Week Without Walls

OUR BELIEFS

OUR VISION

UAS provides a challenging, inquiry-based American and international education that empower students to be caring individuals, critical thinkers, and responsible global citizens.

Dear Parent and Students,

I am excited for you to read the following pages of this handbook. It represents a key part of the learning journey for our students and helps build the culture that we want to represent and live here at UAS.

UAS is committed to a vibrant experiential learning program for ALL students because we know these activities provide rich, character-building experiences that awaken a student’s desire for learning and spark curiosity and engagement.

An investment in your child’s week without walls experiences yields not only

LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR

immediate returns in their emotional and academic development, but, when the time finally comes to apply to universities, our students have real-world learning and service experiences that have given them an edge in college applications.

Thank you for your interest in UAS’s week without walls program and we look forward to receiving your son or daughter’s registration.

Please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

Kevin Loft

OUR PHILOSOPHY OF EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

The purpose of experiential learning programs at UAS is to provide lifechanging learning experiences. Students apply life skills, independence and responsibility to extend their curricular knowledge beyond the classroom.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES AND LEARNING:

The program objectives and learning goals are consistent for each trip in the areas of Life Skills, Service, Personal Growth, Cultural Understanding and curriculum enrichment.

LIFE SKILLS

Throughout the WWW program our students will build the skills necessary for personal growth and maturity. By living, communicating and cooperating with a diverse group, students are encouraged to be open-minded, caring and compassionate towards others. Students will learn key skills such as reading maps, photography, time management, communicating in a foreign country, safety awareness and compassion.

SERVICE

Service learning helps students learn and care about others and to develop skills and attitudes so they can better contribute as principled global citizens. Our WWW program has a component of service imbedded within it to help achieve our mission of creating responsible, global citizens who understand their impact and influence our world. Students participate in service project activities such as animal conservation, building eco-bungalows, creating sustainable energy sources, and visiting orphanages

PERSONAL GROWTH

Each trip strives to reinforce self-esteem and provide opportunities for selfawareness. During the week the students will be responsible for their choices and actions as well as learn the importance and relevance of taking responsibility.

STUDENT COMMENTS:

“Cambodia was very interesting; we all went there without knowing what it would be like. But once we arrived everything changed as we got to know their culture and the way things work there and we ended up having so much fun!” – Sasha, Grade 11

“I had so much fun travelling to Borneo. The trip was well organized and was a great opportunity to see another country and travel with my friends!” – Alyaa, Grade 9

"The Week Without Walls trip was a great way to connect myself with nature and other cultures. I learned a lot about the Tanzanian community and I would recommend going on the trip to build lasting connections with peers and experience unforgettable things." – Ramy, Grade 10

"This trip was one of the best experiences of my life. Traveling with my friends, learning about new cultures, discovering new things, made me feel independent and I had so much fun! "

– Aaryan, Grade 10

“The trip to Tanzania was the most life-changing and enriching experience of my life. I came back as a whole new person. It really teaches you to enjoy the simple pleasures of life and cherish what you have, all while building strong relationships. I wholeheartedly recommend the trip to anyone and everyone!”

– Shams, Grade 10

“I have been fortunate enough to travel to Borneo, Cambodia and Tanzania for Week Without Walls. These were some of the best times that I’ve ever had with my students and I can’t wait to go on more trips with them!” – Traci

Whalen, HS Teacher

CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING

WWW promotes an appreciation for cultural understanding, as students participate in activities that allow them to interact with local residents to learn how life in other countries differ from their own experiences. Students may have opportunities to learn traditional dances, songs or cuisines, as well as visit historical sites that help develop an appreciation for cultural diversity and tolerance.

CURRICULUM ENRICHMENT

WWW trips allow students the opportunity to forge stronger links between the classroom and the wider world. Each itinerary is tied to learning objectives found within our curriculum, however the type of knowledge or skill will varies from destination to destination. They may range from learning about the history, culture and language of an area, to more practical skills such as how to build a house, teach a child and maintain a budget.

Experiential leaning opportunities empower students to take meaningful action, service others, and become responsible global citizens.

CELEBRATION OF LEARNING Reflection Journals

All students will document their learning during the week without walls by keeping a personal reflection journal.

The journal aims to capture the thoughts, experiences and learning each student gains during a WWW opportunity. The journals will become mementos that UAS students can share with family and friends to demonstrate their personal learning journeys.

Students will spend a set time each evening with their WWW group where they will discuss the days experiences and reflect on their growth and learning.

These discussions will be led by the chaperones. Following the discussions, each student will be given 30mins to record their own thoughts and reflect inside their journals.

What does an exemplary journal look like?

Students have at least 5 journal entries included. These are clearly labelled and dated to provide perspective on the experiences and growth experiences over the WWW program.

