College Tours

College Tours in the Mid South

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By Howard Clemens

Since publishing an article about college tours of Southern universities and state colleges in Virginia I have fielded several inquiries about college tours for the Mid-south.  In response, I recently developed an itinerary designed for college bound high school juniors and seniors that focuses on colleges in Tennessee, Alabama and Kentucky.  There are some excellent universities in each of these states. Students come from all over the United States and across the world to attend these well-known colleges.

A trip leader, usually a teacher or guidance counselor, brings a group of high school juniors and seniors on this type of tour. The student group has a chance to tour the campus, see residence halls, classrooms and student centers and speak to other students about the experience of attending college there. In the evenings, students usually have an opportunity to explore the town or city. This includes dining, shopping and entertainment near the university. It’s important that college bound students have a better feel for the town they will live in for four years or more.

University of Memphis, Memphis, TN

Established in 1912 as the West Tennessee Normal School, the University of Memphis is now affectionately known as U of M and is the flagship school in the Tennessee Board of Regents system.  U of M enrolls about 22,000 students and is situated in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee.  Academic programs range from African & African American Studies to Banking and Financial Services and Correctional Administration, Dance, Environmental Engineering and Technology Management Services.  The campus is characterized by contemporary architecture, with the most recent building spurt occurring in the 1990s. 

University of Tennessee, Knoxville TN

Situated in the Appalachian city of Knoxville, University of Tennessee is the flagship school of the state university system. In 2012 Forbes magazine cited University of Tennessee as one of “America’s Best Colleges.”  The Princeton Review also listed UT as one of the “150 Best Value Colleges.”  UT is well known for the College of Arts and the Sciences and colleges of:  Business, Engineering and Law.    Approximately 25,000 students are enrolled full-time at the University of Tennessee.  The campus sits on a hill -offering a nice perspective of the Smoky Mountains and the City of Knoxville, Tennessee.

Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN

Named after the main benefactor, Cornelius Vanderbilt, Vanderbilt University was funded with an initial $1,000,000 donation in 1873.  The university serves approximately 12,000 full-time undergraduate and graduate students. Nearly 90% of all undergraduate students live on campus, creating a fun, community atmosphere in a picturesque setting. Undergraduate tuition in 2011/2012 is $40,000, reflecting the university’s private status.  Vanderbilt is best known for the MBA program and the School of Medicine. Vanderbilt’s School of Medicine and business programs have employed five Nobel Laureates.  U.S. News and World Report has ranked Vanderbilt University as 17th among the best national universities.

University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL

The University of Alabama was founded in 1831 and is the state’s first public university, serving over 31,000 students annually. It has been cited by Kiplinger’s annual list of colleges and universities as one of the top 100 schools that offers “great academics and affordable tuition.” UA has been ranked in the top 50 in U.S. News and World Report’s annual college rankings for 10 years.  In the last 9 years, over 40 new facilities have been added or upgraded, giving the campus a contemporary look and feel, while retaining the original buildings from the 19th Century.  UA is known for the School of Law and Engineering and the debate and forensics programs have won 16 national debate championships.  Tuscaloosa was formerly the capital of Alabama and is a city of approximately 90,000 people with much to offer the college student who resides there.

Auburn University, Auburn AL

Founded in 1856 as an all male school, Auburn University is now co-ed.  There are approximately 25,000 students enrolled and 140 degree programs to choose from.  The university is known for its agricultural studies, Teacher Education and Wildlife Sciences programs.  The town of Auburn has a population of approximately 40,000 people and is only 50 miles from Montgomery, Alabama and 115 miles from Atlanta, Georgia.  Auburn  is bike friendly and offers a wide variety of places to eat and things to do.

University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY

The University of Kentucky is located in Lexington, a bustling mid-sized Southern city of just under 300,000 people.  The university currently has 28,000 students enrolled and is the flagship land-grant institution of Kentucky.  Known for the college athletics football and basketball teams, the Wildcats, UK’s colors are blue and white and the student body and community enthusiastically support their beloved teams.  UK’s most popular fields of study are: Arts and Sciences, Business and Economics and Agriculture.  For in-state students, the tuition is still very affordable, at approximately $8,000 for undergraduates for one academic year.

