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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S WH O WE ARE

WH AT WE D O

H OW WE D O IT

WH ERE WE TRAVE L

W HO WE A R E Envoys is an organization created by and for educators. We work with innovative schools to expand the boundaries of possibility for global education programming. Envoys programs are designed and implemented as collaboration between school faculty and Envoys trip leaders, support staff, and curricular team. Upholding our mandate for community development, intercultural understanding, and empathy, we partner with carefully selected experts at home and in our destination countries to ensure the highestquality educational experience.

W HAT WE DO E M PAT HY, UN DE RSTA N DING, R E S P EC T

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

GLOB A L C IT IZ E N S HIP

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

C U LT U RA L COM PE T E NCY

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

DIS COVE RY OF PASS IONS E N R IC H E D L EA R N IN G

Envoys empowers students to take charge of their own journey in life Envoys brings intentional and rigorous education outside of the classroom, ensuring that students appreciate the richness of the world around them

Envoys is a proud advocate for the Partnership for Global Learning, an innovative membership network providing leadership and structure to move international education from the margins to the mainstream. We take our definition of global competency from the work of the PGL’s task force: GLOBAL COMPETENCE IS THE CAPACITY AND DISPOSITION TO UNDERSTAND AND ACT ON ISSUES OF GLOBAL SIGNIFICANCE.

Globally competent students are able to: • Investigate the world beyond their immediate environment, framing significant problems and conducting well-crafted research. • Recognize perspectives, others’ and their own, articulating and explaining such perspectives thoughtfully and respectfully. • Communicate ideas effectively with diverse audiences, bridging geographic, linguistic, ideological, and cultural barriers. • Take action to improve conditions, viewing themselves as players in the world and participating reflectively.

Envoys has dedicated itself to complementing the work of schools and families in building these competencies. Each of our programs facilitates the investigation of specific global issues, while also building a set of transferable skills. We integrate online courses, experiential learning activities, individualized research plans, and quality project outputs to ensure that students are prepared for the world.

HOW WE DO IT BEFORE

DURING

AFTER

• PREPARATORY COURSES

• COMMUNITY INTERACTIONS

• SCHOOL REPORTS

• GROUP MEETINGS

• SITE VISITS WITH LOCAL EXPERTS

• STUDENT REPORTS

• FACULTY TEAM TRAINING

• EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

• EXTENSION ACTIVITIES WITH

• CROSS-CULTURAL EXCHANGES • COMFORT ZONE EXPANSION

LOCAL PARTNERS

“ALL ASPECTS OF THE PROGRAM FLOWED BEAUTIFULLY. THEY WERE METICULOUSLY ORGANIZED AND SEAMLESSLY EXECUTED.” ~ M A A J A , T R AV E L I N G F A C U LT Y ( 2 0 1 5 )

“TIME IS ALWAYS OF THE ESSENCE AND ENVOYS ALLOWED US TO EXPERIENCE THE COUNTRY IN THE MOST USEFUL WAY POSSIBLE.” ~RICHARD, STUDENT (2015)

HEALTH AND SAFETY PRIVATE EMERGENCY RESPONSE SERVICE

ONLINE TRIP-TRACKING

ON-CALL EXPERT MEDICAL ADVISORY

Envoys assumes a duty of care for the participants on our programs. While no one can guarantee safety, we undertake a multi-stage process to mitigate risk.

SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS

ADVANCED CHECKLIST SYSTEM

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TRAINED FIELD STAFF

“[ENVOYS] KNOWS KIDS EXTREMELY WELL...THEY KNOW HOW TO BE COOL WITH THEM WHILE STILL COMMANDING AUTHORITY AND ESTABLISHING GROUND RULES...I WAS INCREDIBLY IMPRESSED WITH THE PROTOCOLS ESTABLISHED AND PUT IN PLACE BY ENVOYS.” ~MICAH, TRAVELING FACULTY (2015)

HOW WE PARTNER WITH COMMUNITIES Envoys believes that our responsibility to develop cross-cultural understanding and build essential skills extends to the communities with whom we interact.

In 2013, we partnered with the Grassroots Business Fund, making a commitment to support entrepreneurs and enterprises that provide sustainable economic opportunities to thousands of people at the base of the economic pyramid.

