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we are

Seth Leighton

Luis Enrique Garcia

Marina Lee

THE FOUNDERS OF ENVOYS

nvoys founders Marina Lee, Seth Leighton, and Luis Enrique Garcia first met as classmates at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. During their studies, the three found themselves in lengthy discussions about the purpose and meaning of education, the means of supporting students through the critical formative years, and the need for innovation and high expectations in educational entrepreneurship. These conversations continued after each had set off on their respective professional paths. Marina put her plans for educational entrepreneurship into action in Seoul, Seth moved to Ethiopia to train instructors at the University of Gondar, and Luis continued to expand South Americaâ€™s leading outdoor education

company, Off Bound Adventures. As Off Bound Adventures grew to serve more than 6,000 students per year, the three colleagues witnessed the demands placed on teachers for a global approach to education and the need for accountable and dedicated support to meet those demands. They recognized the necessity of experiences outside of the classroom to develop globally competent youth. The three were united in their belief that educational travel must meet the same high expectations that have been placed on the rest of the education sector. Extending Off Bound Adventures extensive infrastructure and experience in outdoor education, the Envoys model combines rigorous online courses, focused international travel,

and high-quality learning outputs. Envoys programs have expanded rapidly, covering eighteen countries around the world. Envoys continues to draw its staff and counselors from the extensive HGSE alumni network, thus ensuring a high degree of pedagogical expertise, content knowledge, and passion for education throughout the organization.

STAFF A

ll Envoys trips are led by a team of field directors with regional expertise and extensive experience working with youth. Our field directors hold advanced degrees in international education, environmental science, international affairs, child psychology, and development economics. Envoys brings support staff from top universities to serve as â€œbridgeâ€? mentors for high school students. This model allows Envoys students to receive encouragement and guidance from mentors who truly understand the stresses facing modern youth. All staff undergo a rigorous application and training process.

BOARD OF ADVISORS

nvoys Advisory Board brings a wide range of experiences and expertise to our programs. Through regular meetings, they provide consistent and valuable guidance on our direction, strategy, pedagogy, and assessments. Most importantly, they challenge Envoys to continually improve and reach new levels of excellence in all that we do.

FERNANDO M. REIMERS HARVARD UNIVERSITY Fernando M. Reimers is the Ford Foundation Professor of International Education and Director of Global Education and of International Education Policy at Harvard University. He is an internationally renowned expert on education policy, democratic citizenship, educational innovation and social entrepreneurship.

STEVEN KOLTAI BROOKINGS INSTITUTION Steven Koltai has over 30 years of business experience with several successful startups under his belt, including SES, the worldâ€™s largest commercial TV satellite system. Steven created and ran the Global Entrepreneurship Program for Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. He left the State Department to continue the work of global entrepreneurship ecosystem building via Koltai & Company. Steven is currently a Guest Scholar at the Brookings Institution.

LINDA THOMSON-CLEM MICROLOAN FOUNDATION USA Linda Thomson-Clem currently serves as the Executive Director of Microloan Foundation USA, an international development organization providing microfinance services to over 30,000 poor women annually in sub-Saharan Africa. She has worked in the nonprofit field for more than 25 years, primarily in education and health related organizations. In 1986, she founded the Rowley Public Education Fund, and, a year later, founded Kids Kaleidoscope.

JOHN CURTIS PERRY THE FLETCHER SCHOOL, TUFTS UNIVERSITY The Henry Willard Denison Professor of History at the Fletcher School, John Curtis Perry is an international expert on diplomatic and maritime history, and the president of the Institute for Global Maritime Studies. The Japanese government has awarded him an imperial decoration, the Order of the Sacred Treasure, for his contributions to American-Japanese relations.

MONICA HIGGINS HARVARD UNIVERSITY Monica Higgins joined the Harvard faculty in 1995 as a member of the faculty at the Harvard Business School. She is currently a professor of education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where her research and teaching focus on the areas of leadership development and organizational change.

JAMIL SIMON SPECTRUM MEDIA Jamil is an award-winning producer/director of documentaries and educational videos with more than 40 years of experience, including nearly 25 years working in the field of development communications. As President of Spectrum Media, Jamil has overseen the creation of documentary films, public awareness campaigns, and multi-media communication programs promoting innovation and change in radically different environments: From post-earthquake Haiti and rural Malawi, to top universities and the US State Department.

JOSH FORMAN INKLING Josh is the co-founder of Inkling, the pre-eminent developer of iPad textbook software. A dilettante of serious pursuits, Josh received a computer science degree from Harvard before passing through Microsoft, a Harvard laboratory, a startup, and a Ph.D. program in computational biology at Princeton. Among other matters, Josh advises Envoys on implementing technology-in-education solutions.

WHAT

we do

EMPATHY, UNDERSTANDING, RESPECT

Envoys students build the capacity to experience the world through the eyes of others

GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP

Envoys develops youth who are prepared to identify, investigate, and take action on issues of global significance

CULTURAL COMPETENCY

Envoys targets, develops, and assesses the cultural competency skills necessary for the globalized world

DISCOVERY OF PASSIONS

Envoys empowers students to take charge of their own journey in life

ENRICHED LEARNING

Envoys brings intentional and rigorous education outside of the classroom, ensuring that students appreciate the richness of the world around them 17

WHERE

we go

DESTINATIONS AROUND SOUTH AMERICA

AFRICA

From dramatic Andean peaks to blindingly white sandy beaches, from the vibrancy of city life to the charm of coastal villages, South America has much to offer the discerning traveler.

Birthplace of mankind and home to more than one billion people, Africa has a vital role in both the history and future of the world. Understanding the continent is critical to understanding our common humanity.

ASIA

EUROPE

The globalization of production in the modern world offers a wealth of opportunities for those with the ability to communicate across cultures. Envoys programs in the region develop a deep understanding of the economic, social, and cultural forces that drive modern Asia.

For several centuries now, the “Grand Tour” of Europe has stood as an educational rite of passage for young men and women from around the world. The continent’s dense mélange of diverse cultural heritages provides the perfect context for the development of global citizenship.

Galapagos Islands

Post-Modern

Japan

Conservation

rom dramatic Andean peaks to blindingly white sandy beaches, from the vibrancy of city life to the charm of coastal villages, South America has much to offer the discerning traveler.

Envoys programs in South America utilize the region’s unique opportunities to create authentic and transformative experiences for our students. Envoys students have the opportunity to work on an organic farm in the Galapagos Islands, hike to the famed Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) in Colombia, learn about the traditional customs of Amazonian indigenous tribes, conduct ecological research in the Panamanian wetlands, and more. Drawing upon its roots in this continent, Envoys integrates its programs in South America into the local environment, providing students with the opportunity for authentic cross-cultural exchanges. We break a sweat on the salsa floor, delve into the cool tartness of ceviche, and harvest coffee beans alongside the local citizens. More importantly, we engage in regular discussions on the hopes, dreams, and realities of life for the people of South America.

Economic growth and environmental degradation in the Galapagos Islands: • How can truly sustainable tourism be implemented? • How can nature conservationism exist in harmony with economic growth? • How can we protect world heritage sites? • How can conservationism be balanced with local property rights? International trade and coffee plantations in Colombia: • How does coffee move from the plantation to my local coffee shop? • How are traditional coffee farmers affected by globalization? • What does “fair trade” look like at the source? What does it mean for the bottom line? Students identify their project themes through a process of consultation with school leaders, academic experts, development practitioners, and business professionals. All projects are pertinent to real global issues and directly connected to the program destination.

Following Envoys’ mission to develop global competency, students pursue rigorous research projects as part of our South American programs. Potential project themes and research questions include:

THE GALAPAGOS T

he Galapagos Islands offer more than just an ecological adventure. They provide the perfect setting to help students make connections between academic subjects and the world. Envoys is proud to offer an innovative educational program that approaches learning through an inter-disciplinary pedagogical method. Through a blend of classroom instruction, interactive activities, real-life adventures, and focused reporting, students expand their knowledge in both the sciences and the humanities.

Potential project themes for the Galapagos Islands include: • Tensions between economic development and conservationism. • The concept of “World Heritage” for history, science, and culture. • Dynamics of environmental ecosystems. Envoys students pursue rigorous research projects as part of our trip. Students identify their project themes and research questions through a process of consultation with school leaders, academic experts, development practitioners, and business professionals. They learn to connect academic subjects with the beauty of nature–all while having fun! Given the historical context of Darwin’s research, the Galapagos Islands provide the perfect context for these connections to form.

ITINERARY This itinerary represents one possibility for the program. Envoys customizes every trip to ensure that our educational objectives are met.

DAY 1 Arrival

DAY 2 Guayaquil

DAY 3 Puerto Ayora

DAY 4 Puerto Ayora

We land in Guayaquil and settle into the quiet and comfortable Hotel Macaw.

Following a thorough health and safety briefing, we set out to explore the city. Traveling by private bus, we visit Simon Bolivar Park, the Guayaquil embankment, and La Rotonda.

We rise early for our morning flight to the Galapagos Islands! We land on the island of Baltra, an old U.S. military base during the Second World War, and now one of the main gateways to this amazing archipelago.

We leave by private bus for a short hike and nature exploration around Santa Cruz’s caverns. Students learn about native, endemic, and invasive species of both fauna and flora.

DAY 5 Puerto Ayora

DAY 6 Puerto Ayora

Today is our “Tortoise Day!” An interactive lesson on the breeding, feeding habits, species, and lifespans of these icons of the Galapagos sets the stage for our day.