This is the suggested itinerary for the Mid South College Tour. Trip leaders can request variations of this tour, which can be easily modified. For example, when a student group visits University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, a trip leader may want to exercise the option to visit Alabama State University in Montgomery. Or, when groups visit Vanderbilt University in Nashville, they may also want to visit Fisk and Tennessee State Universities.

College tours are a great way to inspire college bound high school students to begin thinking about and planning where they want to obtain their degrees.

Request a Quote online or email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com.

Washington D.C.

Student Travel Trips to the Presidential Inauguration in 2013

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Student travel groups studying History. Government or Social Studies may want to consider a trip to Washington D.C. in January 2013 to see the Presidential Inauguration.  This once-in-a-lifetime experience will likely change their outlook on U.S. government and the democratic process.  In addition to attending the Presidential Inauguration, student groups can also tour Washington D.C. and surrounding areas. The tour can focus on specific sites or eras in American history.

Our nation’s capital is already beginning the planning process for the inauguration ceremony, presidential speech and parade. The sooner trip leaders make a commitment to attending this event, the better. This event fills up the city, hotels and restaurants very rapidly.

Imagine a group of students witnessing one of the most important events in world history, mingling with the public, and watching government representatives and dignitaries in their official roles.  Students will gain valuable insight into three branches of government and the way in which each interacts to form a democracy.

Suggested travel dates are January 20-22, 2013. Students and teachers will travel on a 3-day weekend, since the Inauguration is actually a federal holiday and will most likely coincide with Martin Luther King Day.

January 20, 2013
The Twentieth Amendment specifies that the President of the United States must be sworn in by Noon on January 20th.  In 2013, this date falls on a Sunday. Though the date is not final, in the past when this has happened, the president is sworn in during a private ceremony on that Sunday, followed by a public ceremony on the Monday following. Expectations are this will occur on January 21, 2013.

The student trip to Washington D.C. will begin with a tour of sites relevant to history or social studies on Sunday, while the nation and Washington D.C. prepares for the ceremony.  Some sites on an itinerary may include:  U.S. Capitol and Supreme Court, Arlington National Cemetery, Smithsonian Museum(s), or other locations within the Washington D.C. metro area.  Teachers are encouraged to prepare students by selecting sites that parallel their curricular objectives. A licensed Washington D.C. guide will accompany the group and provide interesting facts, historical information and stories related to sites visited.

On Monday, January 21st, student groups will attend the following events:

Presidential Inauguration Swearing In Ceremony
The President of the United Sates takes his official oath in assuming the highest office in the land.  Traditionally, this occurs on the steps of the U.S. Capitol building.  Students will join the crowd that gathers to commemorate this historic occasion.  For many students, it will be their only visit to Washington D.C. to witness and celebrate this occasion.

Presidential Inauguration Address
The new President of the United States will make his acceptance speech immediately following the swearing in ceremony.  In the past, speeches have lasted anywhere from 15-30 minutes or more.  Students, legislators and the general public will learn about the new President’s agenda for the next four years and how he will meet potential challenges. The speech will also include a brief overview his policy on domestic and foreign issues.

Presidential Inauguration Parade
The Armed Forces Inaugural Committee organizes and executes the Inauguration parade following the Swearing in Ceremony. The armed forces assemble and march to honor their new commander in chief. Prior to the parade, the President will attend a luncheon given by the Joint Congressional Committee.  Students can expect to see all branches of the armed services represented in the Inaugural Parade – wearing their best dress uniforms. Students will gather along parade routes with the public where they will see the armed forces in all their finery. Parade participants include marching bands, musical salutes, color guards and more.

More touring for student groups follows the evening and day after Inauguration events.  Some recommended activities can include an Illuminated Tour of Memorials and Monuments, Ford’s Theatre, Mount Vernon, Washington Cathedral, the National Zoo, or other places requested by teachers.

The Presidential Inauguration only occurs once every four years (except in years when the President has passed on due to health, assassination, or impeachment).  This is a great opportunity for students of American History to see democracy in action, and witness history in the making. In order to make certain student groups have tickets and access to desired government sites in Washington D.C., trip leaders must plan well in advance.

Request a quote for a student tour or email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com.

Washington D.C.

Student Trip to Baltimore to Celebrate the Bicentennial of the War of 1812

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Many students of American history read about the War of 1812 as part of their studies of Nineteenth Century history.  This naval war impacted the burgeoning United States and the port cities along the East Coast, as well as cities inland, along major waterways.

