I'm a teacher by trade, and a traveler by heart. Here are the ways that I do both!
About
Travel and teaching are two of my lifelong pastimes and passions. So, I wanted to dedicate this blog to those programs that provide for the best ways to do so. Input welcome, so if you, too, are a traveling professional, let me know how you do what you do. ¡Bon voyage! ¡Buen viaje!
Disclaimer
Text and pictures found on this page have been extracted directly from the original websites. I own no rights.
The ACTFL Annual Convention and World Languages Expo is where language educators from around the world come to meet! This global event brings together more than 8,000 language educators from all languages, levels, and assignments. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive professional development experience that will have an impact on language educators at all levels of teaching and in turn help their students to succeed in their language learning process.
Take your skills to the next level and join colleagues from around the world in one of America’s most culturally and historically-rich cities. See you in New Orleans!
You may be eligible to participate in a unique international professional development opportunity for 2-6 weeks through the Fulbright Program! *Please refer to the program website for full eligibility details.
This opportunity will allow U.S. K-12 teachers and educators to engage in 2-6 week collaborative projects abroad. Participants consult with and support projects with schools, non-profit organizations, teacher training institutions, and other educational organizations abroad. The award funds travel costs, lodging, meals, local transportation, and related costs.
Teachers may travel to:
Botswana, Brazil, Cambodia, Colombia, Ghana, Honduras, India, Kuwait, Mexico, the Palestinian Territories, the Philippines, South Korea, Spain, and Vietnam.
*Countries are still pending and may change. Please visit the program website for updates.
This program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and is administered by the Institute of International Education.
Are you a teacher interested in the Maya? Archaeology? Well, there may be an opportunity for you through a program run by Dr. Diane Davies, a Tutor at City Literary College in London, England. Her 11-day tour starts in Antigua, Guatemala and ends in Guatemala City. It is explicitly marketed to primary-level teachers; however, the website makes a note of saying that teachers of older students can make adjustments to ensure the curriculum created from the excursions meets the needs of their students. It seems to be a reoccurring program and this year it runs from July 24 - August 2018. Exact information including pricing can be found here.
We are Global Leadership Adventures (GLA), a fast growing company committed to delivering life-changing journeys for high school students. Our mission is to inspire the next generation to realize their potential to transform the world and their role in it. We proudly operate service-learning programs in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
GLA has welcomed and trained hundreds of staff from all over the world to lead superior quality trips. Each year, trip leaders (International Directors & Mentors) are carefully selected from a pool of highly qualified, well-traveled, passionate educators who are seeking a fulfilling summer experience abroad. Our International teams are hired to work in collaboration with our local counterparts. All positions are based outside the USA and require a minimum commitment to the program dates.
Summer Staff Application and Job Description Directory:
A minimum of two years of experience working with teens - teaching in a classroom or in an alternative education setting
Mastery relating with teenagers
Extensive international travel experience
Flexibility - Our staff have the ability to find comfort in the discomfort, no matter what the day’s wifi connectivity is!
Exceedingly personable and positive demeanor
Strong interpersonal communication skills and cross-cultural awareness
Collaborative in nature; skilled in problem solving
Good physical and mental health. Staff must possess the ability to actively participate in all elements of the program’s experience
Ability to talk things out - willingness to express your professional opinions while considering your personal feelings and the feelings of your colleagues
Natural aptitude to motivate and energize students in a variety of settings and situations
Required Certifications
Mentors: CPR and First Aid Certification
International Directors: CPR and First Aid Certification
*Note: GLA does not accept online CPR/First Aid certifications. Certifications must be attained prior to staff’s contract start date and will be at the expense of the candidate.