With all of our local partners and in all of our travels, we endeavor to model the empathic, collaborative, and respectful behaviors that are inherent qualities for global citizens.

ENVOYS S E TS OUT THE FOLL O WI NG O BJ E CT I V E S F O R T HE CO MMUN I T I E S I N W H I C H W E T R AV E L COMMUNITY MEMBERS

• Maintain and exercise control over the extent and focus of our interactions • Develop perspective of foreigners as people with whom they can interact and collaborate on equal terms • Demonstrate increased proficiency in cross-cultural communications • Have increased pride in their cultural traditions and way of life • Have increased efficacy in decisionmaking around the type and extent of interactions with foreigners

TOURISM VENDORS

• Maintain decision-making power over all aspects of their operations • Perceive themselves as valued contributors to the global tourism sector • Understand how to align operational standards for school groups • Increase their capacity to provide high-quality services • Increase their capacity to negotiate with visitors from abroad

N O N - P R O F I T O R G A N I Z AT I O N S

• Maintain and exercise control over the extent and focus of our interactions • Demonstrate increases in knowledge and support for their work • Receive desired contributions in accordance with the educational services that they have provided • Increase their capacity to work with foreign groups

“MANY STUDENT GROUPS PARTICIPATE IN ‘VOLUNTOURISM’. THIS TRIP DID NOT ATTEMPT THAT, BUT RATHER FUNNELED THE COLLECTIVE ENERGY OF EACH MEMBER INTO MEANINGFUL, MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL CULTURAL INTERACTIONS...THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS UNFORGETTABLE AND TRANSFORMATIONAL EXPERIENCE.” ~ALTANA, STUDENT (2016)

H OW WE PA R TNER WI T H S C H O O L S Envoys is an organization created by and for educators. We have seen the demands placed on teachers for a global approach to education and the need for accountable and dedicated support to meet those demands. Envoys recognizes the necessity of experiences outside of the classroom to develop globally competent youth. We believe that educational travel must meet the same high expectations that have been placed on the rest of the education sector.

This requires: A COHERENT VISION OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT

Programs must be designed to facilitate the investigation of globally significant issues and develop transferable skills.

E VA L U A T I O N S O F OUTCOMES

Teaching for understanding requires a demonstration of that learning. Evaluations are necessary to prove a program’s worth to all stakeholders.

FOCUSED, RESEARCHBASED CURRICULUM

Every lesson and every activity must be intentional. A program’s flexibility must be in response to the educational needs of its students.

E T H O S O F I N N O VA T I O N FOR SUCCESS

Program improvement is a continual process. Today’s ceiling must be tomorrow’s floor.

Envoys partners with innovative teachers and schools from around the world to expand education beyond the classroom doors. We begin by conducting interviews and participatory workshops for administrators, teachers, parents, and/or students to discover goals for global education. Envoys staff outline the intersections between the school’s needs and research-based approaches to global education, and craft a program proposal tailored to the particular school to the elements to the partner school:

Throughout the process of planning, preparation, and execution, Envoys works hand-in-hand with faculty members to ensure that the program is integrated into the life of the school and the educational needs of students are being met. Envoys is proud to work with the talented faculty and students from some of the best schools in the world, including: • • • • • • • • • •

The American School of Paris The Dalton School Deerfield Academy Friends Seminary Hathaway Brown Lower Canada College Phillips Exeter Academy Phillips Andover Academy St. Mark’s School and more!

“WITH ITS EMPHASIS ON EMPATHY AND GENERAL INTELLIGENCE IN PLANNING, ENVOYS HAS QUICKLY EMERGED AS A PREMIER GLOBAL PROGRAM PROVIDER. THEY ARE WELL WORTH THE ATTENTION OF ANY OF OUR SCHOOLS” ~ PA U L M I L L E R FO R M E R D I R E C TO R O F G L O B A L I N I T I AT I V E S , N A I S

