INSPIRE Guide 2016 by American School of Dubai

PROFESSIONAL

ECO-ADVENTURE

INTERNSHIPS

SERVICE

RELATIONSHIPS

I N SPI RE GUIDE

NEW EXPERIENCES

IMMERSION

INSPIRE

16-23 NOVEMBER

2016

| ASD INSPIRE Guide 2016

The American School of Dubai, an independent not for profit American community school, offers what is the best about American education to provide learning experiences designed to promote the maximum potential of its students. OUR MISSION The American School of Dubaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission is to challenge and inspire each student to achieve their dreams and to become a passionate learner prepared to adapt and contribute in a rapidly changing world. CORE VALUES Compassion | Excellence | Integrity | Respect | Responsibility STUDENT PROFILE Thinker | Comunicator | Contributor | Learner | Leader & Role Model CONTACT P.O. Box 71188 Dubai, UAE +971 4 395 0005 www.asdubai.org

ASD INSPIRE Guide 2016 |

CONTENTS

WELCOME FROM DR. LEEVER

The American School of Dubai will launch the first-ever high school INSPIRE week November 16 - 23, 2016.

Welcome

Purpose

Learning Outcomes

At A Glance

Trip Providers & Categories

The mission of the American School of Dubai is to challenge and inspire each student to achieve their dreams and to become a passionate learner, prepared to adapt and contribute in a rapidly changing world. INSPIRE week is about fulfilling the mission of ASD in authentic ways, and exposing our students to new and exciting opportunities. Through INSPIRE week, we aim to expose high school students to those things that we believe will instill passion in them, dare them to adapt, inspire them to contribute and to dream about their place in our rapidly changing world. The INSPIRE program has been designed to create a series of incredible, life altering experiences for students. As you read through this guide, imagine the possibilities, but keep in mind your broader goals. Undoubtedly, this experience will have a profound impact on you for years to come and you should carefully consider what it is you would like to take from this opportunity. We are thrilled to embark on this journey together. Have a wonderful INSPIRE week,

Steven Leever Dr. Steven Leever

High School Principal

08 Timeline, Eligibility & Trip 09 Expectations &

Responsibilities

Health & Safety

11 Frequently Asked Questions

INSPIRE Trip Options

Immersion

New experiences Service

Professional Internships

Relationships

Eco-adventure

INSPIRE

Selection

| ASD INSPIRE Guide 2016

PURPOSE STATEMENT

INSPIRE extends the ASD experience to promote personal growth, challenge assumptions, explore passions, transform relationships, and build community.

LEARNING OUTCOMES INSPIRE is a unique opportunity meant to help students demonstrate a passion for learning and contribute in a rapidly changing world by addressing a challenge an opportunity or a situation. To meet the interests of our high school students, a diverse range of opportunities in both focus and geographic location has been compiled. No matter the INSPIRE trip, students will have the opportunity to contribute and improve our world while also further exploring their passions. Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; growth through the INSPIRE experience will be demonstrated through reflection and journaling. The self-assessment performed by students will be affirmed and validated by the INSPIRE faculty trip leaders through their own reflective narrative crafted at the end of the experience.

ASD INSPIRE Guide 2016 |

INSPIRE AT A GLANCE (NOVEMBER 16-23, 2016) SERVICE TRIPS

ELIGIBILITY

COST

ACCOMMODATION

PHYSICAL RIGOR*

Cambodia, Floating Village

9-12

Hotel/homestay

moderate

Ghana, Off the Map

9-12

Hotel/lodge

moderate

Laos, Sticky Rice

9-12

Lodge/homestay

moderate

Laos, Elephant Conservation

9-12

Lodge/hotel

moderate

Malawi, Expedition

9-12

Homestay/lodge

moderate

Malaysia, Borneo

9-12

Lodge/hotel

moderate

Tanzania, Village

9-12

Guesthouse/lodge

moderate

Thailand, Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Home

9-12

Hotel/homestay

moderate

Uganda, Rhino

9-12

Lodge

moderate

Vietnam, North

9-12

Hotel/homestay

moderate

ART & CULTURE

ELIGIBILITY

COST

ACCOMMODATION

PHYSICAL RIGOR*

China, Shanghai-Language

9-12

Dorm

easy

Costa Rica, Language/Service

9-12

Hotel/homestay

moderate

France, Language

9-12

Hotel

easy

France, Art

9-12

Hotel

easy

India, Photography

9-12

Hotel/homestay

moderate

Italy, Art

9-12

Hotel

easy

Jordan, Culture

9-12

Hotel

moderate

Jordan, Language

9-12

Hotel

moderate

Morocco, Culture

9-12

Hotel

moderate

UAE, Culinary Adventure

9-12

None

moderate

UAE, Past, Present and Future

9-12

None

easy

UAE, Art and Architecture

9-12

None

easy

United Kingdom, Theatre

9-12

Hotel

easy

ECO-ADVENTURE

ELIGIBILITY

COST

ACCOMMODATION

PHYSICAL RIGOR*

Indonesia, Bali

9-12

Hotel

moderate

Malaysia, Tioman

9-12

Hotel

moderate

Nepal, Mardi Himal

9-12

Camping

high

Nepal, Mohare Danda

9-12

Camping

high

Oman, Cultural Camping

9-12

Camping

mod/high

Oman, Mountain Adventure

9-12

Camping

mod/high

Oman, Ocean Adventure

9-12

Camping

mod/high

Tanzania, Kilimanjaro Climb

11-12

$$$

Mountain camps

very high**

LEADERSHIP/PROFESSIONAL

ELIGIBILITY

COST

ACCOMMODATION

PHYSICAL RIGOR*

Cambodia, NGOs

9-12

Hotel

moderate

Switzerland, Leadership

9-12

Mountain lodge

moderate

Thailand, Medical

9-12

Lodge

moderate

Dubai Internships

11-12

None

easy

COLLEGE TOURS***

ELIGIBILITY

COST

ACCOMMODATION

PHYSICAL RIGOR*

Canada, Ontario & Quebec

10-12

$$$

Hotel

moderate

U.S. East Coat

10-12

$$$

Hotel

moderate

U.S. Midwest

10-12

$$$

Hotel

moderate

College Application Boot Camp

None

easy

Cost scale: $ (AED 0-3,600); $$ (AED3,600-7,400); $$$ (AED 7,400-12,500) *Physical Rigor: Low (walking); Moderate (hiking, kayaking, camping); High (mountain trekking and climbing) **Kilimanjaro Climb is very high rigor and may require physical and altitude training prior to trip ***College Tour locations will alternate yearly. In 2017, U.S. West Coast Tour will replace Midwest

