Re: International Student Trips

instructours

Posted on 7/20/09

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On 7/16/09, Cari wrote:
> Bravo! Applause, Applause! Well said.
>
>
> On 7/16/09, MB wrote:
>> Educational travel is such an important and rewarding
>> opportunity. Thank you to those of you who lead, and
>> welcome to those of you considering!
>>
>> First, I want to preface this by saying I worked in the
>> educational travel industry for 6 years prior to becoming
>> a classroom teacher several years ago. I don't claim to
>> be an expert but I have a unique perspective: I planned
>> trips for over 500 school groups and have travelled to
>> more than 30 countries. I am also now planning my second
>> tour as a group leader.
>>
>> I have just a few tips as a fellow group leader:
>>
>> 1. Be Flexible, both in the planning phase and on tour.
>> Things come up, especially with large groups of people,
>> hotels, restaurants, planes, buses, etc.
>>
>> 2. Keep an Open Mind. If you expect everything to be like
>> it is at home, stay home. The point is to experience
>> something different (note: expect old hotels with small
>> rooms outside the city center and no 'American-sized'
>> portions at meals).
>> * #'s 1 and 2 are critical, especially in front of
>> students.
>>
>> 3. You get what your students' parents pay for. I
>> personally recommend going with a smaller, affordable
>> travel company - you will see all the same sites and your
>> group will get the most bang for their buck.
>>
>> "The World is a book, and those who do not travel read
>> only a page." - St. Augustine

I think that proper supervision, safety protocols on the trip as
well as for emergencies, and good insurance (better through an
outside carrier that specializes in students)is a must. While
this may be a vacation for the students, it is NOT for the
teacher/chaperones; they are still responsible for the students.
I always suggest that teachers and parents have personal
liability insurance to protect themselves legally in case of
an 'incident'on tour. Teenagers can do some really silly things.

Also, one needs to get a real handle on all the expenses not
included or outlined by the tour operator: meals, admissions,
gratuities, airport fees, baggage fees, taxes etc. Many groups
have found that they did not have enough money during the trips
and students had to frantically contact home to receive more
money.

I work with only smaller, affordable companies because of the
personalized service and attention to detail. Normally there is
a company representative traveling with the group who is
knowledgeable about the areas being visited and is the direct
advocate and troubleshooter for the group. It's well worth the
extra money. I prefer an all-inclusive price structure where the
students need only to bring money for their souvenirs and the
company representative takes care of the gratuities, admissions,
fees, and meals (giving out cash for lunches etc. In this way
nobody gets caught short.

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