We rise early for a private boat trip to the Plazas Islands, located approximately 30 minutes from the northern shores of Santa Cruz. While traversing the

DAY 7 Isabela island and exploring the rocky coast, we encounter colonies of blue-footed boobies, magnificent frigate birds, sea lions, and the amazing land iguanas!

Our journey through the archipelago continues with a boat ride to Isabela: one of the youngest islands in the Galapagos.

DAY 8 Isabela

DAY 9 Puerto Ayora

DAY 10 Travel

DAY 11 Home

After an early wakeup call, we head to Sierra Negra Volcano. Our hike up to the top offers a once-ina-lifetime landscape of black lava fields, volcanic cones, and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

The goal of the morning is to find the green sea turtles that swim around the underwater volcanic wall located in front of the town.

We return by boat to Puerto Ayora and from there to Baltra, where we take our flight back to Guayaquil.

Students return to the learning goals that they set for themselves and reflect on their progress, making plans for maintaining connections to the Galapagos Islands after they return home.

PERUVIAN H

ome to snow-capped mountains, giant sand dunes, flocks of tropical birds, postcard-perfect volcanoes, and rocky Pacific outcroppings, Peru puts its natural beauty on full display. Envoys programs utilize these diverse environments as the backdrop for learning about the history of the Inca Empire and the modern-day life of both urban and rural Peruvians. We explore a wide array of archeological sites, switching our frames of reference from artistic to historical to economic, thereby deepening our appreciation for the country.

Envoys has a variety of potential expeditions to Peru, including several hiking routes to the Wonder of the New World, Machu Picchu, and tours of the Uros floating islands of Lake Titicaca. We also offer the option of extending our trip into Bolivia and the surreal Valley of the Moon.

Potential project themes include: •

• •

Envoys students pursue rigorous re- • search projects during their time in Peru. Project themes and research questions are identified during the pre-trip online courses through a process of consultation with school leaders, academic experts, development practitioners, and business professionals.

The impact of the Spanish conquest on modern-day Peruvian identity. The use of archaeological sites as tourist destinations. The classification and preservation of world heritage. The relationship between rural Peruvians and the growing tourist industry.

ITINERARY This itinerary represents one possibility for the program. Envoys customizes every trip to ensure that our educational objectives are met.

DAY 1 Lima

DAY 2 Chiclayo

DAY 3 Chiclayo

We arrive in Lima, the fourth largest city in the Americas. Following a thorough health and safety briefing, we set out to tour this fascinating city.

After a visit to the magnificent Museo Larco, we travel to Chiclayo, known as the “Pearl of the North.”

We don our “Indiana Jones” hats today! Envoys students and staff work together to plot out our plan for the next few days’ archaeological explorations.

DAY 4 Trujillo

DAY 5 Trujillo / Lima

DAY 6 Cusco

DAY 7 South Valley

We depart by private bus for the three-hour journey south to Trujillo. Along the way, we pass through several lovely valleys, stopping at the Casa Grande Sugar factory and El Brujo Archaeological Complex.

We rise early and journey five kilometers outside of the city to Huaca de la Luna (Temple of the Moon) and Huaca el Dragón (Temple of the Dragon).

We fly to Cusco, the first stop on our path to Machu Picchu. We spend a leisurely day in Cusco in order to acclimatize to the altitude.

We tour the Archaeological Park of Sacsayhuaman, described by the chronicler Garcilaso de la Vega as “the greatest and most wondrous work that the Incas built as a demonstration of their majesty and power.”

DAY 8 Sacred Valley

DAY 9 Sacred Valley

DAY 10 Machu Picchu

DAY 11 Machu Picchu

We spend the next two days and nights in the “Sacred Valley of the Incas,” remarkable for its climate and fertile plains in the high Andes. During the height of the Inca Empire, the Sacred Valley protected Cusco from the Anti jungle tribes conducting raids on the highlands.

During our time in the valley, Envoys students explore the traditional market of Pisac, visit the main temple of Ollantaytambo, learn about ancestral dyeing and weaving techniques in Chinchero, and examine the colonial-era salt mines in Maras.

We take an early train to Aguas Calientes, and then climb to Machu Picchu, the famed Lost City of the Incas.

We break into smaller groups for the morning, either returning to Machu Picchu to once again enjoy the energy and mystique of the site; journeying to the Sun Gate entrance of the Inca Trail; exploring the Temple of the Moon; or simply resting and reflecting on the adventure so far.

DAY 12 Puno

DAY 13 Lake Titicaca

DAY 14 Lake Titicaca

DAY 15 Home

We travel by private bus through the mountain valleys to Puno, stopping frequently at archaeological sites and scenic viewpoints.

We rise early for a full day on the magnificent Lake Titicaca. We start by visiting the remarkable Uros islands.

We spend a full day on the magnificent Lake Titicaca, visiting the remarkable Uros islands.

Students return to the learning goals that they set for themselves and reflect on their progress, making plans for maintaining connections to Peru after they return home. 27

COLOMBIA CULTURAL W

ith Colombia’s turbulent past rapidly receding, the nation is in the midst of a tourism boom. Economic growth, safety, and stability are on the rise in all corners of the country, and international visitors are joyously rediscovering the remarkable diversity and warmth of this traditional gateway to South America. Envoys programs bring you close to the reality of the Colombian people, from indigenous rainforest tribes to coffee plantation workers. Envoys partner organization Off Bound Adventures has guided thousands of stu-

dents throughout Colombia, developing Potential project themes include: strong connections with local communities and allowing us to explore the full • The impact of violence on Colombian identity and foreign relations. range of destinations within the birth• The contrasts between rural place of “magical realism.” and urban Colombians. Envoys students pursue rigorous • International trade and coffee plantations in Colombia. research projects during their time in Colombia. Project themes and • The development of eco-tourism. research questions are identified during the pre-trip online courses through a process of consultation with school leaders, academic experts, development practitioners, and business professionals.

ITINERARY This itinerary represents one possibility for the program. Envoys customizes every trip to ensure that our educational objectives are met.

DAY 1 Bogota

DAY 2 Leticia

DAY 3 Marasha

We arrive in Bogota, Colombiaâ€™s modern and inviting capital and take a late afternoon cable car ride to the Monserrate Sanctuary.

We head to the airport for a short flight to Leticia, Colombiaâ€™s southernmost town and one of the major ports on the Amazon river.

We rise early to head to the spectacular Marasha Nature Reserve, situated in the midst of the Amazon River Basin.

DAY 4 Marasha

DAY 5 Marasha

DAY 6 Cartagena

DAY 7 Tayrona

As we move through the reserve during the next three days, we encounter a wide array of wildlife, both in the jungle canopy and alongside us.

Envoys staff and local guides provide detailed lessons and activities to allow students to engage with the natural environment around them and learn about the unique challenges of building a tourist-based economy while preserving the environment.

We take a short flight to the coastal city of Cartagena. This remarkable city has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

We take a short flight to Santa Marta, and then a private bus into the magnificent Tayrona National Park.

DAY 8 Tayrona

DAY 9 Tayrona

DAY 10 Riohacha

DAY 11 Riohacha

We visit the EcoLodges of Tayrona and learn about the challenges and opportunities of running an eco-tourist business within a national park.

We have a rare opportunity to visit an indigenous community of the Kogi people. Envoys adopts a learning philosophy toward Kogi traditions and customs. Out of respect for their wish for privacy, the extent of our interactions is dependent on the comfort level of the individuals within the community.

We leave Tayrona and travel by private bus to the lovely port city of Riohacha, our base of operations for the next three days.

We learn about the economy of this coastal region, visiting a sugarcane farm, wind farm, and salt extraction plant. Students are supported to make connections between the lives of the workers they meet and their own communities back home.

DAY 12 Riohacha

DAY 13 Riohacha

DAY 14 Bogota

DAY 15 Home

Envoys students also discover the ways of life of the Wayuu ethnic group. Envoys students learn farming, harvesting, and weaving methods, as well as traditional dances from the Wayuu people.

Following our pedagogical principles, Envoys staff work with students, individually and in groups, to reflect on their interactions and develop an empathic viewpoint towards the communities that we have encountered.

We return by plane to Bogota, and then take a private bus to the remarkable Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira.

Students return to the learning goals that they set for themselves and reflect on their progress, making plans for maintaining connections to Colombia after they return home. 29

TREKKING IN H

ome to snow-capped mountains, giant sand dunes, flocks of tropical birds, postcard-perfect volcanoes, and rocky Pacific outcroppings, Peru puts its natural beauty on full display. Envoys programs utilize these diverse environments as the backdrop for learning about the history of the Inca Empire and the modern-day life of both urban and rural Peruvians. We explore a wide array of archaeological sites, switching our frames of reference from artistic to historical to economic, thereby deepening our appreciation for the country.

Potential project themes include: •

• •

Envoys students pursue rigorous re- • search projects during their time in Peru. Project themes and research questions are identified during the pretrip online courses through a process of consultation with school leaders, academic experts, development practitioners, and business professionals.

ITINERARY This itinerary represents one possibility for the program. Envoys customizes every trip to ensure that our educational objectives are met.

DAY 1 Lima

DAY 2 Lima & Cusco

DAY 3 Urubamba

DAY 4 Lares Trek

We arrive in Lima, the fourth largest city in the Americas. Following a thorough health and safety briefing, we set out to tour this fascinating city.

Envoys students and staff work together to review the content covered and learning goals set during our online courses. We then depart for Cusco, gateway to Machu Picchu.

We spend a leisurely day, slowly moving from Cusco to Urubamba in order to acclimatize to the altitude.

