2024 SMA France Cultural Journey
| Travel Dates: | June 10, 2024 - June 19, 2024 |
| Group Organizer(s): |
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| WTT Contact: |
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| Program Tuition: |
$2,990 USD
Airfare not included in program tuition
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| Confirmed Airfare: | $1,981 |
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What to Expect
Please read through all of the information below. More details will be added as your departure draws closer.
Itinerary
We do everything possible to run safe, engaging, and immersive programs for our travelers and given the unpredictable nature of international travel we must remain flexible in our planning. Changes to a schedule are uncommon but, we reserve the right to adjust programming in the best interest of the group.
| Day | Location | Description | Lodging |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 10 | USA - Paris | The group will departe the US and take an overnight flight to Paris | Airplane |
| June 11 | Paris | Today you will arrive in Paris where you'll meet your program leaders at the airport. Upon arrival the group will check into the hotel and get settled. Depending on time of arrival we'll hold an orientation meeting, get settled in the hotel and do a bit of exploring around our neighborhood. | Citadines Montmartre Paris |
| June 12 | Paris | This morning we visit one of the most important museums in the world: the Louvre! Inaugurated in 1793, it boasts a collection of more than 300,000 pieces. We'll start early to miss the worst of the crowds. Afterwards we head to one of the most charming neighborhoods in Paris, Montmartre, also known as the painter's corner. It's small, steep streets constitute a network that connects of the city's oldest cabarets to the surroundings of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. We'll check out some of the most well-known corners of the neighborhood, including the the Bateau Lavoir and the Cafe au deux Molins famous for the movie Amelie. | Citadines Montmartre Paris |
| June 13 | Paris - Versailles | After breakfast we will leave to Versalles Palace with our local guide. This one of the most visited French sites in Paris, for its architecture, its gardens and above all for its history. Symbol of the absolutist power of the French monarchs and especially of Louis XIV, the main architect of what is today the Palace and its Gardens. We will have a picnic lunch at Versalles before heading back to Paris. In the afternoon, we will head towards the “Champs de Mars”, where we can continue taking photos and climb the Eiffel Tower and enjoy the panoramic view that it offers us. | Citadines Montmartre Paris |
| June 14 | Paris | In the morning we'll visit the world famous Musee d’Orsay and get the chance to see Van Gogh's famous Starry Night and many other amazing works of art. Afterwards, we walk along the beautiful Tulleries Garden before heading up to the Opera and admire the beautiful Palais Garnier. We’ll grab the metro and travel to the Marche des Enfants Rouges food market where participants will be able to explore and find lunch in small groups. We end the day with a visit to l'Orangerie Museum and then dinner! | Citadines Montmartre Paris |
| June 15 | Paris | We’ll start the day with a fun and conversation exchange with a group of Parisian teenagers. Then, it's off to see more of the amazing sights. First we will get to see the Notre Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of medieval art that is still recovering from a devastating fire; the Latin Quarter; the Sorbonne; the Pantheon of illustrious men where Napoleon's mausoleum is located; the Luxembourg Palace and Gardens. The afternoon will be an excellent chance to do some (window) shopping at one of the most exclusive shopping districts in the world; Champs-Élysées. We'll finish up the day up at the Arc de Triomphe. We'll have dinner at a restaurant before heading back to our hotel for a good night's sleep. | Citadines Montmartre Paris |
| June 16 | Paris - Caen | In the morning we'll depart by bus towards Caen, Normandy, arriving at the Atlantic coast by early afternoon. Once on the beach, students would have the chance to bike or stroll along along the D-Day beaches, stopping at the American Cemetery, Omaha Beach, and Utah Beach to learn about the events that led to the Allied victory in World War II. We'll have a picnic along the way. In the evening, we’ll head to the medieval city of Bayeux. We’ll have dinner and check into our lodging in Caen or Bayeux. | Grand Hotel du Luxembourg |
| June 17 | Caen - St. Malo | After breakfast, we will take a look at the famous Bayeux Tapestry from the 11th century, which depicts William the Conqueror’s conquest of England. Then we’ll hit the road, traveling southwest toward St. Malo. We’ll take a guided tour of the Mont St. Michel, an enchanting island monastery. In evening, we’ll take a guided sunset hike on the bay. Then we will leave to St. Malo, where we will find our hotel. | Mercure Saint Malo Balmoral |
| June 18 | St. Malo - Paris | Today we will visit a dairy farm or marine farm and learn about the importance of those industries in northwest France. Then, and will have free time to have lunch and check out the inner city and explore the oceanfront. In the evening we’ll head back to Paris by bus and check into the hostel where we’ll stay for the rest of the trip. | Citadines Montmartre Paris |
| June 19 | Paris - USA | Today we head to the airport for our flight back home. Bon voyage! | Your own bed, eventually! |
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Accommodations
In order to provide a safe and memorable experience, we follow strict guidelines when choosing program accommodations. Walking Tree partners with hotels and guest houses which are centrally located, clean and safe. We vet and inspect the accommodations to ensure they uphold the ethos of our programs, are great values for our travelers and nice places to rest after enriching days of travel.
