Frequently Asked Questions (by Team Tobati Parents and Students)
When will there be a parents meeting for the Team Tobati 2019 Trip?
There will be a parents meeting on Monday, Feb 4 at 7 PM in Tomasso Arena in Seaverns Hall to go over the specific itinerary, housing assignments, travel times, and projects of the March 2019 trip. Mr. Ronald Garcia and Dr. Maria Garcia will be at the meetings to answer all kind of questions. Parents who can't make the meeting and want to go over the trip in person, should contact Mr. Garcia at garcia.r@kingswoodoxford.org to set up a time.
What does my child need to get a Paraguayan Tourist Visa upon arrival in Asuncion?
A passport from the United States that does not expire within 6 months of March 10. Therefore, if your child's passport expires before September 10, 2019, he or she needs to get a new passport before we travel to Paraguay. Please check your son's/daughter's passport to confirm that it doesn't expire before September 14. Also, there are two forms to fill out and we will need a copy of the student's birth certificate as well as a copy of both parents' drivers license or passport. www.teamtobati.org/mandatory-papers.html These items are due Feb 15.
What forms need to be turned in by parents?
Parental Authorization Form needs to be turned in as well as the Visa Form. The Visa form needs to be notarized. Students must also turn in a copy of their birth certificate as well as a copy of both parents' drivers licence or passport. These items have to be turned in by February 15. Mandatory Papers
For the mandatory Visa Form do we need to get the notary signature only on the second page, next to the parent signatures?
Yes, only the second page. Visa Form
For the mandatory Parental Form do we need a doctor's signature for over the counter medication?
No, the doctor form is just for prescription medication. Parental Authorization Form
What does my child have to do if he or she received a Paraguayan tourist visa in past years?
The visas issued are multi entry visas meaning they can be used multiple times. As long as the passport where the visa was issued is still valid, the student will not need to pay for a new visa and doesn't need to fill out the visa form or supply the copy of the birth certificate nor the copy of the parents' identifications. The visas expire when the passport expires.
Where do the students stay while in Tobati?
Students stay with host families. We have been using the same host families for the past 15 years. Anywhere from 4 to 10 students will stay with each family. We try and have an American chaperone as well in each house. All the houses are within a couple of blocks of each other.
What kind of communication will parents receive during the trip?
Parents will receive an email upon our arrival in Tobati. Team Leader, Ronald Garcia, will have access to his email (garcia.r@kingswoodoxford.org) and will be able to return emails periodically throughout the trip. An email will also be sent upon the teams departure from Tobati. Parents should not expect phone calls from students.
Where can I find the flight information?
Team Tobati 2019 will travel in two groups. Juniors and seniors will make up Travel Team M while freshmen and sophomores will make up Travel Team 2. We will also have a couple of small groups returning to Florida for sports practices early. Click here for the flight information. We have traveled COPA the last bunch of years and the airlines has been fantastic.
What is the daily schedule like for the members of the team?
Each morning each work team will meet at Central Heaquarters around 8:00 AM and then go to a village to work on a project or program. They will then go to lunch in their host family's home. The team members then have a siesta break and then meet at Central Headquarters around 2:00 for their afternoon activity or project in another village. Each team member rotates between the 21 villages that make up Tobati as well between the dozen or so projects that the team takes on each year. After the afternoon activity, the team eats dinner at their assigned spot and then meets all together for a group activity. The 2018 Gameplan page has last year's hour by hour gameplan and will give you a sense of what our days are like.
What are the 2019 projects/activities and what are work teams?
The team is broken up into work teams of eight American students, an American chaperone, and a few Paraguayan students from the Macchi school. Individual groups are assigned to specific projects during each morning and afternoon session. Each morning each work team will meet at Central Heaquarters around 8:00 AM and then go to a village or a school to work on a project or program. They will then go to lunch in their host family's home. In the afternoon each group will rotate to a different program or activity. We have 18 different activities and programs that we'll be working on in 2019.
What vaccines should my child get before the trip?
