UNITED STATES
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Upon arrivalYour 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure. You will have a private coach and driver while touring for the next five days, and breakfast will be included at the hotel.
City in briefNew Orleans was founded in 1718 by the French Mississippi Company, on land inhabited by the Chitimacha. It was named for Philippe d’Orléans, who was Regent of France at the time. Until Napoleon sold the city to the United States with the rest of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, it remained an outpost of the French and Spanish empires. Rapid influxes of non-southerners compounded the peculiarity of its Creole past, and more foreign immigrants than Americans took up residence in the city until almost the beginning of the 20th century. As a result, New Orleans now has a powerful identity, featuring Creole and Cajun cuisine, a big local music scene with a large jazz presence, and the famous Mardi Gras celebrations.
Walking tour of the French QuarterTake a guided walk through the French Quarter to unravel the mysteries of one of America’s oldest and most unique neighborhoods. Stroll along the Mighty Mississippi River, through the French Market, and down the banquettes (sidewalks) of quaint streets named after European saints and sinners from the past. Begin to grasp the old Quarter’s architecture, courtyards, food, music, art, gardens, and secrets.
Tour the famous St. Louis Cathedral of New OrleansThe Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, also called St. Louis Cathedral, is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans and the oldest cathedral in the U.S.
Jackson SquareA visit to New Orleans' historic French Quarter would not be complete without a stop at Jackson Square, which is where you will find the Cabildo. This elegant Spanish colonial building neighbors St. Louis Cathedral and houses many rare artifacts of America's history.
The Cabildo MuseumThe Cabildo was built under Spanish rule between 1795 and 1799, following the Great New Orleans Fire of 1788, which destroyed the structure on the property at that time. Designed by Gilberto Guillemard, who also designed the neighboring St. Louis Cathedral and the Presbytère, the Cabildo was the site of the Louisiana Purchase transfer in 1803, which finalized the United States' acquisition of the Louisiana Territory and doubled the size of the fledgling nation. The Cabildo served as the center of the New Orleans government until 1853 when it became the headquarters of the Louisiana State Supreme Court. The building was converted to the Louisiana State Museum in 1908 and has since served to educate the public about Louisiana’s history.
Welcome and orientation sessionThis evening, participate in a health and safety orientation to prepare for the week ahead.
Group dinnerThis evening, dinner will be provided at the housing site.
Daily Reflection and Group Discussion"We do not learn from experience, we learn from reflecting on experience." - John Dewey On every evening of the program, we’ll set time aside to update your Reflection Journal and share thoughts and impressions that have come up during the day.
View the varied swamp wildlife, such as an active bald eagle's nest, American alligator, Louisiana black bear, deer, herons, owls, egrets, raccoons, turtles, and many more species of both reptiles and mammals. Learn about the ecological and environmental impact that swamps have in Louisiana.
LunchToday, lunch will be included.
Plantation tourTour a local plantation in the New Orleans area to discover the history of plantations and their impact. Gain a unique perspective on the lives of Louisiana's enslaved people.
Group dinnerThis evening, dinner will be provided at the housing site.
Zydeco!Enjoy an evening of the music New Orleans is known for, including jazz and zydeco.
Begin the morning with a short orientation to go over the day's service activities.
Louisiana Coastline ProjectToday, you’ll volunteer with the Louisiana Coastline Project.
LunchLunch will be included.
Climate change discussionThis afternoon, we will meet with climate change experts and city officials.
Group dinnerThis evening, dinner will be provided at the housing site.
Evening activityWatch an educational documentary and enjoy some free time to end the day.
Briefly go over the day's service activities.
Louisiana Coastline ProjectYour focus will be on rebuilding and an environmental project.
LunchToday, lunch will be included.
New Orleans Museum of ArtSpend time exploring the sculpture garden at the New Orleans Museum of Art. The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden is home to more than 90 sculptures by renowned artists from around the world, set within a picturesque landscape of native Louisiana trees and plants.
Group dinnerDinner will be provided at the housing site.
Begin the morning with a short orientation to go over the day's service activities.
Project in briefToday's service activity will involve arts and culture, with the theme of preserving their unique aspects throughout the city.
LunchLunch will be included.
Blaine Kern StudiosSince 1947, Blaine Kern Studios has built breathtaking parade floats, and not only for Mardi Gras but for parades all over the world. Your all-access Mardi Gras World Tour will wind through the massive studio where these magnificent floats are built from the ground up. You'll learn about the history of this unique and festive tradition by going beyond its reputation to get a deeper understanding of the real Mardi Gras and the spectacular floats that are featured in over 40 parades each year.
Group dinnerThis evening, dinner will be provided at the housing site.
Historic Haunted TourShriek and scream your way through a Historic Haunted Tour of the French Quarter.
Final Reflection and Discussion SessionThis evening, you’ll make the final entries in your Reflection Journal and share some of the most significant observations and perspectives that have taken shape throughout your Service-Learning week in New Orleans. We’ll also discuss how these experiences may be most relevant for us all as we return home.
Briefly go over the day's service activities.
Project in briefYour service project will focus on the STEM industry.
LunchToday, lunch will be included.
De-brief sessionAfter lunch, you’ll have your closing wrap-up to go over and reflect on what your group has learned from this week of service in New Orleans.
Depart for homeYour rewarding and enjoyable Service-Learning in New Orleans program comes to an end as your Tour Director accompanies your group to the airport on your final day.
Class is in session. And, by that, of course we mean the endless lessons that travel brings. So, no matter if you’re out trotting the globe or at home planning your next trip, adventure is never far! These must-read blog posts open a world of learning through inspirational travel stories, destination spotlights, classroom resources, and other buzzworthy news.
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