Silicon Valley Immersion Program
FAQ
What are the dates and the agenda?
The immersion dates are July 24-28, 2023. You can see a draft agenda here. You will want to arrive in time for the arrival reception on the evening of the 23rd, and stay through the closing dinner on the the 28th.
What are the costs?
The cost of the program is $5,000 ($4,500 if paid in full by May 31). This includes the entire program, including the meals listed on the draft agenda, and luxury bus transportation during the week. It does not include your airfare, hotel, transfers, or meals not listed on the agenda.
Who will I be hanging out with?
Your guide and Master of Ceremonies for the week will be Bret Waters, long-time Silicon Valley entrepreneur, academic, and investor. He teaches innovation and entrepreneurship at Stanford and runs the 4thly Startup Accelerator. In addition you’ll be receiving lectures and enjoying workshops with others who teach at Stanford, UC Berkeley, and Santa Clara University. The other participants in the program will be entrepreneurs, executives, and investors from around the world.
In booking my air travel, which airport should I use?
San Jose (SJC) and San Francisco (SFO) are approximately equidistant from Palo Alto. Oakland (OAK) is also good although not quite as close. Getting from any of these airports to Palo Alto is easy 20-40 minute ride via Uber or Lyft.
How about hotel accommodations?
We have arranged a special room rate for you at the Stanford Park Hotel, in Palo Alto, easy walking distance from Stanford University as well as shopping, dining, and hiking. We will meet there each morning. But are also welcome to look into your own accommodations – including many Airbnb options in the area.
What’s required to reserve my spot in the program?
A $500 non-refundable deposit. You can pay via credit card, PayPal, Venmo, wire, or whatever is best for you.
I’m traveling from another country. Do I need a visa?
It all depends on the country. Citizens of the European Union typically do not need a visa to enter the US, but citizens of many other countries do. Here is the US State Department website with visa information. We cannot do visa processing for you, but we are happy to write an invitation letter for you, if that is helpful.
Is insurance available?
You can purchase your own travel insurance through any provider you’d like. Here’s a list of some of them.
I need to be working remotely that week. Is that OK?
Yes, of course. The hotel is well-equipped for this, there is WiFi on the bus and pretty much everywhere we go, and there will be work breaks available at various points during most days.
Are there any mobility requirements?
We plan to do quite a bit of walking during the week. If you have mobility needs, please let us know and we’ll be happy to accommodate.