This year, Baltimore, Maryland is the focus of the national launch of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 with the Star-Spangled Sailabration from June 13-19, 2012.  This kickoff celebration begins in Baltimore Harbor where visitors can see a spectacular display of U.S., British and Canadian naval vessels and tall ships from around the world. Audiences will also see an air show featuring the Blue Angels.

Teachers and trip leaders are encouraged to combine a visit to Washington D.C. with a visit to Baltimore to experience the Bicentennial of the War of 1812.   Even if the student group is not available to travel from June 13-19, they may still experience part of the Bicentennial celebration. Baltimore and other cities throughout the U.S and Canada affected by the War of 1812 will continue to stage events dedicated to the remembrance of the War of 1812 through 2014.

Following is a brief outline of the six major sites in Baltimore and Washington D.C. that reinforce studies of the War of 1812. In addition to Baltimore, Maryland, and Washington D.C. other states participating in this event are:  Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania.  Student travel groups destined for any of these locations can also tie their trip into War of 1812 sites in these locations.

Baltimore, Maryland, War of 1812 Sites of Interest

Fort McHenry
Many Americans and representatives felt an attack on Baltimore was imminent after a declaration of war against the British. So, Fort McHenry was prepared with fortifications and soldiers to defend the city against the British. This site is well-preserved and maintained by the National Park Service.  Fort McHenry is known as the star fort, because it was constructed in the shape of a five-pointed star.  The fort was attacked by British cannon fire and survived the battle.

The Star Spangled Banner Flag House
Students will want to tour the house where Mary Pickersgill sewed the flag that flew over Fort McHenry during the battle of 1814, when the Fort was under assault by the British.  Pickersgill lived here with her daughter Caroline and her mother, Rebecca Young, who started the flag-making business during the Revolutionary War period in Philadelphia.  Student groups can tour the home that is decorated with 19th century furniture and fixtures.  Frequent living history presentations are also staged here, so students may encounter Mary Pickersgill, Rebecca Young or Grace Wisher, the African-American apprentice who lived and worked there.  These living history actresses will narrate their story in the first person to help make the process of creating the flag come alive.

Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum
Students can see a special exhibition for the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 here:  “Farmers, Patriots and Traitors:  Southern Maryland and the War of 1812.”  At the time of the War of 1812, the U.S. had no organized naval fleet. So, in June of 1814, Commodore Joshua Barney pulled together a fleet of eighteen gun boats, barges and sloops to take on the British Navy. This unofficial fleet of ships engaged in battle with the British Navy twice in June of 1814. The battles took place at the intersection of the Patuxent River and St. Leonard Creek, near the shores of Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum.  They are known as the largest naval engagement in the history of Maryland, and helped turned the tides of the War of 1812 in favor of the U.S.

Washington, D.C. War of 1812 Sites of Interest

Smithsonian Museum
Students can see the actual flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the National Anthem in the The Star- Spangled Banner exhibition at the National Museum of American History.  The flag is 200 years old and measures 30 x 34 feet. It is housed in an environmentally controlled chamber to preserve it and visitors can interact with the artifact through a tactile image.

White House
Student groups may visit the White House as part of their scheduled tour.   James Madison was President of the United States when he asked Congress to declare war on June 1, 1812. Teachers can prepare classes for this study by taking an in-depth look at Madison’s presidency, and his reasons for going to war, prior to the trip.

In addition to these War of 1812 sites, student groups can learn more about other historical  periods by visiting the Baltimore and/or Washington D.C. area. Popular destinations include the U.S. Capitol Building, the monuments tour, Mount Vernon and more. Check the events schedule on The Official war of 1812 Bicentennial Website to see if a student trip schedule will coincide with other public events.

To request a quote for a class trip to Baltimore and Washington D.C. visit http://www.educationaltravelconsultants.com.

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Mid-West College Tour Part 1

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By 10th or 11th grade, students preparing for college need to be thinking about what school they will attend.  But it’s difficult to get a good read on a college by looking at a website or a brochure.  For this reason, I have designed college tours divided into geographic sections of the United States. Taking this type of tour allows college prep students to experience the university in person. The student group sees the campus and has the opportunity to speak to students, faculty and staff.

