Image by JOHN TOWNER

frequently asked questions

What is sojrn? 

We like to think of it as a study abroad experience for working professionals.
 

Logistics are sorted. A friend group is waiting for you. And we've vetted a month's worth of activities designed to help you learn a new skill or explore a new passion. 

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In a nutshell, we make it seamlessly easy to live abroad for a month, while continuing to work remotely at your current job. 

How Does it Work?

Each program, called a Chapter, is based in one location and lasts for 4 weeks. The Chapters each have a theme that is relevant to that destination like Fashion in Paris or Design in Stockholm.

 

We arrange accommodations, a co-working space (with great wifi), a local host, and a "curriculum" of activities to fill your free time (plus some other great perks.)

 

The curriculums are designed to help you learn more about that the Chapter's theme through creative exploration. Unlike college study abroad, there are no classes or tests and definitely no homework.

Who is sojrn for? 

Sojrn is for anyone who has ever said "I would love to spend a month                         ."

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We believe in the power of cultural immersion and creating space to pursue your passions so we combined the two to create Sojrn. 

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Most Sojrners will be remote workers but if you want to take four weeks off and just devote yourself to learning, we think that's great! (and we're super jealous)

What is the SET UP FOR WORKING REMOTELY?

As a fully remote travel company, we know a thing or two about working from abroad :) 

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One of the benefits of Sojrn is we do all of the setup to make your transition to a new place as seamless as possible. No testing 20 cafes to find the best wifi or comparing reviews of co-working spaces.

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Each Sojrn will have a co-working space for head down work and Zoom calls, and a partner cafe for a more social atmosphere.  We're also aware people may have odd work hours and our spaces will accommodate this.

Do I have to be a "Digital Nomad" to Participate?

Nope! Anyone looking for an extended change of scenery and the chance to explore a new topic is welcome. In fact, we think many of our participants will be regular professionals who have arranged a flexible, remote-working schedule for the month.

How and when can I book?

Soon! We will be opening bookings in early 2021 and the first Sojrn will run in May 2021. 

 

However, you first need to apply to become a Sojrn participant and from there, our team will give you all the information you need to book. We expect 2021 to sell out so make sure to apply and join the waitlist as soon as possible. Join the waitlist HERE. 

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About sojrn chapters

What are the accommodations?

For each chapter, you have the option to book group housing or private accommodation. Group housing means you will be placed in a house or apartment with up to 5 other participants (you’ll always have your own room) and private accommodations means you’ll have your own studio or apartment.



Who comes on SOJRN?

Our parent company, FTLO Travel, has an amazing community of fun, adventurous professionals from all over the world so you’ll be in good company. For Sojourn, most participants will be between 25 - 45 and going solo. That said, anyone with a curious mind, adventurous spirit, and positive attitude is welcome to join :)



Can I do SOJRN for longer or shorter than 4 weeks?

We understand some participants will need to arrive late or leave early but at this time there are no discounts for missed time. If you’d like to extend your stay, let your local host know as soon as possible and we’ll see what we can do!



What are the SOJRN themes?

Have a look at our chapters for our most popular themes. Each chapter is themed to help increase your creativity or advance a skill. We will include activities that will push your knowledge of the theme as well as explore your new home. They are optional but totally worth it. Examples include practicing Spanish in Medellin food markets, hiking in the great outdoors of South Africa and getting exclusive access to people you wouldn't normally meet.



What happens on a typical Chapter?

During your 4 week stay, SOJRN sets you up with a comfortable place to stay, a co-working space, a network of fellow explorers and a curriculum of exclusive SOJRN “experiential lessons” to help you explore the destination and expand your knowledge on the chapter theme. These experiences vary widely depending on the Chapter and range from learning from local craftsman to surfing with locals to a lecture on robotics to journal prompts to volunteering for the day. There are normally around 4 activities on a chapter and several more optional activities we’ve curated from our favorite local partners. We also avoid planning anything Fri-Sun so you have the freedom to head out on mini adventures each weekend.