PL AN NING T IM ELINE

“I COULD NOT HAVE BEEN MORE SATISFIED WITH THE PERFORMANCE OF ENVOYS THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE PROCESS OF PLANNING AND EXECUTING THIS TRIP. ALL ENVOYS STAFF DEMONSTRATED THE UTMOST PROFESSIONALISM AND DEDICATION, AS WELL AS KNOWLEDGE AND COMPETENCE. I AM SO GLAD THAT [WE] CHOSE TO PARTNER WITH ENVOYS!” ~ R I C K , T R AV E L I N G F A C U LT Y ( 2 0 1 5 )

WH E R E WE T RAVEL

“ I T WA S N OT O N LY T H E G O O D TIMES WITH OUR FRIENDS OR T H E R E L AT I O N S H I P S W E B U I LT B U T H OW W E W E R E A F T E R W E C A M E B AC K , R E T U R N I N G TO T H I S AG I TAT E D S O C I E T Y W I T H A N E W V I E W O F O U R S E LV E S A N D N OT J U S T O U R I M PAC T O N T H E WO R L D, B U T T H E WO R L D ’ S I M PAC T O N U S .” ~GABRIELA, STUDENT (2014)

TRAVEL WITH US!

“ I D O N ’ T T H I N K I T I S P O S S I B L E TO P U L L A T R I P L I K E T H E A M A ZO N A N D T H E M A N Y AC T I V I T I E S T H AT YO U D I R E C T E D W I T H O U T T H E S E N S E O F P U R P O S E YO U H AV E , W I T H O U T YO U R D R I V E F O R E X P E R I E N T I A L L E A R N I N G F O R T E E N AG E R S . A L L O U R E X P E R I E N C E S W I T H T H E E N VOYS T E A M W E R E AMAZING!” ~ A N G E L A , T R AV E L I N G F A C U LT Y ( 2 0 1 5 )

COLOMBIA With Colombia’s turbulent past rapidly receding, international visitors are joyously rediscovering the remarkable diversity and warmth of this traditional Gateway to South America. The geographic location and close political relationship to the United States ensures that Colombia will continue to rebuild its historical role as a regional leader. With operational headquarters in Bogota, Envoys has strong connections throughout the country, allowing us to explore a wide range of destinations and programmatic themes within the birthplace of “magical realism.”

“ T H E T R I P E XC E E D E D M Y E X P E C TAT I O N S I N E V E RY WAY A N D I C A N ’ T T H A N K YO U E N O U G H F O R T H I S L I F E - C H A N G I N G E X P E R I E N C E F O R M E A N D F O R O U R ST U D E N TS .” ~ E R I C , T R AV E L I N G F A C U LT Y ( 2 0 1 5 )

PERU The stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and friendly locals of the â€˜Land of the Incasâ€™ provide a wonderful context for global learning. Home to snow-capped mountains, giant sand dunes, flocks of tropical birds, the largest rainforest on Earth, Peru puts its natural beauty on full display. Envoys programs utilize these diverse environments as a backdrop for learning about the Inca Empire and modern day life of both urban and rural Peruvians. We explore a wide array of urban, archaeological, and natural sites, switching our frame of reference from historical to economic to scientific, thereby deepening our appreciation for one of the most diverse countries in South America.

“ T H E E N VOYS STA F F P R OV I D E D A WA R M A N D S U P P O R T I V E E N V I R O N M E N T F O R M E TO F E E L CO M F O R TA B L E A N D E N J OY M YS E L F. T H E Y W E R E A L S O A L L I N T E R E ST I N G P E O P L E I E N J OY E D TA L K I N G W I T H .”

~ YO N G - H U N , S T U D E N T ( 2 0 1 5 )

ARGENTINA Argentina is simultaneously a case study for success and ‘should haves”. With bountiful natural resources, a highly educated and diverse population, and an industrialized economy, Argentina is a strong member of the G-20 group of economic powers.

As the birthplace of the tango, Che Guevara, and Jorge Luis Borges (not to mention Lionel Messi), Argentina’s cultural and historical legacies have impacts that spread far beyond its borders. However, since reaching a peak of the world’s seventhwealthiest nation in 1920, the twentieth century has seen Argentina follow an often-tortuous path of political turmoil and economic crisis. Traveling through and experiencing this vital and vibrant nation creates the perfect context for considering development models and the role of external forces in mitigating (or exacerbating) crises.

