Ecuador - Galapagos and Highlands
Ecuador - Galapagos and Highlands: Student Application June 20-July 4, 2016 (approximate) Poly Prep Country Day School Priority APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, November 6
Program Description: The trip to Ecuador will be a science-oriented outdoors expedition, with additional benefits of learning about the cultures of Ecuador. It is designed for students with both a curiosity for how biological and geological systems have developed and changed over time and a willingness to take on the challenges of an adventure. Culture, history, sustainability and service will also be woven into the trip through authentic connections with local people. The Galapagos Islands are most famous for the observational work done there by Charles Darwin in the 19th century. These observations were key to his development of the theory of natural selection. Additionally, the islands are an important learning and study center for geologic activity as they were formed relatively recently (three to four million years ago) by hotspot volcanoes, some of which are still active. The mountainous areas near Quito also have significant elements to contribute to student understanding of these subjects. This trip will provide students with the opportunities to compare these two important biodiversity hotspots. We will be spending 7-8 days in the Galapagos Islands and 3-4 in the highlands area near Quito, with the remaining days devoted to travel. In the Galapagos Islands, we will stay in small hotels on the islands, thus experiencing the local culture more completely than we would by staying overnight on a boat. Activities will include hiking, snorkeling and bicycling. Chaperones and eco-guides will work together to provide context and meaning to the experiences and will lead daily reflection periods that will serve to keep us together as a group and to maintain a positive and forward looking attitude. The trip will be organized and co-led by the professional expedition company, Chill Expeditions, and will include guides who have been trained in first aid and water safety. Eligibility: The trip is designed for 11-14 students and is open to current upper school students (graduating seniors are included). Those who are selected to participate will be required to attend two to three information sessions in the spring to prepare for the trip. We will help students understand how evolution, ecosystems and geology from their science classes will be brought to life on the trip. It is also important for students to be prepared for outdoor activities of the trip. While strong swimming ability is not required, it is expected that all students will get in the water. There will be flotation devices available as needed. For students needing some aquatic experience, we can arrange to use the Poly pool before the trip. (Please see Ms. Van Ryn if this poses a concern for you – I’m happy to work with students who think they cannot do it.) Students who are chosen to go on the trip will be o Mature o Interested in active learning o Willing to try outdoors activities, including hiking, snorkeling and tree planting; o Able to respect other members of the group and work cooperatively with them o Willing to reflect upon their experiences with the group
Fees, Financial Aid, and Contributions: The trip will cost between $6900 and $7500 with a deposit of $1500.00 due by check with the application on November 6th. Checks should be made out to Poly Prep. Deposits are non-refundable for students who are accepted to travel; however, if you are not chosen for the trip, or if Poly is unable to meet your financial aid requirements, then your deposit check will be returned. The cost of the trip will be finalized once we are certain of how many students will participate. Applications and deposits should be turned in to Ms. Van Ryn, the primary leader on this trip. It is of utmost importance to the Poly community that all interested travelers apply to participate. There is a limited amount of financial aid available for student travelers, and we will do our best to offer the financial assistance you may require acknowledging that there is no guarantee of our ability to assist all applicants. Please note the following: The deadline to request financial assistance is Friday, November 6, 2015 (not available to current 12th graders) If you plan to request financial aid, your parent(s) must e-mail Carrie Quigley, Director of Ancillary Programs, at [email protected] by Friday, November 6, 2015. Priority for financial aid distribution on all trips will be given to students in need who have not previously received financial assistance to travel internationally with Poly Prep. Students applying for financial aid must still submit a trip deposit to demonstrate commitment; the amount of the deposit may be determined by the family and will be refunded if Poly Prep is unable to meet your financial requirements. If you would be interested in making a financial contribution toward this trip in an effort to assist students who require financial support to participate, please contact Ms. VanRyn.
Application: Please answer the following questions and turn in your responses to Ms. Van Ryn. Your responses should include a heading with your name and grade level. Additionally, your deposit check* is due with your essay. (Please note that the deposit check amount may be adjusted if your parent has spoken to Ms. Quigley regarding financial aid). 1. What interests you about going on this trip and what do you expect to get out of it? 2. Have you had experience traveling to any other foreign country? Please describe your experience(s). 3. How do you anticipate contributing to the group dynamic? 4. Ability to do physical activities: are you able to comfortably walk 3 miles? Please describe your swimming abilities. If you are a non-swimmer, are you willing to try to be in the water with a flotation device (including at least one successful attempt at Poly before leaving on the trip)? Do you know how to ride a bicycle (this is not required, but I need to know how many can/cannot do it so I can modify the trip if need be)? 5. Please provide the name of one Poly teacher who we could talk to for a verbal recommendation about your ability to be a mature member of the group. Deadline for priority application essays and deposits: Friday, November 6th. Please bring completed applications and deposits to Ms. Van Ryn, Science Building, 2nd floor or Ms. Tandon, Science Building, 4th floor. If you have further questions about the trip do not hesitate to email or call Ms. Van Ryn [email protected]; ext. 6033 or Ms. Tandon [email protected], ext. 6700.
