Here’s what you need to know about traveling to our summer sites:
Visa information for non-U.S. citizens
International participants in CTY programs are defined as non-U.S. citizens or non-U.S. permanent residents not already in the U.S. with an immigration status that permits participation in our program. International participants will typically need to obtain a B-1/B-2 visa or use the Visa Waiver (ESTA) program to attend CTY in-person courses.
CTY does not provide immigration sponsorship and is unable to assist with the process of obtaining travel documentation. If you have questions, we recommend contacting the U.S. Consulate or working with a travel agent in your area. Learn more.
Shuttle services for students traveling without an adult
All CTY sites offer shuttle service from specific area airports and/or train stations to the site. Available times and logistics vary between sites, so please review the shuttle information in your site information before booking your child’s transportation. The student site information includes site-specific information for families and is available via MyCTY after their student has been assigned to a summer course.
Shuttle service may be requested and paid for through MyCTY. Shuttle service costs $150 (one way or round trip) and may only be used by students traveling alone. Since the shuttle service is operated by CTY site staff and not a professional company, late requests can create logistical hardships for the site office. For this reason, the charge for shuttle service increases to $250 for requests made on or after June 1. We encourage you to make travel plans and shuttle service requests as early as possible.
On arrival day, a staff member wearing a CTY t-shirt will wait for students outside of their gates’ security checkpoints, unless otherwise directed by airline or airport policies. The staff member will greet participants, help them with their luggage, and ride with them to the site. More detailed information about traveling to site is included in the site information available in MyCTY once a participant is enrolled in a class.
Connecting with other participants in your area attending the same summer On-Campus Programs site
You may opt in to share your contact information with families of others enrolled for the same site and session on CTY’s Family Connect board available in MyCTY. To access the Family Connect Board, log in to MyCTY as a parent. Select "On-Campus Programs" from the left menu and then select "Family Connect Board."
Arranging a carpool for summer On-Campus Programs
You may opt in to share your contact information with families of others enrolled for the same site and session on CTY’s Family Connect board available in MyCTY. To access the Family Connect Board, log in to MyCTY as a parent. Select "On-Campus Programs" from the left menu and then select "Family Connect Board." Once you have agreed to the terms of use, you will be able to view contact information for other families who have opted in to this service and you may contact families about arranging carpools.
Arriving at a residential site a day early or departing a day late
We grant permission for participants to arrive one day early or depart one day late only in the most extenuating circumstances. Additionally, no participant attending session two or a site that runs one session only may depart late. In all cases, the permission of the site’s program manager is required. When available, there is an additional charge of $125 for this service.
If you have difficulty arranging transportation for your child, or questions about arrival or departure, please email the site’s program manager to discuss your situation before you confirm reservations or purchase nonrefundable tickets. The program manager’s contact information is listed with your child’s enrollment information in MyCTY.
Staying on campus between summer residential sessions
We recommend that participants spend the weekend between sessions with family or friends in the area, if possible. If your child is attending a residential program and needs to stay with us, however, we will provide a room, meals, and supervision for a fee of $125 per night. Contact the site’s program manager to request this service. The program manager’s contact information is listed with your child’s enrollment information in MyCTY. If your request is approved, you may then complete a formal request and submit payment for this service through your MyCTY account.
Arranging housing for your family during your child’s On-Campus Program
Your participant site information includes a list of resources to help families in their search for extended accommodations in the area. The packet is available via MyCTY after a participant has been assigned to a summer course. CTY does not have housing for families of participants attending our day programs.