International Studies Review 2016

2016

Review

Inside This Issue: Belize

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India A

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India B

8

Tanzania

10

Thank Yous 12 1

Belize 2016

By Fynn M. (Grade 10) One of my favorite times of year is Spring Break. It gives me the chance to relax in the middle of a busy school year and experience new adventures. Our recent trip to Belize has become one of the greatest adventures I've ever personally experienced.

The sheer fact that West Island College has the capacity to send us, its students, to other parts of the world and learn about different cultures has always impressed me. When I first researched WIC, I was intrigued by the International Studies program. I, like many before me, wanted to see as many sights and witness as many cultures as possible.

This being said, when Belize was chosen as one of the three senior high destinations for travel this year, my decision to visit Belize was immediate. I had never been to a tropical rainforest environment before and the opportunity to experience this unknown place with my friends seemed like a perfect Spring Break adventure to me.

The trip was incredible – not only because of the cool places we visited but of the fascinating things we saw, the rich culture we witnessed,

the exotic animals we observed, and the unique environment we experienced, but also because of the opportunity to travel as a group of young students, some of whom I had not met before our trip together.

This year’s Spring Break experience shall not be forgotten. For all the “dangers” that international travel presents Canadians, our two weeks in Belize were smooth and relatively uneventful (including those pesky, “diseased” mosquitoes). The accommodations were basic but adequate and our supervisors were diligent in making sure that our group followed the rules. Our supervisors and local guides allowed us to have fun while in Belize.

In summary, I would highly recommend going on any Spring Break trip with WIC’s International Studies program. I wasn’t disappointed and neither will you be.

“The trip was lit.

The Sun God smiled on us.”

- Amelia C. (Grade 10)

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By Alexandra W. (Grade 9)

This March, some of the Grade 9s (initially expecting to visit the Netherlands, Belgium, and France) had the unique and unexpected opportunity to explore Belize. For me, Belize was a phenomenal and unique experience. I felt enriched by the exposure to a culture and way of life very dissimilar to my own. Belize is extremely different from many of the countries I have previously visited, so I found this trip to be a particularly eye-opening experience.

Gracias al Sr. Ackerman, Sra. Evans, y Sr. Matula para aventurarse con nuestro grado 9 y 10 viajeros de Belice !

We spent our first few days working at the Cockscomb Basin Reserve, restoring some of the popular lookout points. All the staff on the Reserve were very friendly ; it was great to be able to give back to the park. During our time at Cockscomb, we also explored the trails, traveled to beautiful waterfalls and viewpoints, and even had the opportunity to float in tubes down one of the Reserve’s rivers!

After leaving Cockscomb, we visited the Belizean city of San Ignacio.

During our time there, we went caving through the impressive ATM Cave. Swimming through the entrance of the cave was breathtaking; the water was as clear as glass and little fish were swimming just under the surface. In the cave, we laid eyes on many ancient Mayan artifacts, some of which were thou3

sands of years old! We even saw the remains of a complete human skeleton! Overall, the caving experience was absolutely incredible and unlike anything I’d ever done before.

Next, we traveled to the largest city in Belize (and its capital), Belize City. While in Belize City, we journeyed to Lamanai, one of the largest excavated Mayan sites. We also visited the Belize Zoo and some wildlife sanctuaries in the area. We had many up-close encounters with wildlife in the area. At one point, a monkey even jumped right onto the front of our boat!

Our final destination was the island of Caye Caulker. There, we visited a crocodile sanctuary and went snorkeling in the warm waters. Snorkeling in the Caribbean Sea was undoubtedly one of the most incredible things I have ever done. We swam with sea turtles, stingrays, and even reef sharks! Not to mention, we were lucky enough to spot some dolphins on the boat ride back to the island. By that point, just about everyone was exhausted from soaking up so much sun, not to mention being sunburned to a crisp (we should have put on more sunscreen), but I don’t think any of us would have changed a thing about our incredible experience!

India A 2016

By Emmy J. (Grade 12) WIC aims to offer students the opportunity to experience cultures that differ from our own – and this year’s trips to India were no exception. Experiencing a culture as ancient, as pronounced, and as treasured as India’s has been one of the most precious and enlightening experiences of my young life.

Upon our group’s arrival, we were astounded by the rich culture we were welcomed into. Everywhere we travelled – the Taj Mahal in Agra, the Amber Fort where we rode elephants, and the Holi Festival in Jaipur – the rich colours and culture were present. This was a drastic change - almost a culture shock – from Canada, where we consider our country to be a melting pot of cultures.

During our trek around the states of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, our group was given the opportunity to visit some of the greatest landmarks India – and perhaps the world – has to offer.

