Winterim

List of 12 frequently asked questions.

• What is Winterim?

  Winterim is an opportunity for our students to live out different aspects of Brimmer’s global education mission. All students share their preferences and are placed on a Winterim program. For Winterim, we will be offering international programs, domestic programs, and a local option.

• When is Winterim?

  Winterim occurs every two years the week before March break. For the 2024-2025 School year, Winterim is scheduled for March 9-17. Given that the start and end dates for programs are dependent on flights, not all programs will depart on March 9 and return dates will vary based on the program. Some trips may extend into the first few days of March break. Trip lengths vary from 5-8 days and are based on location. 

• How do students choose their program?

  This website contains information about the program offerings for Winterim. The offerings will include sample itineraries, cost, the educational purpose of the program, and general information on each program. Students will be asked to rank their preferences.

• How do I sign my student up?

  Families will receive a survey asking them to rank their trip choices. Note that it is strongly encouraged that parents and guardians complete this survey with their student.
  
  Once students have turned in their forms, the Upper School Dean, along with the Upper School Head and the Assistant Head of School, will assign students to each trip. Students will be informed of their trip assignment in the summer when their schedules are released. Priority placement is given to 11th and 12th grade students, but we do our best to honor the choices of students.

• Do students need a passport?

  All students traveling outside of the United States will need to have a valid passport. Passports will need to be valid for 6 months after the travel dates. For information on how to apply for a new passport or passport renewal, please click here.

• What is the cost of Winterim?

  Winterim is an additional fee and is not covered by Brimmer tuition. We are working to provide programs at different price points. We have provided ranges of travel costs for each program that are based on the size of the group and anticipated travel costs based on current rates. Financial Aid is offered to students who receive financial aid for tuition.

• Is Financial aid Provided?

  Financial Aid is offered for all travel programs. Students who receive financial aid for tuition will receive aid for the program at a commensurate percentage of their school year award up to 95%.

• How are you managing safety concerns?

  Before COVID, Brimmer underwent a process to evaluate its safety protocols. For this year’s Winterim, we have reduced the number of parameters on travel that were put in place for 2023.

   

  Some of our safety protocols include ensuring that countries and locations have the infrastructure to manage medical emergencies and there are direct flights back to Boston or New York City in case there is a need to return home unexpectedly. In addition, we are working with trip providers on how to manage programs if a location has a significant virus outbreak.

• Can students get community service hours for volunteering that occurs on the program?

  This year each program is striving to incorporate some service learning. Students will be credited with community service hours based on the number completed in their program.

• Why are sign-ups in the spring/summer this year instead of the fall?

  By moving up the timeline there is less time for pricing to increase for travel. This also provides families time over the summer to prepare for costs, and passport and visa applications.

• How should I plan Spring Break travel?

  We recommend that you do not schedule travel until the end of the first week of Spring Break. Building in some additional days in case return flights are delayed or rescheduled can help prevent potential conflict between Brimmer travel and family travel.

• Do students need to return to Boston at the end of the program?

  We will release specific guidelines on how to adjust your student’s travel plans at the end of the program. Please note that this comes at an additional cost to the family, and they are responsible for covering any additional costs. Specifics will be shared with families in the fall.