Frequently Asked Questions
About Close Up
Program Information
Capitol Hill Day Information
Registration and Enrollment
Payment Information
Accommodations
Transportation
Staying in Touch
Extras
About Close Up
How long has Close Up been around?
Close Up's first group of students came to Washington, D.C. in 1971. Since that time, more than 650,000 participants from across the country and around the world have participated in our programs. Our experiential learning activities encourage students to think critically, develop leadership skills, and accept civic responsibility. We also work with thousands of America’s teachers each year through professional development programs and access to hundreds of creative lesson plans. We are proud to include Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings, United States Senators and Representatives, governors, state legislators, local officials, and thousands of classroom teachers from around the country as Close Up alumni.
What makes Close Up different from other travel organizations?
Close Up stands out among civic education organizations and tour companies in two important ways: our exceptional faculty and staff, and our commitment to teaching all students the skills they need to become active participants in their communities and their country. We handpick only motivated, college-educated faculty dedicated to helping students develop socially and academically. Throughout the week, our instructors lead students through Washington, D.C., facilitating discussions and challenging students to think critically about the issues most important to them. In addition, we work hard to reach out to economically disadvantaged and underserved communities, providing financial assistance to diverse constituencies including Native Americans, Latinos, African Americans, New Americans, migrants, Alaska Natives, and Pacific Islanders.
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Program Information
What happens on a Close Up program?
Close Up is a weeklong program jam-packed with the sites and sounds of Washington, D.C. Our flagship high school program brings students to the heart of Washington to see their government in action. Throughout the week, students get face-to-face with members of Congress and/or their staffs, leading policy experts, and influential lobbyists during question-and-answer sessions and debates. Plus students visit the city’s famous memorials and meet their peers from across the country and around the world, all while learning about their important role as citizens in a democracy.
For middle school students the adventure is just as exciting. At the core of our middle school programs lives the question, “What can we learn from history to help us become effective citizens today?” Led by specially-trained instructors, students benefit from our robust curriculum and spend time interacting with their peers from across the country as they visit D.C.’s famous sites including Capitol Hill and Arlington Cemetery.
What about safety and security?
Close Up’s number one priority is our participants’ safety. Students are supervised at all times by their teachers and our team of professional staff. Instructors spend each day with your child, while night monitors and an instructor-in-residence are stationed at every hotel.
In addition to top-notch supervision, Close Up strictly monitors government reports regarding security conditions in the city. Our history in Washington gives us access to the city’s premiere security alert network, allowing relevant news alerts and instructions to immediately be communicated to program staff— all of whom are trained to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations.
What if a student gets sick on program?
We've partnered with George Washington University Hospital (GWU) to provide participants with access to the city's best medical care. This includes:
Who can participate in a program?
All students in grades 6-8 can participate in our Middle School programs. All students in grades 9-12 can participate in our High School programs.
Can students with special needs participate?
Yes. If you have questions or special requests for students with special needs, contact Sharon Smith at 800-256-7387, ext. 499. Specialized assistance such as health techs or sign language interpretation may incur additional charges.
How are students instructed and supervised during their program week?
Students are instructed and supervised by our college-educated and rigorously trained program instructors and staff. Our instructors spend the week leading students through D.C., facilitating discussions, and challenging students to think critically about the issues important to them and their communities. To stay current on electoral and policy issues, in addition to Current Issues, our instructors use some of same sources that Congress uses such as CQ.
At the hotels, night monitors and an instructor-in-residence are stationed at every hotel, and emergency care services are available at all times.
Is college credit available?
Yes. High school students who participate in a Close Up program and complete all of the requirements are eligible to receive one college credit through the University of Virginia.
Can parents/teachers observe student program?
Yes, teachers and parents can observe student program. Please discuss your interest ahead of time with the Program Leader. If you choose to participate, remember that an important aspect of program is creating an open atmosphere for student interaction. Please see our guidelines for teachers and parents and chaperones for more details.
Can spouses and/or children of participants attend a program?
Yes. Spouses and children that are of program age can participate only if they enroll in the program and pay the participation fee.
When do programs begin?
Programs begin on Sunday evening with dinner. Check-in at the hotel is from 3-5pm.
