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Student Tour of San Francisco Bay Area

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The San Francisco Bay area is a treasure trove of educational experiences waiting to be explored by student groups.  The West Coast is so different from the East Coast because the history of its settlement started in the Nineteenth Century, instead of the Seventeenth Century.  The landscape and coastal regions of California are a contrast to East Coast geography.  Opportunities for learning about California history include: the Gold Rush, Indian removal, urban activism, marine life in the Pacific Ocean, the transcontinental railroad and more.

I have developed a list of destinations for this tour of San Francisco Bay with commentary on the educational benefits for each place.

Alcatraz Boat Tour
Student tours will visit Alcatraz Island, the famous prison island off the shores of San Francisco. Alcatraz housed some of America’s most dangerous criminals.  The National Park Service now maintains Alcatraz Island as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.  Alcatraz Island is only a ferry ride away from San Francisco, and includes a historical tour.  Alcatraz was once a military installation, then a federal penitentiary.  Nicknamed, ‘the rock,’ the National Park Service collection illustrates its vivid history, even as it relates to Native American culture.  Student groups will visit and tour Alcatraz Island and the education center to gain a greater understanding of this notorious prison.

Guided Tour of San Francisco
This bus tour will include a local guide narrating the history of San Francisco.  Groups will visit sites such as Fisherman’s Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, Fort Mason, Nob Hill and more on this historic tour of San Francisco. Students and chaperones are given a general overview of the City of San Francisco and its rich and diverse history.

Ghiradelli Square
This contemporary shopping and dining destination offers one of the most scenic views of the San Francisco Bay and plenty for student groups to do.  Once the flagship factory and headquarters of the Ghiradelli Chocolate empire, today this area of San Francisco is a national historic site that was revived in the 1960s by the Roth family.  Some of the buildings which were saved and renovated include:  The Chocolate Building, Mustard Building, Cocoa Building, Apartment Building, Power Plant and the Clock Tower.

Monterey Aquarium
A short bus ride from San Francisco is Monterey Bay. This scenic and famous stretch of rocky coastline is a stunning example of the natural beauty California has to offer.  The Monterey Bay Aquarium offers student groups a deeper look at aquatic life found in the waters of the Pacific Ocean and Monterey Bay. The Open Sea Exhibit is now open again to visitors after a short period of renovation.  Students can see Green Sea Turtles, Hammerhead Sharks and other species native to the California coastal waters.  Sea otters are plentiful in this climate and captivate students with their adorable faces and interesting personalities. Groups should plan to spend time in the Aviary, where they can see birds that either use the California coast as a flyway, or make their homes there year round.

Big Sur
Big Sur State Park is a rich a varied forest (with Redwood Trees) that leads to rocky cliffs overlooking a wild Pacific Ocean.  In 1884 John Pfeiffer homesteaded a piece of the Big Sur River canyon then later donated it to the state in the 1930s.  Just off Route 1, Big Sur offers breathtaking views of the rough California coast. Student groups can see the 50-foot waterfall that drops into the Pacific Ocean. If there is time, tour groups can take short hikes on 1800 acres of ridges and uplands.  Majestic Redwood trees thrive in areas of the Big Sur forest. In addition, a 1,680 acre underwater reserve allows for exploration of marine life by snorkeling or diving. The park offers Junior Ranger Programs and Nature Walks for school groups.

Great America Theme Park
To add some entertainment to the mix, a trip to California’s Great America Theme Park in Santa Clara, California is sure to please students.  Students can take thrill rides, such as Invertigo, Vortex, or Flight Deck to get their adrenaline pumping.  Loggers Run, Rip Roaring Rapids and White Water Falls are also popular with student groups. The Great America Theme Park also provides special concerts and themed events.  Trip leaders can secure specific days with enough advance notice.

This tour of the San Francisco Bay area in California encourages students to explore the great outdoors, urban life and marine life of the Pacific Ocean and Bay. For some students, this may be their only visit to the West Coast. They will have a chance to see Redwood trees, and visit San Francisco, one of the largest port cities in the United States, while they explore a history of settlement that helped define this country’s vastness and ability to expand.

Request a quote for a student trip to San Francisco or email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com.

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California: State College Tours

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Students preparing for college will want to take this tour that focuses on some of the finest state supported universities in California.  These schools are well-known for specific areas of academics or sports, offer affordable in-state tuition and have a unique history. Many of California’s state-supported universities began as Normal Schools to train teachers for the Western expansion.  These were later absorbed into the state college system.

Students will have the opportunity to tour campus grounds and ask questions.  Universities are located within urban areas such as San Francisco and San Diego, and in suburban and coastal areas, such as San Jose, Stanford and Pasadena.

Here is a brief overview of each campus on this tour.