| ASD INSPIRE Guide 2016

Trip Providers

Providers chosen for INSPIRE are reputable organizations with strong histories and experience in guiding student learning trips. Camps International is an international volunteer travel operator founded in 2002. The company builds permanent volunteer accommodation camps within Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi, Borneo, Cambodia, Ecuador and Peru. Camps International provides volunteer trips, adventure expeditions and educational volunteer expeditions for school groups. The company employs over 150 local people from the communities surrounding their camps. Website: campsinternational.com Ecofieldtrips is an established field trip provider, which has been educating and inspiring students since 1997. The company’s trips are tailored to meet the requirements of individual schools. Whether it be fun ecosystem introductions or service projects, students receive a hands-on experience. The diverse staff is comprised of biologists, geographers and outdoor educators from around the world who want to foster and instill positive attitudes toward the environment. Website: ecofieldtrips.com.sg

etr (Educational Travel for International Schools) has been providing cultural and educational trips to international schools to destinations around the world for over 25 years. All of etr’s award-winning student programs are carefully planned and customized for each group. The Switzerland-based company offers trips in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Website: etrtours.com Frying Pan Adventures, founded in 2013, is Dubai’s first licensed food and culture tourism company. It provides gastronomic and cultural experiences that give participants an insider’s perspective into Dubai’s complex culinary ecosystem. This includes exploration of food places (restaurants, factories, markets) and cooking elements, as well as meetings with professionals (farmers, chefs, writers, photographers). Website: fryingpanadventures.com Mountain Quests provides interactive and eco-friendly adventures in Nepal and the Himalayas. The company, headquartered in Kathmandu, Nepal, and Dubai, specializes in treks and mountain expeditions. Website: mountainquests.com

ASD INSPIRE Guide 2016 |

The Swiss Student Leadership Camp specializes in leadership development. The companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s specially designed programs combine outdoor, team-building activities with group discussions and coaching. In a Swiss mountain setting, participants develop leadership skills, set goals, and learn about time and stress management. Website: swissleadershipcamp.com

Muscat Diving and Adventure Centre specializes in ecofriendly, adventures in Oman. Its customized trips take place in some of the most beautiful locations in Oman and are lead by experienced guides. Activities include camping, mountain climbing, kayaking, dolphin spotting, and cultural visits. Website: holiday-in-oman.com

Rustic Pathways is a leader in unique international community service, adventure, and education programs that take high school students to some of the most exciting destinations in the world. It offers over 100 programs in 18 countries. The companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goal is to educate students on how to travel responsibly and actively support community initiatives in the places visited. Website: rusticpathways.com

TS College Tours is a leading provider of college and university tour programs for international students. TS College Tours was established to serve international school students who plan to attend university in the US or Canada. The companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tour leaders are experienced, international school high school counselors, who have an understanding of the unique backgrounds, experiences and needs of international students and third-culture kids. Website: tscollegetours.com Unveil Arabia, a travel company founded by two scientists, designs active, discovery experiences which provide a deeper understanding of the United Arab Emirates. All trips are unique and explore areas such as architecture (modern and traditional), adventure outings, renewable energy, conservation, marine biology, infrastructure, urban planning, art, design and lifestyle. Website: unveilarabia.com

| ASD INSPIRE Guide 2016

Timeline, Eligibility & Trip Selection

TIMELINE

The following is a general overview of the INSPIRE timeline, from program introduction to participation. April INSPIRE week introduction, student assembly, parent meeting, Student Trip Fair. May Student trip selections, student trip announcements, Student Trip Contracts returned, trip deposits due. September - November Team building, cultural sensitivity training and preparation for INSPIRE week taking place during Advisory sessions; pre-departure meetings November 16 - 23 Get INSPIREd!

STUDENT ELIGIBILITY

All high school students at the American School of Dubai participate in INSPIRE Week as part of the high school curriculum. Each student is required to have a current UAE residency visa and passport that is valid 6 months from the date of travel. Students with repeated disciplinary or academic concerns may not participate in INSPIRE.

THE TRIP SELECTION PROCESS

The High School will introduce the INSPIRE program and selection process at a student assembly in April. The process for selection will be communicated in full. In addition, a parent information session will be held. Through April, students will have opportunity to learn more about trips that they have pre-determined to be of interest to them individually. Trip selections will be made by students at the end of April and students notified of their trip placement by mid May. Following trip placement, students will then submit Student Trip Contracts and trip deposits by May 31.

ASD INSPIRE Guide 2016 |

PARENT EXPECTATIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES Stay Informed Parents should stay informed and engaged throughout the INSPIRE week process, from selection through travel. As with all student travel, there is a required student & parent meeting in the pre-departure week. Documentation & Permission Recognizing there are factors in student trip selection that require parental input, parent approval has been incorporated into the early stages of the process. This is to ensure students pursue trips that are fully supported at home. Additionally, parents must ensure that all paperwork is completed, to include ensuring that passports and visas are valid and secured, medical and emergency forms are fully completed, and that all permission forms are signed and discussed with their student(s). Finances Families should pay trip deposits and fees in a timely manner, according to deadlines. Deposits and fees are paid to the Business Office, located on the second floor of the Administration Building. All trip costs are inclusive of in-country lodging, activities, in-country travel, meals and trip insurance.

Expectations & Responsibilities

All trip costs are exclusive of international flights; costs for visas and immunizations; personal spending money; costs of transport to and from the Dubai airport or any other costs specific to a trip. ASD is responsible for booking flights. The cost for flights will be billed to families. Students/families are responsible for securing necessary visas, immunizations, or medical treatment required prior to travel. Once trip assignments have been made and flights booked, refunds will be dependent upon the policies of the trip providers and the airlines. Payment for INSPIRE trips will be in two payments. The first payment will be due in May, following trip assignments. The second payment will be due by September.

