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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.

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A School Trip from Bermuda Takes a Science Tour of Orlando

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Often teachers will approach me with a general idea for a school trip to a certain destination. I work closely with educators to customize tours that reflect their curriculum and provide fun and interesting sites on the itinerary.

Heather Stevens is school Coordinator for Overseas Educational Tours.  She is a Para Educator for pre-kindergarten through fifth graders at Purvis Primary school in Bermuda.  She needed guidance and ideas for an educational trip to Orlando. Stevens wanted her students to visit Walt Disney World, and engage in the study of science.

Walt Disney World in Florida has some excellent science-focused educational programs in their Youth Education Series (Y.E.S.). There are some specific programs geared towards the science student:  Synergy in Science (Epcot Center), Wild by Nature (Animal Kingdom), Seaworld Education Program and Physics – Energy & Waves (Magic Kingdom).  Disney World exhibits are used as examples of the direct application of technology and science.  This hands on learning experience is fun and educational for students.

The Principal, Deputy Principal and teachers scheduled the student group for all of the programs mentioned above.  Student favorites included Animation Magic, Physics – Energy & Waves and Animals of Florida.  “The students have been learning about animals and their habitats,” commented Stevens, “and we have an annual science fair each February.”  She continued, “The YES Programs about Everyday Chemistry and Physics were a great tie in for our students as well.”

Students also participated in the Synergy in Science Program at Epcot Center, where children are taught about the creativity and technology behind Disney’s entertainment programs.   “The students were thrilled. Many spoke about their experiences in Epcot in their journal,” said Stevens.

Stevens feels the trip to Walt Disney World was a useful learning tool because:

  1. Children are able to relate to hands on activities.
  2. Students retain a lot of information given.
  3. Many of the students enjoy the movement.
  4. This type of experience taps into a variety of learning styles.

During the trip to Walt Disney World, students were asked to keep a reflective journal.  When they returned to Purvis Primary school in September 2010, the writing was shared by students at “an assembly of the entire school, where they gave details about the trip and shared pictures,” according to Stevens.

Students are more likely to retain the information acquired during active learning experiences if they are told to record their thoughts in writing, or speak about them afterward.

When students presented their experiences to others, they said their favorite programs were Animation Magic – where they learned about how a haunted house works by going backstage. Many of the students also had positive thoughts on the Seaworld Education Program.

This February, the children have been busy with the Science Fair. And, although they may not take a school trip this June, Stevens said she would like to do so again in the future. “Working with an educational travel company helped us create the core learning experiences for the trip. We would not have been able to travel as a school without this component,” noted Stevens.

There are many different Disney Y.E.S. programs to choose from these days, as the educational series has expanded over the years.  Some of the newer programs include:  The American Story (history), Showbiz Magic at La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil an inside look at the Cirque de Soleil performers, Milennium Cultures (World Showcase), and Disney’s Leadership Excellence: The Inside Track.  This is just a sampling of the many Y.E.S programs available to student travel groups in a variety of subjects.

The great part about scheduling a student group trip to Orlando to participate in Y.E.S. Programs, according to Heather Stevens, is “it’s educational fun for the adults as well.”

For more information on visiting Orlando with a student group, Request a Quote or email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com.

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An Eco Tour of Puerto Rico Designed for Student Travel Groups

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The island of Puerto Rico is an excellent choice for student groups who want to travel to a destination with well-preserved ecological features. Since Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, students, teachers and chaperones can travel there without a passport.

Puerto Rico is rich in Colonial and native history.  It is also a spectacular destination for an eco tour.  El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. and well worth the visit.  The island is peppered with small fishing villages, offering unique hands on learning experiences for students studying marine science as well.

While student groups are touring Puerto Rico, they can also visit the historic cities of Ponce and Old San Juan, eat authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, take Salsa lessons, and learn about the local culture.
Following is an overview of some of the main sites student groups can visit while taking an eco tour of Puerto Rico.

