Technology & Business in California

Day  1: Welcome to San Fran!  

Touch down in San Francisco, and your technology school trip to California is officially underway! Your Adventure Leaders will be waiting for you at the airport, where they’ll help you get transferred to your accommodation. Once you’re refreshed and settled, you’ll then come together for a trip briefing. In this, your Leaders will explain your travel plans, advise you on the best ways to adapt to American life, and outline how to stay safe on the move.  

After dinner, you’ll get the chance to take in the charm of San Francisco’s most famous waterfront community. Pay a visit to Fisherman’s Wharf before you head back to the hotel, ready to rest up ahead of your second day.  

Day 2: Intel & Innovation 

After breakfast, students are off to the Intel Museum, which takes you through the history of the corporation. Here, staff engage youth groups as they learn all about the history of silicon technology, helping them understand how Intel is changing the way we live and work. They’ll learn about the development of the microprocessor, chip design, and fabrication.  

Next off is a trip to somewhere truly special – the Hacker Dojo. The college describes itself as a community centre, where members work together to create something wonderful. Subject to availability, students may have the opportunity to take a rare workshop at the Dojo.  

Students will grab lunch, and then it’s off for more learning at the Tech Museum of Innovation! They’ll take part in an insightful innovation lab workshop. Here, participants design, build, test and tweak creative solutions to real-world STEM challenges.  

To end the day we’re fusing food and the future, because we’re taking you to a cutting-edge restaurant where the hamburgers are made by robots!  

Day 3: From Silicon Valley to Stanford 

This morning, students will have the opportunity to see the real world of business as they pay a visit to a Silicon Valley start-up. One example might be a company called ‘b8ta’, a startup who create trendy gadgets like VR headsets and brain-sensing headbands.  

After lunch, we’re off to Stanford, where students can get a glimpse of world-leading education in action. They’ll take a tour of the prestigious institution’s grounds.  

Then, off to a tech giant to end the day – Tesla! Students will learn more about the move towards electric vehicles as they take a tour of one of Tesla’s largest showrooms.  

Day 4: Golden Gates & Google 

First things first, you’re off to see an iconic image of California – the Golden Gate Bridge! Opened in 1937, it was once considered the largest suspension bridge in the world. It’s still going strong today, and has been granted status as a ‘modern wonder of the world’.  

Following lunch, students are taking a stroll around the grounds of Google HQ. Though we’re not peeking inside, students will be able to get a sense of just what working for the tech giant feels like.  

Before dinner, there’s just time to visit the Apple Store located at their HQ in Cupertino – students can stock up on some truly original merch!  

Day 5: Imagineering 

Students start their day with a ferry ride to the infamous Alcatraz Island. They’ll walk through the eerie cell blocks that were once part of America’s most notorious prison, learning more about the Island’s history as they go.  

After that, it’s time for a change of pace with a visit to the Walt Disney Family Museum Workshop. Here, you’ll learn the history of the Audio-Animatronics technology in a hands-on workshop, and students will become imagineers of their own as they use Sphero SPRK robots using block computer programming.  

Finally, after dinner you can stretch your legs with a short hike to the top of the Twin Peaks. Here, you’ll get the most amazing views of the city – it’s a perfect photo moment!  

Day 6: A Day in Sacramento  

After breakfast, students pay a visit to the Amazon Fulfilment Center in Sacramento. it’s a robotics sortable facility, where associates work to ship small items alongside robot colleagues. Here, a representative from the Center will take you on a tour to see the facility in action.  

Once lunch is out of the way, you’ll head to the Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment – the MADE. This non-profit institution is dedicated to the preservation of video game history, and educates the public on just how these amazing feats of art are created.  

Then finally, after dinner, you’ll all have the opportunity to come together and discuss what you’ve learned in a reflection session. You’ve had a busy few days, and these sessions are an important way to digest your week’s experiences.  

Day 7: Farewell  

Sadly, today marks the end of your technology school trip to California. As you strap yourself in for the flight home, we hope you’re taking home memories that will last a lifetime!