UCLA

Based in the heart of Los Angeles, with almost 40,000 students, UCLA is a large urban campus that provides housing for approximately 9,000 students on the hill. Proximity to the movie and music industry makes UCLA a lively multicultural environment, ripe with professional opportunities and exposure to contemporary arts.   Students of the arts and sciences will not be disappointed.  From Nanotechnology to Egyptology to the School of Theater, Film and Television – UCLA has it all.  UCLA’s football team has always been a top contender and is well-supported by the campus community

USC

University of Southern California is also based in inner city Los Angeles.  This university has a large international student population, complemented by study abroad programs. Out of 37,000 students, nearly 7,000 come from across the globe.  USC stakes its reputation on research and offers students internship opportunities.  The university is distinguished for its programs in the arts, technology and business.

University of California Berkeley (Cal)

University of California Berkley is affectionately known as “Cal.”  It sits on the San Francisco Bay in a particularly scenic campus setting.  The student population is nearly 36,000. Cal is mainly known for outstanding and notorious professors who helped reshape politics in the sixties. Cal emphasizes the liberal arts, as well as innovation.  Cal professors and students have played leading roles in contemporary advances in science and technology.

California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

Located in Pasadena, California, this well-known science and technology university has a relatively small student body with almost 2,200 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled.  There are almost 300 faculty, allowing for a close, interwoven campus community. CalTech’s astronomy program and observatory are known across the globe. CalTech’s professors have been Nobel Prize winners in the sciences.  The famous 200 inch Hale Telescope is housed at Paolomar, and it has been recognized as the Western Hemisphere’s most powerful telescope for over forty years.   The university is also known for geological studies, since two of its former professors, Harry Wood and John Anderson, invented the seismograph for measuring earthquakes, and Charles Richter invented the Richter Scale as a form of measurement of an earthquake’s intensity.

Stanford

Located south of San Francisco, Stanford University is an outstanding institution.  With an emphasis on health, the environment and sustainability, international affairs and the arts and humanities, Stanford trains students for public service and research. Stanford University encourages engagement with society and sponsors study abroad programs and semesters in Washington D.C.  The university is named for Leland Stanford, who founded it in 1891 and used his fortune to finance its construction. His largesse was obtained by selling supplies to miners in the Gold Rush of 1849 and later – the transcontinental railroad.  The university spans 8,180 acres and has over 600 major buildings on a campus with plenty of native trees.  This sustainable campus is an environment that appeals to students. About 95% of undergrads live on campus and almost 60% of graduate students do as well. More than 15,000 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled at Stanford University each academic year.

San Diego State University

San Diego State is an inner city university ranking 20 in the U.S. in racial diversity.  Students are encouraged to study abroad and practice community service and sustainability.  Founded in 1897, San Diego State University now serves 35,000 students.  The university is known for its programs in education, international business, social work,  speech-language pathology, biology and public administration.  Many of the programs at this California state university are recognized as leaders in research on a variety of topics.  The campus is filled with contemporary features such as: a Performing Arts Plaza, an open-air theater, a Pedestrian Bridge connecting housing to campus, an Aquaplex and more.

San Jose State University

Located in the center of Silicone Valley in San Jose California, this state university is worth a look — especially for students who excel in technical or scientific fields.  Serving over 30,000 students, with 93% residents of California, this university has a population of over 17,000 minority students. Many of the students who attend San Jose State University are first in their family to receive a higher education.  Because of San Jose State’s proximity to the tech hub of Silicone Valley, students have the chance to perform research and conduct internships in professional high tech settings.  Distinguished programs include the arts and engineering.

San Francisco State University

With nearly 30,000 students and a rich history in arts, culture, and creativity, San Francisco State serves a diverse, rural population in one of the most desirable urban centers in the U.S.  Known mainly for innovations and distinction in service learning, liberal arts and international education, this university is an epicenter in the San Francisco region.  Called a “College With a Conscience” by the Princeton Review, students and faculty are immersed in movements for social change and service to society.  The campus is easily accessible by public transportation and has established bike friendly routes to campus.

The richness and diversity of California is reflected in its state universities.

Tuition at these universities is still affordable, compared to private colleges and universities. These state colleges attract professors with names in their respective fields and create collegial environments for students from diverse ethnic backgrounds.  Serious students will want to consider a tour of California state colleges for a wider perspective on choices for their higher education.

Request a quote for the CA state college tour or email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com.

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Following the Steps of History: A Student Trip to NYC, Washington D.C., Philadelphia & Gettysburg

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For many students living faraway from the East Coast in other parts of the U.S., a student trip is often a once in a lifetime experience. Jason Fulton’s eight grade history students visit the East Coast each summer, departing from Azalea Middle School in Oregon. The educational objectives of the trip are to study the Revolutionary through the Civil War era.  Having his students explore the actual sites where this history took place is important to Fulton, “As we travel through time in the classroom, I focus on the many stops on our trip.  I want the students to understand the land before they walk on it,” commented Fulton.

