Transformative Travel Connections
Intercultural Program
Summary
Transformative Travel Connections (TTC) is unique, year-long intercultural program for Seattle-area youth (age 10-18) and their families to learn about international development challenges and expand their horizons through immersive family travel and service. TTC participants will cultivate deep bonds with Nicaraguan youth through sustained virtual connections, a home stay, and working together on community projects to effect positive change.
Info
TTC 2017-18 Program includes:
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Family Trip to Nicaragua with Service Learning: an immersive 10-day trip to Nicaragua in February of 2018. Participants of TTC will stay with Nicaraguan youth and their families for 3 nights in the community of Chacraseca, building powerful bonds through shared experiences including work on a community service project. The family trip includes outdoor adventures exploring Nicaragua’s volcanoes, beaches and lagoons, and visits to handicraft workshops and other cultural and historical sites.
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Pre-Travel Learning Workshops with Nicaraguan Connections: Six monthly workshops (October, 2017 - February, 2018) led by TTC founders include visual storytelling exchanges, the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, community development challenges and potential solutions in Nicaragua. Through online sharing of stories with Nicaraguan youth, participants get to know their future hosts and learn about the country they’ll soon explore. More information about these workshops.
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Connection with Host Community: Students will partner with a group of Nicaraguan youth throughout the year, sharing ideas, photos and videos online via a secure TTC platform. Our partner organization in Chacraseca, FNE International, will facilitate these connections with the Nicaraguan students.
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Service Learning: Participants will co-create impactful community service projects with their Nicaraguan host families. Local Seattle-area volunteer projects will provide additional opportunities for planning, team-building and empowerment.
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Post-Travel Learning and Continued Impact: Three monthly workshops after traveling to Nicaragua (March-June) in which students reflect upon their Nicaraguan experiences and create transformative storytelling projects. These will be shared locally and with Nicaraguan partners and may evolve into advocacy and fundraising to support future community development in Nicaragua.
Transformative Travel Connections Nicaragua Program and Travel Cost: $2,650 per person which
includes:
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10 night accommodations, meals, local transportation and fun activities in Nicaragua. See more details here and download itinerary.
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10 monthly pre and post trip workshops which inspire, educate, and prepare participants to maximize the impact of Nicaraguan travel and service, personally and for our host community.
Note: International airfare Seattle-Managua not included, but is estimated at $750-800 pp
Who should apply? This program is designed for youth age 10-15 and their families. Each student should apply with at least one adult travel companion. Youth commit to attend at least 8 of the 10 workshops. Parents/caregivers commit to attend at least 3, although more are encouraged. Participants who agree to these TTC program commitments are encouraged to Apply to TTC. Upon acceptance into the program, a deposit of $600 per person is due.
This Transformative Travel Connections Nicaragua program is a collaborative effort among Global Family Travels, Global Weeks, Merrill Images, and Zeitgeist Creations. To learn more about these organizations and FNEI, our Nicaraguan partner, visit our TTC Team Page.
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