Undoubtedly, one of the most exciting and fulfilling visits was ours to the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This exquisite piece of architecture exceeded expectation and, to our eyes, looked like a life-sized painting, attenuated by a haze surrounding it. Although the Taj Mahal was easily one of the most anticipated visits, we were all consistently mesmerized by the beauty that each landmark invariably offered.

memorable experiences of this trip was participating in the Holi Festival of Colours. This annual Hindu festival, commemorating the arrival of spring, is celebrated by the throwing of pigmented powders and water, covering most everyone with vibrant — almost surreal — colours.

We spent this holiday with a local family in Jaipur who graciously welcomed us into their home. We celebrated Holi in the family’s backyard, where the atmosphere was lively, fuelled by the drum beats of a live band. The entire group became one, throwing dyes at one another, dancing, and taking photos with one another.

Even though we were immersed in the thick of the rich Indian culture, the most inspiring and fulfilling aspect of this trip were the service programs we participated in, especially interacting with the children in the foundations we visited, as well as ran into on the streets.

During our bus trip from Agra to Jaipur, we passed a small group of kids playing cricket in the grass as the sun was setting. Our bus driver pulled over on the side of the highway and we spontaneously joined them. After playing with the kids (and watching the WIC boys get beat by them), we donated funds for a cricket bat to the group. This was our first brush with the Indian kids we had come to work with.

Another one of the most exciting and 4

Our real work began in Nawalgarh, where we assisted in preparing a well for an allgirls middle school. For our two days spent in Nawalgarh, we volunteered by digging the hole, while the remaining WIC students transferred the sand from the hole to a pile on the other side of the field in an assembly-line fashion. Over our two days spent in Nawalgarh, we accomplished developing the foundation of the well – an eight-foot deep, six-foot wide hole (we measured). The work was strenuous in the beating Indian sun; however, it was important.

The times we spent with the children at Child Haven International’s Maitreya Children’s Home and Adharshila NGO in Delhi were perhaps the most inspiring and satisfying parts of this trip for me.

Amerika ke saath bhaarat kee khoj ke lie Shree Davidson, Sushree Huhn, Shree Poitras, aur Sushree Law ke lie dhanyavaad.

At Child Haven, a residence for Tibetan refugee children, we presented a cash donation as well as a duffle bag full of items fundraised at WIC. This was made possible by a WIC family’s connection to the foundation (thanks Bhatla / Kingstons!). Afterwards, we were able to spend time playing with and speaking to the kids at the home. The resilient spirit of these kids was astonishing, and their personal successes with regards to education were inspiring. Although we spent only a small amount of time at Child Haven, the kids who welcomed us certainly left marks on all of the students, which

will likely never be forgotten.

At Adharshila, each WIC student paired up with a local child and went off on their own to complete a worksheet aiming in teaching English skills, angles, measurements, and the like. The WIC students were able to teach their mentee on a oneto-one basis, allowing for each of us to create a bond with our child. This experience was exceptional, and the two days we were able to spend at the two campuses of Adharshila, will not be lost on us as we return to our lives at home.

Throughout our trip to India, we were able to experience and enjoy much of what India has to offer, from the extraordinary architecture, the (non-alcoholic) lassi drinks we braved, the aromatic foods, and the overall abundant culture, “India A” was truly given the opportunity to become immersed in a culture much different than our own.

This trip allowed us all to develop much more open minds as well as greater senses of appreciation and gratitude for what we have here in Canada. I’m certain that each of us will look back on our trip during different times in our lives and wish we were still in ineffable India.

“There were many blessings from above in India.”  - Zach J. (Grade 12)

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Tanzania

India B

Belize

India A

“Travel makes one modest. You see what a

tiny place you occupy in the world.�

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(Gustave Flaubert)

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India B 2016

By Emma B. (Grade 12) & Aly R. (Grade 10) “Group B's" time spent in India was nothing short of amazing. Each day was a new adventure—whether it was celebrating Holi and throwing coloured powder at others or riding an elephant up into an ancient fortress!

Our time aboard brought us a greater appreciation for the profoundly interesting Indian culture.

Our first three days were spent in Agra, a touristy city in the western state of Uttar Pradesh. After driving from Delhi (and seeing all the intriguing sights from our bus), we visited the Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal. The Agra Fort was the Indian capital in the sixteenth century, and visiting it was like taking a step back in time. Beautiful walls and courtyards made the history of the site even more fascinating.

After visiting one UNESCO World Heritage Site, we made our way to another, the renowned Taj Mahal.

The monument was huge, completed

by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1653 for his wife, Mumtaz. Visiting the site felt surreal—looking at the pictures we took, it looks fake in the background; it is a site so incredible that it defies reality and accurate description.

