3 . A Journey to Costa Rica

Costa Rican culture and its natural environment are deeply connected. Travel through the country from the Central Valley to the Pacific coast and everywhere in between. Experience first-hand Costa Rica’s lifestyle and you’ll soon see why Costa Rica is the happiest country in the world!

Program at a Glance

Dates 8. Price: August 5~9: $750 each person

Ages: 14 ~18

Group Size: 4 ~10 participants

Level of Spanish: A basic level is recommended

Details

Start with a walking tour of San Jose and visit its top places of interest: the National Theater, Gold Museum. Central Park and Central Market.

Stay with a homestay family in Heredia for a close experience into the Costa Rican lifestyle.

Learn about the beautifully painted oxcarts(牛车)in Sarchi,the heart of the country’s artisan culture. Participate in a painting workshop.enjoy a typical lunch and visit gardens

Experience a coffee tour in the highland community of Naranjo.

Travel to Guatuso to learn about the native peoples and their traditional ways

Visit Abangares and its gold mines.

End in Heredia with a farewell dinner and a cooking class.

4 . Edible(可食用的) cities are becoming increasingly popular around the world. In the city of Andernach, Germany, anyone who lives or happens to be in the town of 30,000 people is encouraged to pick and take whatever they want from the fruiting trees and bushes in the town center. The town, which sits in the Rhine River Valley, is among the growing number of edible cities across the globe. Since the start of the program in 2010, there is more than enough produce to go around every year regardless of whether someone grabs a single pear or a bag full of potatoes.

“People here are very proud when talking to others about our edible city,” shared Bettina Schneider, city team coordinator(协调员) for the Edible Cities Network in Andernach. “The land that was changed into fruiting gardens and orchards(果园) in Andernach was previously overgrown. But today the town is covered with peach, almond and pear trees.”

Andernach’s public gardens and orchards have also inspired other cities in Germany and throughout the European Union to follow suit. Today, the Edible Cities Network—a group of about 150 cities worldwide with fruit trees and vegetable gardens in public places for anyone to access free of charge—is funded by the European Commission.

“Public green natural spaces in cities are incredibly valuable, and even more so as temperatures rise and cities become more crowded,” said Ina sāumel, a principal investigator for the Edible Cities Network. She explained that Edible Cities Network’s goal is to encourage people to get involved in their urban parks instead of only thinking of them as passive places.

Many cities in the United States have also started similar projects. There are public lands from Seattle to North Carolina where people are welcome to pick and take from fruiting trees and bushes.

Why Go to Arches National Park

A trip to Arches National Park is like visiting another planet with thousands of natural sandstone arches, red rocks and amazing landscapes, as well as light that seems to change all the time. The way the shadows（阴影）pass through the arches makes the park particularly attractive for photographers.

Sitting 5 miles northwest of Moab, Utah, the park has 26 miles of scenic road and hikes for every level of fitness.

Best Months to Visit

The best time to visit Arches National Park is from April to May and from September to October. In summer, temperatures can go beyond 100 degrees, making exploring the park very uncomfortable. In late summer, violent storms often cause flash floods, which can be quite dangerous. Winter is a good time for sightseeing, with fewer crowds, but occasional snow and ice can make the paths wet, smooth and therefore easy to fall on. However, the visitor center is open daily.

What to Eat

There are no restaurants or hotels in Arches National Park, so you need to bring your own food or plan to eat in neighboring Moab, Utah, about 5 miles from the park entrance. There are several picnic areas in the park, so plan ahead if you want to eat with Arches as the background.

Getting Around Arches National Park

The best way to get around Arches National Park is by car. There is no public transport inside Arches National Park. Visitors can also ride bikes in the park, but there are no bike lanes or shoulders, so this is more of an option for experienced cyclists.

7 . With international travel again on the table, picking a destination for your school trip abroad is exciting and probably a little daunting. Here we have selected a few of our top destinations to inspire you and help you narrow down your options. Through exposure to different cultures, students will gain a more comprehensive understanding of the world and an appreciation for other peoples’ ways of life, not to mention that traveling with your students can be one of the most rewarding and memorable experiences you can have.

Known for its diverse architecture and world-class museums, Prague is consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Unfolding among well-preserved castles, Baroque and Gothic cathedrals, medieval squares, and captivating bridges, a visit to Prague is guaranteed to be an eye opening and enriching school trip.

Edinburgh’s unique architectural charm is the perfect setting to engage students in history and culture. With a spectacular Gothic UNESCO-listed old town playing host to some of the most dynamic and varied art schools and community projects in the world, you can discover the ancient art of Scottish storytelling, visit unique local arts projects, dance the night way in a traditional Ceilidh (同乐会), and get involved with some fantastic charities.

For students, Lisbon is the perfect setting for an exciting adventure that includes authentic Portuguese culture, fascinating architecture, and astonishing UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Portugoese people love sharing their unique homeland, so be prepared to be greeted by a friendly smile from a local.

Well-known for being a multicultural center, Copemhagen ls across the globe for the innovative approach to sustainable living — from growing organic produce in many urban greenhouses to promoting cycling culture. This fascinating school trip destination is filled with the newest technologies, sustainable solutions, and symbolic architecture.

9 . Paris is one of the most-visited destinations in the world. There are lots to explore and there’s delicious food on every corner. A relaxing trip to Paris takes a little bit of planning. Here are some tips for you to make your trip smooth.

Have a valid passport for international travel. A passport costs $110 and takes 6-8 weeks to arrive after you apply.

The cheapest month to fly is March, especially if you can leave on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. You’ll save even more money by booking around 90 days in advance. In the summer months, tickets will be more expensive no matter when you book.

The Eiffel Tower is the most recognizable symbol of Paris. To avoid the crowds, go to the Eiffel Tower early in the morning. It costs €25 to go to the top, or €10 to climb to the first 2 levels on foot.

At present, the Notre Dame Cathedral is closed to tourists due to the fire that destroyed parts of the cathedral. However, you can still visit the outside of the cathedral.

The Louvre hosts the Mona Lisa along with 35, 000 other pieces of art. If you’re pressed for time, visit the highlights. The Louvre costs €15 at the museum or €17 in advance (to skip most of the line).

If you have a day to spare, head to the palace of Versailles, around 14 miles southwest of the city. Take a tour to see King Louis XVI’s palace and gardens. It costs e €20 to visit the palace and grounds.