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Fieldtrips Chatboard

Touchy subject: Teacher "stipends" for student travel

by Anonymous

Mar 10, 2010

Hello all,

Thank you all, in advance, for your input on this issue. First, a little background: I work for an Educational Tour company that believes in putting the teachers and students first by developing curriculum based travel opportunities at an affordable price and I was an educator for many years before entering the educational trave...See More

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False I just got off a tour with a group from New Jersey. Their school Superintendent was along and we discussed the topic of teacher rewards etc. He said it was a major ethics violation and illegal in New Jersey. However, he did believe that the teachers who are actually working the trip should get a 'free' spot as they are responsible for the welfare o...See MoreI just got off a tour with a group from New Jersey. Their school Superintendent was along and we discussed the topic of teacher rewards etc. He said it was a major ethics violation and illegal in New Jersey. However, he did believe that the teachers who are actually working the trip should get a 'free' spot as they are responsible for the welfare of the students. His parents and district understand and accept that. In fact, the district insists that their school nurse is included on the trip for the purpose of dispensing medicine as well as being available for medical emergencies and injuries. The group was 20 total and had done a lot of fundraising. He also told me about an ethics opinion from Ohio that spells out what is ethical and what is not. I Googled it and it is the Ohio Ethics Advisory Commission Opinion 2000-04. I also found an interesting posting in a blog about it. According to this opinion, even teachers who are traveling off school time are not exempt from the law. According to him, the trouble with teachers traveling without being sponsored is the liability issue because the school would still, ultimately, be liable for any financial problems, injuries etc. The teacher also could be sued outright by the parents and even by the school district and risk losing her home etc. (Not to mention her job) He also talked about the IRS and new regulations, but that was too technical for me!