La Parguera – A Fishing Village with Unique Learning Opportunities
Students will visit La Parguera, a small fishing village in Western Puerto Rico.  There the group will be able to feed Iguanas, identify birds, and even catch starfish.  A local fisherman will speak to the group about everyday life in his profession, and students will interact with marine life up close.  After enjoying a meal prepared by the locals, the group will embark on a bioluminescent night bay tour.   The bay tour is a supervised swim where students will see dinoflagelates (plankton) that glow in the dark and fish that light up underwater.

The Tropical Rainforest El Yunque
Protected by the Federal Forest Reserve for over one hundred years, El Yunque is truly a treasure, since it is a well- preserved rainforest. Like many rainforests, El Yunque has a complex eco system with a wide variety of flora and fauna, animals, insects, reptiles and birds.  Exotic scenery includes large cascading waterfalls, views of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea and a canopy of age-old trees.  Student tour groups will take a guided hike of El Yunque that includes swimming under the waterfalls.  Afterwards, students will have a lunch of Pinchos and spend time on Luquillo beach.

Ponce: Once Spain’s Capital City
Ponce is the second largest city in Puerto Rico and was named after Juan Ponce de Leon’s great-grandson, Loiza Ponce de Leon, who founded it in 1692.    Student travel groups may opt to take a walking or trolley tour of this historic city, where they will explore old and new farmers markets, and see neoclassical buildings and facades, colonial homes, cathedrals and fountains from the 17th Century. Groups will also visit El Parque de Bombas, a Spanish and Moorish inspired architectural treasure that served first as a main exhibit pavilion for the 1882 Exhibition Trade Fair and later as a fire station.

Old San Juan:  A Spanish Colonial City
Founded in 1521 and also known as ‘the walled city,” San Juan is the present day capital city of Puerto Rico.  It sits on one of the largest and most accessible harbors in the Caribbean.  Student groups will visit the old Spanish fort, explore the cobblestone streets of San Juan and view 16th and 17th Century Spanish colonial buildings.

Puerto Rico has a rich Spanish colonial heritage that has been well preserved.  El Yunque rainforest is one of the 28 finalists in the World’s Seven Wonders competition and is a spectacular opportunity for learning about the ecological importance of preserving rainforests – right in this hemisphere.

On tour, there are also numerous opportunities for students to immerse themselves in Puerto Rican culture, cuisine, and lifestyles. The experience of visiting Puerto Rico is rich and varied. Guides are bilingual, so there is no need to be fluent in Spanish. However, for Spanish classes the guides will speak totally in Spanish (if desired) for total Spanish immersion.

Request a quote for a student trip to Puerto Rico by filling out the brief online form, or email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com.

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Class Trips to Southeastern Virginia to Study Science

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Many student trips to Virginia focus on early American history and the study of the Civil War. With sites like Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown Island, Yorktown Battlefields, Arlington National Cemetery, Monticello, and the historic homes of numerous presidents, it is no surprise many school trips to the Commonwealth focus on history. Yet a school trip to Virginia is also a great choice for the study of science.

In previous articles I have written about science destinations in Northern Virginia and Washington D.C. and an Eco Tour of Virginia.  This article will focus specifically on destinations in Southeastern Virginia in Norfolk, Hampton, and Virginia Beach.  Destinations on the science tour of Virginia can be combined with a student trip to Washington D.C. or Williamsburg or taken as a stand-alone educational tour of Virginia.

Nauticus, The National Maritime Center
Nauticus is located on the harbor in Norfolk, Virginia. The Museum is a 45-minute bus ride from Williamsburg and is well worth the trip.  Nauticus is home to battleship Wisconsin, the last battleship built by the U.S. Navy.  Students learn about the way science impacts Naval history and economics and methods and instruments used in navigating the sea.  School groups tour the battleship Wisconsin and the nearby museum. Afterwards, groups can have lunch at Waterside, and explore downtown Norfolk.

Mariners’ Museum
The Mariner’s Museum is located in Newport News, Virginia, and encompasses 60,000 square feet of exhibition space. Students can learn about maritime history and view artifacts from the Monitor battleship and exhibitions on topics such as the Chesapeake Bay watermen. Groups touring the museum will see handmade ship models, paintings, and photographs related to the history of work on the sea from world class collections. If the weather is nice, school groups can take a walk around Mariners’ Museum Park and Noland Trail, a naturally wooded setting surrounding Lake Maury.