The Holi Festival of Colours the next day was probably one of the most unique experiences of our lives. It is, essentially, a huge party where people throw coloured powder and water at one another! There were some locals at the site that were hired to get us excited about Holi; they danced, sang, and led conga lines – it was hilarious! At one point, our whole WIC group was up on the festival stage doing a Bollywood circle dance; we had to stop because the stage was buckling under our weight! It was a great bonding moment for us all, and it really set the joyful tone for the rest of the trip.

While in Jaipur, we first set out to an ethically run farm called Elefantastic.

There, we had the amazing opportunity to paint, feed, and wash the elephants.

The next morning, we headed for the Amber Fort. All around us, at the Fort, were the sounds of bells and birds, as we rode up the steep hill on our very own elephants! When we made it to the top, we were able to see the vast landscape below.

Later in the trip, we set forth to Nawalgarh, a secluded area far from all the hustle and bustle of city life. It was there that we believe we bonded even 8

Bhaarat mein is tarah utsaahee yaatra netaon hone ke lie Shree Bennett, Shreematee Bernier, Shree Grewal, aur Shreematee Irvine ke lie dhanyavaad!

more as a group. From cooling off in the outdoor swimming pool to playing cards in the courtyard, we all stuck together. It was at this hotel where we had Bollywood dancers come and perform for (and with) us. They danced on swords. They danced on rusted nails. They even danced while their heads were on fire making pots of tea! It was incredible.

Although our experience was full of adventure, throughout the journey there were vivid and memorable signs of poverty. The contrast of our luxurious hotels to many people’s meagre lifestyles was astonishing. The disparity of wealth in India was something novel to many of us and certainly left a lasting impression on the group. Coming from privileged backgrounds, and having the ability to help the needy on the street, being told to look away and act as though we had nothing was especially hard. Children and mothers carrying infants approached our group regularly and begged for basic necessities, like water.

Although we could not help the people on the streets, our humanitarian projects lead us to help the community in ways like no other. Building a well for rainwater collection, teaching children 9

in the slums of Delhi, and monetary donation to the children of Tibetan refugees are sure to make small differences in the lives of many, in a more responsible way. For us, these service visits made the most memorable experience of the trip.

All in all, this trip was one of the best experiences of our brief lives thus far.

Friendships were forged and others were strengthened. Together we made a difference, and together we'll share the memories (and epic photos) for a lifetime to come.

“I won’t forget the tremendous eyeopening experience that India provided me as well as all my friends in the group.”

- Chris D. (Grade 12)

Tanzania 2016

By Aleem V. (Grade 11) After great anticipation and our final goodbyes to our parents, our Tanzania 2016 International Studies group was off to the great continent of Africa. With adrenaline running through our veins, most of us were awake for most of the first flight!

After our nerves settled, most of us managed to sleep during our second flight from Amsterdam to Kilimanjaro. We had great luck and the plane was only about half full so we were able to lay across rows and sleep. After arriving in the small city at the base of the world famous 5,895metre-tall Kilimanjaro Mountain, we loaded our gear in safari jeeps and we went to the hotel in Moshi.

The next day, after a much-needed sleep, we flew to Mwanza (also known as Rock City) where we visited the Village of Hope Mwanza. It was a great experience to be able to see rural Africa instead of the hustle of a city. For the next three days, we divided into groups and worked in our respective areas of the facility. The first group was in charge of painting inside the classrooms and office facilities while the other two groups were in charge of building walkways. Inside, it was humid and the smells of gas and paint filled the air as we worked with great enthusiasm and motivation. Outside, we lifted thirty pound bricks and lined them with concrete filling.

It was quite a labour-intensive task however, when we returned to the hotel, it felt very rewarding that we were able to jump into the ice cold pool and stare out into the sunset over Lake Victoria. On the last day of our work project, we were given the opportunity to play both soccer and basketball with some of the local children that reside at the facility. It was an awesome experience to interact freely with the future adult generation of Africa and experience

their unique way of life and what brings them joy.

After the Village of Hope, we headed out to the Serengeti National Park. This is where everyone was excited to see the animals up close, in a real wildlife setting.

When we arrived in the Serengeti, we had a two-hour game drive to our hotel, where we saw so much wildlife on the way! We saw zebras, wildebeests, buffalo, elephants, hippos! We were almost able to spot a lion in the area. We spent that night at the Serengeti Sopa Lodge — a hotel I will never forget due to all the monkeys on our balconies! Additionally, we were able to catch a glimpse of a couple of bats later at night! So cool.

The next day, we set out in our safari vehicles and went on a full day safari. We added giraffes, lions, cheetahs and leopards to our running list of animals seen.

After our full day excursion, we headed back to the hotel and resumed our daily outdoor pool tradition.

The very next day, we left on a game drive towards the Ngorongoro Crater. This was one of the most scenic and beautiful places I have ever been to! The view from the ridge was breathtaking; our hotel was right at edge of the crater!

