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Freedoms Foundation

If so, then you definitely need to check out the teacher programs offered by Freedoms Foundation.

I seriously cannot rave enough about them!

Anyone who’s known me for longer than 5 minutes knows that I am super passionate about entrepreneurship.

I think that the entrepreneurial spirit is a founding principle that has allowed for the flourishing of the United States, and it seems that I’m not alone!

The programs at the Freedoms Foundation cover various topics in American history and culture. It’s an absolute must for anyone teaching economics, American history, social studies, and/or business.

This short video gives a solid overview of the history and spirit of the program. The specific area has a special history, dating back to before the United States was a founded nation.

Educating the Young Entrepreneur

This is the program I did, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

It’s all about how to instill the entrepreneurial mindset (which is really just 21st century skills, anyway!) in young people.

Over these past few years, I’ve discovered that I really enjoy helping both students and teachers experience success with entrepreneurship – so this was a perfect fit for me!

The travel opportunities were great, too. We visited a beautiful family farm, a small-batch brewery, and a coffee shop with an on-site roastery.

The program itself was jam-packed with information, strategies, tools, and resources that I was able to use right away.

This really impressed me, too – because I was initially concerned about that as an elementary teacher.

When I got back into school, I used what I learned to start a new club at my school, focused on entrepreneurship. It’s called Venture Lab – which encourages students to create and build their own businesses! I wish I could take the credit for that catchy name!

They worked closely with students in Student Council, Indian Club, and with other students to create opportunities for entrepreneurship.

If you’re not already in the Traveling Teachers Facebook Group, be sure to go join! I have an awesome video in there that shows what the kids worked on this past year.

If you’re interested in starting a Venture Lab at your school, be sure to follow my teacher lifestyle blog, Teach Blog Travel – because I’ll be talking about it there, soon!

Freedoms Foundation Travel Program
Berlin, Germany

Annual Travel Programs

Due to a myriad of different factors, the specific travel program offered by Freedoms Foundation varies every year.

In 2021, participants of their travel program will visit several significant sites in American history, all located within Virginia (known as the gateway to the South).

I haven’t done this one personally, but it is very popular, so it fills up quickly.

If you’re interested in doing one of Freedom Foundation’s travel programs, be sure to apply early!

Since all of their programs are tuition free for teachers, it can be competitive.
Sunset over Valley Forge

Ideal Fit

The ideal applicant would meet the qualifications listed below, and as well as someone who demonstrates a sincere interest in American history.

What’s learned throughout the Freedom Foundations classes and travel programs is meant to be shared with students in the classroom – and that includes an enthusiasm for United States history!

If you’re looking to gain graduate credit, this would be an excellent deal for you. If you’d like, you have the option to gain graduate credit by participating in these programs, through LaSalle University. Win-win!

I was (and still am!) legitimately excited about the location, content, and possibilities with their programs – so it was a great fit for me.

I’d also never been to Philadelphia before – so this was the perfect excuse for me to explore a new state and city!

Qualifications

This is the best part; it’s so easy to qualify for programs with Freedoms Foundation.

If you’re a certified teacher who’s planning to teach next year, and you can write a thoughtful essay showing how what you’ll learn will benefit your community, you will likely get the opportuniy.

Preferred Applicant Traits & Skills

While these aren’t qualifications, these are their preferences when screening applicants:

  • Teachers in history, social studies, and/or STEM
  • An interest in German culture and history
  • A willingness to lead teacher trainings and professional development about German culture and history, in home district
  • TOP Workshop Leaders have preferred status

Benefits

T.O.P. covers all major expenses.

This includes lodging and most meals for this particular program.

They provide high-quality instruction, and support to help teachers who want to lead professional development trainings in their home districts.

Responsibilities

This amazing opportunity does come with some responsibilities.

  • You must be teachable, and willing to take on the role of a student throughout the duration of the program
  • There is very little free time. If you apply, it’s important to ensure that you’ll like the schedule, because that is all you’ll have time for
  • Ensure you complete all of the pre-departure tasks. Watch all of the webinars. Read all of the given literature.
  • Upon returning, all participants are required to author an original unit using the C3 Framework

Whether or not you can add days on to your itinerary depends on their partner requirements for that year (since that’s who’s paying for the flight!).

If you know you’ll be staying later or arriving earlier,

Costs

This program is attractive because most expenses are covered.

T.O.P. covers:

  • Most international and domestic transportation (flights)
  • Hotel accommodations
  • Two meals per day, usually breakfast and dinner
  • Any mandatory study expenses (i.e. museum entry fees, day tour fees)

T.O.P. does not cover:

  • Airline baggage fees
  • Transportation fees in Washington D.C., during the orientation
  • Passport/visa renewal fees
  • Incidental hotel costs (i.e. phone calls, video rentals, minibar)
  • The third meal (you’ll want to budget for that)

T.O.P. strongly recommends that all participants budget at least $400 USD for their two-week study tour.

Note that a refundable deposit is required.

As of 2020, participants must submit a refundable deposit of $350.00.

Dates and Deadlines

Their application deadline is usually around the end of January.

Be sure to bookmark this page, so you can apply once it’s open!

And apply soon if you’re interested.

Heidelberg, Germany

Upcoming Program Dates

Summer dates for 2021 have yet to be announced.

Mount Zugspitze, Bavaria, Germany

Planning Your Trip to Germany?

Lucky you!

Be sure to setup some day tours when you’re in Berlin!https://widget.getyourguide.com/default/city.frame?widget=city&iata=BER&locale_code=en-US&partner_id=IUN2DIC

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Start your search for things to do and things to see here.

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Tour Options

Heading to Germany on your own?

Be sure to get a tour!

Between World War II, all of the castles, the beautiful scenery and beer, there’s a lot to see!

In fact, there’s so much history and culture to take in, that it can be a lot to do on your own.

If you base yourself in beautiful Munich (the gateway to Bavaria and the Alps!), start your tour search here.https://widget.getyourguide.com/default/activites.frame?widget=activites&currency=USD&locale_code=en-US&number_of_items=3&partner_id=IUN2DIC&q=Munich

Explore More

Looking for something else?

Consider these other articles and opportunities.

Blogs About Free Travel & Amazing Places

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Let’s Connect

Looking to collaborate?

Let’s connect.

I love helping teachers discover how they can live the life they want, and that includes travel.

I can:

  • Help you book personal or business travel since I’m a certified, independent travel agent with InteleTravel.

    And it doesn’t cost you anything extra. I get paid by commissions, so nothing extra will come out of your pocket.

    Email me! I’d love to help you plan your next trip.

    If you’d rather book yourself, you can use my travel booking engine to save money. I’ll earn the commission at no extra cost to you, and I’ll be available to you should you need anything! 🙂
  • “I can show you the woooooorrrrrld!”

    Any other Disney fans here? 🙂

    Anyway – if you want to travel to incredible bucket list destinations, with other amazing teachers, on a budget – check out trips with Traveling Teachers!

    Each trip is lead by a teacher who is passionate, knowledgeable, and experienced with travel.

    And, every trip also includes some kind of educational component.

    Join us!
  • Check out the podcast Teachers Talk Travel.

    You’ll learn all kinds of unique ways to travel the world as a teacher.

    Want to be on the show? Submit this form on the podcast’s website!
  • Join our community on Facebook!

    Our group hosts thousands of teachers from all over the world. We discuss, share, and create opportunities for teachers to travel. Come join us!
  • And of course, you can just reach out.

    Feel free to connect with me using your social media platform of choice.

    Can’t wait to hear from you! 🙂
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