwange National Park is known for its huge herds of elephants; and a kayak trip down the Zambezi through the Mana Pools National Park will appeal to the intrepid traveler, providing close encounters with crocodiles, hippos and a host of other wildlife.

BANKING AND CURRENCY Zimbabwe uses US $ as it’s own unit of currency (the Zimbabwe Dollar) is suspended. South African Rands and Euros are also widely accepted.

It is advised to carry small denominations of change with you, however it is best to pay for as much as possible outside of the country.

ELECTRICITY AND PLUG STANDARDS Current is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles per second. Both square and round plugs are used.

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TRAVEL, TRANSPORT AND GETTING AROUND

FOOD, DRINK AND CUISINE ADVICE Zimbabwe’s native cuisine is based on sadza, a cooked porridge made from ground maize which is normally be accompanied by some tasty relish, perhaps made of meat and tomatoes, or dried fish. Safari camps will often prepare sadza if requested, and it is almost always available in small restaurants in the towns. Camps, hotels and lodges that cater to overseas typically serve a variety international fare, and the quality of food prepared in the most remote bush camps is usually excellent.

If you are driving yourself around and plan to cook, then get most of your supplies in main towns.

Shoprite stores have revolutionized what’s available, and really have all that you will need.

Water in the main towns is usually purified..

The locals drink it, and are used to the relatively innocuous bugs that it may harbor.

If you are in the country for a long time, then it may be worth acclimatising yourself to it.

However, if you are in Zimbabwe for just a short period of time, then try to drink only bottled, boiled, or treated water available in towns and from all camps, lodges and hotels.

nformation CLOTHING / DRESS RECOMMENDATIONS When in Zimbabwe the cardinal rule is to wear casual, comfortable clothes during the day as temperatures can get very hot. It is advisable to wear light loose fitting clothing, such as cotton or linen, as they are cool and easy to wash. Warmer clothes are advised for the evenings and rain wear for the wet season. A brimmed hat and sunglasses are a good idea year round. Long sleeved shirts and long trousers will also guard against the scorching sun rays. It is recommended you wear light shoes, especially if your itinerary entails a lot of walking. For safaris, please remember to wear appropriate clothing and shoes. Earth color clothes, such as browns, greens and tans are advisable.

Taxis are safe and reliable, and can be booked through your hotel front desk. Taxis in cities travel within a 40km radius of the city. Always take a taxi at night. Major airlines fly into Victoria Falls, Harare and Bulawayo. Charter flights are available to most attractions and camps. Zimbabwe has a good road infrastructure, by African standards, although potholed. Between major towns, there are frequent road blocks. Traffic drives on the left side of the road. South African Rands work well in supermarkets, while US$ are preferred for curios, accommodation and activities. Banks in Zimbabwe are open for business Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 08h00 to 15h00, on Wednesdays from 08h00 to 13h00 and Saturdays from 08h00 to 11h30. They are closed on Sundays and Public Holidays.

CLIMATE AND WEATHER In Zimbabwe, the rains come principally in December, January , February and March ; the further north you are, the earlier the precipitation arrives and the later it leaves.

Zimbabwe’s higher eastern areas usually receive more rainfall than the lowerlying western ones. By April and May most of the rain is gone, leaving a verdant setting, which is starting to dry out. Especially in more southerly and higher locations, the night time temperatures start to drop.

The nights in June, July and August become much cooler, so don’t forget to bring some warmer clothes, in case you want to spend an evening outside; the days are still clear and warm. For Zimbabwe, this is the start of the ‘peak season’– days are often cloudless and game sightings continually increase. Into September and October the temperatures rise once again: Zimbabwe’s lower-lying rift valley Mana Pools – can get very hot in October. During this time, you’ll see some fantastic game, as the Zimbabwe’s wildlife concentrates around the limited water sources. November is unpredictable; it can be hot and dry, it can also see the season’s first rainfalls – and each is respect it’s a very interesting month, as on successive days, you can see both weather patterns.

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