Preferred Extras
Fluent in Spanish for programs in Spanish-speaking countries
For Directors and Mentors: Wilderness First Responder, Wilderness First Aid, or Open Water Lifeguard certifications may be required for certain programs in remote locations; an additional stipend is offered for staff certified as a WFR or WFA
Extensive experience in the country or region where you are interested in working
Advanced language skills in a language of the country where you are interested in working
Ability to surf, swim, and lead a solid ice-breaker
Strong biology background - for biologically diverse programs like the Galapagos
Master's degree in a field related to the program theme
Position Responsibilities
International Directors collaborate with the Local Program Director (from the host country) to facilitate a positive summer experience for Mentors and participants. Program Directors work to maintain the safety and health of each student, ensure program logistics are properly coordinated, and implement GLA’s service-learning leadership curriculum. Communication, teamwork, and flexibility are critical throughout this process. Local Directors are responsible for managing, supporting, and guiding local team members in their roles. International Director responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
Physically attend and participate fully in GLA Director Training in Mexico! (May 15-20, 2018)
Read and prepare questions on all resources provided by GLA
Lead one awesome teambuilding activity or workshop
Plan for and prepare for the program
Participate in introductory and planning calls with your Local Program Director
Participate and/or lead introductory and planning calls with Mentors
Co-lead In-Country Training with Local Program Director
Work to establish positive team dynamic with Local Program Director, Mentors, and all support staff
Support Mentors in their own professional development by conducting check ins, feedback, and goal setting sessions
Live alongside students; you have responsibility for the students 24 hours a day, 7 days a week while programs are in session
Protect the health and safety of students at all times
Facilitate the implementation of GLA’s service-learning leadership curriculum
Guide students through personal growth experiences
Resolve student discipline issues
Manage parent communication, as well as communication with GLA Headquarters
Provide constructive feedback for further program and curriculum development
Mentors participate in all aspects of programming alongside students including community service and excursions. Mentors facilitate activities implementing GLA’s service-learning leadership curriculum as well as discussion and reflection sessions to help students process their experiences. Mentors will facilitate discussions directly with a small group of students regularly and occasionally lead activities with larger groups of students.
Participate fully in GLA Mentor Training including:
Read and prepare questions on all resources provided by GLA
Participate in introductory and planning calls with your team
Attend In-Country Training 5 days before the start of your program
Work to uphold positive group dynamic
Live alongside students; you have responsibility for the students 24 hours a day, 7 days a week while programs are in operation
Protect the health and safety of students at all times
Work as part of a team to implement GLA’s service-learning leadership curriculum
Mentor and counsel students through personal growth experiences
Provide constructive feedback for further program and curriculum development
Important Notes
You must be available for the full range of dates to apply for a position within a program. Please review our website for program dates. Note: International Directors must be available 7 days prior to the program start date. Mentors must be available 5 days prior. Both are required to stay two days after the program end date.
Compensation and Benefits
Competitive stipend of $525/week for International Directors and $375/week for Mentors
Living expenses (food and lodging), including days in-between program sessions
Roundtrip airfare to your program site
Flexibility to extend travel plans before or after contract dates
Medical Insurance for the duration of your contract
International work experience alongside like-minded individuals
Professional development and networking opportunities
4-day professional training in beautiful Mexico, all expenses paid (International Directors only).
The ability to make an impact on students and local communities
Awesome “Be the Change” t-shirt
How to Apply
Application Process
We begin interviewing for positions in October of each year. The hiring process has multiple steps, including careful placement - this usually takes 3-6 weeks. Communication will mainly be done via email; please remember to check your spam folder for a response from us regarding the status of your application. To apply now, follow this link: http://www.tfaforms.com/309213
Step 1: Online Application
Fill and submit an online application. You will be asked to upload a cover letter, resume, and 3 references. Applicants who do not complete the entire application process will not be considered. If you experience any issues or do not receive a confirmation email from GLA, please email madison@experiencegla.com.
Note: Your cover letter should highlight your experience in facilitating experiential education programs, youth development and leadership, and any experience you have living/traveling the country or region where you are interested in working.