This type of interaction is valuable. It effectively inspires students to make a decision about their college of choice.

Following, I will offer an example of a Mid West College Tour (part 1) where students have the opportunity to visit some of the most distinguished universities in this area of the United States.  This is by no means a comprehensive list of Mid West colleges. I encourage teachers taking students on this type of tour to add or delete colleges they really wish to visit.  In fact, there are so many great schools in the Mid West, there will be a part 2 to this article.

University of Cincinnati

Serving over 40,000 students and delivering 308 programs of study, University of Cincinnati is a well-respected urban university.  Forbes magazine ranked it among the most beautiful campuses in the United States.  The campus is a showcase for contemporary architecture.  Known for its accredited Musical Theater Program and its Architecture, Construction & Building Trades Program, UC has a great deal to offer the imaginative student.  UC has a 15/1 student-faculty teaching ratio and over 250 Graduate Programs to choose from.

Xavier University

Also located in Cincinnati, Ohio, Xavier University enrolls approximately 6,700 students each year.  There is a College of Arts and Sciences, Social Sciences, Health & Education, and the Williams College of Business, so students studying in these areas will be most interested in Xavier.  The Musketeers Men’s basketball team, women’s soccer and basketball teams, and other athletic and co-curricular activities make Xavier an exciting campus.

Ohio State University

With an enrollment of nearly 65,000 students, 1,700 acres of land and 457 buildings, Ohio State University has a huge impact on Columbus, Ohio.  Cited among the top 20 national public universities by U.S. News and World Report in 2010, Ohio State University is a top-rated school.  Academic programs range from Medicine to Engineering, Architecture, Arts and Sciences and more. The campus is a mixture of Gothic revival architecture and contemporary building designs, with a 60-acre arboretum and abundant gardens and plazas.

Indiana University

Indiana University (IU) has eight campuses across the state. The main campus is in Bloomington and is scheduled as a stop for this tour.  Indiana University was founded in 1820 and has a rich heritage. The campus retains its historical beginnings in its layout and architecture with Indiana limestone buildings dating to the late 19th Century. Bloomington is a town of about 70,000 people. The inhabitants of Bloomington and the campus community refer to it as “B-town” because of its lively music scene, coffeehouses, farmers markets, international cuisine, and festivals.  IU is known academically for its business, arts, law, technology and journalism programs to name just a few highlights.  With over 32,000 students and a diverse student body, Indiana University is a premiere institution.

Purdue University

Ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges, Purdue is an outstanding University. The main campus is located in West Lafayette Indiana, and is the scheduled destination for this tour. There are also Purdue locations in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Westville and Hammond.  Ranked #1 in Biological and Agricultural Programs, and in the top 10 for Undergraduate Business and Engineering students, Purdue has distinguished programs to offer the student of Science, Technology Engineering and Math.  Purdue is also well known in many areas of research in these fields.  With over 30,000 undergraduate students enrolled and a competitive selection process, Purdue University is certainly a school worth serious consideration.

University of Illinois

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a school that has educated numerous Pulitzer Prize and Nobel winners.  Undergraduate enrollment is over 31,000 students, and there are 17 different colleges and Instructional units to choose from. University of Illinois was established in 1867 and retains a 19th Century flavor in some of its architecture.   Known for the liberal arts and sciences, University of Illinois has a distinguished list of alumnus – scientists and writers recognized for excellence in their field.  The campus tour includes visits to a number of buildings that date to the 19th and early 20th Centuries.

Take student groups on a college tour of selected schools in the Mid West to help them gain a realistic perspective of college life.  In addition to visiting schools, entertainment and dining are part of the itinerary. Students can spend time exploring towns such as Bloomington, West Lafayette and Cincinnati to get a feel for lifestyles, cuisine, geography, climate and more.

Request a Quote or email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com.

Washington D.C.

Student Trip to Washington D.C. to Study History

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For a year leading up to the student Washington D.C. trip, teacher Michelle Rochel prepares her students for the journey in her classroom. She currently teaches 5th and 6th grade Religion, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade Social Studies and Science. She is also the Middle School Coordinator and Dean of Students at Saint Anne Catholic School in Somerset, Wisconsin.  For the past ten years, Rochel has been taking her students to Washington D.C. where they can learn firsthand about American history.

