1. education
2. school

C O S T A
R I C A
P R O G R A M
D E T A I L S
WH AT’S WITHIN YOU COULD CHANGE THE WORLD
No Barriers Youth provides transformative experiences that stretch comfort zones, inspire possibilities
and ignite action in some of our planet’s most inspiring classrooms. Our nationally recognized
scholarship program, Learning AFAR, brings these experiences to students who would not otherwise
have the opportunity.
A comprehensive three-phased approach to interdisciplinary experiential education working together to inspire &
equip youth to live a No Barriers Life:
1. Thoughtful preparation: Through classroom-based lessons exploring a variety of topics from tropical
ecology to personal leadership preferences, participants lay the groundwork for a transformative expedition.
2. Transformative expedition: Interdisciplinary activities paired with first-class facilitation and first-hand
exposure to real-world challenges leave participants coming home with a greater understanding of themselves
and their place in the world.
3. Meaningful return: Participants translate their experience into meaningful action in their home community
through taking the No Barriers Pledge and creation of their own AFAR magazine.
970.484.3633 NOBARRIERSYOUTH.ORG
P R O G R A M
D E T A I L S
LE ARNING AFAR FORT COLLINS
Costa Rica Expedition Overview:
Full of adventure, beauty, captivating culture and rich
biodiversity, Costa Rica provides the perfect venue
to explore your passions and connect them to your
potential to make a difference. The itinerary combines
a diverse range of activities all aimed at illuminating the
No Barriers Life. Classroom science lessons turn into
honed career ambitions while searching for sloths and
observing the complexities of leaf cutter ants; comfort
zones are stretched and personal growth opportunities
abound through zip-lining and trying new food; simple
farm visits turn into lifelong habit changes when the
power of interconnectedness is realized; perspective
that’s gained through exposure to third-world challenges
follows participants home; a sense of efficacy is born
through student-driven learning; service projects result
in an understanding and appreciation of differences;
and thoughtful, informed, passion-infused personal
visions emerge as the 9 days come to a close.
No one comes home the same.
The Details:
Dates: The 9-day expedition will take place before
the end of the 2015 calendar year. Exact dates
will be selected in partnership with each of the
selected schools.
Group Make-up:
In addition to No Barriers
Youth staff and Costa Rican guides, each of
the two Learning AFAR Fort Collins groups will
be comprised of 18 PSD students and 3 PSD
educators. The selected groups of students will
represent diverse economic backgrounds.
Sliding-Scale Program Fee: Thanks to
generous support from anonymous donors, we
are able to offer this program at a significant
offset. Scholarships will be awarded based on
demonstrated need and merit during the student
application process. The full program fee including
airfare is estimated at $2,900 (pending final airfare
quote once dates are solidified.)
• Up to 4 students will receive a 100% fully
funded scholarship
• Up to 4 students will receive a 75%
scholarship (remaining program fee= $725)
• 4 or more students will receive a 50%
scholarship (remaining program fee= $1,450)
• 6 or more students will receive a 25%
scholarship (remaining program fee= $2,175)
We believe that each student should play a role in
making this program become a reality and in doing so,
learn valuable skills. In addition to the program fee, all
students will be responsible for fundraising/covering
the costs of passports/immunizations (if needed), any
personal gear and desired spending money. All other
costs including airfare, food, lodging, transportation,
tips, entrance fees, travel insurance, carbon offsets,
certified guides and preparatory materials are included
in the estimated program fee.
“Every student in America must go outside the boundaries of their local community and learn something that
is challenging and different. This allowed me to learn not just who I am as an American but as a person.”
- Deisy, Learning AFAR alumna, 2011
970.484.3633 NOBARRIERSYOUTH.ORG
P R O G R A M
D E T A I L S
LE ARNING AFAR FORT COLLINS
Costa Rica Sample Itinerary:
*Final itinerary subject to change
Day 1: Arrive San Jose
After traveling to San Jose, Costa Rica, we settle into a
comfortable hotel. We spend the afternoon participating
in an in-country orientation and overview of the
Learning AFAR Magazine Project.
Day 2: San Jose & Sarapiqi Lowland Rainforest
We begin our service work with the Costa Rican
Humanitarian Foundation (CRHF) in La Carpio outside
of San Jose in the morning of Day 2. Founded by
squatters in the mid-1990s, La Carpio is a village
comprised primarily of Nicaraguan immigrants and is
one of the poorest communities in Costa Rica. We will
learn about Latin American history, participate in service
projects and play games with the children of La Carpio.
We close out our time with a community potluck and
that afternoon travel to the Sarapiquí lowland rainforest
region and get our first taste of the rainforest at an
ecolodge that will be home for two nights.
Days 3 and 4: Sarapiqui & La Fortuna
Day 3 is all about exploring the rainforest! We begin
searching for wildlife by foot at a protected nature
reserve and then continue by boat down the Puerto
Viejo River. We spend the night at the same ecolodge
as last night. Day 4 is all about sustainable agriculture.