Step 2: Interviews
We will review your application, cover letter, and resume. If your application is selected, we will invite you for a first interview via telephone. Successful candidates applying for a mentor role will complete a minimum of two interviews before they are offered a contract. Persons interested in a director role will complete three.
Step 3: References and Background Check
If you make it through the interview process successfully, we will run a background check on you and contact your references. Assuming all goes well, you will be offered a position!
Faculty members at any university or college. N.B. There is no concurrent spouse/guest travel available for this program due to federal regulations on travel to Cuba.
Cost per person
$4500
Additional costs
Participants will be responsible for the flight to/from Havana, some meals, and personal expenses.
Dates
Arrival Saturday, May 19, 2018. Departure Sunday, May 27, 2018.
After more than fifty years of estrangement, Cuba and the United States have now re-established diplomatic relations. Although trade sanctions have yet to be lifted, this marks an important milestone on the path towards greater engagement between the two countries. Because of ties of history, the importance of the Cuban immigrant community, and Cuba’s proximity to the United States, this country has a significance that is out of size with its economy.Without discounting the importance of remaining disagreements – on topics such as Cuba’s human rights record, travel restrictions, and Guantà namo – the prospects for trade and investment between the countries have brightened considerably. However, the economic system of Cuba remains unique – dominated by subsidized state enterprises, a dual currency system, and hostility towards markets. These circumstances, together with the long-standing restrictions on travel to Cuba, add to the importance of developing a better understanding of the Cuban economic and political system.
In light of this, the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business CIBER is leading a faculty development program to Cuba in May 2018. The goal of the program is to enable participants to develop a better understanding of the working of the Cuban economy within its broader historical, political and cultural context, to get a sense of the changes that are underway both domestically and in the context of the evolving US-Cuba relationship, and to appreciate the business prospects that have opened up. The program will also enable participants to develop connections with counterparts at Cuban universities.
Through business visits and speaking engagements with professionals, government representatives, and the higher education community in Cuba, the FDIB will explore topics of high current relevance, including:
Investment laws and laws relevant to the formation of joint enterprises, repatriation, and labor;
The currency and exchange rate system, Cuba’s debt and its relationship to international financial institutions; and
Investment opportunities in tourism, pharmaceuticals, natural resources, agribusiness, etc.
To view photos and follow updates from the 2016 and 2017 programs, please "follow" Center for Global Business on Twitter and "like" us on Facebook.
For information visit: https://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/centers-excellence/ciber/initiatives-programs/faculty/fdib-cuba
Now accepting applications! Deadline to apply: February 2, 2018
The Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad Program provides short-term summer seminars abroad for U.S. educators in the social sciences and humanities to improve their understanding and knowledge of the peoples and cultures of other countries. Each seminar features educational lectures and activities specifically designed for the group, including visits to local schools and organizations, meetings with teachers and students, and visits to cultural sites. Participants draw on their experiences during the program to create new curricula for their classrooms and school systems back in the U.S.
In 2018, three summer programs will be offered to Ecuador, India, and Poland. A total of 48 awards are available (sixteen per program) at the elementary and middle school, high school, and postsecondary educator levels. The program covers airfare, room and board, and program costs. Teacher participants are responsible for a cost-share of $600.
After more than fifty years of estrangement, Cuba and the United States have now re-established diplomatic relations. Although trade sanctions have yet to be lifted, this marks an important milestone on the path towards greater engagement between the two countries. Because of ties of history, the importance of the Cuban immigrant community, and Cuba’s proximity to the United States, this country has a significance that is out of size with its economy.Without discounting the importance of remaining disagreements – on topics such as Cuba’s human rights record, travel restrictions, and Guantà namo – the prospects for trade and investment between the countries have brightened considerably. However, the economic system of Cuba remains unique – dominated by subsidized state enterprises, a dual currency system, and hostility towards markets. These circumstances, together with the long-standing restrictions on travel to Cuba, add to the importance of developing a better understanding of the Cuban economic and political system.