Most international organizations recommend getting the hepatitis A vaccine while a few recommend getting the vaccine for typhoid fever prior to travel to Paraguay. The vaccine for typhoid fever is not considered essential due to the short nature of our stay and the relatively clean sanitation in Tobati and the nature of the food we eat and water we drink while in Paraguay. The yellow fever vaccine is not required for travel to Paraguay coming in from the USA. There have not been any reported cases of yellow fever in Paraguay since 2008. Also, the handful of cases in 2008 were on the border of Brazil far from Tobati. The CDC recommends the yellow fever vaccine for travel to some parts of Paraguay that border Brazil but not specifically for Tobati which is located in Cordillera, Paraguay. There were some cases of yellow fever in 2018 in Northern Brazil but no confirmed cases originating in Paraguay. If you decide to get the yellow fever vaccine, Passport Health currently has the vaccine. Some other travel clinics aren't currently carrying this vaccine. All team members should consult with their physicians and parents and then decide which vaccines they decide to receive. If you have any health related questions, please contact Dr. Maria Garcia M.D. at (574) 299-0016. Dr. Garcia worked for a long time a contagious disease specialist and grew up in Paraguay. She will be accompanying the team again this year during our time in Paraguay.
Can the students pack snacks?
Students can pack non-perishable snacks. Students often pack granola bars, chips, candy, etc.. It is a good move to pack dried fruit since we don’t eat non-cooked fruits and vegetables in Tobati.
What should the students pack for the trip?
For a working packing list go here. We update this list as we think of more things.
When should my child get their vaccine?
For students receiving vaccines, they should be administered by March 2. It is recommended that vaccines are given at least 10 days prior to travel so that the scheduling of the appointment doesn’t become an issue as the trip approaches.
Is the payment made to Team Tobati for the service trip tax-deductible?
Yes, 100% of the payment can be claimed as a charitable contribution because each member of the team is paying money in order to perform services for a 501c3 charitable organization (Team Tobatí).
The following information is taken from irs.com:
"Generally, you can claim a charitable contribution deduction for travel expenses necessarily incurred while you are away from home performing services for a charitable organization only if there is no significant element of personal pleasure, recreation, or vacation in the travel. This applies whether you pay the expenses directly or indirectly.
You are paying the expenses indirectly if you make a payment to the charitable organization and the organization pays for your travel expenses.
The deduction for travel expenses will not be denied simply because you enjoy providing services to the charitable organization. Even if you enjoy the trip, you can take a charitable contribution deduction for your travel expenses if you are on duty in a genuine and substantial sense throughout the trip."
When are payments due?
A deposit of $1,200 is due on October 28. A final payment of $2,400 is due on January 10. http://www.teamtobati.org/payment.html
Who should the check be made out to?
Checks should be made out to TEAM TOBATI.
Where should the checks be sent?
Checks can be left with Mr. Garcia or with Ms. Dudzik. Checks can also be mailed to Team Tobati, 9 Rogers Place New Britain, CT 06051.
Can we pay using a credit card?
Yes, you can pay both the deposit and the final payment using a credit card. Go to http://www.teamtobati.org/payment.html to make an online credit card payment.
What should I know about Zika and other mosquito spread viruses?
In 2016, the CDC travel alert related to Zika which has been extended to parts of the United States and virtually all the countries in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. The alert is primarily intended for pregnant women and women looking to become pregnant. Doctors believe that contracting this virus while pregnant causes a higher likelihood of birth defects. The CDC and World Health Organization does not recommend that people not in these groups change their travel plans but instead to take common sense precautions. The Zika virus itself is relatively benign for folks that are not pregnant. The virus has no symptoms in 80% of people who contract the virus. For those who have symptoms, it takes the form of a mild fever for a couple of days along with a rash. The Zika virus seems to run its course within 12 days although individuals are instructed to practice safe sex for six months after contracting the virus.
There is no approved vaccine in the U.S. for Zika, Chikungunya, or Dengue. Zika, Chikungunya, and Dengue are all transmitted via the Aedes Mosquito. Zika can also be transmitted sexually. Zika, Chikungunya, and Dengue are not passed on from person to person by means of normal contact. Because of its elevation and other factors, Tobati doesn't have many mosquitoes and doesn't suffer from dengue or Chikungunya in comparison to Asuncion or other larger South American cities. Dengue is far more common in urban areas. There have been no confirmed cases of Zika in Tobati (Click to see letter from Tobati Doctor) or in the state of Cordillera for that matter. Furthermore, in mid-March, there are relatively few mosquitoes in Tobati. All that being said, we take advantage of all reasonable opportunities to protect team members from mosquito born and other illnesses. Team members are required to wear mosquito repellent throughout their time in Paraguay. We do this primarily as a precaution against Dengue. Windows will be closed with AC running when possible and high powered fans will be running in houses that don't have AC. Students are asked to bring repellent and we will have repellent available at Central Headquarters.
