Student Group Travel and Cultural Spanish Excursions

For educators, nothing is more meaningful in student group travel than seeing a student connect with a new culture through a cultural immersion program. Rich destinations such as San Antonio, Costa Rica or the Yucatan Peninsula provide opportunities for student groups to experience the wonders of these countries while learning about their language and the local customs.
San Antonio, Texas is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich cities in the United States, where student groups can explore the relationships between Mexico and the U.S. and become immersed in the local social, cultural, and linguistic adventures.
Imagine the fun and connections made as students participate in a dance lesson at the Instituto de Mexico, where they also have the opportunity to examine works by local artists. Later, they can experience the famous San Antonio River Walk with a cruise and Mexican dinner. The Paseo Del Rio, in the heart of the downtown, is the pride of the city. River cruisers travel the RiverWalk’s three miles past unique shops, restaurants, and nightclubs. A visit to San Antonio also includes a visit with University of Mexico students who are trying to perfect their English skills. More Spanish adventures are available with visits to attractions such as the Spanish Governor’s Palace in the Alamo, Natural Bridge Caverns, and the studio of an internationally renowned blind artist.
In addition, student visitors come away with a greater understanding of Texas history and folk culture, gain new appreciation for Texas architecture with visits to various missions (including the Alamo), and create their own Mexican artwork.
An immersion trip to Costa Rica provides student with an opportunity to practice their Spanish skills and interact with Costa Ricans. Students will gain confidence as they meet residents of communities and small towns who are eager to welcome and communicate with them in their native tongue.
Student groups can also become acquainted with the geographic diversity and beauty of Costa Rica with a visit to Arenal Volcano National Park, hot thermal springs, and the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Visitors cross the Selvatura hanging bridges and take a canopy tour on the zip-line above the treetops where wildlife and natural habitats abound. The adventure also includes travel to Manuel Antonio National Park, with its unusual combination of white sand beach and evergreen forest. En route, visitors observe country life with a visit to a traditional Costa Rican farm. And imagine the surprise one experiences as they view one of the largest colonies of crocodiles in Costa Rica at the Tarcoles River.
In addition to interfacing with cultural Costa Rica, travel groups learn about the region’s wide variety of flora and fauna, visit with local artists, and enjoy popular activities such as rafting, horseback riding, and beach activities.
Student tours find new inspiration for learning with a culturally-rich trip to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. They not only work on their Spanish conversation skills, but also explore the wild beauty of Mexico’s natural environment.
Visitors become acquainted with two marvelous Cenotes located in a small village. The Cenotes, or sinkholes, are where underground rivers have broken through the limestone crust of the earth. A ride on horse-drawn trucks brings students into the jungle to visit and swim in the beautiful, clear Cenotes.
Conversational Spanish is also a highlight of the program, when students meet with a local Spanish teacher and then enjoy a walking tour of Merida, the capital of the state of Yucatan. In the evening, the traditional dance of the Yucatan, the Jarana, is an exciting spectacle.
No visit to Yucatan is complete without a tour of the Mayan archaeological site of Uxmal, where the 115-foot-high Pyramid of the Magician and the impressive Governor’s House are wonders to behold.
Student tours also embrace the Spanish culture in Yucatan by learning handicrafts and culinary skills of the country, learning Latino dance steps with a Salsa dance specialist, and snorkeling in the freshwater lagoons of Xel-Ha.

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No Artificial Ingredients – Costa Rica

