Traveling With Students: Adventures in Studying Real Live Art Liz Ashworth, Nipissing University

Why Take Students Out of the School? ► because you’re crazy ► because they can learn outside of the classroom walls (sometimes better) ► because they need to expand their real-life experiences ► because they need to see art in its real form (as opposed to slides and photos)

How To Get Started… ► start small (local sketching trips, galleries) ► work up to out-of-town day trips and overnight ones ► don’t be afraid to leave the country ► work with professional student travel companies ► customize the trip to fit your students’ needs

You’ve chosen a destination, now what do you do? ► write a proposal (why important for students) ► get administration approval ► advertise to students and parents ► plan a information meeting ► check the “undesirable list” in the office ► create a list of students and have a waiting list as well ► keep numbers smaller for international trips ► have a meeting with both students and parents

What About Money? ► fundraise well in advance to ensure all students can go ► do not fundraise alone; get students and parents involved ► be aware of hidden costs (e.g. tips, uncovered meals, taxes, etc.) ► set due dates for installments well before you really need the money

Tips for Bus Trips: ► Try to fill the bus (to defray costs) ► May have to share with another school ► Book something appropriate and comfortable ► Bring videos/DVDs ► Take attendance after each stop ► When you reach the destination, do not let students off bus without a map and your cell number!

Tips for Airplane Trips: ► Find out who has not flown before ► Charter an airline bus ► Review airport security procedures ► Check in together to get grouped seats ► Pair nervous fliers with seasoned ones

Hotel Tips: ► Make sure hotel is student- friendly ► Keep all students in same part of hotel as you ► Have a separate room from students ► Make sure there is security ► Have a set curfew ► Check on them before you sleep ► Tape them into their rooms ► Make sure they come to the door for wake-up call

Gallery and Museum Tips: ► Have an assignment for them to do ► Discuss gallery and museum protocols ► Move in groups ► Book a guide, or get the audio guide ► Give students gallery/museum maps ► Have set meeting times and places

Student Travel Logistics: ► Have detailed itineraries to deter lateness ► Fill their time as much as possible ► Build in shopping and fun time ► Give students a packing list ► Have students bring bank cards instead of travelers’ cheques ► When walking keep students between chaperones ► Count them constantly ► No less than four in a group when they “explore”

Student Travel Logistics, cont’d: ► Have all student info on you at all times ► Keep a second batch of student meds on you and know their allergies ► Give them a currency exchange chart for foreign countries ► Encourage them to try new foods ► Have students keep a travel journal and sketchbook ► Don’t be afraid to send them home early at their parents’ expense! ► Have a phone pyramid in case of emergency ► Have a party to swap photos after the trip!

For More Information: EF Tours – Explorica – Check with local bus companies for group excursions and rates