What should I know about Tuberculosis in Paraguay? Like most countries in Africa, Asia, Central America, Eastern Europe, and South America, Paraguay is considered a high-incidence area for tuberculosis. TB bacteria is spread through the air from one person to another. The TB bacteria is put in the air when a person with TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs and a person nearby breathes in the bacteria. Due to the nature and the length of our stay, we are considered low risk for contracting tuberculosis. Furthermore, we always double check that none of the members of the host families nor any of the students at the Macchi School who work with us have recently tested positive for TB. That being said, all team members should consult with their pediatricians to see if it is advisable to receive a skin test for TB after returning from Paraguay. Asymptomatic TB is treatable with extended antibiotics.
Who can I talk to before the trip about health concerns or just to feel reassured?
You may call Dr. Maria Garcia (medical doctor practicing in Indiana) at (574) 299-0016 during the evenings. Please introduce yourself as the parent of a student traveling to Paraguay with Team Tobati. Dr. Garcia grew up in Tobati and has worked extensively with infectious diseases. She has attended seminars on Zika and is on top of all medical issues relating to Paraguay. Dr. Garcia has joined Team Tobati on all 18 of our March Service Trips and will again by joining this year. Dr. Garcia can break down the trip from a healthcare perspective like no other.
What if my child gets injured while in Paraguay?
Dr. Maria Garcia (medical doctor practicing in Indiana) will travel with the team and oversee all medical issues dealing with team members, whether they be simple colds, twisted ankles, heat rashes, or more serious concerns. Dr. Garcia will first speak with the parents of the team member and will then treat the students. If further care is necessary, Dr. Garcia will accompany the student to the Tobati Clinic, to the Caacupe Hospital (20 minutes from Tobati) or to a private hospital in Asuncion (an hour and a half away) for more elaborate medical care. There are very good private hospitals in Asuncion. We will keep parents informed at every turn and will take great care of our students.
What do the students eat while in Paraguay?
The students eat a lot of pasta, beef, chicken, empanadas, croquetas, bread, rice, soup, etc. The vast majority of our students love Paraguayan food. Team Tobati plays it super safe in terms of eating. We have had great success of avoiding even temporary discomfort in relation to digestion over the last bunch of years. Our students only eat cooked food and only drink bottled water. The students will be provided bottled water and there will also be a water cooler at Central Headquarters where the students will fill up their personal water bottles. Although the Tobati is safe to drink, the purification process is different than our in the U.S.A. so we take that precaution. We emphasize to the students that they wash their hands as often as possible.
Can families get refunds if a student is not able to go on the trip?
Team Tobati will not be able to refund your payment after January 25. At this point, the plane tickets are non-refundable and the money has been wired to Paraguay to start our service projects.
How do the work groups get around the small towns that make up Tobati?
As one can see in many of our pictures, the members of Team Tobati often travel on the back on trucks.
What items can I bring to help the Macchi School?
http://www.teamtobati.org/donation-suitcase.html
How much money should students bring?
Students will need to pay $160 cash for their tourist visa upon arriving in Paraguay unless they went on the trip last year and that passport is still valid. The visas given last year in the airport is good until that passport expires. Beyond the visa cost, $140 - $180 or so should cover small souvenirs and afternoon ice cream expenses.
What should the students bring as gifts for the host families?
The families have asked that students bring items for the Macchi School instead of gifts for them. The items that are most needed at the school are any books for their library (Spanish or popular books amongst young U.S. readers), used computers, keyboards, etc. as well as pens, pencils, erases, calculators, etc.
How does the luggage work?
All students will check in two suitcases. One suitcases should be filled with the student's items. The second suitcase should be filled with donated items. All students should look in their house for used clothes and shoes. Students should also talk with extended family and friends to try and fill that second suitcase up. The items will be donated but the suitcase will return with the student. The weight limit with COPA is 50 pounds. Students can also bring a carry on bag. Read more here.