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES INSPIRE is a curricular activity and students are held to the same expectations, responsibilities and consequences as if they are on the ASD campus. Additional expectations may be set due to the nature of travel and activities on each trip and conveyed as trip planning evolves.

| ASD INSPIRE Guide 2016

Health & Safety Student health and safety are of the utmost priority at the American School of Dubai. However, the nature and purpose of INSPIRE week may expose students to a degree of risk not typical of regular, on-campus activities. Trips may include hiking, kayaking and other physical activity. The High School administration has vetted the INSPIRE trip providers and trips to minimize potential risks and determine necessary safety procedures. Given the location of some INSPIRE trips, particularly those in Africa and Southeast Asia, vaccinations may be required or recommended. The Health Office advises that students get vaccinations at least 4-6 weeks in advance of departure for maximum effectiveness. Comprehensive health information, including details of prescription medication policy and required/ recommended immunizations, vaccinations and antimalarials will be communicated in preparation for the trips.

ASD INSPIRE Guide 2016 |

Frequently Asked Questions Provided below are answers to frequently asked questions to support understanding of the INSPIRE program. Please direct additional questions to the High School Office and administration. What do I need to know about my passport? Each student is required to have a current UAE residency visa and a passport that is valid six months from the date of INSPIRE travel (November 16, 2016). Who will book my flight? All flights will be arranged by ASD. Parents are responsible for flight costs which are in addition to the trip provider costs. Will someone help me obtain my visa? Some INSPIRE trips require visas. Although guidance will be provided, it is up to parents and the family to ensure their student obtains the necessary visa.

Will I have to get immunizations in order to travel? Depending upon the location of your INSPIRE trip, you may be advised and/or required to be immunized against certain preventable diseases. Beyond this, it may also be advised that students traveling to certain locations take prophylaxis to further ensure their continued good health. Additional details about health and immunizations will be shared via trip leaders and meetings. What should I pack and what should I leave behind? No matter your trip, it is highly advised that you pack just what you can comfortably carry. Additionally it is not recommended to take items of value either monetary or personal. More specific information about what to pack for your trip will be provided by trip leaders. Can I change trips once Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been assigned? Once the trip assignment is finalized, any changes will be considered by the high school administration. Generally, this would be for substantial medical reasons which are either new or were not known at the time of trip selection. Do I have to go? INSPIRE is part of our curricular program at the American School of Dubai. All students are expected to participate. There is a wide range of different trips to match a variety of interests that will meet goals or needs to remain local. Is my participation graded? INSPIRE is part of our curricular program and will be assessed. Can I sign up with my friend? INSPIRE allows students to pursue individual interests and passions. Friends who share those same passions may choose some of the same trip options, however there is no guarantee of trip placement based on friendship. Why isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the INSPIRE program included in tuition? The INSPIRE program has selected trips with a broad range of appeal to best match student interests and passions. As a result, the costs of the trips vary widely. Keeping the cost separate from tuition allows families to pay the specific and individualized costs of the trips they choose.

| ASD INSPIRE Guide 2016

Go There INSPIRE TRIP OPTIONS Service Art & Culture Eco-adventure Leadership/Professional College Tours

ASD INSPIRE Guide 2016 |

| ASD INSPIRE Guide 2016

• SERVICE

CAMBODIA - FLOATING VILLAGE Type of Trip: Service Areas Visited: Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Tonle Sap Cost: $$ + international flights Trip Provider: Rustic Pathways Filled with ancient architectural treasures and history, Cambodia still remains one of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia. This trip combines service work at unique rural water villages as well as the opportunity to experience and learn Cambodian culture and history. Trip highlights: • Three-day river cruise visiting, living and working with floating village communities • Build and repair local villagers’ homes and teach English at the primary school • Visit and marvel at the ancient and vast temple complexes around Siem Reap, including Angkor Wat • Get a historical perspective of Cambodia with visits to the genocide museum and the Killing Fields, where more than a million people lost their lives during the 1970’s civil war.

GHANA – OFF THE MAP Type of Trip: Service Areas Visited: Accra, Bolgatanga, Paga, Mole National Park Cost: $$ + international flights Trip Provider: Rustic Pathways Since transitioning to democracy in the early 1990s, Ghana has emerged as one of the most stable countries in West Africa. However, the country’s needs remain great. On this trip, students will engage in literacy programs for children as well as learn about the economic and health care needs of this developing country. In between service projects, students will enjoy cultural and nature activities. Trip highlights: • Tutor orphaned and street children • Meet an NGO and learn about its efforts in the impoverished region

Trip highlights: • Three days of service rebuilding classrooms, building bathrooms or repaving roads, and teaching village children to read • Learn to plant rice and till the land with water buffalo • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang and get an introduction to Buddhism • Longtail boat to the Pak Ou Caves, a Buddhist pilgrimage site.

LAOS – ELEPHANT CONSERVATION Type of Trip: Service Areas Visited: Xayaboury Province, Luang Prabang, Pak Ou Cost: $$ + international flights Trip Provider: Rustic Pathways This wildlife conservation trip combines highly interactive service work with elephants as well as providing insights into Buddhism, Laotian culture and the impact of war. Students will be hands-on at the The Elephant Conservation Center in Xayaboury Province. The center, with its small herd of elephants, focuses on conservation practices, veterinary training, and responsible elephant handling. Trip highlights: • Elephant trainer for three day: Exercise, bathe, and develop diet and health plans for the animals. Trek them into forest where they sleep for the night and forage • Tour an elephant hospital and nursery. Learn about the specifics of reproduction, pregnancy and neonatal care • Unexploded landmines remain a big problem in Laos. Students will visit the United Nation’s UXO office, which promotes awareness of the issue and reveals the ongoing ramifications of war for locals. • Biking exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang and learn about Buddhism • Kayak the Nam Khan River getting a glimpse of everyday life and end at Pak Ou caves, a Buddhist pilgrimage site.

• Introduction to Ghana’s culture and language, including a visit to a typical village and introduction to the chief • Walking and driving safaris at Mole National Park, one of Ghana’s best wildlife reserves.

