discover corps 2014 catalog

11
Immersive Journeys of Culture & Service 2014

Upload: terra-education

Post on 23-Feb-2016

215 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

DESCRIPTION

Immersive journeys of culture and service. www.DiscoverCorps.com

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Discover Corps 2014 Catalog

Immersive Journeysof Culture & Service

2014

Page 2: Discover Corps 2014 Catalog

DISCOVERA Country Through its People

Discover Corps is agrassroots travel company that is pioneering a new way to explore life and

culture around the world in a way that rejuvenates

the human spirit.

Page 3: Discover Corps 2014 Catalog

DISCOVER DISCOVERThe Rhythms of Life in Another Culture A New Way To Travel

Travel Journal“India. What can I say? Everything about

the country blows my senses away.

The food, colors, history, architecture,

but most of all, the people. This trip

let me connect with some fun and

fascinating people and gave me an

insider’s look at the Tibetan exile

community. I’ll never think of India the

same way.”

MaryAnn BarberIndia - Heart of the Himalayas

www.discovercorps.com | 1.619.758.3030

Travel Journal“At this point we are delightedwith what we have accomplished and the teachers are pleased with what we have left them - not only the teaching materials we created, but a wonderful sense of shared purpose for us all,” says Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Janet Grieg (India 1966-68), regarding the progress her small group made while in Guatemala.

Janet GriegGuatemala - Next Step Travel trip

1.619.758.3030 | www.discovercorps.com

Page 4: Discover Corps 2014 Catalog

Why Discover Corps? Travel, RedefinedDiscover Corps trips are spontaneous, authentic and unforgettable experiences. The best travel stories cannot happen in a

giant tour bus or while following a flag - they come through everyday interactions with other people. Whether you arevolunteering, sightseeing or just relaxing, the people you meet will stimulate your mind and recharge your spirit.

For travelers, connecting with people of another culture is a powerful way to remind us of our shared humanity. The power of travel can also benefit communities – if managed responsibly. The unique Discover Corps model of travel springs from our personal commitment

to preserving the character of a place, such as its culture, environment, heritage, and the well-being of its residents.

Local ImmersionTraveling with Discover Corps entails goingbeyond the norms of typical trip itineraries. You’ll live in a community and experience it alongside our Program Hosts who areresidents of that country. While you’rediscovering the country, you’ll learn about its people and form life-long friendships. Our “on the ground” staff will immerse you into a schedule of meaningful volunteerism, cultural workshops, scenic sightseeing, and sharing meals and ideas with interesting local people.

Home Base LodgingFar from the tourists, this is a living space reserved for you. Simple,unencumbered and comfortable, Home Base accommodations cater to an active itinerary. These quaint properties are carefully selected for quality, location and charm. Each Home Base is unique, providing a warm place to unwind from the day’s activities and foster genuine connections with fellow travelers and the local community.

Unparalleled AccessOur Program Hosts areexperts in the country and the local community because they are year-round dwellers in these areas. During your trip they’ll share with you places and people that other travelers never see.

All-Encompassing Price When you travel with DiscoverCorps everything on the trip isincluded. There are no extrafees, no additional charges andno tipping– just peace of mind.Once you’ve arrived in yourdestination, rest assured thatall your meals, lodging, entrance fees, tips and transportationare taken care of by yourDiscover Corps hosts.

Accommodations & Meals - During your trip, you’ll stay at our Home Base and have the option of a single or double occupancy room. The staff at the Home Base will welcome you into the family and provide all meals and housekeeping. Clean, purified drinking water is always available and non-alcoholic beverages areincluded. During overnight excursions, we stay in simple, clean and safe hotels and dine at local restaurants.

Turnkey Customer Service - From the moment you register with Discover Corps, our US-based team of Travel Specialists are happily at your side to provide full support and service as you prepare to travel.Besides our staff members, you will also have access to our online travel portal that contains packing lists, recommended reading and information about electrical outlets, cell phones and much more.

Excursions & Activities - From the moment of arrival, you can expect an active program of workingelbow-to-elbow with the local people, bonding over meals with your companions, and traveling to nearby cities. Everything is included. Additionally, your fee includes your local guides, private groundtransportation, lectures, day trips, and $50,000 emergency medical evacuation insurance.

www.discovercorps.com | 1.619.758.3030 1.619.758.3030 | www.discovercorps.com

Page 5: Discover Corps 2014 Catalog

Discover Corps is the sole operator of theNational Peace Corps Associations’ (NPCA) Next Step Travel trips. These trips include a NPCA host journeying with you to countries where the Peace Corps has made an impact.