Do the students’ cell phones work in Tobati?
Verizon and ATT international service now seem to work in Tobati. It’s definitely not necessary or really recommended that students pay for international service for these two weeks but it something that can be done. Mr. Garcia will have a Paraguayan cell phone which parents can call in case of emergency or if they need to speak with their child.
Where do the students get dropped off and picked up?
Students are dropped off and picked up at KO. The team takes buses to and from JFK airport.
What is the flight schedule?
See the 2018 schedule here.
What is the daily schedule like for the members of the team?
Each morning each work team will meet at Central Heaquarters around 8:00 AM and then go to a village to work on a project or program. They will then go to lunch in their host family's home. The team members then have a siesta break and then meet at Central Headquarters around 2:00 for their afternoon activity or project in another village. Each team member rotates between the 21 villages that make up Tobati as well between the dozen or so projects that the team takes on each year. After the afternoon activity, the team eats dinner at their assigned spot and then meets all together for a group activity. The 2017 Gameplan page has last year's hour by hour gameplan and will give you a sense of what our days are like.
What are work teams?
The team is broken up into work teams of eight American students, an American chaperone, and a few Paraguayan students from the Macchi school. Individual groups are assigned to specific projects during each morning and afternoon session. Each morning each work team will meet at Central Heaquarters around 8:00 AM and then go to a village or a school to work on a project or program. They will then go to lunch in their host family's home. In the afternoon each group will rotate to a different program or activity. We have 18 different activities and programs that we'll be working on in 2018.
What if my child has allergies?
Host families are always made aware of food allergies and are very careful when preparing food. Nuts are not normally used when cooking food in Paraguay so this has not been an issue. Students with more severe allergies often eat at Central Headquarters with Mr. Garcia and Dr. Maria Garcia to make sure everything goes well. Over the past twenty years, we have had dozens and dozens of food allergies and have handled them all like champs. Students should bring epipens if they normally go around with them.
What if my child doesn't eat meat or is a vegan?
We let the host families know about all food restrictions and there is good food prepared for that student. We are masters of Paraguayan dishes that are tasty and appropriate for each student.
There will be a parents meeting on Monday, Feb 4 at 7 PM in Tomasso Arena in Seaverns Hall to go over the specific itinerary, housing assignments, travel times, and projects of the March 2019 trip. Mr. Ronald Garcia and Dr. Maria Garcia will be at the meetings to answer all kind of questions. Parents who can't make the meeting and want to go over the trip in person, should contact Mr. Garcia at garcia.r@kingswoodoxford.org to set up a time.
What does my child need to get a Paraguayan Tourist Visa upon arrival in Asuncion?
A passport from the United States that does not expire within 6 months of March 10. Therefore, if your child's passport expires before September 10, 2019, he or she needs to get a new passport before we travel to Paraguay. Please check your son's/daughter's passport to confirm that it doesn't expire before September 14. Also, there are two forms to fill out and we will need a copy of the student's birth certificate as well as a copy of both parents' drivers license or passport. www.teamtobati.org/mandatory-papers.html These items are due Feb 15.
What forms need to be turned in by parents?
Parental Authorization Form needs to be turned in as well as the Visa Form. The Visa form needs to be notarized. Students must also turn in a copy of their birth certificate as well as a copy of both parents' drivers licence or passport. These items have to be turned in by February 15. Mandatory Papers
For the mandatory Visa Form do we need to get the notary signature only on the second page, next to the parent signatures?
Yes, only the second page. Visa Form
For the mandatory Parental Form do we need a doctor's signature for over the counter medication?
No, the doctor form is just for prescription medication. Parental Authorization Form
What does my child have to do if he or she received a Paraguayan tourist visa in past years?
The visas issued are multi entry visas meaning they can be used multiple times. As long as the passport where the visa was issued is still valid, the student will not need to pay for a new visa and doesn't need to fill out the visa form or supply the copy of the birth certificate nor the copy of the parents' identifications. The visas expire when the passport expires.
Where do the students stay while in Tobati?
Students stay with host families. We have been using the same host families for the past 15 years. Anywhere from 4 to 10 students will stay with each family. We try and have an American chaperone as well in each house. All the houses are within a couple of blocks of each other.
