Trip Planner 2017-18 Trip Planner For Student Travel | Page 9

walking through those places,” says Moore. “I came into the semester
with a mild interest in the art and history that inhabited Paris, but over
the course of the semester, I gained a passion for things I would not
have otherwise studied had I not gone abroad.”
Many tour operators create student itineraries that focus on
volunteer projects, musical performance opportunities or language
immersion, and they have connections in these destinations to support
those interests.
“A high school orchestra group from Kansas City, Missouri, went to
Hawaii and conducted several performances,” says Moulder of one trip
her company planned. “They were honored to participate in a flag-raising
ceremony and performance at the USS Missouri and also received a
special flag keepsake after it was flown at the USS Arizona Memorial.”
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Who is involved? (It’s not only your
students.)
For young travelers, especially those leaving the country,
parents and guardians will be heavily involved.
“Parents are worried about the unrest in our world, especially
abroad,” says Wehmeier. “[They] want to be assured their child will
never be left alone.” She added that school administrators also
have questions about itineraries, transportation, insurance and tour
companies.
“We often work directly with the lead educator to minimize the
pressures that fall on their shoulders,” says Hay. He also says 360°
Student Travel is experienced in working directly with parents.
Some of Wehmeier’s students and their parents are faced with
the unfamiliar challenge of obtaining a passport. The U.S. State
Department, which issues passports, has different regulations for
granting them to travelers under 16. The document will only be valid
for five years, instead of 10 years for those 16 and older, and both
parents must consent in person or through a notarized affidavit. For
information on youth passports, including for students from single-
parent households, go to travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/
passports/under-16.html.
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How do you get students on board?
An experience abroad may be priceless for a student’s
education, but the costs can stretch a family’s finances.
Both Wehmeier and Stratford said the top concern from interested
participants is paying for programs.
Moulder says Brilliant Edventures works with prospective travelers to
arrange payment plans. Many tour operators will also assist in creating
marketing materials that educators can use to promote the tour to
students. “We even let them know about scholarship and fundraising
ideas.”
For university students, options for financial aid may be available
through the school.
“When I ask students why they aren’t interested in study abroad,
financial concern is the top answer,” says Moore. “We work with their
financial aid office to lower the cost as much as possible. While it can
cost more than a semester in the states, when you factor in travel
expenses, it is more more accessible—and valuable—than most
students realize.”
Niagara Falls State Park is a global
destination for lovers of history, geology
and natural beauty. For students, it’s
truly an immersive learning experience
— getting you up close to the sounds and
sights of this thrilling force of nature.
Explore group rates and learn how to
get the most out of your experience at
niagarafallsstatepark.com.
Hospitality by Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts,
Inc. ©2017 Niagara Falls State Park
NTAonline.com
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