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Top Section MYSO TO RESUME INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL IN SUMMER, 2007, WITH TOUR TO CHINA!
Who Gets to Go?
Almost ten years after MYSO's last major, international tour, the leadership of Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra has voted to take the organization's top ensemble, the Senior Symphony, to China in late summer, 2007! As has become traditional, the principal players in MYSO's second full symphony orchestra Philharmonia - will likely also have the opportunity to be part of the touring orchestra. In addition, if space and instrumental needs allow, Senior Symphony members graduating in spring, 2006, will be invited to participate, as well.
Dates of Beijing and Beyond Tour to China: July 17-30, 2007!!!!
SPECIAL LINKS FOR BEIJING AND BEYOND TRAVELERS
Milwaukee Kids On Tour (all about you going to China!!!)
How to Avoid Jet Lag
American Symphony Orchestra League's Tips for Traveling Musicians
US Department of State-Tips on Travel to China
Places we are visiting in China, Monday July 23rd Yonghe Palace
Places we are visiting in China, Monday, July 23rd Oriental Plaza (site in English)
Chinese Conductor Xian Zhang
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With Title Bar
| WHAT WILL THEY SEE IN CHINA? |
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What spectacular opportunities China offers for young people to experience a culture that is dramatically different from that in the United States-and how wonderful to do so in the context of artistic exchange! Touring in general-and China in particular-offers extraordinary opportunities for social and emotional growth as well as sheer fun and excitement. Overlaying all of this, of course, is the expectation of an outstanding musical experience, with the tour giving the orchestra and the young musicians a focus for their energies all season! Four or five concerts in top quality venues (several shared with Chinese orchestras!) are planned! Think about it-visiting one of the oldest civilizations in the world-with the fastest growing economy! A nation preparing for the 2008 Olympics! The "Forbidden City!" A concert at the Great Wall! And more!
How was the decision made?
Like the 10-12 other U.S. youth orchestras planning travel to China over the next 18 months, MYSO has discovered the enormous travel value of China today. This allows for a longer, much more "inclusive" trip at a lower cost, with excellent hotels and all meals (with a wide variety of food choices!) in the trip price-producing a savings of many hundreds of dollars.
The choice of late summer (a late July or early August departure) will allow students to work or do other things for a large part of the summer. And it assures that the tour will not conflict with the UW Music Clinic Scholarship Auditions, so important to many MYSO students.
Books on China (from MYSO Head Chaperone Susan Wernecke)
Two of my favorite reads were by Peter Hessler: River Town, the story he wrote about his days as a Peace Corps volunteer in China, and Oracle Bones: A journey between China’s past and present, which just came out in 2006. Both are excellent at providing insight into the tremendous amount of change happening in China.
Another favorite was by John Pomfret, Chinese Lessons: five classmates and the story of the new China. Pomfret was a student in China in the early 1980s, and this book goes back to find out what became of some of his classmates. Another great snapshot of the rapid change in China and how its people are coping.
Mao: The unknown story, by Jung Chang and Jon Halliday, is a chilling bio of Mao that just came out in paperback. Jung Chang wrote the excellent Wild Swans, portraying her life as a victim of Mao’s Cultural Revolutionary excesses.
Daughter of the River is an amazing memoir of a girl born during the Great Famine of 1960. The author, Hong Ying, also writes fiction.
The River at the Center of the World: a journey up the Yangtze, and back in Chinese time is a well-written nonfiction piece by Simon Winchester. We won’t be going near the Yangtze, but it is still a good read.
Red Dust: a path through China is another personal travel memoir by Ma Jian.
For a little light reading, I turned to Qiu Xiaolong. He writes mysteries set in modern Shanghai. These are fun and topical. His first, Death of a Red Heroine, set up a series of novels featuring the same cast of characters.
My stack of unread books on China include:
Jasper Becker’s Dragon Rising
A. Zee’s Swallowing Clouds: A playful journey through Chinese Culture, Language and Cuisine
Jonathan Spence’s The Search for Modern China
Anchee Min’s Becoming Madame Mao (fiction)
Dream of the Red Chamber (a classic)
DeMente’s The Chinese Have a Word for It
Getting Foreign Currency
Almost anyone you talk to will give you a different answer about what kind of currency to take. Your best plan of action is to have a variety of currency options with you, including some cash, a credit card/debit card (or two), and some travelers checks.
