FAQs
FAQs
Things to consider before you apply
The Flight School will be demanding, dynamic, and (at times) unpredictable. That's the point!
This is a Launch Year built on independence, agency, and real-world experience—meaning you'll be your own primary decision-maker, especially during solo travel. It’s also built on interdependence—meaning you’ll care for the collective, not just yourself. It's not easy to simultaneously honor both independence and interdependence. But it is invigorating.
If that excites you, keep reading. If it concerns you, that's worth listening to. Here are some things to consider:
Who thrives as a Fellow?
The Flight School is a good fit if you shine in environments where there is a strong blend of both freedom and responsibility.
While our community is diverse, we have noticed Fellows who thrive:
Are curious, self-motivated, and willing to take initiative
Are comfortable navigating ambiguity and uncertainty without constant external direction
Can make thoughtful decisions in unfamiliar or complex situations
Are willing to take responsibility for their choices, including managing risks and seeking support when needed
Have enough life experience, emotional regulation, and judgment to travel and live independently
Are comfortable being a primary decision-maker and risk manager in situations that are remote and foreign and involve real consequences
Can see challenge and discomfort, and occasional failure as part of meaningful learning and growth, and even transformation
Are ready to engage in adulthood as a practice and experience, not a performance
Consider the collective, not just themselves
Enjoy both online and offline communities
Are ready to engage in a curriculum of online learning that is less academic
Who thrives as a Fellow?
The Flight School is a good fit if you shine in environments with a strong blend of freedom and responsibility.
While our community is diverse, we have noticed Fellows who thrive:
Are curious, self-motivated, and willing to take initiative
Are comfortable navigating ambiguity and uncertainty without constant external direction
Can make thoughtful decisions in unfamiliar or complex situations
Are willing to take responsibility for their choices, including managing risks and seeking support when needed
Have life experience, emotional regulation, and judgment to travel and live independently
Are comfortable being a primary decision-maker and risk manager in situations that are remote, foreign, and involve real consequences
Can see challenge, discomfort, and occasional failure as part of meaningful learning and growth and transformation
Are ready to engage in adulthood as a practice and experience, not a performance
Consider the collective, not just themselves
Enjoy both online and offline communities
Are ready to engage in a curriculum that is less academic
Who thrives as a Fellow?
The Flight School is a good fit if you shine in environments where there is a strong blend of both freedom and responsibility.
While our community is diverse, we have noticed Fellows who thrive:
Are curious, self-motivated, and willing to take initiative
Are comfortable navigating ambiguity and uncertainty without constant external direction
Can make thoughtful decisions in unfamiliar or complex situations
Are willing to take responsibility for their choices, including managing risks and seeking support when needed
Have enough life experience, emotional regulation, and judgment to travel and live independently
Are comfortable being a primary decision-maker and risk manager in situations that are remote and foreign and involve real consequences
Can see challenge and discomfort, and occasional failure as part of meaningful learning and growth, and even transformation
Are ready to engage in adulthood as a practice and experience, not a performance
Consider the collective, not just themselves
Enjoy both online and offline communities
Are ready to engage in a curriculum of online learning that is less academic
What are some key challenges for Fellows in the program?
Fellows may experience challenges participating in an online community. We get it. You lived through some pretty long days on Zoom during the pandemic. If what you most need is solely IRL gatherings, then The Flight School isn’t a good fit. If you are open to a blend of online and IRL experiences, we are.
Fellows may also experience both physical and emotional challenges. Traveling in a foreign country may lead to illness, injury, and other cross-cultural challenges. Each Fellow has different growth edges as they come into and go through The Flight School. Fellows develop in a wide range of ways. Sometimes the ways of learning are anticipated and predictable; sometimes they are not.
What are some key challenges for Fellows in the program?
Fellows may experience challenges participating in an online community. We get it. You lived through some pretty long days on Zoom during the pandemic. If what you most need is solely IRL gatherings, then The Flight School isn’t a good fit. If you are open to a blend of online and IRL experiences, we are.
Fellows may also experience both physical and emotional challenges. Traveling in a foreign country may lead to illness, injury, and other cross-cultural challenges. Each Fellow has different growth edges as they come into and go through The Flight School. Fellows develop in a wide range of ways. Sometimes the ways of learning are anticipated and predictable; sometimes they are not.
What are some key challenges for Fellows in the program?