The next three days take us along the “Weaver’s Way” route toward Machu Picchu. The Lares Valley, home to hundreds of local farming households, provides the perfect context for Envoys students to learn more about the life of the Andean farmer.

DAY 5 Lares Trek

DAY 6 Machu Picchu

DAY 8 La Paz

On the last day, we move to Ollantaytambo, where we can catch the train that takes us to Aguas Calientes and our comfortable accommodation, less than seven kilometers from Machu Picchu.

We rise early and continue our journey to Inti Punko (Gateway of the Sun), the entrance to the famed Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

DAY 7 Puno & Uros Islands We travel from Cusco to Puno, and immediately set out to explore the fascinating Uros floating islands.

We cross over land into Bolivia, heading for the magnificent city of La Paz. We visit the ruins of the ancient city of Tiwanaku, precursor to the Inca Empire.

DAY 9 La Paz

DAY 10 Lima

DAY 11 Home

We rise early and travel 10 kilometers to Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon).

We fly from La Paz to Lima, where we engage in some final souvenir-gathering and revisiting of our favorite destinations.

Students return to the learning goals that they set for themselves and reflect on their progress, making plans for maintaining connections to Peru after they return home.

COLOMBIA W

ith Colombia’s turbulent past rapidly receding, the nation is in the midst of a tourist boom. Economic growth, safety, and stability are on the rise in all corners of the country, and international visitors are joyously rediscovering the remarkable diversity and warmth of this traditional gateway to South America. Envoys programs bring you close to the reality of the Colombian people, from indigenous rainforest tribes to coffee plantation workers. Envoys partner organization Off Bound Adventures has guided thousands of students throughout Colombia, developing strong connections with local

communities and allowing us to explore Potential project themes include: the full range of destinations within the • The impact of violence on Colombirthplace of “magical realism.” bian identity and foreign relations. • The contrasts between rural and Envoys students pursue rigorous reurban Colombians. search projects during their time in Co• International trade and coffee planlombia. Project themes and research tations in Colombia. questions are identified during the pre• The development of eco-tourism. trip online courses through a process of consultation with school leaders, academic experts, development practitioners, and business professionals.

ITINERARY This itinerary represents one possibility for the program. Envoys customizes every trip to ensure that our educational objectives are met.

DAY 1 Bogota

DAY 2 Cartagena

DAY 3 Tayrona

DAY 4 Tayrona

We arrive in Bogota, Colombiaâ€™s modern and inviting capital.

We travel to the seaside city of Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We take a short flight to Santa Marta, and then a private bus into the magnificent Tayrona National Park. This 37,000-acre eco-tourism park includes reefs, beaches, mangroves, and ancient ruins.

We visit the EcoLodges of Tayrona and learn about the challenges and opportunities of running an eco-tourism business within a national park.

DAY 5 Riohacha

DAY 6 Bogota

DAY 7 Home

We leave Tayrona and travel by private bus to the lovely port city of Riohacha.

We return by plane to Bogota, and then take a private bus to the remarkable Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira.

Students return to the learning goals that they set for themselves, and reflect on their progress, making plans for maintaining connections to Colombia after they return home.

EXPERIENCE T

he largest country in South America, Brazil is a country of contrasts. Picture-perfect beaches, shantytown favelas, tropical rainforest, and ultra-modern urban environments all await the visitor. Envoys programs in Brazil take students through the full range of what Brazil has to offer, ensuring an experience that will never be forgotten.

Envoys students pursue rigorous research projects during their programs. Project themes and research questions are identified during the pre-trip online courses through a process of consultation with school leaders, academic experts, development practitioners, and business professionals.

Potential project themes include: • •

•

The enduring social and artistic legacy of Oscar Niemeyer. The evolution of the favelas, including both their moral and economic legacies. The role of Brazil as a potential driver of the global economy.

ITINERARY This itinerary represents one possibility for the program. Envoys customizes every trip to ensure that our educational objectives are met.

DAY 1 Sao Paulo

DAY 2 Sao Paulo

We fly into Sao Paulo, the world’s seventh largest city.

After a leisurely breakfast at our hotel, we engage in a goal-setting process unique to Envoys expeditions.

DAY 3 Paraty

DAY 4 Rio de Janeiro

DAY 5 Rio de Janeiro

DAY 6 Rio de Janeiro

We travel by private bus for the four-hour journey to Paraty. This historic town is famed for its well- preserved architecture that includes elements of both the Portuguese Colonial and Brazilian Imperial eras.

A private bus takes us on to Rio de Janeiro, nicknamed Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City). After soaking in the ambience, we take a cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, from which we can watch the sun set over the city.

A bike tour along the beaches of Copacabana, Leme, Ipanema and Leblon allows students to get a feel for the seaside ambience that is a key part of the Brazilian culture.

We also spend time traveling through two different favelas (shanty towns) of Río de Janeiro. Before departing, Envoys staff provide a detailed lesson on the development of such areas, noting the gradual evolution of systems of governance and the continued persistence of such inequity.

DAY 7 Amazon Jungle

DAY 8 Amazon Jungle

DAY 9 Amazon Jungle

DAY 10 Amazon Jungle

We fly to Manaus, site of our departure into the Amazon rainforest. This four-day trip allows us to discover the wonder of the world’s largest jungle ecosystem.

We sleep in jungle lodges, interacting peacefully with the indigenous cultures that still inhabit the Amazon as well as other locals who derive their livelihoods from the area’s natural resources.

We spend our time hiking and canoeing through the jungle, observing the wildlife and learning about the natural environment.

During the evenings, we step back from the day’s explorations and consider the larger picture of the rainforest in the world’s ecosystem, discussing the tensions between environmental conservation and local development.

DAY 11 Brasilia

DAY 12 Brasilia

DAY 13 Brasilia

DAY 14 Home

We journey onwards to Brasilia, capital of Brazil.

We spend two days exploring this remarkable city, using the works of the trendsetting architect Oscar Niemeyer as a basis for our journeys.

Our tour of Brasilia provides a basis for activities and discussions around the use of planning for economic and urban growth.

On the final day, Envoys staff work individually with students to revisit their learning goals, considering the gains that they have made and the areas where improvement is needed. 35

ANDEAN E

nvoys programs begin in Chile and move quickly into Argentina, providing students the opportunity to experience the wonders of the famed Andean lakes. We travel through both rural and urban landscapes, learning about agricultural methods, hiking along glaciers, and exploring the hustle of magnificent Buenos Aires.

Potential project themes include: • • • •

The legacy of Peronism in modern-day Argentina. The development of Mercosur and prospects for the future. Contrasts in urban and rural lifestyles in modern-day Argentina. The development of Latin American identity.

ITINERARY This itinerary represents one possibility for the program. Envoys customizes every trip to ensure that our educational objectives are met.

DAY 1 Arrival

DAY 2 Peulla

We fly into the port city of Puerto Montt in southern Chile. This city is a global hub of aquaculture, often referred to as the ‘Salmon Capital of Chile.’

Our trip begins with a spectacular two-day crossing of Andean lakes, heading towards Bariloche, Argentina.

DAY 3 Peulla

DAY 4 Bariloche

DAY 5 Bariloche

DAY 6 El Calafate

During the evening, students compose their first ‘story for home,’ narrating the lake crossing expedition for a specific relative.

We spend two days touring the Bariloche area, journeying through the town and the surrounding Nahuel Huapi National Park.

Adventurous students have time for brief skiing and snowboarding lessons in Cerro Catedral. We also set out to visit the site of the Huemul Project, Juan Domingo Peron’s failed attempt at a fusion reactor in the 1950s.

We take a two-hour flight by domestic plane to El Calafate, deemed the ‘national capital of the glaciers.’ A walking tour of the city culminates in a visit to the Ice and Glaciers Interpretation Center at the ‘Glaciarium,’ sparking our excitement for the next day’s expedition.

DAY 7 Perito Moreno Glacier

DAY 8 Iguazu

DAY 9 Iguazu Falls

DAY 10 Buenos Aires

We travel by plane to the town of Iguazu. Our early afternoon arrival provides time to rest and reflect on the excitement of our week in Latin America.

We travel by Rainforest Ecological Train for a tour of the famed Iguazu Waterfalls, deemed one of the ‘New Seven Wonders of Nature,’ through a voting process of more than 100 million people worldwide.

We fly to the magnificent Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina and one of the world’s great cities.

DAY 11 Buenos Aires

DAY 12 Buenos Aires

DAY 13 Buenos Aires

DAY 14 Home

Our three days in the city allow us to visit the famed Colón Theatre, one of the best Opera Houses in the world, as well as the Museum of Latin-American Art, the National Museum of Fine Arts and, Evita Museum.

Interested students have the opportunity to take tango lessons, learning the heart of Argentinian culture firsthand.

Along with our structured activities, we also have time to explore the city at a relaxed pace, allowing students to complete their research projects and get a feel for the daily life of a typical urban Argentinian.

On the final day, Envoys staff work individually with students to revisit their learning goals, considering the gains that they have made and the areas where improvement is needed.

Today is perhaps the most physically demanding of the trip. We spend over five hours trekking on the Perito Moreno Glacier, exploring the ice and considering the enormity of movements over geological time.

