STUDENT EXPEDITIONS THAT EXPLORE A CHANGING WORLD

Our world is in the process of rapid social and economic change. From the impact of new technologies to climate change, young people today are growing up on a planet undergoing unprecedented transformation. An international service expedition with LASE provides students with quality, community run service projects that serve as a platform to develop empathy, solidarity, critical thinking, and leadership: essential skills to confront a rapidly changing world with confidence and optimism.

With LASE, students are inspired to creatively engage a world impacted by climate change, evolving economic systems, and new technologies!

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OUR POLICY REGARDING THE CLIMATE CRISIS

When thinking about global education and climate change it is important to keep in mind that international travel is both an important learning experience for students and a major emitter of carbon. Given the seriousness of climate change and the desire to be part of the solution rather than continue the problem all Latin American Service Expeditions are guided by what we call the three R's of international student travel: Risk, Reward, and Repair

Risk

Those of us engaged in global education and international experiential education must recognize that are in the midst of a climate crisis and experiencing climate disruption both at home and abroad. It is therefore essential that the leaders of global travel programs increase our awareness of potential climate disruption related risks to our student travelers. Good practice therefore requires that 1) international risk assessment and management plans must be adjusted to consider any increased risks from potential climate disruptions, and 2) while the groups are on the ground local weather reports and travel conditions must be regularly reviewed to inform final decisions about activities.

Reward

All international trips should be evaluated to ensure that the impact on the climate by increased carbon emissions from air travel is justified. In other words, we should ask whether or not any particular trip leads to a larger benefit in terms of: 1) promoting a societal change to reduce global carbon emissions, and 2) in terms of supporting the victims of climate disruption.

The climate crisis is a global problem that should be addressed through social action based on understanding the local and global nature of the crisis and in solidarity with the victims around the world. One of the best ways that global education programs can help to address the climate crisis is by increasing students' awareness of how climate disruption affects different parts of the world and helping them develop a sense of solidarity with people around the world who are confronting its impact. This kind of education can only be done through travel to a place rather than through video conferencing or long distance communication. Increased awareness about the impacts of climate change and solidarity with people around the world are important benefits of global travel and can lead to a transformation in how students see the climate crisis and support students through the big social changes necessary to adapt to the crisis.

Repair

Air travel is a big contributor to carbon emissions, therefore, in order to reduce harm, all carbon emissions should be offset through the direct planting of trees during a trip (best) or through a third party carbon offset program.

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SAFETY AND RELIABILITY

Responsible and Authentic Travel Is Our Priority

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

Since 2008 LASE has been leading students and adults on unique and impactful trips in Central America and the Caribbean. Our close relationship with local communities allows the participants in our trips to not only experience beautiful parts of the world but to share a common bond of solidarity and friendship with the people who live there.

RISK MANAGEMENT

We take risk assessment and management seriously. Our expeditions are thoroughly vetted and our experienced guides are with participants throughout the trip to maximize the authenticity and safety of our expeditions.

APPRECIATE AND EXPLORE OUR
WONDERFUL PLANET

There is no greater wealth than the rich diversity of our beautiful world. Our unique expeditions provide students with the opportunity to explore the rain forests and mountains of Latin America with the indigenous people and rural farmers who live there.

Latin American Service Expeditions recognizes that now more than ever before it is important for young people to venture outside their urban landscapes and immerse themselves in our fragile planet's natural beauty. We learn about how to live in harmony with the Earth from people who have been doing it for centuries.

Here are just some of the fascinating ways LASE offers for student to explore the world.