Category Archives: New York City

Articles, New York City

Students Take College Tours in New York to Learn About Career Certificates and Degrees

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New York State has many choices for students who want to obtain a college degree. For students whose primary residence is New York, attending a state college or university can be more economical than private institutions and still offer premier learning opportunities.  Out-of-state and foreign students will also find the tuition and living expenses to be reasonable, especially for New York State community colleges.

Becoming acclimated to academic life is easier for some than others. Many students who plan to attend college have the utmost confidence, while others are uncertain they can adhere to the requirements and regimes of academic life.  For some families and individuals, community colleges are a good idea for those who may be unsure of their career path, yet they are academically disciplined and have the desire to attend college.

This college tour is designed for students interested in touring community colleges and four-year colleges in New York. These colleges are all part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system.  All offer affordable tuition for in-state and out-of-state students. There is something unique about Herkimer and Sullivan, both community colleges. Students at these community colleges are encouraged to live in residence halls and apartments on campus – whereas most community colleges are commuter schools.   Students who attend community colleges obtain associates degrees in traditional academic subjects and certificates to work in the technology and health care sectors as well as other professions.

Taking a group of students on a college tour of state colleges in New York is a wonderful way to familiarize even the shy or hesitant student with life on a college campus.  Encourage students to pursue a college education in their junior or senior years of high school by taking a group of college bound students on campus tour.  This is a sample itinerary of what a state college tour of New York looks like. There may be other colleges that trip leaders want to add to this student tour itinerary – which is flexible – so long as chosen schools are in the same (or nearby) region.

Sullivan Community College (SUNY)
Located in the Catskill Mountains, several hours north of New York City, Sullivan Community College is a part of the State University of New York (SUNY). This is an excellent choice for a community college, because there is a mixture of traditional academic disciplines and programs designed specifically to prepare students for professional occupations upon graduation. Sullivan’s campus is set on 405 acres and with contemporary buildings, and even includes on campus housing – priced very reasonably.  There are approximately 1,750 students at Sullivan Community College. Areas of study include preparation for nursing, culinary arts, computer graphics/graphic design, communication/media arts, green building maintenance and management, fire protection technology and emergency management. Other degree areas include: accounting, business administration, computer information systems, liberal arts and sciences and criminal justice. If students are motivated and performing in these disciplines, the foundational years will help prepare them to enter another SUNY school, or another college of choice, to pursue a four year college degree or even a graduate degree.

Delhi College
Also known as SUNY Delhi, Delhi College is located in the foothills of the Catskills Mountains.  With a 625-acre campus and over 50 degree programs to choose from as well as specialized certificates, SUNY Delhi gives students a wide variety of choices. Students can pursue Associate Degrees and Bachelor Degrees here. SUNY Delhi is only 3.5 hours from New York City and two hours from Albany, the state capital. There are over 3,100 students enrolled at this school and nearly 65% live on campus. Delhi College’s campus is scenic, with a student center and outdoor track, soccer and tennis courts, and a Mini Dome that serves as the sports and year round recreation complex.

Herkimer College (SUNY)
This community college has notable excellence in academics because it was selected by CNN Money as one of the top 100 community colleges in the U.S. and cited for its high graduation and transfer statistics. The Herkimer College campus is situated on a hilltop overlooking the Mowhawk River, in central New York State.    The campus features athletic fields and residences and a nature trail and cross country skiing and running trails, making it ideal for the student athlete or fitness conscious student. There are approximately 3,200 students at Herkimer, another state funded community college in the SUNY system. Students study for more than 40 different degrees and certificate programs. The Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) fields are emphasized here, and students can also study traditional fields such as Communication Arts, Health Care & Services, Education, Business, Art, Liberal Arts and Sciences and Criminal Justice and Law.

Morrisville State College (SUNY)
Morrisville State College is located in central New York, not far from Syracuse and south of Utica. The college has two locations: one in Morrisville and another in Norwich, New York.  Students who want to pursue either a two-year (Associates Degrees) and/or a four-year (Bachelors Degrees) course of study may do so at this college.  There is plenty of programs to choose from that may not be found elsewhere:  Agricultural Business Development, Automotive Technology, and Entrepreneurship and Business Management as well as Equine Science and Horticulture Business Management. Like other colleges on this tour, Morrisville State provides student housing and dining programs and tuition and living expenses are very affordable.  Campus life includes athletics, student sponsored clubs and events and a dedication to experiential learning – or learning while doing. The school has an impressive list of labs (such as a public restaurant for those studying Entrepreneurship and Business Management, an Equine Therapy facility for individuals studying Equine Science, and Nelson Farm for those studying Horticulture).