Students Travel to Three Different States Discovering History

Fulton’s class trip occurs in the summer and includes a packed itinerary that takes students on a historical tour of three different states: New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia.  The student trip is seven days and five nights and includes a look at some of the most famous historical sites in the East, including Gettysburg, PA, the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty in New York City, and Mount Vernon in Virginia. This is just a sampling of historical places. This ambitious tour encompasses even more sites.

Active Learning Through Living History in Gettysburg

One of the favorite destinations for students on this school trip was Gettysburg. Here they toured the famous battlefields where there were a massive number of soldiers killed in both the Union and Confederate ranks. Fulton scheduled a ghost tour of Gettysburg for the group. Fulton remarked, “Kids love to be scared!  They also liked to walk the streets of Gettysburg since it too was part of the battlefield.”  The ghosts of Gettysburg helped to ignite their interest in history. So did their meeting with Abraham Lincoln, a living history actor.  “President Lincoln was a kick because of all the knowledge the actor has about Lincoln and the war,” said Fulton.  He said both of these active learning experiences were a great way to assimilate information about the Civil War from different perspectives.

Highlights of Student Tour of Washington D.C. Area

From Gettysburg, students traveled south to the Washington D.C. area.  On the way they visited Antietam Battlefield, Harpers Ferry and Arlington National Cemetery.  During a visit to Mount Vernon the next day, the student group participated in a ceremony where they laid a wreath on George Washington’s grave. “This is a big part of our trip,” said Fulton.  “We have been doing this for many years.  The kids learn how special they are when they lay the wreath.  It is awe inspiring for them.”

Students learn about American History through books, film and the World Wide Web. Yet when they actually have the opportunity to reach out and touch a place where history occurred it seems somehow more memorable.  Making a trip to the East Coast from Oregon for nearly a week takes a commitment of time and resources.  Fulton’s eighth grade students fund their own trips. For many, this opportunity to follow the steps of the great figures of Early American history is desirable, and helps to widen their understanding of the formation of the United States.

Request a Quote for a student trip, or email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com for more information.

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Eco Tour of Central Florida

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Request a quote for an eco tour of Central Florida and South Florida.

Students studying biology, marine science, environmental studies and other related subjects will get excited about this special student eco tour I have designed with a focus on the subtropical environment of Central Florida. This student trip is hands-on with lots of outdoor activities like snorkeling and airboat rides.  It’s a great way to experience the marine life and unique wildlife of Central Florida as well as the swamps and waterways.

Below are some brief highlights of the eco tour of Central Florida, with a day at Busch Gardens theme park to add even more fun to the itinerary.

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park
Homosassa Springs is a Florida state park with a great deal to offer the student tour group interested in adventure.  There’s a hiking and nature trail, ranger guided tours, boat tours, and more. Some of the wildlife students will encounter here includes: manatees, alligators and hippopotamus.  Special wildlife programs explaining the behaviors and habitats of these animals are available for visiting student groups.  Groups will also want to visit the Cougar Habitat and Black Bear Enclosure.

Snorkel Safety Lessons
When students are engaged in a hands on activity like snorkeling, it helps to be educated about the safest snorkeling techniques.  This snorkel safety lesson is provided prior to entering the Crystal River.  Student groups will also have information on how to interact with Manatees and other inhabitants of the River, as well.

Crystal River Snorkeling with Manatees
Students engaged in the study of biology or marine science will love this adventure:  swimming with the Manatees. These large and gentle mammals are numerous in the Crystal River, reaching numbers of 400 or more in the peak winter season.  Swim alongside the Manatees or just watch them feed in the river.  Guides may snorkel with the group to show them the type of behavior that attracts Manatees.

Crystal Springs Preserve Hands on Workshop
Environmental education is a large part of the eco tour itinerary. Trip leaders will want to Schedule a Crystal Springs Preserve workshop to maximize the experience. The Preserve maintains a large Living Laboratory of species common to the Crystal Springs area.  Students will actually hike through Crystal Springs and observe the natural habitat of animals as well as interact with reptiles, mammals and other species unique to the region in the Living Laboratory.

National Park Service Tram Tour and Airboat Ride
Everglades National Park is the only subtropical preserve in North America.  The park provides a 15-mile tram tour so wildlife can be viewed at close proximity.  The tram tour takes a flat road that winds through the Everglades where riders can see:  heron, egrets, deer, turtle and more.  Another way to experience the Everglades firsthand is to take an airboat ride through the waterways and swamps.  Learn about the Seminole tribe that used to inhabit the Everglades, view the alligators from a safe distance, and see the Mangrove trees and other wildlife that live in this swampy wilderness setting.

