Experiential Career and College Exploration (How to Take the Headache out of, and get the most

benefit from, Student Travel)

“Travel brings the classroom curriculum alive, inspiring students to learn through first-hand, interactive experiences. Travel motivates students to

achieve and improves academic performance. Travel teaches understanding of other people, communities and cultures. Travel offers educational

opportunities for a shrinking globe. Travel helps young people gain self-confidence, a sense of independence, and a feeling that they can make a

difference in the world. A group travel experience is one your participants will remember for the rest of their lives.”

www.syta.org

Jennifer Blanchard Belk, IIDA, IDEC, LEED AP

Why this subject? Why me?• Assistant Professor and Academic Advisor at Winthrop University

• Winner of 2013 National Association of Women in Construction Carol A. Kueker Education Visionary Award

• Has served on admissions, scholarship, and specialization committees

• Orientation Faculty Mentor and ACAD (freshman success seminar) instructor

• 8 years working with students on academic advising, college community assimilation, campus leadership, and exploration of career and personal development options

• Chair of the University College Faculty Conference (Honors Programs, Academic Success Center, Gen Ed, Career Development, International Center & Study Abroad, etc.)

• Department of Design Study Abroad liaison

• Has planned many highly successful student trips in support of student personal, career, and curriculum development; Traveled extensively for business and pleasure!

Jen’s Travels:

= Lived

= Visited

Skylar Spies, Student Member, IIDA

• Recent grad of Winthrop University. • Served as program research assistant regarding:

• Narrative Writing and Empathy • 3D modeling on college campuses• Student Travel

• President of the INDS student organization• Scholar:

• Dean’s List • Life Scholarship • Dean's Meritorious Scholarship

• Internships included:• Carolina Business Interiors • ai Design Group

• Has studied abroad through the university and has traveled extensively• Art & Architecture of Greece • Chicago Architectural/Market study

… and self-professed travel-hag!

… and what was the effect of travel?

In class experiences

and field trips

Class Travel Experiences

Life Long Interests

and Careers

… and what was the effect of travel?

Educational Travel

Experiences as a Student

Educational Travel

Experiences as a Teacher

Life Long Love of

Teaching and Mentoring

Goals and Content:

• Understand the advantages of student travel and professional/collegiate networking opportunities in student career and college preparedness

• Aspects to consider when planning a trip

• Creating student excitement and preparation

• Advantages of making travel part of the curriculum

• Outline suggestions for planning timeline

• Understand the importance of student reflection and follow-up

• Personal case studies

• Q&A

Understand the advantages of student travel and professional/collegiate networking opportunities in student career and college preparedness

Student & Youth group travel is on the rise• In a 2005 survey, 60.5% of students indicated

they had taken an overnight group trip independent of their family.

• In a repeat survey in 2007, this number increases to 76.1%.

Travel Improves Achievement• 86.8% of parents surveyed say that student

group travel is an essential part of their child's education experience.

• 58.4% have seen a positive change in their child's academic performance.

Source: Student and Youth Travel Research Institute, Michigan State University, 2005 and 2007

The World Youth Student &

Educational Travel states that for young

individuals:

Travel is a form of

learning

Travel is a way of

socializing

Travel is a form of discovering other cultures

Travel is a means of self-development

Travel is a source of career

development

May of 2011, a survey sampled people between the ages of 21 and 69 years old. • 300 people who had

traveled to a country outside the U.S. or Canada on a school sponsored educational tour when they were between 12-18

• 300 people who did not travel abroad on a school sponsored educational tour.

Students who went on a educational tour:

www.educationaltravelweek.com

Be more successful, even in tough economic times

Be more marketable to colleges and employers 61% agreed that the tour enhanced their resume when applying for college 54% agreed that the tour enhanced their resume when applying for jobs

Additional findings uncovered that those who participated in an educational tour embraced more international travel in their jobs, felt part of a global community and considered themselves good global citizens.