What type of clothing should students wear on program?
Students can plan on wearing casual clothing for the duration of their program (jeans and sneakers are ok). Be sure students bring comfortable shoes as they will be walking a great deal throughout the week. In addition, high school students are expected to dress up for Capitol Hill Day. This means coats and ties for gentlemen and dress/slacks/skirts for ladies.
What if my program is scheduled to run before the Newseum opens?
You will visit both Mt. Vernon and Arlington National Cemetery instead of just one.
What can we do during our independent study-time on Friday?
Most teachers use Friday to see sights not covered on program such as the International Spy Museum, the Holocaust Museum, the Washington Monument, or Arlington Cemetery. In addition you can visit local colleges and the unique neighborhoods located throughout the city. Click here for a full list of activities.
Can students leave program to visit family, friends, or local colleges?
Students can visit family, friends, and local colleges during their independent study-time on Friday. Students must receive prior approval from the Program Supervisor, as well as provide a signed permission slip from their parents in order to leave program.
When will my hotel information be available?
Hotel information is available through the School Login 40 days before the program start. Hotel assignments are not confirmed until 30 days before the program start.
What do teachers and other adults on our High School program do?
There are a variety of activities for teachers and other adults to participate in while on program. Some of these activities take place with your students, while others are exclusively for adults on our program. The activities you will participate in with your students include:
• Meet with your students either on Monday or Tuesday night before Capitol Hill day
• Accompany your students to Capitol Hill to meet with your elected officials
• Classic Close Up: Spend your independent day (Friday) with your students exploring the many exciting areas of the city not seen on program
• Philly – NYC and Monticello-Williamsburg Programs: Travel with your students to either Philly/NYC or Monticello-Williamsburg.
• All programs: Work with your students at the end of your program to determine ways you can all get involved in your own community when you return home
Activities only for teachers and other adults on our program include:
- Attend special luncheon seminars with Washington insiders that focus on current issues and the upcoming elections
- Explore Capitol Hill or participate in special history, current issues, or methodology based electives
- Participate in an exciting activity at one of our partner organizations such as: the Holocaust Museum, Elliot School of International Relations at George Washington, or First Amendment Center
- Lead a discussion on fundraising techniques, participate in an issue-specific debate with your peers, or learn a new teaching methodology
- Choose an out-of-town activity to attend with your peers
Find out what’s new for the high school teacher program.
What do teachers and other adults on our Middle School program do?
There are a variety of activities for teachers and other adults to participate in while on program. Some of these activities take place with your students, while others are exclusively for adults on our program. The activities you will participate in with your students include:
• Travel to either Jamestown/Williamsburg, or Philadelphia on Monday (Colonial Adventure and Path to Independence Programs only)
• Meet with your students on either Monday or Tuesday night (optional)
• Travel with your students on Wednesday morning to the White House and a Smithsonian museum (Classic Capital Experience only)
• Travel with and co-manage your students in New York City (New York add-on only)
• All programs: Work with your students at the end of your program to determine ways you can all get involved in your own community when you return home
Find out what’s new for the middle school teacher program.
What are my responsibilities as a teacher during the program week?
As a teacher, you will spend much of your time participating in our Teachers-only program. During this time your students will be supervised by Close Up faculty and staff. However, there are certain times during the week when you will be asked to attend specific sessions or supervise your students. These instances include:
- Attending special breakfast and luncheon seminars
- Participating in one workshop activity with our partner organizations
- Supervising your students during Capitol Hill day
- Taking part in special electives and activities
- Monitoring your students during their Independent study-day (Friday)
Capitol Hill Day Information
What day will we spend on Capitol Hill?
For 2007-08, you’ll usually be on the “Hill” on Tuesday or Wednesday. You’ll spend part of the time earlier in our program preparing for those meetings. In most cases, teachers can log onto their accounts (a month before program starts) to find out which day you’ll be on the Hill.
Do you schedule appointments with Members of Congress?
Yes, we schedule well over 2,000 of these meetings per year. Typically, we try to schedule 3 meetings for you, 2 with the Senators representing your state and 1 with the House Member from your Congressional district. Despite the fluidity of Members’ schedules, we’re almost always able to schedule at least 1 or 2 of these meetings. To help us coordinate these, we ask that you not contact the offices directly regarding these meetings without contacting us first. In addition, we encourage you to stop by the various offices, sign the guest books and pick up any available materials and gallery passes.
