Group Travel for Educators at a Third of the Price

TeachingTraveling.com: What a treat to chat with the famous Peggy Altoff, former President of the National Council for the Social Studies!

Peggy, please tell us a bit about your background.

Peggy: I am originally from Pennsylvania, but have lived and worked in Maryland, and for the past 8+ years in Colorado Springs, Colorado. I have over 40 years in social studies education, as classroom teacher, district coordinator, state social studies specialist, adjunct professor for methods and “literacy and social studies” courses, and purveyor of professional development.

I am also a past president of the National Council for the Social Studies. Currently, I am retired and working as an independent consultant and as a content consultant on a middle school textbook for National Geographic School Publications.

My past travels have included Australia and New Zealand, Canada and Costa Rica, as well as extensive travel within the United States

TT: Amazing! What was one particularly fabulous travel adventure?

P: In the summer of 2010, I was part of a group of 21 educators, pre-K through college, who traveled in 4 countries in Southern Africa through GEEO, Global Exploration for Educators Organization. We spend three weeks on a truck, beginning in Johannesburg.

Our first stop was Kruger National Park to camp and view African wildlife (impala, lion, elephant, giraffe, water buffalo, etc.) in their natural habitat. From there, we journeyed to the beaches of Mozambique for snorkeling and other water activities along the Indian Ocean. Visits to schools and an orphanage enhanced our understanding of education in this and other countries.

On to Zimbabwe we went for stops at Antelope Park, where we walked with lions in the wild, then to Victoria Falls, one of wonders of the natural world. Camping at night several miles away, we could still hear might roar of the water. Then, we traveled to Botswana for a memorable visit to Chobe National Park where we finally saw a leopard, then 2 nights camping in the Okavanga Delta.

Along the way, there were more stops: border crossings, a traditional farm, and towns and cities. Each offered its own opportunities for learning about people, culture, and the myriad of contrasts in the lives of the people of the countries visited.

The memories of this adventure are still vivid, and most are of pleasant times with wonderful colleagues and new friends. But there were challenging moments (long days on the truck cold camping weather!) but the experiences were well-worth the time, effort and energy expended.

TT: What an opportunity! How did you track down this travel adventure?

P: GEEO.org had contacted social studies organizations, including the Council for State Social Studies Specialists, of which I am an associate member. I saw the information that they posted, contacted a friend, and we decided to go.

TT: How did you find the money to fund this travel?

P: Personal funds financed the travel. The good part is that GEEO.org plans affordable travel, and this adventure was 1/3 the cost of an acquaintance’s trip to Africa, for twice the time and four times the number of countries visited. It was money well spent.

TT: It sounds like it. Tell us one moment from your travels that was particularly powerful.

P: I alluded to this earlier. A group of about 12 of us walked with three 16-month old lions and their two handlers in Antelope Park and Zimbabwe. The park is a sanctuary where animals are prepared to be released back into the wild. We were cautioned to walk with, and slightly behind, the animals, and never in front, which would result in becoming prey.

It was beyond interesting to observe them up close, to stop when they stopped, to gaze when they gazed, to walk when they walked. At one point the lone male stopped and laid down. Those of us who were close could approach from the rear, kneel and pet the animal’s back. This felt like a sacred moment, and when recalled, can still bring tears to my eyes. The moment was one of the most powerful in my lifetime, and I felt truly blessed.

TT: Lion stroking?! Amazing! How have your travels impacted you in your career?

P: I came back and visited several elementary classrooms, to share slides and experiences, and to interest students in travel. In addition, this experience has changed the way I read newspapers and magazines, and view television and on-line news.

I look for news of these countries, and feel more of an affinity for the problems faced and the accomplishments of these four nations that sometimes still struggle with post-independence challenges of emerging democracies and economies.

TT: Wonderful. How have your travels impacted you as a person?

P: All travel leads to growth and understanding. The biggest impact is that I want to do more travel, meet people from other places and learn from them. I have also been enriched by sharing the experience with other educators and learning about their classrooms and their students. Keeping in touch with them through social media is a priority, and it is my hope that we meet again and continue our friendships.

TT: What advice do you have for other educators who are dreaming of travel?

P: Save, and go. Start small, and know that you are never alone. Make this a priority, and don’t wait until next year, or the next. Many of my traveling companions were in the early years of their teaching careers. They worked extra jobs, sought financial support from various organizations, and emotional support from families.

All recognized that travel broadens perspectives and allows them to be better parents, children, siblings, friends and teachers. And I do recommend GEEO.org as a place to start. The executive director, Jesse Weisz, is personable and always available to answer questions and provide encouragement.

The website provides a wealth of information for each trip so that all participants are as fully prepared as possible when they set foot on foreign soil.

TT: Thanks so much, Peggy! Readers, what questions and comments do you have?