Virginia Air and Space Center
The Virginia Air and Space Center is not far from NASA Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, Virginia, where America’s space exploration program first began in earnest.  The museum exhibits document over 100 years in aviation and provide visitors with an overview of space exploration that includes artifacts from space flights.  The Virginia Air and Space center houses over 30 planes. With its high tech interactive exhibits and an Imax theater on site, it is sure to be a popular destination for student groups.

Hampton Roads Harbor Cruise
One way for students to see and learn about life in the Chesapeake Bay region is to climb aboard a boat that gives students a view of the harbor.  Harbor cruises leave from either the port of Norfolk or Hampton, Virginia.  Each cruise includes slightly different views and points of interest.  Students will see the awe inspiring Norfolk Naval base, where aircraft carriers, submarines and other support vessels are docked. Groups will learn about other points of interest in the harbor that date to the time of the first English settlers and the Civil War.  The harbor cruise takes approximately two hours and offers a perspective that is stimulating and different from a walking tour.

Lifesaving Museum of Virginia
Student groups can take a trip to Virginia Beach, Virginia to explore the Lifesaving Museum of Virginia.  Here they will see the remains of shipwrecks, and learn about lifesaving and techniques and equipment used to rescue people from the sea.  Groups may elect to take a guided School of the Surfman tour that includes an overview of skills honed by rescuers and their stories.

The Southeastern corner of Virginia, also known as Tidewater Virginia, is the perfect place for students to engage in active learning about scientific topics.  It is rich in maritime history and the innovations of space exploration. The Tidewater area of Virginia is also home to the largest Naval base on the East Coast and several U.S. Coast Guard stations.  Depending upon curricular objectives, student tour leaders may also elect to add other destinations to the science tour such as a visit to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, the Virginia Marine Science Museum, the Virginia Living Museum, or the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center.

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

Atlanta

A Class Trip to Atlanta that Includes a day in Chattanooga, TN

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Student tours headed to Atlanta may want to consider adding a day trip to nearby Chattanooga, TN.  Chattanooga is rich in history and unique geological formations that include: Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls and Rock City.

A class trip to Chattanooga is only a two to three hour bus ride from Atlanta, and complements any type of history, social studies, or science tour nicely. While visiting Atlanta, students can see:  CNN Studios, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Zoo Atlanta, World of Coca Cola, and more.

This sample itinerary is designed for teachers, group leaders and others interested in an enhanced tour of Atlanta.  An overview of destinations gives insights and ideas about how each destination ties into learning objectives.

Ruby Falls (Lookout Mountain)

The cave system underneath Lookout Mountain has been used throughout history by cave explorers, Native Americans, soldiers and outlaws. Ruby Falls is a spectacular natural wonder — an underground waterfall that sits 1120 feet below the surface. The original cave opening providing access to the falls was discovered in 1928 while a crew was excavating the elevator shaft, and was five feet wide and 18” high. Tours of the cavern include many different views of geological formations en route to Ruby Falls.

Rock City

Located high atop Lookout Mountain is a unique rock formation where onlookers can take in magnificent views of the valley and Chattanooga, which is only six miles distance.  See seven states, take a trip down the enchanted trail, and learn about over 400 native plant species on Lookout Mountain.  Fairyland Caverns, Mother Goose Village, gift shops and a grill give provide student travel groups complementary activities after a trip up to Rock City.

Georgia Aquarium

Students can learn more about aquatic life right in the state of Georgia.  Near the Georgia coast are whales, sharks and even sea turtles.  The Georgia Aquarium captures the life of marine mammals, shellfish, and fish in the Georgia Explorer and Planet Shark exhibits.  River Scout offers insight into reptiles, fish and other inhabitants of the rivers in Africa, South America, Asia and Georgia.  Student groups can take a break in the 4D theater and watch Deepo’s Undersea 3D Wondershow, a frolicking journey underneath the sea with a make believe character as a guide.