New York State has some innovative and unique approaches to higher education that prepare students for degrees and give them valuable hands-on learning opportunities in a variety of professions.  The SUNY college system is an excellent example of the way in which academia can partner with corporations and organizations to prepare students for any number of occupations.  This makes the students’ transition from college to the professional world much easier because programs are specifically designed to train the workforce of the future.  For many students, a two year program that trains them for a profession will give them an excellent start in the workforce, while others will continue on to pursue four-year and advanced degrees.  This college tour gives students a glimpse into their possible future and is a great way of preparing them to make some career choices.

Request a Quote for a group college tour of New York.

Articles, New York City

Educational Travel Consultants Awarded Three-Year Contract for College Tours in New York

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(Hendersonville, NC)  Educational Travel Consultants, a student travel company based in Hendersonville, North Carolina, was awarded a contract by Federation Employment and Guidance Services (FEGS) in New York City. The three-year contract funds students from underserved neighborhoods to take college tours in the State of New York. Administrators of the workforce development program have been instrumental in steering students towards obtaining college degrees and certificates from technical and trade schools. FEGS participants also compete for employment opportunities throughout New York.

Educational Travel Consultants (ETC) was selected out of a group of student travel companies that submitted proposals for college tours. ETC had demonstrated experience at college tours in the past. Howard Clemens, CEO of ETC, said, “We are proud to be working with FEGS.  Six different college tours have taken place since the three-year contract was awarded last year. Financially disadvantaged students have the opportunity to take two and three day trips to visit colleges, giving them a glimpse into their possible futures.” Clemens says, “ETC was awarded the contract by FEGS because of the quality of the student tour experience and economical pricing.”

Sandi Rosenthal is Senior Director of Workforce Development at Education and Youth Services in New York City. Rosenthal reflected upon a recent college tour from April 16-17, 2014 with South Shore and Bronx Community High School students.  “Students toured Sullivan Community College, Delhi College, Herkimer College and the State University of New York (SUNY) Morrisville State,” said Rosenthal.  In addition to the tour, the student group stayed overnight in Utica, New York and enjoyed some dining and entertainment activities.

Educational Travel Consultants has been conducting student tours in the U.S. for over 30 years.  The company is based in Hendersonville, North Carolina, and has taken student groups to Washington D.C., New York City and Orlando, Florida, as well as other popular student travel destinations.  Theme tours of major cities include art tours, performance tours, music festivals, science and history tours. ETC has taken students from the U.S. and abroad on tour of U.S. colleges and other destinations.  ETC’s professional staff works with teachers to create tours that reflect curricular objectives and are affordable for all students.  Visit:  http://www.educationaltravelconsultants.com.

Contact: Howard Clemens, 828-693-0412
info@educationaltravelconsultants.com

Articles, College Tours, New York City

Education and Youth Services Takes Student Travel Groups from NYC on College Tours

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by Howard Clemens

Many students from New York City’s five boroughs have never been outside of the city where they live.  Some have not stayed overnight in a hotel. Educational and Youth Services has organized college tours for students interested in attending college. These tours give prospective college students from under served communities a chance to leave the city for destinations like upstate New York, Boston or Washington D.C. These student travelers explore what it might be like to live outside New York City in an academic environment with their peers.

For many entering the workforce, a job is far more lucrative with foundational training.  Sandi Rosenthal is the Senior Director of Workforce Development at Education and Youth Services in New York. She has been working with the 16-24 age group for several years, helping them to decide between college, trade and tech schools, or full-time employment.

There are lots of opportunities right in New York City for trade and technical schools and employment.  “We do take students to City University of NY (CUNY) locally, all the time.  We also explore some of the better vocational programs, such as culinary and IT schools, to expose them to these types of professions,” said Rosenthal.  “These organizations train students and they earn a certificate rather than a degree.  Often these students are placed in jobs after completion of the programs, thanks to excellent job placement services,” added Rosenthal.

