Frequently Asked Questions

How many people are on each trek?

M-Trek can have as few as 8 and as many as 16 first-year participants, in addition to second-year trek leaders.  We have approved a higher number of treks this year with the goal of keeping each trek smaller and more intimate.

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How do I read more specific information about the treks planned for this summer?

Before March 1:  For a list of trips, select the “2012 Trips" option in the navigation toolbar at the top of this page.  Information on last year’s treks can also be found on this tab. 

After March 1:  For more detailed information about specific trips, select the “2012 Trips” option in the navigation toolbar at the top of this page.  Click on a particular trip to view more details. These descriptions include daily planned activities and information about the Trek Leaders.

The M-Trek Core Team will also be present at Go Blue Rendezvous to answer all of your questions and explain more about M-Trek.  We look forward to meeting you!

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Do I need to have experience with Trek activities?

Treks are designed so that all participants have fun while building bonds with other MBA1s and MBA2s.  Experience is recommended for a few treks (backcountry camping, scuba diving, etc.) due to their pace and challenging nature, but is generally not required.  Check out the individual trek descriptions for more information. 

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What if I don’t like some of the activities on a particular trek?

That’s understandable and the reason why we offer a variety of treks.  In order to maximize your experience, we suggest you select a trek with the right type of activities and activity rating for you.  In some cases, alternatives to certain trek activities may exist.  If you have any questions about specific activities or alternatives, please do not hesitate to email the Trek leaders before selecting a trek.

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I am unbelievably excited about the list of 2012 treks!!  What’s next?  When can I register and when do I find out which trek I’ve been assigned to?

Well, on April 6, when registration opens you can rank your top five treks. Registration will remain open until May 16.  In early June, you will receive your Trek assigned and will be required to pay the balance of the trek fees in order to hold your spot.

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Am I guaranteed the trek choices I select on my application? How are the treks filled?  What if I get admitted off the Ross waitlist over the summer?

Every effort will be made to assign each participant to one of his or her top ranked choices.  We leave registration open long enough to capture all first, second, and third-round admits – we do not begin our matching process until registration closes.  If you are admitted off of the Ross waitlist after registration closes, please email us asap and we will do our best to match you to a trek. 

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I met some very awesome people also going to Ross and we’d like to M-Trek together. Is that possible?

We’d like to make the trek-matching process as fair and equitable as possible.  If you’ve already made some friends, we encourage your group to rank your desired treks similarly.  But the point of M-Trek is to meet and bond with new people.  So either way, you’re going to come away with great new friends!

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What are the terms of the $350 deposit? Is there potential for my trek to be canceled and, if so, will I be reimbursed?

Your $350 required deposit is refundable any date prior to May 16, 2012, the date online registration closes.  After this date, deposits will not be refunded for any reason including, but not limited to, your decision to attend a different school, conflicting vacation plans, etc.

Though rare, sometimes Treks are cancelled. On the unfortunate and off-chance that the trip to which you are assigned does not depart (for reasons beyond our control, such as not enough participants, political instability, inclement weather, etc.) every effort will be made to place you on another trek you selected.  Otherwise, your $350 deposit will be refunded.

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What do the prices of the treks include and might I expect the price to change from the time that I register until the final payment is due?

Stated trek prices include costs for all lodging, activities, and most meals. The trek prices do not include airfare to and from the trek destination, since not all trekkers will be departing from Detroit and some may want to use frequent flier miles.  However, airfare estimates from Detroit (DTW) are provided to give you a basic idea of flight costs.  Trek prices also do not include spending money, souvenirs, alcohol or other incidentals. After you have been placed on a trek, your trek leaders will be in contact with you about estimates for additional spending money.

There could potentially be variance in the estimated and actual costs, as they are subject to exchange rate fluctuations.  Of course, we try to minimize additional cost burdens as much as possible.  We understand the financial constraints of being a student!

One final note: Unfortunately, the University of Michigan does not accept American Express as a form of payment. To all you Black Card holders, we apologize.

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Can I use my frequent flier miles and hotel points to subsidize my travel costs?

Airline miles can definitely be redeemed for your flights.  If you choose to do this and the majority of your fellow trekkers and leaders are taking a different flight, be sure to inform your trek leader.

Hotel points are discouraged, as group accommodations have already been included in the cost of your trek and we cannot adjust costs for individual trekkers.  Also for safety reasons, it is strongly preferred that you stay with your group.

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Are the Treks safe? What process is used to ensure safety?