Will I meet with a Member or with Staff?
Often, you’ll meet directly with a Member. Other times, you’ll meet with staff. Why? Sometimes Congress is in recess and Members are at home (see calendars at www.house.gov and www.senate.gov). Other times, schedule changes require Members to attend hearings or deal with other pressing matters of national concern. Many staffers are adept at speaking on a Member’s behalf and in talking in depth about specific issues. They also can provide insight into the inner workings of Congress. They tend to be younger, relate well to students and can offer advice on internships and other opportunities.
Must teachers attend the scheduled Capitol Hill meetings with their students?
Yes. Interacting with a Member’s office is a vital part of our program. After all, this is a great opportunity to ask questions and learn. Students work hard to prepare for these meetings and Congressional offices juggle their schedules to make time for them.
How do you determine which House Office to contact for a meeting?
We use the physical address of your school to determine which office to contact. That covers situations where teachers or students live in different Congressional districts. If you have any questions, please contact us at governmentrelations@closeup.org or at 800CLOSEUP, ext. 695
Can I find out my meeting times before we arrive in DC?
Yes. One week before your trip, a tentative list of scheduled meetings will be available online. However, due to the fluid nature of Congressional scheduling, many meetings will not have been scheduled yet and some meeting times may have to be changed. Often, Congressional schedulers await word on events not under their control, such as committee hearings. We will not finalize your meetings until the day before your Hill Day. Please refer to the Hill Schedule that will be sent to your hotel for your final meeting times.
Will the Supreme Court be in session when I am on the Hill?
That depends on when you’ll be there. Check the Court’s docket for scheduled oral arguments. If the Court is in session on your Hill Day, a summary of the cases will be included in your Hill Schedule.
Are there security restrictions at the Capitol Building?
Yes. Security is extensive, and the less you carry, the easier it will be to move around the building. See a list of prohibited items.
What should we wear on Hill Day?
Business or business casual is the most appropriate dress for the Hill - and don't forget your Close Up nametags. Suggested attire:
• For women: A dress or skirt of an appropriate length, or dress pants. A sweater, nice top (covering the midriff), or a button-down shirt.
• For men: Dress pants and a button-down shirt. Ties and jackets are optional, depending on the season.
• For everyone: Shoes should be in good condition and dressy, but comfortable! You will be doing a lot of walking and your shoes-and feet-should be able to hold up throughout the day.
Can I arrange a tour of the Capitol Building?
Yes. Please contact your Member directly with any request for a tour of the Capitol Building or a White House visit. If you do arrange a tour for your group, it is essential that you immediately contact us at 800-CLOSEUP, ext. 695 or at governmentrelations@closeup.org with your tour time so that we can schedule your congressional meetings accordingly.
Can I arrange a visit of the White House?
Yes. If you would like a visit of the White House, contact your Congressional Office ASAP as often three months lead-time is necessary. Please schedule White Houses visit for Friday during independent study time. You will be required to provide Social Security numbers of all participants when booking a White House visit.
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Registration and Enrollment
How do I register my school for a program?
Teachers who have participated in Close Up in the past can register for a program online by logging into their school account. To login to your school account, click on School Login and enter your School ID and password. Once you login, click the “School Registration” button and select a program week. Make sure you click the “Save” button at the bottom of each page and complete the entire registration process. Your registration is complete when you see a confirmation message and receive an email verifying your program selection.
How do I calculate my program price?
Teachers can calculate their program price by going to their School Login. Once you login you can customize your program and calculate your total program price by clicking on “Price Calculator. ”
Parents and students should contact their Close Up teacher for their program price. If you are not participating with a school group, call 800-CLOSE UP for your program price.
How do I enroll my students online?
Online enrollment is a two-step process. The first step is completed by the teacher. The teacher must login to the school account at School Login , and enter each participant’s name. After each name is entered, the teacher must print the instruction page for each student. These instructions will have the Participant ID number and directions on how to complete the enrollment form. The second step is for the students to take these instructions home and complete the enrollment form with a parent or guardian. Parents or guardians must read and agree to our Terms and Conditions.