On 6/05/10, tenderheart wrote: > Teacher stipends and free places are becoming hot topics in many > states. Teachers should really take the time to read updated laws > in their states regarding this issues. Most teachers, and even > most school systems, do not realize they may be involved in a > professional ethics violation by accepting stipends or free > places. In my school system in Alabama, we recently hired a new > Director of Finance. He sent all teachers in our district a memo, > informing us about this issue. According to the law, it is an > ethical violation for a teacher to accept a free spot or accept > any stipend for taking students on a school-sponsored trip. > Because of this, most teachers I know are still planning trips, > but are planning them without "official" school approval. This > law includes overseas trips, as well as student tours to places > such as Washington, D.C. > > I see both sides of this issue. As a teacher, I realize how hard > it is to plan a trip of such a huge magnitude. It takes time and > effort, and most tour companies like EF, offer a free place (or > the monetary equivalent) for every six places paid for. If > teachers plan and advertise this trip at school, and have the trip > approved officially by the board of education, then technically > they are committing an ethics violation. This is true in most > states. I would check with someone at your State Dept. of > Education before getting involved in this. > > > > On 5/13/10, False wrote: >> We've gotten off topic concerning the stipends for teachers and >> perhaps there should be a thread about best ways and places to >> feed a group. >> >> However, I was talking about lunches. Normally there's a group >> breakfast at the hotel and a sit-down dinner. Sometimes I've had >> a sit down lunch at a nice restaurant and a 'cash back' dinner >> the same day. I advocate cash for only one meal a day. >> >> On 5/13/10, Trish wrote: >>> I totally agree with you on some of this. I have TD'ed >>> many a group! Our cash backs though are exactly that - >>> cash, not those food court vouchers! We only use those if >>> a teacher requests it. The cash works well in areas they >>> can be dropped off, like some of the areas in Boston, or >>> the LA Farmers Market, Pikes Place Market, the >>> Smithsonians, things like that. But we stilll have alot of >>> clients that want a group meal planned for dinner. >>> soemtimes with the restaurants you have to take the time >>> they give you! And yes sometimes it can not be optimum >>> time, but that is the way it is! >>> >>> >>> On 5/13/10, False wrote: >>>> Since I am the TD, I can suggest good places to eat >>>> rather than the food >>>> courts. I have developed relationships with various >>>> types of restaurants and farmers markets in Europe and >>>> the US. There are good chains, farmers' markets,and >>>> other restaurants where the group can stay together and >>>> that are not overrun with tons of screaming kids. With >>>> what you call, 'cash backs', the students are not >>>> limited to the silly menus on meal vouchers (which are >>>> given out by most tour companies at food courts) and >>>> they can order what they want. Most of the US food >>>> court meals are not all that healthy and the kids end >>>> up at either the pizza place or McDonald's. Try to get >>>> some milk, juice, or water on a food court meal >>>> voucher! Also, not having a set time for a meal is >>>> useful when you are running a trip with lots of >>>> appointments. Sometimes I think the itineraries are set >>>> more for meals than for the sights and I have to cut >>>> short a visit to get to a yeechy group meal squeezed >>>> between other groups and it can be stressful. >>>> Additionally, I have been given times for lunch that >>>> are either a couple of hours after breakfast or a >>>> couple of hours before dinner. >>>> >>>> However, most of my groups break up into smaller ones >>>> with a chaperone at meal time, especially if they are >>>> visiting a museum or a historic/quaint area. >>>> >>>> On 5/12/10, Trish wrote: >>>>> Thank-you!!Over 90% of our customers want things like >>>>> tips included. They simply do not want to have to >>>>> worry about it!And they trust us to do the right >>>>> thing. We pay our TD's very well and the tips are >>>>> always the correct amounts. That is why we have top >>>>> guides that have been with us for years. On the meal >>>>> note, yes sometimes we do the "cash backs" >>>>> so the kids can have a choice in where to go. But >>>>> here is something to think about. More often than >>>>> not, unless you are at a food court, the group wants >>>>> to stay together and they find that not all places to >>>>> eat can take all of them together, so that have to >>>>> split up. Some teachers do not like this scenario So >>>>> that is one advantage to a group meal. