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Contact Rachel Weiss
Location: United States, Scottsdale
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or 16 years I was a public school teacher (middle school, high school, and college), and I had the opportunity to work with intelligent, fun, and caring people. It was a great time! In the summer of 2012 and the summer of 2013 I took two (different) groups of teens on educational trips abroad. While I am not teaching in the classroom anymore, it is still my passion to help teenagers see the world. Travel allows teens access to cultures and sights they've only heard and dreamt about.
Research shows that when young people travel, it increases their compassion, confidence, and open-mindedness--these are things we need our young people to possess! My focus is aimed at students who cannot afford to travel on their own, but have the zeal and interest in learning about other cultures and countries.
My goal is to raise $60,000 so that I can take 20 deserving teens (who can't afford the trip on their own) on a paid travel excursion in the summer of 2016. Trips run approximately $3000 for two weeks (includes airfare, hotel, and most meals), and the students will be responsible for their own spending money and tip money.
Becoming a "global citizen" will allow these students the most opportunities in life, and travel is the first step. This program will rely on donations and funds raised by participants for future participants. This is the Pay it Forward aspect--students who are selected to travel will have one year to pay a pre-set amount (typically $1000) to be put toward next year's participants.

Here is how your generous donations will be used:
Trip costs (includes airfare, hotel, some meals, entrance to museums and parks) through EF Tours
Excursion costs when applicable (extra sightseeing or adventure opportunities in countries)
Here is what the students must do:
Cover their personal spending money
Cover tips for all travel and tour guides
Pledge and fulfill a specific amount of money toward next year's travel costs of other students
Get their passports and other travel documents sorted