Student Travel
Travel Opportunities for 2019-20
LFA will offer six travel opportunities for the 2019-2020 academic school year. The trips are supported by the Stuart Center for Global Leadership and led by LFA faculty members, and each opportunity provides experiences for students to build on their classroom learning and to continue developing empathy, critical thinking, self-reliance, and global perspectives. You may not sign up for any of these travel opportunities listed below if you are in a class with a curricular travel opportunity as part of the class. Please email Matt Nink at mnink@lfanet.org or Erin English at eenglish@lfanet.org with any additional questions not answered below.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I apply?
- When is the Application Deadline?
- When will I know the actual cost of the program?
- Is there financial aid available?
- When will these programs take place?
- Can I apply for two programs?
- What if I am interested in something not listed below?
- What about travel insurance?
How do I apply?
When is the Application Deadline?
When will I know the actual cost of the program?
Is there financial aid available?
There is limited financial aid for the Head of School Symposium programs. Please see the Dean of Students Office to apply for financial aid for the trip to Kenya. Other programs may have limited aid. Check the application to see if aid is available and the DOS office will contact you with more details. If you have received financial aid for travel in the past, you are less likely to receive it this time.
When will these programs take place?
Can I apply for two programs?
What if I am interested in something not listed below?
What about travel insurance?
All of the programs have basic travel insurance included, but students may purchase additional insurance at their own expense when they sign up for the program.
What if I cancel? What is the refund policy?
Fees for all these programs include both a program fee and airfare. Once airfare is booked, that amount is tied to the name of the traveler and each airline will have its own policies about credits and refunds. The dates below apply to program fees:
- Cancel by January 1--100% refund
- Cancel by March 1--50% refund
- If you cancel after March 1--no refund will be available, but LFA will work with you to receive a credit for program fees or flights if possible.
LFA Co-Curricular Travel Important Dates:
- June 1, 2019: Programs open for sign-up and application
- October 21, 2019: Sign up deadline for all co-curricular travel programs
- December 1, 2019: Copy of passport must be submitted to Stuart Center for booking flights and accommodations
- April 8, 2020: Global Storytelling Celebration. Come to this evening of photos and reflections on the spring travel programs and experiences
2019-20 Opportunities
CHINA Exchange: Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Macau & Hong Kong
Dates: March 14-25, 2020
Approx cost: $1,500
Shenzhen Travel Application
This trip is a low-cost chance to build global perspectives, experience new cultures and China firsthand. LFA students will take part in a student-to-student exchange at Bao’an No.1 Foreign Language School in Shenzhen. Students will be living with a host family for most of this exchange, and through this experience, participants can foster a better understanding of Chinese culture.
The Bao’an District is an integral part of the China Greater Bay Area, and its convenient access to Macau and Hong Kong is one of the many reasons why it is so unique. Students will visit Shenzhen, Macau and Hong Kong. The two cities are now autonomous territories operating under the Chinese government, and are an interesting blend of Eastern and Western Cultures.
Some of the program highlights are:
- Site-seeing in Shenzhen, Ping An Finance Tower, Folk Village, and the Huangguoshu Waterfall
- Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in Zhuhai
- Macau: Ruins of St Paul’s and Historic Centre
- Hong Kong: VIctoria Harbor, Hong Kong University, Victoria Peak
Japan, Singapore, Malaysia
Dates: March 14-27, 2020
Approx cost: $3,685
Japan, Singapore, Travel Malaysia Application
This Asian educational experience will bring LFA students to three of the world’s most important economies as they learn about history, architecture, and culture. Participants begin in Tokyo, one of the world’s most populous cities, to visit the Skytree tower, one of the world’s tallest towers and a symbol of the city. Students will also see the Asakusa Kannon Temple and Mount Fuji, which is 2300 meters above sea level for incredible views and amazing food. The next stop will be Kyoto to visit Nara Park and the Kasuga Taisha shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Then it will be off to Singapore. LFA students will have the chance to interact and engage with students from the Hwa Chong School in Singapore, an independent school in the city. Afterwards is a trip to Malaysia and a visit to the 17th century Teng Temple with ornate prayer rooms and amazing architecture. Along the way, students will get the chance to interact with locals and sample a wide variety of delicious foods.