We begin at a pineapple plantation nearby (and eat
plenty of samples!) and in the afternoon travel to La
Fortuna where we have the opportunity to spend the
day and night at an educational organic farm called Don
Juan’s. We help harvest items for meals, tour the farm
and even get to try our hand at pressing sugar cane.
We spend the night in a comfortable bunkhouse on the
farm.
Day 5: Depart La Fortuna for Monteverde
Before leaving La Fortuna, we have the opportunity to
purchase donation items at a local grocery store and
deliver them to the La Fortuna Orphanage.
We share smiles and play some games with the kids
before catching a boat taxi across Lake Arenal to
our next destination: Monteverde. We arrive in the
cloudforest region in the evening and participate in a
dance class. We will spend the next three nights in
bunk beds at a university field station.
Days 6 and 7: Monteverde Cloudforest Region
Our first morning in the Cloudforest begins with a
service project giving back to the local community
of San Luis. In the afternoon we learn about one of
the region’s most important crops, coffee, at a local
family farm. In the evening, local community members
welcome us into their home for dinner. Day 7 begins
with a walk in the Cloudforest learning about how this
region differs from the Sarapiqui region. The afternoon
is spent in a local family’s home learning how to cook
a traditional recipe. We end the day with a night walk
searching for nocturnal species and participate in an
ongoing research project with the university.
Day 8: Depart Monteverde for San Jose
Our last full day begins with a bang as we experience
the forest as the birds do, zip-lining through the canopy!
In the afternoon, we head back to San Jose with a
quick stop at a local handicraft cooperative to do some
last minute souvenir shopping. Our last evening will be
spent at a hotel in San Jose.
Day 9: Depart San Jose
We say our goodbyes and depart for home and begin
the process of integrating all we experienced into our
daily lives!
Due to the generous support of individuals, foundations and corporate
partners, Learning AFAR provides fully-funded programming to youth who
would not otherwise have the opportunity to explore their place within the
world. To learn more about how you can get involved, please call 970-4843633 and ask for Cindy.
APPLY BY APRIL 17: http://bit.ly/afarfoco
970.484.3633 NOBARRIERSYOUTH.ORG
March 30, 2015
Dear Fort Collins Educator:
No Barriers Youth, in partnership with the AFAR Foundation and with support from anonymous donors, is excited to invite your
school to be part of an amazing educational travel program: Learning AFAR. By applying to this program, you and your students
have the chance to become one of the two 2015 Learning AFAR Fort Collins schools, which provides a nine-month program
including scholarship funding for a fall 2015 expedition to Costa Rica!
No Barriers and our aforementioned partners share a similar vision: to make the life-changing power of authentic, experiential
travel available to all students regardless of their economic background. An anonymous donor is providing sliding scale
scholarship support for two PSD schools, each consisting of 18 high school or middle school students and three educators to
participate in the 2015 Learning AFAR Fort Collins program. Scholarships will be awarded based on three criteria: financial need,
merit, and leadership potential. No Barriers will work with the chosen educators (Group Leaders) to select the additional two
educators and the 18 student participants from your school.
Program Overview:
Learning AFAR, developed in partnership with AFAR Media, is dedicated to creating life-changing experiences for high-achieving
students who wouldn’t otherwise have opportunities to explore the world and their place within it. Learning AFAR is a ninemonth program. Students and their role-model educators spend six months studying culture, global issues, service and
leadership before embarking on an international expedition, which is usually about 10 days in length. They return with a new
vision for their potential and a sense of personal ownership that shifts their perceptions and helps empower their communities.
Learning AFAR is managed by No Barriers, a nonprofit organization dedicated to unleashing the potential of the human spirit.
No Barriers Youth serves middle and high school students as they are exploring their path in life. Our Youth Programs are
dedicated to creating moments that challenge students’ perspectives of the world and inspire them to make it a better place.
Our unique educational model equips students to explore culture, global issues and service leadership for a deeper
understanding of the world, to discover their personal interests and to tackle community issues with passion and wisdom. These
are remarkable programs that develop leadership, innovation, curiosity, confidence and resilience in students who otherwise
may have considerable challenges in their way.
Online Application: The Learning AFAR application must be submitted online unless you require special assistance. Apply here:
https://nobarriersusa.wufoo.com/forms/2015-la-fort-collins-application-educator-section/
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Nine-Month Program Timeline: Pre-travel learning will take place in collaboration with your students utilizing the No Barriers
Curriculum (a series of seven lessons taking approximately two hours each, usually implemented in an afterschool program
format). The second phase, travel to Costa Rica will take place in fall 2015 (dates TBD in collaboration with the selected schools).
Please apply even if you have concerns about dates. Upon return you will be asked to complete a service-oriented global
citizenship project, which includes the creation of a Learning AFAR magazine.
