Edutravel - Education, Recreation, Inspiration

The Spirit of America

Follow the Spirit of the Americas to Cities of Endless Possibility

Destinations: Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington

Courses: Architectural Studies IDC4U; Music and Society IDC4U; Sports and Society IDC4U; American History CHA3U; World History—the West and the World CHY4U/C; Philosophy HZT 4U; Regional Geography Travel and Tourism CGG30; Writer’s Craft EWC 4U/C; Fashion and Creative Expression HNA30; The Fashion Industry HNB40

Trip and Course Preparation in Toronto (Day 1-5)

Boston (Day 6-8)

This vibrant, thriving city is renowned for its cultural facilities, world-class educational institutions, and champion sport franchises. Take a stroll along the Freedom Trail for a perfect introduction to colonial revolutionary Boston and explore a few of the most significant events in US history, for example, the Boston Commons, Paul Revere’s house, and the USS Constitution. Or if you prefer, take a walk along Newbury Street and take in its world-renowned shopping in some of Boston’s most chic and fashionable stores. For the tourist in you, explore Faneuil Hall Market Place where you will find many diverse eateries and shops with a real New England flavour.

New York City (Day 9-14)

Travel south to the trend-setting hub of America-New York City. From Times Square and Central Park to the Empire State Building and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Island of Manhattan packs more legendary icons into one compact area than any other place on earth. The remarkable exhibits at the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) mirror American society past and present. Some of these include architecture and design, media and performance art, painting and sculpture, photography and film, and printed and illustrated books. Students won’t want to miss out on a visit to Ellis Island known as the 'Island of Hope'. As immigrants landed on American shores to begin their new lives, the Statute of Liberty signified the freedom and possibilities for their new future in North America. New York City's wealth of fashion design schools ensure a steady flow of fresh faces and new ideas that continually reinforce New York’s place at the forefront of fashion innovation.  Before leaving this magnificent city, you might enjoy a night out on Broadway or a visit to the Apollo Theatre or a show at Radio City Hall.

Philadelphia (Day 15-16)

Philadelphia plays home to an astounding collection of museums, artistic venues and historical attractions. There’s the Liberty Bell, of course, plus amazing art installations, jazz venues, architectural landmarks and much more. Students can discover for themselves the very backbone of American heritage as they view firsthand one of the most influential documents ever written—the Declaration of Independence. Take a short walk from Independence Hall to the Liberty Bell Centre, the dramatic new home of the internationally known symbol of freedom. Students will be able to evaluate the role of individual artists, architects, and writers who have defined American identity. The paths to understanding American history all converge in Philadelphia and its historic countryside.

Washington DC (Day 18-20)

Washington DC is a city that makes history. Discover it for yourself at classic sites such as the National Archives and the National World War II Memorial. Plug into the energy of interactive experiences like the bike tour of the National Mall and DC’s neighbourhoods or the CSI Experience at the National Museum of Crime and Punishment.

What do jazz greats Duke Ellington and Motown legend Marvin Gaye have in common? DC is where they all got their start and they have all made their mark on the district’s black history. Students will be able to follow the chronology of events relating to significant developments in all aspects of American society with a visit to the renowned Smithsonian Institute. This magnificent museum complex and research organization is the world’s largest of its kind containing 19 research centres and a national zoo. This “Capitol of the World” is home to the President of the United States and the Pentagon.

Toronto: Summative Evaluations (Day 23-25)

These are only some of the sights that students will experience. Our learning model allows students to customize aspects of their itinerary to fit their course.

Your choice of assessments may include: spend a day with a fashion designer and critique their fall collection; reinact an historical event or film a documentary of life in America from an historical perspective; design a modern day building which supports the historical landscape and culture of one of the cities visited; critique the Declaration of Independence and uncover the philosophical principles of American society. These are only a few of the many opportunities you will have to demonstrate your knowledge, understanding and skill as you complete the requirements for the course of your choice.

Tuition: $1849 (+ $110 taxes and fees) + Optional double room supplement (+ $450)

Tuition Includes:  Transportation by luxury Highway Motorcoach (W/C, DVD, A/C); $400 allowance for admission to course-specific sights as well as group activities; Course materials; Ontario Ministry-approved credit upon fulfilling course requirements; Accommodations (quad accomodation); Breakfast and Dinner daily; Overnight Security; All applicable taxes.

Tuition Does Not Include:  Lunches, Medical and Trip Interruption Insurance; Gratuities; Discretionary spending money; Admission to attractions and activities exceeding $400 allowance