PANAMA: COMMUNITIES P

evaluation project, critical to future Potential project themes include: environmental protection efforts. • The concept of the Panama Canal as an international resource. Envoys students pursue rigorous research projects during our pro- • The protection of indigenous peoples’ rights under internagrams in Panama. Project themes tional law. and research questions are identified during the pre-trip online • The protection of coral reefs against environmental degradacourses through a process of contion. Envoys programs in Panama take sultation with school leaders, acastudents deep into the country, demic experts, development practiengaging with indigenous peo- tioners, and business professionals. ples and learning about the human history of this fascinating country. We also have the rare opportunity to participate in a coral bleaching anama has long been an attractive tourist destination, given the ease of travel and wide array of experiences. Visitors can enjoy two different oceans, experience the mountains and rainforest, learn about native cultures and take advantage of vibrant urban life.

DAY 1 Panama City

DAY 2 San Blas Islands

We fly into Panama City, capital of Panama. Founded by Spanish conquistadors in 1519, the dense urban center is surrounded by a belt of tropical rainforest.

Our adventure begins immediately! We travel by 4x4 trucks to the indigenous Guna Yala region and then by boats to the San Blas Islands.

DAY 4 Embera Community

DAY 5 Embera Community

DAY 6 Caribbean Coast

We spend the next two days visiting an indigenous community of Embera people.

Sleeping in tents within a large shed constructed by the community, these two days provide students with numerous opportunities to learn about the unique cultural and social traditions of the Embera people.

DAY 8 Pedasi

DAY 9 Isla Iguana

DAY 10 Boquete

We travel by private bus for the three-hour ride to the town of Pedasí, situated on the southeastern tip of the Azuero Peninsula.

We rise very early and head to the docks, where fishing boats wait to take us to Isla Iguana. This protected island sits a mere twenty minutes from the mainland.

We visit a local coffee plantation, learning about the entire system of coffee growing, harvesting, and processing. Envoys staff assist students to make connections between the local coffee growers and their home communities.

DAY 11 Boquete

DAY 12 Gamboa

DAY 13 Gamboa

DAY 14 Home

Today is the most physically demanding of the expedition. We rise before dawn to begin our trek up the summit of Volcán Barú.

This travel day takes us by private bus on a leisurely drive to the small town of Gamboa, outside of Panama City. Given the exertions of the trip so far, the respite is well deserved!

On our return from the tower, we stop by the famed Miraflores Locks in the Panama Canal, a final reminder of the importance of this nation for international trade regimes.

Students return to the learning goals that they set for themselves and reflect on their progress, making plans for maintaining connections to Panama after they return home.

ITINERARY This itinerary represents one possibility for the program. Envoys customizes every trip to ensure that our educational objectives are met.

DAY 3 San Blas Islands During our two-day visit to the islands, we learn about the Guna community’s culture and traditions.

DAY 7 Valle de Anton After a leisurely morning, we set out on a trek to the El Macho Waterfall, swimming in the thermal pools before breaking for a picnic lunch.

Following a discussion of the human history of the construction of the Canal, we visit the Gatún Locks and Fort San Lorenzo.

COLOMBIA ECOLOGICAL W

sands of students throughout Co- Potential project themes include: lombia, developing strong connections with local communities and • The impact of violence on Colombian identity and foreign relations. allowing us to explore the full range of destinations within the birthplace • The contrasts between rural and urban Colombians. of “magical realism.” • International trade and coffee plantations in Colombia. Envoys students pursue rigorous research projects during their time • The development of eco-tourism. in Colombia. Project themes and research questions are identified during the pre-trip online courses through a process of consultation with school leaders, academic experts, development practitioners, Envoys partner organization Off and business professionals. Bound Adventures has guided thouith Colombia’s turbulent past rapidly receding, the nation is in the midst of a tourism boom. Economic growth, safety, and stability are on the rise in all corners of the country, and international visitors are joyously rediscovering the remarkable diversity and warmth of this traditional gateway to South America. Envoys programs bring you close to the reality of the Colombian people, from indigenous rainforest tribes to coffee plantation workers.

ITINERARY This itinerary represents one possibility for the program. Envoys customizes every trip to ensure that our educational objectives are met.

DAY 1 Bogota

DAY 2 Leticia

DAY 3 Marasha

We arrive in Bogota, Colombiaâ€™s modern and inviting capital, and take a late afternoon cable car ride to the Monserrate Sanctuary.

We head to the airport for a short flight to Leticia, Colombiaâ€™s southern most town and one of the major ports on the Amazon river.

We rise early to head to the spectacular Marasha Nature Reserve, situated in the midst of the Amazon River Basin.

DAY 4 Marasha

DAY 5 Marasha

DAY 6 Cartagena

DAY 7 Tayrona

As we move through the reserve during the next three days, we encounter a wide array of wildlife, both in the jungle canopy and alongside us.

We travel to the coastal city of Cartagena. This remarkable city has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We take a short flight to Santa Marta, and then a private bus into the magnificent Tayrona National Park.

DAY 8 Tayrona

DAY 9 Tayrona

DAY 10 Armenia

DAY 11 Armenia

We visit the EcoLodges of Tayrona and learn about the challenges and opportunities of running an eco-tourism business within a national park.

We leave Tayrona and travel by private bus to the lovely port city of Riohacha. We learn about the economy of this coastal region, visiting a sugarcane farm, wind farm, and salt extraction plant.

We depart the park and fly first to Bogota, and then on to the city of Armenia, located in the central highlands west of the capital.

Students learn about the entire system of coffee growing, harvesting, and processing.

DAY 12 Armenia

DAY 13 Bogota

DAY 14 Bogota

DAY 15 Home

We stay in a traditional farmhouse, traveling around the plantations in jeeps and spending an afternoon at the Colombian National Coffee Park.

We return by plane to Bogota and take a private bus to the remarkable Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira.

We visit the offices of Ensena Por Colombia (Teach for Colombia), learning about the challenges of running a social enterprise.

Students return to the learning goals that they set for themselves and reflect on their progress, making plans for maintaining connections to Colombia after they return home. 41

COSTA C

osta Rica has long been considered one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. Divided into 20 natural parks, eight biological reserves, and a series of protected areas, it has become a case study for the development of eco-tourism initiatives.

well as learn about the operational side of eco-tourism businesses. Envoys instructors provide structured lessons on Costa Rica’s unique ecological context and the surprising history of the development of tourism within the country.

While in the country, Envoys stuEnvoys programs allow students dents engage in research on topics to engage in the diverse range of identified during their pre-trip onnature activities, including hiking, line courses. surfing, and horseback riding, as 42

Potential topics include: • • •

Costa Rica’s attempts to establish a carbon-trading market. Tensions between conservation and development. Certification and standards for eco-tourism enterprises.

ITINERARY This itinerary represents one possibility for the program. Envoys customizes every trip to ensure that our educational objectives are met.

DAY 1 San José

DAY 2 Turrialba

DAY 3 San José

We arrive in San José, the capital and largest city in Costa Rica. After a thorough health and safety briefing, we depart to a chic downtown restaurant to sample local cuisine and ease into our surroundings.

We journey by private bus to the town of Turrialba, famous for both the eponymous nearby volcano and the exciting Pacuare River.

We return to San José. Envoys students, under the guidance of our expert staff, work to organize our expedition to Mount Chirripó, thereby gaining confidence in their ability to navigate foreign terrain.

DAY 4 San Gerardo de Rivas We travel by private bus for the three-hour ride to San Gerardo de Rivas, at the base of Mount Chirripó.

DAY 5 San Gerardo de Rivas

DAY 6 Playa Dominical

DAY 7 Corcovado National Park

DAY 8 Corcovado National Park

DAY 9 San José & Home

During our time in the park, Envoys staff and local guides engage students in lessons on both the ecological biodiversity of Costa Rica as well as the unique challenges of building a tourism-based economy while preserving the environment.

Upon returning from the mountain, we leave San Gerardo de Rivas for a short drive to the magnificent beach of Playa Dominical. A surf clinic is available for interested students.

We depart the beach for a 2-3 hour ride to Corcovado National Park, one of the best-preserved national parks in Costa Rica.

We travel to the heavily protected Caño Island Biological Reserve, where we get a chance to experience world-class snorkeling in a nature reserve!

Students revisit their learning goals set a week earlier, considering the gains that they have made and the areas they wish to continue improving on.

PANAMANIAN P

anama has long been an attractive tourist destination, given the ease of travel and wide array of experiences. Visitors can enjoy two different oceans, experience the mountains and rainforest, learn about native cultures and take advantage of vibrant urban life. Our nine-day learning tour takes students to the highlights of the country, following the development of the Panama Canal as well

as the natural wonders of this vibrant nation. We also have the rare opportunity to participate in a coral bleaching evaluation project, critical to future environmental protection efforts.

sultation with school leaders, academic experts, development practitioners, and business professionals. Potential project themes include:

• Envoys students pursue rigorous research projects during our pro- • grams in Panama. Project themes and research questions are identified during the pre-trip online • courses through a process of con-

The concept of the Panama Canal as an international resource. The protection of indigenous peoples’ rights under international law. The protection of coral reefs against environmental degradation.

ITINERARY This itinerary represents one possibility for the program. Envoys customizes every trip to ensure that our educational objectives are met.

DAY 1 Panama City We fly into Panama City, capital of Panama. Founded by Spanish conquistadors in 1519, the dense urban center is surrounded by a belt of tropical rainforest.

DAY 5 Valle de Anton After a leisurely morning, we set out on a trek to the El Macho Waterfall, swimming in the thermal pools before breaking for a picnic lunch.

DAY 2 Embera Community

DAY 3 Embera Community

DAY 4 Caribbean Coast

We spend the next two days visiting an indigenous community of Embera people.

Following a discussion of the human history of the construction of the Canal, we visit the GatĂşn Locks and Fort San Lorenzo.