Timeline:
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April 17, 2015
May 11, 2015
May-Fall, 2015
Fall 2015
Winter 2015
Educator applications due
Student applications due
Preparatory curriculum at your convenience
Travel to Costa Rica
Follow-up project
Educator Role & Expectations
The successful educator applicant will play a pivotal role in this program as their school’s Group Leader. Group Leader roles and
responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
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Participating in a 60-minute training session that details your role and responsibilities
Acting as the main conduit for information to flow from No Barriers to/from students, parents and the greater
school community
Promoting the program to students at your school (NB will provide you with promotional materials and make a
complimentary visit to host an information session)
Working with the other Group Leaders to implement the No Barriers preparatory curriculum. This includes seven
lessons focusing on core areas of responsible global citizenship, each lasting approximately two hours
Ensuring all participants have identification passports and complete necessary forms in a timely manner
Traveling with and supervising your group in Costa Rica (A No Barriers Expedition Leader will handle all planning,
logistics and educational discussions. A local guide will also join you for the duration of your trip.)
Implementing a global citizenship project with your students upon their return from travel, including creating a
Learning AFAR magazine
We seek educators with a passion for travel, a commitment to teaching students about responsible global citizenship and a
proven track record for success as an educator in and out of the classroom. Your responses to the application essay questions
should demonstrate flexibility, creativity, practicality and passion. Please note: this is a serious time commitment equivalent to
taking the lead in an extracurricular club or sport.
Application Process
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ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE COMPLETED ONLINE AT
https://nobarriersusa.wufoo.com/forms/2015-la-fort-collins-application-educator-section/
If you need a print-based application, please request one by emailing kaitlyn.millen@nobarriersusa.org.
INSTRUCTIONS: Please read the application details below before starting your application online. You cannot save your
application online, so we suggest preparing your answers ahead of time and copying & pasting them to the online form.
Applications MUST be submitted online (unless arrangements for a paper application have been made). The application
comprises:
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Personal & school background information and responses to short essay questions
A digital copy of your current resume or CV
A digital copy of your school accountability report (as applicable)
Principal application
In order to be fair to all applicants, we cannot accept additional materials. Finalists will participate in one round of interviews.
Multiple applicants can apply from the same school as long as each one has the endorsement from your principal.
Educator Section of Application
Personal & School Background Information
We request personal contact information, school contact information, teaching history, involvement in extracurricular activities,
past history of travel with or without students, applicable educator awards, health history and an overview of experience
working with students of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
Short Essay Questions (each response must be 250 words max)
1) Describe your teaching philosophy and how your style of teaching will add significant educational benefit to high school
student participants in this program. Please speak specifically to your ability to connect with high school students.
2) The Academic Rigor of Your Program: Please describe the extent to which your school is falling below, meeting or
exceeding state standards. If appropriate, please share how it might address gaps in curriculum and/or positively impact
your students. Please include a school accountability report if applicable.
3) We seek a partner school and Group Leader who can commit to implementing every aspect of the program: before,
during and after travel. Please briefly describe why you are committed to bringing Learning AFAR to your school and
greater community.
4) Please comment on your ability to recruit students (min 25 applicants) from diverse backgrounds. All applicants should
be high achieving academically and/or portray leadership potential and desire to improve their lives. Some of the
applicants should also be from low-income families (defined as eligible for free and reduced Federal lunches)
Current Resume or CV & School Accountability Report
You will be asked to upload your current resume or CV and a copy of your School Accountability Report.
Principal Section of Application
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Your principal will be asked to describe their commitment to the program, show they can get the travel approved by your school
board, and provide a recommendation for you as a leader within their school.
Short Essay Questions (each response must 250 words max)
1) Describe how the applicant educator is a leader within your school and greater community. Why do you feel he/she
should be selected? Do you have any hesitation about recommending him/her for selection?
2) We seek a partner school and Group Leader who can commit to implementing every aspect of the program: before,
during and post travel. Please briefly describe:
-why you are committed to bringing Learning AFAR to your school and greater community
-why you believe your applicant educator has the flexibility in his/her schedule to take on all three phases of this
program.
3) Regardless of whether your school has previously traveled with students, please indicate reasons you think that your
school board will approve of this travel experience and/or hurdles you expect to encounter.
4) Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
About No Barriers USA
Our mission is to unleash the potential of the human spirit. No Barriers provides experiences that empower people of all abilities
and backgrounds to embrace a "no barriers" mindset and discover the potential that lies within themselves and the world. No
Barriers Youth helps students and educators unleash their potential to change the world. Our transformative journeys foster
confidence, inspire possibility and ignite action. Students of diverse backgrounds come away with a better understanding of
themselves and their place within the world. No Barriers Warriors helps wounded veterans regain their footing in life after
service. By using mountains as metaphors and training grounds, these veterans rediscover their purpose, build strong teams
with others who understand, and join our larger community of individuals, inspiration and experiences. At the No Barriers
Summit we redefine possible. The Summit is where innovation and opportunities change lives. Part inspiration and part action,
this four-day experiential conference empowers people to harness adversity and achieve their absolute best. To learn more
please visit: www.nobarriersusa.org
We look forward to receiving your application. If you have questions, please contact Kaitlyn Millen at
kaitlyn.millen@nobarriersusa.org or Andrea Delorey at andrea.delorey@nobarriersusa.org or (970) 484-3633.
Sincerely,
Kaitlyn Millen
Specialty Programs Coordinator
Andrea Delorey
Director, No Barriers Youth
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