thinking beyond borders' 2014-15 guide
DESCRIPTION
Information about TBB's Global Gap Year, China Gap Semester, South America Gap Semester, and South Asia Gap Semester programsTRANSCRIPT
Thinking Beyond Borders
www.thinkingbeyondborders.org
203-993-0236
Photos by TBB 2009-2012 studentsDesign by Lisa Graf, www.lgraf.net
With Thinking Beyond Borders
• Education is purposeful.
• Identifying personal relationships with global issues is critical for meaningful conclusions.
• The reciprocal relationship between the student and teacher allows each to learn and to build new conclusions.
• Understanding is a continuous process of experiencing, learning, and reflecting.
• The product of education is a skilled learner, not memorized information.
• Critical thought and experiential learning develop dynamic understanding and an informed worldview.
• Education is purposeful when translated into action.
www.thinkingbeyondborders.org
“With no other program could I have received such a holistic view of the world or a more hands on experience.”
– Katie Cromack, TBB ’09, Stanford University
Gap Year With a Purpose
Gap Year ProgramsA gap year is your time to get outside of the classroom and learn in the real world. It’s a time to find the direction you need to make college meaningful.
Take a gap year with purpose.
Go beyond just travel or service. Our global community faces complex challenges that require more than simple responses. TBB provides the skills and experience you’ll need to find lasting solutions. You’ll live alongside families and study with leaders working to address issues like public health and environmental sustainability. You’ll join a community where young people are finding their voices and learning to transform our world for the better.
With TBB You’ll GainDirection and Purpose Explore your passions and values to create a path toward a fulfilling college career.
Ownership of your Learning Determine why you want to learn and what it will prepare you to do.
Community Join peers and Program Leaders who share your drive and commitment.
“Shawn grew tremendously as a person. The TBB experience pushed her far outside her personal comfort zone in ways that have enhanced her maturity and self-confidence immeasurably.”
– Janet Childs, Parent of Shawn Childs, TBB ‘10
“Emily came home questioning many assumptions she’d had, with memories of faces of people she met who made abstract statistics a reality.” – Stephanie Bird, Parent of Emily Ausubel, TBB ‘09
Gap Year ProgramsA gap year is your time to get outside of the classroom and learn in the real world. It’s a time to find the direction you need to make college meaningful.
Take a gap year with purpose.
Go beyond just travel or service. Our global community faces complex challenges that require more than simple responses. TBB provides the skills and experience you’ll need to find lasting solutions. You’ll live alongside families and study with leaders working to address issues like public health and environmental sustainability. You’ll join a community where young people are finding their voices and learning to transform our world for the better.
With TBB You’ll GainDirection and Purpose Explore your passions and values to create a path toward a fulfilling college career.
Ownership of your Learning Determine why you want to learn and what it will prepare you to do.
Community Join peers and Program Leaders who share your drive and commitment.
“Shawn grew tremendously as a person. The TBB experience pushed her far outside her personal comfort zone in ways that have enhanced her maturity and self-confidence immeasurably.”
– Janet Childs, Parent of Shawn Childs, TBB ‘10
“Emily came home questioning many assumptions she’d had, with memories of faces of people she met who made abstract statistics a reality.” – Stephanie Bird, Parent of Emily Ausubel, TBB ‘09
Global Gap Year
OverviewExplore the challenges and solutions to critical global issues in communities around the world. This unparalleled two-semester program includes:
• Living with host families
• Fieldwork with experts
• Academic study
Each program group consists of 18 students and 3 Program Leaders.
• Tuition: $29,500
• Airfare: Averages $5,000 (varies based on itineraries and fuel costs)
• Program Dates: 30 weeks, Sept. 7, 2014 to April 5, 2015
United States Culmination & Presentations
Ecuador Natural Resources & the Environment
1
Peru Machu Picchu
2
7
South Africa Public Health & the AIDS Epidemic
6
India Education & Economic Growth
5
Cambodia Angkor Wat
4
Thailand Sustainable Agriculture
3
Global Gap Year
OverviewExplore the challenges and solutions to critical global issues in communities around the world. This unparalleled two-semester program includes:
• Living with host families
• Fieldwork with experts
• Academic study
Each program group consists of 18 students and 3 Program Leaders.