London and Amsterdam
Dates: March 16-23, 2020
Approx cost: $3169
London/Amsterdam Travel Application
This trip is an 8-day European experience through two of the most unique, cultural, historical, and socially forward cities in Europe! The trip begins in England’s capital city of London. Students will get the feel of this cultural icon with a “City Walk” to take in the sites of the Thames River, Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery, Piccadilly Circus, Soho and more! The first day ends with a traditional fish and chips dinner. The next day, students will visit the historical London landmarks of Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the House of Parliament and Tower Bridge, exploring the rich history of the a country that is one of America’s strongest allies. The next day will be a visit to the Tower of London, once the royal residence and now the home of the crown jewels, the guardian ravens, and the remains of two of Henry VIII wives. The day ends with a trip to the British Museum, home to the original Rosetta Stone!
Afterwards, students will board the high-speed Eurostar Rail for a 4.5-hour journey across the English Channel to the capital of the Netherlands, the quintessential Amsterdam! The journey in Amsterdam will once again start with a “City Walk” to see cobblestone streets, canal waterways, restaurants, museums, markets, and of course – tulips! This is a great day to “people watch” and look for quality of life signs that show why this quaint yet enlightened city is continually rated as one of the best cities in the world to live. The next day, students will see some of Amsterdam’s most famous landmarks including diamond factories, the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum and a guided Canal Cruise! On the last day in Amsterdam, students will visit the Rijksmuseum, the most famous museum in Amsterdam, to see an unbelievable collection of Rembrandts, Vermeers, and other Dutch masters. The trip ends with a traditional Rijsttafel dinner!
Spain: Madrid, Segovia, Barcelona
Dates: March 13-20, 2020
Approx cost: $3,566
Spain Travel Application
This Spanish language and culture experience will help students learn the history of the Iberian Peninsula. This is open to students at any level of Spanish who want to learn about this important culture. Students begin their exploration with a tapestry of open markets, city parks, museums, restaurants, and live shows in Madrid. Students will get to experience this historic European capital city in all its glory. The, in Segovia, surrounded by beautiful landscapes, students will engage in authentic conversations with high school students from Segovia and familiarize themselves with typical castellano culture. The voyage concludes with andalucian vistas in Barcelona. With seaside living at their doorstep, students will appreciate artistry in architecture and learn about the diverse history offered by visiting this beautiful southern Spanish city.
United Arab Emirates: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah
Dates: March 14-23, 2020
Approx cost: $3,700
UAE Travel Application
Enjoy the most luxurious tourist destinations in the world while studying the culture and ancient history of the Middle East with a visit to the three largest cities in the United Arab Emirates: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. Witness the tallest building in the world, visit the Bedouin Heritage Village, and ride camels through the desert, all the while enjoying the souks, mosques, and camels of these dazzling cosmopolitan cities. While exploring Emirati culture, take a visit to Ferrari World theme park where the world's fastest roller coaster in the world is, go snow tubing down an indoor mountain, and go off-roading in the desert. Take a closer look at a region that dictates the global economy as a member of OPEC all while exploring a new part of the world!
Head of School Symposium: Global Poverty and Economic Inequality Field Experience: Kenya
Dates: March 14-27, 2020
Approx cost: $4,249
HOSS Kenya Travel Application
IIn this unique 14-day experience, students will travel to Mombasa, Marungu Hills and Diani Beach. The program builds on Ms. Chen’s successful educators program to Kenya in the summer of 2018. This led to a long-standing Kenya book project in which many students worked with Ms. Chen to write, illustrate, and translate a children’s book that will help build awareness and prevention of HIV-AIDS, one of the biggest healthcare challenges in East Africa. Students will work with a primary school in Marungu Hills to help meet real community needs and understand how to implement long-term sustainable development projects from start to finish. Working with the Stuart Center for Global Leadership, students will have the chance to engage in two video conferences with some of the on-the-ground project managers to learn about the history and context of Kenya before they arrive.