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> On 5/12/10, False wrote: >>>>>> Rhoda, I think you work for EF or you are a teacher >>>>>> getting paid by them. >>>>>> >>>>>> It seems the tour companies add a lot of last >>>>>> minute fees on the parents, which they were >>>>>> unprepared for. Then the parents have to >>>>>> guesstimate how much money to give their children >>>>>> to cover meals, tips, souvenirs, airport fees, >>>>>> transportation, and some admissions. Sometimes the >>>>>> tour companies word their descriptions in the >>>>>> brochures to lead teachers, parents, and students >>>>>> to believe something is included that is not and >>>>>> they take it out on the guide. On one itinerary we >>>>>> stay at a hotel that is over 20 kilometers from >>>>> anything >>>>>> and the group needs to pay extra if they want to >>>>>> get into town >>>>> and >>>>>> back to do something after we check in at 3:00 PM. >>>>>> So I have to deal with these complaints on tour all >>>>>> the time. >>>>>> >>>>>> Budgeting for kids is difficult to begin with and >>>>>> many run out of money for reasons that are not >>>>>> always their fault. On several of my trips (I'm an >>>>>> ITMI certified TD), the students actually ran out >>>>>> of money and did not have enough to tip me or the >>>>>> driver so it had nothing to do with the quality of >>>>>> the service. Some didn't have enough for the >>>>>> departure fees or baggage fees at the airport and >>>>>> had to call their parents to load more money on >>>>>> their ATM cards. Yo! We're dealing with kids here >>>>>> and some have never had as much money in their >>>>>> hands before. >>>>>> >>>>>> Some tour companies in the US actually give out >>>>>> cash to the students for meals so there is >>>>>> flexibility and pay for all the luggage and >>>>>> departure fees on a company credit card. The >>>>>> company takes care of the tour guides and drivers >>>>>> and therefore have better guides and drivers who >>>>>> stay with the company. >>>>>> >>>>>> I also agree that the so-called stipends are >>>>>> actually ripping-off the parents and students. I >>>>>> was just made aware of that recently by a teacher >>>>>> that was boasting on how much he was getting paid. >>>>>> I couldn't believe it. Do you have any idea how >>>>>> much better the tour could be if the teachers >>>>>> didn't take this money? Trish may have a point that >>>>>> they are illegal. >>>>>> >>>>>> So Rhoda, you are saying that customers go for the >>>>>> cheaper price and you give one because it makes you >>>>>> more competitive, but it really isn't cheaper when >>>>>> you have all these last minute price increases and >>>>>> other fees that might appear in the field and then >>>>>> the money doesn't go to those who work the trip >>>>>> when the money runs out or due to greedy teachers. >>>>>> I don't think it's a good way to do business when >>>>>> you're dealing with kids. I think that it's better >>>>>> to have everything taken care of in advance. It's >>>>>> far more honest and less stressful for all. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> On 5/09/10, Rhoda Lott wrote: >>>>>>> Trish, this idea of having "all >>>>>>> included" should be seen from the right >>>>>>> point of view. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Whatever you include must be eventually paid by >>>>>>> the client because it has a cost. If you sell a >>>>>>> tour with all meals included you will pay a >>>>>>> certain amount, if you do not include them the >>>>>>> cost is less for the travelers but travelers have >>>>>>> to add that cost themselves eventually. Which can >>>>>>> be good because you have a choice of eating as >>>>>>> you like according to your budget. If Tour >>>>>>> Operators pay TD well and include tips, where do >>>>>>> you think money is coming from? From their income >>>>>>> or your pockets? I'd rather have the freedom of >>>>>>> choosing what/if/how much I want to spend >>>>>>> according to the guidelines and according to the >>>>>>> degree of my group's satisfaction. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Also note that customers today go for the >>>>>>> cheapest price. If you include too much you risk >>>>>>> not to be competitive unless you lower the >>>>>>> quality of service. There is nothing like a free >>>>>>> meal, remember! Rhoda >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On 5/06/10, Trish wrote: >>>>>>>> Not to mention that many of these cash stipends >>>>>>>> are ILLEGAL in most states and should be >>>>>>>> reported. >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> On the tipping the TD note. There are a few >>>>>>>> good travel companies that pay tour directors >>>>>>>> very well and include the tip so that the >>>>>>>> teachers do not have to worry about it.