Then there are the students who perform well academically or have shown promise at the community college level and want to seek an advanced degree.  Like their peers, they need to reach out and tour college campuses, to get a feel for college life. But not all students have the time or resources to leave the city and travel. Nor do their parents, who struggle with the high cost of living in New York City – one of the most expensive cities in the U.S.

So Education and Youth Services has designed a program to make sure these students have a glimpse of academic life. It’s already in its second year. “This year we are taking students to the State University of New York,” said Rosenthal.  “Choosing a college like SUNY gives those who want to attend a chance to leave New York City and they can still return to visit their families by bus or train.”   Student groups may also tour colleges in Boston and Washington D.C.. “On these types of student trips we expose them to colleges as well as some of the cultural sites in these historic cities,” commented Rosenthal.

A firsthand look at college life inspires many to begin the laborious college application process.  “Kids do apply to some of the schools they’ve actually visited,” says Rosenthal.  When students show an interest in a school, Workforce Development staff steps them through the long process of application forms and fees, SATs, and financial aid applications.   This oversight ensures that many who truly want a higher education have a chance to receive one.  “If students leave colleges they attended outside of NYC and come back home, we also work to help get them back into local colleges, taking them through the application process again,” said Rosenthal.

Workforce Development for Educational and Youth Services in New York City is a large organization. Before embarking on this project the organization put out a request for bids. Three to four organizations replied. Educational Travel Consultants (ETC) bid to design and execute these college tours was accepted. ETC is based in Hendersonville, North Carolina and has has been taking students on college tours for over five years. The educational travel company has designed college tours for specific areas of the U.S. and different types of colleges such as historically black colleges or Ivy League universities.  Often guidance counselors and teachers at the high school level will organize these college tours so students with academic aspirations have a chance to survey several colleges before making a choice about where to apply and attend.

Request a quote for college tours anywhere in the U.S.

Articles, New York City

Broadway Musicals 2014: Fun and Appropriate Shows for School Trips to NYC

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This year, Broadway Musicals are more popular than ever with student tour groups going to New York City.  I usually recommend the most sought after tickets on Broadway to student trip leaders. This article contains my selection of musicals popular in 2014. If an educational travel company works far enough in advance (six months to one year) we usually can obtain group tickets to the performance of choice.  For many school trips, large blocks of tickets are required.  So, working in advance as much as possible is key to obtaining a block of seats for the musical of choice.

Since the popularity of Disney’s High School Musical, many student travelers are interested in attending a Broadway Musical. For some, it is an once-in-a-lifetime event. Make it special for students by making them part of the process. Teachers may discuss which musical to see while still in the planning stages of a student trip.

Here are my recommendations for student travel groups in the 2014 Broadway season:

Wicked is one of the most popular shows on Broadway in 2014.

Wicked
This popular musical offers a new twist on the Wizard of Oz, told from the perspective of the green, (bad?) witch.  Audiences will get to know Glenda, the good witch, too.  Wicked turns ideas about magic and the Wizard of Oz upside down, and does it with terrific songs and a great storyline that follows the novel, Wicked, closely.  For audiences, the stage set of Wicked will offer some special supernatural surprises showing the depths of the power of Oz with digital light and sound effects and phenomenal stage construction.  Wicked is taking the U.S. by storm, offering shows in major cities, too.  But there’s nothing like seeing Wicked on Broadway.

Mamma Mia is filled with Abba songs. Audiences sing-a-long.

Mamma Mia
Many people expect Mamma Mia to be an Abba tribute. It’s true that the musical uses Abba’s music in the Broadway Musical production. The storyline for the musical is unique, and originally written, with Abba songs woven through it. It’s about a woman in search of her real father, and on her wedding day, three of her mother’s former boyfriends present themselves. Mamma Mia is set in the era of Abba music, the 1970s, and uses retro costuming and stage sets to glamourize the period.  This musical is now celebrating its 10th year on Broadway!  Dancing Queen, and the signature song, Mamma Mia are some of the songs audience anticipate. It’s the kind of musical where you will see people dancing and singing along.