World of Coca-Cola

The Coca-Cola museum has interactive exhibits that span Coke’s history.  Jean-Louis Foucqueteau of Lausanne, Switzerland’s collection is on display “For the love of Coca-Cola.” It features16 different works by 13 different artists and shows Coca-Cola’s impact on pop culture and the world of art for over 30 years. Students can sample Coca-Cola’s best sodas with Freestyle, a new sleek self-serve fountain drink machine.

Zoo Atlanta

Zoo Atlanta has plenty to offer student travel groups. It is best known for housing the Giant Pandas Lun Lun and Yang Yang from China. Lun Lun gave birth to a cub in November 2010, the only Giant Panda cub born in the U.S. that year. Zoo Atlanta’s birdhouse is home to over 50 bird species. Mammals include monkeys, elephants, giraffes, and more. Highlights of the plant world include a tropical garden and seasonal, native plants.

Martin Luther King, Jr.(MLK) Memorial

This National Historic Site gives student travelers a comprehensive look at MLK’s origins.  Tours may include a visit to the birth home of Martin Luther King, Jr., a tour of Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King, his father and grandfather preached, a trip to the visitor center, and a tour of The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change.  Groups may opt to visit the “I Have a Dream” World Peace Rose Garden if there is time.

CNN Studios Tour

Ted Turner Started CNN, an all-news 24-hour per day network.  Student tours begin inside the 50-foot globe where they can search 25 years of CNN footage using kiosks to access the information.  On tour, students see the control room, black box studio where live footage is shot, and the CNN Overlook that gives a panoramic view of the newsroom at its busiest.  Groups learn about other networks CNN owns, and listen to stories from news anchors about the challenges and excitement of their jobs.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History with Imax Movie

Students can learn about the geological history of Georgia, beginning with the piedmont and ending on the coastal barrier islands. A visit to the museum includes a look at Conveyed in Clay, an exhibit of 5,000 year old Native American pottery found on St. Catherines Island in Georgia — the oldest pottery found in North America.   Giants of the Mesozoic features a close up view of pre-historic life in Patagonia, Argentina, where the largest dinosaur skeletons in the world were found. If there is time, groups may take in a movie at the Imax while visiting the Fernbank Museum.

The Atlanta tour, coupled with a visit to Chattanooga, can offer student travel groups a diverse learning experience.  The Chattanooga portion of the trip includes a look at geological features and the opportunity to explore outdoor sites.  A few days in nearby Atlanta gives student groups insight into the cultural, scientific, and technological savvy of a large city. Students also learn about Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement he led.

Learn more about scheduling and pricing a student tour of Atlanta and Chattanooga by visiting http://www.educationaltravelconsultants.com. Or email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com.

Articles, Blog

An International School from the Bahamas Tours New York City

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I recently worked with a teacher at an International School based in the Bahamas. Catherine Hindley organized a 6th and 7th grade trip to New York City. She teaches Humanities at Lucaya International School and course work includes the study of geography and history. Hindley decided to sponsor this class trip to widen students’ horizons about urban life in the United States.

Some Items on the Itinerary for a School Trip to NYC

Because of the Bahamas close proximity to Florida, Hindley’s students have been to the U.S., but “Many of our students have never experienced a big city before,” she remarked. New York City is certainly the city to explore.  “The Discovery of the Americas section of their history course was enhanced by their tour of the United Nations and also the Ellis Island tour, where we reenacted the processing of immigrants into the U.S.”  The school group learned about Broadway after a night out to see The Lion King.  The group also had a chance to visit Chinatown that same day — another fresh, new experience for many.

Learning Objectives for Student travel to New York

When asked about her educational objectives for the trip, Hindley said that “Exposing students to what they have seen on television, but have never experienced,” was one of the main objectives behind some destination choices. Sites visited included NBC Studios Tour, Radio City Music Hall, a Statue of Liberty cruise and shopping at Macy’s. Lucaya students gained insight into life in the States by sampling these American experiences and sites firsthand.

For some students, the best part of the tour was a visit to the United Nations.  Hindley was particularly interested in exposing her students to the Millennium Development Goals exhibition, “This ties in very well with work we cover in class,” said Hindley. The United Nations was one of the highlights of the tour for her and her students enjoyed the displays, too.

