A religious studies school trip to New York will provide your students with the opportunity to explore a city made richer by its diversity!
New York City is famous for its ethnic diversity which has, over time, created scores of communities representing virtually every nation on Earth, each proudly preserving its own identity and religion.
Don’t miss the chance to explore neighbourhoods like Chinatown and Little Italy. And make sure you take the time to visit Ellis Island Immigration Museum too, to see where so many people arrived into the US.
Suggested Itinerary (5 days, 3 nights)
Visit Ellis Island
With around 40% of Americans able to trace their history back to at least one ancestor who passed through the immigration centre at Ellis Island, where better to learn about America’s history of immigration?
The federal government took over the regulation of immigration to New York and opened the centre at Ellis Island on 1 st January 1892. Over the following 6 decades, 12 million immigrants would pass through the centre to a new life in the New World.
If you were in relatively good health and your papers were in good order, you could expect to spend around 3-5 hours at the centre being processed. And, although the island was known as the ‘Island of Tears’, only 2% of immigrants were turned away, usually because it was thought they had a contagious disease or there was reason to believe that the person was likely to become a burden on the state or an illegal contract labourer.
Did you know?
First and second class passengers who arrived into New York by ship did not have to go through processing at the immigration centre on Ellis Island (unless they were already sick or undergoing legal issues), instead being subject to a short, cursory inspection on board, as it was considered that those who were able to afford those tickets were unlikely to become a financial burden for the state.
Visit St. Patrick's Cathedral
The focal point for Catholicism in New York, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York.
The cathedral has stood overlooking Fifth Avenue since 1879 and its construction was funded by donations from both the rich and poor, as well as through a fundraising fair.
The cathedral is now the largest Gothic Roman Catholic cathedral in the United States and takes up an entire city block.
Did you know?
Each year, more than five million people visit the cathedral and more than one million prayer candles are lit.
Visit the Jewish Museum
The leading Jewish Museum in the United States, this is the perfect place in which to learn more about the Jewish community in America.
The museum’s collection consists of artefacts of Jewish history, as well as modern and contemporary art. There are more than 30,000 objects in the collection.
Located on New York’s famous Museum Mile, the Jewish Museum is a must-visit on a religious studies school trip to New York, as your students will learn more about Jewish culture and history, as well as see some diverse works of art.
Did you know?
Founded in 1904, New York’s Jewish Museum was the first in the country and is one of the oldest existing Jewish Museum in the world!
Day 1
Morning
Flight from the UK to New York
Afternoon
Transfer to accommodation on arrival
Evening
Optional evening meal at a local restaurant
Day 2
Morning
Visit the Tenement Museum
Explore Little Italy
Afternoon
Explore China Town
Visit St. Patrick's Cathedral
Evening
Visit the Empire State Building for evening views across the city
Optional evening meal at a local restaurant
Day 3
Morning
Travel down to Battery Park and take the ferry for views of the city and the Statue of Liberty
Visit the Immigration Museum on Ellis Island
Afternoon
Visit the Museum of Jewish Heritage
Evening
Optional evening meal at a Times Square restaurant
Chance to enjoy a Broadway show
Day 4
Morning
Morning free for shopping and last-minute sightseeing
Afternoon
Transfer to the airport
Evening
Overnight flight back to the UK
Day 5
Morning
Arrive back in the UK
Afternoon
N/A
Evening
N/A
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3 nights' bed and breakfast accommodation
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Airport transfers in resort
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All flights including tax
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Comprehensive travel and medical insurance
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Detailed information pack
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Free staff place ratio 1:10
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Itinerary planning service
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VAT
Curriculum Links
A-Level
- Influences of religion on society
- Similarities and differences between religions
- Multicultural societies
- Ethics and religion
- Religious discrimination
- Marginalisation of religious communities
- Persecution of religious communities
- Religious heritage within art and architecture
- Religious pluralism in modern society
GCSE
- Influences of religion on society
- Key beliefs and practices of various religions
- Religion, peace and conflict
- Social justice and human rights
- Freedom of religious expression
Educational activities and visits
Ellis Island
Between 1892 and 1954, twelve million immigrants first set foot on American soil at the reception centre at Ellis Island… Read More
Jewish Hassidic Walking Tours
Students come with stereotypes and leave with a new and vital perspective as they walk and talk in the neighborhood… Read More
Jewish Museum
The Jewish Museum of New York is an art and cultural artifact museum. It is the leading Jewish Musuem in… Read More
Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
Whilst Saint Patrick’s Cathedralopened in 1879, it was over 150 years ago that Archbishop John Hughes announced his inspired ambition… Read More
Tenement Museum
The Tenement Museum demonstrates the experiences of a variety of immigrants and migrants who lived in the Lower East Side… Read More
The Museum of Chinese in the Americas
The Museum of Chinese in the Americas (MoCA) is the first museum of its kind dedicated to reclaiming, preserving, and… Read More
Cultural activities and visits
Accommodation
HI New York is Manhattan’s premier hostel, and is located in a landmark building on the Upper West Side. The building was built in 1883 to help widows of both the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 and re-opened as HI New York in 1990.The hostel offers clean, modern, mixed and separate male/female dormitory-style accommodation (4 - 12 bedded rooms) with shared bathrooms in the hallways. Linen, towels and a housekeeping service are provided.Private rooms with and without baths are also available (subject to availability).
The hostel is situated just one block from Broadway Avenue and a main subway line, and only minutes from Central Park.
Supporting you every step of the way
1 Creating Your Perfect Trip
We'll tailor make your school trip to meet your specific requirements
2 Launching your trip to parents and students
Head to our resources section for FREE promotional materials
3 After you've booked
Your dedicated Itinerary Coordinator will work with you on the finer details of your trip
4 While you're away
You'll be able to reach us 24/7 during your trip if you need our help
5 After your trip
Head back to our resources section to continue the learning
Need help?
Zoe Campbell — Learning & Development Manager
Don’t hesitate to contact me for any advice or further information on how your school trip can be tailored to your requirements.
Another successful trip which was excellently organised and enjoyed by all the pupils. Many thanks.— Y Pant Comprehensive School
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