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High School Program
Explore the heart of Creole and Cajun culture on a captivating trip to Louisiana. Students will discover the historic French Quarter and iconic landmarks while learning about the unique blend of French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences that shape the city’s identity. Engage with local experts to distinguish between Creole and Cajun traditions through workshops on music, language, and cuisine. Experience hands-on cooking classes to master dishes like gumbo and beignets, and attend live music performances that showcase the vibrant rhythms of zydeco, jazz, and blues. This program promises to inspire a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Louisiana and its lasting impact on American culture.
This theme highlights the vital role of Black-owned businesses and artists in shaping the economic and cultural fabric of New Orleans. Through powerful murals and visual storytelling, the students will explore the profound cultural influence of Black artists in driving both social change and community revitalization. Visiting a Black-owned culinary school gives students a tangible experience of how food, entrepreneurship, and cultural heritage are intertwined, while also gaining insight into how local businesses contribute to the broader economic landscape. These experiences collectively shed light on the broader narrative of Black economic empowerment, teaching students about the importance of entrepreneurship in creating sustainable economic opportunities and uplifting communities.
New Orleans is an ideal destination for high school student travel programs, offering a rich blend of cultural, historical, and educational experiences. Known for its unique mix of French, Spanish, and African influences, the city provides students with immersive learning opportunities through its vibrant music scene, such as jazz, and famous events like Mardi Gras. The city’s French Quarter, with its historic architecture and storied past, allows students to explore colonial history, while visits to the New Orleans African American Museum and Backstreet Cultural Museum offer insights into African American culture and heritage.
Students can also engage with environmental education by visiting the Louisiana wetlands and learning about the impact of climate change on the region. New Orleans’ deep-rooted connections to both social justice and civil rights history provide meaningful lessons, especially through visits to significant sites such as St. Augustine Church and the Tomb of the Unknown Slave.
Whether through hands-on activities, history, or cultural exploration, New Orleans presents a dynamic backdrop for student growth and education.
At Insight, our program itineraries are as unique as your students. All our program itineraries are customized with teacher chaperones to ensure that it meets the needs of your students.
With the support of a variety of local vendors and NGO’s, we promise that your students will get an authentic, local experience.
All our trips include:
Dance to the Rhythm of Zydeco: Learn the lively art of Zydeco dancing, led by a local instructor, and explore how this unique music style reflects the vibrant cultural traditions of New Orleans.
Cook Classic New Orleans Dishes:
Participate in a hands-on cooking class at an African American-owned cooking school, preparing traditional dishes and learning about the culinary heritage that defines the city.
Explore Voodoo Culture and History:
Visit the Historic Voodoo Museum to uncover the origins and impact of Voodoo on New Orleans’ identity, followed by a journey through Tremé, the oldest African American neighborhood in the U.S.
Experience Black Art and Activism:
At Studio BE, discover the intersection of art and activism through the lens of local artist Brandan “B-mike” Odums, exploring themes of Black identity and social justice.
Dive into New Orleans Jazz:
Visit Preservation Hall for an intimate jazz concert and Q&A with musicians, experiencing firsthand the music that has shaped the city’s cultural legacy.
Want to take your students outside the classroom? Review our program locations and suggested themes.
Connect with one of our High School Educators who will help custom design your program.
With our assistance, submit required paperwork and details to your Administration and School Board.
Announce the trip to your students! (We’ll provide all the materials you need).
Invite us to your school to host a Student & Parent Info Night! We will be there to answer questions and support student sign-up!
Travel to New Orleans!
Welcome to New Orleans! Start with a guided walking tour of the French Quarter, where you’ll dive into the city’s vibrant history and charm. A highlight of the morning is a cultural activity led by a 7th-generation Creole storyteller, who will bring Creole traditions to life, offering insights that connect the past with the present. Afterward, visit the New Orleans African American Museum for a guided experience, deepening your understanding of the city’s African American heritage.
In the evening, immerse yourself in New Orleans’ music and culture with a zydeco dance class, led by a local educator and dance instructor. This session blends cultural education with lively instruction.
Start the day with a visit to the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum, where you’ll learn about the origins and impact of voodoo on the city’s identity. Then, head to the Backstreet Cultural Museum, which highlights Black street cultures such as jazz funerals, Mardi Gras Indians, and second line parades.
In the afternoon, explore Tremé, the oldest African American neighborhood in the U.S. Visit Saint Augustine Catholic Church, a key location in the struggle for civil rights and the abolition of slavery, and the Tomb of the Unknown Slave, a tribute to the enslaved people who built New Orleans.
End the day with a hands-on cooking class at an African American-owned cooking school, learning to make classic New Orleans dishes. The evening finishes with a guided walk through the Southern Food and Beverage Museum, offering more insights into the city’s culinary and cultural history.
Learn from a direct descendant of a free person of color about the legacy of this unique group of people in the New Orleans area. Trace their steps, understanding how people of African, European, and Indigenous heritage lived freely during an era of slavery.
Next, visit the Whitney Plantation, a non-profit museum dedicated to educating the public about the history and legacies of slavery in the U.S. Located on a former sugar, indigo, and rice plantation, this experience offers a deep look into the lives of enslaved people and the plantation’s role in shaping regional history.
Visit Studio BE, the first solo project by local artist Brandan “B-mike” Odums. This powerful warehouse installation explores Blackness through a local and national lens using visual art. Throughout the year, Studio BE also hosts Black business markets and Kwanzaa celebrations.
Later, experience New Orleans from new heights at Vue Orleans, an observation deck and cultural center. Here, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the city and interactive exhibits that showcase its diverse heritage. Participate in a hands-on multimedia exhibit where you can “build” your ideal city, reflecting on the cultural contributions that shaped New Orleans.
Connect with one of New Orleans’ Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), such as Xavier University of Louisiana, Southern University at New Orleans, or Dillard University, for a workshop and campus visit.
In the afternoon, head to Preservation Hall to learn about the history of New Orleans music. Enjoy a performance by a Preservation Hall band, followed by a Q&A session with the musicians. In the evening, cap off your trip with a live jazz performance at Preservation Hall, experiencing New Orleans’ Black culture and its legacy of musical innovation.
Begin your journey home.
We take students out of the classroom and challenge them to learn about how the world really works in different places, delivering truly unique study abroad and student travel opportunities.