For a perfect blend of science, adventure, and hands-on learning, Costa Rica is an excellent destination for student group travelers. A republic in Central America, Costa Rica (literally “Rich Coast”) is bordered by Nicaragua, Panama, the Pacific Ocean, and the Caribbean Sea. The destination is divided into 20 natural parks, eight biological reserves, and a series of protected areas that will expand the regular science curriculum far beyond the walls of the classroom.
Outdoor activities include horseback riding, hiking, and guided bird-watching tours. While Costa Rica is has only about 0.1% of the world’s landmass, it contains 5% of the world’s biodiversity, with nearly a quarter of the country composed of protected forests and reserves.
The internationally-known Corcovado National Park is famous among ecologists for its biodiversity and is home to an abundance of wildlife. Students experience the park with horseback riding, expeditions to the Guayami Indigenous Reserve, and bird watching. Boat tours provide views of marine birds and dolphins. Corcovado is the last remaining large tract of lowland rain forest o the Pacific coast of Central America. Howler and spider monkeys, tapirs, anteaters, crocodiles, bull sharks, and exotic birds are just a few of the park’s inhabitants, along with a huge variety of tropical plant life.
Home to 320 species of birds, Tortuguero National Park is mostly recognized for its annual nesting of endangered green turtles and is considered the most important nesting site for this species. The park is also home to spider, howler, and white-throated Capuchin monkeys, the three-toed sloth, and the endangered manatee. The best way to see most of the park is from a boat. Evening guided tours enable students to visit the beachfront and see the Green Sea turtles nesting under the moon. During the tours, students can watch as the turtles struggle up the beach, dig their nests, and lay their eggs.
A walk through a Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve reveals a lush green garden of mosses, ferns, and flowers growing thickly on every tree. Clouds drift and settle among the slopes, providing moisture for the amazing plant growth. Wildlife includes the jaguar, three-wattled bellbird, and the famous and elusive Resplendent Quetzal. Of the 1,400 types of Costa Rica Orchids, 500 of them are found at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.
Students may enjoy a canopy tour of a cloud forest’s protected area, or explore the area by suspension bridges. Aerial tram tours travel through the treetops, where an incredible diversity of plants and animals can be seen. For a more rustic mode of travel, students may strap on mountain climbing harnesses and pull themselves along suspended cables to a series of wooden platforms built in the trees.
Highlights at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve include butterfly gardens, reptile and amphibian exhibitions, hummingbird gardens, and a visit to an orchid garden. Night tours feature beautiful sunsets and a naturalist guide who explains the many unique elements of the forest and its inhabitants.
In addition to rain forests, Costa Rica is a land of volcanoes, waterfalls, and rivers. One of the most popular ways to explore its waterways is snorkeling. Here, students get in touch with the colorful underwater world where eels, lobsters, schools of fish, and the spectacular whale shark make their home. This is also a great time to try out the new sport of “Canyoning,” the exciting adventure of repelling down waterfalls. If that’s too adventurous, students can take a relaxing dip in volcano-heated waters after a hike on the active Arenal Volcano.
The capital city of San Jose is an open gateway to the country’s many interesting destinations. Costa Rica’s National Museum, located in the ancient Bellavista Fort, is the guardian of the country’s precious treasures and cultural heritage. The Jade Museum presents a number of important archaeological pieces, in addition to jade pieces and pottery. Presenting the rich culture of Costa Rica, Central Market is the city’s colorful marketplace. Within the cozy warren of alleyways, students discover flowers, baskets, spices, fresh goods, and souvenirs. At the nearby Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, visitors view more than 2,000 glittering pre-Colombian gold artifacts.

Safety. Affordability. And Discovery: Smithsonian Travel Brings The Classroom To Life

The United States Capitol. The Statue of Liberty. The Liberty Bell. The Lincoln Memorial. The White House. The Empire State Building. Gettysburg National Cemetery. The Smithsonian Institution. All of these historical sites make up part of American history. While each of them tells a different story, they all share one common denominator: They make an even greater impact when observed in person. Because of this reason, Smithsonian travel tours are becoming widely popular. Referred to as experiential learning, Smithsonian travel helps students relate what they’ve learned in the classroom with real-life historic monuments, legendary locations and momentous events.Safety Comes FirstWhile you want the best for your child—particularly when it comes to education—safety undoubtedly comes first. If you’re considering a Smithsonian travel tour, make a checklist of things to ask the Smithsonian travel company before signing up. Whether your child’s teacher is putting together a trip for his or her students, or your child will be joining an existing group, be certain to ask necessary questions beforehand.• Is there a full-time tour director and/or site coordinators who are available 24/7 for the group members?• Is the person in charge certified to handle emergency situations?• How does the Smithsonian travel company keep track of all group members?• Is travel insurance available?• Does the Smithsonian travel company issue background checks for all staff members? • Do staff members undergo rigorous training in order to effectively manage situations of all kinds?• Is nighttime security offered for every group?• Do group members receive high-quality accommodations?• Does the Smithsonian travel company offer extensive liability?• What takes place in an emergency situation?• Do students receive ID badges?• Do students travel on major U.S. airlines? Do they receive superior means of transportation?Affordable TravelWith Smithsonian travel, it’s likely your child will get a great deal since he or she is traveling with a group. However, keep in mind that you shouldn’t sacrifice quality for affordability. Many student travel companies offer low program fees; however, they do not forfeit safety or quality. Do your research when searching for Smithsonian travel tours—most companies offer competitive prices and top-notch services. Discover a Whole New WorldThere’s no better form of learning than by actually experiencing it. Giving your child the gift of travel will not only enrich him or her, but it will provide insights that will last a lifetime. American history is fascinating, especially when it comes alive—learning it is living it. Offering hands-on activities at the sites where significant events occurred, Smithsonian travel is an excellent way of teaching your child about America’s rich history.