MALAWI - EXPEDITION

LAOS – STICKY RICE

Areas Visited: Lilongwe, Kuti Wildlife Reserve, Liwonde National Park, Cape Maclear

Type of Trip: Service Areas Visited: Vientiane; Na Som Village, Luang Prabang Cost: $$ + international flights Trip Provider: Rustic Pathways The entry point of this service trip is Thailand but the focus is all Laos. Students will cross the Thai-Laos “Friendship Bridge” to begin their immersion into a rural, rice-growing village. They will experience a homestay and help with educational and infrastructure projects.

Type of Trip: Service

Cost: $$ + international flights Trip Provider: Camps International Culture, wildlife and adventure converge on this trip to Malawi, a landlocked country in Southeast Africa. Students will participate in two service projects. They will start at Kumbali Cultural Village, where they will teach children, and learn and practice sustainable farming. This will be followed by conservation work at Kuti Wildlife Reserve, Malawi’s only wildlife sanctuary for orphaned and injured animals.

ASD INSPIRE Guide 2016 |

Trip highlights: • Live, teach, farm and learn at Kumbali Cultural Village • Take part in habitat construction and maintenance projects, and conduct game counts at Kuti Wildlife Reserve • Camping, boating, game drives and nature walks at Liwonde National Park on the Shire River, which is filled hippos, crocodiles and birds • Hiking and beach time at Lake Malawi National Park and Cape Maclear.

MALAYSIA – BORNEO DISCOVERY Type of Trip: Service Areas Visited: Kota Kinabalu, Batu Puteh, Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary Cost: $$ + international flights Trip Provider: Camps International Borneo is the third largest island in the world and consists of the two Malaysian states - Sabah and Sarawak - and the Kingdom of Brunei. Over 32 indigenous ethnicities and over 50 dialects are found in Sabah alone. This trip consists of educational infrastructure projects as well as forest and wildlife conservation in rural areas. Trip highlights: • Live in a rural community and learn traditional ways of life. Help construct classrooms and water supplies • Help with forest regeneration in Batu Puteh. Replant trees in bare areas of the jungle • Visit to Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary • Wildlife boat safari along the Kinabatangan River.

TANZANIA - VILLAGE Type of Trip: Service Areas Visited: Arusha, Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater Cost: $$ + international flights Trip Provider: Rustic Pathways

THAILAND – HILL TRIBE CHILDREN’S HOME Type of Trip: Service Areas Visited: Chiang Mai, Mae Sariang Cost: $$ + international flights Trip Provider: Rustic Pathways The Karen are one of the largest Hill Tribe groups in Northern Thailand. On this service trip, participants will live, teach and learn at a children’s home as well as work on a construction project. Trip highlights: • Village homestay and group service construction project • Learn Karen and Thai culture including weaving and kickboxing • Visit a Buddhist temple to learn about the religion and its profound impact on the country • Shop at Chiang Mai’s Night Bazaar.

UGANDA – DISCOVERY AND RHINO CONSERVATION Type of Trip: Service Areas Visited: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Murchison Falls National Park Cost: $$ + international flights Trip Provider: Camps International The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Uganda is the only safe haven for the endangered white rhino. Students will learn about wildlife conservation and the daily battle for rhino survival in a very hands-on way. Trip highlights: • Work with the Ugandan Wildlife Service patrolling and clearing fence lines, monitoring rhinos and noting their behavior and eating patterns, and cleaning and maintaining enclosures • Other service work includes refurbishment of existing classrooms and assist with teaching local children and the community about conservation • Visit Lake Victoria, the source of the incredible Nile River, Game drive around the Nile Delta and cruise to Murchison Falls.

In this service-intensive trip in East Africa, students will participate in education and community infrastructure projects as well as experience a guided a safari. Trip highlights:

VIETNAM – COMMUNITY SERVICE AND EXPLORATION IN THE NORTH

• 20 hours of service building a dining hall, kitchen and community center which will serve as a sustainable resource for a local primary school and its village

Areas Visited: Hanoi, Mai Chau, Halong Bay

• Tutor children in English and help with classroom activities and/or sporting events • Immersion into local culture and life such as milking cows and cooking local dishes • Guided safari in Tarangire National Park to see the most dense elephant population in the world, and at Ngorongoro Crater to see big cats and zebra.

Type of Trip: Service Cost: $$ + international flights Trip Provider: etr (Educational Travel for International Schools) The White Thai are one of 54 officially recognized ethnic groups in Vietnam. On this trip, student will live and learn in this unique, remote community as well as work on construction projects. Students will gain an understanding of the significance of family in Vietnamese society as well as the the economic impact of socialism and rural-to-urban migration in the region. Trip highlights: • Three-day house building project in rural, western Vietnam Trekking and hiking along terraced rice paddies and irrigation systems • Overnight cruise in Halong Bay with its 3000 limestone peaks • Take a cyclo ride and explore Hanoi’s colonial Old Quarter and see a performance of the famed water puppets.

| ASD INSPIRE Guide 2016

• ART & CULTURE • ART & CULTURE

CHINA – LANGUAGE IMMERSION

•T our of Versailles, one of the largest and grandest chateaus in France

Area Visited: Shanghai

• I n Brussels, visit the Atomium, Quartier Royal, statue of “Manneken Pis”, and a chocolate factory.

Type of Trip: Language

Cost: $$ + international flights Trip Provider: Rustic Pathways Learn Chinese in Shanghai, the largest and most cosmopolitan city in China. For one week, students will lived and attend language classes at East China Normal University. They also will participate in cultural activities related to their language lessons. Trip highlights: • Four-hours of language instruction per day • Explore Shanghai’s cultural sites • Learn Chinese calligraphy • Taste the great diversity of Chinese food with visits to local restaurants.

