Overview
Stratosphere teaches students about what good community development is and what it means to be a global citizen.
Stratosphere develops a customized comprehensive group international community education program for the client school that encompasses a cultural experience, a volunteer experience, and pre and post trip workshops focused on global citizenship and positive community development. Pre and post trip workshops take place at the client school inside or outside of classroom hours (workshops can also be run online). The final program will include training workshops, an in country volunteer and workshop experience, accommodation, in country local travel, in country local sightseeing and, most meals. Stratosphere will assist in arranging flights and insurance.
Unlike other organizations that are primarily focused on volunteerism or travel, Stratosphere is focused on providing a specialized service matched to the educational goals of the client school. The program is education module based. Each module fulfills specific educational goals that can be easily matched the school’s needs. Modules include: community information, logistics, trip planning, volunteerism, intercultural communication, global citizenship, community development, health and safety, and fundraising.
Stratosphere will run all workshops, orientations, and debriefs in North America. Workshops overseas are done in collaboration with our local partners. The program is designed for school representatives (teachers and/ or parents) to accompany the student groups. An in country program manager will take care of groups after their arrival.
Stratosphere makes safety its number one priority.
Placement and Partnership Specifics
Stratosphere works with existing schools and local organizations in developing communities. We link a school in North America to a school or organization overseas. Our goal is that North American schools work with their partners long term in order to encourage sustained resource development. Some examples would be to help the local partner develop a library, build classroom supplies, bring in solar electricity, start a computer lab, and bring in internet access.
While at the placement, the North American students will learn about life and education in that country and local community development. More specifically they will attend workshops and volunteer in various capacities to be determined before departure in collaboration with their partner overseas. Some examples are classroom support, sports, music, art, drama, or with the library. As well, they will help implement their resource program and plan for future groups and fundraising.
Stratosphere likes to work with countries that demonstrate best practices. Part of global citizenship is protecting the environment for future generations. Stratosphere couldn’t resist providing a slightly different but totally amazing opportunity for students to learn about conservation and environment in Costa Rica- a world leader in environmental practices.
Our programs are customized for students in Grades 11 through college and university age. However, we highly encourage all grades to get involved through fundraising and other activities. Stratosphere can provide some great activities for all grades to use. It won’t be long till the younger grades have a chance to do a trip themselves and it is a great way for older students to leave a legacy for the younger students.
More details can be found under Programs, FAQ and, Community Information.
Please call or email us for more information.