Fellows may experience challenges participating in an online community. We get it. You lived through some pretty long days on Zoom during the pandemic. If what you most need is solely IRL gatherings, then The Flight School isn’t a good fit. If you are open to a blend of online and IRL experiences, we are.
Fellows may also experience both physical and emotional challenges. Traveling in a foreign country may lead to illness, injury, and other cross-cultural challenges. Each Fellow has different growth edges as they come into and go through The Flight School. Fellows develop in a wide range of ways. Sometimes the ways of learning are anticipated and predictable; sometimes they are not.
Is The Flight School right for me?
The Flight School community and travel experience are different from the norm. We know this won’t be a fit for many people, but we also imagine that in every high school on the planet, there is at least one person who will resonate with this opportunity. We hope the following descriptions will help you sense what’s right for you.
The Flight School community is NOT:
A scholarship. We are intentionally a fellowship because we care about learning from you and with you, not just funding you.
A side gig. If your life is already full (with college admissions, a job, volunteering, caretaking, etc.), you won’t have the bandwidth to meaningfully engage in a Launch Year.
Therapy. If you’re processing a lot of heavy emotions for any reason, please take time to heal. That’s such important work! Our staff aren’t trained therapists, and our program requires a lot of “stretch zone” experiences, so we aren’t the right choice if what you most need right now is a year to focus on your past.
The Flight School community IS:
A place to routinely have deep, authentic conversations that require some vulnerability. You don’t have to be skilled at this when you join; you just need to be willing to try and to grow over time.
A space where real growth happens. But that space depends entirely on what each of us brings to it. Your presence matters. This community cannot become what it’s meant to be without your voice, your questions, your care, your willingness to show up fully. You are not invited just to watch it happen. You are here because it will only happen through you.
A responsibility. On a practical level, this means you can be trusted to show up, communicate proactively, and honor commitments to the community. On an emotional level, this means you can care for relationships and tend to repairs when needed.
The Flight School travel experience is NOT:
A highly structured, staff-led, travel abroad program with daily supervision or a fixed itinerary.
A group travel program where participants are accompanied by staff.
A 24/7 support, emergency response, or crisis management service while participants are traveling independently.
A substitute for parental oversight or a safety net that removes personal responsibility.
A program that makes decisions for participants about travel, housing/ lodging, health care, or personal risk.
Appropriate for individuals who require a high level of external structure, monitoring, supervision, or intervention to remain healthy, safe, and well-regulated.
Risk-free. Independent travel inherently involves uncertainty and real-world challenges.
The Flight School travel experience IS:
An opportunity to practice real-world decision-making and judgment in complex, unfamiliar, and sometimes uncomfortable situations.
A developmental container that supports reflection, learning, and growth- rather than control or supervision.
A context in which Fellows serve as their own primary risk managers, with responsibility for decisions and consequences.
A self-directed, self-managed travel experience grounded in independence and agency.
A meaningful stretch that can build confidence, resilience, adaptability, self-trust, and animation. Sometimes, the stretch may reach into a panic zone. Fellows will need to navigate this themselves—with awareness and self-care.
Best suited for participants who feel ready to navigate risk with maturity and sound judgement.
Intentionally designed to offer freedom with responsibility to yourself and the community.
Applicants are expected to assess their readiness for The Flight School program honestly before applying. All Fellows who travel must be able to responsibly manage your time, money, and well-being. In addition, you need to be able to independently recognize and identify hazards in a foreign place. These may include, but are not limited to:
Health and medical risks like injuries, illnesses, limited access to medical care, and mental health issues.
Safety and security risks like petty crime, environmental dangers, violence, transportation, and lodging.
Cultural and logistical hazards like language barriers, cultural misunderstandings, local laws, and remoteness.
Is The Flight School right for me?
The Flight School community and travel experience are different from the norm. We know this won’t be a fit for many people, but we also imagine that in every high school on the planet, there is at least one person who will resonate with this opportunity. We hope the following descriptions will help you sense what’s right for you.
The Flight School community is NOT:
A scholarship. We are intentionally a fellowship because we care about learning from you and with you, not just funding you.
A side gig. If your life is already full (with college admissions, a job, volunteering, caretaking, etc.), you won’t have the bandwidth to meaningfully engage in a Launch Year.
Therapy. If you’re processing a lot of heavy emotions for any reason, please take time to heal. That’s such important work! Our staff aren’t trained therapists, and our program requires a lot of “stretch zone” experiences, so we aren’t the right choice if what you most need right now is a year to focus on your past.