The Lion King
This epic production of Disney’s The Lion King is not to be missed. This musical has it all.   Thanks to costuming and scenery that captures the magic of Africa, an all star cast headed by Alton Fitzgerald White as Mufasa and Gareth Saxe as Scar and music and lyrics that inspire — The Lion King is one of the hottest tickets on Broadway.   In New York City there are eight performances each week.  Teachers interested in taking classes to see The Lion King need to book as far in advance as possible.

The Phantom of the Opera
This Broadway Musical has been a top running show for decades and can be considered an all time classic.  With the lyrics to The Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd Weber, the soundtrack has become familiar to many.  Learn more about the Phantom, a mysterious male figure who resides in the depths of the Paris Opera house, and roams the building whenever he pleases.   The Phantom is in love with Christine, a new, young chorus singer he helps teach – and catapults to operatic fame.  The costuming, scenery, music and dance are sure to thrill and captivate any student group audience.

Seeing a show on Broadway in New York City is a wonderful experience for any student.  Selecting the show is often difficult for trip leaders, because there are so many excellent, worthwhile musicals to see. This is my own selection of Broadway Musicals that are popular right now – and appropriate for student travel groups. There are numerous other plays student groups may enjoy or educators may find Broadway Musicals which parallel their curriculum in some way.  Learn more by visiting Broadway.com.

Include a Broadway musical in a school trip to New York City. Book a school trip today by visiting http://www.educationaltravelconsultants.com.

Articles, New York City

Student Travel to NYC: Ellis Island Reopens

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One of the most popular and most visited national monuments in the United States, Ellis Island, is now partially reopened after receiving devastating blows from Hurricane Sandy in October 2012.

Preparing Students for a Trip to New York City to See The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Prior to a class trip to New York City, teachers often encourage students to spend time in the classroom viewing the Statue of Liberty’s various webcams. There is the Crown Cam, the Torch Cam, and even a full panorama live streaming cam.  In 1916 access to the torch was restricted, making these webcams the first ever completely unobstructed view of the New York harbor in generations.

Webcams are a great way to familiarize students, but taking a boat trip to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is a once in a lifetime adventure for many who have never visited NYC or this historic site before.

Thousands of people are back to visiting the State of Liberty again each day after interruptions from damage by Hurricane Sandy, and the Federal Government shutdown in October 2013.   Did you know Lady Liberty’s face (not including the crown) is eight feet high?  This 225-ton statue was a gift to the United States from France in 1886 to commemorate the important friendship between the two nations during the American Revolution.  The statue was 350 pieces that had to be shipped to New York harbor then reassembled, a giant metal puzzle representing the brave fight for liberty.  The famous Emma Lazarus poem “The New Colossus” from the voice of the statue ends with the remarkable reminder, “Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, / I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

An incredible, breathtaking journey awaits all students who visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.  Over twelve million weary, overwrought human beings passed through Ellis Island between the years 1892 and 1954.  More than half a century of immigration occurred in the shadow of the Statue of Liberty, first designated as a check in point by president Benjamin Harrison.  The Native American’s called Ellis Island Kioshk, or Gull Island because of the abundant oyster beds the birds would feed on.

Many history and social studies teachers know that one of the most important places in the United States to visit for a significant historical and cultural reference is Ellis Island.  Students can learn more about immigration to the United States during the years of growth and even investigate their own ancestry – provided they come prepared with information.

The American Immigrant Wall of Honor on the Ellis Island tour is astounding and has the effect of connecting many to their history as immigrants. The wall overlooks the Statue of Liberty and is the longest wall of names in the world, and you can join fourth and fifth generation Americans pouring over the wall looking for long lost relatives from Ireland, Italy, Germany, and other countries.

The People of America Center is the newest expansion of Ellis Island’s historic landmark built to preserve the countless stories of the families who came to make this one of the greatest nations on Earth.  The exhibits are interactive and engaging, with stories ranging from the pre-Colonial immigration patterns to the great potato famine of Ireland.

The Flag of Faces exhibit is one of the most popular interactive displays at Ellis Island to date.  Individual American faces set into the mosaics of red, white, and blue to make the American flag.  You too can have your face and the faces of your family included in this project while it is still in process.  Ask about this opportunity when visiting, or check out the Ellis Island Foundation website for additional details.  You want to make sure to stop and spend some time with the Flag of Faces exhibit when on tour at Ellis Island.