After another good night’s sleep, we headed into the Crater to have another full day’s dose of African animals! As we entered the Crater, it was noticeable that there were a lot more animal interactions and it was more densely populated with animals than anywhere we’d visited at that point. Within the first two hours, we saw a rarely spotted rhinoceros, which helped to complete our sighting of The Big Five animals. Hours later, we witnessed a “lion versus buffalo” standoff! After an hour of 10

Asante Bi Allen, Mheshimiwa Goulet, Bi Hill, Mheshimiwa Rieder, na Bi Butz kwa ajili ya safari kubwa!

intensely watching and sore arms from holding up our cameras, the lions decided to back off from the buffaloes. Sadly, there was no attack, yet it was still one of the most interesting interactions that I’ve ever observed.

“My favorite part of the trip was the Serengeti because of the beautiful animals. They warmed my heart and left me in awe.”

- Kennedy W. (Grade 12)

After the Ngorongoro Crater, we headed to an even more extreme landscape on the island of Zanzibar. This was the part of the trip that everyone had anticipated.

We were excited for the warm weather, the world renowned beaches, and some much-awaited time to relax!

When we arrived on Zanzibar, our first shock was the humidity. It was like nothing I’ve ever experienced. After a few hours, we were able to adjust and we headed back to our hotel to eat dinner. The next day, we made our way to a facility where local tour guides are trained – the Jambiani Institute. Here, we were able to interact with the students and learn more about the island.

They showed us how to weave baskets and they cut us fresh coconuts straight from palm trees that surrounding the facility. We were then taken on a tour of the surrounding villages, where we saw the local women weave ropes made out of coconuts and some of the students climb trees. It was extremely intriguing to see the alternative ways of life on the island compared to the mainland. It was then time to find some shade from the almost unbearable heat and eat some lunch. The food made by the locals was amazing! It was very fresh. After lunch, we headed back to the hotel where some of us went back to our fresh salt water pool and played an intense game of “modified water polo” while others rested on the white-sand beach.

The next morning, we were able to sleep 11

in and get some solid rest before we headed to a local house in the village to watch a brilliant lady make us lunch.

Although it was difficult for everyone to engage in the activity, we were able to bond as a group of friends waiting in the African shade. We then visited a spice farm in the surrounding vicinity. It was amazing to see how the locals are able to grow lemon grass, cinnamon, and many, many, more local spices.

After our amazing last nights in Africa, filled with fun and dancing and, of course, the “drinks on Mrs. Allen”, we embarked on our last adventure in Stone Town the following morning. The town was a really spectacular city to see. The narrow alleyways and the rush of the markets and the city were exhilarating.

We were able to visit an old slave market, local spice markets, and many historical sites (such as a famous Muslim mosque and many other churches in the vicinity). We then ate lunch at an oceanside restaurant before our departure back to Amsterdam and then onto Calgary.

Overall, our group’s trip was a once in a lifetime experience filled with many great adventures and stories that none of us will ever forget. It was a terrific experience and a great opportunity to make new friends. We enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity so rare to most teenagers our age.

I will never forget this experience and I would like to thank the teachers for “putting up” with us crazy students! I find myself reminiscing about the events of the trip every day. I made friends and memories that will last a lifetime and I hope to never forget our somewhat surreal experiences as long as I live.

Through WIC’s partnership with Mr. Nick Moskaluk of The Ball is Round Society, we distributed 11 soccer balls and 5 pumps this year, in both Tanzania and Belize.

Thank you Mr. Moskaluk for continuing to help us help you make social change through sport!

Thanks again to Katie D. (Grade 11), Liz B. (Grade 11), and Lindsay H. (Grade 12) for their artistic contributions to this year’s International Studies program!

A huge thank you, as always, to Ms. Leeanne Toovey for her amazing organizational talents in preparing for all of our 2016 trips!

Ms. Toovey, we hope that you enjoyed your Spring Break as well!

A very special thank you goes to Mrs. Grant-Watt, for being our OnCall Administrator back in Canada again this year!

Thank you, Mrs. Grant-Watt, for sacrificing your sleep for our safety and peace of mind! Your extra attention to detail, commitment to clear communication, and care for WIC students and staff is greatly appreciated!

West Island College 7410 Blackfoot Tr SE Calgary AB T2H 1M5 Phone: 403-255-5300 Ext. 277 Email taralaw@mywic.ca 12

Thank you again to Mr. Reid Morrison of Incredible Journeys Inc. for all of his hard organizational and liaison work before, during, and after our trips.

Here’s to another successful year of travel together, Reid!

Again, thank you to all of the Faculty and Staff members who accompanied our WIC students on their adventures this year!

Without kind, caring, energetic, and generous people like you, our trips would not be possible!