• Tuition: $29,500
• Airfare: Averages $5,000 (varies based on itineraries and fuel costs)
• Program Dates: 30 weeks, Sept. 7, 2014 to April 5, 2015
United States Culmination & Presentations
Ecuador Natural Resources & the Environment
1
Peru Machu Picchu
2
7
South Africa Public Health & the AIDS Epidemic
6
India Education & Economic Growth
5
Cambodia Angkor Wat
4
Thailand Sustainable Agriculture
3
Orientation You’ll learn to travel with cultural sensitivity, communicate across language barriers, and immerse yourself in a new culture. You’ll complete health and safety training and team building to unite your group. You’ll hold the first discussions of the curriculum and set goals for the year. Explore the cloud forest of Mindo with a hike, canopy tour, and tubing down the river!
Unit 1: Ecuador Natural Resources & the EnvironmentThe environment and its natural resources are threatened. Your group will explore how production and consumption systems affect the environment. You’ll investigate how industry, agriculture, and cultural conflicts threaten forests and clean water in rural Ecuador. You’ll plant trees that protect the ecosystem and support local farmers. You’ll experience towering peaks of the Andes, equatorial beaches, and the colonial architecture of Quito.
Enrichment Week: Machu PicchuVisit Peru for a four day trek to the Incan city of Machu Picchu.
Unit 2: Thailand Sustainable AgricultureOver the past 60 years, the world’s population has tripled. Farmers use technology to increase crop yields, but these often bring pollution, impoverish small farmers, and threaten food safety. You’ll investigate how farmers, government, and businesses cooperate to balance demand for food with the ecosystem in Northern Thailand. You’ll live with a rural farming family to see the path from field to plate.
Enrichment Week: Angkor WatVisit Cambodia to tour the temples of Angkor Wat and historic museums of Phnom Penh.
Unit 3: India Education & Economic GrowthEducation is the keystone of development. You’ll explore how education can empower individuals and communities to treat disease, produce goods, and support effective government. You’ll work in education centers for women and children in some of the poorest parts of Jaipur. You’ll visit the breathtaking Taj Mahal and immerse your senses in the rich smells, sounds, and colors of markets and festivals.
Enrichment Week: Pushkar Camel TrekVisit the city of Udaipur, then to Pushkar for a desert camel trek.
Unit 4: South Africa Public Health & the AIDS EpidemicHIV/AIDS is our most critical global health crisis. With deaths in the millions in sub-Saharan Africa, communities face the threat of collapse. You’ll investigate how a country recovering from Apartheid is attempting to address the needs of those infected. You’ll work with home-based caregivers, a nursing center, and clinics. You’ll experience gorgeous coastline, expanses of grassland, and a mix of ethnicities.
Enrichment Week: Addo SafariVisit Addo National Park for a wildlife safari.
CulminationWhile traveling the world teaches many things, the greatest lessons are those we learn about ourselves. You’ll explore the relationship between the US and the rest of the world by meeting representatives from the World Bank, Congress, and NGOs. You’ll reflect on your learning and experiences to create a Presentation of Learning to raise awareness about critical global issues. You’ll attend the TBB graduation and celebrate your accomplishments.
“...The intensity of the program, whether intellectually, or physically, or emotionally, was the catalyst to my growth as a human being and a deeper understanding of myself. This led to changes in my future plans that…help me grow and achieve to my full potential in all aspects of life.”
– Alexandra Cardinale, TBB ’11, New York University
Global Gap Year
For more information call (203) 993-0236
• Tuition: $29,500
• Airfare: Averages $5,000 (varies based on itineraries and fuel costs)
• Program Dates: 30 weeks, Sept. 7, 2014 to April 5, 2015
Orientation You’ll learn to travel with cultural sensitivity, communicate across language barriers, and immerse yourself in a new culture. You’ll complete health and safety training and team building to unite your group. You’ll hold the first discussions of the curriculum and set goals for the year. Explore the cloud forest of Mindo with a hike, canopy tour, and tubing down the river!