The Flight School community IS:
A place to routinely have deep, authentic conversations that require some vulnerability. You don’t have to be skilled at this when you join; you just need to be willing to try and to grow over time.
A space where real growth happens. But that space depends entirely on what each of us brings to it. Your presence matters. This community cannot become what it’s meant to be without your voice, your questions, your care, your willingness to show up fully. You are not invited just to watch it happen. You are here because it will only happen through you.
A responsibility. On a practical level, this means you can be trusted to show up, communicate proactively, and honor commitments to the community. On an emotional level, this means you can care for relationships and tend to repairs when needed.
The Flight School travel experience is NOT:
A highly structured, staff-led, travel abroad program with daily supervision or a fixed itinerary.
A group travel program where participants are accompanied by staff.
A 24/7 support, emergency response, or crisis management service while participants are traveling independently.
A substitute for parental oversight or a safety net that removes personal responsibility.
A program that makes decisions for participants about travel, housing/ lodging, health care, or personal risk.
Appropriate for individuals who require a high level of external structure, monitoring, supervision, or intervention to remain healthy, safe, and well-regulated.
Risk-free. Independent travel inherently involves uncertainty and real-world challenges.
The Flight School travel experience IS:
An opportunity to practice real-world decision-making and judgment in complex, unfamiliar, and sometimes uncomfortable situations.
A developmental container that supports reflection, learning, and growth- rather than control or supervision.
A context in which Fellows serve as their own primary risk managers, with responsibility for decisions and consequences.
A self-directed, self-managed travel experience grounded in independence and agency.
A meaningful stretch that can build confidence, resilience, adaptability, self-trust, and animation. Sometimes, the stretch may reach into a panic zone. Fellows will need to navigate this themselves—with awareness and self-care.
Best suited for participants who feel ready to navigate risk with maturity and sound judgement.
Intentionally designed to offer freedom with responsibility to yourself and the community.
Applicants are expected to assess their readiness for The Flight School program honestly before applying. All Fellows who travel must be able to responsibly manage your time, money, and well-being. In addition, you need to be able to independently recognize and identify hazards in a foreign place. These may include, but are not limited to:
Health and medical risks like injuries, illnesses, limited access to medical care, and mental health issues.
Safety and security risks like petty crime, environmental dangers, violence, transportation, and lodging.
Cultural and logistical hazards like language barriers, cultural misunderstandings, local laws, and remoteness.
Is The Flight School right for me?
The Flight School community and travel experience are different from the norm. We know this won’t be a fit for many people, but we also imagine that in every high school on the planet, there is at least one person who will resonate with this opportunity. We hope the following descriptions will help you sense what’s right for you.
The Flight School community is NOT:
A scholarship. We are intentionally a fellowship because we care about learning from you and with you, not just funding you.
A side gig. If your life is already full (with college admissions, a job, volunteering, caretaking, etc.), you won’t have the bandwidth to meaningfully engage in a Launch Year.
Therapy. If you’re processing a lot of heavy emotions for any reason, please take time to heal. That’s such important work! Our staff aren’t trained therapists, and our program requires a lot of “stretch zone” experiences, so we aren’t the right choice if what you most need right now is a year to focus on your past.
The Flight School community IS:
A place to routinely have deep, authentic conversations that require some vulnerability. You don’t have to be skilled at this when you join; you just need to be willing to try and to grow over time.
A space where real growth happens. But that space depends entirely on what each of us brings to it. Your presence matters. This community cannot become what it’s meant to be without your voice, your questions, your care, your willingness to show up fully. You are not invited just to watch it happen. You are here because it will only happen through you.
A responsibility. On a practical level, this means you can be trusted to show up, communicate proactively, and honor commitments to the community. On an emotional level, this means you can care for relationships and tend to repairs when needed.
The Flight School travel experience is NOT:
A highly structured, staff-led, travel abroad program with daily supervision or a fixed itinerary.
A group travel program where participants are accompanied by staff.
A 24/7 support, emergency response, or crisis management service while participants are traveling independently.
A substitute for parental oversight or a safety net that removes personal responsibility.
A program that makes decisions for participants about travel, housing/ lodging, health care, or personal risk.
Appropriate for individuals who require a high level of external structure, monitoring, supervision, or intervention to remain healthy, safe, and well-regulated.
Risk-free. Independent travel inherently involves uncertainty and real-world challenges.
