Essential Eligibility Criteria
At Terra Education Programs Abroad (TEPA), we welcome all age-eligible teens who are excited about engaging in meaningful travel, service, cultural exchange, and leadership experiences. Our programs often take place in shared living environments, in remote or resource-limited locations, there are certain environmental realities and group expectations that shape participation. Our eligibility criteria defines the core capabilities needed to engage meaningfully and safely in our programs.
TEPA programs are not therapeutic programs and are not designed to provide clinical or mental health interventions. Our focus is on fostering leadership, cultural exchange, and service learning.
Applications are carefully considered and screened to align with these criteria. It is not uncommon for TEPA to require supporting documentation or information in the application screening process to confirm eligibility or suitability for program participation. Failure to disclose full medical history may also result in the application not being accepted, additional fees, and/or removal from the program. Please discuss with our team for any further clarification or concerns.
- Independent Self-Care
Participants should be prepared to manage their personal care and medications with limited outside assistance. - Health & Psychological Stability
To ensure that all participants can be supported safely and appropriately, students who disclose a health condition, disability, or other factor that may require specific considerations may be asked to provide additional documentation or medical input. This information helps guide the planning of reasonable accommodations and confirm that the program environment can provide appropriate support. - Physician & Guardian Support
A participant’s physician may be required to confirm fitness for travel and participation. Guardians play an important role in supporting disclosure and preparing students for the travel and group environment. *If health circumstances change between enrollment and departure, we ask families to update us so we can reassess accommodations. - Openness & Adaptability
Students should bring a willingness to engage with peers, adapt to cultural differences, and navigate new environments with staff support. Respect, open communication, and a tolerance for discomfort and ambiguity are part of the learning experience. - Proactive Communication
We encourage participants to communicate directly with TEPA staff when they need clarification, support, or adjustments. Staff are trained to respond and problem-solve collaboratively, but students must be able to take an active role in sharing needs. - Resilience to Environmental Stressors
Students should expect to encounter; hot or humid climates, altitude, insects, varied diets and food access, group living and shared accommodations, limited access to technology or internet, long days with structured schedules. While staff provide orientation and strategies to manage these stressors, participants should anticipate challenges and be prepared to cope with them without continuous external support. - Physical Abilities
To participate fully, students should be capable of engaging in program activities that may involve walking distances greater than one mile, lifting or carrying up to 30 lbs, and working outdoors in environments that can be hot or humid. - Instructional Abilities, Situational Awareness & Judgment
Students should be able to understand and follow staff instructions communicated in English, remain aware of their surroundings, and make responsible decisions. While staff provide supervision and guidance, students share in maintaining their own safety and contributing to the wellbeing of the group. - Independent Travel to/from Departure Point
Participants must be able to arrange (or manage) travel from home to the program’s departure airport (with or without unaccompanied minor services as appropriate).
Adherence to Conduct & Legal Expectations
Participants must agree to TEPA’s Code of Conduct, abide by applicable local laws, and comply with health or preventive measures communicated by staff. Violations may lead to disciplinary action or expulsion (at the participant’s expense), with or without partial refund, depending on circumstances.
Policy Quick Links:
San Diego, CA 92108