• Journal entries meaningfully address the reflection prompts. Students make clear connection between the prompt and their experience. Writing shows a reflection and not just a list or itinerary of the activities of the day.

• Journal entries are neat, organized and legible.

• Obvious effort was put into the journal.

• Journal contains artifacts and pictures.

Students should remember:

• Journal entries can take on a variety of formats: sketches, drawings, bullet points, paragraph form, cast of characters, charts, graphic organizers, quotes, memorabilia etc.

• Journal entries can be written outside of times required by chaperones.

• Students may bring a glue stick, tape and envelope to paste and store artifacts and pictures.

• Journal entries should include the prompt question and date.

UAS will host special events dedicated to displaying and celebrating the learning of all students during WWW. There will be separate MS and HS events.

Family and friends are encouraged to attend these celebrations to witness the fantastic personal learning and growth attained by each student. Further information will be provided about these events.

“Anytimeyoucanexperiencetherichness ofculturesdifferentfromyourown,you growandchangeinpositiveways.”

–J.Miller–TheYoungLeader

TRIPS

Sri Lanka

Nepal

Kenya

Cambodia

TRIP PROVIDERS

Camps International

Camps International is an award-winning social enterprise that balances profits with philanthropy, founded in 2002 and headquartered in the United Kingdom and Dubai. Camps International operate a permanent network of international volunteer camps in the heart of rural communities and wildlife conservation areas through our wholly owned operations in Latin America, East Africa and Southeast Asia.

Camps are located where poverty levels are high and there are significant environmental and wildlife conservation challenges.

Grade 10

Grade 11

Grade 6-8

Grade 9

SRI LANKA

Known as “The Pearl of the Indian Ocean”, Sri Lanka is a beautiful biodiversity hotspot. Over the course of this 8 day expedition, you’ll get to immerse yourself in all Sri Lanka has to offer. With the opportunity to experience white water rafting and spending time helping out at the Turtle conservation sanctuary, this will be the trip of a lifetime.

Sri Lanka is home to an abundance of wildlife, many of which you may have the opportunity to spot during this exciting 8 day expedition. You’ll get to visit Kandy, famous for its natural beauty and landscapes and also a UNESCO Heritage site, take part in a range of adventure activities from cycling, hiking to white water rafting. Learn more about elephant behaviours and about the protection and conservation of sea turtles at a conservation centre.

NEPAL

Discover Nepal’s amazing landscape and get stuck into some thrilling physical challenges, from mountain biking to white water rafting. This exciting expedition will be one to remember. This eight day expedition will take you from learning the basics of wall climbing to spending a day mountain biking through the Kathmandu valley. You will experience the thrill of white water rafting and also get some time to relax at the campsite and take in the stunning Nepal surroundings.

KENYA

Vast savannahs peppered with immense herds of wildlife. Snow-capped mountains on the equator. Traditional people who bring soul and color to the earth. Welcome to Kenya.

Camp Tsavo is located at the base of Marungu Hills, in Tsavo region, Kenya. This permanent camp is in the heart of a rural community with stunning panoramic views of the beautiful Sagala and Taita Hills. The camp is the epitome of tranquility and truly embraces the glorious environment, it is blessed to be within. Camps Tsavo offers so many great opportunities to be completely immersed in community life here, which will leave you with a deep love of Kenya. UAS students will work collaboratively, purposefully and impactfully with the community they live in on wildlife and environmental conservation projects. Students will also experience the rich culture of the local villagers and interact with natural wildlife in the reserves. When you travel it is easy to seek out people who are just like you but in Camp Tsavo, UAS students will be 100% integrated within the real communities, they will be part of their culture not on the edge of it.

CAMBODIA

The kingdom of Cambodia is an enchanting country, with spectacular natural beauty, awe-inspiring cultural sites and captivating people.

Cambodia is famed for its impressive collection of ancient temples, the most famous of which is Angkor Wat. However, Cambodia’s greatest treasure is its people. UAS students expedition to this fascinating country rich with ancient and recent history provides an insight into the daily life of the Cambodian people; witness first-hand the issues that confront rural communities and their fragile environments.

The students will spend several days working hard on a range of activities designed to improve the living standards of a rural community who live below the poverty line and have limited access to medical facilities and education. Our projects in Cambodia include environmental education and reforestation, sanitary and hygiene initiatives, including supplying toilets, improving school infrastructure, permaculture, clean water initiatives, basic housing refurbishment and replacement. Through their time in Cambodia, our UAS students will achieve tremendous personal growth and assist the lives of many local villagers.

HEALTH INFORMATION

Student health and safety is of the utmost priority to UAS. Please note the following important details associated with supporting a safe and healthy WWW experiences.

