Art Students From the South Bronx to Paris, Florence, & Rome

Paulette Keck-Martinez Start Date: Nov 1, 2023 - End Date: Feb 29, 2024
  • Paris, France
  • Milan, Italy
  • Florence, Italy
  • Rome, Italy
  • Vatican City

My Travel Story

by: Paulette Keck-Martinez Start Date: Nov 1, 2023 - End Date: Feb 29, 2024
When students travel, they expand their knowledge of the world around them, discover more about themselves, and grow more confident. After being contained through critical developmental years, this opportunity is even more important for these students.
In the South Bronx, many resources just aren’t available, but these kids have learned to persevere through the issues of being in a rough neighborhood, working to achieve in environments that don’t always encourage them, and hoping to achieve dreams they may not even know they have yet. Having taken students on this trip in the past, I’ve seen how they were excited to travel to new places, to learn about art while standing in front of the actual works and being in the places the artists actually lived. More importantly, I’ve seen how this experience can change them.
Being from New York City, one would think they’d have confidence to go anywhere, but many can be anxious even going into Manhattan. We encourage the seniors to go away to college, but many feel they need the comfort of being at home. I’ve seen students realize there is so much more out in the world, and that they can be a part of it. Upon their return, I’ve seen them be more willing to try new things, be more optimistic about their futures, and even become better listeners due to realizing there’s so much more to learn.
This trip starts in Paris where students have walking and bus tours plus learn from knowledgeable guides about the artworks at the Louvre. From there, we have a day in Milan before going to Florence. While there, students learn about Ghilberti’s Baptistry doors while standing in front of them. They experience the beauty and history of the city from the San Lorenzo Market to the Ponte Vecchio. In Rome, students walk the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum and the Colosseum, and climb the Spanish Steps. They see the Vatican Museum including leaning back to marvel at the infamous Sistine Chapel ceiling.
This 9 day trip is however, of a significant cost to families, many of which need some help. Because we are to travel over spring break, we are currently hurriedly fundraising. Each student’s trip is at a cost of $4,009 which we hope to significantly reduce to make this opportunity possible. Included in
this price, are all flights, transportation, hotels, 2 meals a day, tour director, local academic guides, and all site admissions.
  • Paris, France
  • Milan, Italy
  • Florence, Italy
  • Rome, Italy
  • Vatican City

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