Jun 5, 2010

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Gabriele Sorry if I disturb you all on this but I was shocked when I read that you all think that TD are very well paid and that they will receive the tip from the tour company they are working for... If you think so you are completely wrong. I have been working for some important US tour Operator as Tour Director and I was paid 80 euros a day and I never r...See MoreSorry if I disturb you all on this but I was shocked when I read that you all think that TD are very well paid and that they will receive the tip from the tour company they are working for... If you think so you are completely wrong. I have been working for some important US tour Operator as Tour Director and I was paid 80 euros a day and I never received a tip from any company but only from the generousity of the clients. So... The question is: where is going all the money the kids are paying for their trips??? I leave at you all the answer and I respect any opinion without trying to convince anyone.I am just a witness of the educational travel business. ciao

On 6/05/10, tenderheart wrote: > Teacher stipends and free places are becoming hot topics in many > states. Teachers should really take the time to read updated laws > in their states regarding this issues. Most teachers, and even > most school systems, do not realize they may be involved in a > professional ethics violation by accepting stipends or free > places. In my school system in Alabama, we recently hired a new > Director of Finance. He sent all teachers in our district a memo, > informing us about this issue. According to the law, it is an > ethical violation for a teacher to accept a free spot or accept > any stipend for taking students on a school-sponsored trip. > Because of this, most teachers I know are still planning trips, > but are planning them without "official" school approval. This > law includes overseas trips, as well as student tours to places > such as Washington, D.C. > > I see both sides of this issue. As a teacher, I realize how hard > it is to plan a trip of such a huge magnitude. It takes time and > effort, and most tour companies like EF, offer a free place (or > the monetary equivalent) for every six places paid for. If > teachers plan and advertise this trip at school, and have the trip > approved officially by the board of education, then technically > they are committing an ethics violation. This is true in most > states. I would check with someone at your State Dept. of > Education before getting involved in this. > > > > On 5/13/10, False wrote: >> We've gotten off topic concerning the stipends for teachers and >> perhaps there should be a thread about best ways and places to >> feed a group. >> >> However, I was talking about lunches. Normally there's a group >> breakfast at the hotel and a sit-down dinner. Sometimes I've had >> a sit down lunch at a nice restaurant and a 'cash back' dinner >> the same day. I advocate cash for only one meal a day. >> >> On 5/13/10, Trish wrote: >>> I totally agree with you on some of this. I have TD'ed >>> many a group! Our cash backs though are exactly that - >>> cash, not those food court vouchers! We only use those if >>> a teacher requests it. The cash works well in areas they >>> can be dropped off, like some of the areas in Boston, or >>> the LA Farmers Market, Pikes Place Market, the >>> Smithsonians, things like that. But we stilll have alot of >>> clients that want a group meal planned for dinner. >>> soemtimes with the restaurants you have to take the time >>> they give you! And yes sometimes it can not be optimum >>> time, but that is the way it is! >>> >>> >>> On 5/13/10, False wrote: >>>> Since I am the TD, I can suggest good places to eat >>>> rather than the food >>>> courts. I have developed relationships with various >>>> types of restaurants and farmers markets in Europe and >>>> the US. There are good chains, farmers' markets,and >>>> other restaurants where the group can stay together and >>>> that are not overrun with tons of screaming kids. With >>>> what you call, 'cash backs', the students are not >>>> limited to the silly menus on meal vouchers (which are >>>> given out by most tour companies at food courts) and >>>> they can order what they want. Most of the US food >>>> court meals are not all that healthy and the kids end >>>> up at either the pizza place or McDonald's. Try to get >>>> some milk, juice, or water on a food court meal >>>> voucher! Also, not having a set time for a meal is >>>> useful when you are running a trip with lots of >>>> appointments. Sometimes I think the itineraries are set >>>> more for meals than for the sights and I have to cut >>>> short a visit to get to a yeechy group meal squeezed >>>> between other groups and it can be stressful. >>>> Additionally, I have been given times for lunch that >>>> are either a couple of hours after breakfast or a >>>> couple of hours before dinner. >>>> >>>> However, most of my groups break up into smaller ones >>>> with a chaperone at meal time, especially if they are >>>> visiting a museum or a historic/quaint area. >>>> >>>> On 5/12/10, Trish wrote: >>>>> Thank-you!!Over 90% of our customers want things like >>>>> tips included. They simply do not want to have to >>>>> worry about it!And they trust us to do the right >>>>> thing. We pay our TD's very well and the tips are >>>>> always the correct amounts. That is why we have top >>>>> guides that have been with us for years. On the meal >>>>> note, yes sometimes we do the "cash backs" >>>>> so the kids can have a choice in where to go. But >>>>> here is something to think about. More often than >>>>> not, unless you are at a food court, the group wants >>>>> to stay together and they find that not all places to >>>>> eat can take all of them together, so that have to >>>>> split up. Some teachers do not like this scenario So >>>>> that is one advantage to a group meal. