Getting Real with Global Exchange
Reality Tours Offer the Ultimate Educational Vacation
Those seeking a leisurely vacation need not apply. A Global Exchange Reality Tour stimulates the mind in the depths of developing nations.
Imagine traveling to Kabul and meeting face-to-face with a member of Afghanistan’s government. Or, picture being in a rural Indian village, sitting in the home of a political playwright. With the California-based, non-profit, humanitarian organization called Global Exchange, these images are actualized through educational vacations called Reality Tours.
Since 1989, Global Exchange has been leading Reality Tours into the depths of developing nations. Each Reality Tour has a focus. A trip to Afghanistan focuses on women making change in a post-Taliban society. Several trips are offered to Venezuela where participants learn Spanish along with the country's current issues. In Nicaragua, a trip focuses on fair trade.
During these educational vacations, U.S., Canadian and European citizens connect with local government leaders, non-government organizations and business owners. The meetings are highly interactive and usually lead to in-depth discussions on social issues impacting that particular country. Depending on the tour's focus, the group may visit a school and interact with students. Reality Tour participants also have many opportunities to interact with local residents.
The goal of these interactions is for tour participants to develop a new understanding of the issues affecting the country. At the same time, the local residents can understand the Western philosophy. The education continues after the trip. Reality Tour participants are encouraged to bring back their knowledge and experiences to share with their community.
While Global Exchange offers these tours to dangerous places such as Afghanistan, Haiti and Iran, the locals are curious and welcoming towards Reality Tour participants. They see participants as guests in their country rather than hostile occupiers, as the military is sometimes viewed. It's common for the locals to initiate conversation to practice English. They may even extend a warm welcome by inviting participants into their homes for tea and conversation.
During the trip, participants are partially immersed in the host country’s culture. The mind is constantly stimulated with new images and cultural concepts. Each day begins with the host country’s traditional breakfast and ends after dinner. Participants are usually exhausted in the early evening, but talk late into the night discussing and digesting the day’s experiences.
Most Reality Tours are 10-days with a few running weeks longer. Group size is limited, usually to 15 participants. Global Exchange practices responsible tourism. Lodging is modest and is either in small guest houses or independently-run hotels. Tour participants are taken to locally owned shops to support the economy. Global Exchange’s guides are based within the host country and up-to-date on current issues. Most importantly, safety is a priorty and guides may adjust itineraries to keep the group safe.
Global Exchange currently offers educational vacations to more than 25 countries including Afghanistan, Nicaragua and Venezuela. Included in the cost of most Reality Tours are lodging, at least one daily meal, ground transportation during the tour, program activities and honoraria for speakers and organizations. Air transportation to the destination is not included. Reality Tour participants should be open-minded and flexible for the journey.
Reasons to participate in a Global Exchange Reality Tour:
- Small group size makes all participants feel included in discussions and activities.
- One-on-one interactions with politicians, business leaders and local residents to exchange ideas and learn the real issues.
- Travel and have fun while meeting new people, enjoying authentic cuisine and learning another culture.
Additional Information: Global Exchange Reality Tours