The American Family Immigration History Center is one of the true highlights of any tour to Ellis Island.  This engaging interactive exhibit allows visitors to access immigrant boat passenger records of more than 22 million people.  When visiting students should come prepared by bringing the full name of an ancestor, their ethnicity, and approximate landing time in the Port of New York or Ellis Island. Chances are good these inquiries will result in seeing actual data on the first day the first member of a family stepped foot on American soil.  There are also photos of ships and manifest records to be viewed, as featured on The Today Show on broadcast television.

Student trip leaders may now plan trips that incorporate a visit to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Now is the time to start going back to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, since many repairs have been made. The entire facility is not yet ready for the complete tour.  Expect renovations on the rest of Ellis Island to be underway during 2013 and 2014 – until complete.

For more information on booking a student travel group on a tour of New York City that includes a visit to Ellis Island and other destinations, visit http://www.educationaltravelconsultants.com.

New York City, Washington D.C.

Educational Travel Consultants Expands Staff, Celebrates 30 Years in Business

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(Hendersonville, NC)  Educational Travel Consultants (ETC) celebrates its 30th year in the student travel business. ETC was founded by Howard and Cheryl Clemens, now deceased. Their daughters, Tiffany and Kristen Clemens, are assuming management roles in the company this year, with their father, Howard Clemens, as CEO.  “I’m pleased Tiffany and Kristen are as committed to this company as I am,” remarked Howard Clemens.  “We’ve been organizing student trips to Washington D.C. and other locations since they were children, so they have plenty of experience.  Their mother was a real motivating force in getting them involved in running the company.”

Tiffany Clemens graduated from the University of Texas Brownsville with a Bachelors degree in International Business. She speaks Spanish and is working on a Certificate from New York University in Spanish to English translation. Tiffany Clemens has worked for ETC since 2002 and she is the General Manager.

Kristen Clemens has a background in education. Her previous positions were at the Love and Learning Pre-School and Telamond Migrant Headstart. At Telamond, she used her fluency in Spanish to work with a Hispanic student population.  Kristen Clemens is Educational Travel Coordinator for K-12 school trips.

ETC began by serving the Washington D.C., New York City and Orlando student travel markets in 1983, with informative educational tours for K-12 groups at affordable prices with no hidden charges or fees.

As the company evolved, student tours of Philadelphia, Boston, New York City, Williamsburg and Gettysburg were added to the roster as well as other major U.S. cities and some Canadian and Mexican destinations.

ETC became popular with educators who coordinated trips with the company each year.  ETC founders and staff started to formulate specific tours geared towards areas of study such as history, science, performance and other types of class trips. Staff accommodated teachers by designing custom school trips to focus on special areas of study.  The professionalism ETC staff demonstrates has enabled the company to retain loyal teachers and student travelers for decades.

Over the past three decades, ETC established a solid name as a student tour company to be relied upon to keep prices for individual students low enough for the maximum number of students to attend their class trips.  Visit the website to learn more about Educational Travel Consultants or email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com.

Articles, New York City

Statue of Liberty Reopening, Updates on Observation Tower for 911 Memorial

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By Howard Clemens

Good news for student travel groups planning trips to New York City: the Statue of Liberty will be reopening this July—right in time for 2013’s July 4th celebration, says the National Park Service. This event, eagerly awaited since last fall, represents an important time in the history of both New York City and the nation at large.

The statue has been closed since Hurricane Sandy made landfall (a day after the statue’s 126th birthday) in late October of 2012. This means that student travel groups traveling to NYC this autumn will be able to experience an historic and exciting reopening.

Reservations for Statue’s Crown to Open in September 2013

The Statue of Liberty has been one of the world’s premiere student travel destinations for generations. Though nearby Ellis Island is not yet scheduled to reopen, the Statue, which welcomed 3.7 million visitors in 2011, is expected to become one of this fall’s most popular destinations. Student travel groups will once again be able to visit the famous observation area inside the Statue’s crown. Ask your student travel company to make reservations now for a visit to the Statue of Liberty in the fall of 2013.  More information, including updates on the Ellis Island reopening, can be found by visiting the National Park Service’s website. Reservations will be facilitated by the Statue’s official ferry provider, Statue Cruises.

