What type of accommodations are included with each trip?

To ensure that our educators and students have the richest experience possible, we strive to include unique accommodations as part of the program. We may arrange for stays in hotels (minimum three stars), dormitories, a jungle lodge, educational facility, research center or even an overnight aquarium experience in Australia. Some programs also include outdoor adventure accommodations, such as camping on a protected nesting site in Greece, or snow caving in New Zealand. On occasion, we also use night trains or overnight ferry services to maximize the time students spend in various destinations. Usual accommodations are three or four students per room, with one student per bed. Educators on the program may share a room with a fellow traveling educator.

What ages can travel on a Discovery Student Adventure?

Discovery Student Adventure trips are open to students 10 to 17 years old.

What is the dress code?

Most daily activities call for comfortable yet presentable clothing. Bear in mind this type of clothing is also easier and lighter to pack and dries easily overnight if it becomes wet or requires laundering. A more detailed, recommended packing list will be provided closer to travel.

How do I apply to be a Travel Leader on a Discovery Student Adventure?

Educators can apply online. Please see the section titled Get Involved under the teacher section for more information.

Once I apply to become a Travel Leader, what information and materials will I receive?

All materials are available online after you register/apply. You will have access to next steps, downloadable flyers, letters to families, PowerPoint presentations, fundraising information and information meeting agendas to help you enroll students. Also, you will have access to an Adventure Specialist to answer questions that may not be addressed online. In addition, classroom lesson plans and videos that can be used in your own classroom are available.

What if I am not a state certified teacher?

Currently our application process requires that our leaders be an active or retired K-12 teacher. Please contact us if you work extensively with students and feel that you can meet the requirements outlined on this website.

What if I want to travel with an already established group of students and don’t want to enroll my own students?

Since most teachers enroll their own groups, there are limited spaces for Travel Leaders that wish to be assigned a group. Once you apply (and have been accepted into the program), you will be placed on a waiting list. As the need for an educator Travel Leader arises, you will be contacted, and your trip destination and dates will be assigned to you. Please note that the best way to ensure your travel this year is to enroll your own group of students.

How many community service hours does each program have?

Students will earn 10 service learning hours for participation in service activities. Activities vary by program and destination.

What type of educational resources are available before travel?

Discovery Education provides related materials before the trip to engage the students that will be travelling with you as well as provide you opportunities to integrate your travel into your classroom. Videos, lesson plans, community blogs, pre-trip student assignments and webinars will all be available.

What assignments will the students who travel be assigned?

Students taking a trip will be provided with various videos and activities throughout the months leading up to the trip. Students who opt to earn high school credit will be assigned pre-trip activities that the teacher leading the trip will assess. In addition, various discussions and lesson plans are integrated into the actual trip. Lastly, to earn high school credit each student must complete a post-trip assignment. Assignments are provided by Discovery Student Adventures and managed by the teacher. They will be posted on the teacher and student's post-enrollment website.

Is airfare included in the cost of the trip?

Flight transportation during the program is included. International airfare is a separate cost, which is available/listed on the website. Teacher’s airfare is covered by Discovery Student Adventure when they enroll at least 5 students.

Can my students book their own air?

All air transportation is booked by Discovery Student Adventures. Travel Leaders may have the option of allowing students to book their own air or to have Discovery Student Adventures handle it as a package for you.

What type of student fundraising is available?

Fundraising can be a rewarding part of a student’s Discovery Student Adventure experience. We encourage students to be creative when planning their fundraising campaign. Please visit the funding section of our website to find step-by-step guidance through the process of finding local sponsorships, including downloadable worksheets, proven ideas and others resources. Access to this part of the site is only available to those that apply to be a part of the community or apply for a trip.

What type of identification do I need to travel?

A U.S. citizen needs a valid U.S. passport, with at least 6 months validity left from the date of re-entry. A non-U.S. citizen needs a valid passport from the country of which they are a citizen (with the recommended 6 months validity left from the date of re-entry) of AND a valid U.S. visa, Permanent Resident (Green) Card, or U.S. issued re-entry permit.

What type of insurance is included in price of the travel program?

All students and teachers are covered by a basic group insurance plan that helps offset costs if a major injury is incurred during travel. This insurance is included in the program cost and helps cover the cost of emergency evacuations and hospitalization. This coverage is primary during travel. You will receive complete information on the insurance coverage options after you enroll.

What is expected of a teacher who leads a group of students on one of these trips?

Please refer to Teachers Requirements and Expectations found on this site.

How many students are needed to travel if I am leading my own group?

Teachers that successfully enroll at least 5 students travel free of charge, pick their date of travel and destination, and are eligible to earn rewards for every traveling student over 5 that they enroll.

What happens if I enroll less than 5 students to travel on my trip?

Teachers that successfully enroll at least 5 students travel free of charge, pick their date of travel and destination, and are eligible to earn rewards for every traveling student over 5 that they enroll. Teachers that enroll fewer than 5 students may still travel and are responsible to pay for the portion of the program fee equivalent to the student shortfall. For example, if a teacher enrolls 4 students, he or she would pay 1/5 of the program fee to retain their selected date and destination.

How can my students enroll?

Students are able to enroll for travel online on the Discovery Student Adventures website.

What types of meals are included in the program?

The program includes three meals per day. Meals begin on the overseas flight and terminate upon arrival in the United States.

Can you accommodate those with dietary restrictions?

Yes, we can work with you in regards to dietary needs.

Please note that anyone with a peanut allergy cannot travel to China due to the way food is cooked and prepared.

How physically fit do I have to be to enjoy and experience all the activities in a Discovery Student Adventure?

You should have the ability to participate in most program activities listed in each trip itinerary on this web site, including but not limited to, walking 3-5 miles a day over uneven terrain and in various weather conditions, swimming/snorkeling, climbing with support.

What is generally included in the price of each trip?

The price includes three meals per day including soft drinks, transportation during the program, all accommodations and activities, basic insurance coverage and all educational materials for the high school academic credit.

What is the deadline for student deposits?

Deposit is required at the time of application. To ensure that your date and air quote is held for each student you enroll, it is important for each student to get his or her deposit in as timely as possible.

What is the price of a trip?

Pricing is shown by each destination/itinerary on the website. Air cost is priced from the gateway city (specified by destination). Once your travel date has been assigned, you may request an air quote departing from the city of your choice.

What is the student/teacher ratio?

Each travel group is determined by age group (middle and high school) and has an average of 35-40 students and 4-8 teachers.

Is there an expert guide on the program?

Each group will have a travel manager who will handle all operational aspects of the program.

What measures are put in place to ensure my students' safety during travel?

The safety of our travelers is our number one priority. World Adventures Unlimited, a subsidiary of Ambassadors Group, Inc., works with Discovery Education to implement and operate Discovery Student Adventures. Ambassadors Group is a leader when it comes to travel preparedness, taking a 360 degree approach from selection and training of teachers, to pre-travel preparation for students. For over 40 years, Ambassador has provided educational travel and has built an expertise in responding to any incident that may arise. Destinations are carefully chosen, relying on the advice of global travel experts. In addition, Ambassadors Group maintains a 24 hour response team at their program office to respond to any situations that may arise during travel.

Who is the tour operator/provider for Discovery Student Adventures?

World Adventures Unlimited, Inc., a subsidiary of Ambassadors Group, Inc. implements and operates our trips. Ambassadors Group has over 40 years experience operating international student travel programs, travelling more than 400,000 students, to over 49 countries across seven continents.