COSTA RICA – LANGUAGE IMMERSION

• ART & CULTURE

• Construction service work at a village elementary school, or a low income family house

• ART & CULTURE

Areas Visited: San Jose, Turrialba

• ART & CULTURE

Type of Trip: Language and Service Cost: $$ + international flights

Trip Provider: etr (Educational Travel for International Schools) From its rainforests to volcanic peaks, Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful and eco-friendly nations in Central America. This one-week trip combines language immersion with service and adventure. Trip highlights: • Live with a welcoming host family and learn Spanish in a small group setting

FRANCE – PARIS & ART Type of Trip: Art and Culture

Areas Visited: Paris, Versailles, Giverny Cost: $$ + international flights Trip Provider: etr (Educational Travel for International Schools) Paris is a treasure trove of art and architecture. Students on this one-week trip will discover the cultural riches at well-known museums like the Louvre but also at smaller ones like Musee de l’Orangerie. They also will visit architectural gems such as the Eiffel Tower and the gothic Cathedral de Notre Dame. Trip highlights: • Museum visits: Louvre, the world’s largest; Le Espace Dali, devoted to the famous surrealist painter; Musee d’Orsay, a converted railway station that houses the world’s foremost collection of Impressionist art; Musee de l’Orangerie, home to eight of Monet’s water lily canvases as well other Impressionist works; Musee du Quai Branly with its eccentric collection of non-Western tribal art from Oceania, Asia, Africa and the Americas; the Rodin Museum; and Centre Pompidou, largest museum of modern and contemporary art in Europe • Church visits to Sainte-Chapelle, Basilique du Sacre Coeur, and Notre Dame • Fragonard Parfumerie for a history of perfume making • Tour of Versailles, one of the largest and grandest chateaus in France

• Bike tour through the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center, which is one of the world's premier centers dedicated to sustainable agriculture. The center is dedicated to improving the standard of living of rural families in the American tropics

• Visit the town of Giverny, home of impressionist artist Claude Monet.

• Adventure activities include zip-lining through the rainforest canopy, canyoning and rappelling through waterfalls, and whitewater rafting the Pacuare River.

Location: New Delhi, Jodhpur, Galthani, Osian

FRANCE – LANGUAGE IMMERSION Type of Trip: Language and Culture

Areas Visited: Paris, Versailles, Brussels Cost: $$ + international flights Trip Provider: etr (Educational Travel for International Schools) Learn French and absorb the culture of Paris and Brussels. Students on this one-week trip will have language lessons in the morning followed by cultural exploration. Trip highlights: • Two hours of French classes daily • Visit Paris’ top sights and neighborhoods: Place de la Concorde, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Sainte-Chapelle, Cathedral de Notre Dame, Montmartre, Basilique du Sacré Coeur, and night cruise on the Seine River • Paris museum visits to the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay and Centre Pompidou

INDIA – NORTHERN PHOTO EXPEDITION Type of Trip: Photography and Culture Cost: $$ + international flights Trip Provider: Rustic Pathways The colorful, historic and dramatic landscape of India’s northwest Rajasthan region is the backdrop for this photography trip. Guided by a professional photographer, students will be given assignments to develop the skills needed to take beautiful, storytelling images. They will explore urban and ancient cities, rural villages and markets, as well as historic monuments and temples. Trip highlights: • Visit atmospheric village markets to take pictures and haggle for traditional Rajasthani goods such as block- printed textiles, puppets, artisan goods, and spices • Hindu and photography lesson at the ornate Sachiya Mata temple • Desert camping and camel safari combined with landscape photography • Get an intimate look and take photographs of rural India with a visit to a small village which is home to potters, snake charmers, shepherds, and carpenters continued...

ASD INSPIRE Guide 2016 |

• Ziplining inside the 15th century Mehrangarh Fort. Participants will fly over desert canyons, palace lakes, and 600 year old ruins for an exciting aerial experience.

ITALY – ART OF FLORENCE AND VENICE Type of Trip: Art and Culture

Area Visited: Florence, Venice Cost: $$ + international flights

• Full-day exploration of the incredible archeological site, Petra, which is the crown jewel of Jordan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient Nabataean city, carved from the surrounding limestone mountains more than 2000 years ago, is incredibly well preserved. The sight of the the Treasury through the Siq, the opening to Petra, is stunning.

JORDAN – LANGUAGE IMMERSION

Trip Provider: etr (Educational Travel for International Schools)

Type of trip: Language and Culture

Students on this trip will dive into the art of the Renaissance, visiting the most significant museums and churches of Florence and Venice. Trip highlights:

Cost: $$ + international flights

• Florence museums: Academia Gallery, home of Michelangelo’s David and other sculptures; Uffizi Museum, one of the world’s great art galleries with works by Da Vinci, Botticelli, Raphael, Vasari, Titian, Bellini and others; and the National Museum of Bargello, once a nobleman’s house and a prison, now houses some of the world’s most important Renaissance sculptures, paintings, jewellery, and armour

Areas Visited: Amman, Jerash, Dead Sea, Petra Trip Provider: etr (Educational Travel for International Schools) Jordan is both ancient and modern. The country is one of the most progressive in the Middle East but filled with treasures from its Greek, Roman and Arabic past. Students will learn and improve their Arabic as well as learn the history, archeology and geography that makes the country so unique. Trip highlights: • Two to three hours of daily Arabic lessons

• Florence churches: Basilica di Santa Croce, final resting place of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli, has numerous frescos by Florentine masters Giotto, Vasari, della Robbia, Donatello and Gaddi; Duomo, Florence’s landmark church; and Baptistery of San Giovanni, one of the oldest and most revered buildings in the city with mosaics dating from 1225

• Tour Jabal Amman, the atmospheric old part of Amman and home to the city’s greatest souks, ancient buildings and monuments such as the Citadel and the Roman Theatre

• Venice museums: Gallerie dell' Accademia, houses the world's greatest collection of Venetian painting by masters like Tintoretto, Titian, Bellini, Giorgione; the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, one of Europe’s foremost museums of modern art; and the Doge’s Palace, once the residence of the supreme authority of Venice

• Full day exploration of the incredible archeological site, Petra, which is the crown jewel of Jordan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient Nabataean city, carved from the surrounding limestone mountains more than 2000 years ago, is incredibly well preserved. The sight of the the Treasury through the Siq, the opening to Petra, is stunning.

