I am a teacher in Queensland and am delighted to say a few words about the G'Day USA program. In 1996, I took eight students to the United States on the G'Day USA trip. I enjoyed it so much that I vowed that, no matter what, my wife Jools would accompany me the following year. Since then, Jools and I have done eight trips and have taken about 150 or so students. We're hooked!

We have made some very good American friends, some of whom have visited us at our home. We have made friends with American coach drivers, Mexican jewellery salesmen and Melbourne EWT personnel.

For the students, the trip is life-changing. In twenty days they develop skills and self-confidence that comes with travel. It is very rewarding as group leaders to be part of their growth. The host stay is undoubtedly the trip's highlight. The students make friends not only with their host student, but also the parents and school friends of their host. Saying goodbye (Au Revoir) after the host stay is the most difficult part of the trip. Often the Aussie and American parents become friends and stay in touch afterwards.

The whole tour is meticulously planned and executed by the staff at EWT. Teacher leaders have support in each city, either from the EWT team on the spot, or the local American co-ordinators. Each day is planned and all we have to do is meet the bus for the day's activities.

Jools and I cannot recommend this trip highly enough to any student, teacher or parent who may be interested. As very satisfied clients, we'd be happy to help with any queries:

 

– Phil Dahlenburg, Secondary Teacher (Queensland)

My family first became aware of the G'Day USA program in 1994. Since then I have taken six trips, my wife two, and both our daughters once. In total 101 students. Over this time we have found it the most wonderful and rewarding experience for all concerned.

I feel the EWT have come up with the perfect formula in keeping the students occupied and giving teachers some time off from the responsibilities of the 24 hour supervision.

Every day is a new adventure but for the majority of the students the hosting proves to be the most memorable.

I cannot speak more highly of the program, the EWT Company, it's organisation and the support it gives all travellers and their families. The trip would rate as a highlight in any students and teachers school careers.

 

– Peter McBride, Secondary Teacher (New South Wales)

An experience that enriches each students lives by offering them lifelong memories and friendships. A first hand education that no classroom can offer. My students return from the EWT trip more confident and enthusiastic to pursue their dreams.

Thanks EWT from all the parents, students and me!

 

– Tania Pearson, Secondary Teacher (Victoria)

Teaching has many rewards but none greater is the opportunity to travel overseas with a group of teenagers, your peers and the EWT team to the United States to visit those destinations that most people only see on television or a magazine or dream about one day visiting.

The G'Day USA experience is numbing in it's pleasure for teachers who want to teach outside the classroom and who want to foster in their students an appetite to learn, grow and become a global citizen. An action packed experience awaits that is well organised, supported and delivered.

The 118 student that have participated in five cultural exchanges since 1992 that our school has organised have all experienced feelings, sights, adventures, friendships and responsibilities that have enriched their lives. When I meet up with past participants there are always the stories, the photographs and the laughter. Your bond with these students is forever and teaching does not get much better than that. Every teacher should consider this experience at least once in their career, it is guaranteed to be the highlight!

I would be happy to discuss any of our trips with you; simply .

 

– John Roodenburg, Secondary Teacher (Victoria)

I first got involved with EWT in 98 when I led a group of students to the States.

I am about to embark on my third trip and I am just as excited now as I was with the first trip.

This opportunity for students is not only an enjoyable one, but in many cases life changing. All students involved returned with a greater sense of self confidence, were more outgoing and responsible and had learned a great deal about another culture.

The company is an experienced, professional and well run unit,with a very helpful staff in head office and excellent support on the ground while students are on tour.

I would recommend the tour to all staff and students as a valuable extension to their classroom studies and an experience they will never forget.

 

– Ken Veale, Swan Hill College