The Flight School travel experience IS:
An opportunity to practice real-world decision-making and judgment in complex, unfamiliar, and sometimes uncomfortable situations.
A developmental container that supports reflection, learning, and growth- rather than control or supervision.
A context in which Fellows serve as their own primary risk managers, with responsibility for decisions and consequences.
A self-directed, self-managed travel experience grounded in independence and agency.
A meaningful stretch that can build confidence, resilience, adaptability, self-trust, and animation. Sometimes, the stretch may reach into a panic zone. Fellows will need to navigate this themselves—with awareness and self-care.
Best suited for participants who feel ready to navigate risk with maturity and sound judgement.
Intentionally designed to offer freedom with responsibility to yourself and the community.
Applicants are expected to assess their readiness for The Flight School program honestly before applying. All Fellows who travel must be able to responsibly manage your time, money, and well-being. In addition, you need to be able to independently recognize and identify hazards in a foreign place. These may include, but are not limited to:
Health and medical risks like injuries, illnesses, limited access to medical care, and mental health issues.
Safety and security risks like petty crime, environmental dangers, violence, transportation, and lodging.
Cultural and logistical hazards like language barriers, cultural misunderstandings, local laws, and remoteness.
What does The Flight School cost?
Participation is free with no tuition, thanks to our generous donors 😍
What does The Flight School cost?
Participation is free with no tuition, thanks to our generous donors 😍
What does The Flight School cost?
Participation is free with no tuition, thanks to our generous donors 😍
Where does The Flight School funding come from?
We are a California-based nonprofit, and we are funded by a growing community of generous donors who wish to make The Flight School available to you—an expression of their love and trust in the rising generation. They cover tuition and needs-based funding to support travel expenses.
Where does The Flight School funding come from?
We are a California-based nonprofit, and we are funded by a growing community of generous donors who wish to make The Flight School available to you—an expression of their love and trust in the rising generation. They cover tuition and needs-based funding to support travel expenses.
Where does The Flight School funding come from?
We are a California-based nonprofit, and we are funded by a growing community of generous donors who wish to make The Flight School available to you—an expression of their love and trust in the rising generation. They cover tuition and needs-based funding to support travel expenses.
What is needed to participate in the community?
You’ll need reliable wifi. If you live in (or travel to) an area where wifi is unreliable, we are not a good fit since our gatherings are primarily online via GoogleMeet. We also use WhatsApp and Circle to communicate. We understand that there will be times when you’ll be offline—we encourage digital detox retreats! We ask all Fellows to proactively communicate before going offline.
What is needed to participate in the community?
You’ll need reliable wifi. If you live in (or travel to) an area where wifi is unreliable, we are not a good fit since our gatherings are primarily online via GoogleMeet. We also use WhatsApp and Circle to communicate. We understand that there will be times when you’ll be offline—we encourage digital detox retreats! We ask all Fellows to proactively communicate before going offline.
What is needed to participate in the community?
You’ll need reliable wifi. If you live in (or travel to) an area where wifi is unreliable, we are not a good fit since our gatherings are primarily online via GoogleMeet. We also use WhatsApp and Circle to communicate. We understand that there will be times when you’ll be offline—we encourage digital detox retreats! We ask all Fellows to proactively communicate before going offline.
What is needed to participate in travel?
You need sound judgment and decision-making to uphold your health and safety and to support your ability to travel independently in foreign and remote places.
In addition, you’ll need to be able to:
Complete a self-directed travel plan that includes a risk management plan
Book your travel and select travel insurance
Apply for your own visa
Obtain any needed vaccinations before you leave
What is needed to participate in travel?
You need sound judgment and decision-making to uphold your health and safety and to support your ability to travel independently in foreign and remote places.
In addition, you’ll need to be able to:
Complete a self-directed travel plan that includes a risk management plan
Book your travel and select travel insurance
Apply for your own visa
Obtain any needed vaccinations before you leave
What is needed to participate in travel?
You need sound judgment and decision-making to uphold your health and safety and to support your ability to travel independently in foreign and remote places.
In addition, you’ll need to be able to:
Complete a self-directed travel plan that includes a risk management plan
Book your travel and select travel insurance
Apply for your own visa
Obtain any needed vaccinations before you leave
What if I have never traveled before?
The Flight School offers courses and coaching to help you self-design a transformative journey. You’ll be able to apply relevant prior experience, like navigating challenges and caring for your well-being when under stress, to traveling independently in a foreign country.
