International Trips Program

2019-2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE 3 Mission

Vision

InternationalismatStratfordHall

IBMissionStatement

PAGE4 GoalsoftheInternationalTripsProgram

PAGE5 RegistrationandPaymentProcedure

PAGE6 RoleandResponsibilities

PAGE7 RiskManagement

PAGE9 Summer2019Trip

PAGE10 Fall2019Trips

PAGE13 Spring2020Trips

Page15 TripsOverview

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WHO WE ARE

Our MissionStratford Hall educates students to the highest global standards, through the programmes of the International Baccalaureate. Excellence and confidence are developed through a challenging academic curriculum with further emphasis on creativity, action and service. We foster a strong pluralistic community built on integrity and respect.

Our VisionStratford Hall strives to be a global leader in the International Baccalaureate community. Our students will gain a deep understanding of the world around them, and they will act on their connections to the outside community. They will excel to the best of their abilities, and graduates will be equipped to achieve their chosen goals. This is accomplished by acquiring and retaining the best teachers, and by a commitment to a balanced and enriched curriculum. The success of Stratford Hall is deeply rooted in the establishment of a supportive, knowledgeable and committed community.

International Baccalaureate Mission StatementThe International Baccalaureate Organization aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

To this end, the IBO works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment.

These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

Internationalism at Stratford HallAt Stratford Hall, we agree that global citizenship is an integral part of education. To be a global citizen is to understand and promote basic human rights, to know the nature of our physical and social world, and to be aware that our actions impact others and the planet. This goal is best accomplished by knowing ourselves and knowing our place in the world through the cultural backgrounds of all members of our community. Through this knowledge, we strive for a level of empathy that will direct our actions.

Pluralism At Stratford Hall Stratford Hall endeavors to be a pluralistic community that goes beyond just being diverse, instead taking our diversity and doing something with it. Beyond tolerance and acknowledgement lies pluralism; a place where we not only live around people of different cultures, but also actively learn from, appreciate, and incorporate their different communities, beliefs, and histories into our everyday lives and understandings of the world around us. It is being open and accepting to ideas and cultures without necessarily losing your own beliefs in an attempt to foster a school culture and climate in which all community members feel safe, accepted and respected.

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GOALS OF THE INTERNATIONAL

TRIPS PROGRAM

• To foster global mindedness and intercultural understanding

• To foster personal growth

• To foster language development

• To be an extension of the classroom

• To provide unique and meaningful opportunities for service learning

Please note: The safety and security of all destinations will be closely monitored prior to the date of departure to ensure the trip is within an acceptable level of risk tolerance for our Board of Governors.

GOALS

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REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT

Dates and Deadlines Submission of applications for all trips due Thursday, April 18, 2019Successful applications chosen • a letter of acceptance will be emailed to

students and parents

Monday, April 29, 2019

First payment of $2000 due to secure a spot Friday, May 10, 2019Second payment due • second payment will reflect the remaining

balance particular to each trip

Friday, September 13, 2019

REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT PROCEDURE

Student application forms are to be printed, signed and submitted to Ms. Starkey (MYP) or Ms. Michelle McComb (DP).

All payments are to be paid by cheque to “Stratford Hall School” with a memo indicating the particular trip.

All trips have a maximum number of student participants.

Acceptance on a trip is dependent upon a student’s suitability, their positive involvement in their learning experiences while at Stratford Hall, and timely submission of the application form.

*For any registration communications, or if you have any questions, please email internationaltrips@stratfordhall.ca.

WITHDRAWL AND REFUNDS ALL INSTALLMENTS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. There will be NO REFUNDS for student withdrawals after the indicated second payment deadline. With this in mind, your careful consideration of family vacations and finances is necessary before applying for a trip. Trip fees and airline fares are based on the number of students, therefore your commitment to a trip is necessary for planning.

Refunds will be given when a trip is completely cancelled. Such refunds will reflect the timing and expenses already incurred for that trip.

Travel and Medical InsuranceTravel and medical insurance will be provided by service providers. This is in addition to Stratford Hall's insurance package. Parents are asked to examine these insurance policies and decide on their comfort levels of coverage. If additional coverage is required, it is the responsibility of the parents.

IMMUNIZATIONS Some trip locations require certain immunizations. Specific information for immunization for these trips will be found in individual trip packages later in the year. The immunization cost and timing is the responsibility of the parents. Travel Clinics can be found throughout Vancouver.

• No vaccinations are required for Costa Rica.