Unit 1: Ecuador Natural Resources & the EnvironmentThe environment and its natural resources are threatened. Your group will explore how production and consumption systems affect the environment. You’ll investigate how industry, agriculture, and cultural conflicts threaten forests and clean water in rural Ecuador. You’ll plant trees that protect the ecosystem and support local farmers. You’ll experience towering peaks of the Andes, equatorial beaches, and the colonial architecture of Quito.
Enrichment Week: Machu PicchuVisit Peru for a four day trek to the Incan city of Machu Picchu.
Unit 2: Thailand Sustainable AgricultureOver the past 60 years, the world’s population has tripled. Farmers use technology to increase crop yields, but these often bring pollution, impoverish small farmers, and threaten food safety. You’ll investigate how farmers, government, and businesses cooperate to balance demand for food with the ecosystem in Northern Thailand. You’ll live with a rural farming family to see the path from field to plate.
Enrichment Week: Angkor WatVisit Cambodia to tour the temples of Angkor Wat and historic museums of Phnom Penh.
Unit 3: India Education & Economic GrowthEducation is the keystone of development. You’ll explore how education can empower individuals and communities to treat disease, produce goods, and support effective government. You’ll work in education centers for women and children in some of the poorest parts of Jaipur. You’ll visit the breathtaking Taj Mahal and immerse your senses in the rich smells, sounds, and colors of markets and festivals.
Enrichment Week: Pushkar Camel TrekVisit the city of Udaipur, then to Pushkar for a desert camel trek.
Unit 4: South Africa Public Health & the AIDS EpidemicHIV/AIDS is our most critical global health crisis. With deaths in the millions in sub-Saharan Africa, communities face the threat of collapse. You’ll investigate how a country recovering from Apartheid is attempting to address the needs of those infected. You’ll work with home-based caregivers, a nursing center, and clinics. You’ll experience gorgeous coastline, expanses of grassland, and a mix of ethnicities.
Enrichment Week: Addo SafariVisit Addo National Park for a wildlife safari.
CulminationWhile traveling the world teaches many things, the greatest lessons are those we learn about ourselves. You’ll explore the relationship between the US and the rest of the world by meeting representatives from the World Bank, Congress, and NGOs. You’ll reflect on your learning and experiences to create a Presentation of Learning to raise awareness about critical global issues. You’ll attend the TBB graduation and celebrate your accomplishments.
“...The intensity of the program, whether intellectually, or physically, or emotionally, was the catalyst to my growth as a human being and a deeper understanding of myself. This led to changes in my future plans that…help me grow and achieve to my full potential in all aspects of life.”
– Alexandra Cardinale, TBB ’11, New York University
Global Gap Year
For more information call (203) 993-0236
• Tuition: $29,500
• Airfare: Averages $5,000 (varies based on itineraries and fuel costs)
• Program Dates: 30 weeks, Sept. 7, 2014 to April 5, 2015
OverviewExplore critical global issues in 2 different communities in one of the most ethnically diverse regions of the world. The program gives students a snapshot of the interplay between governments, economies, social systems, and host communities. This gap semester program includes:
• Daily Mandarin Language Study & Immersion
• Living with Host Families
• Fieldwork with Local Experts
• Academic Study
• Independent Travel in China
Each gap year program group consists of 18 students and 3 Program Leaders.
Itinerary – 13 weeks Orientation: Yunnan, China – 1 week
Unit 1: Sustainable Agriculture – 5 weeks
Unit 2: Public Health & Traditional Medicine – 5 weeks
Enrichment: Independent Travel – 1 week
Culmination: Washington, DC – 1 week
China Gap Semester
Ecuador, Peru &
Bolivia
OverviewExplore solutions to critical global issues in communities throughout South America. This gap semester program includes:
• Daily Spanish Language Study & Immersion
• Living with Host Families
• Fieldwork with Local Experts
• Academic Study
• Guided Trek to Machu Picchu
Each gap year program group consists of 18 students and 3 Program Leaders.
