FIRE AND FRAGRANCE

FIRE AND FRAGRANCE

Everything you need to know before you arrive in Charlotte for FFX — tuition, health requirements, visas, packing, and more!

For any unanswered questions: Team@ffcharlotte.com

FFX Timeline

From application to arrival, here's what to do at each stage so you're ready to go.

Step 1 — Applied

Step 2 — Accepted

90 Days Out

30 Days Out

Finances & Deadlines

  • Total Tuition: $6,000

    $500 due 30 days after acceptance

    $5500 due on arrival day

  • You can pay your deposit using this link. After you have paid that, you will receive an email with a link to pay the rest.

    anyone can pay towards your tuition using this link, as long as they correctly input your name and the email on your application!

    https://join.ffcharlotte.com/hs/payments/NNV9TnTbF?referrer=PAYMENT_LINK

Visa Information

  • International students may be able to enter the U.S. using ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa,

    depending on nationality and individual circumstances.

    ESTA generally allows eligible travelers to stay up to 90 days.

    A B-1/B-2 visa may be a better option if you need a longer stay or plan to return to the U.S. in the future.

    Check the official U.S. government website and your local U.S. embassy/consulate to determine which option applies to you,

    and start the process as early as possible.

  • Canadian citizens: Entry requirements differ, and ESTA or a visitor visa generally isn’t required for ordinary visits.

    However, since you’re coming to participate in an FFX missions school, please confirm current requirements for your specific situation before traveling.

  • Contact Visas@ffcharlotte.com.

    An invitation letter does not guarantee visa approval or entry. Keep your passport, visa/ESTA, invitation letter, accommodation information, and return/onward travel information accessible while traveling. Final admission is determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection upon arrival.

Fundraising

RESOURCES

Vaccines & Health Requirements

Health insurance

Every incoming student should reach out to their health insurance provider to confirm they are covered during their time in Charlotte. Depending on specific coverages, some students, especially internationals, may need to purchase health insurance for their time in Charlotte.

Fire and Fragrance will provide travel insurance for outreach, but some students may choose to purchase other and/or supplemental health insurance as well.

Vaccines

During FFX, you’ll have the option to sign a religious exemption form if you prefer not to receive additional vaccinations. Please note this may affect which outreach destinations you’re eligible to travel to.

Vaccine and health requirements vary by outreach location. Some destinations may require or recommend specific vaccinations or medications (e.g., typhoid, yellow fever, malaria medication).

Please bring your vaccination records with you when you arrive for FFX.

Packing List

  • Most students bring: - A personal item (like a backpack) - A carry-on - One checked bag or trekking backpack

    Some outreach locations limit how much luggage you can bring (e.g., carry-on only or trekking backpack only). In these cases, students typically arrange storage in Charlotte for their extra luggage.

  • Charlotte doesn’t get too cold in January, so heavy bundling isn’t necessary for training itself. However, outreach could take

    you somewhere much colder or much hotter than Charlotte. Because of this, we recommend packing for all four seasons — a mix of warm and cool weather clothing — so you’re prepared no matter where your team ends up!

  • Some outreaches may require specialized gear, such as trekking equipment or water filters. Unless you already own this gear and it’s convenient to bring, we recommend waiting to purchase it until after you’ve been placed on an outreach team and briefed on exactly what you’ll need. This helps you avoid buying things you may not end up needing.

Arrival Information

Specific arrival details such your specific housing, checkin times, airport pickups, and much more will be sent to you 20–30 days before your arrival!

If you’re part of the Winter 2027 school, you should have received an invite to our Discord group, where you will receive more information and have an opportunity to connect with staff and other students coming in January! If you haven’t, please reach out to Team@ffcharlotte.com.

Additional Questions

We know you likely have more questions than we have answered here, so please do not hesitate to reach out to Team@ffcharlotte.com or the staff that interviewed you!