What if I have never traveled before?
The Flight School offers courses and coaching to help you self-design a transformative journey. You’ll be able to apply relevant prior experience, like navigating challenges and caring for your well-being when under stress, to traveling independently in a foreign country.
What if I have never traveled before?
The Flight School offers courses and coaching to help you self-design a transformative journey. You’ll be able to apply relevant prior experience, like navigating challenges and caring for your well-being when under stress, to traveling independently in a foreign country.
Where should I travel?
It depends. The options are varied. You self-design your travel experiences and will need to identify, assess, and determine management for the risks associated with the place and the activities you will engage in in order to shape the type of learning you intend to have.
You will need to determine what learning and growth are most important to you to guide your travel choices. The Flight School does not screen travel locations or activities, nor verify their accuracy or approve travel plans.
One constraint you’ll need to consider is where you can obtain a visa valid for 3-4 months.
The Flight School will not fund travel to war or conflict zones.
Where should I travel?
It depends. The options are varied. You self-design your travel experiences and will need to identify, assess, and determine management for the risks associated with the place and the activities you will engage in in order to shape the type of learning you intend to have.
You will need to determine what learning and growth are most important to you to guide your travel choices. The Flight School does not screen travel locations or activities, nor verify their accuracy or approve travel plans.
One constraint you’ll need to consider is where you can obtain a visa valid for 3-4 months.
The Flight School will not fund travel to war or conflict zones.
Where should I travel?
It depends. The options are varied. You self-design your travel experiences and will need to identify, assess, and determine management for the risks associated with the place and the activities you will engage in in order to shape the type of learning you intend to have.
You will need to determine what learning and growth are most important to you to guide your travel choices. The Flight School does not screen travel locations or activities, nor verify their accuracy or approve travel plans.
One constraint you’ll need to consider is where you can obtain a visa valid for 3-4 months.
The Flight School will not fund travel to war or conflict zones.
What qualifies as a retreat?
A retreat is a place and an activity in an environment that helps you step out of your usual pace and turn inward. This could be in nature, at a meditation or yoga retreat, an experience in your faith tradition, on a pilgrimage, or something else.
What qualifies as a retreat?
A retreat is a place and an activity in an environment that helps you step out of your usual pace and turn inward. This could be in nature, at a meditation or yoga retreat, an experience in your faith tradition, on a pilgrimage, or something else.
What qualifies as a retreat?
A retreat is a place and an activity in an environment that helps you step out of your usual pace and turn inward. This could be in nature, at a meditation or yoga retreat, an experience in your faith tradition, on a pilgrimage, or something else.
What if I have an emergency while traveling in a foreign country?
You will need to manage the emergency. Because of the nature of this program, which involves independent travel, you will need to manage health and safety, as well as any emergencies that might arise. Having resources in place, as part of your planning, is important.
First, reach out to your local contact or the emergency contacts you identified in your risk management plan. Having a strong support network and identifying people to help you navigate health and safety challenges and emergencies is important.
Second, contact your travel insurance (required for all Fellows before you travel). Travel insurance is a valuable resource that can help you in an emergency.
There are no in-country Flight School staff. The Flight School cannot respond to emergencies because of the program's independent, hands-off nature.
What if I have an emergency while traveling in a foreign country?
You will need to manage the emergency. Because of the nature of this program, which involves independent travel, you will need to manage health and safety, as well as any emergencies that might arise. Having resources in place, as part of your planning, is important.
First, reach out to your local contact or the emergency contacts you identified in your risk management plan. Having a strong support network and identifying people to help you navigate health and safety challenges and emergencies is important.
Second, contact your travel insurance (required for all Fellows before you travel). Travel insurance is a valuable resource that can help you in an emergency.
There are no in-country Flight School staff. The Flight School cannot respond to emergencies because of the program's independent, hands-off nature.
What if I have an emergency while traveling in a foreign country?
You will need to manage the emergency. Because of the nature of this program, which involves independent travel, you will need to manage health and safety, as well as any emergencies that might arise. Having resources in place, as part of your planning, is important.
First, reach out to your local contact or the emergency contacts you identified in your risk management plan. Having a strong support network and identifying people to help you navigate health and safety challenges and emergencies is important.
Second, contact your travel insurance (required for all Fellows before you travel). Travel insurance is a valuable resource that can help you in an emergency.