Currency: The local currency of China is “Reminbi” (RMB), which is denominated into the Yuan (meaning dollar). The approximate exchange rate is $1.00 = Yuan 7.79. Chinese currency is not traded on international market and can only be exchanged within China at the Bank of China, located in hotel and department stores. A money exchange voucher is given at the time of exchange and should be retained for reconverting (up to one-half of your exchanged amount) purpose.
Exchanging Money: ATMs are unevenly available in China. Do not expect to get all of the cash you need in this manner. ATMs are most common in Beijing, and there is one at a bank right next to our hotel. Travelers checks usually get a higher rate of exchange than cash. It is suggested to put your money into travelers checks. You will be able to exchange travelers checks at hotels and banks. (Some banks will repurchase yuan, but will discount the amount around 6%, and it will take 4-6 weeks to get your US$! There are airport currency exchange desks at O'Hare and Newark which will exchange Yuan for $.)
Credit Cards: Most credit cards are accepted in China, the most popular being MasterCard, Visa and American Express. To avoid a security cutoff on your card, notify your card company that you will be traveling in China July 18-30, 2007.
Here are a couple options:
Check with your own financial institution for additional options.
USbank: You can order foreign currency from USbank through their website, www.usbank.com. They process your request through Travelex, a well-known provider of travel insurance and related services. You can also get a prepaid cash card or foreign currency travelers checks through this service. Orders are charged to your credit card (Visa or Mastercard), and are delivered in two days. Free shipping is available on orders of more than $500 US. You can also go directly to Travelex and order through My Travel Wallet, but the free shipping amount rises to $750.
M&I Bank: All orders for Chinese Yuan are special orders. Minimum order is for $100 US worth of Yuan. M&I charges an additional $15 fee for each order.
If you are an M&I Bank Customer, you can go to any bank to place an order for Yuan. Turnaround time is approximately 1 week. You can also go to the main branch (see below), and get a faster turnaround (24-48 hours, typically).
If you are not an M&I Bank Customer, you must order from the main branch downtown. You must pay in cash, in advance.
M&I Main Branch is located at 770 North Water Street. Martha Welton is the bank person who handles foreign currency orders. Her phone number is 414-765-7445. Her email address is martha.welton@micorp.com.
Martha says most bills are 100 Yuan (about $14.00 US). M&I offers debit cards that can be used in China. M&I does not offer Chinese Yuan travelers’ checks. However, Martha recommends that all travelers bring some US $ travelers checks as backup in case of an emergency.
PACKING LIST
For all: Pack really, really lightly. It’s just that simple. This is a “working tour.” Plan to wash in your hotel room. Leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs. Pack for five days and plan to wash, recycle, etc. Pack clothing that will dry quickly, such as manmade fibers or sportswear. Do NOT pack an outfit for every day.
Items in RED have been added since this information was mailed.
MEN
-2 COOL tour t-shirts (you should receive these by July 11)
-4-5 shirts
-4 pairs of socks/underwear
-2-3 pairs shorts
-pair jeans or casual pants
-pair walking shoes or sturdy sandals
-rain jacket
-1 sweater/sweatshirt (wear on plane)
-concert clothes
Black jacket, black slacks (a black suit or suit-style tuxedo), white shirt, black bow tie, black dress shoes and black socks.
-thin hanger
-bathing trunks (optional)
-pajamas
WOMEN
-2 COOL tour t-shirts (you should receive these by July 11)
-4-5 shirts
-4 pairs of socks/underwear
-2-3 pairs shorts/skirts (skirts are easier to wear when using Chinese toilets)
-pair jeans or casual pants
-pair walking shoes or sturdy sandals
-rain jacket
-1 sweater/sweatshirt (wear on plane)
-concert clothes
All black dress or outfit—Top: long-sleeved, discreet neckline; Skirt/Pants: floor length. OR, mimic the men: Floor length black skirt/pants, white blouse, black jacket. Shoes/Hosiery: black shoes and dark nylons.