What kind of communication will parents receive during the trip?
Parents will receive an email upon our arrival in Tobati. Team Leader, Ronald Garcia, will have access to his email (garcia.r@kingswoodoxford.org) and will be able to return emails periodically throughout the trip. An email will also be sent upon the teams departure from Tobati. Parents should not expect phone calls from students.
Where can I find the flight information?
Team Tobati 2019 will travel in two groups. Juniors and seniors will make up Travel Team M while freshmen and sophomores will make up Travel Team 2. We will also have a couple of small groups returning to Florida for sports practices early. Click here for the flight information. We have traveled COPA the last bunch of years and the airlines has been fantastic.
What is the daily schedule like for the members of the team?
Each morning each work team will meet at Central Heaquarters around 8:00 AM and then go to a village to work on a project or program. They will then go to lunch in their host family's home. The team members then have a siesta break and then meet at Central Headquarters around 2:00 for their afternoon activity or project in another village. Each team member rotates between the 21 villages that make up Tobati as well between the dozen or so projects that the team takes on each year. After the afternoon activity, the team eats dinner at their assigned spot and then meets all together for a group activity. The 2018 Gameplan page has last year's hour by hour gameplan and will give you a sense of what our days are like.
What are the 2019 projects/activities and what are work teams?
The team is broken up into work teams of eight American students, an American chaperone, and a few Paraguayan students from the Macchi school. Individual groups are assigned to specific projects during each morning and afternoon session. Each morning each work team will meet at Central Heaquarters around 8:00 AM and then go to a village or a school to work on a project or program. They will then go to lunch in their host family's home. In the afternoon each group will rotate to a different program or activity. We have 18 different activities and programs that we'll be working on in 2019.
What vaccines should my child get before the trip?
Most international organizations recommend getting the hepatitis A vaccine while a few recommend getting the vaccine for typhoid fever prior to travel to Paraguay. The vaccine for typhoid fever is not considered essential due to the short nature of our stay and the relatively clean sanitation in Tobati and the nature of the food we eat and water we drink while in Paraguay. The yellow fever vaccine is not required for travel to Paraguay coming in from the USA. There have not been any reported cases of yellow fever in Paraguay since 2008. Also, the handful of cases in 2008 were on the border of Brazil far from Tobati. The CDC recommends the yellow fever vaccine for travel to some parts of Paraguay that border Brazil but not specifically for Tobati which is located in Cordillera, Paraguay. There were some cases of yellow fever in 2018 in Northern Brazil but no confirmed cases originating in Paraguay. If you decide to get the yellow fever vaccine, Passport Health currently has the vaccine. Some other travel clinics aren't currently carrying this vaccine. All team members should consult with their physicians and parents and then decide which vaccines they decide to receive. If you have any health related questions, please contact Dr. Maria Garcia M.D. at (574) 299-0016. Dr. Garcia worked for a long time a contagious disease specialist and grew up in Paraguay. She will be accompanying the team again this year during our time in Paraguay.
Can the students pack snacks?
Students can pack non-perishable snacks. Students often pack granola bars, chips, candy, etc.. It is a good move to pack dried fruit since we don’t eat non-cooked fruits and vegetables in Tobati.
What should the students pack for the trip?
For a working packing list go here. We update this list as we think of more things.
When should my child get their vaccine?
For students receiving vaccines, they should be administered by March 2. It is recommended that vaccines are given at least 10 days prior to travel so that the scheduling of the appointment doesn’t become an issue as the trip approaches.
Is the payment made to Team Tobati for the service trip tax-deductible?
Yes, 100% of the payment can be claimed as a charitable contribution because each member of the team is paying money in order to perform services for a 501c3 charitable organization (Team Tobatí).
The following information is taken from irs.com:
"Generally, you can claim a charitable contribution deduction for travel expenses necessarily incurred while you are away from home performing services for a charitable organization only if there is no significant element of personal pleasure, recreation, or vacation in the travel. This applies whether you pay the expenses directly or indirectly.
You are paying the expenses indirectly if you make a payment to the charitable organization and the organization pays for your travel expenses.
