Discovery Student Adventures Announces Exciting New 2011 Travel Destinations

SPOKANE, Wash., March 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Discovery Student Adventures, the leading provider of adventure-based travel experiences for students and teachers for Discovery Education, a division of Discovery Communications and the leader in digital media for the classroom, today announced that applications are now being accepted for its new 2011 travel destinations. Students ages 10-18 and teachers in grades K-12 can apply to participate in an exciting, culturally rich travel experience in 2011 to new, exciting, destinations that include France/Germany, London/Paris/ Scotland, Spain/Portugal, the Grand Canyon or Washington D.C.

The Discovery Student Adventure experience is about active exploration. Students participate in exciting, often rare experiences such as learning Alpine survival skills from mountain guides on New Zealand's South Island, zip-lining 500 feet above the Costa Rica rainforest near an active volcano and learning from ecosystem experts who study and protect the natural wonders of the Galapagos Islands. Through active participation throughout their journeys, Discovery Student Adventure trips help students expand both mind and body as they discover diverse terrain and learn more about the world's stunning natural beauty. Students and teachers will be challenged each and every day to learn through adventure and exploration, returning home with a deep sense of accomplishment and a better understanding of who they are and what they can achieve.

"Discovery Student Adventure trips allow students to explore the world in a whole new way," said Jodi Rubin, vice president, Discovery Education. "These trips aren't your typical student tours. Rather, Discovery Student Adventures are geared towards students wanting to challenge themselves to learn and grow and expand their horizons to discover more about themselves each and every day."

Itinerary highlights from the new Discovery Student Adventures 2011 destinations include:

• France / Germany
  • Discovering molecular gastronomy, a blend of chemistry and fine cuisine.
  • Kayaking, canoeing, or rafting the Rhine River.
• Scotland / London / Paris
  • Sea kayaking in the Scottish wilds to your own base camp for a night out under the stars.
  • Exploring the life of a Highlander in Scotland and participating in your own highland games.
  • Becoming a secret agent in London for a day as you try to keep your cover and track your targets.
• Spain / Portugal
  • Becoming a marine biologist for a day in Gibraltar as you help study pilot whales and dolphins.
  • Learning about the life of a matador at a finca, or bull farm, where they are trained in the traditional art of bullfighting.
  • Venturing through one of Portugal's most famous areas in a Jeep convoy as you take in stunning scenery, white-washed villages, orange and lemon orchards, and eucalyptus groves.
• Washington D.C.
  • Exploring the National Mall and its monuments, from the White House to the Lincoln Memorial, by foot and by bicycle.
  • Going behind the scenes at Discovery's headquarters in Maryland.
  • Kayaking the Potomac River while keeping an eye out for local wildlife, including herons and painted turtles.
  • Hiking a portion of the historic Appalachian Trail, white-water rafting, and then sleeping in rustic cabins.
  • Experiencing the National Aquarium and meeting some of its diverse species such as jellyfish and dolphins.
• Grand Canyon
  • Trekking the stunning South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
  • Exploring Biosphere 2, the fascinating research center that mimics the Earth's ecosystems.
  • Trying your hand at being a cowboy or cowgirl as you saddle up to explore ranch life.
  • Studying the amazing ruins at Montezuma Castle.

"We offer rich, adventure-related travel experiences for students and teachers to actively explore the natural science, geography and ecology of their destination," said Anson Lee, senior director of Discovery Student Adventures. "Participants are fully engaged in activities that show the world in a whole new light. Our trips provide a new perspective that sticks with you and instills a sense of adventure that never ends, even after returning home."

Discovery Student Adventures is also announcing today the launch of the "Ultimate Summer Field Trip" sweepstakes on its Facebook Fan Page. Parents of students ages 10-18 and teachers of students grades K-12 are eligible to enter the online sweepstakes for a chance to win a Discovery Student Adventure trip to Italy and Greece July 5-19, 2010. Based on the teacher and parent entry response rate, up to five "Ultimate Summer Field Trip" teacher and student winners may be randomly selected throughout the duration of the sweepstakes, which ends on April 15, 2010.

Students, parents and teachers interested in learning more about Discovery Student Adventures and viewing all itineraries in greater detail can visit www.discoverystudentadventures.com or call 866-963-3417.

About Ambassadors Group

Ambassadors Group, Inc., (Nasdaq: EPAX) is a socially conscious, education company located in Spokane, Washington. Ambassadors Group is the parent company of People to People Ambassador Programs, World Adventures Unlimited and Book Rags, an educational research website. The company also oversees the Washington School of World Studies, an accredited travel study and distance learning school. Additional information about Ambassadors Group and its subsidiaries is available at www.ambassadorsgroup.com.

About Discovery Education

Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) revolutionized television with Discovery Channel and is now transforming classrooms through Discovery Education. Powered by the number one nonfiction media company in the world, Discovery Education combines scientifically proven, standards-based digital media and a dynamic user community in order to empower teachers to improve student achievement. Already, more than half of all U.S. schools access Discovery Education digital services. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.

SOURCE Discovery Communications