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Presenters propose international student trip to Spain with $4,549 cost per student
Summary
Teachers Sarah Jared and Jordan Bryson described a proposed March 27–April 3 student trip to Barcelona, Madrid and Toledo, saying the per-student price is $4,549 and includes airfare, hotels, some meals, guides and basic insurance; fund‑raising and optional insurance upgrades reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Teachers Sarah Jared and Jordan Bryson told the Lincoln County Board of Education on May 26 that they are organizing an international student trip scheduled for spring break, March 27–April 3, to Barcelona, Montserrat, Madrid and Toledo.
Jordan Bryson, one of the presenters, said the base price for students is $4,549 and “covers breakfast and dinner every day, all of your airfare, all of your ground travel,” a dedicated tour director, entrance fees and basic insurance. Bryson said lunches, spending money and tips are not included.
Bryson and Sarah Jared described three layers of insurance included or available with the trip: a required individual coverage built into the base cost; program interruption/illness-and-accident coverage that they described as approximately $55,000 of international medical coverage while traveling; and baggage/flight-delay protection. Bryson said optional insurance upgrades are available for additional fees (about $200 and $400) and that the most expensive option allows cancellation for any reason up to 24 hours before departure.
On safety and logistics, the presenters said the trip includes a tour director who travels with the group, background checks for all adult chaperones completed at least 30 days before travel, and district employees serving as chaperones at an approximate ratio of one adult per six to eight students. Bryson described additional safeguards she purchases out of pocket (brightly colored shirts, emergency bracelets and door-sealing tape for hotels) and explained parent communication plans, including group and small-group messaging and a parent notification channel for travel updates.
The presenters said students use payment plans and may apply for a national scholarship worth $1,000 if enrolled by an announced deadline; fundraising proceeds go directly to individual student accounts to reduce monthly payments. Bryson said she is not officially employed by the district for these trips but coordinates with schools, and that parents may travel as chaperones.
Board members asked clarifying questions about chaperones, insurance, and how many students the program typically takes; Bryson said she has taken groups ranging from about 20 to more than 200 in other years but typically travels with groups under 60 and averages one chaperone for every six to eight students. The board did not take formal action on the trip request during the meeting.
The presenters encouraged interested students and families to sign up and noted that student preparation and monthly meetings will begin in August, with further enrollment and scholarship deadlines to be announced.