The deduction for travel expenses will not be denied simply because you enjoy providing services to the charitable organization. Even if you enjoy the trip, you can take a charitable contribution deduction for your travel expenses if you are on duty in a genuine and substantial sense throughout the trip."
When are payments due?
A deposit of $1,200 is due on October 28. A final payment of $2,400 is due on January 10. http://www.teamtobati.org/payment.html
Who should the check be made out to?
Checks should be made out to TEAM TOBATI.
Where should the checks be sent?
Checks can be left with Mr. Garcia or with Ms. Dudzik. Checks can also be mailed to Team Tobati, 9 Rogers Place New Britain, CT 06051.
Can we pay using a credit card?
Yes, you can pay both the deposit and the final payment using a credit card. Go to http://www.teamtobati.org/payment.html to make an online credit card payment.
What should I know about Zika and other mosquito spread viruses?
In 2016, the CDC travel alert related to Zika which has been extended to parts of the United States and virtually all the countries in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. The alert is primarily intended for pregnant women and women looking to become pregnant. Doctors believe that contracting this virus while pregnant causes a higher likelihood of birth defects. The CDC and World Health Organization does not recommend that people not in these groups change their travel plans but instead to take common sense precautions. The Zika virus itself is relatively benign for folks that are not pregnant. The virus has no symptoms in 80% of people who contract the virus. For those who have symptoms, it takes the form of a mild fever for a couple of days along with a rash. The Zika virus seems to run its course within 12 days although individuals are instructed to practice safe sex for six months after contracting the virus.
There is no approved vaccine in the U.S. for Zika, Chikungunya, or Dengue. Zika, Chikungunya, and Dengue are all transmitted via the Aedes Mosquito. Zika can also be transmitted sexually. Zika, Chikungunya, and Dengue are not passed on from person to person by means of normal contact. Because of its elevation and other factors, Tobati doesn't have many mosquitoes and doesn't suffer from dengue or Chikungunya in comparison to Asuncion or other larger South American cities. Dengue is far more common in urban areas. There have been no confirmed cases of Zika in Tobati (Click to see letter from Tobati Doctor) or in the state of Cordillera for that matter. Furthermore, in mid-March, there are relatively few mosquitoes in Tobati. All that being said, we take advantage of all reasonable opportunities to protect team members from mosquito born and other illnesses. Team members are required to wear mosquito repellent throughout their time in Paraguay. We do this primarily as a precaution against Dengue. Windows will be closed with AC running when possible and high powered fans will be running in houses that don't have AC. Students are asked to bring repellent and we will have repellent available at Central Headquarters.
What should I know about Tuberculosis in Paraguay? Like most countries in Africa, Asia, Central America, Eastern Europe, and South America, Paraguay is considered a high-incidence area for tuberculosis. TB bacteria is spread through the air from one person to another. The TB bacteria is put in the air when a person with TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs and a person nearby breathes in the bacteria. Due to the nature and the length of our stay, we are considered low risk for contracting tuberculosis. Furthermore, we always double check that none of the members of the host families nor any of the students at the Macchi School who work with us have recently tested positive for TB. That being said, all team members should consult with their pediatricians to see if it is advisable to receive a skin test for TB after returning from Paraguay. Asymptomatic TB is treatable with extended antibiotics.
Who can I talk to before the trip about health concerns or just to feel reassured?
You may call Dr. Maria Garcia (medical doctor practicing in Indiana) at (574) 299-0016 during the evenings. Please introduce yourself as the parent of a student traveling to Paraguay with Team Tobati. Dr. Garcia grew up in Tobati and has worked extensively with infectious diseases. She has attended seminars on Zika and is on top of all medical issues relating to Paraguay. Dr. Garcia has joined Team Tobati on all 18 of our March Service Trips and will again by joining this year. Dr. Garcia can break down the trip from a healthcare perspective like no other.
What if my child gets injured while in Paraguay?
Dr. Maria Garcia (medical doctor practicing in Indiana) will travel with the team and oversee all medical issues dealing with team members, whether they be simple colds, twisted ankles, heat rashes, or more serious concerns. Dr. Garcia will first speak with the parents of the team member and will then treat the students. If further care is necessary, Dr. Garcia will accompany the student to the Tobati Clinic, to the Caacupe Hospital (20 minutes from Tobati) or to a private hospital in Asuncion (an hour and a half away) for more elaborate medical care. There are very good private hospitals in Asuncion. We will keep parents informed at every turn and will take great care of our students.