• Venice churches: Scuola di S. Rocco, the interior of which is likened to Rome’s Sistine Chapel and was painted by Tintoretto; St Mark’s Basilica, whose exquisite Byzantine mosaic interior is considered one of the most beautiful churches in Christendom; and the Basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari • Visit to Ca’Macana, a mask maker and one of oldest shops in Venice. Students will design their own mask and learn the the history of the craft and its unique place in Venetian tradition.

• Experience Jerash, which remains one of best preserved sites of Roman architecture outside Italy, and the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth and incredibly salty

MOROCCO – WANDERER Type of Trip: Culture Areas Visited: Casablanca, Marrakech, Merzouga, Todra Gorge Cost: $$ + international flights Trip Provider: Rustic Pathways

JORDAN – CULTURE

Morocco is one of the most diverse countries in North Africa culturally and geographically. Student will experience the colors and flavors of the country. They will explore big cities, small traditional villages as well as the vast desert. Trip highlights:

Areas Visited: Amman, Jerash, Dead Sea, Petra

• Explore the sights and souqs of the atmospheric cities of Casablanca and Marrakech

Type of trip: Culture

Cost: $$ + international flights Trip Provider: etr (Educational Travel for International Schools)

From Jerash in the north to Petra in the South, Jordan is filled with incredible history, archaeology, geology and geography. Students will experience a modern Arabic country filled with the treasures of its Greek, Roman and Nabataean past. Trip highlights:

• Go on a scavenger hunt to explore the golden kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site • Stay in a riad (a traditional guest house) • Take a sunset ride in a camel caravan along the iconic sand dunes and sleep in a Bedouin camp

• Tour Jabal Amman, the atmospheric old part of Amman and home to the city’s greatest souks, ancient buildings and monuments such as the Citadel and the Roman Theatre

• 4x4 into the Moroccan plateaus studded with lava rock formations, and take a guided hike deep into the Todra Gorge, a rugged canyon

• Experience Jerash, which remains one of best preserved sites of Roman architecture outside Italy, and the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth and incredibly salty

• Visit Cascade d'Ouzoud to swim in the beautiful waterfalls.

• Veer off the beaten path to the quiet and picturesque village and eat traditional tajine in a Moroccan home

| ASD INSPIRE Guide 2016

• ART & CULTURE

• ART & CULTURE • ART & CULTURE

UAE – CULINARY ADVENTURE

UAE – PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

Areas Visited: Dubai

Areas Visited: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Ain

Cost: $

Type of Trip: Food and Culture

Trip Provider: Frying Pan Adventures Food and culture come together in this Dubai-based program. Students will get an insider’s view into the city’s complex culinary ecosystem, visiting agricultural farms, restaurants, cooking schools and a cookbook author. Trip highlights include: • Trip to a local organic farm and learning about sustainable farming and crops, and the impact of farming on the environment. Students will harvest produce and cook a meal • Explore traditional Middle Eastern and Indian food at restaurants and eateries in Deira • Get an insider’s look into a fine dining meal at a highend restaurant from start to finish. This includes looking at how teams of people - busboys, waiters and cooks - work together; different aspects of meal coordination; how chefs create dishes and execute them; and how food items are presented and priced • Attend a professional cooking school and cook a 2-3 course meal • Meet a cookbook author and hear about the process of researching the book, testing recipes, and getting published.

UAE – ART, ARCHITECTURE, CULTURE AND FASHION Type of Trip: art, culture and design Areas Visited: Dubai and Sharjah Cost: $ Trip Provider: Unveil Arabia In this UAE-focused program, students will get a taste of the art, architecture, fashion and culture of the region. Trip highlights include: • Explore Dubai’s urban planning and modern architecture with a city tour and from a presentation by Nakhkeel Property Development about its projects, which include Palm Jumeirah • Learn about Dubai’s art scene with visits to the unique spaces in Al Serkal Avenue and the galleries at the Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC) • Visit Al Ain for an art workshop at the Qatar Cultural Centre then tour an archaeological park with tombs from the bronze age • Participate in an interactive experience with Arabian horses in the desert • Tour old town Sharjah and see its unique architecture; take an art workshop • Get a taste of the diversity of cuisine in Dubai on a food tour, and go behind the scenes with a chef.

Type of Trip: Culture, Environment, Business

Trip Provider: Unveil Arabia In this educational and cultural program in the UAE, the past, present and future come alive. Topics covered in this program are architecture, urban planning, renewable energy, conservation, and marine biology. Trip highlights include: • Visit to Abu Dhabi’s now-being-built futuristic Masdar City and Institute of Science and Technology. Try out the electrical automatic pods (Private Rapid Transit) • Learn about Saadiyat Island’s conservation efforts (dunes, turtles, etc) from a marine biologist. This is followed by kayaking in the Eastern Mangroves Reserve • Explore Dubai’s urban planning and modern architecture with a city tour and from a presentation by Nakhkeel Property Development about its projects, which include Palm Jumeirah • Learn about the UAE’s history and culture at the Al Ain Museum and Al Jahili Fort’s Wilfred Thesiger's exhibition, which reveals how the British explorer crossed the Arabian desert • Get a view of the region’s old and new irrigation methods and their impact on the traditional economy of date palm plantations and camel farming • Visit the Al Maktoum Solar Park to learn about new energy production methods, and Jebel Ali desalination plant about water treatment.

UNITED KINGDOM – LONDON THEATRE Type of Trip: Theatre and Culture

Areas Visited: London and surrounding areas Cost: $$ + international flights Trip Provider: etr (Educational Travel for International Schools) The spotlight shines bright on London theatre. Students will attend three theatrical performances, learn background and technical information from some of London’s most famous theatres, and visit some of the city’s most significant sights. Trip highlights: • Attend performances of Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, and Wicked then get a backstage view of the productions and insights into stage management at premier West End theatres • Tour the famous Shakespearean Globe Theatre: See the costume collection, hear music from the period, and learn all about the inside workings of this perfectly reconstructed theatre • Visit to Warner Brothers Film Studios, the primary location for the Harry Potter movies: See the famous sets and learn more about the films’ production • Workshop at the Playhouse Theatre to explore various aspects of theatre production such as makeup, stage management, dance and light.