Student Trips to NYC can include a visit to the Statue of Liberty with Other Historic Sites

Student travel groups who will be visiting during the statue’s historic reopening will benefit from combining their trip with visits to other important NYC sites. The Empire State Building, the Museum of Modern Art, the Guggenheim Museum, Times Square, and Governor’s Island are only a few of the limitless options available to groups. Coney Island is also a famous landmark that’s an easy subway ride from Manhattan. Student travel group leaders may choose to visit any of New York’s many famous and thriving neighborhoods, like Chinatown, Little Italy, Greenwich Village, and the art district of SoHo. Student groups can visit Central Park and Madison Square Garden, or tour the United Nations. The NYC “Sky Ride”, which departs from the second floor of the Empire State Building, is a simulated way for students to experience the city from the air via a “specially designed platform which moves in sync to an 18 foot high-definition screen,” according to the attraction’s website.

Preview of 911 Memorial Observation Deck promises historic opportunity to-come for students

This month, select guests and media were given a preview of the observation deck for the 911 Memorial. According to an article in the Tampa Bay Times, the observation deck tours will be “packaged like a theme park ride,” and visitors to the deck will watch a narrated video before “the actual panoramic view is revealed.” The deck is slated to be completed in 2014 and is expected to be “The Yankee Stadium of observation decks.” So student travel groups will have an exciting and historic visit to look forward to once the panorama opens to the public, most likely in 2015. The 911 Museum itself will also be opening in 2014, which will provide student travel groups with an even more valuable experience.

The Statue of Liberty is one of NYC’s most famous landmarks, and students will be able to be a part of its legacy by visiting it when it is once again unveiled. This year will provide great and unprecedented opportunities for groups to see this symbol of freedom in a brand new light.

Request a quote for student travel to NYC.

Articles, New York City

War of 1812 Bicentennial Events Offer Diverse Interactive Experiences for Student Travel Groups

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By Howard Clemens

Many celebrations for the War of 1812 Bicentennial are planned for this year, providing a-once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for student travel groups to participate in festivities, lectures, and interactive events that honor this pivotal event in American and British history.  Events are planned throughout the year, all over the United States, so there are many options for student travel groups to choose from.

Some student tour groups may want to travel to Baltimore and Washington D.C., where many events are planned to celebrate pivotal battles.  Other groups may travel to New Orleans. Some student trips may focus on a trip to Fort Niagara, not far from Niagara Falls, and couple this with a tour of New York City – taking the opportunity to see historical sites there.

Here is a sampling of some of the War of 1812 activities that will appeal to educational travel groups. For the most up-to-date information, consult appropriate websites, because events will be announced throughout this year and into 2015.

War of 1812 Events to Offer Historical Reenactments, On-site Tours, and More

New Orleans Commemorates the War of 1812
The world famous City of New Orleans hosts one of the most epic bicentennial celebrations of all: one that spans four years. Beginning in 2012 and ending in 2015, the celebration features a dazzling array of visiting ships, air shows, and other festivities, including touring ships that will be making their way to ports from New Orleans to Virginia to Baltimore to Boston.

Battle of Baltimore and Composition of the Star Spangled Banner Celebrated in September

Further up the coast, the Fort McHenry Star-Spangled Banner Celebration will occur September 13-15, 2013. This celebration pays homage to Defender’s Day, also known as Baltimore’s oldest holiday. The festivities, which take place in Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Md., commemorate Francis Scott Key’s writing of the “Star Spangled Banner” as well as the Battle of Baltimore and the bombardment of Fort McHenry. Festivities will include historical reenactments and cannon demonstrations, as well as parades and a lineup of educational and historical presentations.

Boston, Massachusetts Commemorates the War of 1812

The USS Constitution Museum in Boston will also be holding many special events throughout the year. Though the majority of major events and dignitary speakers are slated for the summer, there are still plenty of commemorative programs going on through the spring and fall.  Students can also visit the Old Ironsides War of 1812 Discovery Center, which is open throughout the year and features games and interactive exhibits.

