In celebration of Earth Day 2017, we wanted to highlight a few of API’s “green” High School and Gap Year programs and initiatives around the world!
API invites gap year students to study abroad in San Joaquin de Flores, Costa Rica, where they can take courses in topics such as Conservation and Ecotourism, Marine Biology, and Tropical Ecology. Students will apply classroom discussions in their exploration of the country’s biodiversity. Students will then participate in a 4-week internship focused on one of the following themes: turtle protection, rehabilitation of wild animals, species cataloging, protected areas conservation, or beach cleaning.
API also offers internship programs for gap students in 4 countries and 4 cities, including Chile (Santiago), Ireland (Dublin), Scotland (Edinburgh), and Spain (Seville). Many locations offer placements in environmental areas such as Climate Change, Conservation, Ecology, Entomology, Environmental Planning, Forestry, Natural Resources, and Sustainability.
API’s service-learning programs in Costa Rica and Ecuador are also the perfect locations to volunteer and complete online coursework in environmental studies and intercultural communication. Projects may include working with children in schools or the elderly in social aid projects, with opportunities to work on a sustainable farm.
High school students have several great summer options for environmental outreach experiences, including:
Costa Rica – Costa Rica has devoted over 1/4 of its landmass as protected natural territory! Students in our Costa Rica Community Service trip may work with a network of urban gardens or ecological farms. Student volunteers generally assist with the garden or farm’s daily tasks, learning about permaculture, organic farming and composting, and more in the process. Students may also learn methods to teach children about environmental issues.
Ecuador – One of the most biologically-diverse countries in world, Ecuador is a perfect location in which to pursue environmental experiences. Students will begin their API service program in Quito, where they will spend several days acclimating to the local culture. Service projects will take place in the smaller town of Guamote, as well as in the forests and farms northwest of Quito.
API is proud to support a long-running carbon-offset matching program, which has helped to fund a number of sustainable projects around the world (read more here).
API study abroad and internship gap programs are still accepting applications for Fall 2017 – apply today!
