Iowa State University Extension ROAD SCHOLAR Programs

The Missouri has a history like no other river. Explore the LEGENDS of this great waterway as you travel the Loess Hills Scenic Byway into Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri. Meet a modern-day treasure hunter and his steamboat discovery in Kansas City; walk the brick streets of Omaha's Old Market; fly through Amelia Earhart's home in Atchison, KS; and trot into Saint Joseph, MO, to see where the Pony Express began and Jesse James ended. Study Harry Truman's life in Independence, and follow Lewis and Clark's footsteps to Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Learn how significant events affected the river valley, and gain an understanding of the Loess Hills, the only loess formations of this depth in the Western Hemisphere. Laugh with storytellers and relax with the currents as you wind around the Missouri River's many bends aboard two riverboat excursions.

Click here to see Program Details.
Study Leader is Diane Van Wyngarden

Registration is SOLD OUT. Accepting waitlist registrations only.

Guatemala Educational Seminar

Guatemala is a fascinating land of high mountains, active volcanoes and one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.

9 days, 8 nights, 21 meals.
Starting at $1,750 per person.

Note: This is a unique travel program by Iowa State University Extension.
It is NOT a Road Scholar program.

The rich culture and heritage of the Maya are obvious in Guatemala’s highlands, where nearly half of the population is direct Mayan descent. It is also a land of grinding poverty. Guatemala is considered to be among the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere. Malnutrition rates are high, education rates are low and infant mortality is a constant worry. However, strategic efforts are bringing hope to these families.

This 9-day travel seminar, conducted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, provides comprehensive learning about Guatemalan life, culture, history and sustainability, with special attention to Mayans living in the villages along the shores of Lake Atitlan. Participants will experience Guatemalan music, art, foods, agriculture and textiles as we visit the country’s beautiful landscapes. Social service workers share projects which improve the standard of living while preserving the richness of contemporary Mayan culture. Seminar participants will gain an understanding of this remarkable culture and also become better equipped to connect with Guatemalans who have immigrated to the United States.

A unique feature of this program is the opportunity to meet indigenous Mayan families in their homes and personally improve their living condition. Participants will spend one afternoon working as volunteer teams, assembling a cook stove kit and donate the stove to an indigenous family. Stove material costs are included in the program fee.

Study Leaders are Himar Hernandez and Diane Van Wyngarden. Both are Economic Development Specialists for Iowa State University Extension. Hernandez specializes in assisting Latino businesses and educating Iowans about Latino cultures. Van Wyngarden has extensive experience leading educational travel seminars and providing venues not normally available to the public. They teamed to offer this memorable experience and serve as your group study leaders throughout the seminar.

Registration for this program is NOW OPEN
Click here for GUATEMALA BROCHURE and REGISTRATION FORM.





	Register for these programs: ∙ Unusual Societies ∙ Upper Mississippi River ∙ Missouri River program Participant's comments See all 2012 Programs Our Brochure (2 pages) Guatemala Brochure and Registration Form	If you have never experienced ROAD SCHOLAR programs, you are in for a treat! Travel with other adults and discover interesting learning experiences not available to the general public. There are no hidden costs. The program fee includes hotel lodging, meals, chartered bus and customized river excursions, knowledgeable and interesting instructors, all entry fees and even gratuities. Your expert study leader travels with you, offering insights throughout the entire program. Road Scholar participants enjoy learning about new things. No prior subject knowledge or education is required. Our participants come from all backgrounds and lasting friendships are often formed during these programs. We would love to share these interesting places and people with you -- please join us! How do I register for these programs or get free national catalogs? Call toll free: 1- 877-426-8056. Or register online with the link below each program. Call 641-295-5757 with program questions or to have our brochure mailed to you.		Participants from previous programs What age must I be to participate? We accept adults of all ages; however, most participants are age 45+.

	Unusual Societies Upper Mississippi River Missouri River


			Exploring Unusual Societies: A Touch of History, A Taste of Utopia April 28 - May 4, 2013 Program number 13032 7 days, 6 nights, 16 meals. Starting at $1,280 per person. Includes Pella's famous Tulip Festival! "This has been the most thought-provoking, well-planned educational travel program yet. Who would have thought Iowa as the setting of such interesting groups!" Maryland	Diane Van Wyngarden (641) 295-5757 dvw@iastate.edu
		Enjoy a personal visit with Old Order Amish inside their homes and barns; learn about their lifestyle and beliefs; see how they operate their kitchens and woodworking shops without electricity. Then cross the Mississippi River into Illinois to explore beautiful Nauvoo, home of the Mormons and lesser known Icarians. Back in Iowa, we are treated to a private peek inside the homes and domes of the Maharishi in Vedic City and an organic lunch at the Raj Resort, referred to as the "Mayo Clinic of natural healing." Discover the history and humor of the Amana Colonies from a noted colony historian and unveil the wonderfully rich true story that lies behind the restaurants and fudge shops that many people think of as the Amanas. As we return to Pella, Iowa, we enjoy a day of ethnic foods, costumed Dutch dancing and parades at Pella's famous Tulip Festival and enjoy Pella's unique Dutch downtown and canal area. Savor themed dining, which encapsulate the study of the societies we learn about each day. This program begins and ends in Des Moines, Iowa. Click here to see Program Details. Registration for this program opens August 16, 2012 This program is offered only once each year. Study Leader is Diane Van Wyngarden