DAY 6 Pedasi

DAY 7 Isla Iguana

DAY 8 Gamboa

DAY 9 Home

We travel by private bus for the threehour ride to the town of Pedasi, situated on the southeastern tip of the Azuero Pensinsula.

We rise very early and head to the docks, where fishing boats wait to take us to Isla Iguana.

We rise early in the morning and head to the Canopy tower in Gamboa for bird watching with local experts. Envoys students practice identifying birds and considering how the different species have arisen.

Students revisit their learning goals set a week earlier, considering the gains that they have made and the areas they wish to continue improving on.

n February 22nd, 1784, the Empress of China left New York City’s harbor bound for Canton. This maiden trading voyage from the newly independent United States reinforced a longstanding route between West and East. Centuries later, the connections between Asia and the rest of the world have deepened considerably. The globalization of production in the modern world offers a wealth of opportunities for those with the ability to communicate across cultures. Envoys programs in the region develop a deep understanding of the economic, social, and cultural forces that drive modern Asia. The unique context of each nation is explored against a backdrop of inter-regional conflict, historical trade, and spiritual development. From the ruins of Angkor Wat to the modern splendor of the Bund, each destination has a story to discover. This deeper understanding complements our interactions with local citizens. Envoys programs facilitate the development of relationships with students, professors, journalists, entrepreneurs, diplomats, and businesspeople throughout the region. Moreover, our collaborative service learning programs provide Envoys students with a nuanced perspective on the challenges extant in the Asian development story.

Following Envoys’ mission for the development of global competency, students pursue rigorous research projects as part of our Asian programs. Potential project themes and research questions include: The modernization of China: • How has the Chinese educational system changed in the last decade? • How has the Chinese political system changed in the last decade? • How has the Chinese economy changed in the last decade? • How do the Chinese people view their future? • What kind of country do they want to be? The evolution of the ASEAN community: • What is the potential for the ASEAN model to be applied elsewhere in the world? • How do the decisions of the ASEAN leaders affect the local citizens? • What are the tangible effects of integration in the ASEAN region? Students identify their project themes through a process of consultation with school leaders, academic experts, development practitioners, and business professionals. All projects are pertinent to real global issues and directly connected to the program destinations.

MODERN CHINA F

rom the stories dictated by Marco Polo (while in jail, incidentally) in the early fourteenth century to today’s barrage of media reports on the “rise of China,” the world’s most populous country has always been an object of interest for the rest of the world. Envoys China programs bring students deep into the country. Accompanied by Chinese university students for much of the trip, Envoys participants have numerous opportunities to learn first-hand about what life is like for the typical Chi-

nese citizen. Envoys staff facilitate lessons and activities that bring out similarities and differences in values, attitudes, and behaviors, thereby developing true cross-cultural understanding.

All projects are pertinent to real global issues and directly connected to the program destination. Potential project themes include:

• Envoys students pursue rigorous research projects before, during, • and after their programs in China. Students identify their project • themes and research questions through a process of consultation • with school leaders, academic experts, development practitioners, and business professionals.

Modern China’s view of history, present, and future. Opportunities and challenges of doing business in China. The role of Confucianism in modern China. Social entrepreneurship in the Chinese context.

ITINERARY This itinerary represents one possibility for the program. Envoys customizes every trip to ensure that our educational objectives are met.

DAY 1 Beijing

DAY 2 Beijing

DAY 3 Beijing

DAY 4 Beijing

We fly into Beijing, China’s capital city and one of the fastest growing metropolitan regions in the world.

We begin our first full day in China by setting out individual learning goals for developing language skills, and learning about Chinese history and culture.

We leave early in the morning by private bus to the Great Wall of China. When we reach the Wall, students are guided through an explanation of its construction, decay, and restoration.

We use China’s often-turbulent economic and social transitions as a context for today’s explorations of modern-day Beijing.

DAY 5 Xi’an

DAY 6 Xi’an

DAY 7 Xi’an

DAY 8 Xi’an

After departing our train, we check into our centrally located Xi’an hotel, where we meet our Chinese university student hosts for this portion of our trip.

Our student guides accompany us to bike along Xi’an’s city walls and visit the Forest of Stone Tablets Museum, first set up in 1087.

We rise early to take a bus to the famous Banpo Neolithic Village, where we examine the archeological artifacts dating back more than 6,000 years.

We journey to Xi’an’s open square to practice the ancient art of T’ai chi ch’uan with Chinese retirees, after which we explore the rest of the city with our student guides.

DAY 9 Shanghai

DAY 10 Shanghai

DAY 11 Travel

DAY 12 Home

We take an early morning flight to Shanghai. After checking into our comfortable lodging, we head out for a sightseeing tour of the city, including the colonial Bund, the French Concession, the People’s Square, and the Jade Buddha Temple.

We leave for a full-day tour of the Shanghai countryside. We begin with The Humble Administrator’s Garden, and move to Tiger Hill, burial site of Chinese royalty. Our trip concludes with a tour of the Suzhou No. 1 Silk Factory, where we view the entire production process from the silk worm to the final woven cloth.

We travel to Tian Zi Fang, an arts and crafts enclave near the French Concession area. We conclude our trip with an evening cruise on the Huangpu River, with the glittering city lights providing a strong symbol of China’s rise.

Students return to the learning goals that they set for themselves and reflect on their progress, making plans for maintaining connections to China after they return home.

EXPLORATION A

longstanding stop on the tourist circuit, Thailand has a wealth of destinations and activities to pursue. Envoys students visit an elephant conservation center, learn to cook a variety of Thai culinary delights, and ride bicycles through ancient temple parks, building confidence in exploration and having fun! Envoys utilizes its strong roots in the country to go beyond tourist activities and explore the unique subtleties of Thai culture. From the concept of “sanuk” to the wealth of Buddhist rituals, our exploration of

Thai culture helps students to develop socio-cultural awareness and empathy. We also examine the importance of the tourism industry for Thailand’s economy and the effects of tourism on traditional cultural rhythms. All Envoys students pursue research projects as part of their trip. The topics of these projects are determined during the pre-trip online courses, conducted by trip leaders and academic experts.

Potential research themes include: • • •

The role of Buddhism in everyday Thai life. Urban-rural divides in modern Thailand. Political turmoil and hopes for reconciliation.

ITINERARY This itinerary represents one possibility for the program. Envoys customizes every trip to ensure that our educational objectives are met.

DAY 1 Bangkok

DAY 2 Bangkok

We land in Bangkok and move to our comfortable accommodations slightly outside the city.

We begin with a goal-setting process unique to Envoys expeditions. Students take responsibility for separating themselves from the great mass of “educated tourists” traveling through Thailand.

DAY 3 Kanchanaburi

DAY 4 Kanchanaburi

DAY 5 Sukhothai

DAY 6 Sukhothai

During the morning, we travel by private bus to Kanchanaburi, a key holiday destination for many Thais. Kanchanaburi was the scene of a WWII Japanese prison camp; the center for POWs and forced laborers who constructed the infamous Burma Railway.

Today brings us to one of Thailand’s hidden natural treasures, the seven-tiered Erawan Waterfall.

We journey to Sukhothai, site of the Thai capital during the thirteenth century.

We wake early to “beat the heat” for our bicycle exploration of Sukhothai Historical Park and the surrounding countryside.

DAY 7 Service Learning

DAY 8 Service Learning

DAY 9 Chiang Mai

DAY 10 Chiang Mai

As Envoys adopts the “Do No Harm” framework for its activities, each service learning opportunity is conducted under the express request and guidance of our local partners.

All activities must: 1. Be proposed by our local partners and seen as essential to improving their operations. 2. Facilitate collaboration between volunteers and those that they serve.

We travel by plane and bus to Chiang Mai, the jewel of Thailand’s northern provinces.

We travel to a local Elephant Conservation Center, where students are partnered with elephants and trainers. The day is spent learning about caring for these magnificent animals, including the basics of elephant riding.

DAY 11 Chiang Mai

DAY 12 Chiang Mai

DAY 13 Bangkok

DAY 14 Home

This day is not for the faint of heart! We set out for the mountain jungles for a highintensity rope and ziplining course.

Following a discussion of the rising influence of Thai cuisine in restaurants around the world, we set out for our own private cooking class.

We take a late morning flight from Chiang Mai to Bangkok.

Students return to the learning goals that they set for themselves and reflect on their progress, making plans for maintaining connections to Thailand after they return home. 51

LENSES ON SOUTHEAST T

his multi-country program brings students to some of the most beautiful places in the world, including Angkor Wat, Halong Bay, and Chiang Mai. The interdisciplinary lens allows students to learn about elephant conservation, the Second World War, and development of sustainable tourism enterprises. Each of our destinations is explored in the context of the history of intra-regional relationships, and the constantly swinging pendulum moving from conflict to amicability. Envoys programs in Southeast Asia

examine the development of the ASEAN community and the potential for this regional bloc to serve as a model for future unions. We also examine the importance of the tourism industry for each nation’s economy, and the effects of tourism on traditional cultural rhythms. Envoys students conduct research on relevant global issues as part of their trips. Topics are identified through consultation with trip leaders, school teachers, academic experts, and business professionals.

Potential project themes include: • • •

Urban-rural divides across the ASEAN region. The role of Buddhism in the formation of national identity. The role of foreign investment in economic development.

ITINERARY This itinerary represents one possibility for the program. Envoys customizes every trip to ensure that our educational objectives are met.