* Study by Explorica Educational Travel

Understand the advantages of student travel and professional/collegiate networking opportunities in student career and college preparedness

Hands-on trip experiences may be

the only way to reach certain students;

Unique museums and attractions can drive home learning

objectives

What you may be able to see and do on an educational trip may be something completely different than what was accomplished on

a sightseeing trip with the family.

For some types of trips, you just don’t have the

same opportunities locally that you do in another

destination.

Advantages for Students….

Advantages for Teachers….

Aspects for

Consideration

Reasons for Tour and Types of Experiences….. and how does that effect timeline?

Specific Cultural Subject/Area of Interest Travel Exploring a subject or topic:

- Does the climate of the area dictate visit dates?- Is there a particular special event being attended?

College Exploration Visits to one or more potential colleges or universities:

- Are you working around college calendars and athletics?- Are there particular recruiting events to attend?- Is there a particular group of students who might be interested?

Volunteer Travel Gaining cultural knowledge while giving of time:

- Is this in reaction to a need?- Would this be combined with another non-profit group?

Dates of Trip & Developing your itinerary:

• Breaks: December, Spring, Summer, Federal Holiday Weekend?• What dates/bookends are out of your control?• What special destination events dictate travel days?• Are there particular dates you DO NOT want to travel?• Balance of free vs structured activities

Location and events:

• Investigate the use of extracurricular groups and special interest classes to assist in the research/identification of colleges and professional sites of interest

• Where does the art club want to go? • Would the yearbook staff benefit from a professional workshop with other

schools attending?• Is there a special conference, tournament or trade show being hosted in a nearby

larger city?

• Can “piggy-backing” happen to allow for attendance of an annual event with natural or built resources nearby? What about college tours?

• Look into local resources in the geographic areas of the colleges the students have interest in … is there any way to ties those visits into one fabulous student trip? Let’s see!

A few of the colleges in the Charleston area:Citadel College of CharlestonJohnson & Wales Medical College of SCTrident Tech The Art Inst of Charleston

Winthrop University:

• College of Arts and Sciences • College of Business Administration• Richard W. Riley College of Education • College of Visual and Performing Arts

Visual and Performing Arts in Charlotte:

Business in Charlotte in Charlotte: Arts & Sciences in Charlotte:

Education in Charlotte:

Co-sponsors and Chaperones:

www.studenttraveldirectory.com

All chaperones should have some experience with students either as teachers, school administrators or some other educational, professional venue.

Initial recruiting should include the following:- Experience in working with adolescents- Willingness to help plan and facilitate- Ability to attend all pre-tour meetings- Assist with documentation such as obtaining

passports and visas- Prepared to spend money on items not covered

in a potential “free spot” such as food- Ability to chaperone small groups of students

on flights if the flights are split- Following all tour guidelines in respect to

expectations such as an alcohol policy

Tour Director vs DIY?

Advantages of a Tour Company• Connection with travel association• Experience with this specific tour• Ability to combine with similar groups• Holistic insurance coverage• Earlier arrangement of special events

Advantages of DIY• Customize to your understanding of goals

and student needs• No additional costs for traveling with tour

director• Individual negotiating power with separate

vendors and take advantage of multiple returning customer advantages

• Total autonomy on itinerary and scheduling

Funding:

Explore partnership opportunities with colleges and professional/service organizations to assist in planning and funding

Annual events allow for multiple (free?) preplanned activities associated with event:• Conferences and workshops• Markets• Career fairs

Funding options:• Rotary International and other service

organizations• Travel/Educational Grants• Student Youth Travel Association

Foundation and “Road Scholarship”• Conference or event volunteerism

Budget - Strategies & Tips:

• Book flight at lowest cost possible using

government/group discounts!• Negotiate with hotels for rates and don’t just

rely on online availability!• Explore alternate airports even if it means

going the night before!• The least expensive ground transportation

just might be a limo!• Take advantage of public transportation!• Group tours means cheaper rates, no lines

and no random people!• “Renting” of extra hotel space to appropriate

adults!• Keep slight fund overage year to year!• Utilizing historic data & maintain records of

estimated vs actual costs• Be as all inclusive as possible and clearly

indicate what is not included

Dining:

• Group reservations?• Handling payment?• Being authentic!• Making students aware of options!