How do I get another copy of the password and instructions to complete my enrollment?
The initial password for all participants is their school ID followed immediately by their participant ID number. Teachers can access the participant ID numbers. Under manage account, select School Summary Report. Click here to print another set of the directions.
I'm having trouble logging in to complete my enrollment form online. Any suggestions?
- Passwords are case sensitive
- Remember the School ID consists of two capital letters and three numbers
- If your School ID or password contains the letter “O” or the number “0”, make sure you are entering the correct character
My name is misspelled. How do I correct it?
Participants can edit their name and other contact information AFTER they complete the enrollment form. Use the same procedure they did to complete the form:
- click on "Participant Login "
- enter participant ID
- enter password created when they completed the form
- select "Edit Information" and follow the directions there.
Can I come on Close Up by myself?
Yes. Close Up welcomes all students. To receive additional information or register email or call 800-CLOSE UP to speak with a representative.
When are enrollment forms and fees due?
Enrollment forms and fees of $300 per person are due 45 days prior to the start of the program for programs running November through December and October 1 for January programs. Enrollment forms and fees of $100 per person are due 120 days prior to the start of your program for programs running February through June. Enrollment forms can be completed and submitted online.
Can a student enroll after the enrollment deadline?
Yes. A student can enroll after the enrollment deadline but their participation is subject to availability. Enroll the student online as normal. If space is unavailable you will be contacted by Close Up staff.
How can I tell if my students have completed their enrollment forms online?
Go to your School Login online and view your School Summary Report under Manage Account. An * will appear next to names of students who have NOT completed their enrollment forms.
How do I change my program week?
Teachers can change their week of program by logging into their school account and making the necessary changes. For any changes made inside of the enrollment deadline (within 45 days of the program start date for programs running November through January and within 120 of the program start date for programs running February through June) please call 800-CLOSE UP.
How do I cancel participants from a program?
Teachers can cancel individual participants from a program week by calling their representative at 800-CLOSE UP or email webmaster@closeup.org with the specific information. Please be aware all cancellations are subject to cancellations fees as outlined in our Important Dates and Deadlines chart. If you are a student who wants to cancel from a program, notify your teacher immediately. If you are not participating as part of a group and want to cancel from a program call 800-CLOSE UP.
When do you automatically cancel participants from a program?
We automatically cancel participants from a program for the following financial reasons:
- Participants have not paid their deposits within 2 weeks of their enrollment deadline.
- Participants do not have at least $500 paid on their accounts 60 days before their program start date.
- Participants are not fully paid 30 days before their program start date.
Participants who are auto-cancelled at these deadlines are marked with status "X" in your School Summary Report. They are NOT removed from our database. These participants can be re-enrolled in the program with proper payment, pending space availability.
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Payment Information
What is the program price? What’s included?
Thanks for asking. We know choosing to spend money on a program like Close Up is a big decision and we are happy to let you know where and how your money is spent.
Planning on our end starts a year in advance as we negotiate with our vendors to ensure the highest quality at a reasonable price. This negotiation process is risky because in a rapidly growing area like Washington, D.C., prices and availability can and do fluctuate often. Plus, with Washington, D.C., becoming the destination of choice for both domestic and international travelers, the hotel business in and around the city has boomed, causing prices to rise dramatically and making it difficult to reserve hotel space for all of our Close Up participants.
Luckily, Close Up has been around for more than 35 years, and we have developed valuable partnerships with some of the best venders in the city. This allows us to negotiate incredible deals on your behalf.
Our program prices for the 2007-2008 season range from $1079 - $2069 for high school programs, and $999 - $1149 for middle school programs. Below we’ve broken down our program price into categories to show you just how many incredible benefits you get from this all-inclusive price.
Tuition
- Rigorously trained faculty and staff
- Innovative curriculum
- Current Issues textbook (high school programs)
- Preparation materials for discussions and debates
Room, Board, and In-town Transportation
- Accommodations at quality metropolitan hotels
- All meals
- Motor coach transportation throughout city
Safety and Security
- Round-the-clock supervision
- 24/7 emergency care services
- Secondary health insurance policy
- Access to premier security alert network in Washington
Activity Fee
- Post-dinner monument tour of Washington, D.C.