Class Spends a day at Six Flags NJ on Their Trip

For some students, the best part of the class trip was the day spent at Six Flags in New Jersey, a Great Adventure theme park.  “You have to realize that some of these students had never been to a theme park, because we have nothing like that here in the Bahamas,” said Hindley.

Hindley was impressed with the tour guide, Karen Goodman.  “She was very knowledgeable and was also flexible when we made a few changes.”

Security on School Trip a BIG Plus

Hindley was relieved to have security at the hotel. The security guard helped to separate her group of children from another rowdier group in close proximity.  “Our security was enough to get them to calm down,” she remarked.

There are many benefits to traveling with an educational travel company. ‘We are not that familiar with the city,” said Hindley, “and all the details were taken care of.  It was all very efficient and made for a totally stress free trip as far as we (the chaperones) were concerned.”

Learn more about an educational travel trip to New York City.  Tours can be focused on art, performance, history, social studies, eras in American history, and more.  Visit http://www.educationaltravelconsultants.com or email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com to request a quote.

Articles, Blog

College Tour of Ivy League Schools Designed for High School Juniors and Seniors

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For some of the most brilliant high school students and their families, the achievement of an Ivy League education is a dream worth reaching for and one that is within grasp. The Ivy League’s highly competitive admissions standards and large tuition costs are daunting for many high school students in the process of applying to colleges.

Yet attending an Ivy League school is desirable for many students. Those students who are academically prepared for the Ivy League may want to take a campus tour of some of the top Ivy League schools before deciding upon where to make application.

Trip leaders will want to schedule Ivy League college tours in students’ junior or senior years. Students will receive a walking tour of the college campus and an overview of the history (and in some cases the admissions process). Visiting student groups may dine at the university or participate in other activities with the campus community, as time and scheduling allows.

This sample college tour is designed for the school group interested in touring the campus of half of the eight Ivy League Schools. Included on this particular tour are: Harvard, Princeton, Yale, and the University of Pennsylvania.

Harvard University

Harvard Square is the heartbeat of Boston, and it is the home of Harvard University. The university provides two different college tours: a tour on the history of Harvard and an undergraduate admissions tour. Groups can decide which is appropriate or may elect to take both. The university was established in 1636 and has a rich history that dates to English Settlement. With over 20,000 students and 2,000 faculty, Harvard serves a wide constituency. Some famous Harvard faculty include Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Stephen Greenblatt. Costs for undergraduate tuition are nearly $40,000 in 2010-11 academic year. Financial aid is available to students. Like other Ivy League Schools, Harvard provides a higher education for students of all means.

Princeton University

Established in 1746, Princeton University is located on 500 acres of land in central New Jersey. Princeton’s curriculum focuses on the study of humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and engineering. With 7,500 students and approximately 1,100 faculty members, Princeton offers a 6:1 student to faculty ratio and a distinguished private education. Princeton’s famous faculty includes writer and Nobel Prize winner Tony Morrison. Alumni Eugene O’Neill was also a Princeton graduate and Nobel Prize winner. Former president of the United States, Woodrow Wilson, was a student, professor, and one time president of Princeton University. Some highlights of the campus tour are Nassau Hall. Built in 1756 of local sandstone, Nassau Hall houses a faculty room that resembles the British House of Commons. Firestone Library, University Chapel, and Alexander Hall, were musical performances are held, are all architectural masterpieces students will visit on campus tour.

Yale University

Located in New Haven, Connecticut, Yale’s campus is in the heart of an urban area. Yale has been established since the early 1700s. On a campus tour, students will see some excellent architecture from the Victorian Gothic to New England Colonial to contemporary designs. Known for its school of law, medicine, arts and sciences and elite graduate and professional programs, Yale University is an excellent choice for outstanding students. The school serves 11,000 students and employs 3,200 faculty members. Campus tours are scheduled ahead of time for groups of 10 or more, and include an orientation video, and an overview of Yale’s history and architecture.

