- Published on
by Dr. Danny Recio & Andy Myers (Oct 2016)
Check out this great presentation by Dr. Danny Recio and Andy Myers - given at the Young Adult Transition Association conference in October 2016 in Idaho, USA. You will learn a lot about the psychological and social benefits of an appropriate, supportive cross-cultural immersion experience on growth and complexity.
- Published on
- Students spotted a female Puma resting on the base of a tree, and have photos to prove it!
- Our guide alerted us to a shark in the water, which emerged and began walking toward the group. The “deer shark” has now entered into Aventura legend.
- Students learned about biological relationships and forest succession deep in the Costa Rican rainforest.
- Our guide alerted us to a shark in the water, which emerged and began walking toward the group. The “deer shark” has now entered into Aventura legend.
- Students learned about biological relationships and forest succession deep in the Costa Rican rainforest.
- Published on
- Students and staff tested the limits of their physical abilities, which served as a reminder of strengths and capabilities even in the most challenging situations
- An incredible experiential learning experience! Students gained first-hand knowledge about cloud forest ecosystems by being IN a cloud forest, and about water currents by swimming through them.
- Published on
- Kayak students experienced true integration as one of our amazing Case Managers and resident sage, Marcel, taught about mangrove ecosystems, watersheds, and the tides on pristine beaches
- Students built important peer connections by vying for prizes in the Tent Partner Olympics
- A full moon, spectacular sunsets, and impressive rains punctuated this once-in-a-lifetime journey
- Students built important peer connections by vying for prizes in the Tent Partner Olympics
- A full moon, spectacular sunsets, and impressive rains punctuated this once-in-a-lifetime journey
- Published on
- Our newest students and staff engaged in the busiest round of turtle egg relocation in recent memory, according to the Turtle Conservation Director, Manuel. Seven nests were located, with over 700 turtle eggs placed in the hatchery.
- Students who exceeded Aventura expectations earned the opportunity of a night patrol, and were rewarded with finding a giant turtle nesting on the beach!
- In an amazing cultural-immersion experience, NSA students and staff put forth a valiant effort but ultimately were defeated 3 to 0 by the rubber boot-wearing team from our community service partners at Finca Osa Verde and Osa Conservation.
- Students who exceeded Aventura expectations earned the opportunity of a night patrol, and were rewarded with finding a giant turtle nesting on the beach!
- In an amazing cultural-immersion experience, NSA students and staff put forth a valiant effort but ultimately were defeated 3 to 0 by the rubber boot-wearing team from our community service partners at Finca Osa Verde and Osa Conservation.
- Published on
Each quarter, students embark on one of four Aventuras with therapists, Experiential Education mentors, and teachers joining them to make each experience truly integrated. Aventuras are some of the most effective components of the New Summit Academy program for encouraging student growth, community building, and for creating unforgettable memories. This round of Aventuras was a success in all areas. Here are some highlights as recounted by students and staff!
- Published on
NSA is unique in its ability to combine Spanish language learning opportunities with an enriching and supportive Cultural Immersion program. Daisy and Vianney, our dedicated and passionate Spanish teachers and Cultural Immersion coordinators, have built a Spanish language program which meets grammatical learning objectives by preparing students with the vocabulary and background knowledge to participate in Immersion activities.
Our Experiential Education department mentors then engage our students in Immersion activities that serve both as a culmination of their weekly studies as well as one-of-a-kind cultural learning experiences.
Check out some of our recent Cultural Immersion activities!
Our Experiential Education department mentors then engage our students in Immersion activities that serve both as a culmination of their weekly studies as well as one-of-a-kind cultural learning experiences.
Check out some of our recent Cultural Immersion activities!
- Published on
Our Peru trip culminated in a journey to the sacred Incan site of Machu Picchu. Early in the morning, students boarded a train which snaked its way along the Urubamba River to the town of Aguascalientes, where we hopped on buses for the winding road to Machu Picchu. We spent the day learning about the history and architecture of this bucket-list wonder of the world and UNESCO heritage site, before returning to the Sacred Valley. On our final day, the owner of our guiding company, Piero, and his family welcomed us into their home for a celebratory barbeque!
Thanks to students, staff, families, and the wonderful guides at Terra Explorer for helping to make this year’s International Aventura to Peru such an amazing experience!
Thanks to students, staff, families, and the wonderful guides at Terra Explorer for helping to make this year’s International Aventura to Peru such an amazing experience!
- Published on
After our unforgettable experience with the Amaru community, students and staff geared up for a five-day hike among the snowy peaks of the Andes Mountains.
With the towering Ausangate always visible, the students showed true grit and resilience as we challenged our minds and bodies in daily hikes over spectacular passes, at times reaching an altitude of over 16,000 feet above sea level.
The hike wasn’t all struggle, however, as our hosts and guides took amazing care of us, meeting us at each site with warm tents, warm smiles, and – most importantly – warm, delicious food!
With the towering Ausangate always visible, the students showed true grit and resilience as we challenged our minds and bodies in daily hikes over spectacular passes, at times reaching an altitude of over 16,000 feet above sea level.
The hike wasn’t all struggle, however, as our hosts and guides took amazing care of us, meeting us at each site with warm tents, warm smiles, and – most importantly – warm, delicious food!
- Published on
After three days of intensive workshops in preparation for Peru, our community braved a red-eye flight to arrive at over 11,000 feet in Cusco - the ancient capital of the Incan Empire - to get physically and mentally acclimatized for the adventures to come. Our first days included an historical tour of the city, a mountain-bike ride through the stunning landscape surrounding the Sacred Valley, and a day of community service with the Amaru people.
This indigenous village welcomed us into their homes with music and smiles, explained their way of life revolving around farming and weaving of textiles, and worked side-by-side with our students as we tilled the soil using traditional tools in preparation for planting potatoes. The Amaru then prepared a hearty lunch of quinoa, potatoes and guinea pig – a traditional delicacy in Peru.
This indigenous village welcomed us into their homes with music and smiles, explained their way of life revolving around farming and weaving of textiles, and worked side-by-side with our students as we tilled the soil using traditional tools in preparation for planting potatoes. The Amaru then prepared a hearty lunch of quinoa, potatoes and guinea pig – a traditional delicacy in Peru.
