Program Description

Culture Quest is a strong experiential learning opportunity for middle school students. A 3-hour educational visit to Hostelling International Los Angeles/Santa Monica makes culture, the world, and its people tangible for students who are working towards gaining international-mindedness and increasing their cultural competency. This type of learning encourages students to communicate in culturally appropriate ways in new settings while increasing their intercultural understanding of the world and its people. While at the hostel, students experience diverse cultures and people from around the world in a setting different from the classroom.

Cultural Awareness Workshop

Hostel educators lead students through an engaging hour-long workshop utilizing academic exercises based on the Coverdell World Wise Building Bridges Curriculum. Activities help students build awareness of issues of equality and coexistence, explore how they perceive and treat difference, experience interacting with members of different cultures, and reflect on their learning. Students learn about budget travel opportunities by touring HI-Los Angeles/Santa Monica. Students work together to cook a meal in the hostel’s shared kitchen which they share with travelers from around the world.

Program Details

Culture Quest takes place by reservation on weekdays, Monday through Friday, between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at the HI-Los Angeles Santa Monica Hostel. The cost of a Culture Quest Program is $500 per class with up to 36 students and 4 adult chaperones. The ingredients for lunch are included as part of the program fee. Schools are responsible for bus transportation to and from the hostel.

If you have any questions about our programs, contact Stephanie by phone at (310) 393-6263 x23 or by email at sarizzi [at] lahostels.org