University of Pennsylvania

The sprawling University of Pennsylvania campus has been located in West Philadelphia since the 18th Century, when Ben Franklin helped to found it. In 1791, The College of Philadelphia became the University of Pennsylvania. Today, Penn has over 25,000 students and 4,000 faculty. The University of Pennsylvania is an Ivy League School known for its emphasis on the liberal arts and its curriculum for the business student. Many Penn graduates seek careers in public service or the arts. The Annenberg School for Communication and the Wharton School of Business are known around the world. Penn’s culture is one that celebrates the international student. It is a campus known for its diverse atmosphere of learning. Located on Walnut Street, the campus district is also known as University City. A tour will showcase the historical architecture on campus, give students a feeling for campus life, facilities, classrooms and administration, and provide an overview of West Philadelphia.

High school students destined for college can benefit a great deal from college tours. Students travel to college campuses with their peers, learn about college life, and are given insight into the city or area where the university is located. Taking campus tours may motivate students to get started on the college application process.

Teachers, administrators and school group leaders need to plan college tours six months to one year ahead of time. Since college applications are due in February and March of the senior year, it is highly recommended that college tours be scheduled for the junior year of high school, or fall of the senior year. For more information on scheduling college tours visit http://www.educationaltravelconsultants.com.

Blog, Washington D.C.

High School Groups Take College Tours of Campuses in Washington D.C. Area

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Guidance counselors, parents and teachers have the opportunity to encourage students to take college campus tours when they are juniors or seniors in high school. Taking an organized tour of selected campuses will inspire students to set goals for higher education while completing high school.

College tours go deeper than just a glance at facilities these days. Student groups have the chance to meet administration, faculty, other students, ask questions and even participate in campus activities. College tours are a wonderful educational travel experience appropriate for high school students on the college track.

College tours can be created for any region in the United States. Some may be arranged with a theme such as black college tours, state college tours, or Ivy League tours.

I have put together a sample itinerary of college tours in the Washington D.C. and Baltimore area. Many of the nation's finest and oldest universities are located here and are prestigious and offer a first rate education. I have selected: Howard, George Mason, Georgetown, American, and Morgan State Universities as college campuses on this particular tour. Group leaders involved in planning should allow three to four days for this tour so students can spend time at each college.

Howard University

Located in the heart of Washington D.C., this age old institution, Howard University is known for turning out MBA' s, graduates from the College of Arts and Sciences (established in 1867), and medical doctors and specialists. Howard University also attracts a large African American population. Many famous African American students are alumni of Howard, including Alaine Locke, David Blackwell, and Arthur P. Davis.

George Mason University

With the main branch in Fairfax, Virginia, George Mason University offers close proximity to Washington D.C. on a contemporary, suburban campus with multiple locations. Known for the school of Law, Department of Economics and distinction in Writing Across the Curriculum, George Mason University is dedicated to serving Northern Virginia. Alumni of George Mason include Nobel laureates in Economic Science, James Buchanan (1986) and Vernon Smith (2002). In the 1930s, the city of Fairfax granted the University 150 acres of land and George Mason serves over 30,000 students today.

Georgetown University

Georgetown University was established in 1789. It is one of America's oldest higher educational institutions. Georgetown is an inner city university with many historic buildings just off Canal Road NW in Washington D.C. Healy Hall is the centerpiece of campus and resembles a neo gothic structure. It houses the administrative offices as well as the Riggs Library and Gaston Hall, a 700-seat convocation center where domestic and foreign dignitaries have spoken. Touring Georgetown University students learn about the distinguished history of Washington D.C. Some of the more famous graduates of Georgetown include MSNBC's Norah O'Donnell, actor Carl Reiner, and Washington Nationals executive Michael Shapiro.

American University

American University has a great deal to offer students wanting to make an impact in politics, public service, the arts and global affairs. This university is also situated right in Washington D.C. American University only permits student group visits in January, February, May, June, July August and September. Tours must be scheduled in these months. American University is an internationally renowned school known for its diverse curriculum and student body. It is a must see destination on campus tours of the Washington D.C. area.

