This is a non Spain related question, but I know many of you Spain aficionados are in the education field, maybe you can help me.

My husband teaches English as a second language here in Seville and we want to take a group of his students -18 and up- to the U.S. for a tour of the East Coast next summer, for about 2 to 3 weeks.

Can any of you recomend a travel agency, tour operator or student travel organization that could do this for us? Ideally, it would be one of those deals where one teacher gets to travel free for 6 students, or something like that. If we gather enough students, I can go for free as well!

If any of you can help, I would really appreciate it. Please e-mail me at
[email protected]

Thanks!

Hi Olga,
Since these aren't all high school aged students, and you want a far longer trip than the ones teen travel organizations like EF usually offer (at "if it's Tuesday it must be Belgium" speed, changing hotels every night for a week), you might want to use a regular but big US based travel agency.

When my school did a special 2 week tour of China, we used Rosenbluth International, based in Philadelphia. (Parent connections). They did provide a free trip for the chaperone(s), and we took teachers, students, parents and other faculty as well. And lots of ground was covered and lodgings quite nice for the price. Rosenbluth just was bought this month by American Express.

Hope other educators can give you more ideas.

Thank you very much for the tip, Maribel! I'll try contact them today.

I'm very excited about the possibility if this trip. I've only been through the East Coast enroute to the Midwest, where we lived for 4 years, and can't wait to visit all those cities I've only had a bird's eye view from!

When I was a student in college I spent a summer study abroad. The university used STA Travel for every need and they were great! They do gear more towards the student traveller (with both student and teacher discounts) and whenever I used them to help set up side trips, etc. they were always a pleasure to do business with.

Good luck!

Hi olga,
Another good idea and low cost too; see them at
www.statravel.com/ There used to be a branch 1 block from my house, but they closed recently. When your trip falls into place, let me know, because this time we really are going to meet, I promise! And I get to show you my East Coast home city! Have fun planning.

Deal!
Hopefully this trip will work out. Looks like the STA travel branch in Spain is Barcelo Viajes in Madrid. I will try and see what they offer.

Thank you both!