Tucson
Experience a different side of the United States and learn about the culture and traditions of the South West.
Envoys has partnered with community schools in Tucson, Arizona to set up an amazing opportunity to experience a different side of the United States. Working hand-in-hand with Native-Americans and Latinos coming from economically challenging communities, Envoys participants will participate in a service project proposed by the school administrators to improve the community livelihood.
Potential program themes
Sample Itinerary
Students arrive at the airport in Tucson, where we transfer to a local hotel and prepare for the upcoming experience
After breakfast, we tour the immediate Tucson area, becoming more familiar with a “new face” of the United States. As part of our tour, we divide into small groups to engage a scavenger hunt adventure. Beginning in the heart of the city, we continue through famous parks, cathedrals, historic hotels, theaters and the El Presidio, with numerous stops along the route to complete challenges and decipher clues. In the afternoon, we regroup to discuss our perceptions of Tucson and prepare for the upcoming service experience.
We spend three days participating in a service project, working hand to hand with students, families, and teachers in improving the school operations and the community livelihood. It will be a unique opportunity to engage in a meaningful service experience, and one that epitomizes the best of the American “Thanksgiving spirit.”
During the afternoon on Thursday, we join the community for a Southwestern-style Thanksgiving dinner, celebrating both the newfound connections and acknowledging the many different people who have helped us on the way.
We rise early to undertake a truly magical experience closing our trip: A hot-air balloon ride through the Tucson Mountains and Saguaro National Park West. This unique journey combines low level views of the beautiful desert landscape and spectacular panoramas from higher elevations. We also have the opportunity to spot numerous wildlife, including javelina, deer, bobcats, rabbits, foxes, and red-tailed hawks.
During the afternoon, we spend our time exploring the greater Tucson area before our closing dinner.
We close off the program in the morning, and assist students with their flights home.
“The team at Envoys did their very best to ensure that the the “i’s were dotted and the t’s were crossed.” The staff was also quick to respond to any and all questions that arose prior, during and after the trip. My husband and I greatly appreciated the time Envoys took to provide preparation tips as well the planned activity schedules to help make our child’s South African trip a safe and memorable adventure.”
— Regina J. , Parent, Dalton South Africa 2014“The Envoys staff were very open about sharing their first-hand experiences, which was a game-changer in terms of learning about post-apartheid South Africa. Also, having everything planned to the T made me feel very safe. I knew that I was in good hands.”
— Gio H. , Student, Friends Seminary South Africa 2016“With its emphasis on empathy and general intelligence in planning, Envoys has quickly emerged as a premier global program provider. They are well worth the attention of any of our schools.”
— Paul Miller , Former Director of Global Initiatives, NAIS
