Program - STUDY ABROAD TA

Educational programs

In Study Abroad TA, we have created a didactic program with professionals, who form a crucial part of all our activities. In each of our trips, our main objective is to educate both, directly and indirectly, the body, the spirit and the mind of all learners.

An educational program based on a harmoniously healthy and active environment, where we focus on touching the hearts, emotions and deepest aspirations. Within this space, we are able to offer learners the components that make for a true holistic educational experience; connecting with the arts, culture, history and environmental awareness. These are enriching experiences that foster a genuine respect for oneself and others.

We want our trips to be a point of positive self-reflection in every one ́s evolutionary process; an opportunity to become better and richer, while learning to observe life from a different totally perspective.

Our programs allow travellers to expand their thinking, develop lasting values, and understand themselves in relation to the world around them. As a result of this connection, one overcomes challenges, steps out of their comfort zones, learns to socialize and become confidently grounded with and in the world; all while being in a safe and fun environment.

Seven points that cannot be missing in our program

Discipline & independence

In order for tours to run efficiently, there is a level of discipline required of each person in the group that ranges from time management, keeping one ́s personal items in an orderly fashion, cleanliness and respect for everyone sharing a living space.

Technology break

Although taking those awesome videos and breath taking pictures are important for gaining social media followers, there are times our travellers are encouraged to set aside their technological devices to be present in the experience being lived. Taking this break can offer a vivid personal reminder of unity with oneself.

Respect (oneself & others)

Sharing experiences with a group includes setting personal boundaries while respecting those boundaries of those travelling. This may be practiced in how people communicate with one another, either verbally, physically, emotionally, etc. As travellers spend time together abroad, there are opportunities to practice and experience growth by simply being a part of a community, often putting other ́s needs ahead of one ́s own personal wants.

Spontaneity

In a world of time lines, graphic organizers, spreadsheets, stop watches and social media, people often forget to live in the moment, to be totally immersed in an activity where time literally flies and enjoying one another company is a truly appreciated and welcomed contribution.

Appreciation

Travel has a way of priming us through real experiences and ̈set backs ̈. Adjusting to different surroundings, smells, food, comfort levels, lodging arrangements, time zones, traditions, lack of things commonly used in our everyday lives, etcetera, has the potential to help one appreciate things usually taken for granted.

Patience

Every trip has an opportunity to practice patience. From a crying teething infant on a seven hour international flight to tour buses both rear wheels blowing out and having to wait for a replacement bus in the summer time. While many experiences are out of our control, we must learn to exercise patience and understand that this mishap may be a blessing in disguise.

Cultural appreciation

One travels to learn and gain different experiences. One of these, is to see how others live and experience life. Participating in an opportunity to feel what others feel, to taste the foods that traditional made, the important holidays celebrated, the moral and values of a people, the struggles endured and the victories one. Understanding other cultures reinforces one ́s own.

"Exploring the outside world can help connect with the inside one".

Activities

To achieve the objectives of our programs and inspire the physical, mental and spiritual characteristics of our youth, with relevant values and positive lessons, we include an array of activities and experiences designed by our team of educators and professionals, influenced by sports, culture, nature and gastronomy.

As a result of these activities and experiences, we teach youth the world is filled with an infinite amount of strong and valuable opportunities within their reach. Upon experiencing these transformational lessons, youth come to understand that there are innumerable possibilities for them to create their own distinctive personal life style.

Our youth will live and share moments that will be branded in their memories for a lifetime. They will learn to face life ́s challenges and see the world from another perspective, while contributing to their development as positive members of our global society.

Adventure Sports

Adventure is a core component of what we do; it is one of the tools we use to have the students interact with the great outdoors. Students participate in an array of adventure sports activities in a natural outdoor setting, led by qualified and

licensed professionals. Activities may include but are not limited to, Sea Kayaking Expeditions, River Rafting, Via Ferrata, and Trail Hiking through the breathtaking forests and mountains of the Iberian Peninsula. In addition to living these life impacting experiences, it is a great opportunity to foster new habits that encourage students to lead a healthier active lifestyle.

Cultural Tourism

There are many teachable moments to enjoy while abroad. Every city and every town has its own unique charm that often sparks up interest in every traveller. The activities programed for youth, focuses on engaging the student, in an enjoyable manner, to connect with the different cultures, history and customs they may encounter during the tour. On many occasions, visiting such town offers the opportunity to attend cultural events such as concerts, exhibitions or presentations relevant to the learning objectives of our programs.

Education

All of our tours have educational components and because students are constantly learning, we blend elements of cross disciplinary education with what the students are learning directly and indirectly. Students are in a constant flow where

they scaffold on what they have learned in school with the moments they are living abroad. From social education, appreciation for the environment, social sciences, history, the arts and geography to gastronomy, music and the actual target language, the experiences lived through our programs are real opportunities for youth to grown in various areas of their personal development.

Gastronomy

Who doesn ́t enjoy delicious goodies when travelling abroad? Our experience has taught us that the best way to really get to know a new culture, country or city is by going to their local restaurants and sampling their local cuisine. Understanding the local staple can tell us a great deal about traditions and history and local people love sharing with travellers how amazing and different their gastronomy is from other regions in Spain. One will be surprised how engaging with the locals can create opportunities to befriend important people and create bonds that can turn into life-long friendships. Besides being a great occasion to try a variety of dishes, such experiences can broaden students horizons and create memories of a lifetime.

Nature

A true connection with nature is a significant component of the tours we offer. We love nature for everything it can teach us about the world and ourselves. On our tours, travellers will have direct contact with nature through excursions and different activities in the mountains, navigating the rivers, exploring the forests, experiencing the beaches and discovering the sea. Participants are taught the importance of a positive harmony with nature as the provider of all life.

Self-Awareness

As we have already repeated on numerous occasions, in addition to engaging students to have a good time abroad, our tours are purposefully transformative and can serve as a significant turning point in undergoing a deeper personal self-connection. In our years of service, using the right pedagogical strategies and scaffolding activities, students can truly value who they have become as a result of the tour experience.