I am so very, very excited to share the world with you today - through Project Explorer, now called https://www.explr.com/! ProjectExplorer.org is an extraordinary website that shares free virtual field trips around the world. This is an excellent resource for teaching both global citizenship and intercultural understanding. ProjectExplorer.org shares a country in-depth - from Culture to Religion to Cuisine; from Past and Present to Land, Sea and Sky. There are in-depth details (although very interesting and easy to read) along with realy cool videos. I've explored this site with our 7-year old daughter and we both LOVE it. This is a perfect way to teach about the world - to people of any age! As of yet, ProjectExplorer.org has virtual field trips to Jordan, Shakespearean England, and South Africa.  We were lucky enough to sit down and talk with Jenny Buccos, the founder of ProjectExplorer.org. She's also the director/producer of the series and travels with her team to each of these locations to lead the programs. It was so much fun, and a truly useful resource for exploring the world. Here's what Jenny had to say...

WE: Please tell us about ProjectExplorer.org...

JB: Think virtual fieldtrips to far-flung destinations such as Jordan, South Africa, and Malaysia! ProjectExplorer.org provides FREE student-focused mini-documentaries and multimedia programming for primary and secondary students.

ProjectExplorer.org’s programming is designed to expose students to various regions, traditions, and cultures, while helping to shape the next generation of global citizens. Presented at three levels of learning, ProjectExplorer.org features over 175 short films, hundreds of photos, travel blogs, encyclopedia-style definitions, audio materials, and suggested lesson plans.

WE: What was the genesis of ProjectExplorer.org?

JB: In 1999, I had the brief opportunity to work in Hong Kong (and Tokyo). When not working I was a fearless traveller; exploring as much of Hong Kong as possible. Always a curious kid, my experience in Asia further sparked my interest diverse cultures of the world. In 2001, I left the corporate world in search of a more fulfilling career.

My own travel experiences made me think about how exposure to different cultures and people could change a young person’s life. The idea for an online travel series for students began brewing in early 2003. (This was before the existence of YouTube.) In 2006, after months of research and fundraising, I launched the first in the ProjectExplorer.org series — Shakespeare’s England.

Jenny with a Bedoin

WE: I understand that ProjectExplorer.org is free - who helps to sponsor your work?

JB: The majority of our expense is on-location work creating the film and photographic elements of our programming. ProjectExplorer.org programs have been made possible with the support of tourism boards who have provided financial support, planning assistance, and have secured sponsored airline and hotel accommodation for the ProjectExplorer.org production team. 

For the remainder of our production budget and the day-to-day expenses, we do rely on the support of corporations, foundations, and MANY generous individuals from around the world. We get lots of donations in the $10 - $25 range. ProjectExplorer.org has a large team of volunteers, experts, and professionals who contribute their time, talent, and services pro-bono. This allows us to make the most of EVERY dollar raised.

It would be wonderful if everyone who used our website that was able made a small contribution. Simply put, the faster we are able to raise funds for our programs the more locations and subjects we are able to cover, thus expanding our catalogue of programming. Currently, we are trying raise $10,000 by April for our upcoming project in Malaysia/Malaysia Borneo.

WE:  What is involved in creating content (stories?) for ProjectExplorer.org?

JB: ProjectExplorer.org selects projects that give subjects and regions that are often overlooked in schools new attention and depth. We constantly ask for input from parents and teachers on what locations or topics they would like covered.

Once we’ve selected a country to cover we seek out people and organizations who have a unique perspective or compelling stories to share. Our South Africa series is a perfect example of this. For this series, we have interview segments with Archbishop Desmond Tutu, world-class musicians and artists, politicians, and a former political prisoner. 

We also work closely with local tourism board to find “hidden gems” or off-the-beaten path locations which provides for unique and engaging film segments.

Jenny in Amman

WE: How can kids truly become global citizens?

JB: I think the answer is simple — be curious, be open, and ask lots of questions. 

WE: What's up next for ProjectExplorer.org?

JB: We are currently planning our next series in Malaysia/Malaysian Borneo. Production is planned for spring 2010 with a fall 2010 launch date. We are also researching potential projects in Mexico and Panama.

WE: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?

JB: I am thrilled to share that ProjectExplorer.org was recently awarded a GOLD Parents’ Choice award. Don Oldenberg of the Parents’ Choice foundation said “A cross between the Discovery Channel and the Travel Channel, this [ProjectExplorer.org] is a fantastic site for students as young as upper elementary school and, those of us well past high school.”

And, a couple of my favorite quotes regarding ProjectExplorer.org...
“ProjectExplorer is one of the coolest ideas out there...” Andrew Zimmern, chef and host of the Travel Channel’s Bizarre World

“Now I want to visit Jordan. You’ve informed me about everything important. I hope you can teach me more!”  - Alessandra, grade 6 NYC.

WE: Thanks so much, Jenny! We are so very impressed with the work of ProjectExplorer.org, and highly recommend it to our Wandering Educators!  We are so impressed with ProjectExplorer.org that we have chosen them as one of our philanthropic organizations to which we donate a portion of our revenues.

Photos and video courtesy and copyright ProjectExplorer.org