• ECO-ADVENTURE

ASD INSPIRE Guide 2016 |

INDONESIA – BALI

NEPAL – MARDI HIMAL

Type of Trip: Conservation and Culture

Type of Trip: Trekking and Camping

Area Visited: Bali

Areas Visited: Kathmandu, Pokhara, Annapurna region

Cost: $$ + international flights

Trip Provider: Ecofieldtrips

Trip Provider: Mountain Quests

Bali is a haven for anyone interested in geography, conservation, culture and adventure. On this trip, students will live in a traditional kampong (village) and experience traditional Hindu culture as well as work on conservation of the local flora and fauna. Trip highlights:

This is a week-long, full camping trek of the stunning Annapurna mountains in north-central Nepal. It is an area less frequented by tourist and was unaffected by the recent earthquake. The adventure will end at the Mardi Himal base camp, elevation 4,120 meters. Throughout the trip, participants will practice the Leave No Trace Behind ethic of travelling in the mountains.

• Work and teach at a small primary school. Trip groups are encouraged to bring used and unwanted books (in English) or supplies for donation to the school’s library renovation project • Explore the countryside on hikes through paddy-fields, plantations and volcanoes, and study the impact tourism has had on the island’s infrastructure and ecosystems • Visit Ubud and experience village life first-hand, watching and joining in with Balinese dances, ceremonies and arts and craft • Learn and explore the coral reef • Snorkel and stand up paddle board.

MALAYSIA – TIOMAN ISLAND Type of Trip: Conservation Area Visited: Tioman Island, Singapore Cost: $$ + international flights Trip Provider: Ecofieldtrips Located just off the east coast of Malaysia, Tioman Island has one of the most biodiverse marine environments in the world. Under the guidance of experienced biologists, students will get an introduction to the island’s various ecosystems and wildlife and get involved in conservation projects. Trip highlights: • Learn about and interact with native species such as soft soft-shelled turtle and walking catfish which are found nowhere else in the world • Snorkel the incredibly diverse coral reefs and coastal mangroves. Students will learn about the impact of pollution and deforestation on the marine ecosystem • Beach and mangrove cleanup: After collecting the trash, students will separate it into categories and discuss the negative impacts each type of litter has on the environment and how to prevent it • Work on a coral reef-construction project to help the island’s reefs regenerate more quickly. Students will construct artificial structures for corals to form by mixing and shaping the cement. Live coral segments will then be transplanted onto these structures.

NEPAL – MOHARE DANDA Type of Trip: Trekking and Camping Areas Visited: Kathmandu, Pokhara, Annapurna region Cost: $$ + international flights Trip Provider: Mountain Quests Take the high road and trek off the beaten path in this week-long, full camping trip in the Annapurna region. The trek is unique in that it wends through villages that have signed onto a sustainable economic stability pact, in which profits derived from the trekking trade are shared amongst the villagers. The adventure culminates at the Mohare Danda, elevation 3,300 meters. Throughout the trip, participants will practice the Leave No Trace Behind ethic of travelling in the mountains.

OMAN – CULTURAL CAMPING Type of Trip: Camping and Culture Areas Visited: Muscat, Jabal Akdar, Nizwa Cost: $$ + international flight Trip Provider: Muscat Adventure and Diving Centre This active trip combine culture, history, nature and wild camping. Students will be fully engaged in setting up camps and cooking as well as exploring wadis, oasis villages and historic sites. Students also learn first aid and receive a certificate if they pass a test. This is a ecofriendly Leave No Trace Behind adventure. Trip highlights: • Hikes to ancient villages such as Misfat Abreen, Bait al Safa, Birkat al Mouz and Tanuf • Hike up Jabal Akdar to see the spectacular views from Diana’s Point • Visit Wadi Muyadin and enjoy the water pools • Visit the 14th century Bahla Fort, now a UNESCO World Heritage site • Explore Nizwa city and its souq.

| ASD INSPIRE Guide 2016

• ECO-ADVENTURE

OMAN – MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE AND CAMPING

TANZANIA – MT KILIMANJARO CLIMB

Type of Trip: Camping and Adventure

Cost: $$$ + International Flights

Areas Visited: Muscat and Jebel Shams area

Trip Provider: Rustic Pathways

Cost: $$ + international flights

Climb to the Rooftop of Africa, Uhuru Peak, on this challenging mountain trek. Participants will go through five climate zones as they climb over 4,500 meters and travel over 30 kilometers. A high level of fitness and ability to acclimate to high altitudes are necessary. Experienced mountaineers will lead the adventure. Trip route:

Trip Provider: Muscat Adventure and Diving Centre On this active trip, students will camp, hike and rappel in the highest mountains in Oman. They also will explore wadis, oasis villages and learn mountain survival and first aid. Students who pass a test will receive a first aid certificate. This is an eco-friendly Leave No Trace Behind adventure. Trip highlights: • Off road adventure and wadi crossing to Wadi Bani Awf • Hike around the terraced oasis villages such as Bilad Sait and Misfah al Abreen and learn about the Falaj irrigation system, which is specific to this region • Rappelling adventure on Jebel Shams, the highest mountain in Oman • Set up camp and help with food preparation.

OMAN – OCEAN ADVENTURE

• ECO-ADVENTURE

Type of Trip: Camping and Water Adventure Areas Visited: Muscat and Gulf of Oman Cost: $$ + international flights Trip Provider: Muscat Adventure and Diving Centre Get ready to kayak and camp in the the Gulf of Oman. Students will be fully engaged in setting up camps and cooking as well as kayaking, snorkeling and fishing. They will learn wilderness survival skills and first aid from experienced guides and receive a certificate if they pass a test. This is an eco-friendly Leave No Trace Behind adventure. Trip highlights:

• ECO-ADVENTURE

• Learn the basics of kayaking and water safety • Learn navigation skills on land and sea using different methods including the sun and stars. This will be followed by a treasure hunt to test those skills • Kayak and swim in the Lagoons of Bander Khayran; Kayak to Saifa • Try Omani-style fishing after a demonstration from local fisherman and fish for dinner.