Busch Gardens Safari Seminar
Not far from the Everglades and Crystal River is a unique theme park, Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay, Florida.  Here students can experience a safari where they can watch animals in a natural setting.  They will be thrilled to see: zebras, giraffes, bongo, ostrich, cheetahs, white rhinos, tigers and more.  Students can immerse themselves in the study of rare wildlife in a safe environment on Safari in Busch Gardens — an unforgettable experience. After exploring the safari, student groups can enjoy the SheiKra, Gwazi, or Kumba roller coasters and other rides at the theme park.

Central Florida has a great deal to offer students studying the natural world and the environment.  From swamps and waterways to safaris and snorkeling, this eco tour is a great way to engage students in active learning. Taking the Florida Eco Tour will help students to become stewards of the environment by giving them a reason to care enough to preserve it.

Request a quote for an eco tour of Central Florida and South Florida.

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Philadelphia Art Tours Designed for Student Travel Groups

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Philadelphia Art Tour Designed for Student Travel Groups

Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, is also place where art flourishes. There are so many different choices for students of art when exploring this particular city. I have designed this selective tour of art venues in Philadelphia for students traveling for educational purposes.  These five art institutions are important museums in Philadelphia that represent the diverse collection of art and artifacts available in the city.  There are numerous private galleries and many other museums to visit in the Philadelphia area.

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Located at the center of Ben Franklin Parkway, with a grand stepped entrance where Rocky ran to the top triumphantly, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is the premiere place to view art in the city. The museum has over 200 galleries with furniture, sculpture, photography, funerary objects and more. The collection ranges from the art of antiquity to contemporary art.  Many of the permanent exhibitions represent artists from different eras. Trip leaders may want to view the website for up-to-date information on current, rotating exhibitions on view during their visit.

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA)

The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts is one of the most prestigious places to study art in the U.S.  The focus is entirely on fine art, with an emphasis on painting, sculpting, and works on paper. The PAFA faculty is distinguished, working artists who exhibit regularly. The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts Museum has a substantial permanent collection and also displays rotating exhibitions of American artists.  In May, the graduating class exhibits a senior show at the Museum and it is always well attended.  Students interested in pursuing a career in art will find their visit to the PAFA enlightening.

Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA)

Part of the University of Pennsylvania, the Institute of Contemporary Art is a unique space where living artists exhibit their work. There is no permanent collection at the ICA, so the exhibitions are continually rotating.  Here the student artist may encounter installation art, video art, traditional arts such as painting and sculpture and much more. The idea for the ICA originated with Holmes Perkins, an architecture professor who felt his students should be exposed to contemporary art. The ICA is a strikingly angled building with a unique design. Guided tours are available for student groups, with advance planning.

The African-American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP)

The African-American Museum in Philadelphia is a relatively new museum, begun in 1976. The Museum has four galleries and an auditorium. AAMP is located on Arch Street, close to the Reading Terminal Market and near City Hall.  Rotating exhibits at the AAMP touch upon African-American experiences and contributions to: home life, Civil Rights, arts and culture, entertainment, sports, medicine, architecture, politics, religion, law and technology.  Exhibits cover the African-American experience from pre-colonial times through the present day. Interactive exhibits, educational programs designed for greater understanding of African-American cultural forms of expression, and living history presentations are some of the ways students are encouraged to engage with African-American art.

Rodin Museum

Just across the Parkway from the Philadelphia Museum of Art, one of Philadelphia’s treasures — the Rodin Museum — beckons students to explore it.  The gate to the Rodin Museum was designed by the master himself, Auguste Rodin. A statue of “The Thinker,” Rodin’s most famous work, sits near the entrance. Jules E. Mastbaum was a wealthy movie theater magnate who became interested in Rodin’s work after a visit to Paris when he began to collect over 100 works. The Museum collection includes bronzes, plasters, terra cotta, ground glass, drawings and more.  Mastbaum made a gift of the Rodin Museum to the City of Philadelphia, and it was opened after his death, in November 1929.  The interior of the Rodin Museum is being renovated and will be closed until late spring of 2012. Student groups are still encouraged to visit the gates, gardens, and grounds, where larger scale pieces Rodin created can be viewed.

For student groups involved in the study and practice of art, Philadelphia has many high caliber museums to tour.

Group leaders may also want to include historical destinations such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell to give students a broader perspective of the city.  For more information about scheduling an art tour, Request a Quote.

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State College Tours: Virginia

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The Commonwealth of Virginia is home to some of the oldest and most distinguished colleges and universities in the United States.  For residents of Virginia, this can mean a first class education for the price of in-state tuition.  Out-of-state residents will attend these schools because of their reputation for academic excellence and historical significance.

This list is not inclusive of all state colleges in Virginia. I have highlighted the most widely known universities for this particular tour that is designed for high school juniors and seniors who are preparing for college.