- All entrance fees
- All tips and gratuities
- Souvenirs (group photo and Close Up t-shirt)
Close Up can even make your travel arrangements for you. Our customized transportation package includes the following:
- Roundtrip transportation to Washington, D.C.
- Staffed arrival and airport pickup/drop-off
- Travel support including cancellations and re-bookings
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Is financial aid available?
Yes, a limited amount of financial aid is available for high school participants who meet federal income guidelines and submit a financial aid form. Apply early.
Can our school receive more than one financial aid award?
Additional student financial aid awards are allocated on a case-by-case basis. Contact your Close Up Representative if you have additional students who qualify for financial assistance.
How do I submit a Financial Aid Application?
Completed Financial Aid Applications must be faxed to 1-866-262-3293 and are due at the same time as the Enrollment Form. Fax ONLY Financial Aid Applications to this number.
What happens if I cancel from a program?
If you cancel from a program you will forfeit your enrollment deposit, as well as additional expenses. For a list of important cancellation deadlines and fees click here.
How do I pay for my program?
We encourage people to pay online with either debit or credit cards or by electronic check for faster processing. Click on the link, enter your participant ID, and follow the directions there. If you prefer to mail payment, Close Up also accepts personal checks and money orders. Make payable to Close Up Foundation and mail to:
Close Up Foundation
P.O. Box 2250
Germantown, MD 20875-2250
School district checks must identify both the school id and the participant id to which the payment should be applied.
What if I have to overnight my payments?
If your need to send your payments by an overnight delivery service, please use this address:
Harvest Bank of Maryland
12800 Middlebrook Road
Germantown, MD 20874
Your participant ID MUST be written on your check and a payment coupon MUST accompany all payments.
How do I print payment coupons to mail with my payment?
Teachers can print payment coupons by going to School Login - select "Manage Account" and click on "Print Payment Coupons." To print coupons for Xed participant you must enter each ID number individually.
Participants can print their own payment coupons by logging in to Manage my Account - select "Manage Account" and click on "Print Payment Coupon."
Can my school pay using a purchase order?
Yes. Purchase orders from school districts must be signed and include the school’s name and School ID number. They can be mailed to Close Up’s Finance Department at:
Close Up Foundation
44 Canal Center Plaza
Alexandria, VA 22314
Do NOT send checks to this address, it will delay processing.
Purchase orders can also be faxed to 1-866-236-2015. Fax ONLY purchase orders to this number.
How long does it take payments to process?
Online payments made before 10:00 PM EST will be posted after 10:00 AM EST the next day. They may take 3 to 5 days to process completely and show on the card/account holder's statement.
Payments that are mailed to our lockbox generally take about 2 weeks to process from the date they are mailed.
When are my payments due?
Please see our Dates & Deadlines chart for a schedule of payments and cancellation fees.
Who do I contact if I have a question about my account ?
All billing, account and finance-related inquiries should be directed to Virginia Warren at 1-800-CLOSE UP (256-7387) ext. 416 or by email schoolaccounts@closeup.org.
What happens if my payments are late?
Participants who do not have at least the minimum payment account by the listed deadlines are subject to cancellation from the program. Final payments must be received no later then 30 days prior to the start of the program.
What are teacher fellowships?
Teacher fellowships are financial awards that cover the program cost for eligible teachers and/or chaperones. Each fellowship includes group transportation, two scheduled meals per day, hotel accommodations, and some entrance fees.
Teacher fellowships do not cover single rooms, extra days, independent transportation, or the theater option.
How do I qualify for a teacher fellowship?
High school teachers qualify for a full fellowship by bringing 6 fully-paid student participants on a Close Up program. A second teacher can receive a full fellowship when 20 fully-paid student participants attend a program.
Middle school teachers will be awarded one full teacher fellowship for every 10 fully-paid students they bring on program.
Please note, if you have enrolled the appropriate number of students to receive a fellowship and your account shows a balance due, your fellowship will credit to your account when our system runs a daily update.