Some of the program highlights are:
- Exploring Tsavo East National Park Safari
- Service learning at Marungu Hills local primary school, which could include painting, repairing or building--we will teach you the skills you will need to be successful
- Visiting Tumaini Women’s group, the Maasai & Elephant deterrent fence
- Learning how to make paper with Elephants’ dung
- Experiencing making bush shelter, bow and arrow shooting and fire making
- Enjoying Diani beach view and working on Beach cleaning project
2018-19 Trips
Peru
Spring Break 2019
Approx. $3,400
A trip to Peru is a journey from the ancient to the modern. The sacred cities of the Inca (Cuzco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu) will provide students with an understanding of Incan culture. The highlight stop on this trip is one of the true wonders of the world: Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu itself is a stunning complex of buildings, clinging to the surrounding mountains, which overlook the Urubamba River. Students will have the opportunity to discover the diverse ecology of Peru venturing between the Andes Mountains and Lake Titicaca. They will have a chance to learn about and meet with the indigenous communities that live on the Uros islands. Finally, Lima provides an example of a vibrant and modern city with colonial architecture and some of the best food in Latin America! The trip will encompass a wide array of disciplines including history, anthropology, archaeology, sociology, ecology, and the arts.
For more information, please contact History Faculty Sam Wold at swold@lfanet.org.
HOS Symposium – Russia: Revolution and Resurgence
Spring Break 2019
Approx. $2,300 - $3,500
This 12-day experience in Russia will be a great learning opportunity for LFA students and teachers. The group will spend 4 days in St. Petersburg immersed in Russian language, culture, history, and politics. As a key port city, St. Petersburg is home to the Mariinsky Theatre hosting opera and ballet, and the State Russian Museum housing iconic works by Kandinsky. Afterwards, students Travel to Kaszan and learn about this important historical and economic region. Finally students will take the high-speed train to Moscow for three more days of exploring historical landmarks and modern marvels. As part of the annual Head of School Symposium, “Russia: Revolution and Resurgence, “ this promises to be an excellent trip.
For more information, please contact Director of Stuart Center for Global Leadership Matt Nink at mnink@lfanet.org.
France
Two weeks in early June 2019
Approx. $4,300
Signup Deadline: November 1, 2019
Students will have a full week in Paris, taking in as much of the great historical, art, cultural, and culinary offerings of the city. During the second week, students will stay with a host family in the south of France, attending language classes in the morning, taking part in excursions as a group each afternoon, and then having dinner and improving their French with their host family each night. This trip is ideal for students studying French at any level who want to improve their skills in a fun, enriching immersion experience.
For more information, please contact Dean of Curriculum and Innovation, French Faculty Kristine Von Ogden at kvonogden@lfanet.org.
Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia
Mid June 2019
Open to current 9th, 10th and 11th grades at LFA.
Signup Deadline: November 1, 2019
Approx. $3,995
This 14-day experience will give LFA students a great overview of Asia, starting with a stop in Seoul and South Korea for 5 days. As an adventurer on this journey you will visit famous Changduk Palace, which is of the “Five Grand Palaces” of the Joseon Dynasty. After two days in Seoul, you will travel to Mount Seorak, which was named a UNESCO Biosphere preservation site due the many rare species in the national park. After this nature experience, you will travel to Andong to participate in a traditional “Hanji” paper-making class. From Korea, you will travel by air to Hanoi, Vietnam to experience the famous landmarks such as the Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature--Vietnam’s First university. Then it is on to Ho Chi Mihn City, the countryside of Ben Tre and the Mekong river. You will experience a beautiful boat ride up the river to see coconut production facilities. Our final stop will be in Cambodia where we will start with Siem Reap, well known from the Tomb Raider movies. You will see wonderful Buddhist monasteries, the Victoria Gate and the Elephant Terrace where Angkor rulers would review returning armies. We will also tour the ancient Buddhist University of Preah Khan and finally get to experience Neak Pean, an island of temple sitting in the tranquil pools of an ancient reservoir.
For more information, please contact Modern & Classical Languages Faculty Ivy Jiang at yjiang@lfanet.org.