M-Trek has an impeccable safety record and operates under a "safety first at all times" philosophy. A student committee and administration from the Ross School of Business review each trek's planned activities to ensure this philosophy is upheld.

Also, trek leaders have received first-aid and other safety training and have emergency preparedness procedures in place for each trek. It is important to note that a trek may be cancelled at any point up until the immediate departure date due to various safety-related concerns (weather, political issues, etc.), regardless of location. This is to ensure your safety.

While we have taken measures to maximize participant safety, it is still your responsibility to ensure that you are comfortable with the activities listed for each trek.  Some treks are more physically demanding than others; be sure you select treks that will not jeopardize your health. 

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How do I go about making airline flight arrangements after I have been placed on a Trek?

Soon after being placed on your M-Trek, your trek leader will contact you about when and where you should arrive at your trek destination. It is your responsibility to make your own flight arrangements, and you will be responsible for any additional travel expenses incurred for extended stay before or after your trek dates.

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What type of passport/visa do I need to travel on an M-Trek?

Everyone traveling internationally should have a valid passport.  Some countries may also require a visa.  Your trek leaders will inform you if this is a requirement, and will provide related cost estimates.  

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I am an international student. Can I go on an international M-Trek?

Yes! International students with an F-1 or J-1 visa can go on an international M-Trek, as long as you have the necessary visas required to visit the countries on your Trek of interest.  Please check with your home country’s state department or embassy for requirements.  It is very important to note that NEITHER M-TREK NOR ROSS CAN ASSIST STUDENTS WITH THE VISA APPLICATION PROCESS.  Obtaining a visa is strictly a trekker responsibility.

Do I need to have health and travel insurance for my Trek?

All M-Trek participants need to be covered under an active medical insurance plan at the time of the trek.  For your own safety, we cannot make exceptions to this requirement.  This information, including a waiver, will be required of all trek participants in order to complete the online registration. Please keep in mind that most domestic health insurance policies do not include international travel, so trekkers are responsible for obtaining their own short term world policies.

Travel insurance is not required but strongly encouraged, regardless of location. M-Trek has recommended several trip insurance companies for your convenience. However, please note that M-Trek will not cover the additional costs you incur.

Do I need to get immunizations before my M-Trek?

Once selected for your trek, your leaders will inform you of any required immunizations you may need prior to travel. It will be your responsibility to get immunized. M-Trek or Ross will not reimburse the additional health care expenses you may incur.

I’m so excited for my M-trek, I can’t wait to start packing. What do I need to bring?

Great to hear!  Your trek leaders will send you a trek-specific packing list about a month prior to departure.  Should your trek require any specialized equipment (camping supplies, etc.) you’ll have ample time to purchase it.

Does M-Trek prevent me from participating in any orientation activities or summer preparation classes?

The M-Trek Core Team and trek leaders have minimized the overlap between trek schedules and Ross activities during the month of August.  Individual treks will explicitly detail whether they conflict with any activities.

This year, the English for Business Students class that begins the end of June will end on Thursday, August 11. The first session of the Accounting Prep Course will run from Monday, August 8 until Thursday, August 11. The vast majority of M-Treks begin with travel on Friday, August 12 and end Monday, August 22. There is a second session of the Accounting Prep Course from Monday, August 15 until Thursday, August 18.  This session will overlap with all M-Treks.

QSW is August 23 and 24, International Student orientation is August 25 and Accounting Waiver exams are offered August 23-25.

Please keep in mind that your selected trek could prevent you from participating in one of these so double check the dates listed under each trip.

However, all treks are scheduled to return to Ann Arbor prior to the start of Ross Transition Days (a pre-orientation event that you're highly encouraged to attend) on Thursday, August 25 and Friday, August 26. Mandatory orientation – Ross Leadership Initiative – is scheduled for Monday, August 29.

What if I want to stay longer or arrive earlier?

You may certainly choose to do so.  Please remember that you will be responsible for all related costs.  (It’s so worth it though!)  If you arrive early, please ensure your travel plans allow you to meet your M-Trek group on the trek’s designated first day.  More importantly, all trekkers must be present in Ann Arbor to start RLI on Monday, August 29.

Ann Arbor is such a cool town – I’d love to get settled in prior to heading off on my a M-Trek.

Good thinking. From firsthand experience, it is highly advisable that you move to your new home – A2 – and get as settled in as possible before you leave for your trek. This is because most treks arrive back in Ann Arbor with only a couple days’ break before RLI starts.  After having such an awesome time on your M-Trek with your new friends, do you really want to have to spend your last summer days lifting boxes and moving furniture?

Please let us know if you have any additional questions!