Middle School Adventures to Spain

OUR PROJECT 
My students are the most dynamic, creative and passionate youth!  You will find these scholars dancing, performing, playing sports, participating in school debates, writing poetry, winning science fairs, excelling academically, taking fencing classes and competing in state-wide competitions.  These young scholars truly defy the odds of what society has thrown at them! When children are eager to learn, household income should not be an insurmountable barrier. My accomplished dance students need your help to travel to Spain for a life-changing week of adventure, exploration and culture.

 
Do you remember your first time experiencing a new culture?  What about your first time traveling abroad? How did this trip impact your views on the world?  Traveling abroad to Spain is an opportunity that my students will keep with them forever!  They will have the freedom to explore art, language, culture, food, architecture and the world with friends and teachers.  According to the Global Commission on Aging and Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies, travel can make you healthier, relieves stress, enhances creativity and lower the risk of depression.  


Cultivating a sense of adventure and curiosity is vital for our youth.  On this trip we will take an authentic Spanish cooking class, take flamenco dance class, see a flamenco performance, visit museums and cathedrals, explore Salamanca (city with the longest history of Christians, Muslims and Jews coexisting peacefully), contribute to a community service project, try new foods and more!

A life-expanding trip like this will make a huge difference in my students lives by broadening their world view, building their global citizenship, developing their confidence and empathy and help deepen their love for learning!

MEET THE STUDENTS 
Our school is in the heart of Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn in New York City.  We are a Title 1 middle school meaning,

• 95% of our students qualify for free lunch.

• 25% live in shelters.

• We have a high immigrant and bilingual population.

• 85% come from low-income families.    
 
My students face hardships and challenges on a daily basis. Nevertheless, despite numerous obstacles, these amazing children have worked hard to transform their personal challenges into opportunities.  Students have raised their GPA, won the District 16 Science Fair and Academic Awards.


TESTIMONY 
“This trip to Spain for my son means a lot to me because it offers him an opportunity and experience I never had.  As a parent you always want more for your children than you had for yourself growing up.  This will expose him at an early age to a different culture and a different way of doing everyday things.  My son is so excited to go because he just wants to see a new place, which makes me excited as well that he is so interested.”—Mrs. Goddard, parent of student attending Adventures Abroad


“Having a student travel abroad provides a lifetime of learning experiences. My students will be participating in a school trip to Spain for February 2019. They are part of the inclusion program at a local middle school. They have learned how to behave appropriately, converse and interact with others in an adult-like fashion.  These particular students are unique in their own way.  Before becoming part of an inclusion program, they had many social and behavioral issues which inhibited them from participating in any trips, so they missed out on many opportunities such as: developing teamwork, sportsmanship, social interactions, knowledge of cultural awareness and diversity. You can enrich yourself about language, culture and global diversity but at the same time, have some fun.” –Mrs. Horotitz, teacher of student attending Adventures Abroad


“Traveling to new places will help me see the world in a different way because if you’re stuck in Brooklyn forever you won’t see these new things.  Traveling also keeps you aware and tells you what you are capable of.  Staying in a bubble keeps you locked in and the world in diverse and you can learn new things.    “—Student attending Adventures Abroad

WHAT WE NEED

My students need round trip flights, hotel for 5 days, meals, classes and museum entry and passports for a 7 day trip to Madrid, Spain.

Whatever amount you can offer will go towards the aforementioned expenses. Thank you!   


HOW YOU CAN HELP 
Your donations will help these 5 students pay for their passports, flights, hotel and classes.  Your contribution will make a direct impact on their future and education.

Share with friends and colleagues. Thank you for your generosity. This trip will truly change the lives of these children and their families.