Many Notable Bicentennial Events to Take Place in Proximity to Niagara Falls

Many of the War of 1812 battles occurred around Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, so several bicentennial festivities will be taking place in that area.  On December 19, 2013, the Anniversary of the Capture of Fort Niagara, billed as a “once in a lifetime bicentennial event” will be observed at Fort Niagara in Youngstown, NY, a magnificent location not far from Niagara Falls. Fort Niagara, a National Historic Landmark, has more than 100,000 visitors a year, including many student travel groups. The Fort has an extensive collection of 18th and 19th Century military materials, as well as many living history reenactments, educational programs, and archaeological and historical exhibits. Fort Niagara’s ready proximity to Niagara Falls makes it easy for student groups to take a day trip there, too.  Many student tour leaders choose to combine a trip to Niagara Falls with a visit to New York City.

September 1-10 ushers in the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie, one of the War of 1812’s largest naval battles, which established the United States’ control over Lake Erie and led to the winning of the Battle of the Thames.  This historic celebration will take place in Put-on-Bay, Ohio, and feature a “Tall Ships festival” with historical reenactments, fireworks, cannon firings, and other festivities. Students will have the option of taking a day tour of many of the ships, and guided tours are available. Speakers will include representatives from British, Canadian, and Native American Indian groups, as well as other dignitaries, to be announced. Visit the Battle of Lake Eerie Bicentennial website for more information.

The War of 1812 is a major milestone in history, and students lucky enough to travel to any of these destinations during its bicentennial will be rewarded by participating in its many commemorative educational events and festivities. While some events and the attendance of dignitaries are not yet announced, more information can be found by visiting the Official War of 1812 Bicentennial Website or the National Park Service’s website.

Articles, New York City

On-site Access to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Still Closed to Student Groups Visiting New York City

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by Howard Clemens

The Statue of Liberty is a popular student travel destination in NYC. It has been closed since Hurricane Sandy in October, 2012 but will reopen later in 2013.

Post Hurricane Sandy damage does have an affect on student groups, because as of February 2013, the Statue of Liberty, a major NYC student travel destination, is still closed.  But student tour groups can still experience an awe-inspiring view of Lady Liberty by taking a scenic and exciting cruise around it. The famous landmark, located on its very own 12 acre mini piece of land known as Liberty Island, was flooded out—though fortunately not damaged—when Hurricane Sandy hit it last October.

Hurricane Sandy put nearly 75 percent of Liberty Island underwater. The island is still without power, but generators are being used to light the statue, so students will still be able to appreciate the wonder of seeing it lit up at night. The Statue of Liberty was undergoing renovation and had reopened to the public on October 28 of last year—her 125th anniversary—only to be closed again the following day when the hurricane hit.

Ellis Island has also been closed since Hurricane Sandy struck in late October 2012.

Student Travel Leaders, Alternatives for Trips to NYC Include Boat Tours

Historical Ellis Island, located in nearby Jersey City, NJ, is also still closed to visitors. The Island was almost completely submerged during the storm, and is still in the process of being cleared of debris and restored to normal, but students will still be able to see it by cruising around it. There are many Harbor tour companies in the NYC area that go all over Manhattan Island, some of which, like City Sights New York, feature dinner or brunch. Circle Line Sightseeing Tours offers day or night cruises ranging from three hours to 75 minutes. It’s easy to make a day or night-out of the expedition, depending on the particular teacher’s objectives and the student travel group’s schedule. One of the area’s most popular cruises is the Statue of Liberty Harbor Cruise, which departs 14 times a day on the half hour. As the historical entry point for millions of immigrants, Ellis Island is an important site for any student tour of NYC to include.  Staten Island, another popular student travel destination, is accessible, though parts of it are still undergoing relief efforts.

Student Tours to NYC Offer Many Options Despite Closings

No teacher or student travel group leader should have to feel that their students are going to be compromised by the closures or that their students are going to miss out on one of the highlights of a student tour of New York City.  There are still a multitude of cultural sites for students to see in the city. Some of the most popular ones include the Broadway theater district and Times Square, the United Nations, Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Students can also visit Greenwich Village, Chinatown, and Little Italy to immerse themselves in the kinds of hands-on, authentic cultural experiences that only the Big Apple can offer.

