What is AVA?
AVA is an acronym for Agrupación Viajera de Arizona. Srta. Angela Verdone now Sra. Angela Paich, then a student at Desert Mountain High School and Sr. Rae Ormsby, her Spanish teacher also at Desert Mountain High School, founded it in 1997 as a non-profit organisation. It is a co-ed servant-leadership development program. AVA purposes to position participants in varying opportunities of challenge and enrichment. The objective is for the students to create their own adventure. The journey is conducted almost exclusively by the team members; utilising the skills, knowledge and abilities they have acquired during their studies of the Castilian dialect. It is intended that the trip be educational, stimulating, exciting, adventurous and not the least of all fun! It is neither sponsored nor endorsed by any school district, school nor educational institution.
Who is AVA?
AVA is composed of a select group of young adults / adults. Select in that they have each been judged for their maturity, leadership qualities and potential, willingness to grow, their desire to explore foreign lands and their humble goal to serve others. The team size ranges anywhere from 10-30 participants. We are not associated with, sponsored or endorsed by, nor affiliated with any school districts or formal educational institutions.
Where does AVA venture?
The team building process begins upon application and acceptance into AVA. The TEAM (Together Everyone Achieves More) then travels to Europe, landing in such International terminals as Paris, Brussels, Frankfurt or Madrid. The greater bulk of the trip takes place in Spain. In addition to the short stop in Paris, the primary Iberian regions of adventure are Madrid, País Vasco, Valencia, Andalucía, Aragón, Navarra, Castilla y León, Galicia, Castilla La Mancha and Cataluña.
When is the adventure?
Traditionally the team travels from late May / early June-July. We target as many major regional festivals and seasonal cultural activities as possible. The duration is approximately 16-18 days.
How much is the adventure?
Estimated cost of $5,000 includes airfare, 1ST Class EuRail pass, lodging, all meals, backpack, sweatshirt, tshirt insurance and guide fee everything except spending/shopping monies!
What if I decide not to go?
The initial security deposit is non-refundable; unless the prospective, team member is eliminated by the selection committee. If eliminated by the selection committee a full refund is allowed up until monies are used to make travel purchases. After which time the non-traveller will be given whatever product was purchased on their behalf and any monies left over from their payments minus the initial security deposit. The Board of Executive Directors must approve all refunds disbursements.
What happens if I get sick?
After all travel purchases are made the trip is insured for the greater majority of the cost. The insurance package includes medical assistance and other like provisions to assist the team as it travels.
Who are the chaperones?
There are none. If the prospective team member is not able to conduct him or herself in a mature fashion that will honour your family and your family’s principles, they should not apply. If a team member dishonours the team they may be subject to immediate return to the U.S. Any board members and alumni on the trip will handle such decisions.