New Orleans
Big Group Impact
About the Program
Bringing Big Groups Together with Purpose. Designed specifically for groups of 35+ travelers, this New Orleans itinerary thoughtfully balances the logistics of large-group travel with meaningful, hands-on experiences. Students will explore the city’s vibrant music, culture, and history while collaborating on impactful environmental initiatives like coastal and wetland restoration. By combining cultural immersion with purposeful environmental work, this program fosters connection – to one another, to local partners, and to the resilient communities and ecosystems that make New Orleans truly unique.
Itinerary
Discover the exciting adventures and impactful moments that await each day on this itinerary!
- Arrive at Louis Armstrong International Airport, meet Global Works trip leaders
- Head to unique lodging n the bayou to settle in and begin orientation
- Dinner out at a local hotspot
- Breakfast at lodging
- The group will split up into smaller groups and cycle between 3 activities:
- Backstreet Museum, learn about New Orleans’ African American cultural traditions
- Explore cultural landmarks like Congo Square and the Treme Neighborhood
- Participate in a workshop at Calas cafe to learn its role in the fight for freedom and liberation
- Return to lodging for dinner
- Group reflection activities
- Breakfast at lodging
- Work on environmental service projects focused on wildlife restoration and coastal erosion
- Head out on a swamp boat tour to observe local wildlife, including possible alligator sightings
- Enjoy a visit from local storytelling musicians at the Bayou lodging
- Dinner at the lodge, followed by group reflection activities
- Breakfast at lodging
- Visit the Presbytere and experience the Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond exhibit
- Head to the French Quarter for beignets at Café Du Monde
- Explore the French Quarter and do some souvenir shopping
- Experience Studio Be, a warehouse in the Bywater converted by local artist BMike Odoms – a vibrant cultural destination that encourages all to sharpen their critical voice and imagine a future that benefits us all
- See where the historic Plessy vs. Ferguson case began, leading to the US government doubling down on segregation with “Separate but Equal” ruling.
- Dinner at a local New Orleans restaurant
- Explore an art market on Frenchmen St. before returning to lodging.
- Breakfast at accommodation, saying goodbye to New Orleans
- Depart for the airport according to flight schedule
Educational Focus & Highlights
Experience New Orleans -Together
In a city known for its spirit and soul, big groups mean big energy, bold experiences, and lasting impact. Students explore New Orleans’ culture, music, and coastal environments while building real connections with one another and the communities they collaborate with.
Uncover Rich Traditions of The Big Easy
Dive deep into New Orleans’ African American heritage with visits to Congo Square and the Backstreet Museum, learning about Mardi Gras Indians, jazz funerals, and local traditions rooted in cultural resistance.
Hands-On Coastal Restoration
Experience the impact of coastal erosion and engage in environmental service projects that help restore local wildlife habitats, building resilience against hurricanes.
Dive Into NOLA’s Culture
Get immerse in the electric energy of New Orleans. Stroll through the lively French Quarter, where the sounds of jazz fill the air and street performers captivate your attention. Savor delicious beignets, gumbo, and po’boys at local hotspots while discovering the city’s rich blend of cultures and traditions that make it unlike any other place in the world!
Gallery
Participants
Participants stay in comfortable, dorm-style rooms that typically accommodate 4-6 students per room. These accommodations are carefully selected and often include locally run hotels or cabins that reflect the culture of the area. Each location is selected to have private meeting spaces for group activities, ensuring both a supportive and appropriate environment for our programs.
Chaperones
Chaperones can expect to stay in private rooms, unless otherwise noted by the Global Works operations team. These rooms are located in the same facility as the student accommodations, allowing for a peaceful environment to relax and recharge without compromising proximity to the group. During homestays, chaperones typically have a choice to either stay with a homestay family or in a nearby hotel (location dependent).
Bring Your Classroom to the World
Collaborate with Global Works on an impactful service-learning travel program for your students.