CULTURE!

ENTERTAINMENT!

MARKET!

SH

OP

PIN

G!

ARCHITECTURE!

Hotel: • Location, Location, Location!• Convenience to public transportation• Cancelation and reduction of needed rooms fees• Included meals and services (transport?)• Safety in area and hotel• Perks for Leaders?• Be authentic!• Change it up!

Recruitment:

Student enthusiasm for travel – Cater to Humor and Pop Culture!

Student enthusiasm for travel - Accumulate interest info:

• Get previous student travelers in on the recruiting• Hold interest meetings at times of maximum availability for students and parents• Make all recruitment and trip info available online via social media (Facebook event

or LinkedIn Group) or by creating an online web page of tour pictures/comments• Hold a school-wide assembly focused on this and other tours

Once enrolled, if not part of actual class, plan monthly meetings to allow for students and parent to acquire comfort levels, teacher to present

preparatory information, and students to bond with travel-mates

Student preparation for travel:

Geographic orientation and public transportation:• Give students information and training in the

daily logistics of inner-city travel, traveling abroad, way-finding, etc.

Packing:• Provide general packing tips for students as well

as those specific to the mode of transportation, location and climate of trip, types and level of professionalism of events attending, etc.

Safety:• Cover general and specific safety tips in writing

and as in-class discussions assisted by students who have traveled before!

The PlanningTimeline

Outline suggestions for - Your planning timeline:

12 months prior• You should have chosen your location by now. • Start setting departure and return dates for the trip, so people can clear their

calendars for the date of the trip well before departure.• Determine who will be your additional chaperones. • You will begin to contact airlines and hotels and motor coaches now, as they

work 11-12 months in advance. • Start promoting the tour through email, brochures, posters, social media and

other outlets.

Outline suggestions for - Your planning timeline:

6-9 months prior• You should start to see the early participants signing up with deposits paid. • Create a list of reading materials and study exercises to prepare students

during the trip. • If a passport or visa is required, now is the time to apply for them.

4 months prior• Continue to promote the trip in newsletters, social media, etc. to keep interest

alive for those who have already signed up. • Contact people who have shown interest but not yet committed.

3 months prior• This is deadline for the final payments for those that have paid their deposits. • Arrange transportation to and from the airport. • Students should start picking roommates for the hotels.

Outline suggestions for - Your planning timeline:

1 month prior• To ensure everyone is ready for departure, schedule a last minute meeting to:

• Confirm trip details.• Go over packing lists. • Review all expectations regarding timeliness and student behavior as have

students sign agreements.• Have the students fill our emergency contact cards to keep on file, along

with any allergy or medical information you should know. • Make sure the parents have your information as well of they need to

contact you for any reason.

Simple ways to help your students and youth get the most out of their trip:

• Think about what you want your students to get out of the trip, and discuss these things with your tour operator or travel mentor so they have the same understanding as they offer guidance on your itinerary.

• Rely on your tour operator to advise interactive activities during the trip that tie directly to your curriculum.

• Prep your students ahead of time. Visiting an art museum in Madrid or Chicago will have much more meaning and impact if your students know what they are seeing. Many attractions are happy to send you curriculum materials that you can use prior to your visit.

• Bring in experts on subjects that are particularly important. An excellent speaker is easier to find than you might think- local colleges, museums, historic sites and societies all have experts on a wide range of topics.

www.syta.org

….if any way possible … MAKE IT A CLASS!!!