Itinerary – 13 weeks Orientation: Ecuador – 1 week
Unit 1: Ecuador - Education – 5 weeks
Enrichment: Peru - Trek to Machu Picchu – 1 week
Unit 2: Bolivia - Sustainable Agriculture – 5 weeks
Culmination: Washington, DC – 1 week
• Tuition: $13,500
• Airfare: $1,500 (varies based on fuel costs)
• Program Dates: 2014 Spring Semester: Feb 15th to May 17th, 2014 2014 Fall Semester: Sept 7th to Dec 7th, 2014 2015 Spring Semester: Feb 28th to May 30th, 2015
Yunnan Province,
China
• Tuition: $12,000
• Airfare: $1,750 (varies based on fuel costs)
• Program Dates: 2014 Spring Semester: Feb 2nd to May 4th, 2014 2014 Fall Semester: Sept 7th to Dec 7th, 2014 2015 Spring Semester: Feb 1st to May 3rd, 2015
South America Gap Semester
OverviewExplore critical global issues in 2 different communities in one of the most ethnically diverse regions of the world. The program gives students a snapshot of the interplay between governments, economies, social systems, and host communities. This gap semester program includes:
• Daily Mandarin Language Study & Immersion
• Living with Host Families
• Fieldwork with Local Experts
• Academic Study
• Independent Travel in China
Each gap year program group consists of 18 students and 3 Program Leaders.
Itinerary – 13 weeks Orientation: Yunnan, China – 1 week
Unit 1: Sustainable Agriculture – 5 weeks
Unit 2: Public Health & Traditional Medicine – 5 weeks
Enrichment: Independent Travel – 1 week
Culmination: Washington, DC – 1 week
China Gap Semester
Ecuador, Peru &
Bolivia
OverviewExplore solutions to critical global issues in communities throughout South America. This gap semester program includes:
• Daily Spanish Language Study & Immersion
• Living with Host Families
• Fieldwork with Local Experts
• Academic Study
• Guided Trek to Machu Picchu
Each gap year program group consists of 18 students and 3 Program Leaders.
Itinerary – 13 weeks Orientation: Ecuador – 1 week
Unit 1: Ecuador - Education – 5 weeks
Enrichment: Peru - Trek to Machu Picchu – 1 week
Unit 2: Bolivia - Sustainable Agriculture – 5 weeks
Culmination: Washington, DC – 1 week
• Tuition: $13,500
• Airfare: $1,500 (varies based on fuel costs)
• Program Dates: 2014 Spring Semester: Feb 15th to May 17th, 2014 2014 Fall Semester: Sept 7th to Dec 7th, 2014 2015 Spring Semester: Feb 28th to May 30th, 2015
Yunnan Province,
China
• Tuition: $12,000
• Airfare: $1,750 (varies based on fuel costs)
• Program Dates: 2014 Spring Semester: Feb 2nd to May 4th, 2014 2014 Fall Semester: Sept 7th to Dec 7th, 2014 2015 Spring Semester: Feb 1st to May 3rd, 2015
South America Gap Semester
South Asia Gap Semester Curriculum
Essential Question All aspects of the curriculum and all seminars in each of the TBB gap year programs are driven by the following Essential Question:
How can I be a proactive agent of change?
Guiding Questions• What is “development”?• Who am I?• Is everyone in the world interconnected?• What do we assume about others & ourselves?• Who is responsible to develop whom?
Seminar FormatTBB seminars challenge students to bring their daily experiences together with assigned readings to create new perspectives on critical global issues. Seminars include lectures with local experts, group discussions, and debates.
Curricular ComponentsDevelopment Theory and Practice What is “development”? Students explore the economics, politics, and social structures of development processes. Examine a broad range of models and the assumptions underlying them to create a foundation of upon which real solutions can be built.
Social Change How can I affect change? Students analyze the process of change and their personal strengths to determine how they’ll impact the world proactively.