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ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Coordinator in International ProgrammingMichael McGuire

• Program vision, forging new partnerships and mentoring trip leader

• Oversee Kenya School Projects• Coordinator of Risk Management

Coordinator of International Trips Mike Fraser

• Communications, recruitment and registration• Coordinating pre-trip logistics (finance, flight/tour

bookings, visas)• Supporting trip supervisors in trip planning• Point of contact for general inquiries• Developing communication materials and trip

handbooks

Trip Chaperones (2-3 teachers on each trip)

• Host trip meetings and prepare students for travel• Manage pre/post-trip activities, paperwork and

consent forms• Communication with service providers• Point of contact for individual trip details

Students • Attend all trip meetings and pay attention to school announcements

• Relay communication to parents• Language practice and trip preparation• Following rules/expectations set out prior to trip • Uphold Stratford Hall Student Code of Conduct

Parents • Look for weekly announcements and emails about trip updates

• Attend general and individual trip info sessions• Support child in preparations• Make installment payments on time

ROLES

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RISK MANAGEMENT

Supervision The number of supervisors (Stratford Hall teachers) depends on the nature of the trip, the number and qualifications of guides and hosts, the age of the students and the number of participants. In all cases there will be at least two Stratford Hall staff assigned to any international trip, and they will be responsible for all supervision. Where possible, one of the supervising teachers will have participated in the trip previously. The cost for the supervising teachers is included in the overall trip cost.

Service Providers All international trips are approved by the Board of Governors. All service providers carry adequate insurance and have been vetted by the international trips planning committee and school administration. They have experience in hosting groups of high school students and are well-reputed in the educational tour industry in Vancouver.

Accommodation Accommodation types range depending on the trip: from homestays, hotels, 2 star hostels, school facilities, to rustic cabin style accommodation. All accommodations maintain a high standard of cleanliness and comfort for students.

Ground Transportation Ground transportation is organized by tour providers using well-reputed chartered buses and drivers in combination with public transportation.

Homestays Homestay families are screened, in advance, by tour providers and are provided with a list of expectations, guidelines and rules related to hosting a Canadian student. Oftentimes, the host-families work regularly with the same tour provider each year to establish trust and forge relationships over the long-term. Families must sign a homestay contract that outlines parameters, rules, and guidelines for hosting an international student.

Informed Consent Each trip handbook contains a comprehensive informed consent form which details all of the potential risks of any activities students are engaging while on an international trip. Families always have the option to opt out of certain activities, particularly those relating to “adventure travel” activities such as zip lining or surfing etc.

RISK MANAGEMENT

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RISK MANAGEMENT

Student Preparation Trip groups will meet regularly with individual trip coordinators in the months and weeks leading up to the trip. During this time, the coordinators will discuss the itinerary in detail and provide comprehensive packing lists to ensure students have adequate clothing and equipment to be safe and comfortable in the environments they are travelling. Students will get sufficient notice for any immunizations or visas that are necessary for travel to the country.

Communication Systems Parents will be provided with a list of contact numbers so that students can be reached in a case of emergency. Teacher chaperones will carry a list of up-to-date emergency contacts for each student in a case where we must contact parents/guardians during travel.

Emergency Medical Services Each tour provider must supply the school with a safety plan that details access to first aid and Emergency medical services in the country of travel.

Staff Training Before chaperoning a trip, staff must read the International Trips Leaders Handbook and attend regular meetings with the Risk Management coordinator to highlight the risks associated with international travel with high school students and learn the lines of communication in place in the case of emergency.

Best Practices and Standards Stratford Hall adheres to the best practices and follows guidelines outlined by the ISABC. Additionally, we comply with standards of St. John’s Ambulance, The Canadian Red Cross and Country Travel Advice and Advisories from the Government of Canada.

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SUMMER 2019 TRIP

DUKE OF EDINBURGH

EXPEDITIONS

JULY/ AUGUST 2019GRADES 10, 11 AND 12 Fireside Adventures is working with Stratford Hall in offering expeditions to Grade 10 to 12 students as an extension to the Stratford’s OEE program. There are numerous expeditions offered such as canoeing, kayaking, and hiking in the southern BC area and the Yukon kayaking experience. These opportunities are specifically designed as qualifying expeditions for the silver and gold level Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Fireside Adventures is operated by Jeff Willis and adheres to required insurance and safety practices expected by Stratford Hall.

Specific trip details, cost, and dates are available on the Fireside Adventures Website (http://www.firesideadventures.ca). All correspondence by parents/students is to be done directly with Fireside Adventures.

*Please note: Stratford Hall will not be sending chaperones to these expeditions as these programs will run with non-Stratford Hall students as well.

Disclaimer: This trip is run exclusively by Fireside as an independent service provider.