DAY 1 Bangkok

DAY 2 Bangkok

DAY 3 Kanchanaburi

We land in Bangkok and move to our comfortable accommodations just outside the city.

Building upon the pre-trip online courses, students set goals to separate themselves from the mass of “educated tourists” throughout Southeast Asia.

We travel by private bus to Kanchanaburi, scene of a WWII Japanese camp for POWs who constructed the infamous Burma Railway.

DAY 4 Kanchanaburi

DAY 5 Travel

DAY 6 Siam Reap

DAY 7 Siam Reap

Today brings us to one of Thailand’s hidden natural treasures, the seven-tiered Erawan Waterfall.

We wake up early and head to the airport for a short flight to Siem Reap in Cambodia, site of Angkor Wat, one of the true archaeological treasures of the world.

We spend the next three days touring the 400 square kilometers of the Angkor Archaeological Park.

Students work with local guides to plot out the best routes for each day. This process builds competency in planning foreign travel, and also removes the barriers of the tourist/guide dynamic.

DAY 8 Siam Reap

DAY 9 Travel

DAY 10 Chiang Mai

DAY 11 Chiang Mai

While touring the park, students work to develop a detailed “story for home,” combining interviews with locals, video and photo footage, and their own knowledge and impressions.

We wake up early to fly first to Bangkok and then on to Chiang Mai, the jewel of Thailand’s northern provinces.

This day is not for the faint of heart! We set out for the mountain jungles for a highintensity rope and ziplining course.

DAY 12 Chiang Mai

DAY 13 Hanoi

DAY 14 Hanoi

DAY 15 Halong Bay

Following a discussion of the rising influence of Thai cuisine in restaurants around the world, we set out for our own private cooking class.

We rise early for our flight to Hanoi, capital and second-largest city in Vietnam.

After a leisurely breakfast, we set out for a private tour of Vietnam’s capital city.

We rise early to drive through the Red River Delta for our tour of the majestic Halong Bay. Halong can be translated as “descending dragon,” a name that appears particularly apt as we tour the spectacular limestone islets by private boat. 53

POST-MODERN A

dopt, adapt, adept. For millennia, the Japanese have followed this three-step approach to ensuring outside forces have been refined to fit within their cultural milieu. This history of refinement has created a culture that is both reflective of the world and uniquely Japanese.

Envoys examines Japan as the pre-eminent example of a “post-modern” nation. We investigate the steps being taken to mitigate looming demographic crisis as well as the challenges created by a hyper-technological society. These different focal points provide inlets for appreciating the complexity and beauty that is Japan.

Potential project themes include: • Disaster planning and recovery in the technological age. • The integration and adaptation of Western cultural patterns in modern Japan. • Challenges of demographic change in a post-modern state.

ITINERARY This itinerary represents one possibility for the program. Envoys customizes every trip to ensure that our educational objectives are met.

DAY 1 Narita City

DAYS 2 TO 5 Tokyo

We spend our first day together in Narita City, situated just outside of Tokyo. Following a thorough health and safety briefing, we overcome our jet lag in a typically Japanese way: through group karaoke.

During our three days in the city, we move between the Edo-Tokyo museum, the bustling Tsukiji Fish Market, the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, and Harajuku, the teenage fashion center of

Japan. In each of these destinations, we learn about the importance of these sites for Japanese cultural identity. We spend our final day in Tokyo immersed in Japanese crafts through the ages: We visit the Aoyama Traditional Craft Center to learn about ceramics,

mosaics, and paper products, and then travel to the Studio Ghibli Museum in Mitaka City to learn more about the magic of Japanese animation.

DAYS 6 TO 7 Sendai

DAY 8 Shichigahama

We wake early to travel by Shinkansen (bullet train) to Sendai City. We explore some of the industries that contributed to Japan’s economic prosperity, before talking with students in Tohoku University’s famous semiconductor laboratories.

We take a short trip to Shichigahama, a small beach town which lost 4,000 houses in the tsunami, to understand the difficulties of recovering from a major natural disaster with a limited budget. For dinner, we enjoy a barbecue on the beach with local residents.

DAY 9 Sendai

DAY 10 Matsushima

DAY 11 Sendai

DAY 12 Minami Sanriku

The Tohoku Region produces rice for consumption across Japan and the world, and we meet with farmers to learn about the policies that dictate how this takes place.

We travel to Matsushima, one of the famed “Three Views of Japan.” There, we tour some of the local specialty aquaculture (oysters and nori farms), experience the uniquely-shaped islands which protect the town, and hike to get a wide view of Matsushima Bay.

Today, we explore issues with demographics and aging. We visit a nursing facility to speak with residents and nurses, meet with “home helpers,” who provide assistance to patients all over the area, and visit a child-rearing support center.

We spend this day conducting interviews about disaster preparedness. We tour Minami Sanriku to learn about their early warning systems and visit a school to experience the tsunami drills that the students have to practice.

DAY 13 Yamagata

DAY 14 Shiogama

DAY 15 Kyoto

DAY 16 Kyoto

Today, we take the Shinkansen to a former capital of Japan: Kyoto. In addition to exploring Buddhist temples during the day, we also take a special night tour of Fushimi Inari Taisha, a sprawling Imperial Shinto Shrine complex.

Today, we pay a visit to a local temple to observe ceremonies and speak with a Buddhist priest about religion in Japan. We spend the evening in the tranquil halls of a Buddhist temple on the outskirts of Kyoto.

We visit a farm for one of Japan’s luxury foods: designer beef. We experience how the pampered cattle live, and talk with the ranchers about what it takes to differentiate and market this specialty product.

We begin with a trip to Shiogama Shrine, which offers blessings to the many fishing ships who call at the port. Next, we browse the cavernous Shiogama Fish Market to learn about the significance of the fish industry to Japan. We end with a sushi making class, utilizing some of the fresh catch from the market.

DAY 17 Nara

DAY 18 Kyoto

DAY 19 Narita

DAY 20 Home

Our morning begins before dawn to observe morning services and assist in preparation meals for the resident monks. We continue with a pilgrimage to another of Japanâ€™s previous capitals: Nara. There, we enter the worldâ€™s largest wooden structure, Todai-ji, home to the Great Buddha of Nara.

We meet with an immigration scholar to learn about the issues surrounding the entertainment industry in Kyoto. We then review the traditions surrounding entertainment in Japan, and try to spot geisha on an evening tour of the Gion District.

We spend our last full day back in Narita City. After a thorough review of the trip, we take the opportunity to do last-minute shopping, and then spend our last evening together sharing a meal and then singing karaoke.

International flights home.

irthplace of mankind and home to more than one billion people, Africa has a vital role in both the history and future of the world. Understanding the continent is critical to understanding our common humanity.

Envoys students pursue rigorous research projects as part of our programs in Africa. Potential project themes and research questions include:

Envoys programs in Africa begin with thrilling natural environments. From the rugged beauty of the Simien Mountains (the “Rooftop of Africa”) to the calm shores of Lake Malawi, we explore the best that Africa has to offer. Africa’s magnificent wildlife is also on display, as our photo safaris put students in the field with giraffes, gorillas, elephants, baboons, lions, and more.

The role of business in international development: • How can cultures of aid dependency be reduced? • How can foreign visitors best support local African NGOs and businesses? • What are the barriers to entrepreneurship in Africa and how can they be overcome?

Of course, Envoys also brings students close to the peoples of Africa. We delve deep into the warmth of African culture, staying in local tukul huts and working with local NGOs and non-profits. Our partners LinkEthiopia, Yenge Tesfa, Education Solutions Uganda, and the MicroLoan Foundation facilitate collaborative service programs that strengthen empathic understanding and diminish perceptions of superiority or dependency. We provide extensive emotional and psychological support for students to process their experiences and ensure that any distress can be channeled into action.

Wildlife conservation and economic development: • What are traditional relationships between people and animals in Africa? • How can local people be involved with wildlife conservation? Students identify their project themes through a process of consultation with school leaders, academic experts, development practitioners, and business professionals. All projects are pertinent to real global issues and directly connected to the program destination. Traveling in Africa is not always easy. Hardships are a fact of life for many on the continent. Envoys draws on its extensive regional contacts, detailed safety procedures, and experienced trip leaders to provide a safe environment for students to explore.

ETHIOPIAN R

ich in history, culture, and wildlife, Ethiopia has been called the “land of sunshine” and “the heart of Africa.” Envoys trips in Ethiopia move from the fast-growing Addis Ababa, home to the African Union Headquarters, to the historical capitals of Gondar and Lalibela. We include extensive lessons on the dramatic history of Ethiopia, the only African country never to be colonized. Our appreciation for the wild beauty of the landscape is developed through our short mountain treks, staying with local communities in specially built tukuls.

Envoys programs in Ethiopia work with both LinkEthiopia and the Yenege Tesfa Foundation to provide assistance to local communities. Following our philosophy for service learning, all projects are collaborative in nature.

tinent to real global issues and directly connected to the Ethiopian context. Potential project themes include: •

Envoys students pursue rigorous research projects before, during, • and after their programs. Students identify their project themes and • research questions through a process of consultation with school • leaders, academic experts, development practitioners, and business professionals. All projects are per-

The role of the diaspora in Ethiopian development. The development of sustainable energy sources. Social entrepreneurship in the Ethiopian context. Foreign partnerships for business and development in Africa.

ITINERARY This itinerary represents one possibility for the program. Envoys customizes every trip to ensure that our educational objectives are met.

DAY 1 Addis Ababa

DAY 2 Addis Ababa

We fly into Addis Ababa, the third-highest capital city in the world, and check into the Ras Hotel.

