In an effort to reduce the sticker shock of the costs, this page, for the parents, will give a bit more detail about the project and costs.

First, we want to make clear that this project is not a one week trip. The travel to São Tomé, is the culmination of a year long program where OIS students will be meeting, interacting online and working with students from Associação Kêlê throughout the year. So, by the time we get on the flight, our team members have demonstrated a true desire to work together as a team and to make the commitment necessary to really grow personally from the experience.

Regarding the costs, we can only give an estimate of the costs based on the last year´s expenses, until we have assembled a team. Once we have exact numbers of male and female students, we can then contact the hotel and book rooms. Likewise, it is not until then, that we can get prices for the airfare.

For a breakdown of the costs the majority of the cost is for airfare, lodging and meals.

Included in the total costs are:

  • Round-trip Airfare*
  • Ground transportation in Sâo Tomé*
  • Lodging at the destination hotel (4-5 Stars)*
  • All meals & a daily snack*
  • All activities and events
  • Travel Insurance (school requirement)
  • Tourist visit fee (for all arrivals in São Tomé e Príncipe)

*For safety and security reasons, we are limited in choices for these items

What is not covered:

  • Incidentals such as snacks or personal items
  • Required medical consultation and medications or vaccines prior to travel
  • Visa fees (if required)

IMPORTANT NOTE: We are talking with the airline and with the hotel, to assure that we get the best prices possible, and we are talking with our contacts and looking for others, to make available, as many full or partial scholarships as possible and to reduce the costs for everyone. At the application stage, don´t let the cost stop you´re child from applying. If (s)he is selected, we will work with you to help with the costs.

If you have contacts with companies who would be interested in helping underwrite an excellent international service project to an amazing organization in São Tomé e Príncipe, please contact us at oiskele@ois.pt

For other ways to help, see the “How Can you Help page.”