What is MTrek?
MTrek is an opportunity for incoming MBA1s to connect with their new classmates and MBA2 leaders in an exciting domestic or global destination before the school year officially starts! Led by 4 MBA2s, groups of 10-25 MBA1s will hit the road together for a roughly week-long adventure trek. 2024 Trek locations range from Iceland and Belize to Greece and South Africa. Each trek will have pre-planned activities and free time for the group to bond, have fun, and make amazing memories before classes start.
When is MTrek?
MTrek 2024 will occur from Friday, August 16 to Saturday, August 24.
When do classes begin?
Classes begin on Monday, August 26. You are expected to attend classes and will not be excused from the first day if you choose to attend MTrek.
When is orientation?
The MBA Program Office will run orientation from Monday, August 12, to Thursday, August 15.
Who can sign up? What’s the process?
MTrek is available only for full-time MBA students at Ross. For incoming MBA1s, there will be a sign-up period in May 2024 for R1/R2 admits and in June 2024 for R3 admits. During this period, you can rank your top trek locations. Once your preferences are in and your deposit is paid, our team will assign you to a trek based on your rankings. Please note we will not place anyone on a trek they did not rank.
Who pays for/how much is MTrek?
Each traveler is expected to pay for all individual costs associated with their trek (i.e., the quoted package cost price, airfare, trip insurance, incidental purchases, etc.).
Wait… so who plans these treks?
TourHero is the external travel agency we work with to plan trek itineraries and logistics. They set the quoted package cost for each trek, but your MBA2 trek leaders will work hard to curate an amazing itinerary!
What is/is not included in the package cost price of each trek?
The quoted package cost of each trek will include:
- All activities mentioned in the formal itinerary
- Transportation to/from said activities
- A few meals
- Hotel accommodations
- A local tour guide
- 24/7 operations/emergency contact team
The quoted package cost of each trek will NOT include:
- Flights to and from the destination
- International airport departure tax
- Any visas required
- Additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Late check-out at hotels
- Meals and drinks not included in the itinerary
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Travel Insurance
- Other personal expenditures (e.g., optional activities)
How does the payment process work?
All payments are made directly to TourHero. Each traveler will be expected to pay a non-refundable $500 deposit. Deposit deadlines will be communicated based on class year and admission decision dates. While deposits are non-refundable, they are transferable between treks if any changes need to happen. The full package cost of each trek will be due by mid-summer 2024.
What happens if I miss a payment deadline?
Each situation will be assessed individually. Reach out to the MTrek Board at: MTrekBoard@umich.edu
Are partners welcome?
Of course! Partners are welcome on all treks. Romantic partners only, no friends please, as these trips are reserved only for members of the Ross community.
Should I purchase trip insurance?
Yes, travel insurance is strongly encouraged as unforeseen circumstances happen all the time. Our travel agency recommends purchasing the student protection plan insurance through AIG using the link here. That said, people can purchase any insurance plan they feel comfortable with.
How can I check visa requirements/ eligibility of destinations?
Please check whether you need a visa to enter the country and whether the destination has any specific restrictions before applying. Because visa requirements differ from country to country and are subject to change, the best way to obtain the information is to check the government website of each destination country and/or your citizenship country’s government website, as they often maintain foreign visa information to support travelers.
If you have any questions, please contact our international student affairs liaisons, Sunain Azeem (sunain@umich.edu) and Chirag Gidwani (chiragg@umich.edu).
I think I may need help securing a visa to a set destination?
Not a problem. Our travel agency partners with CIBT who specializes in visa processing. Note that said service is offered for an additional fee.
What is Mystery Trek?
Mystery Trek is a long, long, long , longstandingRoss/MTrek tradition. Each year a self-selecting group of MBA1s heads out to an unknown destination with their MBA2 trek leaders (don’t worry, they know where… maybe…). In years past, airfare was bundled into the package cost of the trek to keep the location a true mystery. MBA2 trek leaders will provide a packing list and maybe a few hints along the way. Note that for 2024, the Mystery Trek will not require any additional visa requirements – so both domestic and international students are encouraged and welcome to include in their rankings.
If you have any additional questions, please reach out to MTrekBoard@umich.edu