Velia Pola
Dennis, MA (USA)
Role(s):
Founder/Owner/Principal
SCHOLASTIC ENRICHMENT EXCHANGE FOR INTERGENERATIONAL TRAVEL (SEE-IT)
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Startup
Location:
Dennis
Industry:
Education
Year Founded:
2010
Number Employees:
1-10 people
Business Stage:
Creation/Idea
Entity Type:
Sole Proprietorship
Description:
The goal of SCHOLASTIC ENRICHMENT EXCHANGE FOR INTERGENERATIONAL TRAVEL (SEE-IT) is to provide an educational experience that deeply engages the participants both in their destination and with each other. “Lifelong learning” will become more than a catch phrase to young participants as they discover the culture, art, architecture and history of individual venues alongside members outside their own generation. In a symbiotic relationship, SEE-IT will foster a new niche in the travel industry, a collaboration between existing university study abroad programs and educational tours. SEE-IT will join students with lifelong learners for mutual benefit.
Through this intergenerational approach, SEE-IT will differentiate itself from the competition by integrating students with older travelers in a service program that offers college credit for student participation. The young will benefit through their active participation in program structure and presentation as well as mentoring by older participants. Non-student travelers will enjoy contact with a younger generation and the security of group travel.
Each tour, in addition to area experts and local guides, will feature student-led multi-media presentations during and after the actual travel event, adding to the overall experience. This student-initiated content will focus on the effective use of technology as a means of communication. Integrated into the program, students will offer visual presentations, slide shows, podcasts, DVDs and lectures. The presentations will both entertain and educate senior participants and introduce many to the use of social media. Our very mobile society has caused the family support system to suffer and become fractured. Loneliness and isolation are major problems for many people living physically removed from children and grandchildren. In addition to the immediate social experience of group travel, SEE-IT will provide technological tools through which participants can share their travel experiences with others.
Students will gain field experience applicable to a wide array of professions. Communications majors will benefit for future careers in advertising, journalism, public relations, marketing and media entertainment. Majors or minors in art, history, architecture, psychology, gerontology and social and human services are among other disciplines that will lend themselves to participation.