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JAPAN NOVEMBER 7 - 16, 2019GRADES 8 AND 9 Trip OverviewThis cultural exchange experience in Japan was born from a 5 year long partnership between Stratford Hall and the Tamagawa Academy. Each year a group of Japanese students from Tamagawa take up residence at their 80 acre campus in Nanaimo. Our students participate in an Environmental Summit with the Tamagawa students in Nanaimo in October followed by hosting the Japanese students in Vancouver for 3 days. Our students will also have the opportunity to visit these same students in Japan. This program includes a 5 day language and cultural immersion where students live with local Japanese families and attend school activities at Tamagawa Academy. This is followed by 3 days of sightseeing in and around Hiroshima City and Kyoto, where students will get to experience the vibrant urban rural landscapes of Japan.

Please note, participants on this trip are expected to take one Japanese student as a homestay between September 24-28, 2019.

FALL 2019 TRIPS

Proposed Itinerary (subject to change) Day 1 Departure from Vancouver International Airport.

Day 2 Arrival to Haneda Airport. Transportation to hotel by chartered coach.

Day 3 Breakfast at hotel and meeting ceremony with host families. Travel to homestay family home.

Day 4 Meals and activities with homestay family.

Days 5 & 6 Breakfast with homestay family. Activities at Tamagawa Academy. Traditional packed lunch from homestay family. Return to homestay for dinner and evening activities.

Day 7 Breakfast with homestay families, farewell ceremony at Tamagawa Academy. Travel via bullet train to Kyoto. Sightseeing around Kyoto, overnight at a traditional Japanese hotel, traditional dinner at hotel.

Day 8 Breakfast at hotel. Sightseeing around Kyoto.

Day 9 Breakfast at hotel. Bullet train to Hiroshima. Visit the Peace Memorial Museum. Check-in and dinner at hotel. Lantern making on the riverside.

Day 10 Visit parks and museums around Hiroshima. Shopping. Fly back to Vancouver via Tokyo.

Lodging: Local Japanese hotels in Tokyo and Kyoto, and Hiroshima homestay familiesFood: Homestay family breakfast, lunch, dinner, traditional Japanese restaurants in TokyoTransportation: Chartered coach and bullet trainTour Provider: JTB

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FALL 2019 TRIPS

EASTERN CANADA UNIVERSITY TOURS NOVEMBER 11 - 15, 2019GRADES 10, 11 AND 12 Trip Overview A new trip offered in recent years is the university tour of the main universities in Ontario and Québec. It is a 5 day all-inclusive tour featuring coach transportation, hotels and meals, and fully guided tours of 7 major universities. Additionally, we will have the opportunity to visit local points of interest in both Montreal and Toronto.

Proposed Itinerary (subject to change) Day 1 Depart Vancouver for Montreal. Guided tour and visit

to McGill University. Evening tour of the city and hotel downtown.

Day 2 Board bus for visit to Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. Travel to Toronto this evening for tour of city tourist areas and then hotel accommodations.

Day 3 Guided tour of University of Toronto and Ryerson University. Further tours of Toronto then accommodations in Toronto.

Day 4 Bus to Waterloo and London area for tours of University of Waterloo and University of Western Ontario.

Day 5 Self-guided tour of McMaster’s University. Board bus to return to Toronto and prepare for flight back to Vancouver.

Lodging: Local hotelsFood: Local cuisine Transportation: Private CoachTour Provider: Evolve

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FALL 2019 TRIPS

NEW YORK NOVEMBER 9 - 15, 2019GRADES 11 AND 12 Trip Overview A week in New York City. This trip is an immersive arts and culture experience. Students will encounter historic neighbourhoods, world-renowned galleries and museums, sought after theatre, oft-admired architecture, really good food, and fascinating people. Students will be challenged to see and engage their environment through authentic learning experiences that will broaden their perspectives towards the interrelationships between art and culture. It’s New York City, after all.

Proposed Itinerary (subject to change) Day 1 Fly Vancouver to NYC. Check-in to hotel. Guided tour of Times Square. Dinner and

overnight in NYC.Day 2 Guided tour of the Museum of Modern Art. Visit the Anthology Films Archive. Empire

State Building Sunset Tour. Dinner and evening at the theatre: Come From Away!

Day 3 Statue of Liberty, 9/11 Memorial Museum, Financial District Tour, Color Factory. Dinner at the famous Katz's Delicatessen. Evening film at a historic cinema.

Day 4 Local art galleries in Brooklyn. Participate in a class at a photography school, opportunity to capture “the essence of Brooklyn”. Lunch at Rainbow Bagels, afternoon shopping. Dinner at Grimaldi’s Pizzeria.