-thin hanger
-bathing suit (optional)
-pajamas
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS (* = in your carry-on; # = in your packed luggage)
-passport and 1 other piece of photo ID*
-credit card, small amount of US$, small amount of Chinese Yuan, travelers’ checks*
-extra pair of travel glasses/contact lenses*
-written prescriptions, ample amounts of prescription medications and non-prescription medicines*
-wear a durable, reliable watch at all times when traveling with the group
-iPod or other personal entertainment items (books, journal) for plane, bus, etc.*
-travel alarm clock with batteries#
-sewing kit#
-toiletries, personal hygiene products, loofah/washcloth#
-soap for laundry (i.e. Woolite), portable clothes line, clothespins#
-non-prescription medicines (aspirin, cold tablets, anti-diarrhea products, etc.)#
-sunscreen, bug spray#
-"Purel," toilet paper or tissues, handwipes
-sun hat, sun glasses, neck cooler#
-electric current adapter/plugs*
-cell phone and accessories, charger*
-address book for phone calls or postcards#
-camera and accessories*
-small amount of snack food (i.e. granola bars, power bars)* and #
-passport wallet/tour book holder*
-small phrase book*
-daypack, purse, etc. for day trips#
-instrument and accessories (extra reeds, strings, bow, rosin, valve oil, etc.)* Cello and Bass players, remember your bow, rosin, and extra strings (please bring “played in” strings plus extra).
-Non-performer concert attire: Dressy casual. Men: khaki pants, polo shirt (jacket [very] optional); Women: dress or skirt/slacks with appropriate top.#
When considering what to pack…
- Choose comfortable durable easy care items (permanent press, drip dry, durable broken in shoes)
- Dry-cleaning and laundry service may not be available.
- Allow room in your suitcase for items that you buy on tour. See weight restrictions below.
- Take only items that you know you like to wear!
- Do not bring expensive jewelry/watches. Bring costume jewelry and a durable, waterproof watch.
- For concert clothes, you may wish to bring a light weight, plastic tuxedo bag (available at Walmart-type stores) and thin hanger. At times, we may ask you to bring your concert clothes on the bus with you so that you can change later in the day. Packing a thin hanger will give you an easy way to carry your concert clothes onto the bus. Since the hanger is thin, it won’t take up much [any] space in your luggage.
- If you plan to lock your suitcase (suggested), use TSA approved combination locks.
- You are allowed one checked bag (this is in addition to your checked instrument if you have one) and one carry-on (your instrument is your carry-on). You may carry a purse/small personal item in addition to your carry-on. Carrying on a large backpack or other larger personal item will be at the discretion of the airline and may be subject to being gate checked during boarding of the aircraft.
- The following dimensions come from the tour company. They may sound small (in comparison to what you are used to), but that is because they refer to the size requirements for the “In-China” flight. This is what you MUST have in mind while packing for the entire trip.
- Each person is allowed one suitcase with the dimensions not to exceed 40 x 60 x 80 cm. (apprx. 15.5 x 23.5 x 31.5 in.) and the weight is not to exceed 44 pounds.
- Each person is allowed one carry on with dimensions not to exceed 20 x 40 x 55 cm. (apprx. 7.5 x 15.5 x 21.5 in.) and 11 pounds. We have been assured by the tour company that instruments that fall outside of these dimensions and weight restrictions will be allowed on the in-China flight without a problem.
- Please be certain that each of your bags (including your carry-on and instrument) are clearly marked and tagged with your tour luggage tags. MYSO will provide luggage tags (you should receive these by July 11).
- Taken from the TSA website: “Travelers may now carry through security checkpoints travel-size toiletries (3 ounces or less) that fit comfortably in ONE, QUART-SIZE, clear plastic, zip-top bag. After clearing security, travelers can now bring beverages and other items purchased in the secure boarding area on-board aircraft. “
Helpful Hints
Pack suitcase tightly, rolling as many clothing items as possible. This will decrease wrinkling. Put socks and small items in the toes of shoes. Place heavy items near hinges of the suitcase to avoid crushing clothes. Use plastic bottles for all liquids and keep these in a zip lock bag in case of breakage. Bring small containers for shampoo, etc.
Travel as lightly as possible: “less is best!” Only we will know that you wore that outfit 2 days ago! Pre-pack your suitcase to test it out-then take it out into your driveway and walk around for 15 minutes. If you are sweaty and tired, you should lighten the load!