Morgan State University

Located in Baltimore, Maryland, Morgan State is designated as Maryland's Pubic Urban University. It caters to a diverse student body and has always historically served the black college population. Carnegie Hall, the central academic building, was funded by a grant from Andrew Carnegie in 1915, and is one of many historic buildings on campus. Morgan State is located close to center city Baltimore, near the Inner Harbor and many ethnic neighborhoods. High school students on college tours may enjoy lunch or dinner in Baltimore and/or a trip to the Baltimore Symphony or another cultural venue while visiting Morgan State.

This short list of universities in and near Washington D.C. is by no means comprehensive. I've designed this college tour to offer students insight into some of the historic institutions in the area. These universities have helped shape the individuals who influenced our nation's history, politics and culture.

High school seniors and juniors will benefit from a college tour. Learn more about pricing and booking for college tours by visiting http://www.educationaltravelconsultants.com.

Articles

Grad Nite in Walt Disney World Orlando: A Great Senior Trip Idea

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One of the best high school senior trip ideas in the United States is for a class to attend Grad Nite in Walt Disney World Orlando. There’s also a Grad Nite for high school seniors at the Disneyland California location, for students that find travel easier to a West Coast location.

 

On Grad Nite, Magic Kingdom is closed to everyone except high school seniors on the cusp of their graduation — and the park is theirs all night.  In 2011, Grad Night is slated for April 29th  and 30th  and May 6th  and 7th at Walt Disney World Orlando.  In order to reserve a place at Grad Nite, teachers and trip leaders scheduling this type of senior trip will want to plan at least six months in advance, and start making commitments by the end of 2010.

 

There are lots of reasons to recommend Grad Nite to parents. Many senior parties near home may include the opportunity to consume alcohol. This is a concern for many parents who do no allow their children to drink and certainly do not want them driving if they do consume alcohol. The event occurs in one place and transportation is provided to and from the park.  Grad Nite is alcohol free and monitored by adults and employees of the park.

 

High School Seniors enjoy dancing, going on rides, video games, and dining in a closely monitored, public environment.  They get to spend the evening with their high school friends and engage in activities any teenager might enjoy.  Students travel to the event with chaperones, and with some educational travel companies, security is provided while the group is resting at the hotel.  When security is provided at the hotel, it gives additional piece of mind to parents and teachers.

 

The Grad Nite event is designed to appeal directly to high school seniors, with the entertainment selected with their tastes in mind.

In 2011, Grad Nite in Orlando is scheduled to include the following:

–    DJ Pauly D, who plays dance mixes with electronic sounds that appeal to this age group, will     occupy the Cinderella Stage.
–    Live music is also scheduled for the evening, with two bands slated to perform:  Taio Cruz and 3OH!3.
–    Seniors get to hang out with their friends and dance in an alcohol free environment and meet graduating seniors from across the U.S.
–    Access to interactive video games gives students a pleasurable break from dancing or rides and another way to celebrate with friends.
–    Students can take as many rides as they like Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and other popular Magic Kingdom rides.
–    Near the end of the evening, a fireworks show is provided to honor graduating seniors.  This show makes the group of traveling high school seniors feel like the center of attention.

For seniors who want special mementos to remind them of their Grad Night experience, Walt Disney World sells keepsakes commemorating the evening.  They can also take photos or have them taken by a Disney World photographer.

Student travel discounts are available for groups of ten or more students and are best obtained by working directly with an educational travel company that specializes in booking group tours.  Grad Nite fills up fast, so book early to ensure a group reservation.

For information about booking a high school senior trip to Grad Nite in Disney World Request a Quote or email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com.

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Class Trip on History of California is Funded by Major League Baseball Player

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by Howard Clemens

Parker Lefton is a retired history teacher for Maclay Middle School in Pacoina California, just outside of Los Angeles.  He continues to work as an educator in his role as the volunteer coordinator of the Determined to Dream Foundation.  Garret Anderson, a recently retired Major League Baseball player who spent most of his career with the Los Angeles Angels, funds the Determined to Dream Foundation.  Anderson and his wife, Teresa, were once students at Maclay, and they have been actively funding and planning special projects at the school since 2003.