There are no in-country Flight School staff. The Flight School cannot respond to emergencies because of the program's independent, hands-off nature.
What funding is available?
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we cover:
Travel, lodging, and meal costs for in-person gatherings with The Flight School community.
In addition, Fellows are eligible for up to $5,000 USD in need-based funding for travel, lodging, and meal costs during the second semester and for your retreat during the first semester.
What funding is available?
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we cover:
Travel, lodging, and meal costs for in-person gatherings with The Flight School community.
In addition, Fellows are eligible for up to $5,000 USD in need-based funding for travel, lodging, and meal costs during the second semester and for your retreat during the first semester.
What funding is available?
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we cover:
Travel, lodging, and meal costs for in-person gatherings with The Flight School community.
In addition, Fellows are eligible for up to $5,000 USD in need-based funding for travel, lodging, and meal costs during the second semester and for your retreat during the first semester.
What is required to be eligible for funding and travel?
During your first semester, you’ll need to successfully pass your courses, apply for needs-based funding, and demonstrate physical, mental, and emotional readiness to travel, as well as preparedness.
To be ready and eligible to travel you must:
Be able to independently identify and recognize environmental hazards in a foreign and sometimes remote place. These hazards may include, but are not limited to, health issues (new illnesses and diseases, limited medical care, injuries, emotional and mental health strains, climate, elevation and temperature changes), safety and security issues (theft, scams, harassment, violence, transportation, getting lost) and logistical and cultural challenges (language barriers, culture shock, unreliable infrastructure, variations in hygiene) due to the remoteness, foreign nature, potential isolation, underdeveloped local resources and unfamiliarity of places of travel.
Recognize and understand the hazards and risks associated with you as an individual and independent young adult traveling. These risk factors may include, but are not limited to, fatigue, state of mind, actions, and consequences associated with judgment and decision-making.
Be able to effectively notice and then manage or ask for help regarding dangers to self from hazards such as transportation hazards, aggressive animals, dangerous other people, environmental disasters, or other hazards.
Be able to independently and effectively notify a network of supporters, insurance representatives, The Flight School, and other important resources in case of distress, injury, illness, or need for emergency assistance.
Act reliably to minimize risk when not supervised directly
Be able to maintain alertness and focus to mitigate risks over a period of prolonged independent travel.
Be able to appropriately respond to stress or emergency situations when encountering unexpected and expected travel stressors.
Be able to independently maintain health on a daily basis and in possible emergency situations. The Flight School does not provide medical care, mental health services, or ongoing health monitoring. Fellows are responsible for managing their own physical and mental health, including medications, appointments, insurance, and seeking professional medical care when needed. Because this is a low-structure, self-directed experience, Fellows must be able to recognize changes in their well-being, make sound decisions, and take appropriate action independently, including adjusting plans and seeking local support.
By applying, you are affirming that you understand these expectations and believe you are prepared to manage your own health and well-being while traveling.
What is required to be eligible for funding and travel?
During your first semester, you’ll need to successfully pass your courses, apply for needs-based funding, and demonstrate physical, mental, and emotional readiness to travel, as well as preparedness.
To be ready and eligible to travel you must:
Be able to independently identify and recognize environmental hazards in a foreign and sometimes remote place. These hazards may include, but are not limited to, health issues (new illnesses and diseases, limited medical care, injuries, emotional and mental health strains, climate, elevation and temperature changes), safety and security issues (theft, scams, harassment, violence, transportation, getting lost) and logistical and cultural challenges (language barriers, culture shock, unreliable infrastructure, variations in hygiene) due to the remoteness, foreign nature, potential isolation, underdeveloped local resources and unfamiliarity of places of travel.
Recognize and understand the hazards and risks associated with you as an individual and independent young adult traveling. These risk factors may include, but are not limited to, fatigue, state of mind, actions, and consequences associated with judgment and decision-making.
Be able to effectively notice and then manage or ask for help regarding dangers to self from hazards such as transportation hazards, aggressive animals, dangerous other people, environmental disasters, or other hazards.
Be able to independently and effectively notify a network of supporters, insurance representatives, The Flight School, and other important resources in case of distress, injury, illness, or need for emergency assistance.
Act reliably to minimize risk when not supervised directly
Be able to maintain alertness and focus to mitigate risks over a period of prolonged independent travel.
Be able to appropriately respond to stress or emergency situations when encountering unexpected and expected travel stressors.