Presentations of Learning How can I be a proactive agent of change? Students prepare formal presentations that reflect their learning during the program. Presentations articulate an understanding of issues of international development and personal growth.
Curricular Content (varies by program)Natural Resources and the Environment What does it mean to be “environmentally responsible”? Students examine production and consumption systems, cultural assumptions that lead to destructive acts, and technological possibilities for sustainable solutions.
Education & Economic Growth How can education empower individuals and communities toward development? Students examine the purpose, equitable distribution, economic potential, and oppressive potential of education.
Sustainable Agriculture What does food mean to society? Students investigate the culture, economics, history, and technology of agriculture to identify sustainable means of feeding the world’s population.
Public Health Why are so many nations failing to effectively protect public health? Students study policies, the economics and politics of health crises, and the challenges of getting health technology to those in need.
OverviewExplore solutions to critical global issues in communities throughout South Asia while you enjoy the hospitality and wonders of India and the Land of Smiles, Thailand. This gap semester includes:
• Living with Host Families
• Fieldwork with Local Experts
• Academic Study
• Explore Angkor Wat & Phnom Penh
Each gap year program group consists of 18 students and 3 Program Leaders.
Itinerary – 13 weeks Orientation: Thailand – 1 week
Unit 1: Thailand - Sustainable Agriculture – 5 weeks
Enrichment: Cambodia - Temples of Angkor Wat – 1 week
Unit 2: India - Education – 5 weeks
Culmination: Washington, DC – 1 week
Thailand, Cambodia, India
• Tuition: $11,750
• Airfare: $2,500 (varies based on fuel costs)
• Program Dates: 2014 Fall Semester: Sept 7th to Dec 7th, 2014 2015 Spring Semester: Feb 1st to May 3rd, 2015
South Asia Gap Semester Curriculum
Essential Question All aspects of the curriculum and all seminars in each of the TBB gap year programs are driven by the following Essential Question:
How can I be a proactive agent of change?
Guiding Questions• What is “development”?• Who am I?• Is everyone in the world interconnected?• What do we assume about others & ourselves?• Who is responsible to develop whom?
Seminar FormatTBB seminars challenge students to bring their daily experiences together with assigned readings to create new perspectives on critical global issues. Seminars include lectures with local experts, group discussions, and debates.
Curricular ComponentsDevelopment Theory and Practice What is “development”? Students explore the economics, politics, and social structures of development processes. Examine a broad range of models and the assumptions underlying them to create a foundation of upon which real solutions can be built.
Social Change How can I affect change? Students analyze the process of change and their personal strengths to determine how they’ll impact the world proactively.
Presentations of Learning How can I be a proactive agent of change? Students prepare formal presentations that reflect their learning during the program. Presentations articulate an understanding of issues of international development and personal growth.
Curricular Content (varies by program)Natural Resources and the Environment What does it mean to be “environmentally responsible”? Students examine production and consumption systems, cultural assumptions that lead to destructive acts, and technological possibilities for sustainable solutions.
Education & Economic Growth How can education empower individuals and communities toward development? Students examine the purpose, equitable distribution, economic potential, and oppressive potential of education.
Sustainable Agriculture What does food mean to society? Students investigate the culture, economics, history, and technology of agriculture to identify sustainable means of feeding the world’s population.
Public Health Why are so many nations failing to effectively protect public health? Students study policies, the economics and politics of health crises, and the challenges of getting health technology to those in need.
OverviewExplore solutions to critical global issues in communities throughout South Asia while you enjoy the hospitality and wonders of India and the Land of Smiles, Thailand. This gap semester includes:
• Living with Host Families
• Fieldwork with Local Experts
• Academic Study
• Explore Angkor Wat & Phnom Penh
Each gap year program group consists of 18 students and 3 Program Leaders.
