Below are some of the most common questions about treks. If your question is not listed here, please contact Erwin Paderanga at erwinp@uchicago.edu for more information.
Treks - Frequently Asked Questions
How long do treks last?
Most treks last two to three days. Students will usually arrive in the trek destination the night before the first day of the trek and depart on the day the trek concludes.
What happens during a trek?
Each individual trek’s itinerary will vary. However, some common activities include::
- Q&A sessions with host organization employees
- Presentations from recruiters on applying for job and internship openings
- Networking receptions with alumni working in the area
Employers will receive a resume book for all trek participants.
How can students apply for treks?
For most treks, students will need to submit a resume and cover letter through UChicago Handshake. Please visit the trek application page for more information.
Who accompanies students during treks?
Career Advancement staff members serve as trek leaders to accompany participating students.
How many employers will students visit on a trek?
The number of site visits per trek varies, but most treks visit six to nine different employers.
How long does each employer visit last?
Employer site visits usually last between one and two hours.
When do treks take place?
Most treks happen during University break periods. These include:
- Summer Break (August/September)
- Winter Break (December)
- Spring Break (March)
In addition, smaller treks in the Chicagoland area take place throughout the academic year.
Where do treks take place?
Treks take place throughout the United States and around the world. The specific destinations change each year. Please visit the trek application page to view a list of upcoming treks.
Who is eligible to attend treks?
All undergraduate students are eligible to attend most treks. Please check the listing for your desired trek to see if there are special eligibility criteria.
What costs are students responsible for?
Students are responsible for the following costs associated with the trek:
- A program fee that will be charged to your student account by the Office of the Bursar upon completion of the trek. These fees support program benefits such as hotel accommodations and ground transportation. Please visit each Handshake application page for more information, as a different fee will be assessed for each trek.
- Airfare to and from the trek destination
- Transportation to and from the airport and between the airport and hotel
- Lunches and dinners during the trek
Students with demonstrated need are eligible to apply for program fee waivers and financial support for travel to and from the trek destination. Please visit this page to learn more about trek financial assistance.
Career Advancement may cover more or fewer expenses for each individual trek. Please consult the listing for the desired trek to see which expenses will be covered by Career Advancement.
How should students dress during treks?
Students are required to wear business professional attire. Students should also plan to wear sensible shoes that will allow them to walk comfortably.
Can students arrive early in the trek destination or stay later?
Students are welcome to arrive early or stay later, but they must secure their own accommodations. Career Advancement also cannot guarantee that students will be able to stay in the same hotel outside of the trek dates.
Are there any special requirements for international treks?
To participate in an international trek, students must have a passport that will remain valid at least six months beyond the date of the trek. Depending on their nationality and the trek destination, students may also be required to purchase a visa. Students are responsible for determining their own visa needs for each trek and ensuring that they obtain their visa in a timely manner before the trek operates.
Do students have any post-trek responsibilities?
All trek participants are required to complete a one to two page reflection and a survey on their experience. Career Advancement may also request to use your name, photo, and trek reflection to promote the program. Students are also expected to follow up with trek site visit hosts and send thank you letters or emails.