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> On 5/12/10, False wrote: >>>>>> Rhoda, I think you work for EF or you are a teacher >>>>>> getting paid by them. >>>>>> >>>>>> It seems the tour companies add a lot of last >>>>>> minute fees on the parents, which they were >>>>>> unprepared for. Then the parents have to >>>>>> guesstimate how much money to give their children >>>>>> to cover meals, tips, souvenirs, airport fees, >>>>>> transportation, and some admissions. Sometimes the >>>>>> tour companies word their descriptions in the >>>>>> brochures to lead teachers, parents, and students >>>>>> to believe something is included that is not and >>>>>> they take it out on the guide. On one itinerary we >>>>>> stay at a hotel that is over 20 kilometers from >>>>> anything >>>>>> and the group needs to pay extra if they want to >>>>>> get into town >>>>> and >>>>>> back to do something after we check in at 3:00 PM. >>>>>> So I have to deal with these complaints on tour all >>>>>> the time. >>>>>> >>>>>> Budgeting for kids is difficult to begin with and >>>>>> many run out of money for reasons that are not >>>>>> always their fault. On several of my trips (I'm an >>>>>> ITMI certified TD), the students actually ran out >>>>>> of money and did not have enough to tip me or the >>>>>> driver so it had nothing to do with the quality of >>>>>> the service. Some didn't have enough for the >>>>>> departure fees or baggage fees at the airport and >>>>>> had to call their parents to load more money on >>>>>> their ATM cards. Yo! We're dealing with kids here >>>>>> and some have never had as much money in their >>>>>> hands before. >>>>>> >>>>>> Some tour companies in the US actually give out >>>>>> cash to the students for meals so there is >>>>>> flexibility and pay for all the luggage and >>>>>> departure fees on a company credit card. The >>>>>> company takes care of the tour guides and drivers >>>>>> and therefore have better guides and drivers who >>>>>> stay with the company. >>>>>> >>>>>> I also agree that the so-called stipends are >>>>>> actually ripping-off the parents and students. I >>>>>> was just made aware of that recently by a teacher >>>>>> that was boasting on how much he was getting paid. >>>>>> I couldn't believe it. Do you have any idea how >>>>>> much better the tour could be if the teachers >>>>>> didn't take this money? Trish may have a point that >>>>>> they are illegal. >>>>>> >>>>>> So Rhoda, you are saying that customers go for the >>>>>> cheaper price and you give one because it makes you >>>>>> more competitive, but it really isn't cheaper when >>>>>> you have all these last minute price increases and >>>>>> other fees that might appear in the field and then >>>>>> the money doesn't go to those who work the trip >>>>>> when the money runs out or due to greedy teachers. >>>>>> I don't think it's a good way to do business when >>>>>> you're dealing with kids. I think that it's better >>>>>> to have everything taken care of in advance. It's >>>>>> far more honest and less stressful for all. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> On 5/09/10, Rhoda Lott wrote: >>>>>>> Trish, this idea of having "all >>>>>>> included" should be seen from the right >>>>>>> point of view. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Whatever you include must be eventually paid by >>>>>>> the client because it has a cost. If you sell a >>>>>>> tour with all meals included you will pay a >>>>>>> certain amount, if you do not include them the >>>>>>> cost is less for the travelers but travelers have >>>>>>> to add that cost themselves eventually. Which can >>>>>>> be good because you have a choice of eating as >>>>>>> you like according to your budget. If Tour >>>>>>> Operators pay TD well and include tips, where do >>>>>>> you think money is coming from? From their income >>>>>>> or your pockets? I'd rather have the freedom of >>>>>>> choosing what/if/how much I want to spend >>>>>>> according to the guidelines and according to the >>>>>>> degree of my group's satisfaction. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Also note that customers today go for the >>>>>>> cheapest price. If you include too much you risk >>>>>>> not to be competitive unless you lower the >>>>>>> quality of service. There is nothing like a free >>>>>>> meal, remember! Rhoda >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On 5/06/10, Trish wrote: >>>>>>>> Not to mention that many of these cash stipends >>>>>>>> are ILLEGAL in most states and should be >>>>>>>> reported. >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> On the tipping the TD note. There are a few >>>>>>>> good travel companies that pay tour directors >>>>>>>> very well and include the tip so that the >>>>>>>> teachers do not have to worry about it.