College of William and Mary (Williamsburg)

Founded during the Colonial era in 1693, by King William and Queen Mary of England, this state college became publicly funded in 1908. The College is located in the heart of downtown Williamsburg and retains the character of centuries gone by with historic buildings and English gardens.   With nearly 6,000 undergraduates and 2,000 graduate students, the campus community is sizable.   The student faculty ratio is 12:1.  Academic emphasis at the College of William and Mary is on the liberal arts.  Student tours visiting campus may also want to explore Jamestown Island, Yorktown Battlefields and Colonial Williamsburg.

University of Virginia (Charlottesville & Wise)

Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University of Virginia is steeped in political and social history and inseparable from Jefferson’s vision of training the best minds as leaders.  With approximately 14,000 undergraduate students, 5,000 graduate students and 1,700 law and medical students, the university offers 51 bachelors degrees, 84 master’s degrees, two professional degrees in law and medicine, as well as 57 doctoral degrees in 55 fields.  Located in Charlottesville and Wise, Virginia, the heart of the main campus was designed by Thomas Jefferson and is visible from his estate, Monticello.  The original curriculum of University of Virginia was liberal arts and medicine, and the student body retains this character today.

Virginia Commonwealth University, VCU (Richmond)

This university serves 32,000 students with two campuses in Richmond:  Monroe Park and Medical College of Virginia (MCV).  VCU traces the founding date to 1838, when the medical college of Virginia was created.  The Monroe Park Campus opened in 1917.  In 1968, VCU was established as a public university.  Renowned as a research university, VCU offers the following degree programs:  60 Baccalaureate, 67 Master’s, and 40 Doctorate.  The university has a history of liberal arts teaching and also emphasizes medical research and health care.  Student life is focused in the historic downtown Fan district and at the many residence halls on campus.

Radford University (Radford)

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, in the New River Valley, Radford University is an aesthetically pleasing rural campus with an interesting history.  It originally began as the State Normal and Industrial School for Women in 1910 and the curriculum was designed to train teachers.  Later, it temporarily merged with Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VA Tech). When the turbulent 60s came and went, it impacted life on campus dramatically. Radford began a shift from a finishing school for girls to a public university open to men in 1972. Late in the 70s Radford attained university status.  Radford serves 9,000 students and provides 153 undergraduate and graduate programs. Though Radford began as an institution that trains teachers, it has expanded to a university that encompasses diverse academic studies. Colleges and departments include:  Business and Economics, Education and Human Development, Health and Human Services, Humanities and Behavioral Sciences, Science and Technology and the Visual and Performing Arts.

Virginia Tech (Blacksburg)

Virginia Polytechnic University, also known as Virginia Tech, is home to the Virginia Hokies football team and has established a name for excellence in engineering and technical fields.  The school serves over 30,000 students and has a 16:1 faculty student ratio.  Virginia Tech was founded in 1872 and boasts one of the largest number of degree offerings in Virginia.  This public land grant university also houses a 1,700-acre agriculture research farm located close to the main campus.  Like Radford, it is also located in the New River Valley, in a particularly scenic, rural area of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  In addition to engineering, VA Tech is known for Architecture and Urban Studies, Science, Business, and Agriculture and Life Sciences programs.

College tours of state universities in Virginia are worthwhile for in-state and out-of-state students who are juniors and seniors in high school.  There are so many excellent state colleges to choose from in Virginia, all with rich and varied histories and curricula. Request a quote for college tours.

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A Student Trip to California With an Eco Tour Focus

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Students groups studying science, biology, ecology and other related topics may want to consider planning an eco tour of California. This tour would encompass some of the most well known national forests in the United States.  Students would be able to see the California Redwoods up close and visit sites relevant to marine science.  A well-rounded trip might also include a visit to San Francisco, where there are natural areas to explore nearby and within the city limits.

Eco trips are a great opportunity for active learning about the natural world.  Visiting some of California’s natural treasures will impress upon students the importance of preserving these and other areas in the U.S. Following are some suggested itinerary stops for an eco tour of California, along with brief descriptions of what each place has to offer.

Sequoia National Park
Located in the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains, Sequoia National Park offers the ecology or science student a rare look at some of the largest mountain ranges in the West (rising to heights of 12,000 feet or greater) and some of the oldest and most well- preserved sequoia redwood trees.  Up until the late 1700s and early 1800s Sequoia National Park was inhabited by two different tribes of native Americans:  The Monache and Yokuts.  Students exploring the park will learn about their history and see their artifacts. In the late 1700s the Spanish explored the region. Later came hunters, trappers, loggers and miners. By 1890 this region became Sequoia National Park. Today it is called Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks – both in the same vicinity of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.  In addition to a rich history and some very special trees, the Sequoia National Park is also an excellent site for the study of geology with some unique features of the mountains, canyons and waterways.