A successful course in preparation for group travel:

Course should facilitate teamwork/camaraderie among travelers:• The more time students can spend together

beforehand, the better. • Create opportunities for various forms of bonding

and teambuilding

Course/Lesson Methodology:• Multiple/varied group activities (shuffle groups to

promote mingling within group!)• Multimedia resources (Video tours, Google Earth,

YouTube)• Student selected research • Student led discussions

“We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter

what their color.”~ Maya Angelou

Ethnic Areas of Chicago

Case Study for Travel Based

Course

Chicago Architectural and Market Study

(biannually 2006-2012)

Chicago Architectural and Market Study:Students take on an in-depth study of the historic and contemporary architecture of Chicago, the role of the NeoCON World’s Trade Fair in contemporary interior design, and the design and architectural leaders that have influenced them both. The class culminates in a 6 day group trip to Chicago and to NeoCON International Commercial Furnishings Market.

Course Topics:• Understanding the location and geography of Chicago• Introduction to Chicago History and its effects on future Architecture• Chicago Historic and Contemporary Architecture (and the architects

and schools of thought behind it)• Market History, NeoCON Merchandise Mart and its influence on design• Logistics:

• Navigating Chicago and the Market • Professionalism and Networking• Packing for professional travel• Safety and travel logistics

Teaching Methods:• Class lecture/discussion via PowerPoint, video and visuals

(both instructor and student led)• Text reading assignments• Video and online references

The Class: Group/Partner Class Projects

• Movements of Architecture Represented in Chicago & Chicago Public Art• Significant National Firms (represented in Chicago) and their importance in industry• Industry and vendor leaders; Best of NeoCON design award winners• Additional Area Tourism Opportunities• Components: Written reports; Multi-Media / Powerpoint presentations; Handouts for classmates;

Presentation to and discussion with classmates

Assessment/Test• Identification of significant buildings and city zones• Essay regarding given building and the school of design• Essay regarding significant event in city history and its effect on architecture and development

Market Assignment (Scavenger Hunt) • Identification and discussion of stand-out products identified at market as well as influential contacts

made Post Market Reflection Paper

• Reflection on what students learned and how they grew through travel, market, tourism, social experiences and how what they did affected their future course and professional work.

Trip Experiences:

Art/Architecture• Tour of Gensler office (LEED Platinum space)• Art Institute Museum• Architectural Riverboat Tour • Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio Tour• Oak Park Neighborhood Tour

Private Showroom Tours

Additional Market/Conference Experiences • Independent Market Time• Industry Hospitality Functions • IIDA Panel - Career Boot Camp • ASID Career Exchange • Meet the President’s Day

Independent and/or Travel Related Experiences• Free time for independent activities / Tourism/ Museums• Group social activities

Itinerary:Fri June 8th Morning: Travel

Afternoon: Check In; Architectural Boat tourEvening: Free Time (Blues Fest!)

Sat June 9th Morning: Free time (Walking tours, Robie House, etc.)

Afternoon: Free time (Walking tours, Robie House, etc.)

Evening: Navy Pier; Group Dinner

Sun June 10th Morning: Frank Lloyd Wright/Oak Park ToursAfternoon: Free Time / IIDA International MeetingEvening: Market Tours & Hospitality / Free Time

Mon June 11th Morning: Art Institute Museum Afternoon: NeoCON Market (tours and elective

seminars)Evening: Market Tours & Hospitality / Free Time

Tues June 12th Morning: Tour of Design FirmAfternoon: NeoCON Market (tours and elective

seminars)Evening: Market Tours & Hospitality / Free Time

Wed June 13th Morning: Student NeoCON ConferenceAfternoon: Check out Evening: Travel (Market Assignment due)

Budget:

Student Cost = Approx $825; Included:

• Hotel cost (4 to a room)• Airfare & baggage fees• All tours & museum fees • Rail costs (week pass)• Airport transportation• Market/conference• Some hospitality (related to conference)

What about after the trip???Don’t underestimate the importance of student reflection and follow-up…

http://educationaltourism.org/why-us.html

John Dewey (1933) found education to be deeply rooted in

experience, and that these experiences often create

controversy that, if not reflected upon, can be misleading.

Reflection is an integral part of learning from an abroad experience.

Reflection is defined as “the intentional consideration of an experience in light of particular learning objectives” (Hatcher &

Bringle 1997).

