Academic Treks: Immersion Ecuador Program Overview & Recommendation

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Choice Camps Recommendation of Academic Treks: Immersion Ecuador

Backed by sixteen years of experience in running educational programs for thousands of teenagers, Academic Treks combines the finest elements of experiential learning, traditional classroom learning, and service learning with wilderness adventure, international travel, and cultural exchange to create extraordinary college-accredited expeditions. Each course includes an important community service component, and the themes of teamwork, leadership, and personal growth are interwoven in each AT experience.

Academic Treks students are fully immersed in an educational experience in a real world setting, gaining a global perspective and hands-on understanding of the topics studied. They also get a head start on college by earning college and/or community service credit and by building a host of skills they will use both in school and beyond. For students looking for an educational and exciting summer experience, Academic Treks may be the perfect choice.

Trip Description

Experience the best of Ecuador — spectacular Andes Mountains, rich Incan culture, gracious people and historic colonial towns — on an unforgettable 30-day journey that immerses you in the lifestyles and language of this extraordinary country. The Sierra of Ecuador is one of the world’s best places to learn Spanish, as its friendly inhabitants speak slowly and clearly with a light accent. As the adventure unfolds, you’ll improve your Spanish skills through cultural interaction, service work, formal language instruction and exploration. Trek a challenging section of the ancient Inca Trail, do community service work in spectacular cloud forest, home stay with an Ecuadorian family and take workshops on crafts, dancing, cooking and music. You’ll find there is no better way to learn a language than to be surrounded by native speakers, and no better way to discover a culture than to live and work amongst its people. Prepare for an amazing expedition!

Staff Overview

Academic Treks leaders bring a wealth of experience to every program. They share a love for working with young people, as well as a passion for experiential learning and teaching. The average age of AT staff members is typically around 26.

The Academic Treks course design requires the use of several instructors for each program. Two AT staff members lead the trip, providing focus and continuity to the program. In-country outfitters are used to provide the local knowledge and expertise for expedition phases. These additional teachers and outfitters provide a perspective, depth of knowledge and access to resources that could not be obtained otherwise. Formal instruction is given by professional educators with experience teaching young adults through experiential and project-based learning.

Setting & Accommodations

Students sleep in a variety of accommodations on Immersion Ecuador, including haciendas, a home stay, hostels and camping in tents.

Safety Standards

Academic Treks Course Lead Instructors complete intensive staff training before the program, which includes a focus on risk management, in-country logistics, emergency protocols, leadership training, and teaching students how to integrate experiences learned on program into their everyday lives when they return home. At least one of the course leaders is a certified Wilderness First Responder (WFR), Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician (WEMT) or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with a minimum of 80 hours of emergency medical training.

Academic Treks: Immersion Ecuador Session Dates

Session Name	Dates	Ages	Tuition	Get Info
Trip One	6/22/13-7/21/13	16-18	$5,580
Trip Two	7/6/13-8/4/13	16-18	$5,580

Trip Overview

Program Overview

Theme: Language Immersion
This Trip has Multiple Themes:
- Study Abroad
- Community Service
Trip Gender: Co-ed
Group Size : 12
Camper-to-Counselor Ratio: 6:1
Religious Affiliation: None