Here are some general FAQs to help you prepare.

• How do I RSVP and when do I need to RSVP by?

  To RSVP for in-person graduation, please email Michelle Inchiglema at minchiglema@youngliving.com no later than Thursday, December 11, at which time you will receive more information about how to pay your deposit.

• When is the trip and what does the agenda look like?

  Celebrate this year's Young Living Academy graduates with us in Ecuador from February 20-25, 2024. Below is a tentative agenda:

  Tuesday, February 20
  Arrive in Guayaquil, Ecuador, and travel to NovaVita at the Young Living Finca Botinca Farm for your stay. Please plan to arrive by no later than 6 P.M.

  Wednesday, February 21
  Spend the day experiencing all that the Finca Botanica farm has to offer with your sponsored students and their families. Then in the afternoon, you'll have the opportunity to go on a home visit to spend time with your student and their family. 

  Thursday, February 22
  Attend Kindergarten graduation to celebrate our youngest graduates in the morning followed by more community project presentations. After having lunch with your student, either attend the graduating class forum where our seniors share the impactful moments that shaped them, or participate in activities with the students!

  Friday, February 23
  Attend 6th grade graduation in the morning, followed by the remaining graduating class forums or activity time and a visit to the Chongón community center.

  Saturday, February 24
  Celebrate the graduating class of 2024 during the Academy's high school commencement and graduation celebration!

  Sunday, February 25
  Travel back to Guayaquil to catch your return flight.

• How much does the trip cost? What does the cost cover?

  The cost of this trip is $1,800 USD and includes accommodations at NovaVita at the beautiful Finca Botanica farm, in-country transportation, meals, and activities for the duration of your stay. You will book your flights separately. 

  Paying in full: 

  • If paying in full, payment is due Thursday, December 11. Log into your Young Living Foundation account and make a one-time payment of $1,800 to the Young Living Academy in the dropdown menu at YoungLivingFoundation.org/donate.

  Paying in installments:

  • Please see next FAQ

  Any leftover funds, after all trip expenses are paid, will be donated to the Young Living Academy.

• Can I pay in installments?

  You are welcomed to pay the $1,800 trip cost in installments. Make payments and fundraise for your trip in one place by setting up a graduation trip fundraiser and selecting the Young Living Academy in the dropdown menu. You and your friends and family can contribute to your fundraiser directly through your unique fundraiser link!

  Here is the payment schedule: 

  • December 11 - $500 deposit due
  • January 17 - $650 due
  • February 1 - $650 due

  Any remaining funds after all trip expenses are paid will be donated to the Young Living Academy expansion.

• Who handles flights and accommodations?

  The Young Living Foundation will organize your accommodations, in-country transportation, meals, and activities for your time in Ecuador!

  You will book your flights separately from the trip cost, giving you the freedom to fly with your preferred airline. You may book your flights on your own, or work with our recommended third party travel agent. Should you wish to utilize this service, please reach out to Michelle Inchiglema at minchiglema@younglivingfoundation.org.

• If I can't make it to Ecuador, will the graduation be live streamed?

  As much as we would love to have you join us in person, we know that personal circumstances may not allow you to travel during this time. If you can't make the trip, be sure to register for the live stream of the graduation. An emailed invitation with more details will arrive closer to graduation. 

• What are the current entry requirements for Ecuador?

  Ecuador eliminated its COVID-19 entry requirements effective October 20, 2022. International travelers are no longer required to present COVID-19 vaccination cards or proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to entering Ecuador. 

  International travelers are still required to present a declaration of traveler health. You can fill this declaration out on the plane or ahead of time on the Ministry of Public Health website.

  Please note, procedures may change at any time. For the latest entry guidelines to Ecuador, visit the website of the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Ecuador. To receive important updates, U.S. citizens should register their travel in Ecuador in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

• Who can I contact for more information?

  Please email our events manager Michelle Inchiglema at minchiglema@youngliving.com with any specific questions you may have.

• Can I extend my stay in Ecuador beyond the trip dates?

  If you'd like to extend your stay beyond the trip dates, you will be personally responsible for any additional expenses incurred. You are welcome to work with our travel vendor to delay your return flight. Please contact Michelle Inchiglema at minchiglema@youngliving.com.