Student Trip to Washington D.C. Enhances Classroom Studies
“I think this is something every child should experience,” said Rochel. “I am grateful for the opportunity to bring them to Washington D.C. and have them be witnesses to history,” she added.  The trip enhances their studies of the Declaration of Independence, U.S. presidents and the Holocaust, to name just a few aspects of American history covered.

To pay for travel expenses, students and parents engage in fundraising beginning sometimes two years prior to the Washington D.C. trip. “Right now, we are one-fourth of the way towards our fundraising goals,” commented Rochel.

Students View the Holocaust Museum Exhibits
One of the most memorable parts of the trip included a visit to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.  When the group visited the Holocaust Museum, “They were speechless,” recalled Rochel.  “In the classroom, we went in depth in our studies of Holocaust victims and survivors. At this museum they could see the human faces that went into these stories. It will be something they never forget.”  The powerful, graphic images of mass extermination of the Jewish people and others Hitler deemed outcasts are a great deal to process.  The interactive exhibits at the museum as well as personal stories gathered from survivors make the information accessible and the experience authentic.

Newseum Well-Loved by Students and Teacher
The student group also visited the Newseum — right in the heart of Washington D.C. This museum is equipped with state-of-the-art multimedia delivery of historical information.  All major media news sources are represented with interactive exhibits. Video, audio, photographic and written information is presented for easy assimilation. Excerpts from interesting and volatile periods in American history are featured.  Rochel said, “All of the kids were able to find something in the Newseum of interest, whether it was sports, world news, current events, or other topics that intrigued them.  There was something for everyone in the Newseum.  I am hoping to include this museum on our next Washington D.C. trip.”

Rochel’s students visited many other places in Washington D.C., including the Smithsonian American and Natural History Museums, the National Archives, Arlington National Cemetery, the Pentagon, the U.S. Capitol Building, the White House Photo Shop, Mount Vernon, the Air and Space Museum and the National Zoo.  They also attended mass at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.   This ambitious itinerary was well worth it, especially because some of Rochel’s students have never been on an airplane, or to the East Coast.  “They return with a deeper appreciation and a better understanding of their own history,” said Rochel.

Request a Quote for a student trip to Washington D.C. Or, email an educational travel consultant for more information:  info@educationaltravelconsultants.com.

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A Band Trip to Los Angeles for Disney Performing Arts Onstage

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by Howard Clemens

Band directors and high school musicians and performers will find Disneyland, California an ideal destination to showcase their talents.  Groups can have a public performance on one of Disney’s stages or participate in a parade. Disneyland California also has Youth Programs where students experience backstage life with real Disney performers.  Including this type of workshop on the trip to Disneyland encourages students to hone their artistic skills and talents. Disney Performing Arts Onstage gives student marching bands, orchestras, ensembles, choirs and more a forum for their work.

Learn more about how a marching band trip to Disneyland would be structured to include performances, active learning and touring different theme parks. This sample itinerary includes three days in Disneyland, a trip to see a Major League Baseball game and dinner at the Hard Rock Café.

Disney Performing Arts Onstage

Organizing a student trip around a performance provides a wonderful opportunity for multifaceted learning.  Student performance groups will rehearse for the big day for months preceding the performance, encouraging them to develop discipline and use teamwork to succeed onstage.

There are several options for marching band trips when it comes to performance venues in Disneyland. Marching bands can perform in a parade, on a Disney stage or to an international audience. Disney actually provides programs for instrumental, vocal and dance groups – not just marching bands. The venue selected by the trip leader will reflect the needs of the group.

This band trip is a unique experience for the student musician. In addition to the performance on a Disney stage or marching band route, trip leaders may also opt to select a backstage workshop taught by an actual Disney performer for the group.

Disney’s California Adventure

Located in the heart of Anaheim, California, this Disney theme park presents classic Disney characters and new stars coming alive in a multimedia and interactive setting.  Exhibits include the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Hollywood Pictures Backlot, The Little Mermaid and more.   In 2012, Disney’s California Adventure will add characters from the Pixar movie Cars.  Tow Mater, Lightning McQueen and others from the film are part of Cars Land — and so is the Radiator Springs racer ride.  This interactive Disney park is sure to amaze and delight students.