BRAZIL Brazil has often been categorized as a grand Latin American success story, and the land of “the biggest in the world” has become increasingly critical to the global conversation. As Brazil parades onto the world stage in full color, some could conclude that this is the start of the Samba Century.

However, it’s not all just spectacular sporting events, international environmental conferences, and singing animated birds. Intermingled with the party atmosphere, there are persistent social, political, and economic challenges that many believe will hold Brazil back from realizing its moment in the spotlight. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, Envoys’ programming utilizes Brazil’s history, culture, ecology, and economy to discover how the country has arrived at this moment in its history, and what actions may be necessary to keep the “samba beat” alive.

“ I L E AR N E D A LOT AB O U T THE P EO P LE AN D T HEI R C U LT U R E , A ND THE WAY THEY APPR OACH SITUAT I O N S .” ~COCO, STUDENT (2015)

PANAMA Panama has long been an attractive tourist destination, given the ease of travel and wide array of experiences. A profoundly diverse country where indigenous cultures, local farmers, scientific researchers, and international corporations cohabit provides access to a wide spectrum of learning opportunities. Envoysâ€™ programs in Panama take students deep into the country, investigating current cultural and environmental challenges, engaging with indigenous peoples, and participating in ongoing research. We take full advantage of this remarkable country, where where visitors can enjoy two different oceans, visit the mountains and the rainforest, learn about native cultures, and experience vibrant urban life.

“WE H A D A N A M A Z I N G PR OGRAM . I T WAS A B I OLOGY TE ACHER’S DREAM A N D FE L I P E A N D H I S C R EW COULD N’T HAV E B EEN M ORE THOROU G H AND P RO FE SS I O N A L TO WOR K W I TH. THA NKS FOR ALL OF YOU R EFFORTS TO O RGA N IZ E A N U N F O R G ETTAB LE EX PER I ENCE FOR US ALL.” ~ G E R R Y, T R AV E L I N G F A C U LT Y ( 2 0 1 5 )

GALAPAGOS The 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 innovative educational programs in the Galapagos that approach learning through an interdisciplinary pedagogical method. Through a blend of focused instruction, interactive activities, and real-life adventures, students expand their knowledge in both the sciences and the humanities, connecting academic subjects with the beauty of nature. Given the historical context of Darwinâ€™s research, the Galapagos Islands provide the perfect context for these connections to form.

“E N VOYS CA R E F U L LY CO NSTR UC TED AN ED UCATI ONAL TRIP FOR STU DENTS T H AT P U R P OSE F U L LY E N GAGED THEM TO THI NK , R EFLECT, ACT, AND E N J OY. T H E TRAV E L LO G I STI C S W ER E A LWAYS W ELL- PLANNED, AND I HAD P E AC E O F M I N D K N OW I NG THAT M Y TEEN-AGED DAUG HTE R WAS IN SAFE , RE S P O N S I B L E , A N D CA R I NG HA NDS .” ~ A L I C E , PA R E N T ( 2 0 1 5 )

CUBA Cuba’s history is a mixture of turmoil, tragedy, and triumphs. Envoys brings students into the past and present of the island, applying theoretical frameworks on development and politics to analyze what they observe.

Discovering what it means to live in a centralized economy, cut off from the engine of the world’s financial system, presents a tremendous challenge for participants, as well as a truly unique opportunity. During our travels, we move between hotels and carefullyscreened ‘Casas Particulares’, small homes that have been opened for visitors. The power of engaging in quotidian experiences as an outsider provides a direct path towards understanding the true nature of Cuba. We learn from and share experiences with the Cuban people and travel between the urban and rural landscapes of the country, gathering data through which we can understand the fascinating developmental history of this ‘island’ of the world’.

JAMAICA The birthplace of Bob Marley holds a special position in the Caribbean, standing as a living memorial to the lasting effects of illicit trade and European imperialism. We utilize the country and its people to delve into these issues head-on, confronting the past through explorations of the present. Students learn about Jamaican culture by exploring the art and architecture of Kingston and traveling to Ocho Rios on the North Coast to experience the beauty of the countryside. While traveling, we highlight the lasting effects of globalization on between cultural patterns and economic development. Students engage in debates and discussions on the relative merits of tourism and changes to local economies.