Jul 8, 2010

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Tour Company Problems

by socaliforniamagistra

Mar 11, 2010

Honestly, you're being rather cynical: I don't work for that tour company.

I also don't travel internationally with students and I was making some suggestions and illustrating with my personal experience.

I did mention that some of my colleagues were traveling without a company and had saved a great deal of money.

I al...See More

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Wanda I teach at a small college. I felt slightly sleazy before I began this process (of receiving my trip at a reduced cost or "free" based upon the number of enrolled travelers). Then I went on a trip that I paid for, and even without a full-time tour guide (I went to England and did all the planning for four English teachers, including booking fights,...See More

Apr 16, 2013

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NECT Travel Voucher

by Jon

Mar 25, 2010

NETC Travel Voucher worth $200, good through 10/15/10. Offering at discount. Save some money.

Jon

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Field Trip Idea - TV Station

by field tripper

Mar 28, 2010

We just came from a field trip to our local television news station. It was one of the best field trips ever! The kids got to watch a live taping of the 11am news, they got to sit in the studio and see the anchors and broadcasters do their work. They also got to sit in the control room, where the director and technicians control the whole boardcast...See More

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Madrid, Paris.. Student Tour

by Charles Worthen

Apr 5, 2010

There were 15 persons in our group, 5 Adults and 10 Students...After Flying all Night, We spent the first day of tour waiting and laying around in Londons, Hethrow Airport (91/2 hours) 7:30am to 4:55pm.. Tired , Sleepy and Hungry plus no Bath, We missed the first day of our tour because EXPLORICA was too Cheap to get us out on an EARLIER... on anot...See More

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EF, Explorica, Passports and the Dishonest Teachers

by Lorna Mail

Apr 18, 2010

I've travelled with all of those companies for 20 years. More and more I hear of many colleague teachers who do not tip the Tour Directors for the wonderful job they do! The most terrible cases are those teachers who collect the money from the students and they pocket most of it. This information is going around the world more and more among Tour D...See More

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gail On 10/06/10, Debbie Fremming wrote: > On 4/28/10, Verity wrote: >> Adam has made a good point about my ability to pick and choose. I >> have been in the business a long time and so I have a lot of repeat >> business. The company I started out with did not allow tipping at >> all and paid us well, so I was spoiled. I can a...See MoreOn 10/06/10, Debbie Fremming wrote: > On 4/28/10, Verity wrote: >> Adam has made a good point about my ability to pick and choose. I >> have been in the business a long time and so I have a lot of repeat >> business. The company I started out with did not allow tipping at >> all and paid us well, so I was spoiled. I can also negotiate my >> contracts with many tour operators, especially if I am requested by >> a group. New tour guides are not in the same position and >> unfortunately, many good ones leave because they do not make enough >> money. The tour companies should have the gratuities > automatically >> added into the trip and if the guide or bus driver does not > do a >> good job, they should be let go. One of my companies sends me > a >> separate check for the gratuity after the trip is completed and >> they have received a good report. I've been reading a lot about >> teachers complaining about their pay. Most of them are > members of >> unions which try to negotiate better contracts for them. We're >> mostly independent contractors and working seasonally, but are >> entirely at the mercy of the companies and the teachers. The >> companies are not interested in protecting their guides. They >> should imagine what it is like to be a professional guide on > duty >> 24 hours with the responsibility of a group of students and get >> paid less than minimum wage. Waiters and waitresses are treated >> better. >> >> On 4/24/10, Adam wrote: >>> Its nice that Verity can pick and choose the tour company he (or >>> she) works for, and settles only for those who pay a "decent daily >>> fee." Unfortunately, in these troubles times, most of us cannot >>> pick and choose companies and we have to go with the work that is >>> offered. I agree with what both Verity and Lorna have to say. We >>> work long hours, and as with any service industry, are at the >>> mercy of the teachers for our tips. I believe that dishonest >>> teachers are few and far between, but they are out there. I wish >>> there was a way of letting the kids (and their parents) know that >>> a tip was not received, especially when one was collected from >>> them. I've been lucky to have worked with wonderful teachers who >>> have been extremely generous with the tip and hopefully forums >>> like this will educate and reinforce the need for gratuities to be >>> given to reward hard work. >>> >>> >>> On 4/20/10, Verity wrote: >>>> I am a tour guide who has been 'stiffed' by many of my groups >>>> and it is not due to the quality of my guiding. The tour >>>> companies that tell the teachers to tip are paying us poorly >>>> to begin with and our income is really based on the tips and >>>> the number of people on the bus. Spending one to two weeks >>>> 24/7 with a group, giving them the best service possible, and >>>> then not getting anything, is disgusting. And you can't >>>> complain to the companies because they don't care. The bus >>>> drivers want us to bring groups to more souvenir stops to >>>> make up some of the slack with commissions. I take pride in >>>> my work so I now only work for companies that pay me a decent >>>> daily fee, regardless of the number of people on the bus. But >>>> believe me, it is not only with North American teachers >>>> because this system was started by European companies for >>>> European teachers. I was even fired by an Australian company >>>> when I confronted an Aussie teacher, after a three week trip, >>>> who gave no tip to either me or my bus driver and the teacher >>>> said that she thought the tip was included, when it clearly >>>> wasn't. >>>> >>>> On 4/18/10, Lorna Mail wrote: >>>>> I've travelled with all of those companies for 20 years. >>>>> More and more I hear of many colleague teachers who do not >>>>> tip the Tour Directors for the wonderful job they do! The >>>>> most terrible cases are those teachers who collect the >>>>> money from the students and they pocket most of it. This >>>>> information is going around the world more and more among >>>>> Tour Directors and Travel Companies with evidences. If some >>>>> teachers are doing this, we should not be surprised that >>>>> the reputation of Northamerican teachers is becoming what >>>>> it is now!! This is mostly embarassing especially >>>>> considering that we, teachers get so many benefits and >>>>> stipends and advantages, that I will not mention here! So >>>>> those teachers are destroying the reputation of many others >>>>> who do this with passion. They steal the money of their >>>>> students and the tip of their Tour Director. And this is a >>>>> crime!! >>>>> Lorna

