The American Funds Group
Every years thousands of school groups travel abroad on educational tours. Although most groups return home without event and are richer for the experience, parents need to explore safety and security issues before they enroll their children and pay non-refundable deposits. Concerns about school sponsorship, teacher group leaders, and other chaperons should top the list of initial questions.
Teacher Group Leaders and Tour Chaperons
Student group tours are usually led and facilitated by teachers. While some teachers are veterans leading tours, others are not. Because student tour companies competing for the market are aggressive solicitors, the lure to take students abroad is great. Some group leaders see the experience as a “vacation.” All of the large student travel companies advertise that “teachers travel free.” Typically, companies offer one “free spot” for every six paying participants, although, to entice new business, first time teacher leaders may qualify with as few as four paying participants. Every additional “free spot” allows the group leader to add free traveling chaperons or receive a stipend from the company.
- Fidelity Funds Supermarket
- New York State Pension Funds
- Child Trust Funds
- Altamira Funds
- Fidelity Index Funds