Be able to independently maintain health on a daily basis and in possible emergency situations. The Flight School does not provide medical care, mental health services, or ongoing health monitoring. Fellows are responsible for managing their own physical and mental health, including medications, appointments, insurance, and seeking professional medical care when needed. Because this is a low-structure, self-directed experience, Fellows must be able to recognize changes in their well-being, make sound decisions, and take appropriate action independently, including adjusting plans and seeking local support.
By applying, you are affirming that you understand these expectations and believe you are prepared to manage your own health and well-being while traveling.
What is required to be eligible for funding and travel?
During your first semester, you’ll need to successfully pass your courses, apply for needs-based funding, and demonstrate physical, mental, and emotional readiness to travel, as well as preparedness.
To be ready and eligible to travel you must:
Be able to independently identify and recognize environmental hazards in a foreign and sometimes remote place. These hazards may include, but are not limited to, health issues (new illnesses and diseases, limited medical care, injuries, emotional and mental health strains, climate, elevation and temperature changes), safety and security issues (theft, scams, harassment, violence, transportation, getting lost) and logistical and cultural challenges (language barriers, culture shock, unreliable infrastructure, variations in hygiene) due to the remoteness, foreign nature, potential isolation, underdeveloped local resources and unfamiliarity of places of travel.
Recognize and understand the hazards and risks associated with you as an individual and independent young adult traveling. These risk factors may include, but are not limited to, fatigue, state of mind, actions, and consequences associated with judgment and decision-making.
Be able to effectively notice and then manage or ask for help regarding dangers to self from hazards such as transportation hazards, aggressive animals, dangerous other people, environmental disasters, or other hazards.
Be able to independently and effectively notify a network of supporters, insurance representatives, The Flight School, and other important resources in case of distress, injury, illness, or need for emergency assistance.
Act reliably to minimize risk when not supervised directly
Be able to maintain alertness and focus to mitigate risks over a period of prolonged independent travel.
Be able to appropriately respond to stress or emergency situations when encountering unexpected and expected travel stressors.
Be able to independently maintain health on a daily basis and in possible emergency situations. The Flight School does not provide medical care, mental health services, or ongoing health monitoring. Fellows are responsible for managing their own physical and mental health, including medications, appointments, insurance, and seeking professional medical care when needed. Because this is a low-structure, self-directed experience, Fellows must be able to recognize changes in their well-being, make sound decisions, and take appropriate action independently, including adjusting plans and seeking local support.
By applying, you are affirming that you understand these expectations and believe you are prepared to manage your own health and well-being while traveling.
What costs does The Flight School funding cover?
We cover travel costs related to The Flight School:
Flights, trains, buses
Lodging
Food during our gatherings
Local transportation
Passport and visa expenses
Retreat fees
Retreat gear rentals (ex: camping supplies)
Toiletries while traveling (ex: shampoo)
Travel insurance
Allocation of emergency funds, as part of the Fellow budgeting process
On an as-needed basis, the following items can also be covered after a proactive conversation and approval:
Luggage (for those who don’t have bags)
Phone or computer (for those with devices that aren’t sufficient for participation in our courses)
Low-cost language classes to help you communicate in the places you travel
What’s NOT allowed with The Flight School funds
Travel expenses to war zones
The purchase of anything illegal
The purchase of material things (e.g., clothing, souvenirs, etc.). We solely fund experiences.
Allocation of funds outside the mission or timeframe of the program dates
What costs does The Flight School funding cover?
We cover travel costs related to The Flight School:
Flights, trains, buses
Lodging
Food during our gatherings
Local transportation
Passport and visa expenses
Retreat fees
Retreat gear rentals (ex: camping supplies)
Toiletries while traveling (ex: shampoo)
Travel insurance
Allocation of emergency funds, as part of the Fellow budgeting process
On an as-needed basis, the following items can also be covered after a proactive conversation and approval:
Luggage (for those who don’t have bags)
Phone or computer (for those with devices that aren’t sufficient for participation in our courses)
Low-cost language classes to help you communicate in the places you travel
What’s NOT allowed with The Flight School funds
Travel expenses to war zones
The purchase of anything illegal
The purchase of material things (e.g., clothing, souvenirs, etc.). We solely fund experiences.
Allocation of funds outside the mission or timeframe of the program dates
What costs does The Flight School funding cover?