Talk with your roommate or others in your chaperone group to see if you can share items like hair products and hair styling products, snacks, etc. |
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Beijing and Beyond FAQ 2007 Beijing and Beyond Tour Book--Online Tour Book--just like the one students will take with them to China. On Monday evening, July 16th, as participants check-in at the lock-in, they will receive two copies of the tour book--one to take to China and one to leave at home. We have put the tour book online, so you can access it at anytime.
Beijing and Beyond supporters! MYSO would like to recognize the amazing generosity of some Wisconsin corporations, who do business in China, that have stepped forward with significant support for our Beijing and Beyond Tour. These companies include:
 Manpower International
They will be sponsoring three of our concerts, and we will visit their offices in the sparkling Oriental Plaza in the heart of Beijing.
CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION
 Harley-Davidson
They have also donated t-shirts for us to wear at our performance on the Great Wall, which they are sponsoring.
CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION
MYSO Board President Margarete Harvey and her husband, David of Rosebrock Gardens
 Einhorn Family Foundation
 Hal Leonard Corporation
 M&I Bank
S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
Weyco Group Inc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please contact the MYSO office if you would like to help us
add information or help us revise the information below.
Audiences
o In general, Audiences in China are much less formal than in the US. They treat a concert as a social gathering, and carry on conversations, leave for a cigarette break, etc., more or less at any time.
o Some of our more formal concert venues will attract concert-goers more like the ones you are used to in the US
Be aware
Blog-will MYSO have one?
o We will definitely have daily postings on the MYSO website! We will have students help us write the blog each day, and we will post photos as often as possible.
Cameras
o Digital cameras will be very handy
o Visitors are free to photograph almost anywhere, with the exception of certain parts of museums, temples, tombs and some restricted military areas.
o Bring extra memory and batteries!!
Concert dates, times, and locations
o We mailed a tentative itinerary to to families in late March. We will distribute a more final itinerary as soon as possible.
Currency, money, credit-cards and cash--see also Getting Foreign Currency (on left)
o The local currency of China is “Reminbi” (RMB), which is denominated into the Yuan (meaning dollar). The approximate exchange rate is $1.00 = Yuan 7.79. Chinese currency is not traded on international market and can only be exchanged within China at the Bank of China, located in hotel and department stores. A money exchange voucher is given at the time of exchange and should be retained for reconverting(up to one-half of your exchanged amount) purpose.
o ATMs are unevenly available in China. Do not expect to get all of the cash need in this manner. ATMs are most common in Beijing, and there is one at a bank right next to our hotel.
o Travelers checks usually get a higher rate of exchange than cash. It is suggested to put your money into travelers checks. You will be able to exchange travelers checks at hotels and banks.
o Most credit cards are accepted in China, the most popular being MasterCard, Visa and American Express. To avoid a security cutoff on your card, notify your card company that you will be traveling in China July 18-30, 2007.
Customs
o Chinese customs will pay close attention to any antiquities you try to take out of the country. This covers anything made before 1949. For these items, you must have a certificate and red seal to take them home.
o When you re-enter the US, you are required to declare all items acquired abroad. You will receive the paperwork on your return flight. The forms will ask you to itemize your acquisitions and declare their value in US dollars. It will help you to keep all receipts in one place, in your carry-on luggage. You will be taxed only on purchases above $800 in value. Items purchased in China and shipped home will not count toward this limit.
Do not bring into China—Religious material beyond what you need for yourself (1 Bible only), anti-communist material, pornography or printed documents that discuss politically sensitive topics such as Tibet or the Falun Gong.
Electricity, Plugs
o 220 is the standard in China—straight two prong will work as long as the device can handle the voltage. Check the fine print on your device before plugging it in.
o B & C adaptors are used in China, and can be found at any Target-type store or luggage store.
Etiquette, social customs, avoiding being disrespectful
o Don’t talk about what happened in Tiananmen Square in Tiananmen Square.
o Don’t take pictures of: officers, military, museum personnel if on duty
o Don’t take pictures of individuals on the street unless you ask first
o Avoid raising your voice or showing signs of anger.
o Dress conservatively.
Food, menus
o Do not purchase/eat unpackaged items from street vendors.
o Normally, three meals a day will be served with Western breakfast in hotel, but lunch and dinner in local Chinese restaurant, all inspected and pronounced safe and clean for visitors. The cuisine of China is varied and interesting, and in most cases delicious. Meals are generally served in buffet style or at large circular tables in family styles. In many hotels, Western cuisine is now available.
o Soft drinks, bottled mineral water, Coca Cola and other beverages are available everywhere. Availability of diet drinks is limited. Chinese tea is always provided.
o Do not use tap water, not even for brushing teeth. Do not drink tap water at any time, even in the most modern hotels. Boiled drinking water is provided in each hotel room.