Day 5 Guided tour of the Met. Photography in Central Park. Guided tour of The American Museum of Natural History. Tasting Menu dining experience.

Day 6 The Whitney Museum and Greenwich Village. Lunch at Ivan Ramen Slurp Shop, then visit The High Line and the International Centre of Photography. Dinner and live jazz music!

Day 7 Tour of the Guggenheim. Quick lunch and fly to Vancouver.

Lodging: Local Hotel in MidtownFood: Local cuisine Transportation: Chartered Coach and SubwayTour Provider: Georgia Hardy Tours (http://www.ghardytours.com)

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SPRING 2020 TRIPS

OTTAWA, MONTREAL, QUEBEC MARCH 14-21, 2020GRADES 7 AND 8 Trip Overview This trip is an amazing opportunity for students to see Eastern Canada at its best! With guided tours of some of the most important and significant buildings and monuments in Canada, the students will be able to not only learn about Canadian history and how the nation is governed today, but come away with a rich understanding and appreciation of our history.

Lodging: Local hotelsFood: Local cuisine Transportation: Chartered CoachTour Provider: Georgia Hardy Tours (http://www.ghardytours.com/)

Proposed Itinerary (subject to change) Day 1 Departure from Vancouver International Airport. Arrive in Montreal early evening, transfer by

coach to hotel in Old Montreal. Walk to Vieux Port for steakhouse dinner.

Day 2 Montreal: Hotel breakfast, guided tour of Old Montreal, City Hall, Place D’Armes, tour Notre-Dame Basilica, free afternoon exploration, Montreal Planetarium at Olympic Park, evening of bowling at Montreal Forum.

Day 3 Montreal: Breakfast at hotel, private coach to Sucrerie de la Montagne (Designated Quebec Heritage Site, authentic sugar shack), guided tour of McGill University, Museum of Archaeology and History, dinner at local restaurant and IMAX movie at Montreal Science Centre.

Day 4 Montreal-Quebec City: Hotel breakfast, charter bus to Québec City, hotel check in, guided walking tour of Old Québec, local dinner.

Days 5 Quebec City: Hotel breakfast, exploration of La Citadelle the Ramparts and Plains of Abraham, visit to Musee National des Beaus-Arts du Québec, leisure time in the afternoon, local dinner and Cineplex movie.

Day 6 Quebec City-Ottawa: Hotel breakfast, private coach to Ottawa, hotel check in, guided Parliament tour, early dinner at Zak’s Diner, Ghosts and Gallows Haunted Walk and Jail tour.

Day 7 Ottawa: Breakfast at hotel, guided tours of Canadian War Museum, visit to Supreme Court of Canada, dinner at Tucker’s Marketplace in the Byward Market and evening skating on Rideau Canal (weather permitting).

Day 8 Ottawa-Vancouver: Breakfast at hotel, self-guided tour of National Gallery, afternoon of relaxing and shopping in Rideau Shopping Centre, evening flight to Vancouver.

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SPRING 2020 TRIPS

COSTA RICA MARCH 15 - 25, 2020GRADES 9 AND 10 Trip Overview This trip has been designed to provide students with a variety of experiences to allow exploration of the unique ecology, geography and culture of the country. Students will be immersed in a hands-on interdisciplinary program with a focus on tropical environments, biological diversity, and current issues in conservation. A homestay experience is included in this trip and will help in developing a global perspective.

Proposed Itinerary (subject to change) Day 1 Flight from Vancouver YVR to San Jose Juan Santamaria International Airport. Transfer to hotel.

Day 2 Travel from San Jose to San Gerardo Biological Station. Breakfast. Chartered bus to Santa Elena de Monteverde. Hike through a cloud forest. Welcome orientation and dinner at the biological station.

Day 3 At San Gerardo Biological Station. Birdwatching and small hikes. Solo sitting in forest. Briefing on Costa Rican culture and customs. Spanish conversational practice. Small group night hikes to observe nocturnal creatures.

Day 4 Afternoon ziplines or hikes on canopy bridge ats Selvatura Park. Late afternoon transfer to homestays with local families in village of San Luis. Evening with host families.

Days 5 Day activities with homestay family. Late afternoon gathering at local community center. Dinner and social time and overnight at homestay.

Day 6 All day service activities at the community center.

Day 7 With San Luis homestays. Afternoon visit to El Rancho de Lelo. Soccer match. Catch tilapia for fish dinner. Return to homestays and pack for departure.

