An exciting new program in March 2008 will be the Travel Study Program for Teachers supported through a contract with the Hawai`i State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Any public or charter school teacher may apply for this program. The trip, a cost-sharing one, will somewhat parallel the student program in terms of sites and outcomes. Fourteen teachers will travel to Taiwan, Beijing, and Guangzhou during Spring break, March 15 –29, 2008.

OBJECTIVES:
- To increase awareness of Chinese and Taiwanese cultural, historical and economic issues.
- To become informed about teaching and learning in China.
- To establish sister school relationships where possible.
- To extend the travel experience/learning through: follow up interaction with students of the PAAC Travel Program, curriculum lessons, and presentations to other teachers.
We will be visiting schools, interacting with educators there and exploring the establishment of sister-school relationships. Also, included will be visits to businesses; technology sites; cultural and historical sites.

There will be a two-day pre-trip orientation and a follow-up program with the students selected to go during the summer. Each teacher on the trip will develop a curriculum lesson.

The cost will be $1,000 that includes the China visa; all air and ground transportation; all meals and all program costs. Selection will be made by the end of January. The travel application has reached the due date of, November 26, 2007.

Upon acceptance (by mid-January) a deposit of $300 will be due.
If you are selected, you will be required to attend a weekend orientation (March 1&2, 2008) on Oahu; to participate in a follow-up activity with students; and either complete a related curriculum lesson or do a presentation at school or relevant community group on the impact/implications of the travel experience.


For questions or information, contact Merle Grybowski at asc@paachawaii.org or call 944-7786.