Mehlville Tropical Ecology Summer Science Field Course to Costa Rica 2018

Outline of Presentation Welcome Intro to Travel & No Barriers Introduction to Costa Rica Itinerary Q&A

Why Educational Travel? Self Reflection Discover New Cultures

Why Educational Travel? Explore New Ecosystems Challenge Yourself

Why Educational Travel? Make a Difference Make New Friends

Why Educational Travel? Have Fun!

Global Explorers Educational Adventure Programs Science Ecotourism Culture/Service/Leadership

Three-Phase Program Preparatory Curriculum International Expedition Global Citizenship Project

Why Costa Rica World Leader in Conservation & Sustainable Development High Biodiversity Species & Ecosystems Safe & Well-Traveled Science: coastal ecosystems, cloud forest, ecology, conservation biology Culture: visit local communities, interact with local people Service: engage in service side-by-side with local ommunity members Leadership: take some time to reflect in this stunning place!

Science Rainforest – sleep there!, day hikes, night hikes, see 3 different types Agriculture – commercial, independent/organic, sustainability Research – Biological station, Uga Conservation – rainforest, wildlife Impacts – local/global

Ecotourism International topics – how we impact others Kayak/Zipline/Horseback riding Shopping Beach & Sea Turtle watching Staying in the rainforest

Culture Humanitarian work – daycare, orphanage, school visits Immigration/labor topics Food Dance/Music Soccer game!

Why Costa Rica Home to more than 5% of total world species 0.03% of planet’s surface: size of West Virginia 23.4% of the country’s territory is protected

Who Travels With You Mr. Farley & Ms. Bock Global Explorers Expedition Leader (Alexa) At least one local Various other scientists, guides, and educators will join us

What’s a Typical Day? 7:30am Breakfast – Fresh fruit and local fare! 9 – 12n Morning Workshop Session – school visit 12 – 1pm lunch – Freshly caught fish, rice, plantains 1 – 2:30pm Reflection – Journal, group circle 2:30 – 5:30pm Afternoon Workshop – ziplining! 5:30 – 6:30pm Reflection – Journal, group circle 6:30 – 7:30pm Dinner – Local and delicious! 7:30 – 9:30pm Evening Program – Night hike 9:30 – 10pm Wind down, prep for tomorrow 10pm – 7am Sleep!

Draft Itinerary 1 – Travel to San Jose, Check-in, Dinner 2 – Day Care Visit, Drive to Rainforest! 3 – Rainforest Hike, Pineapple Tour 4 – Local School, Harvest Dinner, Dancing Lesson 5 – Visit Orphanage, Boat Ride across Lake Arenal

Draft Itinerary 6 – Horseback Riding, Cooking Lesson 7 – Ziplining, Drive to Coast 8 – Beach Day, Soccer with Local, Turtle Walk 9 – School Visit, Souvenir Shopping, Drive Back to San Jose 10 – Travel Home!

Global Citizenship Project Going away from home makes home more important!

Money Matters Program Cost $ 3,475 Miscellaneous* $ 200 Total Est. Cost $ 3,675

What does the program include? 1 year’s science elective credit All food, lodging, travel Guides, staff and tips All Excursions (kayak/ziplining, tours, etc.) Preparatory books and curriculum T-shirts, journals and travel guides Staff support for logistics of preparing THE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME!

Tropical Ecology Requirements Pre-travel hours completed during second semester We’ll meet twice a month January - May This is required for course credit! You must commit! We will also take at least one field trip Grade will be posted as an elective summer course (maybe?)

Fundraising Based on group interest NBY Website

Schedule October – Sign up, start paperwork, deposit December – Start online payments through May January – Apply for passport, start meetings February – Give passport and paperwork copies to Mr. Farley May – Last payment! finish meetings, end of the school year pre-trip meeting July – Trip!!! (we’ll have a pizza party the week before) By October – Post trip service project

Next Steps Bring teacher recommendation form to interview with Mr. Farley to receive enrollment information Deposit and Billing Enrollment by end of November Group solidified by end of 1st Semester Families are signed-up for Online Billing Pay via monthly schedule Classes start in January