“ E N VOYS H E L P E D T H E P R O G RA M R U N S M O OT H LY BY M A K I N G S U R E E V E RY T H I N G WAS A LWAYS I N O R D E R , T RA N S L AT I N G , P R OV I D I N G F O O D, A N D T RA N S P O R TAT I O N . T H I S T R I P WO U L D N OT H AV E B E E N P O S S I B L E W I T H O U T T H E M .” ~JACKIE, STUDENT (2015)

CHINA On February 22nd, 1784, the Empress of China left New York City harbor bound for Canton. This maiden voyage from the newly independent United States reinforced a longstanding route between West and East.

Centuries later, the connections between China and the rest of the world have deepened considerably, creating a wealth of opportunities for those with the ability to move between cultures. Envoys programs provide early opportunities to begin this process, while also engaging with the issues and untold stories of the vast majority of the Chinese population. In the midst of a race to get ahead in the fastest changing economy in the world, ordinary Chinese people struggle through a myriad of social and political obstacles. Students better understand the complex realities surrounding the role of â€˜permanent migrantsâ€™ in Chinaâ€™s economic rise, and the extant social problems.

“THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS AMAZING EXPERIENCE. I WILL REMEMBER THIS FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE. I HAVE GOTTEN CLOSE TO THE TENNOJI KIDS AND OUR FRIENDSHIPS WILL LAST FOREVER. I AM MORE THAN GRATEFUL FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY. THANK YOU AGAIN.”

~ M A T T, S T U D E N T ( 2 0 1 5 )

JAPAN ADO P T, ADAP T, A D E P T.

Throughout history, the Japanese have followed this three-step approach to localizing and improving ideas and artifacts to fit within their cultural milieu. This tradition of refinement has created a culture that is reflective of the world, yet uniquely Japan. During the post-war period, Japan achieved rapid economic growth, becoming a highly advanced nation in many ways. At the same time, Japan is experiencing the pressure to adapt to change, such as its aging population, which many countries around the world may undergo in the near future. Envoys programs in Japan explore the social issues affecting the nation, examining Japan in its position as a nation both like and unlike every other.

“ T HE E N VOYS STAFF ALWAYS HAD O U R BACKS AN D CO UL D A LWAYS I M P ROVE THE G RO U P ’S FEEL I N G AND H E L P U S WH EN NEEDED.” ~ANNA, STUDENT (2015)

SRI LANKA Sri Lankaâ€™s deep harbors and geographic centrality gave the country strategic importance during the age of European imperialism, which has continued to the present day. The history of colonialism, the development of tea plantations, and the rich Buddhist culture provide a series of generative topics through which Envoys students can develop the skillsets related to global competency. In Sri Lanka, we work with local NGOs focused on empowering economically disadvantaged children and youth by enhancing their access to education, mentoring, and employment opportunities. These deep connections allow students to gain real insight into the process of sustainable development.

“A S A PA R E N T I F E LT T H E E X P E R I E N C E WAS W E L L O R C H E ST RAT E D A N D M A N AG E D BY E N VOYS . AS A PA R T I C I PA N T M Y DAU G H T E R LOV E D T H E W H O L E E X P E R I E N C E ; I T I S S O M E T H I N G S H E W I L L T R E AS U R E F O R T H E R E ST O F H E R L I F E .” ~ L I N DA , PA R E N T ( 2 0 1 5 )

SOUTH KOREA With countless outbound international students, the site of the ‘Miracle on the Han’ has connections throughout the world. These relationships, along with the growing popularity of Korean fashion and film to music and cuisine, has made South Korea the preeminent conveyor of ‘modern Asian’ culture to the West.

South Korea now stands as a global industrial powerhouse, known around the world for advances in shipbuilding, steelworking, and electronics. This climb, however, has created a mania for competitiveness that has given rise to elevated rates of depression, alcoholism, and suicide. Envoys programs examine what it means to be “Korean” in the modern age, looking at the benefits and costs of the countries dramatic development story. We also delve into the painful aspects of Korean history, meeting with defectors from the DPRK and learning about the ongoing difficulties of the divided nation.