Itinerary – 13 weeks Orientation: Thailand – 1 week
Unit 1: Thailand - Sustainable Agriculture – 5 weeks
Enrichment: Cambodia - Temples of Angkor Wat – 1 week
Unit 2: India - Education – 5 weeks
Culmination: Washington, DC – 1 week
Thailand, Cambodia, India
• Tuition: $11,750
• Airfare: $2,500 (varies based on fuel costs)
• Program Dates: 2014 Fall Semester: Sept 7th to Dec 7th, 2014 2015 Spring Semester: Feb 1st to May 3rd, 2015
Team
Robin Pendoley Founder & CEORobin discovered at an early age that youth can affect the disparities and challenges of our world. He earned a B.A. in International Development Studies from UCLA and an Ed.M. from the Harvard Graduate School of
Education. Before co-founding TBB, Robin spent ten years in urban and suburban schools, challenging students to question their assumptions about themselves and the world. His goal is to empower future leaders who will solve global issues using their learning with TBB.
Andrea Canuel Administrative DirectorAndrea graduated Magna Cum Laude from the College of the Holy Cross, earning a B.A. in history and Italian. Before joining TBB, Andrea studied abroad during college
and later worked in Italy for a private educational tour company. Her commitment to service earned her the UniverCity Partnership Award for College Student Community Engagement. These experiences have inspired Andrea to work in international service-learning. She recently earned a Master’s degree in International Education at NYU.
Stephen Barnes Program DirectorStephen earned a degree in Politics and International Studies from University of Warwick and a Master’s degree in Development Studies from the School of
Oriental and African Studies. Before joining TBB, he spent 6 months volunteering in rural Nicaragua and two years managing volunteer and internship programs for Fundación Yanapuma in Quito, Ecuador. Stephen joined TBB first as a Program Leader for the Global Gap Year class of 2010, then returned as the Program Director.
Scott Ingram Recruitment DirectorScott earned a B.A. in Japanese and Asian Studies at the University of Colorado-Boulder and a M.A. in International Relations with a focus on Development
Anthropology at Waseda University Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies in Tokyo. He taught at a high school in Nagasaki, Japan, for three years with the JET Programme, where he discovered a passion for teaching. He also coached high school soccer in his hometown in Colorado. Scott served as a TBB Global Gap Year Program Leader for the classes of 2011 and 2012.
Staff Bios Program Leaders
Global Gap Year West
Jessica PezdekHome: Westchester, NY / Madrid, SpainDegree: MA in Spanish Language, Literature, and Culture from Syracuse UniversityBackground: Taught world languages in public school.Extra: Certified yoga instructor
Chris MoralesHome: San Francisco Bay AreaDegree: MA in Peace and Justice Studies from University of San DiegoBackground: Guided backpacking and kayak trips throughout California.Extra: Started career in biotechnology before shifting his passion to social justice.
Vanessa RhodesHome: Oakland, CADegree: MA in Historical Studies and Political Science from New School UniversityBackground: Worked on issues addressing workers rights and economic inequality.Extra: Hiked 247 miles over 12 mountain passes on the John Muir trail. Vanessa served as a Program Leader with TBB’s 2012-13 Global Gap Year Program.
Global Gap Year East
Allison IrbyHome: Washington, DCDegree: Separate MAs in Latin American Studies and International Education Background: Worked in DC and Barcelona in study abroad.Favorite travel adventures: Colombia, South Africa, Morocco, and Iceland
Beth WarsofHome: Virginia Beach, VADegree: MA in Educational Psychology and PhD in Developmental Psychology Background: Taught students with autism, English learners, and undergraduates.Extra: Has traveled throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Australia/New Zealand.
Stacey WilliamsHome: San Diego, CADegree: MA in Higher Education Leadership from University of San DiegoBackground: Served two years in AmeriCorps. Spent summer prior to TBB advising students on a community design project in Rwanda with ThinkImpact.