Citadines Montmartre Paris
The Citadines Montmartre Paris is located in a residential area in Paris near Place de Clichy at the foot of the Butte Montmartre. It offer furnished studios and rooms, just a 10-minute metro ride from the Champs Elysées. Its apartments are equipped with private bathrooms area and some of them have balconies. Citadines Montmartre Paris has a rooftop terrace that provides a view of the city. Citadines Montmartre Paris is just 200 metres from the Moulin Rouge and 1 km from the Sacré-Coeur Basilica. The property is a 15-minute metro ride from the Gare du Nord and Saint Lazare Station.
Grand Hôtel du Luxembourg
Grand Hôtel du Luxembourg is ideally located in the centre of Bayeux, near the Museum of the Bayeux Tapestry, and few kilometers away from the D-Day’s beaches. Rooms at the Grand Hôtel du Luxembourg are comfortable and well-equipped with modern amenities. This 17th-century mansion has been converted into a charming hotel with an outdoor heated pool which are accessible all year round.
Mercure Saint Malo Balmoral
Located in Saint-Malo, this hotel features contemporary guest rooms with a flat-screen TV. It is set opposite Saint-Malo Train Station and is less than a mile from the beach. All air-conditioned guest rooms are equipped with a work desk and free Wi-Fi access. Some private bathrooms at this Mercure feature an Italian shower. A buffet breakfast is served every morning, and can be taken on the terrace during summer.
Group Flight
| Type | Carrier Name | Carrier Code | Flight Number | Departure Airport & City | Departure Date and Time | Arrival Airport & City | Arrival Date and Time |
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Outbound
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Air France
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AF
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631
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DEN – Denver International Airport, Denver, United States
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June 10, 2024 at 05:45 PM
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CDG – Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris, France
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June 11, 2024 at 11:05 AM
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Inbound
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Air France
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AF
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630
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CDG – Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris, France
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June 19, 2024 at 01:30 PM
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DEN – Denver International Airport, Denver, United States
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June 19, 2024 at 03:35 PM
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Once your flight has been confirmed, the itinerary will appear here.
Walking Tree will secure a seat on the group flight for each participant unless otherwise instructed.
Travelers are responsible for checked baggage fees. Please visit the airline’s baggage webpage to learn if you should expect to pay anything.
We will provide a group manifest – complete with reservation codes and ticket numbers – to the Group Organizer/s before departure, and travelers will need to check in at the airport in order to receive their boarding pass and have documents verified. We recommend arriving no later than three hours prior to the scheduled departure, but contact your Group Organizer for specific details on exactly where and when to meet on the day of departure.
FLIGHT INTERRUPTION, DELAY OR CANCELLATION
Air travel can be unpredictable. Regardless of proper planning, there may still be instances when a flight is delayed or cancelled due to staffing shortages, weather, mechanical problems, etc. Please note that in such an event, Walking Tree Travel (WTT) is not financially responsible for unanticipated costs incurred by travelers en route. Our programs officially begin and end in the destination country, and because our staff doesn’t fly with the group, Group Organizers (the traveling faculty member/s) become the front-line advocate for the group in the event of a delay. In most cases of cancellations or delays, the airline will be the one who re-books travel or possibly arranges a hotel and food the night. Our primary role will be to keep families updated and provide support to the Group Organizer to reach a quick and effective resolution.
Host Community and Project Details
Packing List
What follows is a sample packing list but you know yourself better than we do so please adjust accordingly. We recommend you bring a larger piece of luggage like a roller, duffel bag, or backpack, as well as a smaller backpack that you can bring on daily outings, weekend excursions and shorter activities.
“Less is more” is a packing tip we encourage for all our travelers. The list below should cover everything you would need, but know yourself and what you are comfortable traveling with. We suggest bringing only as much as you would be able to carry on your own.
Finally, we recommend consulting a weather forecast for your destination.
Most importantly, be sure to remember your PASSPORT!
