From Independence to Interdependence
From Thomas Jefferson to Kofi Annan

This study/travel program is developed by educators for schools and organizations. The program is organized in cooperation with the United Nations and the Philadelphia National Historical Park.

In our historical struggle for independence, we have a valuable educational lesson on interdependence: global interdependence. Understanding the concept of global interdependence has not come easy to US students for a variety of reasons, yet in today's global society, it remains one of the most important terms for students to understand.

Working with the Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia and the United Nations, Global Education Motivators has developed a four day study/travel program for grades 8 to 12, bringing students from across the country to Philadelphia and New York City to see first hand how our founding fathers laid the foundation for living in an inter-dependent world through their struggle for independence from Great Britain.

Spend two days in Philadelphia. Visit the sites and explore the revolutionary thinking of Thomas Jefferson and others through classroom and field trip experiences on the same hallowed ground as our founding fathers. Visualize events in the context of 18th century America and project into the 21st century national and international developments.

After working with educators in Philadelphia to understand how our founding fathers moved from independence to interdependence, travel to the United Nations in New York City for two days of classroom activity on global inter-dependence. The UN component of global interdependence can be customized to specific global issues of interest to your students.

"An understanding of global interdependence is essential for today's young people to comprehend. In the course of human events this new, global reality is not often readily understood and an educational approach that reflects our culture's historical roots may help the next generation to understand and become more responsible in our interdependent world."

Wayne Jacoby, President of Global Education Motivators (GEM), Chestnut Hill College.
Remarks to Philadelphia City Council, March 10, 1988.

Dr. Robert Muller, Chancellor Emeritus, University for Peace
"Ideas and Dreams for a Better World," August, 1997.

Sample Trip

Land Costs: ***

$500 per person (based on 20 paying students) $475 per person (based on 30 or more students)

Air Transportation: ***

Final Pricing cannot be fully determined until GEM knows the specific program requested including what options are wanted, what time of the year the students would like to come, length of stay, etc.

Airfare arrangements are made through GEMQUEST/Travel Advisors Marin, San Rafael, CA.

Included in land cost package is:

• Pre-trip Orientation Program
  
• One hour interactive video conference with GEM, Independence National Historical Park, and the United Nations to introduce the students to the program, people and the sites they will visit.
  
• GEM escort for entire trip upon arrival in Philadelphia
  
• One teacher free for every 20 students
  

In Philadelphia

• all transportation upon arrival
  
• two nights hotel accommodation (3 to a room)
  
• continental breakfast each morning in Philadelphia
  
• full two day FITI program at Independence National Historical Park
  
• transfers to NYC
  

In New York City

• all transportation in NYC
  
• two nights hotel accommodation (3 to a room)
  
• continental breakfast each morning
  
• UN Tour
  
• Full two day FITI program at the United Nations
  
• Dinner program at United Nations to close out program and issue of FITI Certificates to participating students.
  

Trips are customized for each group to fit budget and curriculum needs. Optional trips are available upon request to selected activities in Philadelphia and New York City. We can arrange side trips to Washington, DC, to incorporate the theme of interdependence. Philadelphia options include: City Hall reception, meeting students from Philadelphia area schools, VIP program with the Philadelphia Phillies (in season).