Garret Anderson’s Foundation Funds Reading Initiatives and Educational Trips
The Determined to Dream Foundation is the funding source for Maclay Middle School’s reading initiative and educational trips. Each year a group of students takes an educational tour on the East Coast to Boston, New York City or Philadelphia. Lefton also takes an annual trip with a group of students to historical and geographic points of interest in California. “I feel it’s important to expose kids at this school to the outside world.  Many of the kids who go to Maclay have not had the opportunity to get outside of L.A.,” commented Lefton.

Hunting for an Educational Travel Company that Offers Flexibility
When he first began hunting for an educational travel company, Lefton said he was disappointed to find that many of the companies he interviewed had definite itineraries that were not changeable.  “I didn’t necessarily like the tours other companies presented,” noted Lefton, “so I finally said yes to the company that was open to arranging the tour any way I wanted.”  Educational Travel Consultants was willing to customize the tour to match his curriculum. Consultants work with teachers to create educational tours that parallel teaching objectives. Pre-packaged tours of popular destinations are also available to school groups.

A Student Tour of California is Created
Lefton helped to create a six-day tour of California. The journey begins at Maclay Middle School near Los Angeles, continues up through the Sierra Nevada Mountains near Lake Tahoe, makes a stop in the San Francisco Bay area and Sacramento, and proceeds down the California coast through Monterey and Santa Cruz, then back to Los Angeles.

Students Travel to Sierra Nevada Mountains
Lefton wanted to begin the tour with an overview of the geography of the state.  The school trip starts with a visit to Mammoth Mountain, the site of the ancient volcano that erupted some 57,000 years ago. Students then proceed to nearby Lake Tahoe, another geographic wonder — a large and deep mountain lake that sits at approximately 6,225 feet in elevation and is located on the border of Nevada and California.  While touring the area, students also visit Coloma Valley, the place where gold was first discovered. This discovery triggered the 1849 California Gold Rush.

Touring Sacramento and San Francisco Bay
After spending a day in the Sierra Nevada Mountains the school group heads west to Sacramento to visit the California State Railroad Museum, where they learn about the construction of the transcontinental railroad. Here, the first of two educational exercises on the trip begins with an information hunt. Students work in pairs to find specific information in the Museum. The winners receive Target gift cards. While visiting Sacramento, students also tour the California State Capitol building, where they gain insight and perspective into state government.

Next on the itinerary is the San Francisco Bay area, where students visit Alcatraz Island Prison by boat, walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, tour Fort Point (an old Civil War era site), see the Maritime National Historic Park and take a walking tour of Chinatown.  In the evening the student group dines at a restaurant on Fishermen’s Wharf.

Santa Cruz & Monterey
The next day the school group moves south from the San Francisco area and visits Santa Cruz, where they see one of California’s redwood forests, and make a stop in Monterey, the first capital of California. Here, students consider the Mexican period in California history, visit the Monterey Aquarium, and see the Big Sur coastline from the vantage point of Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.

A Student Tour of an 18th Century Mission
On the way back to Los Angeles, the bus stops at Morro Bay, where a tour of the Museum of Natural History offers a visual and educational overview of the coastal area.  At their final stop, they tour La Purisima Mission, a wonderfully preserved example of a mission as it would have been in 1800.  Part two of the information hunt occurs at La Purisima, where students are tasked with finding specific details about mission history while on tour.

Competing for a Place on the California Tour
Funding limitations do not permit all students at Maclay Middle School to attend this grant-funded trip. So, Lefton and the Andersons have created an academic competition with winners awarded a place on the California tour.  The contest helps them to strive for better grades and also involves the element of luck.  Students are given tickets for a drawing for each acceptable grade in the A,B, and C range. “The more good grades they receive the first semester of school, the more entry tickets they have to enter the drawing,” says Lefton. Fourteen names are drawn from all of the entries, and these lucky students tour their home state.

This unique trip was created because a history teacher wanted to develop an educational tour that gave students an opportunity to engage in some active learning about their home state.  The California tour is ambitious in all of the sites it encompasses.  Students studying California history, geography, and social studies will benefit from a trip designed like this, or even one that is quite similar.  The tour could be scaled down to three or four days instead of five or six and still offer many learning opportunities.

For more information about scheduling a student trip of California, Request a Quote or email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com.

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