Through adviser-encouraged reflection, the adviser will be aware of whether or not the learning outcomes

were met. Reflection allows for verbalization of stereotypes, problems, misconceptions, challenges, and highlights.

The Results

The Chicago class was a beneficial and exciting experience for me. As a result of this class, I walked away from Chicago with new ideas, new contacts and no regrets. I feel as though I was able to fully experience this city as well as conquer Neocon on my first try. This trip has become a landmark in my design career that I plan to use for a long time.

With this school-study experience, I had the opportunity to travel with my design peers. I enjoy traveling with my peers; this trip allowed everyone to see each other in a different context, outside the classroom. When traveling I believe it is important to interact with various types of people; such as, discussing local dining places with locals, making similar and unlikely connections with locals, acting like a local to locals.

Chicago 2012

After traveling to Chicago, I realize my personal comfort level for larger cities and my willingness to roam them by myself at any time of the day has increased significantly. I have learned I am attuned to my surroundings and have a strong sense of direction in any setting.

It was also really fun to know the building names and their history during the Architectural Boat Tour. To me, it was a lot more exciting knowing the buildings, and being able to point them out before the tour guide could even introduce them!

The most important thing I gained from the trip, was confidence. I’m usually a shy person when it comes to networking. The preparation I had and knowing what was in store, allowed me to overcome my shyness.

With every new travel opportunity, my personal growth increases. During Chicago, my tolerance, human-relations and interaction, and sense of self grew to new levels.

I felt like learning about the buildings gave me excellent foundation to use in my navigation of the city. When I first arrived in Chicago, I felt extremely

shocked by the size of the city. No picture could really do this city justice. However, once I was able to

ground myself and began to remember what I had learned in class, using major buildings and public

artworks made it easy for me to find my way throughout Chicago.

STUDENT SATISFACTION/SUCCESS OF COURSE

Overall, student evaluations were very positive. They enjoyed the preparation for as well as the actual travel experience. The majority felt the exposure to market increased their ability to be successful on future projects and exposed them to a broad range of commercial products and manufacturers. They took advantage of more independent networking opportunities and continued contact with these professionals after the conference. Students grew from not only the design based activities but also matured from the autonomy of subway travel and free time they took advantage of.

Students especially enjoyed the group projects, the open discussions, and learning about the architecture/neighborhoods in order to be able to better navigate and understand the city. Additionally, meeting more extensively prior to the trip allowed the students to bond more (students represented different academic years) and the instructor to have time to tailor certain portions of the experience to individual students.

Recognize the benefits of student travel to Counselors, Teachers, Administration, Students and Parents

From Lisa Woodard, my own teacher and travel mentor:

Benefits of travel:• Exposure to different cultures, i.e. dress, food, language, behaviors• Exposure to different environments...many of the students who traveled with me had never been outside of the state!• Appreciation of history

Student interaction:• Students tend to become a family and watch out for each other• Students in the same school who have never spoken to each other become friends on trips• Students learn to trust each other

Connections:There were connections, both personal and curricular, that were “happy accidents”

Q&A!

Available via Email: Sample budget and itinerary Publicity examplesLiability /Travel Suggestions Sample syllabus

…..if time…

Case Study for Travel Based

Course

Art and Architecture of Greece

Art and Architecture of Greece:

•Designed for all students who are excited to travel, want to experience another culture and the objects they create

The Class:• Investigate the visual art, design and architecture of ancient Greece placing emphasis on

the relationship of these forms to Greek society, culture and religionThe Trip:

• Explore ancient sites and museums at the Acropolis in Athens, Delphi, Olympia, Sounion, Eleusis and Mycenae as well as the ancient theatre at Epidaurus and the ancient graveyard of Kerameikos.

• Explore contemporary culture through food, Greek dancing, a visit to the remarkable St. Paul’s Nunnery and a stop the Peza Olive Oil Cooperation.

• Go by ferry to the island of Crete, with its ancient royal palace architecture, Roman catacombs and wonderful beaches to explore.