Yosemite National Park
The famous naturalist John Muir was one of the main forces behind the creation of Yosemite National Park. Yosemite is approximately 200 miles from San Francisco and just over 300 miles from Los Angeles.  The park encompasses 1,169 square miles and is also home to many larger than life redwood trees.  Almost 95% of the park is designated as wilderness – making it a wonderful location for the study of ecology, biology, geology and other scientific subjects.  The park has many dramatic waterfalls, with Yosemite Falls being the tallest in North America at a height of 2,425 feet.   The highest peak in Yosemite is Mount Lyell at 13,114 feet; the most well-known is Half Dome, at 8,842 feet — this famous peak was cut in half by a glacier. The park offers a great deal of bio- diversity with many different plant and animal species, some which are unique to the park itself.

Cowell Redwoods State Park
At this California State Park, students can take a self-guided nature path tour to become familiar with the flora and fauna in the area. Here students will experience the wonder and magnificence of walking in old growth woods.  There are a variety of trees in the Cowell forest that have never been cut. Some of the trees in this park are 1400-1800 years old. These may include Redwoods and Douglas fir, Mandrone, Oak and Ponderosa pines.  The tallest tree in the state park is 285 feet and approximately 16 feet wide. Students will see the San Lorenzo River and visit the nature center and bookstore to learn more about the trees they see.

Monterey Bay Aquarium
A visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium offers students the chance to see the marine life that lives and feeds near the California coastline up close.  Some of the sea creatures that inhabit the aquarium include octopus, sea otters, pink flamingos and other wading birds and penguins. A visit to the Aviary offers a look at birds and animals that live near the ocean’s edge, including:  the leopard shark, sand crab, bat ray, bay ghost shrimp, North American plovers and red phalarope.  For student trips designed for seeking a more interactive adventure, group leaders can plan a sailing trip or surface scuba diving adventure with the Aquarium dive staff in the Great Tide Pool.

Morro Bay State Park
Students can further explore species that live on the California coast by taking a glimpse at marine life in the Morro Bay and lagoon.  The group can visit the Morro Bay State Park Museum and learn about the cultural history of the Morro Bay area, Native American settlements that once existed there and the unique geology of the bay. Groups can visit the saltwater marsh where they will have the opportunity to watch native birds in their natural habitat.  Another suggested stop near Morro Bay is the Museum of Natural History where they can opt to take a nature walk, view the exhibits, and learn about the Chumash and how they used native plants in their diets and daily lives.  The Museum of Natural history tour is recommended because it will further deepen students’ knowledge of the area.

If student groups have time in their schedule and wish to visit an urban area, San Francisco offers Twin Peaks and Fort Point National Historic Site, and other eco tour options. They can also visit well-known sites, such as the downtown district, Chinatown, Cannery Row and other places.

Eco tours are a rewarding experience for both teacher and student, because this type of trip is a great complement to learning through reading.  Teachers interested in advance preparation for trips can visit the websites of locations discussed in this article for learning modules and other materials.

To request a quote for an eco tour visit  http://www.educationaltravelconsultants.com and fill out the brief questionnaire. Or, email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com.

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School Choir Teacher Takes Students on Trip to NYC and Washington D.C.

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Performance tours are designed for student musicians and choirs to bring their music and song to new audiences.  These tours include visits to major student travel destinations such as Washington D.C., New York City or Orlando with fun, interesting and historical sites on the itinerary.  In addition to touring, there is a pre-booked performance date at a well-known location, such as the Statue of Liberty or Washington Cathedral.

I recently interviewed a teacher from Hawaii, Cora Palafox Aczon, who has traveled with her school choir for 13 years. Aczon began traveling since 1998 with her student choir to perform in different places like California, New York, Washington, D.C., and even in Vancouver.  Aczon says, “I started organizing these tours for choir purposes.  It is an opportunity to showcase the God-given talents of the students, and also to appreciate other parts of the world.”

Aczon has been a teacher for 16 years at Saint Anthony School (Honolulu), a private Catholic educational institution. As part of its religious mission, the school serves its own community in a variety of ways.  The choir sings at St. Anthony Parish on Sundays, First Fridays, Family Masses, and special days.  They also bring their music to the malls, community gatherings, and other places.  So it made perfect sense to me that the group leader would be interested in engaging students in community service while traveling in other cities.

There is always community work to be done, no matter where the student choir is traveling. Since service is part of the agenda for Aczon’s school trips, I take some time to research retirement communities, churches, and non-profit organizations in the area where her group is touring, to find organizations that serve the elderly, sick or disadvantaged populations. During the trip planning process, I run a few ideas past Cora Aczon to get a feel for what type of site works best for her group. The choir’s performance is always a welcome special event, no matter where they may be booked. Sometimes the choir’s performance location is determined by the travel dates and scheduled openings at host organizations.  If the group leader plans far enough in advance, he or she may have a choice of different locations

It is a long trip to the mainland United States from Hawaii.  The most recent trip Saint Anthony’s School Choir made was to New York City and Washington D.C. Aczon told me, “Some of the students and parents have never been to the mainland U.S.  Most of the students and parents have not gone to the East Coast yet.  They have read a great deal about these places in books, and have seen these places in movies.  The group wanted to have the feel and experience of being there, even just for a short time.” A performance tour is a wonderful way to explore the cities students study in history class. The performance allows students to take time to interact with the community, and get to know people there in a more intimate way.

