Hostelling International Chicago

Travel Scholars

About Travel Scholars

Travel Scholars is a cultural education program that provides opportunities for youth and school groups to experience hostelling and Chicago’s diverse cultural communities. The program propels young people aged 13 – 18 towards becoming caring world citizens who value and embrace cultural differences and who better understand themselves as part of a larger global citizenry.

Travel Scholars gives youth essential life skills and helps them become open to other cultures. As young people grow they will encounter people different from themselves in school, work and travel through neighborhoods, cities and countries. Through this travel experience, hands-on activities and engaging workshops, Travel Scholars learn the value of intercultural exchange, responsible travel and humanitarianism.

“I learned a lot about the responsibilities I have to others. I’m going to try to make a difference in our world.”
Ryan S., age 15

“This was a fantastic experience!! The exercises got the kids to think at different levels about culture and human needs. The presentations and activities from the staff that were easily balanced with our own group agenda …It worked out wonderfully and gave just enough time to incorporate what we wanted to see and do in Chicago!”
Vicki M., Group Leader

What to Expect from a Travel Scholars Experience

Travel Scholars gives group leaders the chance to provide their youth with the enriching cultural learning and excitement that comes with travel with the support of developed itineraries and workshops to enhance the experience. Hostel staff help groups plan their Travel Scholars program, deliver all the program activities and guide the group through Chicago as they engage with new cultures.

“Hostel staff were great at getting us set up to do the program. Everything was taken care of and there were really no surprises. We had superb hosts! I felt really at ease with them leading the group around Chicago and they shared lots of interesting experiences that added to the educational aspect of the weekend.”
Mary W., Group Leader

A typical Travel Scholars program involves:
  • Pre-trip activities that prepare youth for hostelling and experiencing new cultures
  • A visit to one of Chicago’s fabulous cultural institutions
  • Participation in a service project
  • Free time to explore Chicago, meet as a group or hang out with fellow hostellers from all over the world
  • A presentation to the home community about the importance of intercultural learning

Value of Global Learning

The average cost for a two-night/three-day Travel Scholars program is $125 per participant.

This price includes:

  • Two nights accommodation at the hostel in Chicago's downtown for $60/student
  • 6 meals (two each of breakfast, lunch and dinner) for the group to prepare in our large and lovely kitchen for $50/student
  • Admission fees to the cultural institutions
  • Transportation within the city to the cultural and community service sites

The hostel provides FREE of charge:

  • Educator to teach workshops and learning activities
  • Itinerary planning including meals, destinations and workshops
  • Engaging workshop delivery and materials
  • Hostelling International Youth Membership to all participants under 18

Strong Educational Standards

Travel Scholars is a great way to enhance the work conducted by youth leaders and teachers. Students who complete the program gain essential life skills through learning about responsible travel, interacting with people from different cultures and participating in community service. The curriculum meets 10 Chicago Public Schools and Illinois State education standards and goals. Hostelling International USA and our partner organizations are committed to attaining these objectives through the delivery of high quality educational programming.

Download

Download our information page about Travel Scholars: Click here for pdf.

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Who to Contact

Arielle Semmel
Educational Programs Coordinator
asemmel@hichicago.org
312.583.2226
fax: 312.583.2219

Support for Understanding and a More Peaceful Planet

Travel Scholars is a vibrant program designed to enhance participants' worldview and prepare them for tomorrow. Can you help Hostelling International Chicago reach more youth? Please consider helping with a donation or by becoming a volunteer.

For more information:

Click on "Support the Mission" to learn more about making a donation.

Click on "Get Involved" to volunteer.

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