Reality Tours have helped thousands connect firsthand with other peoples and cultures, and to come home with a deeper understanding, a sense of empowerment and the tools to affect change. Here are some new programs and opportunities we want to share and hope you'll join us.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has persisted for sixty years, while Israel's forty-year occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip is the longest in modern history. Travel to Palestine and Israel and learn how fair trade cooperatives are restoring hope and providing economic alternatives to a population under occupation. Harvest olives with fair trade farmers, use organic farming practices, witness the community building strengths of fair trade cooperatives and cultivate a greater appreciation of Palestinian traditions, food and people.

Discuss integral human rights issues with Palestinian and Israeli organizations, as well as observe first-hand the effects of occupation on the Palestinian economy, tourism and life. Learn how to help change the U.S.'s detrimental role in the conflict and discover the benefits of supporting Palestinian Fair Trade products in the U.S. Resources from the trip will support self-sufficiency and promote solidarity between internationals and Palestinian farming communities.

Venezuela is undergoing a profound social transformation which is attracting the attention of students, academics, and activists around the world. Come learn what all the excitement is about with Global Exchange's new 15-week intensive Spanish language program. The program is based in communicative language methods and includes classes on history, culture and politics at Universidad de Los Andes in Merida. Founded in 1785, Universidad de Los Andes is the second oldest university in Venezuela and is home to 50,000 students.

Participants will live with a Venezuelan host family and take Global Exchange field trips which include meeting with grassroots community activists leading change in health care, education, economy, community media, the women's movement and agriculture. Also meet with and understand representatives of the opposition movement.

Students will live in the city of Merida, population 200,000, perched on a plateau in the Andes Mountains and steeped in an intellectual, artistic and politically conscious atmosphere. A city with lots of parks and the world's highest cable car, Merida is also a wonderful place for outdoor lovers. Located in the Parque Nacional Sierra Nevada and close to rainforests, Merida's mountain peaks are covered in snow year round with tropical beaches, majestic lakes and plains nearby. Merida is a city rich with tradition, museums, architecture and festivals.

Includes: All Spanish language and social science classes. Lodging and meals with Venezuelan families. Food and lodging during community visits outside of Merida. Transportation to community visits inside and outside of Merida.

Global Exchange also has a Two-Week Study Abroad Program in Venezuela if you are interested in a shorter program.

This special delegation will visit both the capital cities of Johannesburg and Cape Town. Included will be visits to historic Robben Island, the recently opened Apartheid Museum, the Cape Flats, and a full day of participation in South African Women's Day programs.

This delegation will meet with women's organizations that address issues of abuse, empowerment, education, youth enrichment, HIV/AIDS, leadership, self-help, and arts. The group will meet with members of Parliament and the Forum for the Empowerment of Women - South Africa's only organization representing the rights of Black Lesbians.

Myesha Jenkins, a veteran of the Anti-Apartheid movement from the San Francisco Bay Area, who has lived in South Africa for more than 20 years, will be the leader of the Global Exchange Delegation. Myesha brings a unique "on the ground perspective" that cannot be replicated.

It's an important moment to visit South Africa. What is the legacy of the anti-apartheid movement in the South Africa of the last 15 years? What will be the impact of the upcoming 2009 elections and the neoliberal direction of the South African economy? What are the roles of women, youth, workers, and civil society in contemporary South Africa? What are the roots of recent tensions regarding immigration, regional integration, and xenophobia. This will be an historic delegation.

Join the delegation and bring along a friend. For information, pricing, and assistance with ticketing contact Alessandro Isola at 415.575.5526.

Visit www.realitytours.org for more information on these trips and others.

Share your photos from your adventures with Reality Tours! Send in your best and most vibrant pictures to Global Exchange. The photo contest will be accepting applications until June 30th, 2008. Learn more at www.realitytours.org.

The Grand Prize Winner will receive:

• $500 off of a Reality Tour of your choice (which is also transferable to a friend or family member)
• A Women Around the World Fair Trade Gift Basket

The 2nd Place Prize Winner will receive:

• $200 off a Reality Tour of your choice
• Chocolate Lover's Fair Trade Gift Basket

The 3rd Place Prize Winner will receive:

• $100 off a Reality tour of your choice
• Coffee Lover's Fair Trade Basket

Participants and winners will be in a show at the annual Reality Tour fundraising party.