Excursions

Joel Black, PhD, teacher, traveler

Who am I?

I have traveled with students for 29 years, mostly wilderness trips, but also Europe, Latin America, Hawaii, and several locations across the USA. Since 1972, I have hiked, cruised, flown, studied and traveled with over 30,000 young people on 94 trips in 16 foreign countries and all 50 states. Most trips carry credit and last one week. The highlight trips last 30 days, to far-away places like Argentina and Switzerland.

Why travel?

Travel is an excellent way for students to gain knowledge, experience other cultures first hand, learn some foreign language phrases, practice independence and problem solving skills, try different foods, and to broaden their horizons, literally. And usually, earn high school or college credit.

A Little History:

In 1980 I joined up with Wilderness Adventure Travel for dynamic, in-the-wilderness, team-building experiences in the Canyon Country of Utah, and in 1993 I started working with the Swedish experts--EF Educational Tours—for those tours that are too big or complex to pull off by myself. EF is the largest, the best connected, and by far the least expensive travel company in the world. As you noted when you did the math, I average two or three trips a year.

The Costs:

Foreign travel usually costs about $160 a day. Anything over $200 is luxury, and anything under $140 is a real bargain. EF often comes in at $135 a day! And their price includes everything—meals, hotels, guides, admissions, tours, accommodations, flights. There are some optional tours which one could join on an unscheduled day, and, of course, one wants extra cash for extra snacks or souvenirs. And tips for the bus driver and the tour guide are always appropriate.

An incentive:

Better yet, there is a kickback (reducing the cost) from EF, and most other travel companies, for anyone who enrolls 3 or more friends. The company chooses the travel date, unless we have 35 or more travelers, in which case we choose the date and the itinerary.

Age and Credit:

The age limit is 14 through college, though younger students can come if accompanied by parents. Many are receiving credit (either high school or college) for the trip. High school credit comes through EF and college credit though Eastern Washington University.

Where do we go?

Europe 2007—The word went out in April, 2006, that a phenomenal opportunity was available to travel with a select group to Europe. The closing date to sign up is/was May 3, 2007. Other trips we have done in the past include Brazil, Mexico, Greece and Bavaria. Upcoming trips will include SE Asia, Scandinavia, and Russia. We also do hikes and geology excursions in the 4-corners, Grand Circle area of the SW USA.

A partial list of previous trips include:

• 1977-summer in Hawaii
• 1978-twelve one-week Wilderness Survival Skills Treks
• 1993-two weeks in Utah-emphasis geology
• 1993-two weeks across Europe: London to Venice
• 1995-forty-days across the USA—history on site
• 1996, 2000, 2004, 2006-statewide, on-site, one-week, PNW History tours
• 2002-thirty days in Europe: London to Turkey
• 2005-four weeks in Argentina and Brazil
• 2006-one week in Spain
• 2006-two weeks in Mexico
• 2007-four weeks across Europe: London to Morocco, via the Alps.

Contact Joel:

at joelblack@byu.net with questions, to find out what the next travel itinerary will be, and with your street address if you would like me to send you the registration form and a brochure describing upcoming trips. And please pass the word around.