On their visit to New York City, the Saint Anthony School Choir visited many popular destinations such as the United Nations, NBC Studios, the Empire State Building and Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum. They also toured Manhattan, dined at Planet  Hollywood and saw the Broadway musical, “Mary Poppins.”  The choir was scheduled to sing at the Statue of Liberty, but the entire group was a bit disappointed when their outdoor performance was rained out. Nevertheless, their visit to NYC was a memorable one and there were many positive experiences on their journey.

The Saint Anthony School Choir’s visit to Washington D.C. and performance there went as planned.  In D.C., the choir visited Arlington National Cemetery, Smithsonian American and Natural History Museums, the Supreme Court, the U.S. Capitol, Mount Vernon, and the Holocaust Museum.  The group even attended mass, and sang at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Capitol Hill.  They also performed at the Air & Seaman’s Home – where they were very well received.  Aczon recalled, “The choir’s performance was emotionally moving.  Some of the residents said they were at Pearl Harbor on December 7th and seeing and hearing the kids from Hawaii brought back memories of World War II.”  When student performance groups make a connection to people at the place they perform, they begin to understand that singing and community service does have an impact.

Student tours should provide active learning opportunities.  There must always be time for recreation and fun as well. I feel that performance tours with community service on the itinerary also open up the possibility of getting to know something about contemporary life and the people who live in large urban areas.  With community service as a component to a performance tour, students are able to hear and see the results of their work.  People in the community also have the chance to learn more about the lifestyles of the places where students originate. This exchange enriches all involved.

For more information about booking a performance tour or band trip, visit http://www.educationaltravelconsultants.com or email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com to request a quote.

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Art Teacher from IL Takes Students on Art Tours of Chicago, New Orleans and NYC

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Susan Dodd is an Art Teacher at Pittsfield High School in Illinois. She’s been taking her art students on city tours for a decade now.  Dodd says many of her students have never been to a museum or a large city.  “I want them to know there is a world outside of Pike County, Illinois,” she says.

When Dodd’s students take an art tour of a major city, the tours span three to four days and groups visit five to six museums and a few galleries. There are other fun things to do while visiting these urban areas, such as watch a theater performance or take a special tour of the city. Over the past 10 years, Dodd’s high school students have visited three major metropolitan areas:  Chicago, New Orleans, and New York City, and taken in the art and culture located in these places.

Points of Interest to Artists in Chicago
Chicago is a city rich in art. It’s also within close proximity to Pittsfield High School, in Pike County, IL — so it seemed like a natural choice for an initial art tour. Dodd and her group took their first overnight art tour of Chicago in 2001.  The class visited The Art Institute as well as the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio.  They also saw Shedd’s Aquarium and the Sears Tower. On a later trip back to Chicago Dodd’s group added a Gangster’s Tour to their itinerary. This was a great success, and students are still talking about it today.  Another high point of the student trip to Chicago was shopping on Michigan Avenue.

Chicago has a great deal to offer art students, but Dodd wanted them to see well beyond their own state.

New Orleans:  A City of Colorful Art and Architecture
Dodd’s family visits New Orleans each year. With this familiarity, it was an easy decision to create an art tour of New Orleans.  “I love the history of New Orleans,” says Dodd, “It is so different from other cities in the U.S.  It is like being in another country except you don’t need a passport!” Dodd says New Orleans art is characterized by a variety of color sprinkled with creativity.  There are many different types of art to view in New Orleans:  thickly painted oils of New Orleans French Quarter houses, abstract portraits of local people, hand blown glass sculptures, personal shrine sculptures, and the world famous Blue Dog series of paintings.  Some of the high points of touring New Orleans included:  the jazz dinner cruise, Mardi Gras World, Destrehan Plantation, and time spent in the French Quarter.

New York City: The Art Capital of the U.S.
New York City is likely the most revered art city in the United States.  So it was inevitable that Susan Dodd would want to take her class on a trip to the Big Apple to take in some of the museums, galleries, and shows there. Some highlights of the student trip to NYC included the Museum of Modern Art, where students viewed many of the paintings studied in art classes. These include: Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night, Henri Matisse’s Dance, Salvador Dali’s The Persistence of Memory and Pablo Picasso’s Girl Before the Mirror.  Students also visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Cloisters and the Morgan Library and Museum, where they viewed works that spanned many historical periods.  The student group also saw a Broadway production of The Lion King, and shopped on 5th Avenue.