HEALTHY TRAVEL TIPS FOR STUDENTS

Wash your hands: use soap and water and wash your hands frequently to avoid getting sick.

Stay hydrated: Drink safe water. Trip leaders will let students know if tap water is safe. If not, students should only drink boiled or bottled water and brush teeth with bottled water.

Check your food: Ensure food is cooked properly. Students are not permitted to purchase food from street vendors or eat food that is not well cooked. It is important that food is served at the proper temperature.

Protection from the sun: Wear sunscreen, sunglasses and hat if outdoors.

Be safe around water: Only swim with trip leader permission and never alone.

Protect your feet: Prevent foot infections by keeping feet clean and dry. Always wear shoes. Break in hiking shoes before the trip.

Do not handle or pet any animals: If you are bitten or scratched by any animal, report immediately to your trip leader.

Avoid mosquitoes: Wear insect repellent, long sleeved shirts and long pants to prevent mosquito and other insect bites.

PERSONAL MEDICATION NEEDS

Trip leaders carry a first-aid kit with common, over the counter medications such as Panadol, Advil, Strepsils, Imodium, Maalox, antihistamines (Similar to the medication that is stocked in the Clinic). These medications are available to treat any student on the trip, and parents to not need to supply over the counter medications.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PERSONAL MEDICATIONS

Students are not allowed to carry their own medication with the exception of an asthma inhaler or EpiPens. All personal medications are to be given to the UAS Lead Teacher.

When turning in medications, parents ensure:

• Medications are in their original containers.

• Medications are clearly labelled with student name and doses.

• No liquid medications are allowed.

IMMUNIZATIONS

Immunizations and Medications for Healthy Travel

It is important for parents to consult their family physician about the proper vaccines and anti-malarial options and to get all necessary vaccinations. The health office recommends students get vaccinated as early as possible over the winter break before returning to school in January.

REQUIRED IMMUNIZATIONS

MMR, DPT, Polio and Hepatitis B: These immunizations are required for school and must be up to date before travelling on WWW.

RECOMMENDED IMMUNIZATION

Typhoid: A bacterial illness spread by fecally contaminated food and water. The CDC recommends typhoid vaccination for all WWW trip locations.

Hepatitis: Recommended by the CDC for all travelers to intermediate and high risk areas including South Africa, Nepal and Tanzania.

Varicella: For children who have not had the chickenpox disease, the CDC recommends two vaccinations, an initial vaccine and a booster. Be sure you receive both.

OPTIONAL IMMUNIZATIONS

Malaria Prophylaxis: Malaria is a serious disease, spread by mosquitoes. It is optional that your child takes malaria prophylaxis if travelling to Cambodia, Laos or Tanzania. Please consult with your personal physician to obtain a prescription for the medication that is best for your child, either malarone or doxycycline. Mefloquine is not an accepted anti-malarial.

PARENT ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

It is important for parents to be involved as their child prepares for WWW. Parents become a cheerleader and offer encouragement for their child as they embark on this important experience. Preparing for WWW is a wonderful opportunity for parents to talk about the trip and the growth opportunities ahead.

PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Parents are integral to their child achieving success and personal growth during WWW. Parents can assist their child by:

• Attending the information sessions.

• Supporting the teachers/organizers by encouraging their child to value and make the most of their trip/event.

• Supporting the eligibility requirements as outlined below.

• Ensuring that all forms and funding are processed prior to due dates.

• Understanding that WWW is beneficial to their child’s learning needs.

STUDENT DOCUMENTATION AND PERMISSIONS

Student documentation, medical requirements and parent permissions are required for all students. Each family is required to complete the WWW Student Information Pack, which provides emergency contact information, parent permission and a medical release form.

STAY INFORMED

The best way parents can support their child is to stay informed and engaged. Parents should attend parent meetings and refer often to the trip specific pages that are managed by trip leaders. These pages are a key resource for parents and students as they prepare for WWW. Each page contains important information such as schedules, packing lists, trip itinerary, important announcements and upcoming parent and student meetings.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Parents are responsible for funding their child’s WWW activity. The cost of each international trip ranges from AED 11,000 – 13,500. The cost includes airfare, accommodations, food and trip activities. A 25% deposit is due 7 days after the parents evening, and the remaining balance is due 12 weeks before date of departure. All fees are paid to the UAS Accounts, which is located in the UAS Administration Office.

The hours are: Monday – Thursday 8:00am – 3:30pm. Payments are made by cash or cheque.

Every student must have a passport that is valid for six months from the date of travel and a UAE residency visa that is valid during the dates of travel.

PASSPORT AND VISA REQUIREMENTS

For international trips, students must have a passport with at least 6months of validity remaining from the return date of their trip. Non-Emirati students will also require a valid residency visa. Depending on nationality, visas will be required for those students travelling internationally. As this cost can vary dramatically between nationalities it has not been included in the cost of the trip. The school will provide as much information as possible for obtaining the necessary visas; however, obtaining visas is ultimately the responsibility of the parent.

