Do I need the Internet for a TOP Trip?

The following is a frequently asked question about applicants who do not use the Internet:

Prospective Applicant's Question: I am not exactly technologically involved in anyway. Basically, I do not have a computer, let alone know how to use one or email. So, my questions is - how is the trip handled when one doesn't use the Internet? Do you call by telephone and send information through regular U.S. Mail?

TOP's Answer and Policy: We have had technologically challenged participants who completed the TOP trip experience; some with the help of friends & family who offered loving, patient instruction on the use of Internet elements related to the TOP process. Most do come out of the TOP experience with a greater knowledge and appreciation of the Internet and continue to utilize it after their trips. Mastering e-mail, PDF files and browsing can be a positive side effect to a Tour Of Peace.

Toward the completion of the application process, TOP & applicants visit on the telephone related to issues that surface during the application for both parties--applicant & TOP. As well, each accompanying family member applicants all have the benefit of a one-on-one TOP chat. This application-related post-trip phone call is usually our only voice communication prior to the trip; aside from making airline arrangements with our TOP travel agent.

The process is Internet driven and why we require applicants acknowledge that they have dependable internet access in the General Application. The post-trip and application process contains volumes of information & direction presented in a timely way via the Internet. Because the TOP trip involves groups of people, disseminating information to all group members in the same manner is important--direction, answers to many questions, handbooks and numerous e-mails (itineraries, humanitarian project assignments, etc.) specifically related to a trip can only be done on the Internet and is administered in the same way to each applicant/participant.

Importantly, communications will eventually occur daily as we near the trip date. As well, because of the volume of information sent to the group, it is important that each group receives the information in a timely way, which is only possible via the internet.

Additionally, each selected group is introduced to each other via e-mail and they get to know each other with this form of communication. Also, e-mail & the internet is the preferred & least expensive way that participants communicate with friends and loved ones back home, when in Vietnam. Many participants develop Vietnamese friendships and the Internet is the primary way to communicate back with them, upon return from a TOP trip. Modern day Vietnam is Internet savvy and common.

The use of the Internet allows applicants & participants to print copies of communications and re-print them when necessary or when hard copies are misplaced. E-mails and other Internet communications can easily be retrieved and referred to when needed.

Perhaps someone can assist you in establishing an e-mail account and coach you on understanding how it works; help you learn a basic understanding of browsing the Internet, i.e., able to visit the TOP web site online; and, understand how to open ".PDF" files in Adobe Reader (a free download, or already available on most computers--we will ultimately provide numerous PDF files to read). The application process does offer some basic instruction; albeit, it is limited.

The Tour Of Peace is a working trip and we suppose this may be some of the administrative "work" that adds to a fulfilling experience in the end. The information and interaction we provide over the internet is part of what makes a Tour Of Peace stand out above other standard Vietnam trips. You will all finish your trip with a wealth of information, thanks to the TOP Internet process. We hope you can embrace this aspect of the TOP trip as a learning opportunity and in the long run it can be a good thing.