Student Learning While Touring
Student’s educational experiences are important while touring.  Before touring museums or special exhibits, Dodd prepares her students with background information about the artists.  She also asks them to hunt for certain works by different artists or look for details in the work.  “I give them a sheet to check off their finds,” said Dodd.  “It makes them concentrate and spend a little more time in the museum,” she added.  She also asks them to sketch their favorite work while they are in museums, and explain why they like the work.  “This helps them with ideas when they’re back in the classroom,’ noted Dodd.

Dodd has a long list of successful former students. One of her former students is an architect in Chicago and another works for a large design company there.  A female student loved their visit to New York City so much that she went back to the city to enroll in college and is now an actress employed with a touring company that is doing well.  Another student is a graphic designer in Kansas City.

Dodd says the art tours she takes students on are well worth it because they add another dimension to her curriculum. In the future she may take her students back to New Orleans or even on an eco tour of Florida.

Request a Quote for an art tour of U.S. cities or email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com.

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Brush up on Spanish Speaking Skills: Cultural & Immersion Tour of Puerto Rico

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For many students studying Spanish, the ultimate way to test their speaking skills is to become immersed in a culture where it is the primary language.  These days, student travel groups may be less inclined to visit Mexico, due to news of attacks on American citizens traveling there.  Europe may be overpriced for smaller school trip budgets.  Puerto Rico is a great alternative to other destinations. Best of all – no passport is needed, since it is a U.S. Territory.

If the school group leader requests it – this tour is done completely in Spanish.  Students are challenged to speak Spanish while they travel.  Student travelers will eat locally made Puerto Rican food, learn Salsa dancing from locals, play dominoes and briscas, dine and converse with local guides and residents and swim and lodge where locals enjoy the beach.  Student travel groups will tour San Juan and Ponce, two of the largest cities in Puerto Rico, and also have the opportunity to explore rural areas, like the pristine beaches of Boquerón and Luquillo, the fishing village La Parguera, and El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the United States.

Read on to find out how this tour is structured to teach the Spanish student through an  immersion in Puerto Rican culture.

Dining Out in Puerto Rico
Student travelers will have authentic culinary experiences while touring. Eating locally prepared dishes is one way to learn more about everyday life in Puerto Rico. In San Juan, students will try authentic Afro-Caribbean dishes at Piñones restaurant.  While visiting the small fishing village of La Parquera in western Puerto Rico, students will be treated to a homemade dinner and snacks prepared by locals.  In Ponce, the group will eat an elegant Puerto Rican dinner at San Juan’s top salsa spot and may sample some churros – a fried pastry that is sometimes dipped in chocolate. While visiting El Yunque rainforest on the Northeast coast of Puerto Rico, students will sample Pinchos, a traditional Spanish snack eaten with toothpicks or skewers.

Experiencing Puerto Rican Culture
Salsa dancing is more popular than ever in Spanish speaking countries. Meanwhile a wave of enthusiasm for learning Salsa is sweeping the United States and other countries. On the first evening of the tour, students will take professionally taught Salsa lessons and participate in a workshop at one of Puerto Rico’s most prestigious dance schools. A few days later the group will dine in a top salsa restaurant in San Juan where they will listen to live Salsa music – where they may choose to practice some of the dance moves they learned.

On day two of the tour, students will see a Puerto Rican dance performance and participate in a workshop where they will learn the history and the moves of dance from Bomba y Plena to the current Reggaetón.

Towards the end of the tour students will learn to play dominós and briscas, two favorite local games, while relaxing after supper.

Spanish Language Learning Exercises
Foreign language teachers will be interested in hearing their students speak Spanish on tour, so the local tour guide has developed some fun and ingenious ways of learning.  On the first day of the tour he will teach the group how to sing Marc Anthony’s Preciosa, Puerto Rico’s unofficial anthem. By the final day of the tour the guide will ask students to sing Preciosa by heart.

Near La Parguera, students will have the opportunity to tour a public school and see how children in Puerto Rico learn.  The Principal will guide them around the school. Students will have a chance to test their Spanish by posing questions they may have about education in Puerto Rico – and be answered in Spanish.

While touring Ponce’s old and new farmers markets, students will participate in a Scavenger Digital Hunt.   They will learn the Spanish names for native fruits, vegetables and meat products.  This is a fun, hands-on way to learn new Spanish words using technology and real time interactions with the people of Puerto Rico.

This tour includes visits to rural areas and cities.  It can be adapted to any student travel group’s needs or preferences.  Because a Puerto Rican tour guide created it, the sites selected offer an insightful local viewpoint on culture, language and food.

Request a quote for a Cultural and Immersion Tour of Puerto Rico or email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com for more information.