Art and Architecture of Greece:

The Art of Greece is a rigorously academic course that combines traditional classroom lectures with a two-week travel component.  This format is a way of intellectually and culturally enriching students’ learning experiences.  Exposure to different cultures globally brings an appreciation of difference within our own society, and, ultimately, makes us better citizens, both nationally and globally.  _______________________________________________________________________________

The Class:

The Art of Greece is a rigorously academic course that combines traditional classroom lectures with a two-week travel component. This format is a way of intellectually and culturally enriching students’ learning experiences. Exposure to different cultures globally brings an appreciation of difference within our own society, and, ultimately, makes us better citizens, both nationally and globally. 7 Session Course:Season 1 Introduction, The Minoans Session 2 Travel report, The Mycenaeans/Dark Ages Session 3 Travel report, Archaic/ 5th Century Session 4 Travel report, 5th Century/4th Century Session 5 Travel report, Hellenistic Session 6 Travel report, Mythology Presentations Session 7 Travel report, Review for Final Exam, Group Dinner

Assignments:Travel Report- Travel TopicsMythology Presentations – Greek God TopicsResearch Paper- Greece Site TopicsFinal ExamOn Site Presentation based off Research Paper

Trip Itinerary:

Day 1. ATHENS ARRIVAL - Welcome Group Dinner in local Greek food restaurantDay 2. ATHENS - Acropolis and the New Acropolis Museum (the Roman and Greek Agora ) National Archaeological Museum Day 3. ATHENS – SOUNION - Temple of Olympian Zeus, Syntagma Square, Aegaleo: Kerameikos Sounion : Temple of Poseidon, Lavrion: St. Paul’s NunneryDay 4. ATHENS – DELPHI - Delphi the site of the Oracle & museum, Group Dinner; Arachova, a picturesque mountain village Day 5. DELPHI – OLYMPIA - Nafpaktos, cross over to Rion/Antirion Bridge, town of Olympia: Archaeological Museum of Olympia, Group Dinner Day 6. OLYMPIA – NAUPLION - The site of Olympia that the first Olympic Games took place; Nauplion visit the Site of Tiryns Day 7. NAUPLION – EPIDAURUS – MYCENAE - Epidaurus, to visit of the famous ancient open-air theatre. Mycenae, the Citadel, Lions Gate, Tomb of Atreus & museum.Day 8. NAUPLION – PIRAEUS – HERAKLION - Morning visits & Free time in Nauplion. Suggestions: Archaeological Museum of Nauplion the Palamidi Castle or Bourtzi island. local winery (Skouras winery) for wine tasting and tour of the facilities. Return to Athens to visit Eleusis. the port of Piraeus for overnight ferry to Heraklion, the capital of Crete Day 9. KNOSSOS – ARCHANES – HERAKLION - Heraklion Archaeological Museum the Knossos Minoan Palace) Peza Cooperation, a winery and olive oil factory, buy Cretan Olive oil. Picturesque village of Archanes Group Dinner at “Ladadika” tavern in Heraklion for traditional specialties. Day 10. GORTYNA – PHAESTOS – MATALA – CHANIA – ATHENS (visit Gortys and Phaestos) - The Royal Minoan Summer palace. Matala for lunch and swim opportunity. Flight back to Athens then USA

Reflection:Here’s what student travelers had to say….

“A great way to prepare for foreign travel”

“First of all, I wanted to thank you for this experience. I can't say how affected I was by seeing the world from such a new and different angle. I really have trouble finding the words. I guess I can only say that I'll be going back one day, even if I have to go on a super low budget. Europe got a hold on me, for sure!”

“I appreciated having learned so much about Greece before going there. There's something else that will be hard to repeat….singing at Epidaurus was really overwhelming, in a good way, so thank you for that!”

“An experience I won't forget! And I mean, ever. EVER.”

“Thanks for showing me the world!! I had an awesome time -- it was an eye-opening experience.”

“I AM READY TO GO BACK TO GREECE!!!”