Day 8 Transfer to Manuel Antonio. Tarcoles River boat tour and lunch. Head to the hotel for dinner.

Day 9 Visit Manuel Antonio National Park in the morning. Afternoon kayaking and snorkeling with trained guides. Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 10 Full day volunteering with Kids Save the Rainforest at wildlife sanctuary. Opportunity to monitor, observe and care for animals. Head back to the hotel and pack for departure.

Day 11 Transfer to San Jose Airport for departure to Vancouver

Lodging: While at biological stations, students will sleep in rustic but comfortable cabin-style dorms with running water, showers and flush toilets. At homestays, students in pairs will get their own room in a traditional rural Costa Rican home.Food: Traditional Costa Rican food, base of rice, beans, vegetables, and protein. Transportation: Chartered bus, hike. Tour Provider: Georgia Hardy Tours (http://www.ghardytours.com/)

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TRIPS OVERVIEW

Stratford Hall 2019 - 2020: International Programs Overview

July/ August 2019Trip Overview Who is Eligible? Tentative Dates Estimated Cost and

Payment*To Register

Local BC trips: Mountain hikes,

ocean kayaking, etc.

Yukon Expedition

Exploration: Duke of Edinburgh

Gold/Silver expedition

Tour provider:Jeff Willis, FIreside

Adventures

Grades 10, 11 & 12 Through July and August Dependent on program.

Complete online application with Fireside

Adventures at www.firesideadventures.

November Break 2019Trip Overview Who is Eligible? Tentative Dates Estimated Cost and

Payment*JAPAN

Location: Tokyo, Kyoto and

surrounding areas

Lodging: Homestay families, hotels

Exploration: Culture, language and IB

exchange

Tour providers: JTB, Tamagawa IB Academy,

Stratford Hall

Grades 8 & 9

Limit of 20 students

November 7-16, 2019

*Visit to Nanaimo for Environmental SummitSeptember 23-24, 2019

Approximately $3,800 (cost based on 20

students).

* Final trip costs will depend on the number of students attending the trip and exchange rates at the time of booking.

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Stratford Hall 2019-2020: International Programs Overview

TRIPS OVERVIEW

Trip Overview Who is Eligible? Tentative Dates Estimated Cost and Payment*EASTERN CANADA UNIVERSITY TOUR

Location: Ontario and Quebec

Lodging: Montreal and Toronto

University Visits: McGill, Queen’s, University of Toronto, Ryerson, University

of Western Ontario, Waterloo, McMaster’s

Tour Provider: Evolve Tours

Grades 10, 11, & 12

Limit of 12 students

November 11-15, 2019 Approximately $4100 (cost based on 6+ students) or

Approximately $3600 (cost based on 9+ students)

* Final trip costs will depend on the number of students attending the trip and exchange rates at the time of booking.

November Break 2019

NOVEMBER BREAK 2019Trip Overview Who is Eligible? Tentative Dates Estimated Cost and Payment*NEW YORK

Location: New York

Lodging: Hotel

Exploration: Local arts and culture

Tour Provider: Georgia Hardy Tours

Grades 11 & 12

Limit of 16 students

Novemeber 9-15, 2019 Approximately $4,250 (cost based on 15 students).

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MARCH BREAK 2020Trip Overview Who is Eligible? Tentative Dates Estimated Cost and Payment*

OTTAWA, MONTREAL, QUEBEC

Location: Quebec, Montreal, Ottawa

Lodging: Hotel

Exploration: Urban cultural and IB school

language exchange

Tour Provider: Georgia Hardy Tours

Grades 7 & 8

Limit of 16 students

March 14-21, 2020 Approximately $3,800(cost based on 15 students).

* Final trip costs will depend on the number of students attending the trip and exchange rates at the time of booking.

TRIPS OVERVIEW

Stratford Hall 2019-2020: International Programs Overview

MARCH BREAK 2020Trip Overview Who is Eligible? Tentative Dates Estimated Cost and Payment*COSTA RICA

Location:

Monteverde and the Nicoya Peninsula

Lodging: 3-day homestay, 7-day

biological reserve cabins

Service Learning: Environmental stewardship

Exploration: Language, cultural exchange,

ecological studies, surfing, hiking, zip-lining.

Tour Provider:Georgia Hardy Tours

Grades 9 & 10

Limit of 16 students

March 15-25, 2020 Approximately $4,400 (cost based on 15 students).

* Final trip costs will depend on the number of students attending the trip and exchange rates at the time of booking.

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NOTES

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NOTES

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3000 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, B.C. Canada V5N 4E2

Tel. (604) 436-0608 Fax. (604) 436-0616