We set out to explore the bustling Piassa area, visit the historic Church of St George, and see “Lucy” in the National Museum.

DAY 3 Bahir Dar

DAY 4 Bahir Dar

DAY 5 Gondar

DAY 6 Simien Mountains

We take an early morning flight to the town of Bahir Dar and check into the beautiful Ghion Hotel, situated on scenic Lake Tana.

We take a bus journey to the sleepy village of Tis Abay, and cross the Blue Nile by boat. Finally, we hike to the splendid Tississat Falls (“the water that smokes”), one of the most dramatic waterfalls in Africa.

We take a morning drive around the vast Lake Tana, and move up through the highlands to the city of Gondar, the capital of Ethiopia during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.

Today brings us to the “rooftop of Africa,” the famed Simien Mountains. We travel by bus to the Simien Mountains National Park for hiking and picnicking among the ubiquitous gelada baboons.

DAY 7 Gondar

DAY 8 Gondar

DAY 9 Lalibela

DAY 10 Trek

The service learning portion of our trip takes place over the next two days.

All activities must: 1. Be proposed by our local partners and seen as essential to improving their operations. 2. Facilitate collaboration between volunteers and those that they serve.

We take an early morning flight to Lalibela, perhaps the most notable holy place in all of Africa.

We trek through the rugged countryside as guests of the communities, staying in traditional “Tekel” houses and visiting with local farmers.

DAY 11 Trek

DAY 12 Trek

DAY 13 Travel

DAY 14 Home

The combination of the physical trek and community interactions is geared to introduce students to a wider view of the world.

At regular points during the trek, Envoys staff conduct individual and group discussion sessions to scaffold the personal growth process. On the last day, we return to Lalibela to relax and reflect on our journey.

We take a morning flight to Addis Ababa for a final dinner and reflections on the trip.

Students return to the learning goals that they set for themselves and reflect on their progress, making plans for maintaining connections to Ethiopia after they return home.

UGANDA C

alled by many the “Pearl of Africa,” Uganda hosts a vast variety of wildlife in its rich, green, and pristine national parks. Envoys runs multiple programs within Uganda, focusing on animal conservation and service learning. Our trips take students on game drives in Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth National Parks and rafting trips along the White Nile River. We learn about conservation efforts for both gorillas and rhinoceroses, exploring the tensions between economic growth and the protection of natural habitats.

Envoys has partnered with Education Solutions Uganda, a Kampala-based organization dedicated to advancing literacy at the primary level, literature at the secondary level, and girls’ education in general. Our partnership allows Envoys students to engage in collaborative volunteer projects, connecting with Ugandan citizens and performing needed work. Envoys students also pursue rigorous research projects as part of their trip. Our pre-trip online courses assist students in identifying themes,

constructing research plans, and determining optimal outputs. Potential research topics include: •

• •

Comparison of animal conservation efforts by local and international actors. The role of advocacy in international development programs. The use of mother-tongue language in primary schools in multilingual countries.

ITINERARY This itinerary represents one possibility for the program. Envoys customizes every trip to ensure that our educational objectives are met.

DAY 1 Kampala

DAY 2 Kampala

The group arrives at Entebbe airport in the evening and drives straight to Kampala for the first night.

A tour of the city includes the cultural institutions of the Buganda kingdom and chances to “soak in” the ambience of a large African city.

DAY 3 Kampala

DAY 4 Lake Mburo

DAY 5 Bwindi

DAY 6 Bwindi

After a visit to art galleries and craft markets, and then a traditional Ugandan meal, the group departs for a four-hour drive to Lake Mburo National Park.

In the morning, we learn about the history of the economy behind wild animals in Africa, including from local farmers, “biggame” hunters, and photo-safari explorers.

The fifth day begins with a final game drive in Lake Mburo National Park. Students have a chance to take final photos of their favorite animals before we set out for the scenic five-hour drive to Bwindi.

Today offers a truly memorable experience; students have the opportunity to meet one of the most endangered species in the region: The mountain gorilla.

DAY 7 Queen Elizabeth National Park

DAY 8 Queen Elizabeth National Park

DAY 9 Crater Lakes

DAY 10 Kibale Forest

Students have their second experience with Ugandan National Parks, with an animal population substantively different than Lake Mburo.

A short trip to Lake Katwe gives the group an opportunity to witness the extreme conditions in which salt can be harvested in this mineral-rich region.

This day is spent exploring the stunning Crater Lake region surrounding Fort Portal.

We drive to the Kibale Forest National Park, where a short walk presents an opportunity for more bird watching and primate encounters.

DAY 11 Rhino Fund Uganda

DAY 12 Rhino Fund Uganda

DAY 13 Jinja

DAY 14 Home

The next two days provide an opportunity to visit the Rhino Fund, one of the most impressive conservation efforts in East Africa.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary’s mission is to apply sound conservation principles, whereby a safe environment is created in which rhinos can be conserved for future generations.

Today brings the opportunity to relax by the famed Lake Victoria, the largest tropical lake in the world and the source of the White Nile River.

Students return to the learning goals that they set for themselves and reflect on their progress, making plans for maintaining connections to Uganda after they return home.

MALAWI MICROFINANCE T

his landlocked nation is home students learn how microfinance to some 15 million people and a works “on-the-ground,” and have wide array of wildlife. the opportunity to collaborate with MLF on a variety of projects. All Envoys partner organization the Envoys programs in Malawi include MicroLoan Foundation USA (MLF) a donation to the MicroLoan Foundadelivers services through branch tion USA. offices and locally employed staff. MLF provides loans and training Envoys students pursue rigorous reto groups of 12-20 women to start search projects connected to the commercial enterprises. Loans typi- work of the MicroLoan Foundation in cally last four months, and average $80 Malawi. Students identify their proper individual. Envoys programs ject themes and research questions in Malawi bring students into di- through a process of consultation with rect contact with MLF ground staff school leaders, academic experts, and and the women they assist. Envoys development practitioners.

Potential project themes include: • • •

The benefits and costs of various methods of development aid. Best practices for microfinance institutions. Marketing and advocacy campaigns for development work.

ITINERARY This itinerary represents one possibility for the program. Envoys customizes every trip to ensure that our educational objectives are met.

DAY 1 Arrival

DAY 2 Lilongwe

We fly into Lilongwe Airport and transfer to our centrally located and comfortable hotel. After a thorough health and safety briefing, the evening is spent relaxing and sinking into the ambience of Africa.

The morning begins with a process of setting learning goals for the trip. Working with Envoys staff, students identify how they will separate themselves from the “educated tourists” and plan an investigation of a significant global problem of importance to them.

DAY 3 Myuu

DAY 4 Lake Mburo

DAY 5 Service Learning

DAY 6 Service Learning

We arrive at Myuu Wilderness Camp, situated on the banks of the Shire River, on the western boundary of the Liwonde National Park.

We rise early for a morning “game drive” along the Shire River. Opportunities abound to watch elephants, hippos, crocodiles, birds, and more.

For the next two days, students engage in assisting MicroLoan Foundation staff with a nearby project.

All activities must: 1. Be proposed by our local partners and seen as essential to improving their operations. 2. Facilitate collaboration between volunteers and those that they serve.

DAY 7 Mount Mulanje

DAY 8 MLF Groups

DAY 9 Travel

DAY 10 Lake Malawi

Today is our most physically rigorous of the expedition, as we set out to hike Mt. Mulanje.

After a relaxing morning at our mountainside lodge, we set out to visit with women’s groups funded by the MicroLoan Foundation.

We rise early and depart for Lake Malawi. After a lengthy journey by private bus, we settle into our lakeside accommodation and relax.

Today is spent enjoying the scenic beauty of Lake Malawi, whose unique ecological makeup has been compared to the Galapagos Islands.

DAY 11 Project Visits

DAY 12 Project Visits

DAY 13 Home

We spend our final days in Malawi visiting with MicroLoan Foundation village groups.

During the afternoon, students are challenged to develop their own projects related to the experiences that they’ve had during the trip.

Students return to the learning goals that they set for themselves and reflect on their progress, making plans for maintaining connections to Malawi after they return home.

UGANDA C

alled by many the “Pearl of Africa,” Uganda hosts a vast variety of wildlife in its rich, green, and pristine national parks. Envoys runs multiple programs within Uganda, focusing on animal conservation and service learning. Our trips take students on game drives in Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth National Parks, and rafting trips along the White Nile River. We learn about conservation efforts for both gorillas and rhinoceroses, exploring the tensions between economic growth and the protection of natural habitats.

constructing research plans, and determining optimal outputs. Potential research topics include: •

• •

ITINERARY This itinerary represents one possibility for the program. Envoys customizes every trip to ensure that our educational objectives are met.

DAY 1 Kampala

DAY 2 Kampala

The group arrives at Entebbe airport in the evening and drives straight to Kampala for the first night.

A tour of the city includes the cultural institutions of the Buganda kingdom and chances to â€œsoak inâ€? the ambience of a large African city.

DAY 3 Kampala

DAY 4 Sipi

DAY 5 Nyero Rock

DAY 6 Jinja

After a visit to art galleries and craft markets and a traditional Ugandan meal, the group departs for the five-hour drive to Sipi.

We spend the fourth day hiking at the foot of Mt. Elgon National Park, straddling the border of Uganda and Kenya. We hike to the breathtaking Sipi Falls.

We wake up early to drive to Nyero, where centuries-old rock paintings present a unique opportunity to learn about the Iron Age.

Today brings the opportunity to relax by the famed Lake Victoria, the largest tropical lake in the world and the source of the White Nile River.