Hands-on experience will define your journey with service projects that matter, peer-to-peer educational sessions and seeing direct impact of your volunteer service.

Next Step Travel is unique:Trips are open to people who have never served in the Peace Corps.

Each trip is accompanied by a NPCA Host who will connect your experiences to the larger mission and work of the National Peace Corps Association.

Itineraries include meaningful volunteer projects, cultural workshops and time to learn about the work of the Peace Corps and other community development organizations.

Share meals and experiences with volunteersserving rural communities and get a first-hand view of the impact of volunteer service.

Connect with other travelers who share a passion for international volunteerism and PresidentKennedy’s original vision.

Travel with the

National PeaceCorps Association

Our

Volunteer ProjectsDiscover Corps was founded on the belief thattravel can enhance and preserve thecharacter of a place - its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents.

Discover Corps volunteer projects aredriven by the local communities, not by us. We respond to requests where our travellers can make a meaningful contribution in a short amount of time. In order to maximize your time, our local staff plan everything inadvance and provide you with the support you need while you’re there. From building classrooms and improving water systems tocreating eco-friendly communities or design-ing teaching materials, we are partners with local communities to help them achieve their development goals.

While our trips only last a week or two, we strive for a long term impact by partnering with organizations who have ongoingrelationships with the communities where we volunteer. Each of our groups is a link in the chain of our partner’s ongoing work.

By supporting communities to help them achieve their goals, travelers are transformed into friends and advocates of a country.

Page 6: Discover Corps 2014 Catalog

Travel to

GuatemalaGuatemala is the heart of indigenous culture in Central America. Only here can living Maya culture be experienced in its full splendor.

The Maya calendar and cosmology are as alive today as when they were firstdeveloped. Here you can witness not only how traditional culture has adapted to globalization, but still relive the history enshrined in its many archaeological sites. The “land of perpetual spring” has a rich history that stretches back from pre-Colombian times to the recent peace accords that have set this country on the road to reconciliation and harmony.

Trips in Guatemala:Children of the MayaNext Step Travel

Detailed itineraries for trips in Guatemala can be found at discovercorps.com/itineraries

Custom

Group TravelA private or customized journey tailor-made for your group. If you’re organizing a group of eight or more, then we’ve got some greatoptions that will help you get your entire group on its way, stress free!

Whether you want to take a group ofcolleagues, family members, students, or friends on an unforgettable experience, we can make it happen. We operate group trips for many organizations each year – and we’re excited to make this a reality for your group.

Student and Faculty-led GroupsWe’ve organized hundreds of service-learning programs for every type of academic group - from high school and university groups to professional student associations, fraternities and sororities.

Corporate CSR TripsWe partner with a wide variety of companies to develop incredible international volunteerprograms for teams of employees. Find out more about corporate volunteering abroad with Discover Corps.

Get more information by calling 1.619.758.3030 today.

I never expected to be so moved by a vacation.I came back with a

new perspective on lifeand a love for Guatemala.

- Sue Cuthbert

Page 7: Discover Corps 2014 Catalog

Travel to

Costa RicaCosta Rica is consistently rated one of the happiest countries on the planet, which is why there are so many reasons to visit.

A kaleidoscope of flora and faunawelcome you to a land where people live in harmony with nature. While Costa Rica is known for preserving huge tracts of forests and coastline, it’s also a model for social innovation. Over the years the country has become a perfect example of how to balance social, environmental andeconomic development. Come experience the “pura vida” lifestyle, a quintessential Costa Rican phrase, which literally means “pure life” and is a reflection of how its people’s daily activities are full of life.

Trips in Costa Rica:Protecting the Pacific

Travel to the

Dominican RepublicThe rhythms of life on the island willrecharge your soul as much as thevolunteer work will affect the lives of the people on this beautiful Caribbean island.

While this is the most visited destination in the Caribbean, much of its beauty –beyond the resorts – is oftenundiscovered. Come absorb the rest of this magnificent country, including its lush farmland, gorgeous peaks, andcalming beaches that the local people also frequent. We’ll enjoy its cultural hallmarks such as merengue dance and bachata music as well as its nationalsport – baseball.