Eleanor R. Duckworth, Professor, Harvard Graduate School of Education
Sam Mitchell, Director, Center for Cultural Learning & Development Yunnan, China
Josh Muldavin, Professor, Geography and Asian Studies Sara Lawrence University
Manda Parikh, Director of International Programs, Indian Association of Experiment in International Living, Gujarat, India
Sherman Teichman, Executive Director, Institute for Global Leadership, Tufts University
Mandy Frost, Director, PlettAid, Plettenberg Bay, South Africa
Curriculum Advisors
Team
Robin Pendoley Founder & CEORobin discovered at an early age that youth can affect the disparities and challenges of our world. He earned a B.A. in International Development Studies from UCLA and an Ed.M. from the Harvard Graduate School of
Education. Before co-founding TBB, Robin spent ten years in urban and suburban schools, challenging students to question their assumptions about themselves and the world. His goal is to empower future leaders who will solve global issues using their learning with TBB.
Andrea Canuel Administrative DirectorAndrea graduated Magna Cum Laude from the College of the Holy Cross, earning a B.A. in history and Italian. Before joining TBB, Andrea studied abroad during college
and later worked in Italy for a private educational tour company. Her commitment to service earned her the UniverCity Partnership Award for College Student Community Engagement. These experiences have inspired Andrea to work in international service-learning. She recently earned a Master’s degree in International Education at NYU.
Stephen Barnes Program DirectorStephen earned a degree in Politics and International Studies from University of Warwick and a Master’s degree in Development Studies from the School of
Oriental and African Studies. Before joining TBB, he spent 6 months volunteering in rural Nicaragua and two years managing volunteer and internship programs for Fundación Yanapuma in Quito, Ecuador. Stephen joined TBB first as a Program Leader for the Global Gap Year class of 2010, then returned as the Program Director.
Scott Ingram Recruitment DirectorScott earned a B.A. in Japanese and Asian Studies at the University of Colorado-Boulder and a M.A. in International Relations with a focus on Development
Anthropology at Waseda University Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies in Tokyo. He taught at a high school in Nagasaki, Japan, for three years with the JET Programme, where he discovered a passion for teaching. He also coached high school soccer in his hometown in Colorado. Scott served as a TBB Global Gap Year Program Leader for the classes of 2011 and 2012.
Staff Bios Program Leaders
Global Gap Year West
Jessica PezdekHome: Westchester, NY / Madrid, SpainDegree: MA in Spanish Language, Literature, and Culture from Syracuse UniversityBackground: Taught world languages in public school.Extra: Certified yoga instructor
Chris MoralesHome: San Francisco Bay AreaDegree: MA in Peace and Justice Studies from University of San DiegoBackground: Guided backpacking and kayak trips throughout California.Extra: Started career in biotechnology before shifting his passion to social justice.
Vanessa RhodesHome: Oakland, CADegree: MA in Historical Studies and Political Science from New School UniversityBackground: Worked on issues addressing workers rights and economic inequality.Extra: Hiked 247 miles over 12 mountain passes on the John Muir trail. Vanessa served as a Program Leader with TBB’s 2012-13 Global Gap Year Program.
Global Gap Year East
Allison IrbyHome: Washington, DCDegree: Separate MAs in Latin American Studies and International Education Background: Worked in DC and Barcelona in study abroad.Favorite travel adventures: Colombia, South Africa, Morocco, and Iceland
Beth WarsofHome: Virginia Beach, VADegree: MA in Educational Psychology and PhD in Developmental Psychology Background: Taught students with autism, English learners, and undergraduates.Extra: Has traveled throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Australia/New Zealand.
Stacey WilliamsHome: San Diego, CADegree: MA in Higher Education Leadership from University of San DiegoBackground: Served two years in AmeriCorps. Spent summer prior to TBB advising students on a community design project in Rwanda with ThinkImpact.
Eleanor R. Duckworth, Professor, Harvard Graduate School of Education
Sam Mitchell, Director, Center for Cultural Learning & Development Yunnan, China
Josh Muldavin, Professor, Geography and Asian Studies Sara Lawrence University
Manda Parikh, Director of International Programs, Indian Association of Experiment in International Living, Gujarat, India
Sherman Teichman, Executive Director, Institute for Global Leadership, Tufts University
Mandy Frost, Director, PlettAid, Plettenberg Bay, South Africa
Curriculum Advisors
Applying
“It really is the trip of a lifetime. These are the skills and perspectives that people take years to learn, if ever…I wouldn’t be the same person without TBB.”