We cover travel costs related to The Flight School:
Flights, trains, buses
Lodging
Food during our gatherings
Local transportation
Passport and visa expenses
Retreat fees
Retreat gear rentals (ex: camping supplies)
Toiletries while traveling (ex: shampoo)
Travel insurance
Allocation of emergency funds, as part of the Fellow budgeting process
On an as-needed basis, the following items can also be covered after a proactive conversation and approval:
Luggage (for those who don’t have bags)
Phone or computer (for those with devices that aren’t sufficient for participation in our courses)
Low-cost language classes to help you communicate in the places you travel
What’s NOT allowed with The Flight School funds
Travel expenses to war zones
The purchase of anything illegal
The purchase of material things (e.g., clothing, souvenirs, etc.). We solely fund experiences.
Allocation of funds outside the mission or timeframe of the program dates
Can I join The Flight School in addition to other programs or jobs?
We’ve learned it’s not a good fit if you are enrolled in other programs or schools, or if you have obligations to a job or caretaking that consume a lot of your energy. You’ll be stretched too thin if you are prioritizing other things.
Can I join The Flight School in addition to other programs or jobs?
We’ve learned it’s not a good fit if you are enrolled in other programs or schools, or if you have obligations to a job or caretaking that consume a lot of your energy. You’ll be stretched too thin if you are prioritizing other things.
Can I join The Flight School in addition to other programs or jobs?
We’ve learned it’s not a good fit if you are enrolled in other programs or schools, or if you have obligations to a job or caretaking that consume a lot of your energy. You’ll be stretched too thin if you are prioritizing other things.
Can I apply to universities while also participating in The Flight School?
Some of our cohort apply to universities during their Launch Year. Most have already been accepted or are exploring possibilities beyond higher education.
If you are applying to university, we strongly encourage you to complete all your applications by December so you can be present for immersive travel. The Flight School will offer sessions to help you approach the college application and decision-making process in a way that aligns your future with your authentic self.
Can I apply to universities while also participating in The Flight School?
Some of our cohort apply to universities during their Launch Year. Most have already been accepted or are exploring possibilities beyond higher education.
If you are applying to university, we strongly encourage you to complete all your applications by December so you can be present for immersive travel. The Flight School will offer sessions to help you approach the college application and decision-making process in a way that aligns your future with your authentic self.
Can I apply to universities while also participating in The Flight School?
Some of our cohort apply to universities during their Launch Year. Most have already been accepted or are exploring possibilities beyond higher education.
If you are applying to university, we strongly encourage you to complete all your applications by December so you can be present for immersive travel. The Flight School will offer sessions to help you approach the college application and decision-making process in a way that aligns your future with your authentic self.
Can I apply if I’m in my third gap year?
We love your spirit of adventure! We’ve decided to focus our fellowship on those experiencing their first (and occasionally second) gap year in order to make the experience accessible to people who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity.
Can I apply if I’m in my third gap year?
We love your spirit of adventure! We’ve decided to focus our fellowship on those experiencing their first (and occasionally second) gap year in order to make the experience accessible to people who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity.
Can I apply if I’m in my third gap year?
We love your spirit of adventure! We’ve decided to focus our fellowship on those experiencing their first (and occasionally second) gap year in order to make the experience accessible to people who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity.
Can I apply if I’m already in university?
While we don’t have options for you to join the fellowship, we hope to offer some of our transformative teachings to a broader audience. Please check back on our site in August and we’ll have more details then. Stay tuned. We look forward to meeting you.
Can I apply if I’m already in university?
While we don’t have options for you to join the fellowship, we hope to offer some of our transformative teachings to a broader audience. Please check back on our site in August and we’ll have more details then. Stay tuned. We look forward to meeting you.
Can I apply if I’m already in university?
While we don’t have options for you to join the fellowship, we hope to offer some of our transformative teachings to a broader audience. Please check back on our site in August and we’ll have more details then. Stay tuned. We look forward to meeting you.
Can I apply if I’m graduating from high school now but am younger than 18?
In order for us to consider anyone who will not be 18 by July 31, 2026, we’ll need your parents to sign an agreement that they consent to your participation.
Can I apply if I’m graduating from high school now but am younger than 18?
In order for us to consider anyone who will not be 18 by July 31, 2026, we’ll need your parents to sign an agreement that they consent to your participation.
Can I apply if I’m graduating from high school now but am younger than 18?
In order for us to consider anyone who will not be 18 by July 31, 2026, we’ll need your parents to sign an agreement that they consent to your participation.
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