Program Description: The trip to Ecuador will be a science-oriented outdoors expedition, with additional benefits of learning about the cultures of Ecuador. It is designed for students with both a curiosity for how biological and geological systems have developed and changed over time and a willingness to take on the challenges of an adventure. Culture, history, sustainability and service will also be woven into the trip through authentic connections with local people. The Galapagos Islands are most famous for the observational work done there by Charles Darwin in the 19th century. These observations were key to his development of the theory of natural selection. Additionally, the islands are an important learning and study center for geologic activity as they were formed relatively recently (three to four million years ago) by hotspot volcanoes, some of which are still active. The mountainous areas near Quito also have significant elements to contribute to student understanding of these subjects. This trip will provide students with the opportunities to compare these two important biodiversity hotspots. We will be spending 7-8 days in the Galapagos Islands and 3-4 in the highlands area near Quito, with the remaining days devoted to travel. In the Galapagos Islands, we will stay in small hotels on the islands, thus experiencing the local culture more completely than we would by staying overnight on a boat. Activities will include hiking, snorkeling and bicycling. Chaperones and eco-guides will work together to provide context and meaning to the experiences and will lead daily reflection periods that will serve to keep us together as a group and to maintain a positive and forward looking attitude. The trip will be organized and co-led by the professional expedition company, Chill Expeditions, and will include guides who have been trained in first aid and water safety. Eligibility: The trip is designed for 11-14 students and is open to current upper school students (graduating seniors are included). Those who are selected to participate will be required to attend two to three information sessions in the spring to prepare for the trip. We will help students understand how evolution, ecosystems and geology from their science classes will be brought to life on the trip. It is also important for students to be prepared for outdoor activities of the trip. While strong swimming ability is not required, it is expected that all students will get in the water. There will be flotation devices available as needed. For students needing some aquatic experience, we can arrange to use the Poly pool before the trip. (Please see Ms. Van Ryn if this poses a concern for you – I’m happy to work with students who think they cannot do it.) Students who are chosen to go on the trip will be o Mature o Interested in active learning o Willing to try outdoors activities, including hiking, snorkeling and tree planting; o Able to respect other members of the group and work cooperatively with them o Willing to reflect upon their experiences with the group
Fees, Financial Aid, and Contributions: The trip will cost between $6900 and $7500 with a deposit of $1500.00 due by check with the application on November 6th. Checks should be made out to Poly Prep. Deposits are non-refundable for students who are accepted to travel; however, if you are not chosen for the trip, or if Poly is unable to meet your financial aid requirements, then your deposit check will be returned. The cost of the trip will be finalized once we are certain of how many students will participate. Applications and deposits should be turned in to Ms. Van Ryn, the primary leader on this trip. It is of utmost importance to the Poly community that all interested travelers apply to participate. There is a limited amount of financial aid available for student travelers, and we will do our best to offer the financial assistance you may require acknowledging that there is no guarantee of our ability to assist all applicants. Please note the following: The deadline to request financial assistance is Friday, November 6, 2015 (not available to current 12th graders) If you plan to request financial aid, your parent(s) must e-mail Carrie Quigley, Director of Ancillary Programs, at [email protected] by Friday, November 6, 2015. Priority for financial aid distribution on all trips will be given to students in need who have not previously received financial assistance to travel internationally with Poly Prep. Students applying for financial aid must still submit a trip deposit to demonstrate commitment; the amount of the deposit may be determined by the family and will be refunded if Poly Prep is unable to meet your financial requirements. If you would be interested in making a financial contribution toward this trip in an effort to assist students who require financial support to participate, please contact Ms. VanRyn.
Application: Please answer the following questions and turn in your responses to Ms. Van Ryn. Your responses should include a heading with your name and grade level. Additionally, your deposit check* is due with your essay. (Please note that the deposit check amount may be adjusted if your parent has spoken to Ms. Quigley regarding financial aid). 1. What interests you about going on this trip and what do you expect to get out of it? 2. Have you had experience traveling to any other foreign country? Please describe your experience(s). 3. How do you anticipate contributing to the group dynamic? 4. Ability to do physical activities: are you able to comfortably walk 3 miles? Please describe your swimming abilities. If you are a non-swimmer, are you willing to try to be in the water with a flotation device (including at least one successful attempt at Poly before leaving on the trip)? Do you know how to ride a bicycle (this is not required, but I need to know how many can/cannot do it so I can modify the trip if need be)? 5. Please provide the name of one Poly teacher who we could talk to for a verbal recommendation about your ability to be a mature member of the group. Deadline for priority application essays and deposits: Friday, November 6th. Please bring completed applications and deposits to Ms. Van Ryn, Science Building, 2nd floor or Ms. Tandon, Science Building, 4th floor. If you have further questions about the trip do not hesitate to email or call Ms. Van Ryn [email protected]; ext. 6033 or Ms. Tandon [email protected], ext. 6700.