THAILAND Friendly and fun loving, exotic and tropical, cultured and historic, Thailand radiates a golden hue from its glittering temples and tropical beaches through to the ever-comforting Thai smile. Envoys utilizes its strong connections throughout the country to go beyond tourist activities and explore the unique subtleties of Thai culture. From the concept of sanuk to the intricate beauty of Buddhist rituals, we explore a wide variety of aspects of Thai culture. We also examine the importance of the tourism industry for Thailandâ€™s economy and the effects of tourism on the traditional cultural rhythms, seeking to determine what balance might be achieved.

“ T H E STA F F WA S I N C R E D I B L E . N OT O N LY D I D T H E Y B R I N G F U N A N D K N OW L E D G E B U T T H E Y W E R E I N C R E D I B LY K I N D.” ~HELEN, STUDENT (2015)

MOROCCO The breathtaking scenery, great diversity, and famous hospitality of the Moroccan people provide a wonderful context for our programs. A melting pot of histories, religions, and cultures that debunk the notion that civilizations are destined to clash outright, Morocco is an ideal setting for students to develop cross-cultural competencies, and deepen their knowledge of Islam and other religious traditions found in the country. As we move through the country and interact with local communities, students discover how different religious and ethnic groups have harmoniously coexisted for centuries and why Morocco is still a global center for Islamic scholarship.

ETHIOPIA Africaâ€™s oldest independent country, Ethiopia stands as a symbol of African pride. It has a unique cultural heritage, with ongoing Orthodox Christian ceremonies dating back hundreds of years, as well some of the most important archaeological sites in the world. Ethiopiaâ€™s storied and sovereign history has left its

wide-ranging and fertile highlands laden with historical treasures, ranging from the ancient tombs and obelisks of Aksum to 17th-century castles. Envoys trips in Ethiopia move from the fast-growing Addis Ababa to the historical capitals of Gondar and Lalibela. Our appreciation for the wild beauty of the landscape is developed through our mountain treks, staying with local communities in specially built tukuls. Our partners facilitate collaborative service programs that strengthen empathic understanding and diminish perceptions of superiority or dependency, demonstrating both the harsh realities of this povertystricken nation as well as the potential for economic and social growth.

“THE ENVOYS STAFF HAD CLEAR KNOWLEDGE ABOUT SOUTH AFRICA AND WERE VERY OPEN ABOUT SHARING THEIR FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCES, WHICH WAS A GAME-CHANGER IN TERMS OF LEARNING ABOUT POST-APARTHEID SOUTH AFRICA. HAVING EVERYTHING PLANNED TO THE T MADE ME FEEL VERY SAFE; I KNEW I WAS IN GOOD HANDS.” ~GIO, STUDENT (2016)

SOUTH AFRICA “The past is never dead. It isn’t even past.” No modern country illustrates Faulkner’s meaning better than modern-day South Africa. Since the end of apartheid, South Africa is a country that believes in the future, but must confront the modern legacies of stark inequality on a daily basis. Envoys moves through urban, rural, and township communities, meeting with locals and learning about their personal histories and ongoing struggles. Ultimately, the choices made by South Africans to reconcile the history of racial subjugation with the future of a multicultural democracy hold lessons that every country, and every person, must learn.

MALAWI Malawi is known as the “warm heart of Africa” and “Africa for beginners”. The stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and friendly locals provide a wonderful context for student explorations of the continent.

While we engage fully with the beauty that the country has to offer, our travels do not gloss over the harsh realities of life in one of the poorest countries on the planet. We engage with a range of organizations working on community development and microfinance initiatives, learning about the detailed work that goes into bettering the lives of others. We also engage directly with local communities, building a better understanding of the differences between our cultural and economic contexts while learning to appreciate the connections stemming from our globalized economy and our common humanity.

~ M AT I L D E , S T U D E N T ( 2 0 1 4 )

Cambridge, MA 02142 One Broadway 14th Floor 1 (800) 515 6523 www.envoys.com info@envoys.com ENVOYS INTERNATIONAL Bogotá – Colombia Cra. 11B # 98-08 Of: 501 PBX: (571) 6910684