There is a travel company that will add the school and the teacher to their liability insurance so you are covered and so is the school. The travel programs are really educational. They will also pay the teacher a 500.00 bonus at time of travel for spring deposits and bill the parents individually on payment plan through the summer. If you would like more information please email me. [email removed].

Jan 2, 2011

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alberto casanova On 4/18/10, Lorna Mail wrote: > I've travelled with all of those companies for 20 years. > More and more I hear of many colleague teachers who do not > tip the Tour Directors for the wonderful job they do! The > most terrible cases are those teachers who collect the > money from the students and they pocket most of it. This > info...See More

Mar 17, 2011

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NECT Travel Voucher

by Laurie

Apr 20, 2010

I have a $200.00 voucher that has to be used in the final payment before 10/15/10. I will take $150.00 for it. If anyone has any suggestions on how to sell this please let me know.

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NETC Travel Vouchers

by Marylena

May 13, 2010

Seven $900 NETC travel vouchers available as our Natick, MA High School Mexico trip was cancelled. Valid for NETC program departing by 12/31/2011. Willing to discount. Please let me know if you have any questions.

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Travel with Smithsonian Student Travel

by Trace

May 15, 2010

Has anyone traveled recently with Smithsonian Student Travel? We are scheduled to travel to Boston next spring and I would like to know about any experiences you may have had, not just the bad ones either.

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Jen B. Trace,

I used to travel to DC and other destinations with EF/SmithsonianStudentTravel and I have found better experiences with another company. Just like many people mention they promise a price that doesn't include much. I was told a price that was to be an all inclusive price for my kids, however, once I receive the itinerary the only me...See More

Aug 5, 2010

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Susan Trace, I have have traveled many times with Smithsonian/Go Ahead/EF Tours from Washington DC to New York, and Ireland/Scotland with adults and students. I agree with "obsserver" that it is the sourpuss that does the most complaining. After multiple trips and another one scheduled for March, the only problem I have ever had was with parents who want...See MoreTrace, I have have traveled many times with Smithsonian/Go Ahead/EF Tours from Washington DC to New York, and Ireland/Scotland with adults and students. I agree with "obsserver" that it is the sourpuss that does the most complaining. After multiple trips and another one scheduled for March, the only problem I have ever had was with parents who want a high end tour for low end prices and don't have the math skills to figure out why it would cost more to have 2 people in the room than it does for 4 people! Travel in confidence and ask for Emily!

GET the Insurance, I had a student break his ankle 4 days before we left one year and the MOM had a FIT!!! because they wouldn't refund her money. She made the choice not to buy the insurance even though I encouraged it. She would have gotten a full refund. Then she wanted me to push him in a wheelchair and threatened to file a handicapped discrimination suit against me! He wasn't handicapped, he was injured and the Dr. wouldn't release him to travel.

