After the canceled Egypt trip, I was notified a week later that a future trip to Egypt was out of the plans. Not this summer, not next summer... with the ongoing conflict in the country, it was just not going to work out.
The Egypt cancellation was a disappointment in many categories. From my view, it was the perfect location to gain information and experiences I could use in my 7th grade S.S. classroom. Also, I had put in a lot of time planning the 2 week trip. Along with arranging the entire itinerary, Janell and I had purchased many things specifically for Egypt and I even drove up to Chicago for an entire day to obtain Visas. Financially, it was a mess because of all of the things we could not gain refund on (trip canceled 24 hours before our flight).
So we began working with Hilton and IIE about possible trips we could do instead. They decided the trip had to be complete by the end of summer due to the Teacher Trek Program. After many discussions, it was not looking good with the low remaining grant money and the very expensive flights/hotels with such short notice. Then, while Janell and I were driving down to Florida to see my family for 4th of July, we received a call about possibly receiving another trip. They needed new essays with a destination that could work within the budget and still help my teaching. Jordan was the top place as it is similar to Egypt in ancient history to visit, desert geography, and culture/religion. After writing the essays late in bed (no wasted time with family), our proposal was in.
Afterwards, I had several discussions about my itinerary, hotel possibilities, flights, tours, etc. In some crazy planning (long story short), our trip has been accepted and Hilton has been outstanding in helping with the hotel in Aqaba. We will be there for a week and will experience some amazing things! In honesty, I feel very confident in being able to obtain the same amount of knowledge and experience for my classroom than I would have obtained in Egypt. Petra is an incredible Wonder of the World that fits my history category; Jordan is filled with amazing geography in its desert (Wadi Rum specifically) and the lowest point on the plant (The Dead Sea); and the culture aspect will probably top our previous trip as we will be there during Ramadan. Our hotel is down on the beautiful Red Sea (Aqaba) and is said to be home to some of the most amazing snorkeling areas in the world.
I am looking forward to the trip and it will definitely be a short turnaround as we leave in 11 days! Jordan it is and I am again very appreciative for this teacher opportunity!
ZZ
P.S.- Thanks to Chelsea Ridenour of IIE for putting up with all of my emails, phone calls, etc. regarding this trip planning. She has worked with me since the disappointing Egypt news and I am very appreciative of her time.
The Egypt cancellation was a disappointment in many categories. From my view, it was the perfect location to gain information and experiences I could use in my 7th grade S.S. classroom. Also, I had put in a lot of time planning the 2 week trip. Along with arranging the entire itinerary, Janell and I had purchased many things specifically for Egypt and I even drove up to Chicago for an entire day to obtain Visas. Financially, it was a mess because of all of the things we could not gain refund on (trip canceled 24 hours before our flight).
So we began working with Hilton and IIE about possible trips we could do instead. They decided the trip had to be complete by the end of summer due to the Teacher Trek Program. After many discussions, it was not looking good with the low remaining grant money and the very expensive flights/hotels with such short notice. Then, while Janell and I were driving down to Florida to see my family for 4th of July, we received a call about possibly receiving another trip. They needed new essays with a destination that could work within the budget and still help my teaching. Jordan was the top place as it is similar to Egypt in ancient history to visit, desert geography, and culture/religion. After writing the essays late in bed (no wasted time with family), our proposal was in.
Afterwards, I had several discussions about my itinerary, hotel possibilities, flights, tours, etc. In some crazy planning (long story short), our trip has been accepted and Hilton has been outstanding in helping with the hotel in Aqaba. We will be there for a week and will experience some amazing things! In honesty, I feel very confident in being able to obtain the same amount of knowledge and experience for my classroom than I would have obtained in Egypt. Petra is an incredible Wonder of the World that fits my history category; Jordan is filled with amazing geography in its desert (Wadi Rum specifically) and the lowest point on the plant (The Dead Sea); and the culture aspect will probably top our previous trip as we will be there during Ramadan. Our hotel is down on the beautiful Red Sea (Aqaba) and is said to be home to some of the most amazing snorkeling areas in the world.
I am looking forward to the trip and it will definitely be a short turnaround as we leave in 11 days! Jordan it is and I am again very appreciative for this teacher opportunity!
ZZ
P.S.- Thanks to Chelsea Ridenour of IIE for putting up with all of my emails, phone calls, etc. regarding this trip planning. She has worked with me since the disappointing Egypt news and I am very appreciative of her time.
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