			Upper Mississippi River Reflections: Historic Towns, Trails and Tales Program number 14948 August 19 - 25, 2012 September 9 - 15, 2012 September 30 - October 6, 2012 Programs begin and end in Minneapolis/St Paul, MN. Stops include Onalaska, WI; Galena, IL; and McGregor, Dubuque and LeClaire, IA. 7 days, 6 nights, 17 meals. All-Inclusive price starting at $1,385.
		Learn about the Mighty Mississippi from regional experts as we travel the river and the Great River Road National Scenic Byway, exploring historic towns, seasonal foliage, migratory birds and local stories. River excursions include a seven-hour cruise on historic Victorian riverboat; a half day chartered eco tour narrated by a towboat captain through locks and National Wildlife Refuge; and the personal stories by a commercial clammer on a large pontoon boat into backwaters. Day trips include the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium in Dubuque, Iowa; historical tour of Galena, Illinois; Pike's Peak bluff and other spectacular scenic overlooks along the route. Overnight lodging in 3-star hotels include Onalaska, WI and Dubuque, IA. Click here to see Program Details. Register early! All dates sell out each year. Registration status: August 19 - 25, 2012: SOLD OUT. Accepting waitlist registrations only. September 9 - 15, 2012:SOLD OUT. Accepting waitlist registrations only. September 30 - October 6, 2012 (Best chance for fall colors): SOLD OUT. Accepting waitlist registrations only. Study Leader for all programs: Diane Van Wyngarden.

			Missouri River Reflections: A Ribbon of Legends Through Four States Program number 18423 June 3 - 8, 2012 All-Inclusive price starting at $1,116 per person. 6 days, 5 nights, 14 meals Three-star hotels, all meals, all entry fees, motorcoach, two riverboats & all gratuities are included.
		The Missouri has a history like no other river. Explore the LEGENDS of this great waterway as you travel the Loess Hills Scenic Byway into Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri. Meet a modern-day treasure hunter and his steamboat discovery in Kansas City; walk the brick streets of Omaha's Old Market; fly through Amelia Earhart's home in Atchison, KS; and trot into Saint Joseph, MO, to see where the Pony Express began and Jesse James ended. Study Harry Truman's life in Independence, and follow Lewis and Clark's footsteps to Council Bluffs, Iowa. Learn how significant events affected the river valley, and gain an understanding of the Loess Hills, the only loess formations of this depth in the Western Hemisphere. Laugh with storytellers and relax with the currents as you wind around the Missouri River's many bends aboard two riverboat excursions. Click here to see Program Details. Study Leader is Diane Van Wyngarden Registration is SOLD OUT. Accepting waitlist registrations only. Guatemala Educational Seminar Guatemala is a fascinating land of high mountains, active volcanoes and one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. 9 days, 8 nights, 21 meals. Starting at $1,750 per person. Note: This is a unique travel program by Iowa State University Extension. It is NOT a Road Scholar program. The rich culture and heritage of the Maya are obvious in Guatemala’s highlands, where nearly half of the population is direct Mayan descent. It is also a land of grinding poverty. Guatemala is considered to be among the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere. Malnutrition rates are high, education rates are low and infant mortality is a constant worry. However, strategic efforts are bringing hope to these families. This 9-day travel seminar, conducted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, provides comprehensive learning about Guatemalan life, culture, history and sustainability, with special attention to Mayans living in the villages along the shores of Lake Atitlan. Participants will experience Guatemalan music, art, foods, agriculture and textiles as we visit the country’s beautiful landscapes. Social service workers share projects which improve the standard of living while preserving the richness of contemporary Mayan culture. Seminar participants will gain an understanding of this remarkable culture and also become better equipped to connect with Guatemalans who have immigrated to the United States. A unique feature of this program is the opportunity to meet indigenous Mayan families in their homes and personally improve their living condition. Participants will spend one afternoon working as volunteer teams, assembling a cook stove kit and donate the stove to an indigenous family. Stove material costs are included in the program fee. Study Leaders are Himar Hernandez and Diane Van Wyngarden. Both are Economic Development Specialists for Iowa State University Extension. Hernandez specializes in assisting Latino businesses and educating Iowans about Latino cultures. Van Wyngarden has extensive experience leading educational travel seminars and providing venues not normally available to the public. They teamed to offer this memorable experience and serve as your group study leaders throughout the seminar. Registration for this program is NOW OPEN Click here for GUATEMALA BROCHURE and REGISTRATION FORM.



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