How much free time is there?

In short, as much as you like. Unlike our regular FTLO trips, SOJRNS are largely self-guided, meaning you dictate pretty much all of your time. Once a week, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a group activity but other than that, how you spend your time is up to you. Of course, we’ll provide an entire curriculum of ideas but the what and when is up to you.



How many travelers per Chapter?

For now, we’re capping each Chapter at 40 participants.



Can I do more than one Chapter?

Of course! The Chapters are scheduled to run back to back and you can book many Chapters at once or add them as you go.



Can I come with someone else?

Absolutely! Book on the same chapter and let us know that you would like to live together. If you want to share the same bedroom, we may be able to offer a discount.



What's the deal with the Themes?

Our Themes are there to help you learn from local experts but at your own pace and schedule. No classes, no tests, and certainly no homework. Instead, we arrange super fun activities that will help further your understanding of the themed skill or topic. At the end of the day, the amount of time and the level of detail you put in is completely up to you.



More details

What is the SOJRN Water Cooler?

Ah the best part! Think Central Perk in Friends. For each destination, we partner with a centrally-located cafe to use as a meeting spot for coffee and spontaneous catch-ups. You’ll feel like an automatic local and can often find other SOJRN participants here getting a caffeine fix or using the Wi-Fi (which we've subsidized to guarantee a reliable connection)/



What are the activities?

The activities included will be based on this to help you learn and explore your new city. Whilst we set you up with the tools to get a lot of work done, we want you to enjoy some downtime and make the most of your experience. The activities can be enjoyed with others in the community or at your own leisure.



Is the Wi-Fi good?

We know how important good Wi-Fi is. Each destination lists the average internet speed and we aim to have 50Mbps+ at each location.



What are your COVID-19 Protocols?

Safety is SOJRN's top priority. Before each chapter, travelers will be informed of the latest COVID-19 protocols in place and local destination laws for your destination. We also maintain that “if it is not safe to go, we will not travel.” Additional COVID-19 precautions are also in place: 1. Low Covid numbers and access to not overburdened healthcare facilities are integral to our destination selection process 2. Travelers will be asked for proof of a negative PCR test before departing their home country. 3. Travelers will be asked to take another PCR test 3 days after arrival. 4. SOJRN will work with local health authorities to reduce the chance of catching Covid-19 and spreading the virus in each destination. This will include quarantine for confirmed cases. 5. The SOJRN team and local hosts will be trained to operate in accordance with all Covid-19 protocols and will make sure these are implemented within the group as well as be on hand to help with any questions. 6. Co-working spaces and “water coolers” will be sanitized regularly. 7. Apartments/accommodations will be professionally cleaned before arrival, with cleaning goods provided complimentary to each property. 8. Before any official SOJRN activity, temperature checks will be taken as well as at entry of all co-working spaces. 9. Operations abide by the WTTC (World Travel and Tourism Council) Safe Travels guidelines.



Are pets allowed?

Possibly! If you would like to bring your pet, get in touch with the team before booking as there are some things we will have to talk you through. Bringing your pet usually requires booking private accommodations and a pet deposit.



Are children allowed?

At this time, our SOJRNS are not child-friendly.



If I am an FTLO Travel Alum, do I still need to fill out an application?

Yes, please :)



who we are

What’s our background?

SOJRN is brought to you by the travel-loving team at FTLO. Feel free to get to know us HERE.



What is FTLO Travel?

For the Love of Travel (FTLO for short) is a group travel company for young professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs. We run laid-back group trips for young professionals that are hassle-free (like a vacation) but have the adventure and cultural enrichment of solo travel. Check us out at ftlotravel.com We have been creating amazing experiences for young professionals around the world for the last 5 years. Slow travel, meaningful exchange, and taking care of local communities has always been the core philosophy at FTLO Travel and SOJRN is the evolution of these values for a post-Covid world.



Have more questions?

let us know! give us a shout at hello@SOJRN.TRAVEL