Post Sandy Experience of NYC Landmarks Affords Antique Historical Perspective for Students

It should also be remembered that post-Hurricane Sandy boat tours around the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island can provide students a unique historical perspective, as closures of this sort are obviously rare. Combining a cruise around the sites with visits to other important NYC landmarks can be an enlightening way for students to try to put contemporary events and challenges into perspective, especially surrounding issues of diversity and immigration.  Visiting Ellis Island and seeing the Statue of Liberty by boat is a reminder that these issues must be incorporated into studies in ways that will enrich their understanding of the times they live in. Hurricane Sandy is also a pivotal point in NYC history, so such perspectives have value as a regional examination, as well.

There is a tentative reopening date of October 2013 for both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Student travel organizers can keep abreast of developments by visiting the official National Park Service website, or visiting their Twitter page.

For more information about student trips to NYC, request a quote online.

Articles, College Tours, New York City, Washington D.C.

Eastern U.S. Explorer Tour the Ultimate Student Travel Experience for Chinese Students

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The Eastern US Explorer tour is a great opportunity for Chinese students to tour the Eastern Seaboard of the United States. This tour is longer than most student tours, spanning a 10-12 day period, rather than just a four to seven days. The student tour was specifically designed for Chinese students to experience college tours of select U.S. universities, see cultural and historic sites in the Eastern United States and shop at some of the most desirable locations in New York City, Washington D.C. and other destination cities.   Encompassing everything from camping and outdoor activities to visits to Harvard and Yale to the glamour of NYC and Broadway, this is a fully integrated cultural immersion tour students are guaranteed never to forget.

Fully guided tours of NYC and Boston provide firsthand look at American history

The adventure starts in Boston, with a day scheduled at Thompson Island Outward Bound.  There, students will learn about the environment and experience the fun of the outdoors with the Trust and Self-Reliance program, which includes a ‘high ropes challenge’ and a ferry ride. Students will also take a guided tour of Boston’s Freedom Trail, which includes Boston Common, the State House, and the USS Constitution, famously known as ‘Old Ironsides.’ While in the Boston area, Chinese students will visit Walden Pond, made famous by Henry David Thoreau, and spend an afternoon at Plymouth Plantation on a reproduction of the world famous Mayflower ship, on which the pilgrims crossed. These activities will expose them to unique aspects of American history.

From Boston and surrounding areas, students will travel to New York City. The guided tour of the Big Apple includes trips to Madison Square Garden, Chinatown, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, NBC Studios, Wall Street and the New York Stock Exchange, the Empire State Building, and many other notable sites. Students will also experience the thrill of a night on Broadway, which includes dinner and a musical.

College Tours of Ivy League Universities and Top Name Schools

During the course of the trip, students will tour Harvard, Yale, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), New York University (NYU), Columbia University, and others. All tours include lunch and/or opportunities to sit in on classes.  A full portrait of the academic landscape is presented, including an opportunity to see what typical day-to-day life at various campuses is like. At Harvard, students will lunch with others in the freshman residence hall. At NYU, they will request to sit in on a business or women’s studies class. At Columbia University, they’ll attend a journalism or marketing class. And at Yale, they’ll have the opportunity to meet with the Yale-China Association and the SOM Program for Social Enterprise.

Exploring Humanitarian, Social, and Environmental Causes

Exposure to different aspects of existence is essential to education. So, students will have the opportunity to volunteer at a NYC soup kitchen or homeless shelter.  They will also volunteer at a retirement center or senior home. Interacting with others in these environments will provide students with a chance to see sides of American life that is not immediately visible to a traveler, and to develop a deeper appreciation for the value of service to others. Students will also visit Honey Brook Organic Farm in New Jersey, where they will have the opportunity to learn about sustainable living.

The final leg of the tour will be in Washington, D.C.—a visit that will include a full tour of the US Capitol. Student tour leaders will also be given the opportunity to schedule a visit with a U.S. Senator or Congressman, up close and in person.  And they’ll enjoy an Illuminated tour of Memorials and Monuments, which includes the Lincoln, Jefferson, Vietnam, World War II, and Korean memorials, among others. They will also visit the Supreme Court and the Smithsonian Museums, and may tour the White House, depending upon availability.

Chinese Student Travel in the U.S.

The U.S. Explorer Tour has been consistently described by students and educators as the ‘ultimate’ tour for students wanting to be introduced to America’s educational system, history, and culture. By being fully comprehensive and interactive, it has served to help students acclimate to U.S. culture more easily, and provided a vivid and unforgettable portrait of what academic and cultural life in the U.S. is like.