Teacher Travel Abroad

Hemispheres actively promotes opportunities for K-12 educators to travel abroad to build their own background knowledge and gain invaluable experience overseas. 

Short-Term Teacher Travel

To meet the demand of educators who want a quality travel experience, Hemispheres's centers frequently offer shorter programs abroad that combine an academic approach with a short, intense travel experience.  We try to keep these affordable for educators.  Announcements about funding competitions and grants that support teacher travel can be found on our Professional Development page.

Upcoming Trips

Turkey

Summer 2025 (June)
Academic escort: UT Austin Center for Middle Eastern Studies

Program Overview

Turkey combines history and beaches, man-made wonders and natural phenomena, as well as a vibrant and welcoming culture. Begin your trip roaming the palaces and mosques of Istanbul before journeying into the bizarre as you explore otherworldly Cappadocia. From the amazing white cliff frozen waterfalls of Pamukkale to the bustling bazaars of Istanbul, Turkey will burn brightly in your memory long after you've left this crossroads of Asia and Europe. Visit Turkey with us, all while earning professional development credit with other educators.

GEEO will be partnering with the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Texas. Accompanying the trip will be a representative of UT Austin who will provide guidance to teachers during the trip and help with the development of classroom activities and lesson plans that focus on the historical, cultural, social, political, economic, and environmental aspects of Jordan.

For the complete program announcement, which includes full details regarding the trip, what is included and not included, as well as the registration process, please visit GEEO's website.
 
Please contact Jesse Weisz at GEEO or the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at UT Austin with any questions! 

Sri Lanka

Summer 20245 (July)
Academic escort: Sidra Rind, UT Austin South Asia Institute 

Program Overview

Sri Lanka is a hidden gem that has reemerged as a tropical jewel that captivates travelers with vibrant colors, rich cultures, and palm-fringed landscapes. Begin in the bustling city of Colombo, exploring its vibrant streets before immersing yourself in the Portuguese and Dutch architecture of Negombo. Experience the local way of life as you observe fishermen at work and glide along the Dutch canal. Discover the awe-inspiring Sigiriya rock fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and share a meal with locals in a nearby village. Traverse the scenic central highlands, explore a traditional tea plantation, and take a scenic train ride, all while earning professional development credit with other educators.

GEEO will be partnering with the South Asia Institute at the University of Texas. They will help lead a pre-trip orientation meeting. They also hope to send a representative of UT Austin to provide guidance to teachers during the trip.

For the complete program announcement, which includes full details regarding the trip, what is included and not included, as well as the registration process, please visit GEEO's website.

Questions?
 
Please contact Jesse Weisz at GEEO or Sidra Rind at UT Austin with any questions! 

Budapest-Romania-Bulgaria-Istanbul

Summer 2025 (June)
Academic escort: Bella Jordan, UT Austin Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies 

Program Overview

Embark on a 13-day journey from Budapest to Istanbul, exploring a lesser-known but richly rewarding route through Eastern Europe. Witness the stunning architecture and vibrant culture of Bucharest, the medieval charm of Sighisoara, and the haunting allure of "Dracula's Castle" in Transylvania. Conclude your adventure in the captivating city of Istanbul, where East meets West. Join us on this extraordinary journey, all while earning professional development credit with other educators.

GEEO will be partnering on this program with UT Austin's Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies. Accompanying the trip will be a representative of UT Austin who will provide guidance to teachers during the trip and help with the development of classroom activities and lesson plans that focus on the historical, cultural, social, political, economic, and environmental aspects of Central Asia.

For the complete program announcement, which includes full details regarding the trip, what is included and not included, as well as the registration process, please visit GEEO's website.

Questions?
 
Please contact Jesse Weisz at GEEO or CREEES at UT Austin with any questions! 

Past Programs:

• Summer Program through Central Asia 2024
• Summer Program in Jordan 2024
• Summer Program in Nepal and Bhutan 2024
• Summer Program in India & Nepal, 2023
• Summer Program in Egypt, 2023
• Summer Program in Ireland, 2022
• Summer Program in the Maldives, 2022
• Summer Program in Moorish Spain, 2022
• Teacher's Spring Break in Oman and Qatar, 2019
• Summer Program in India and Nepal, 2018
• Teacher's Spring Break in Morocco, 2018
• Summer Program in Myanmar (Burma), 2016
• Teacher's Spring Break in Moorish Spain, 2016
• Summer Program in the Baltics and Saint Petersburg, July, 2015
• Summer Program in Sri Lanka, August 2015
• Summer Program in Turkey, 2015 (cancelled)
• Teacher's Spring Break in India, 2014
• The Heart of the Silk Route (Uzbekistan), 2013
• Teacher's Spring Break in Peru, 2013
• Teacher's Spring Break in Morocco, 2012
• Teacher's Spring Break in Egypt, 2011 (canceled due to Egyptian revolution)
• Teacher's Spring Break in Egypt, 2010
• Bridge Across Civilizations (Turkey), 2009