Major League Baseball Game:  Los Angeles Dodgers or Anaheim Angles

Many students have never seen a Major League Baseball game, but would love the opportunity to do so. A trip to California may be the perfect time to  take a group of student musicians out to the ball game. Trip leaders can reserve tickets to either L.A. Dodgers or Anaheim Angels games.  Students can sit back, relax, have a hot dog and watch the professional baseball game with their friends.

Hard Rock Café

Many student groups enjoy visiting the Hard Rock Café while on tour in just about any large city in the U.S.  An evening dinner at the Hard Rock Café on Hollywood Boulevard just might trump a visit to other locations.  Here students can see Jimi Hendrix’s purple, crushed velvet hat, Jim Morrison’s leather pants and more.  Interactive, touch screen displays are in booths throughout the Hard Rock Café and allow the viewer to experience Rock-n-Roll history.

Students who participate in marching bands are used to travel.  Yet a trip to Disneyland for performance infuses the trip with an added dimension of fun.  Students can explore other parks besides Disney’s California Adventure while they visit. This sample itinerary allows three days for students to explore Disneyland, with time to shop, and dine at international cafes, too.

Request a Quote for a high school band trip to Disneyland California.  Or, email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com to speak directly to an educational travel specialist.

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A High School Band Trip to Orlando FL

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Performance trips are a great way to showcase a marching band, orchestra, ensemble or choir. This type of trip always includes a public appearance of the band at a desirable venue. For Kris Parish, Performing Arts Chair at Santiago High School in Corona California and his co-director, Joe Dudek, historic venues are preferred.  “We played at Pearl Harbor twice and Carnegie Hall,” says Parish. They have been bringing their high school band on a trip each year for many years. “The band has been to Hawaii, Seattle, Vancouver, San Francisco, New York City, and Washington D.C.” recalled Parish.

Band Trip to Orlando Florida Includes Performance at Kennedy Center
This past spring, Parish and Dudek brought their band to Orlando, Florida, where they spent six days and five nights exploring the theme parks and sites. This particular band trip included a performance at Kennedy Space Center. Other high school bands have performed in Magic Kingdom or other Disney parks – so there are many options open for student musicians bound for this destination. The band performed at an outdoor stage.  “It was a great location to perform,” said Parish. “Kennedy Space Center enjoyed having us and the crowd was very receptive,” he added.

Students Raise Funds to Travel
Parish and Dudek direct a 210 piece marching band (recently selected to perform in the 2013 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade), three jazz ensembles and three concert bands for Santiago High School.  The marching band prepared for this trip with extra rehearsals.  About 100-130 students attend these performance trips each year.  Students fund their trip a variety of ways.  “They have all kinds of fundraisers: selling candy, entertainment books, and holiday greenery,” said Parish.  And, parents make contributions to the band trip as well.

Disney Performing Arts Workshop a Memorable Part of Student Trip
One of the highlights of the trip was attending a Disney Performing Arts Workshop, “You’re Instrumental.” This interactive learning experience put the band in a real Disney recording studio, where they were asked to sight-read music in preparation for a recording.  A Disney clinician who watched their performance and commented on their skills and attitudes critiqued band members.  Finally, the band was asked to perform music along with a Disney animated feature film. “They got to see the performance DVD playback,” said Parish, who retained a copy of the DVD for the students.

High School Band Performance at Magic Kingdom Rained Out!
There was a minor disappointment for the group. They were slated to play in the “Celebrate a Dream Come Tru” parade in Magic Kingdom, but were rained out.  “The park was absolutely swamped,” said Parish.  The itinerary was packed with plenty of activities that eclipsed this minor disappointment: Epcot Center, Magic Kingdom, Universal Islands of Adventure, and the Kennedy Space Center.  The group also visited Cocoa Beach and had a cookout.

Orlando is an excellent choice for a marching band trip because of the obvious draw of Walt Disney World and Universal Islands of Adventure.  Disney does a great job of incorporating active learning programs alongside the exhibits and invites students to participate in park performances.   Other cities, such as New York City and Washington D.C., also have a great deal to offer in terms of performance venues and entertainment.

To request a quote for a band trip to any city in the U.S. take a moment to fill out the inquiry form.  Or, email info@educationaltravelconsultants.com for more information.

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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.

Tips, Information, and Stories About Student Travel