What happens if I have fewer than 6 (high school) or 10 (middle school) students?
Teacher fellowships are prorated based on the number of students you bring. Schools may opt to send their participants independently if a teacher does not want to pay the prorated cost to attend program.
Can I make a donation to Close Up?
Yes! There are two ways you can donate to Close Up. The first way is to donate to our general Close Up fund. This fund is dedicated to creating top-notch programming for all students, and to providing financial assistance to underserved students wishing to attend a Close Up program this year. To donate to Close Up’s general fund and change the lives of thousands of students nationwide, click here.
The second type of donation you can make is to sponsor a specific Close Up participant. Often times, family and friends want to support a student’s decision to participate on a Close Up program. By sponsoring a student, you help him/her reach his/her fundraising goal and make his/her participation in Close Up a reality. To sponsor a student click here. You will need the student’s Participant ID number. If you do not have the Participant ID number, ask the student you are sponsoring for it.
Are donations to Close Up tax-deductible?
Donations to Close Up may be tax deductible. Contact your tax advisor to determine if your particular donation qualifies as a tax deduction.
What is Close Up’s Federal Employer ID Number/Tax ID number (FEIN)?
Close Up’s FEIN is 23-7122882.
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Accommodations
Where do participants stay during their program?
All of our participants stay in quality hotels located in the metropolitan area for the duration of their trip. Each hotel is carefully inspected to be of the highest quality possible at an affordable price.
What hotels do you use?
Hotels we will use this year include the:
Key Bridge Marriott,
L'Enfant Plaza,
Doubletree Crystal City,
Crowne Plaza at National Airport,
Hilton Rockville,
Ramada Rockville, and Best Western Springfield.
Can I request a specific hotel from your list?
Yes, you may request a specific hotel from the list. Although we cannot guarantee your preference, we will do our best to honor your request.
When will my hotel information be available?
Hotel information is available through the School Login 40 days before the program start. Hotel assignments are not confirmed until 30 days before the program start.
What happens if my hotel assignment changes less than 30 days before my program start?
If for any reason we need to change a school's assigned hotel, we will notify the coordinating teacher at that school by email.
How are students housed during the week?
Students are housed four to a room. Each room has two double beds. On our high school program, each student chooses one roommate from his/her school. Another pair of students from a different community will be assigned to the room at random. For our middle school program, all four students housed together are from the same school. In the event there are an odd number of students, we will do our best to ensure there are at least two students from the same school housed together.
How are adults housed during the week?
Adults are housed two to a room. Adult rooms may be located on the same floor as student rooms. Each room has two double beds. Adults may indicate roommate choices on their enrollment forms. Adults may also request a private room for an additional charge. All private room requests are subject to availability.
How to I request a private room?
Adult participants may request a single room when they complete their enrollment form. The Teacher Fellowship does not cover the price of a single room. Payment for the single room is due at the time of the request.
Can students request private rooms?
No. Students are assigned to rooms and workshop groups with students whose background may be quite different from their own. These arrangements are an essential part of the Close Up program, emphasize diversity, and help students practice their citizenship skills.
Can I have someone who is not participating in the program stay in my room?
Spouses, children, or friends who are not enrolled in the Close Up program cannot use services or benefits provided to Close Up participants due to liability issues. This restriction includes housing accommodations, meals, buses, and all scheduled activities.
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Transportation
Will Close Up arrange my transportation for me?
Yes. Close Up offers roundtrip group transportation from a designated point in your community to Washington, D.C. To take advantage of this service, choose the Close Up transportation option when you enroll on a program. Whether you choose to travel with us or on your own, we urge you to buy travel insurance. You may do so as part of the enrollment process.
What are the benefits of using Close Up transportation?
Close Up makes getting to Washington an easy and painless process. Our professional travel agents use their expertise and connections to negotiate the best airline prices possible. Plus they are on standby to help you during your travel days, making your travel arrangements a breeze. And by choosing to use Close Up transportation, you no longer have to worry how you are going to get to your hotel—Close Up takes care of this for you. Our friendly staff will even meet you at the airport and make sure you and your luggage arrive safely at your hotel. Since financial responsibility for all travel and related-costs rests with the travelers, we urge participants (including teachers) to buy travel insurance. This will provide financial protection in the event of flight delays, cancellations and other related-travel issues. You can choose to purchase this insurance as part of your enrollment process.