CLOTHES (quantities depend on your trip length) :
- Underwear
- Socks (a mixture of good active socks and casual socks)
- T-shirts (some quick dry)
- Long sleeve shirts
- Sweaters or sweatshirts
- Underwear
- Shorts
- Rain jacket
- Travel/athletic shorts that are breathable and light
- Comfortable, everyday pants
- Nice shirt/top to be worn to more formal dinners (girls might want a skirt or something a little nicer for such occasions)
- Durable athletic/walking shoes
- Sandals (optional)
- Hat
TOILETRIES: BRING THE BASIC TOILETRIES YOU NEED PLUS:
- Sunscreen (you will use a lot)
- Mosquito repellent
- Band Aids and Neosporin
- Hand Sanitizer
- Medication in properly marked original container
MISCELLANEOUS:
- Sunglasses
- Journal and pen
- Book
- Camera (digital, disposable, waterproof)
- Power Converter
- Alarm Clock and watch
- Debit card/US Dollars (we recommend about $50-$150, depending on amount of desired souvenirs, extra items etc.)
- Durable water bottle
- 1 quick-dry towel
- Flashlight/headlamp
- Batteries
- Deck of cards or other portable games
- Host family gift
- STUDENT ID
- French/English Dictionary
Support Team
At a minimum, one experienced Program Leader will travel on every trip. In addition to this full time leadership presence, Walking Tree has additional support staff in all destinations and 24/7 support from our headquarters in Denver, Colorado. Below you’ll find a list of the team members involved in the planning, organizing, and leadership of your program.
Emory University – B.A. Sociology and minor in Latin American History
During college, Luke spent a semester living and traveling in rural Mexico. His experience sparked a fascination with Latin America and a commitment to community service that continues to this day. Upon graduating from college, he joined WorldTeach and lived with a local family in a small village in Costa Rica while teaching elementary English. After this experience, he moved to San José, the capital and largest city of Costa Rica, and wrote for The Tico Times newspaper. Luke has since traveled to over 60 countries on five different continents. Now settled in Denver with his family, he continues to crave massive helpings of rice and beans.
Harriet Docena
France Country Director
Harriet caught the travel bug early in her life. Born in the Philippines, with 7,107 islands, both of her parents are avid travelers. Most of their weekends and holidays were spent roadtripping and traveling to new places. After finishing her degree in Fashion design and merchandising, she realized that the fashion world was not for her. That’s why in 2006, she left her job and worked as a photographer on cruise ships. For years, she traveled the world to places such as the Caribbean, Alaska, South America, Europe, the Mediterranean, Hawaii, and Asia. After working and traveling nonstop, she decided to choose a place where she can stay put and have a “normal life”. In 2010 she was lucky to be awarded a “skills and talents” visa in France and chose Paris to be her new home. Harriet is also an avid surfer which brought her to different surf spots and exotic locations around the world. As of this moment, she has visited 80+ countries and around 500+ cities. She doesn’t think she will ever stop traveling. Nowadays, you can find Harriet traveling around Europe, obsessed with her chihuahua and surfing when the European waters are not that cold.
Malaïka Nikiema
Program Leader
University of Montpellier, France. Health Biology/ Molecular and Cellular Biology
Malaïka, hailing from a background split between Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, and the outskirts of Paris, has woven a global narrative since her graduation. Her journey includes a two-year stint in Norway for the United World College program, followed by seven transformative months in Brazil with Global Citizen Year. After a brief interlude in the US, she settled in the south of France, dedicating herself to studies for the past three and a half years. For Malaïka, travel serves as the ultimate classroom, offering insights into both herself and others. A passionate advocate for social justice, her interests and hobbies span the realms of cooking, reading, exploring new languages, delving into history, and championing social justice causes. With a goal of discovering at least two new countries every year, Malaïka finds solace in the enriching tapestry of diverse cultures. Fluent in both French and English, she adeptly navigates conversations in Portuguese, Spanish, and Bassa—a language spoken in Cameroon. Beyond her cultural pursuits, Malaïka proudly wears the badge of a geek, being a devoted Potterhead and anime enthusiast.
Group Roster
Below is a list of the travelers enrolled on the program.
