Land and Launch Camp

Our Why

Starting an exchange program in a new country is an exciting adventure, and our NYC Land & Launch Camp is designed to help students begin that journey with confidence. As part of our enhanced student program, this experience gives students the opportunity to step outside their comfort zones, build independence, and gain a strong understanding of program expectations before arriving at their host communities. Through guided workshops and group discussions, students learn about program rules, cultural adjustment, conflict resolution, communication with host families, and how to navigate challenges they may face during their exchange year. At the same time, students experience the excitement of exploring New York City, one of the most iconic cities in the world while visiting famous landmarks and attractions alongside fellow exchange students from around the globe. The camp creates an immediate sense of community, giving students the chance to form lifelong friendships with others embarking on the same life-changing experience. Throughout the program, Pan Atlantic Foundation staff remain on-site to supervise, support, and answer questions. Every adult working with our students is fully vetted and has a criminal background check on file, and our supervision ratio never exceeds one adult for every twelve students, ensuring a safe, supportive, and engaging start to their American adventure.

Land and Launch Student Brochure

Our Hotel -Freehand NYC

Located in Manhattan’s Flatiron District, Freehand New York is housed in the former George Washington Hotel, once home to many storied writers, musicians and creatives. Designed by Roman and Williams and featuring custom-commissioned artwork by Bard College students and alumni throughout, we’re revitalizing the artistic community in a historic NY neighborhood.

Hotel Address:
23 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10010

Our Logistics

Arrivals- Should arrive between 12:00 and 20:00
Students who arrive outside of these hours require additional accommodations and staff. Flights booked outside of these hours without prior approval will need to be re-booked at the agent/student expense.

Departures- Should depart between 06:00 and 12:00
(Hotel check out is 11am- all students, regardless of their departure time will be transported to the airport at this time).

Students should bring no more 1 checked bag, 1 carry on and 1 personal item.

We will accept arrivals and departures through JFK and LGA only. Flights booked to EWR without prior approval will need to be re-booked at the agent/student expense. EWR is much farther from the hotel location and transportation cost is significantly more than our selected airports.

Our Chaperone Requirements

Partners chaperones are not required unless you are sending 10 or more students in a group but all are welcome to send a chaperone. If you wish to send a chaperone to accompany your student group they must meet the following requirements:

Age 25 and older
Physically able to chaperone 7-10 students
Physically able to walk 8-10 miles per day in NYC summer heat.
Be familiar with PAF rules and orientation rules
Complete the NYC orientation staff training.
Available to assist with departures as early as 3am and up until 3pm on the day of student departure.
Fluent English speaker

Chaperones not able to meet all of the requirements are not able to be considered a PAF orientation chaperone and while they are welcome to join the group if they wish, they will need to do so at their own cost.

If you are sending a chaperone with your student group PAF must be notified no later than May 1st. Please have the chaperone's name and contact information sent to PAF by June 1st.