Trips in Dominican Republic:Heart and Soul of the CaribbeanNext Step Travel

Detailed itineraries for trips in Dominican Republic can be found at discovercorps.com/itinerariesDetailed itineraries for trips in Costa Rica can be found at discovercorps.com/itineraries

This was exactly what we wanted –an up close and personal experience

of the real Dominican Republic.- Patty Ching

My senses were delightedand my soul was replenished here.

I can’t wait to return.- Sandy Cooper

Page 8: Discover Corps 2014 Catalog

Travel to

TanzaniaWelcome to the heart and soul of EastAfrica. Only in Tanzania can you come face to face with the greatest naturalwonders.

While best known for the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro – the tallest stand-alone mountain in the world, and the best wildlife safari parks - such as the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater - the country’s true cultural heritage resides in its people. Live and volunteer alongside the local people and learn about their diversity of experiences. Whether it’s the nomadic Masai or the Chagga, the friendly, peaceful mix of religions and tribes makes Tanzania an ideal place to celebrate our shared humanity.

Trips in Tanzania:Tanzania - East Africa Unveiled

Travel to

PeruPeru is a diverse land: miles of untouched coasts, snow-capped Andean peaks and the vast Amazon jungle.

This geographic variety has led to the evolution of one of the most complex and delicious cuisines in the world. But Peru is much more than spectacular meals; it is home to welcoming people eager to share their culture and history with you. Discover the Andes Mountains and Cusco, the original capital of the Inca Empire. Today, the culture of the Quechua people lives on as an echo of their ancestors’ civilization. Experience first-hand Peru’s history and traditions that have survived for centuries in its vast archaeological sites.

Trips in Peru:Peru - Spirit of the Andes

Detailed itineraries for trips in Peru can be found at discovercorps.com/itineraries Detailed itineraries for trips in Tanzania can be found at discovercorps.com/itineraries

Tanzania was an inspiring place.I feel like I have friends there now and I’mlooking forward to going back.

- Karen King

It was so muchdeeper than any trip I’ve taken;

it was an inspiring and enlightening journey.- Ingrid Apogs

Page 9: Discover Corps 2014 Catalog

Travel to

ThailandCome experience life in the “Land of Smiles” and find your palate delighted, your senses heightened and your spirit recharged.

Thailand’s unique past has created apresent that can only be experienced in person. Since Europeans never colonized this country, it still retains its diverse history of Buddhist traditions and philosophies including that of sanuk. Loosely translated as “fun,” sanuk is more about striving to achieve satisfaction and pleasure from whatever you do – which you’ll experience in Thai life amidst the rapid embrace of globalization.

Trips in Thailand:Thailand - Children of the Hill TribesThailand - Next Step Travel

Travel to

IndiaMore than a country, India is asubcontinent unto itself. With over abillion people hurtling through rapidglobalization and being guided by itsspirituality and rich cultural heritage, India is one of the most unique places on earth.

The kaleidoscope of cultures is visually stunning, emotionally moving andfantastically delicious. Come and let the country gently overwhelm your senses. Whether you are inspired by thearchitectural marvels, the dizzyingarray of flavors, or its deep spirituality, India is a country that is best understood through its people.

Trips in India:India - Heart of the Himalayas

Detailed itineraries for trips in Thailand can be found at discovercorps.com/itinerariesDetailed itineraries for trips in India can be found at discovercorps.com/itineraries

India. What can I say? Everything about the

country blows my senses away.The food, colors, history, architecture,

but most of all, the people.- MaryAnn Barber

It is a land of contrasting landscapes,beautiful people and amazing cuisine.

- Alex Thompson

Page 10: Discover Corps 2014 Catalog
Page 11: Discover Corps 2014 Catalog

Travel,

RedefinedOur vision is of a world where people value our sharedhumanity and promote global citizenship while celebrating our many unique cultures.

Our mission is to give travelers a deeper understanding of life incommunities around the world while helping to improve the lives of the people we visit.

We accomplish this by operating enjoyable and safe travelprograms that provide realconnections between travelers and the communities.

1.619.758.3030www.discovercorps.com

Immersive Journeys of Culture & ServiceYour adventure awaits