What do the students eat while in Paraguay?
The students eat a lot of pasta, beef, chicken, empanadas, croquetas, bread, rice, soup, etc. The vast majority of our students love Paraguayan food. Team Tobati plays it super safe in terms of eating. We have had great success of avoiding even temporary discomfort in relation to digestion over the last bunch of years. Our students only eat cooked food and only drink bottled water. The students will be provided bottled water and there will also be a water cooler at Central Headquarters where the students will fill up their personal water bottles. Although the Tobati is safe to drink, the purification process is different than our in the U.S.A. so we take that precaution. We emphasize to the students that they wash their hands as often as possible.
Can families get refunds if a student is not able to go on the trip?
Team Tobati will not be able to refund your payment after January 25. At this point, the plane tickets are non-refundable and the money has been wired to Paraguay to start our service projects.
How do the work groups get around the small towns that make up Tobati?
As one can see in many of our pictures, the members of Team Tobati often travel on the back on trucks.
What items can I bring to help the Macchi School?
http://www.teamtobati.org/donation-suitcase.html
How much money should students bring?
Students will need to pay $160 cash for their tourist visa upon arriving in Paraguay unless they went on the trip last year and that passport is still valid. The visas given last year in the airport is good until that passport expires. Beyond the visa cost, $140 - $180 or so should cover small souvenirs and afternoon ice cream expenses.
What should the students bring as gifts for the host families?
The families have asked that students bring items for the Macchi School instead of gifts for them. The items that are most needed at the school are any books for their library (Spanish or popular books amongst young U.S. readers), used computers, keyboards, etc. as well as pens, pencils, erases, calculators, etc.
How does the luggage work?
All students will check in two suitcases. One suitcases should be filled with the student's items. The second suitcase should be filled with donated items. All students should look in their house for used clothes and shoes. Students should also talk with extended family and friends to try and fill that second suitcase up. The items will be donated but the suitcase will return with the student. The weight limit with COPA is 50 pounds. Students can also bring a carry on bag. Read more here.
Do the students’ cell phones work in Tobati?
Verizon and ATT international service now seem to work in Tobati. It’s definitely not necessary or really recommended that students pay for international service for these two weeks but it something that can be done. Mr. Garcia will have a Paraguayan cell phone which parents can call in case of emergency or if they need to speak with their child.
Where do the students get dropped off and picked up?
Students are dropped off and picked up at KO. The team takes buses to and from JFK airport.
What is the flight schedule?
See the 2018 schedule here.
What is the daily schedule like for the members of the team?
Each morning each work team will meet at Central Heaquarters around 8:00 AM and then go to a village to work on a project or program. They will then go to lunch in their host family's home. The team members then have a siesta break and then meet at Central Headquarters around 2:00 for their afternoon activity or project in another village. Each team member rotates between the 21 villages that make up Tobati as well between the dozen or so projects that the team takes on each year. After the afternoon activity, the team eats dinner at their assigned spot and then meets all together for a group activity. The 2017 Gameplan page has last year's hour by hour gameplan and will give you a sense of what our days are like.
What are work teams?
The team is broken up into work teams of eight American students, an American chaperone, and a few Paraguayan students from the Macchi school. Individual groups are assigned to specific projects during each morning and afternoon session. Each morning each work team will meet at Central Heaquarters around 8:00 AM and then go to a village or a school to work on a project or program. They will then go to lunch in their host family's home. In the afternoon each group will rotate to a different program or activity. We have 18 different activities and programs that we'll be working on in 2018.
What if my child has allergies?
Host families are always made aware of food allergies and are very careful when preparing food. Nuts are not normally used when cooking food in Paraguay so this has not been an issue. Students with more severe allergies often eat at Central Headquarters with Mr. Garcia and Dr. Maria Garcia to make sure everything goes well. Over the past twenty years, we have had dozens and dozens of food allergies and have handled them all like champs. Students should bring epipens if they normally go around with them.
What if my child doesn't eat meat or is a vegan?
We let the host families know about all food restrictions and there is good food prepared for that student. We are masters of Paraguayan dishes that are tasty and appropriate for each student.
