The idea that travel can be educational, fun, and positively influence international affairs motivated the first Global Exchange Reality Tours in 1989. Our tours provide individuals the opportunity to understand issues beyond what is communicated by the mass media and gain a new vantage point from which to view and affect US foreign policy. Travelers are linked with activists and organizations from around the globe who are working toward positive change. We also hope to prompt participants to examine related issues in their own communities.
Why go on a reality tour?
Today Global Exchange Reality Tours organizes trips to over 30 countries in Latin America, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Participants learn about women's struggles in Afghanistan, the impact of oil exploration on Ecuador's indigenous communities, fair trade in Tanzania, the struggle for peace and justice in Palestine & Israel, and more. Global Exchange Reality Tours also provide opportunities for Americans to travel as "citizen ambassadors" to countries like Syria, Iran, Libya, and Cuba, breaking down the stereotypes and misinformation that can lead toward hatred and war.
All Global Exchange Reality Tours are coordinated by locals working in the host communities we visit. Our tours are directed by qualified trip facilitators and typically include two meals per day, double room accommodations, translation of all programs, reading and preparatory materials, all transportation within the country, program and entrance fees.
Regardless of age, background, or your knowledge of particular issues, we invite you to join us on a Global Exchange Reality Tour and learn first-hand about global issues. You can begin your search for a tour by country, date, or issue.
Global Exchange Reality Tours can also custom design a delegation for your school, place of worship, workplace, or professional association. If there's a country you want to visit or an issue you would like to explore and you can put together a group of 6 or more people, please contact Malia Everette, Director of Reality Tours at 800-497-1994 ext. 233 or malia@globalexchange.org.
Join us on an educational adventure that will change your life!
Congratulations to the Winners of the 2008 Reality Tours Photo Contest
Many thanks to everyone for the many fantastic submissions that we received this year for our Reality Tours photo contest. Deciding on the winners was no easy task, and it was wonderful to see all of the amazing images that came from this years trips. A special congratulatory word goes to our winners:
Grand Prize Winner: Mark Van Wormer
Second Prize Winner: Sutikare Oluwagbenga
Third Prize Winner: Cecelia de Giere
If you are a past participant of a Global Exchange Reality Tour and would like your photos to be put to use in our newsletters and other Reality Tours materials, please contact Zeya. As participants on our trips, you are our eyes on the ground, and it is the fabulous photos that you bring home that make it possible for us to share with prospective participants images of what is in store for them on a Reality Tour. We would love to share in your experience!