– Alexandra Cardinale, TBB ’11, New York University
“Alexandra came home with a beautiful sense of competence and independence, and the concrete skills to match.”
– Catherine Duncan, Parent of Alexandra Duncan, TBB ‘09
“TBB exceeded my expectations...I found a community in which I can always be myself, one where I am able to be genuine and find support as well as people who will constantly inspire and challenge me. I gained a global perspective and an understanding of what I’m really deeply passionate about.”
– Hannah Nelson, TBB ’11, Davidson College
Dates Application deadlinesGlobal Gap Year – July 1, 2014
Spring 2014 Semester – January 1, 2014
Fall 2014 Semester – July 15, 2014
Spring 2015 Semester – January 1, 2015
Tuition & Financial AidThe tuition for each program covers all the costs except airfare. Tuition includes: emergency medical evacuation insurance (this does not replace normal health insurance); visa and entry fees; food, accommodation, and transportation; educational components; group enrichment activities.
The tuition costs for the programs are:
• Global Gap Year – $29,500
• China Gap Semester – $13,500
• South America Gap Semester – $12,000
• South Asia Gap Semester – $11,750
All international airline tickets are purchased by TBB to ensure the lowest possible cost and all members of the group have the same itinerary. TBB offers limited need-based financial aid and supports student efforts to raise funds toward their tuition. For more information, please visit the “Apply Now” page of our website.
Apply at www.thinkingbeyondborders.org
For more information call (203) 993-0236
Applying
“It really is the trip of a lifetime. These are the skills and perspectives that people take years to learn, if ever…I wouldn’t be the same person without TBB.”
– Alexandra Cardinale, TBB ’11, New York University
“Alexandra came home with a beautiful sense of competence and independence, and the concrete skills to match.”
– Catherine Duncan, Parent of Alexandra Duncan, TBB ‘09
“TBB exceeded my expectations...I found a community in which I can always be myself, one where I am able to be genuine and find support as well as people who will constantly inspire and challenge me. I gained a global perspective and an understanding of what I’m really deeply passionate about.”
– Hannah Nelson, TBB ’11, Davidson College
Dates Application deadlinesGlobal Gap Year – July 1, 2014
Spring 2014 Semester – January 1, 2014
Fall 2014 Semester – July 15, 2014
Spring 2015 Semester – January 1, 2015
Tuition & Financial AidThe tuition for each program covers all the costs except airfare. Tuition includes: emergency medical evacuation insurance (this does not replace normal health insurance); visa and entry fees; food, accommodation, and transportation; educational components; group enrichment activities.
The tuition costs for the programs are:
• Global Gap Year – $29,500
• China Gap Semester – $13,500
• South America Gap Semester – $12,000
• South Asia Gap Semester – $11,750
All international airline tickets are purchased by TBB to ensure the lowest possible cost and all members of the group have the same itinerary. TBB offers limited need-based financial aid and supports student efforts to raise funds toward their tuition. For more information, please visit the “Apply Now” page of our website.
Apply at www.thinkingbeyondborders.org
For more information call (203) 993-0236
Thinking Beyond Borders
www.thinkingbeyondborders.org
203-993-0236
Photos by TBB 2009-2012 studentsDesign by Lisa Graf, www.lgraf.net
With Thinking Beyond Borders
• Education is purposeful.
• Identifying personal relationships with global issues is critical for meaningful conclusions.
• The reciprocal relationship between the student and teacher allows each to learn and to build new conclusions.
• Understanding is a continuous process of experiencing, learning, and reflecting.
• The product of education is a skilled learner, not memorized information.
• Critical thought and experiential learning develop dynamic understanding and an informed worldview.
• Education is purposeful when translated into action.
www.thinkingbeyondborders.org
“With no other program could I have received such a holistic view of the world or a more hands on experience.”
– Katie Cromack, TBB ’09, Stanford University
Gap Year With a Purpose