STUDENT ELIGIBILITY

Each student is required to have a current UAE residency visa and passport that is valid 6 months from the date of travel. Students with repeated disciplinary concerns will not attend WWW. Any student who has had an out of school suspension during any part of the academic year may be ineligible to attend the WWW trips.

TRIP NUMBERS

If numbers for a particular trip are too low to warrant the trip proceeding, then students will be given the opportunity to choose a different option. Likewise, some trips have a maximum number of students that bookings can accommodate. As soon as this maximum number is reached, that particular trip option will no longer be available for selection. It is strongly recommended that families do not leave sign up to the last minute otherwise they risk the chosen option no longer being available.

STUDENT BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

Students are expected to behave in a manner that represents the core values of UAS, and follow the UAS Code of Behavior at all times. Positive interactions between students, chaperones, guides and local people are essential. If the conduct of a student is deemed to not have met with this code, or their behavior comprises the safety of the team, then students will be immediately repatriated, at the parents expense.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Students have a responsibility to apply themselves diligently and meet all expectations in order to achieve the personal growth and learning inherent in the program. Student responsibilities specific to WWW are:

• Attend all orientations and trip meetings

• Complete all registration and requirements by the due dates.

• Respect project and journal timelines and due dates.

• Act respectfully with peers, tripleaders, chapersones and tour guides.

• Any student under a behavior contract may be ineligible to attend the WWW trips.

• If the reasons outline above result in the removal of a student from a trip, a refund is not guaranteed.

• Students will be expected to fulfill all classroom assignments, quizzes, and/or tests prior to departure day.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Provided herewith are answers to frequently asked questions about the UAS Week Without Walls Program.

What do I need to know about my passport?

Each student is required to have a current UAE residency visa and a passport that is valid six months from the date of the WWW travel (March 2024).

Who will book my flight?

All flights will be arranged by Camps International through the UAS WWW coordinator and the corresponding trip providers. Parents are responsible for flight costs which are included in the trip costs.

Will someone help me obtain my visa?

Some WWW require visas. Although guidance will be provided, it is up to the parents and the family to ensure their student obtains the necessary visa.

Will I have to get immunizations in order to travel?

Depending on the location of your WWW trips, you may be advised and/or be required to get immunized against certain preventable diseases. Additional details about health and immunizations will be shared via trip leaders and meetings.

What should I pack and what should I leave behind?

No matter your trip or activity, it is highly advised that you pack just what you can comfortably carry. Additionally, it is not recommended to take items of value either monetary or personal. More specific information about what to pack for your trip will be provided by trip leaders.

Can I change trips once I’ve registered?

Once the trip assignment is finalized, any changes will be considered by the UAS administration. These will be addressed on a case by case basis. It is important to note that availability in other trips/activities may not be possible and that refunds are dependent on the Terms and Conditions of the trip provider.

Can I sign up with my friend?

WWW allows students to pursue individual interest and passions. Friends who share those same passions may choose some of the same options, however students are encouraged to register for a trip/activity that will maximize their personal growth.

Why isn’t the WWW program included in tuition?

The WWW program has selected trips with a broad range of appeal to best match the student interest and passions. As a result, the costs of the trips vary widely. Keeping the cost separate from tuition allows families to pay the specific and individualized costs of the trips they choose.

A note about risk and safety

The nature and purpose of WWW may expose students to a degree of risk not typical of regular on-campus classes. Trips may include activities such as hiking and other physical activities that are not risk free. The UAS administration recognizes the need to review each WWW destination and itinerary to minimize potential risks and to determine necessary safety procedures. All trips are subject to a risk and safety assessment.

TIMETABLE

Below are the general action timings to keep in mind, exact dates will be communicated in due course:

September

Student and Parent Information Evening, Registrations Open

October

Registrations for trips and 25% payment deadline

December

January

March

Final Payment due at UAS Accounts

Student trip meetings

Pre-trip student and parent evenings (Middle & High School)

WWW Trips

PARENTS SHOULD BE AWARE OF THE FOLLOWING:

1. In order for trip leaders to take the best possible care of students, parents are required to disclose any health issues.

2. Some trips may require students to take specific vaccinations or a physical exam.

3. Students will not travel to destination with a discouraging travel advisory.

4. WWW trips that include rigorous physical activity or special skills are communicated to parents.

5. Trip leaders have up-to-date and current first aid. Training (within two years).

1. Emergency and travel insurance is included in the cost of each trip.

2. Access to emergency medical care, communication capabilities, proper travel condition and evacuation procedures are reviewed for each destination.