The Long Trip
Bank Street’s annual Long Trips have played a vital role in increasing our understanding of the issues that shape and challenge our country. Bank Street founder Lucy Sprague Mitchell believed that we must not lose sight of the sociopolitical aim of educators in a democratic society. She believed that seeing the world from another’s eyes would bring greater empathy and caring, and a desire to engage in the world more deeply and actively.
August 9-15, 2026: Guatemala
Join the 2026 Long Trip to learn about indigenous education in a country known as the “land of eternal spring.” Experience a sensory-rich landscape of volcanoes, lakes, vibrant Mayan culture, and colorful markets while engaging with local educators and communities.
About the Instructor
Cristian Solorza is a faculty member and supervised fieldwork advisor at Bank Street’s Graduate School of Education. He instructs in the Dual Language/Bilingual Education and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) programs. Cristian took his first Long Trip in 2007 to Reykjavik, Iceland and was hooked. After attending seven more Long Trips, and leading the last two trips, he is now very happy to lead the 2026 Long Trip to Guatemala.
Program Fees
2026 Participation Fee: $3,299
- If admitted, a non-refundable deposit of $1,000 and a completed information form are due by May 4, 2026. This deposit reserves a roundtrip flight from New York City and covers other up-front costs. Travel from other locations may incur additional charges.
- The remaining balance of $2,299 for single occupancy is due by May 15. (Savings will be passed on to those sharing a room.)
- This program is supported by a generous grant which reduces costs for all participants.
We will review all applications with an eye to ensuring a balanced, diverse group with a broad range of experience. We expect the program to reach capacity.
History of the Long Trip
Originated by Bank Street founder Lucy Sprague Mitchell, the Long Trip took place each spring from 1935-1952. Faculty and student teachers would travel together to encounter the complexity of a distant environment and confront its social and political issues—the labor movement, poverty, conservation, government intervention programs, race relations—and the consequences for children, their education, and their families. Revived in 1996 by Fern Khan, then Dean of Continuing Education, and Carol Hillman, a Bank Street alumna and former Board of Trustees member, the Long Trip is now open to students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of Bank Street.
Each trip offers exciting and heart-warming opportunities for connections with new friends and colleagues. Participants have met with the local people and learned about their culture, education, economy, and religion in places such as Savannah, Georgia, Jamaica, Finland, and Costa Rica.