Eligibility: Grades 11 & 12

• From Marangu gate (1,280 meters elevation) hike seven-kilometers (estimated hike time: 3-4 hours) to the first base camp of Mandara (2,740 meters); trek past Maundi Crater for 11 kilometers (4-5 hours) to Horombo Hut (3,700 meters); hiking between the two peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi for 10 kilometers (6-7 hours) before arriving at Kibo (4,700 meters); climb five to six hours to Gilman’s Point (5,685 meters); and finally after another two hour climb reach the summit, Uhuru Peak. The descent will be done over two days.

• LEADERSHIP/PROFESSIONAL

ASD INSPIRE Guide 2016 |

CAMBODIA – FROM THE GROUND UP Type of Trip: Professional/Service

SWITZERLAND – STUDENT LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

Areas Visited: Phnom Penh, Siem Reap

Type of Trip: Leadership

Cost: $$ + international flights

Areas Visited: Geneva and Les Mosses, Switzerland

Trip Provider: Rustic Pathways

Cost: $$ + international flights

Cambodia remains one of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia, and many non-governmental agencies (NGOs) are on-the-ground helping. This program is designed for students who want to gain an understanding of and work with NGOs. They will visit various international aid organization in Phnom Penh and volunteer with them. Trip highlights:

Trip Provider: The Swiss Student Leadership Camp

• Attend talks by leaders of NGOs and learn about the different organizations • Volunteer at Buddhism for Social Development Action, an NGO with an innovative approach to supporting women and children in education, health and income generation. Students will work on educational or infrastructure projects • Visit and marvel at the ancient and vast temple complexes around Siem Reap, including Angkor Wat • Get a historical perspective of Cambodia with visits to the genocide museum and the Killing Fields, where more than a million people lost their lives during the 1970’s civil war.

THAILAND – MEDICAL CERTIFICATION Type of Trip: Professional/Service Areas Visited: Baan Chiang Yuen, Udon Thani Cost: $$ + international flights Trip Provider: Rustic Pathways Based in rural northeast Thailand, students will learn about the local healthcare facilities and treatments from medical professionals. The emphasis will be on preventative care and education. Students’ time will be split between classroom lectures, group discussions and hands-on activities. Trip highlights:

• LEADERSHIP/PROFESSIONAL

• Help medical professionals in rural village clinics • Learn Wilderness First Aid to develop skills on wound care, first aid, CPR and medical response. Once training and testing is completed, students will receive a WFA certificate • Enjoy Thai culture, food and dancing.

Develop leadership skills, set goals, and learn about time and stress management in this active trip in the Swiss mountains. The specially-designed program combines outdoor, team-building activities with group discussions and coaching. Trip highlights: • Live in Swiss chalet with full boarding in an unspoiled mountain village between Lake Geneva and Gstaad • Individual and team activities such as nature and mountain hikes, rock climbing, navigating to a secret mountain lake with guides, canyoning, glacier expedition, and high rope course • Boat Game: Teams build a boat and use it on the mountain lake • Learn about risk taking and setting goals from mountain guides and rescuers • Students go home with a personal action plan and leadership skills that they can apply to sports, study and their daily lives.

DUBAI – INTERNSHIPS Type of Trip: Internships Cost: $ Trip Provider: Dubai-based companies In a week-long internship, grade 11 and 12 students will work at a Dubai-based company in the field of architecture, construction, finance, law, media, or oil/gas. These unpaid internships are designed to give students an in-depth experience in an industry in a professional job setting. Students will work directly with Dubai-based corporate professionals. Interns will be selected through an application process. An internship agreement will outline the respective expectations of all parties involved: the student, parents, school and hosting company. Highlights include: • Professional mentoring • In-depth insights in the selected industry • Hands on experiences.

| ASD INSPIRE Guide 2016

• COLLEGE TOURS

CANADIAN COLLEGE TOUR

US COLLEGE TOUR – MIDWEST

Type of Trip: College Tour

Areas Visited: Ontario and Quebec

Areas Visited: Michigan, Illinois, Indiana

Cost: $$$ + international flights

Eligibility: Grades 10, 11, 12

Eligibilty: Grades 10, 11, 12

Cost: $$$ + international flights

Trip Provider: TS College Tours

Websites and catalogues can only reveal so much. The best way to get to know a university and its city is to visit in person. On this tour, students will visit nine universities in Ontario and Quebec. Highlights include:

The Midwest of the U.S. is home to some of the most prestigious and well known university in the nation. Get a first hand view on this nine-university tour. Highlights include:

• Visits to Western University, University of Waterloo, Guelph University, York or Ryerson universities, University of Toronto, Queen’s University, Carleton University or University of Ottawa, Concordia University, McGill University

• Visits to University of Michigan, Michigan State, University of Notre Dame, Purdue University, University of Chicago or Art Institute of Chicago, Northwestern University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, DePaul University, Loyola University Chicago.

• Student-led tours of the campus including residential facilities

• Information sessions with admissions directors

• Seminar on crafting effective college essay

• Cultural and fun activities in Quebec.

• Cultural and fun activities in Chicago.

US COLLEGE TOUR – NORTHEAST

COLLEGE APPLICATION BOOT CAMP

Type of Trip: College Tour

Type of Trip: Workshop at ASD

Areas Visited: Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York City

Eligibility: Grade 12

Eligibility: Grades 10, 11, 12

Trip Provider: ASD counselors, faculty and university representatives

Cost: $$$ + international flights Trip Provider: TS College Tours The best way to get to know a college or university and its location is to visit in person. On this tour, students will visit nine universities in the U.S. Northeast. Highlights include: • Visits to Northeastern University, Boston University, Bentley University, Babson College, Suffolk University, University of Connecticut, Quinnipiac University, Columbia University, and New York University or Parsons School of Design • Student-led tours of the campus including residential facilities • Information sessions with admissions directors • Seminar on crafting effective college essay • Cultural and fun activities in Boston and New York City.

Cost: $

In this week-long workshop, grade 12 students will have the opportunity to take command of their college application process. Students will hear from ASD faculty and counselors in addition to college representatives on a variety of topics including: • Standardized testing timelines • Presentations and workshops from universities’ representatives • Finding the right-fit university • Application review and help with essay writing • Mock interviews • For grade 12 students, this program provides ample time for regular decision college application completion.

P.O. Box 71188 Dubai, U.A.E. | +971 4 395 0005 www.asdubai.org