What airlines do you use?
We use all major airline carriers. Your flight will be based on availability during your program week.
Can I arrange my own transportation?
Yes. You may arrange your own transportation to and from Washington if you choose. Notify Close Up of your intention when you enroll in a program by selecting the Independent Transportation option when you register. Please note, by choosing this option you must make your own arrangements from the airport to your hotel via taxis, metro, or other transportation service.
Can one student travel independently?
Yes. The student must complete and submit an independent transportation form. Please note, by choosing this option the student must make his/her own arrangements from the airport to the hotel via taxis, metro, or other transportation service.
How do I get my flight information?
Flight information is available online through your School Login 40 days before travel.
How do I change my flight?
A single participant cannot change his/her inbound flight to be different from the group he/she is traveling with. If a participant must fly separately from his/her group, that participant should complete an independent transportation form and make his/her own travel arrangements.
Airlines will generally allow a participant to change the return date or time, but not the destination. The fee for this type of change is about $150. Any participant changing his/her return ticket should make the appropriate arrangements with the airline when checking in at the airport. If the airline will not make the change, call Close Up’s Transportation department at 800-336-3689, and have a credit card available to pay for the change.
Does Close Up offer travel insurance?
Yes. Close Up strongly recommends participants purchase travel insurance to protect themselves and their trip. You can purchase travel insurance directly through Travel Guard when you enroll. Please note the travel insurance is administered directly through Travel Guard and not by Close Up. Contact Travel Guard directly if you have specific policy questions.
Teachers receiving fellowships are also strongly encouraged to purchase travel insurance. Contact your Close Up Representative for details.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel?
If you purchased Close Up’s transportation package, staff members will greet you at the airport, escort you to a coach bus, and transport you to your hotel. If you book your own travel you will need to make arrangements from the airport to the hotel via taxi, airport shuttle, metro, or other means.
Can I arrive in Washington a day before my program starts?
Yes. If you would like to arrive in Washington the day before your program begins select the Early Arrival package when you enroll in the program.
Do students need to bring identification to travel?
Whenever possible, students should carry picture identification when they travel. School IDs, state IDs, and driver’s licenses are all acceptable forms of identification.
What are the new airline travel security rules?
Please go to the Transportation Security Administration' s website for the latest updates and frequently asked questions before you travel. TSA recommends that you arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight.
What do I need to know before I travel?
For a complete list of travel requirements and suggestions, print and read your Travel Checklist before you travel. Pay special attention to the new bag restrictions that the airlines are imposing.
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Staying in Touch
How do I contact my child while he/she is on a Close Up program?
During the week, your child will be very active exploring Washington and meeting students from around the country. His/her day begins early in the morning and generally ends late in the evening. If you need to get in touch with your child, below are a few options we recommend:
- Provide your child with a cell phone that has a national calling plan. (Check the details of your calling plan.)
- Purchase a pre-paid calling card for your child to use during the program week. (Don't forget to check the calling card and phone being used to place the call for usage charges.)
- Contact your child at his/her Close Up Hotel. Call the hotel front desk, and ask for your child by name. The hotel will connect you to your child’s room.
Participants are responsible to pay any additional charges they incur - long-distance phone charges, hotel damages, etc. - while attending the Close Up program.
Extras
Can I order an extra copy of my group photo?
Yes. To order a copy of your group photo contact:
Central Photo
709 G St. SE
Washington, D.C. 20003
Phone: 202-544-6065
Fax: 202-544-3754
You will need to know the week you were a participant, and the hotel where you stayed.
My certificate of participation was incorrect/lost. Can I order another one?
Yes. Email us with the correct spelling of your name, your address, the week you participated, and the hotel where you stayed.
Where do I order extra Close Up materials (brochures, forms, etc.)?
You can order additional Close Up materials online at School Login. Enrolled schools can request their participants' Current Issues books be delivered to the school in advance of the program. There is a $2.00 per book shipping charge for advance delivery of Current Issues. Please contact your Close Up representative for assistance.
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Last updated September 25, 2007
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