Hotels
o MCI groups are accommodated in First Class or 4 Star hotels as specified, unless otherwise noted.
Instruments
o Smaller instruments will go on the plane as your carry-on—flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn (in certain cases), trumpet, violin, viola, some small percussion
o Larger instruments will go with your checked luggage—trombone, tuba
o Some instruments will be rented by MYSO in China—cello, bass, harp, percussion
Internet is unevenly accessible in China. Some hotels, like our first hotel in Beijing, offer wireless connection for your laptops, etc. All hotels we will stay in offer limited computer access through business centers (but not nearly enough to accommodate all of us). There are also internet cafes, including one close to our Beijing hotel. That one is very cheap, offers good quality high-speed connection, and is open 24-hours a day.
Language--learning
o Posted in the MYAC common spaces are phrases that students can begin teaching themselves.
Luggage--see also Packing List (on left)
o You are allowed one checked bag (in addition to your checked instrument if you have one), one carry-on (your instrument is your carry), and one carry-on personal item such as a purse.
o Weight of checked bag—up to 44lbs. All excess weight is subject to extra-weight charges and must be paid for by the individual passenger. Remember, you may be purchasing items in China and they must be carried home.
o Please pack light! You will be responsible for carrying all of your luggage at transfer points, such as in and out of hotels, airports, buses, etc.
o Keep a copy of your home address and phone number inside each piece of luggage, in case your tag gets pulled off.
o Carry a copy of your passport in your luggage, and leave one at home, too.
Other
o Traffic is pretty crazy in China. Buses, cars, trucks, and lots of cyclists crowd the roadways. Vehicles never yield to pedestrians or cyclists. Use extreme care in crossing streets!
o As in any US tourist attraction, pick pockets prey on tourists in China. We strongly suggest that you carry only a small amount of local currency, what you’ll need for your day, in your pocket or purse. Secure credit cards, travelers checks, passports, etc. in a money belt or pouch that is worn under your clothing. Leave all other valuables in hotel safe. Your best bet is to leave valuables like jewelry at home.
o Be careful when you’re shopping (especially if you’re in smaller groups). People will try to convince you to go to some "other" place to see more items, but it usually means going through some alley and up a ton of stairs to some random room. If you argue enough, they'll bring those items to you.
o Also, make sure you bargain shop. Many times the starting prices are triple (if not more) and they are always willing to go down in order to make a sale.
Phones
o Phone cards to use at pay phones can be purchased at all of our hotel lobby gift shops. This will be the best and cheapest way for you to phone home.
o Don’t forget the time change when calling home! The country code to call China is 86, and the area code for Beijing is 010.
o Cell phones
o Use yours--the minutes may be expensive
o Unlock your SIM card and get a Chinese phone number (email MYSO for more information)
o Rent one-various companies offer this service (email MYSO for more information)
Roommates
o You will have one roommate, and this person will be your roommate for the entire trip.
o Your chaperone group will be made up of 6-8 students.
Safety
o What if my kid gets sick? Medical service in China’s major cities is good and Western medicine is also available in some areas. Tour members should bring prescription medicines, in their original containers, in their carry on luggage. You should also bring with you any over-the-counter medications you normally use, including something for diarrhea and constipation, frequently caused by change of diet.
o Luggage in room—Lock items like personal electronics in your luggage if you have locking luggage, or in the hotel safe, if available.
o For air travel, use the TSA-approved locks, which can be found in any Target-type store.
o Instruments in room—should be safe, keep them in their case
o Keep your door locked at all times, and use the safety chain and/or peephole to inspect strangers who knock on your door.