- 1 Allyson Martinez-Castillo
- 2 Alondra Rodriguez
- 3 Ashley Gonzalez
- 4 Ava Safavi
- 5 Bonnie Herman
- 6 Corinne Sasine
- 7 Currie McKinnon
- 8 Dafne Rivas Quijada
- 9 Darya Safavi
- 10 Emily Stanley
- 11 Gabriella Saucedo
- 12 Isabela Hilario
- 13 Jazlin Rodriguez
- 14 Lauren Anderson
- 15 Madeleine Pallotta
- 16 Marlen Chavez Paz
- 17 Matilda Bauer
- 18 Mia Williams
- 19 Millicent Harry
- 20 Miranda Parra
- 21 Violet Higgins
Blog and Communication
During travel we will work hard to keep families updated as frequently as possible with blogs and photos, giving you peace of mind that your traveler is safe and thriving on their program. Students regularly contribute to these posts, giving parents a great way to vicariously track the progress of the trip. You will receive an email notification when the first blog is posted, after which we recommend you check in regularly via the black “Program Blog” button at the top of this page.
Beyond this proactive approach to communication during the trip, most destinations are wired enough to allow participants semi-regular access to WiFi so you can also expect to communicate with your traveler directly. Ask your Walking Tree representative about the degree of connectivity on your program.
GLC Curriculum
Walking Tree has developed a curriculum of activities meant to help travelers get the most out of their trip before departure, during travel and after they return home. These simple and engaging activities are meant to spark discussion, frame experiences, and prepare participants to travel ethically and effectively both on this trip and on future adventures.For more information about student learning objectives and the format of the curriculum, click on the ‘learn more’ button below.
To view and complete the Pre-Program Activities, visit our online portal at the button below.
Standards of Behavior
In order to run a safe and successful program, it is important that we create an environment of trust, security and respect. All individuals participating in our programs are required to take responsibility for their actions and adhere to a high standard of behavioral conduct.
ABSOLUTE DISMISSAL
- Possessing, consuming or distributing alcohol or illegal drugs.
- Associating with participants while they are in possession of, or are consuming, or distributing alcohol or illegal drugs.
- Behaving in a way that consistently damages the group dynamic or jeopardizes personal or group safety.
- This includes consistently displaying a negative attitude, intimidating or excluding other participants, sneaking out, disobeying group leaders, and any other behavior that is not conducive to an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect.
GROUNDS FOR DISMISSAL OR IN-COUNTRY CONSEQUENCE
- Getting a piercing or tattoo.
- Stealing, or deliberately damaging or defacing any personal property, buildings or materials.
- Threatening physical or emotional harm, or brandishing a weapon.
- Possessing, consuming, or distributing tobacco or nicotine, including vape pens.
- Riding mopeds, motorcycles, or any other type of unauthorized vehicle.
- Being out of designated area or accommodations after curfew.
- Breaking group rules.
These standards of behavior are essential for the successful completion of your program. Please take the time to review these as a family and make sure everyone understands and agrees to them.
Health and Safety
We strongly recommend visiting the CDC France website to get the most updated information on health and vaccination considerations in your destination country. In addition, we encourage you to consult with your personal family physician so you can be as informed as possible when making important decisions about vaccinations and other necessary health-related preparations before travel.
Our in-country staff prepare meticulously for all programs. Walking Tree will register our programs and travelers with the U.S. Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) in case of emergency. In country staff also verify the safety records of our partner organizations, vendors, and transportation providers, thoroughly vet homestay families via in depth interviews and home visits, and keep up on important current events in the region.
Program Leaders are seasoned travelers who are CPR and First Aid certified, undergo thorough training in crisis management, and participate in a multi-day leadership training retreat. We do our best to prepare for any eventuality and have detailed emergency protocols for our leaders, in-country staff and U.S.-based staff.
We receive medical disclosures from all participants to ensure we are able to meet every students’ needs during the program. Please inform us immediately of any additional health issues that you did not list during your initial registration process. Program Leaders will also hold an online information session before your departure, as well as an arrival orientation in-country, in order to give participants important instructions on food safety, hygiene and preventing injury and illness. Leaders and in-country staff always respond immediately to any mental, physical or emotional health issues and follow comprehensive emergency protocols.
Insurance
While we work hard to ensure the safest experience possible for our travelers on program, experience teaches that travel is never without risk. For this reason, we recommend that all travelers consider a travel insurance policy with two additional provisions: Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) and Bed Rest. Detailed explanations of both provisions can be found on the link below.
To provide families with a quality option, Walking Tree has partnered with Travel Insured International, one of the most respected providers in the industry. Begin by getting a quote here.
IMPORTANT NOTE: in order to secure coverage with CFAR included, you must purchase the plan within 21 days of your deposit/first payment. You must also insure 100% of your trip cost, so program tuition + flight.