Parents on the Trip
As stated on the FAQ page, Parents and additional family members are welcome to join their Student on the trip. We are firm believers in the value of a shared family experience overseas.
Keep in mind this is a Student trip designed to accommodate a Student budget by utilizing Student lodging and a Student budget for food.
As an adult, you are expected to stay in the same lodging, eat the same food, abide by the same meal plan, walk at the same pace, follow the same rules, and keep the same great attitude Students typically have when they are seeing some of Europe's wonders for the first time. However, as an adult, you are not expected to be a Site Expert (unlike our expectations for each student).
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NOTE: Be aware that if you were planning an Adult trip or Family trip on your own, you would probably choose different accommodations and eating establishments than what are chosen for this trip.
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Parents & family members should recognize in advance that there will be very little opportunity to pull your student out of the regular Student grouping to do a family activity on your own. IF this is your desire, we will be happy to work with you to coordinate your arrival to Europe earlier than or depart Europe later than the rest of the group.
This trip is designed as a Student Group trip, not a private Adult or Family vacation trip. Typically, students bond more and develop cohesion better when a parent gives them the freedom to experience the culture apart from parental supervision. "Helicopter" parents create a negative environment for others and limit the learning experience of the students.
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A "helicopter" parent is someone who closely oversees and often intervenes in nearly all aspects of their student's lives, hovering over them like a helicopter. This type of parenting involves being overly involved in decisions and experiences that are typically handled by the student themselves.
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All parents on the trip are asked to "invest" in the lives of all the students on the trip. When traveling, riding, walking, etc., to various sites during the course of the trip, take time to get to know each of the students if possible.
Do not focus on your student only.
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Potential questions that can help you get to know other students are listed at this link: https://www.classicaltrips.org/parentquestions
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Note: All adults are expected to abide by the same rules regarding smoking, vaping, and drinking alcohol as the students.
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Note: Anything outside of the group activity is at your own expense. Any meal outside of the "group meal" is at your own expense.
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Note: Parents are welcome to pull away separately from the group at their own expense as desired, as long as you don't take your student with you.
It throws off "group dynamics" that we work diligently to achieve.
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Younger Students (under 16)
If a family member under the age of 16 desires to attend, a Parent must accompany the under-16 student.
(Note: students 13-15 are expected to be a site expert for at least one site during the trip. Guidelines and assistance will be provided in advance.)
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Turkey note for Parents: we rent vehicles in Turkey and drive 45 miles from Izmir to Ephesus. If you are willing to drive a vehicle, please bring your US Drivers license. Driving in western Turkey is very similar to driving in the USA (good roads, clear regulations, safe speeds, etc.). If you can drive in your hometown, you will not find driving in western Turkey difficult, challenging, or unsafe. Full Insurance coverage is provided.
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Suggestions for Parents on the Trip:
Don't be overprotective - give your student freedom to explore apart for you.
Don't micromanage - give your student freedom to connect with the other students on the trip apart from your presence.
Don't monopolize their time or attention on the trip.
Don't constantly insert yourself into your student's activities.
Do allow your student freedom to make their own decisions with other students in their free time, etc.
Do invest in the lives of students you didn't know prior to the trip.
Do invest in the lives of the other parents on the trip.
Do share your passion for Christ, life, travel, etc with others.
Do be a positive influence with both parents and students on the trip.
Do ask deep, thoughtful questions of others and truly listen to their answers.
Do help shy students get to know and build quality relationships with other students on the trip.
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"We are grateful for parent's participation on our trips. Your wisdom and life knowledge have the potential to add greatly to the student experience. Thank you for the investment of your time, energy, and finances by participating on a ClassicalTrips experience. I believe that we can make this a true life impacting adventure for yourself and your student. Let's build something amazing this trip." Greg Ford
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