On 5/21/10, observer wrote: > Hi Trace, > > I really would not be concerned about it. The student travel > industry is so complicated trying to understand it all is not worth > your time. If you research any company online you will typically > find only negative responses. However, in comparison to the people > who are having great tours the percentage is miniscule. You can > have a really good tour, like the majority of people, and never > post anything about it. The people who are really pissed off tend > to write on boards like these. Although there are definitely some > legitimate complaints most of the time it is parents/teachers who > have no clue about travel. In the end, understand the general > guidelines of the company and have a great time! > > > > On 5/18/10, Trace wrote: >> Can you give me examples of what is not included? Has anyone had >> a good experience with EF/Smithsonian Student Travel? I am >> really concerned from all the negative I hear ...This did seem >> like the right choice. >> >> >> >> On 5/18/10, Molly wrote: >>> Trace, >>> >>> Be weary of these guys as they are really EF who has >>> rebranded themselves under the Smithsonian name. They >>> typically tell you it's going to be this amazing trip for >>> this low price but once you get on the trip you find out >>> almost nothing is included! I would check out other >>> companies if your letters have not been sent out yet! >>> >>> On 5/15/10, Trace wrote: >>>> Has anyone traveled recently with Smithsonian Student >>>> Travel? We are scheduled to travel to Boston next spring >>>> and I would like to know about any experiences you may have >>>> had, not just the bad ones either.

Jul 28, 2012

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What is the best student travel group?

by Trace

May 18, 2010

What is your favorite student travel group and why?

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Class Act Tours On 10/05/10, Porsche wrote: > They are similar in mission, but People to People Ambassadors are > focused on academic achievement. They only bring specific students on > their program and if I’m not mistaken by invitation only. Close Up > provides civic education and is geared to all schools as well as > individuals that are from a...See MoreOn 10/05/10, Porsche wrote: > They are similar in mission, but People to People Ambassadors are > focused on academic achievement. They only bring specific students on > their program and if I’m not mistaken by invitation only. Close Up > provides civic education and is geared to all schools as well as > individuals that are from all academic backgrounds. They try to give > all students the opportunity to come on program. They provide grants > and fellowships and will even help give you ideas for fundraising and > donations. Each year Close Up reps, staff and even officers build > relationships with teachers/administrators and districts. Majority of > their groups are through schools. Close Up’s major programs center in > DC, yes, but you can create your own program as well to include NY, > Williamsburg, Philly, Gettysburg and few others. You have the option > to persaonalize it to fit your needs. They have teachers that build > their classroom curriculum around these programs/current issues. They > have programs throughout the year and are less expensive. > > On 10/04/10, mslutheran wrote: >> Isn't Close Up like People to People Ambassadors in that they focus >> more on leadership seminars? It seems to me that most of their >> programs are not geared to whole school groups, but individual >> students that come from all over the country and world. I'm not >> knocking the programs, in fact, some of our students have been on >> both, and have benefited, but they're not really 'tours' and they're >> centered mostly in DC. >>

Hi! Of course I'm extremely biased because I've worked with Class Act Tours for over 25 years, but I truly feel you won't find an easier and more personable company to work with! When you call, we immediately connect you with a Personal Tour Coordinator whom you can contact 24/7 for any questions you may have during the trip planning process. We work with ALL kinds of budgets, keeping in mind that this is an EDUCATIONAL trip, geared towards student groups and it shows in our prices without compromising on quality. Our guides are AWESOME and I wouldn't work anywhere else~ [link removed]:)

Oct 8, 2010

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Debbie Bell On 5/18/10, Trace wrote: > What is your favorite student travel group and why?

I appreciate the hard work and superb service of TSA Tours, located in Tempe, Arizona. I have been leading student tours since 1986 and have had the opportunity to travel with CHA, Travel Selections, EF, People-To-People, International Grand Tours and finally...See More

Sep 2, 2011

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