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G A P Y E A R THINKING BEYOND BORDERS
WHERE THERE BE DRAGONS THE LEADER IN CROSS-CULTURAL + EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION SINCE 1993 Mapmakers once drew Dragons to represent lands unknown. Bold explorers who ventured beyond the map’s edge were said to go “where there be dragons”… Dragons offers summer and semester programs in 19 countries, each one custom-crafted by instructor teams who bring their unique vision and expertise to the course design. Our educators are united by a mission of nurturing understanding across borders through authentic cultural exchange. Our goal is to help participants develop the self-awareness and cross-cultural competencies to be active participants in the world. What makes a Dragons course different? Small Groups: A typical Dragons group consists of 12 students and 3 instructors.This 4:1 student-to-instructor ratio ensures that we are able to individually challenge and support every student with careful mentorship. Professional Instructors: We work with the best international guides and educators in the industry. Our instructors are carefully selected based on their group facilitation skills, local language fluency, regional experience in the country, and their connections with our host communities. Typically, when a Dragons instructor team heads into the field they collectively represent at least four languages, multiple citizenships, ten or more years of in-country experience, and 300+ field days managing student groups abroad. learn by doing. Dragons itineraries are flexible to create space for unscripted, serendipitous, and candidmoments of surprise and discovery. The world is constantly changing and we believe our programs should too. Backpacks, not roller bags, are on the packing list because it’s a novel combination of gravel roads, local transportation, and dirt paths that make each program an original adventure. Ethical Travel: We think it’s important to travel responsibly. We define ethical travel as environmentally conscientious, culturally self- aware, and focused on developing mutually meaningful connections with local communities. Dragons has over 25 years of experience guiding groups and managing risk in the context of international education. In more than two decades of operations, we’ve established crucial risk management relationships with International SOS, key locally- based safety and security officials, and a global network of reputable health care professionals and hospitals. Dragons has collaborated to design custom programming for Carleton College, The Thacher School, Milton Academy, and Princeton University, in addition to partnerships with over 50 other esteemed schools and universities. Going ‘where there be dragons’ takes curiosity…we go there. Will you? wheretherebedragons.com/students info@wheretherebedragons.com 1-800-982-9203 Authentic Immersion: We travel like locals, live with families, apprentice with artists, and learn from scholars, factory workers, sages, and community leaders alike. Our goal is to connect participants to a direct experience of a different place through hands-on and meaningful engagement. Dynamic Itinerary Design: Our participants
A gap year should be the experience of a lifetime, shaping your future with passion and purpose. For the last ten years,Thinking Beyond Borders has set a new standard for gap year programs while empowering students to become lifelong change makers. Thinking Beyond Borders is the cutting edge in experiential learning, with the safest and most impactful programs available. Each group is facilitated by the highest quality Program Leaders who take you out of the classroom to work alongside real experts solving real world problems, all while gaining from incredible cultural immersion. Thinking Beyond Borders programs are designed to be transformational: • Safest Operations – TBB has an impeccable record of maintaining student health and safety. •Culturally Enriching Experiences – Now more than ever, understanding global cultures is of the utmost importance. TBB offers meaningful cross-cultural learning. •Highest Quality Program Leaders – TBB goes beyond the standard for Program Leaders among gap year programs. Each program group is led by teams of Program Leaders with Master's degrees, years of experience, and the talent to be among each student’s favorite teachers. •Curriculum for College Readiness – TBB's programs are designed to meet the specific needs of students transitioning to college and adulthood. Here’s what alumni students and parents say: “The Global Gap Year gave me the time and unique experiences necessary to hone my interests and figure out how I wanted to spend my time in college. Before arriving at Georgetown, I wasn’t really sure which path of study to take; there were so many options that interested me, and TBB helpedme find connections among these interests, which translated into a plan of action in college. My interest in healthcare management is a product of my time with TBB in South Africa, where I first experienced studying health problems andworking with patients every day.” – Nick Gardiner, Thinking Beyond Borders Alum “After TBB, Lucy went on to her freshman year of college and took classes that were meaningful to her, not just classes that filled a requirement. She finished the year with all A’s and, more importantly, she was more engaged with her college classroom experience because of the time spent traveling with TBB. Ultimately, her college experience is more valuable as a result of the gap year with TBB.” – Betsy Blankenbaker, Thinking Beyond Borders Alum Parent thinkingbeyondborders.org info@thinkingbeyondborders.org 203.993.0236
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