TESTIMONIALS
TESTIMONIALS
In Pursuit of Happiness:
Empowerment and fun!
This trip will differ from our usual programs in that there will be no specific overarching topic. This program will instead be individually curated for the group of alumni who will get to participate. This includes submitting a short proposal of a “research” topic you are interested in, once all the program details are available. We recommend thinking of something that will be most meaningful for you and your classroom or admin position, and one that will help you get extra time off late in the year in 2025 or early in 2026. GEA will provide you with contacts, resources, visits, and the experiences needed to get you off to a good start.
The program will also explore Buenos Aires, Ushuaia (located in Tierra del Fuego, Patagonia), and possibly Punta Arenas in Chile. We will have a local GEA friend and guide with us throughout our journey. As always, we will get to interact with local educators.
Discover the Details of
Your Next Journey
polar
expedition
Join us on a pre-trip to New South Wales, and one of the metropoles of the Southern Pacific: Sydney. We explore the Australian experience through a hike to the Blue Mountains, a whale watching tour on the Tasmanian sea, a petting zoo with kangaroos and koalas and a Sunday morning market at the famous Rocks.
Learn about the importance of art as a vehicle for preservation and transmission of culture as we create our own art work under an aboriginal artist, visit the New South Wales Museum of Art and discuss the topic with local educators.
We then venture to New Zealand, examining the integration of the Māori language, culture, and values into various facets of education as schools work to recognize the important heritage of the original settlers of Aotearoa. New Zealand has long been integrating an indigenous Mãori worldview in its early childhood programs, with success. Learn how these programs have benefited many, not just a few, and what these advantages may be outside our classrooms.
The South Island offers a breathtaking setting for our program, with Lake Whakatipu and the beautiful vineyards of Central Otago nestled right next to mountain ranges familiar from the Lord of the Rings movies. We will also have time to enjoy the vibrant brewery and restaurant scene in Queenstown.
tierra del fuego
Finally, join us as we explore the islands of Fiji, and learn what the phrase “It takes a village” truly means in the holistic education of Fijians. Engage in dialogue with village elders, teachers, and students on topics such as access, and opportunity as well as the evolving paradigms of school discipline.
Participants will also get to experience Fiji the way it is best experienced: from the sea. We will have opportunities to responsibly snorkel some of the world’s most beautiful coral reefs and enjoy the white sandy beaches of Fiji's smaller islands.
argentina
Join the Adventure:
Cruise Pricing Tailored for you
Cruise pricing varies based on your cabin selection. Check out the full price details below.
promenade
$972.13
Double
$1729.13
Single
Please note, all rates are per person. Pricing includes taxes, fees, port expenses, and gratuities.
More info on cabins here: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-ships/mariner-of-the-seas/rooms
cultural highlights
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Every Polar Expedition includes a free Cultural Immersion, allowing you to explore the history, nature, art, or food of the destination through a special trip on land or a unique event on board.
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Experience the thrilling Polar Plunge by jumping into the icy waters.
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Enjoy whale and dolphin watching, seeing these amazing animals up close in their natural habitat.
argentina
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Explore Tierra del Fuego National Park, featuring tall mountains, clear lakes, huge glaciers, and unique animals on a scenic bus tour from Ushuaia, the End of the World.
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Visit the famous experimental schools of Ushuaia, Argentina.
antarctica
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Landing on Antarctica
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Penguin colony
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Visit to Antarctic base
Note: Details on the itinerary may still change
Stories from the Global Classroom
Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
who
All interested educators, administrators and community leaders are welcome to apply. Non-educator guests will be considered based on availability. An additional fee of $150 for non-educators will be charged to cover additional expenses.
when & where
Ready to explore the details? View the South Pacific Itinerary!
price
Pre-trip to Australia: $2110
Main Program in New Zealand: $2195
Post-trip to Nadi and Suva, Fiji: $2125
Total: $6430 BEFORE PACKAGE DEAL AND EARLY BIRD SPECIAL
package options
New Zealand & Australia package: $4155 (savings of $150)
Full package: New Zealand & Australia & Fiji package: $6130
(savings of $300)
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
Shared accommodations
Most meals and program activities (including sightseeing and entrance fees)
All transportation while on program, including flights between countries.
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED?
Airfare to the program location and back home, airport transportation to and from our meeting and ending locations, some meals, travel insurance, add-on or upgrade options.
APPLICATION TIMELINE
Early bird special: November 30th
Priority consideration: January 15th
Final deadline: March 1st (if spaces are still available)
Zoom interviews will be held starting mid-November and through mid March and all selection decisions will be made by March 15th. A program deposit of $250 for each leg of the program will be due upon acceptance. Program balance must be paid in full 2 weeks before departure.