Travel Tips and Guide

Travel Tips

Golden rule

The first thing that you Must ALWAYS REMEMBER.

You must always pack your own bags and not put Anything inside that will get you in trouble, this includes Flammable Liquids, Sharp Objects and banned substances of any kind. Under No Circumstances should you ever allow anyone, not even your best friend to pack your bag. When checking Inn, nowadays in any airport you are always asked. Did you pack your own bag? A This question may sound routine to you but it is the most important question with regards to your travel.

The Second thing you must ALWAYS REMEMBER.

Never carry anything for anyone no matter how small the package or what the excuse is, your life and your freedom may depend on this. In most countries around the world trafficking Banned substances will extend your Holiday a lot longer than you want it to, maybe for the rest of your life it’s No JOKE!

Passports and visas

Every Country has a different policy on Visa’s and entry permits. It is inportant that you check with the Embassy of the Country or Countries you are going to visit,to see what their Visa or entry requirement are. If you need to get a visa it can take a couple of days so you need to plan ahead, and you would also need a passport that has at least 6 months left before it expires. This may increase if you are going to be travelling for a longer period.

Keep your passport in a safe place, since you will need it whenever you board an international flight. In some countries you will be required to leave your passport with the hotel or hostel when you check in this is to satisfy regulations requiring the hostel/hotel to register all foreign visitors. You will need to show your passport when cashing a traveller’s cheque.

Photocopy the identification page of your passport to carry with you in case your passport is lost or stolen while travelling.

Before departing make sure you are covered by insurance that will reimburse travel expenses.

What to pack

Your main objective should be to travel as lightly as possible, casual dress is acceptable in most countries around the world except for Muslim countries, where visitors can not wear short or scanty tops. In some Asian countries spiting or dropping chewing gum on the street can get you in trouble with the law which might result in a fine, always make sure to read the do’s and don’ts of the country you are visiting this will make your life much easier.

Break in your shoes before you leave home, shoes with soft substantial soles are not only deal for walking but can ease the difficulty of manoeuvring the cobbled streets that characterize many old city centres especially in European countries.

Health

Make sure you get all your vecinations from you doctor before you travel this will ensure that you stay healthy while you are travelling.

Always take sensible precautions during hot weather, wear a Hat/sunglasses and sun block, drink plenty of fluids. Tap water in Europe, America and Canada in general is safe to drink, although its high mineral content can cause Minor stomach up sets if you are not used to it. If travelling further a-field you should stick to Bottled water which is an inexpensive and widely available alternative.

A general rule to stop any stomach up sets is to stay away from salads, uncooked foods and fruits, no matter how good they look.

Language

Travelling is always exciting and enjoyable if you can converse a bit with the locals. Only the basics are needed like yes, please, no and thanks you accompanied by a pleasant smile, polite manner and using your common sense will get you very far.

If you are really stuck with Communication remember that hostel /hotel receptionists usually speak English and in most cases are helpful and friendly. So you should make use of their help and they could even teach you a couple of words. Be nice to them!

Money and valuables

Having some funds in local currency is a necessity, but only carry what you will need for a day or two if its lost or stolen your chances of getting it back are next to nothing. Travellers Cheque are reliable and safe, always keep a record of the Cheque numbers you redeem and receipts in a separate place in case you need to produce them in the event of loss. Be prepared to show your passport each time you cash a cheque or offer one in Payment

Personal safety

Common sense keep valuables passports, money, credit cards etc hidden when you are on the move a money belt or neck belt or neck purse worn inside clothing is the safest option, also put money in different places so that if one bag is lost you have another source of funds. Any bag you carry with you should have a secure fastener with strap that goes over your neck and crosses your body this ensures that bulkier items like cameras etc are safe from pick pockets.

Getting around

Find a central public transportation information centre spend some time there and obtain information on how to get around the city, including transportation maps and detailed maps. Buy valid transport tickets for multiple rides or for more than one day, they will save you money and the inconvenience of having to buy a new ticket for every journey. There are a variety of public transportation in Europe and America these include subways, trams buses etc

Each country has its own customs and regulations it is very essential to take note of these, the European Union countries are considered as one and there are no limits on goods for personal use when travelling between member countries, however restrictions do apply when travelling between EU and non EU countries.

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