DAY 7 Service Learning

DAY 8 Service Learning

DAY 9 Kampala

DAY 10 Home

Students and Envoys staff spend the next two days working with local community groups on development projects.

All activities must: 1. Be proposed by our local partners and seen as essential to improving their operations. 2. Facilitate collaboration between volunteers and those that they serve.

We return to Kampala for our final day in Africa.

Students return to the learning goals they set for themselves and reflect on their progress, making plans for maintaining connections to Uganda after they return home.

EAST AFRICAN T

his longer program moves through both Uganda and Ethiopia, providing the chance to witness the similarities and differences between these two fascinating countries. Envoys expeditions in East Africa bring students into the countryside to see Africa’s amazing wildlife and the richness of the vegetation. We pay special attention to conservation efforts and the gradual development of sustainable and ethical tourism in these countries.

As part of the East African trip, Envoys students pursue rigorous research projects on issues of global import. Students identify their project theme and research questions through a process of consultation with school leaders, academic experts, development practitioners, and business professionals, and engage in research during the trip.

Potential project themes include: • The changing African identity in the modern era. • “Wild Africa”: the role of the safari in the African economy. • The development of the local tourism industry.

ITINERARY This itinerary represents one possibility for the program. Envoys customizes every trip to ensure that our educational objectives are met.

DAY 1 Kampala

DAY 2 Kampala

DAY 3 Kampala

The group arrives at Entebbe Airport in the evening and drives straight to Kampala for the first night.

Our tour of the city includes the cultural institutions of the Buganda Kingdom and chances to “soak in” the ambience of a large African city.

After a visit to art galleries and craft markets and a traditional Ugandan meal, the group departs for a four-hour drive to Lake Mburo National Park.

DAY 4 Lake Mburo National Park

DAY 5 Lake Mburo National Park

DAY 6 Lake Mburo National Park

DAY 7 Travel

We spend the next three days in cabins on the shores of Lake Mburo.

We learn about the history of the economy involving wild animals from experts, including local farmers, “biggame” hunters, and photo-safari explorers.

Game drives and walks in the park give students their first chance to experience African wildlife, including buffaloes, zebras, hippopotamuses, and impalas.

DAY 8 Addis Ababa

DAY 9 Bahir Dar

DAY 10 Bahir Dar

DAY 11 Gondar

We set out to explore the bustling Piassa area and visit the historic Church of St George. Lunch is served at the Taitu Hotel, the oldest hotel in Ethiopia.

We take an early morning flight to the town of Bahir Dar and check into the beautiful Ghion Hotel, situated on the scenic Lake Tana.

We take a bus journey to the sleepy village of Tis Abay and cross the Blue Nile by boat. Finally, we hike to the splendid Tississat Falls (“the water that smokes”), one of the most dramatic falls in Africa.

We take a morning drive around the vast Lake Tana, and move up through the highlands to the city of Gondar, the capital of Ethiopia during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.

We rise early and head straight to Entebbe airport for our afternoon flight to Addis Ababa, where we check into the Ras Hotel and relax.

DAY 12 Simien Mountains

DAY 13 Lalibela

DAY 14 Trek

DAY 15 Trek

Today brings us to the “rooftop of Africa,” the famed Simien Mountains. We travel by bus to the Simien Mountains National Park for hiking and picnicking among the ubiquitous gelada baboons.

We take an early morning flight to Lalibela, perhaps the most notable holy place in all of Africa.

We trek through the rugged countryside as guests of the communities, staying in traditional “Tekel” houses and visiting with local farmers.

The combination of the physical trek and community interactions is geared to introduce students to a wider view of the world.

or several centuries now, the “Grand Tour” of Europe has stood as an educational rite of passage for young men and women from around the world. The continent’s dense mélange of diverse cultural heritages provides the perfect context for the development of global citizenship. “It’s a complex fate, being an American, and one of the responsibilities it entails is fighting against a superstitious valuation of Europe.” -Henry James, February 4, 1872 Envoys programs in Europe optimize learning and adventure across the continent. Europe’s great cities provide a cornucopia of experiences, as our students explore the grandeur of Rome, the Renaissance art of Florence, the gastronomic delights of Paris, the diversity of Brussels, and the vibrancy of modern Berlin. We also delve into the European countryside, visiting small towns and exploring how the larger European trends of warfare, immigration, reconciliation, and governance have affected the local populace.

In order to develop the skill set and perspective necessary for global competency, Envoys students pursue rigorous research projects as part of our European programs. Potential project themes and research questions for our European trips include: The benefits and costs of European integration: • How does turmoil in other countries affect local businesses in the French countryside? • Should the eurozone be divided? • What changes have occurred to the French economy and culture from European integration? The legacies of conflict in modern Europe: • How do perceptions of conflict differ across European nations? • How has the history of European conflict been taught across the continent? • How have European nations memorialized conflict? • How has the history of conflict influenced decisions on European integration? Students identify their project themes through a process of consultation with school leaders, academic experts, development practitioners, and business professionals. All projects are pertinent to real global issues and directly connected to the program destination.

EUROPEAN T

he development, expansion, and tension of the European Union is a subject of importance for the entire world. This multi-country trip takes students from the urban metropolises to the bucolic countryside, examining the history behind the EU’s formation and the tensions that have evolved.

sue rigorous research projects as tation with school leaders, academic part of their European journey. experts, development practitioners, and business professionals. All Potential project themes include: projects are directly connected to • The benefits and costs of the our European destinations and reEU integration model. sult in a variety of outputs, including • The legacies of conflict for documentary videos, informative modern Europe. presentations, staged debates, • The effect of integration on na- and published articles. tional identity.

In order to develop the skill set and perspective necessary for global Students identify their project competency, Envoys students pur- themes through a process of consul72

ITINERARY This itinerary represents one possibility for the program. Envoys customizes every trip to ensure that our educational objectives are met.

DAY 1 Paris

DAY 2 Paris

We land at Charles de Gaulle Airport and settle into one of the hotels of the MIJE, a non-profit organization offering ideal accommodations for young travelers in the historic Marais district.

We journey to the iconic Notre-Dame-de-Paris and continue our walking tour through the Latin Quarter, ending with a picnic on the Champs de Mars.

DAY 3 Paris

DAY 4 Paris

DAY 5 Paris

DAY 6 Strasbourg

We begin our ongoing discussion of an important theme: immigration, diversity, and exclusion in Europe.

We take the long and beautiful walk from the Louvre, through the Tuileries Gardens and down the ChampsElysées toward the Arc de Triomphe.

We travel by train to Méaux, a village neighboring the infamous World War I Battle of the Marne. We return to Paris in time to visit to the Carnival by the Tuileries Gardens.

We head east to Alsace-Lorraine, the long-disputed region of eastern France. We settle into Strasbourg, France– on the German border– and set out to explore this diverse city, including the stunning cathedral and La Petite France historic district.

DAY 7 Strasbourg

DAY 8 Strasbourg

DAY 9 Berlin

DAY 10 Berlin

In the afternoon, we have a guided tour of the European Parliament and the Council of Europe, both important engines and symbols of post-war integration in Europe.

Halfway through the trip–at what was once Europe’s most violently-disputed border–we reflect on the themes of warfare, immigration, reconciliation, and governance that we have begun to study.

Flying from Paris, we arrive in Berlin, often considered the coolest, most vibrant city in Europe.

Today, we undertake likely the most emotionally challenging experience at the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp.

DAY 11 Berlin

DAY 12 Brussels

DAY 13 Brussels

DAY 14 Home

We consider the fascinating history of a divided and disputed Cold War-era Berlin, introducing a broader geopolitical element into our study.

The final leg of our trip brings us to Brussels, capital of the European Union and embodiment of its political integration.

During our last full day, students turn to the ever-perplexing question of what Europe means for its many diverse and far-flung residents.

We enjoy our last European hours, reflecting in our closing ceremony on our discoveries and raising further questions before departure for home.

do it

STAFFING All Envoys trips are led by a team of field directors with regional expertise and extensive experience working with youth. Our field directors hold advanced degrees in international education, environmental science, international affairs, child psychology, and development economics. Envoys brings support staff from top universities to serve as â€œbridgeâ€? mentors for high school students. This model allows Envoys students to receive encouragement and guidance from mentors who truly understand the stresses of modern youth. All staff undergo a rigorous application and training process. 75

CURRICULUM & LESSONS

Envoys takes a comprehensive approach to preparing youth. We begin teaching months before the trip commences, using a series of online courses to prepare students for their experience. We build upon this foundation while in-country with a series of interdisciplinary lessons that support students to realize their individual learning goals. Following the trip, our students produce high-quality, meaningful outputs, extending and deepening their learning experience. 77

EVALUATIONS

Upholding the need for accountability in education, Envoys utilizes rigorous evaluations to drive performance and communicate our results to schools and families. Every lesson is fieldtested and regularly assessed for its effectiveness at meeting learning goals.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Envoys security team customizes risk management plans for every program. Our experienced medical team conducts training, checks equipment, and accompanies trips.

PARTNERSHIPS

Envoys partners with innovative teachers and schools to design lessons beyond the constraints of the classroom. We work directly with instructors to design lesson units that encompass our program activities, thus creating a single coherent and aligned learning experience for all students.

LOGISTICS

Each program has the full-time support of a dedicated team of operational experts. Envoys works closely with regional vendors to ensure the highest quality experiences for our students while supporting the development of local enterprises. All locations receive the same exacting attention to detail to maximize safety and the potential for learning.