Shopping places, bargaining
o Visitors are encouraged to shop at the Friendship or State owned stores, which have a good selection of the goods sought after by foreigners. These stores also provide wrapping, packing and shipping services. But there is not much bargaining on prices.
o If you shop at the small stores on street side, bargaining on prices is a must. Most street vendors collect U.S. dollars. You may get a better bargain if you pay with U.S. $1 and $5 bills.
o All antiques in China which are approved for export must have an official red wax seal. The antiques you purchased (unless they are being shipped) must be hand carried when leaving China. Chinese Customs may ask to see them. Please make sure you have a receipt of the antique. The Chinese Governments has restricted the sale of any items more than 150 years old.
o Gifts-cloisonné, silk, pearls, jade and hand crafts are wonderful souvenirs
o Don’t buy: counterfeit DVDs,
Tour Book
o MYSO will distribute a tour book with the daily schedule, hotel contact information, and other important information. This will be pocket size, and students will need to keep it with them at all times on the tour. Each family will receive one for the traveling student and one to leave at home.
Travel-bus, plane, etc.
o Flight time--approximately 18 hours
o Time Difference--14 hours ahead of Milwaukee
Visas and Passports
o Please check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after you anticipate to return to the United States. MAKE SURE TO BRING YOUR PASSPORT ON YOUR DAY OF DEPARTURE.
o MCI will obtain the necessary visas for each traveler. These will be granted on a group basis, which means that the escort of the group will be in possession of a “visaed manifest” listing the names and nationalities of all tour members. A stamped visa will not appear on your passport.
Weather
o It will be hot and humid—Beijing ave summer temp. 75-85 deg. F
o People who suffer from asthma may or may not have trouble adjusting to the air quality, which is fairly poor.
What to bring, details about laundry
o A suggested Packing List is posted on the left of this page
o Chaperone concert attire—business casual, no tie needed because it will be hot
o Plan to do laundry in the hotel room by hand
o Bring Woolite or other gentle detergent
o Laundry service through the hotels is available. We have had varied reports about its expense/affordability.
Will we meet with Chinese students?
o At this time, we do not have any plans to do so, but we are still working with MCI to arrange something. Our trip takes place in a tricky time of year when many students are out of school and therefore on vacation. Summer vacation! Section 4
| HOW WILL MYSO HELP MAKE IT AFFORDABLE? |
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MYSO tours have, historically, been superior in every regard-planning, supervision, quality of venues, etc. A desire to perpetuate this level of quality was what kept MYSO from touring during the planning and fundraising for the new Milwaukee Youth Arts Center. Early this season, MYSO announced plans to tour in 2007, but the decision regarding a destination was reached only in the last few weeks, after many months of research, interviews and checking references. The trip price will be announced in the coming weeks; MYSO is working hard to assure that it will be as affordable as possible. As always, MYSO will offer many fundraising opportunities throughout the season to help students pay for their trip and will offer scholarships based on need.
Unlike many tours, MYSO pays all costs associated with staff, equipment, planning, etc., rather than spreading these costs among the students. Though this is more expensive for MYSO, it is more equitable and allows MYSO to keep the student cost down and maximize what the students get for their money. The goal is to make it affordable for as many students as possible.
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| WHY DO ORCHESTRAS TOUR? |
Over the years, MYSO and other youth orchestras have found that touring allows an ensemble-and the individual players-to bond socially and often to be catapulted to an entirely new level of musical performance, both before and during the tour.
MYSO players got a very small taste of this potential during their recent excellent performances in Chicago's Orchestra Hall. For all of these reasons, youth orchestra touring is viewed as exceptionally valuable - sometimes life changing! MYSO looks forward to such an experience in China ------ Summer, 2007!
WHY TRAVEL WITH MYSO?
HOW WILL MYSO HELP MAKE IT AFFORDABLE?
MYSO tours have, historically, been superior in every regard-planning,
supervision, quality of venues, etc. A desire to perpetuate this level of
quality was what kept MYSO from touring during the planning and fundraising
for the new Milwaukee Youth Arts Center. Early this season, MYSO announced
plans to tour in 2007, but the decision regarding a destination was reached
only in the last few weeks, after many months of research, interviews and
checking references. The trip price will be announced in the coming weeks;
MYSO is working hard to assure that it will be as affordable as possible.
As always, MYSO will offer many fundraising opportunities throughout the
season to help students pay for their trip and will offer scholarships based
on need.
Unlike many tours, MYSO pays all costs associated with staff, equipment, planning, etc., rather than spreading these costs among the students. Though this is more expensive for MYSO, it is more equitable and allows MYSO to keep the student cost down and maximize what the students get for their money. The goal is to make it affordable for as many students as possible.
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