Archive for the 'FSEG' Category

Hello FSEG friends and family!

I just spoke with Matt and Amy to get some insight into their week in the Amazon! One of the group’s highlights was a great watering hole that offered a reprieve from the high humidity. They visited every afternoon after the day’s service work and activities. They also donned some high rubber boots to trudge through riverbeds and mud on a jungle hike. The group imagined themselves as explorers charting the Amazonian unknown! They spent much of the week with their incredible local guide, Juan, who grew up in the Amazon and shared his passion and knowledge of flora and fauna, as well as the best places to swim in the Napo River. They ventured by canoe to a local museum where they learned about ancient cultures of the region and their hunting techniques. Their group also had their faces painted in true Amazonian fashion using a local fruit that produces red dye. Wildlife highlights included spider monkeys (both in and out of the cages), parrots, and ocelots. The group ate well during their week in the Amazon, with exotic fruit juices at every meal, and homemade chocolate syrup made from the cocoa trees surrounding their lodge. They spent some time working with an indigenous community and helped to lay the groundwork and collect materials for a community kitchen. Later, they returned to the village school for a super fun game of soccer with all of the kids! For the group’s final evening, members of the community joined the group at their lodge accommodations to teach them a native dance as a celebratory goodbye!

After a long day of travel back to Quito from the Amazon, they hopped on an early morning flight to the Galapagos.  In just their first half-day on the island of Santa Cruz, they had already seen multiple giant tortoises (including the one and only Lonesome George!), both land and marine Iguanas, and all sorts of beautiful birds.  The islands have, thus far, treated them to beautiful weather, and they can’t wait to board their boat.

After being adventurous with their taste buds in the Amazon, trying many typical dishes and exotic fruits, the group unanimously decided to go out for pizza and hamburgers our first night in the Galapagos. Everyone ate so much that the leaders think it´s safe to say they´ll be held over on American food for another week at least!

Unfortunately, I couldn’t get a photo from Matt and Amy this week, but when they return to Williamstown, we’ll post all of their pictures on our SmugMug site!

-Melissa

I spoke with Amy & Matt before they ventured into the Amazon to find out how the group is doing!

This past weekend, they took what the group dubbed “a vacation from their vacation” to Otavalo for some lakefront time. On their way, they passed incredible scenery of Andean volcanoes and mountains ranges.  Though, perhaps the most memorable event of the whirlwind weekend was a couple of hours in the world-famous Otavalo craft market.  By lunch time, the group had acquired enough Ecuadorian instruments to start a traveling band. Their ensemble included a small guitar, pan flute, and a didgeridoo. They also accessorized themselves in enough scarves, hats and other Andean trinkets to ensure that they’ll remember the visit for a lifetime.  They had great views from their accommodations at a lakefront lodge, ate yummy local ice cream called “paila”, enjoyed a boat ride, a took a spectacular hike around a crater lake.

They to their home-base in Quito on Sunday to finish up their urban service project at the children’s foundation Honrar la Vita where they painted a huge colorful mural and the classroom walls in pastel rainbow shades. The biggest challenge was keeping the young children entertained and out of the paint. The Overland group was great with the kids who treated them like celebrities! The students took the local kids to a park to play tag, learn new games in Spanish & English and play soccer.

After saying goodbye to the kids that they had come to adore, they packed up for a few days of service in the Andean cloud forest at the Pahuma Orchid Reserve.  The group broke up into teams that alternated working on creating and painting a new guide map for visitors and maintaining the trails and botanical garden.  Everyone  worked really well together to successfully complete both service projects and it was truly satisfying for the group to see the results of their contributions.

As for food and culture, they have tried some typical Ecuadorian dishes like empanadas, potato soups, and lots of beans and rice!

Saludos desde Ecuador!

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get any photos from FSEG this week. If any come in, I’ll post them here! Also, once Matt & Amy return to Williamstown, we’ll upload their photos onto the Overland SmugMug site!

-Melissa

Hello FSEG families and friends!

After a long day of travel on Sunday, the group jumped right in to one-on-one Spanish lessons to learn some new phrases and vocabulary to put into action during their month in Ecuador. After three afternoons of lessons, the group was given the opportunity to test their new vocab during the first community service project working with at-risk children at the foundation called Honrar la Vida (Honor Life) in the northern part of the city of Quito. Along with great interactions with the young Ecuadorian children, the group has also had the opportunity to make a physical contribution to Honrar la Vida. They began a mural in the school building, and also helped to repaint classrooms.

Despite many hours spent with language classes and community service work, the group has had an impressive reserve of energy to explore the beautiful city of Quito.  After classes finished on both Monday and Tuesday, the group took a private bus straight to the heart of Quito Viejo (the “old town.”)  Once there, they strolled the rambling streets around the Plaza Grande, conquered their fear of heights by ascending the towers of the Basilica de Voto Nacional, took in the awe-inspiring grandeur of the gold-laden interior of the Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus, and finally hopped a ride with their appropriately named driver, Angel, up to the statue of the Virgin de Panecillo from where they could see the entire city and surrounding volcanic mountains. To top it all off, they still had time for multiple games of Ninja (an Overland favorite!) as the sun set over the Plaza de San Francisco.  On Wednesday, their gracious hosts at the Hostel Selva Alegre, Fernando and Alejandro, offered to teach the group the basics of Salsa dancing.  Despite many members of the group being reluctant to participate at first, dance class turned out to be a unanimous “high of the day” once they had finished their delicious ice cream cake at Dessert Circle!

Although the weather forecast continues to forebode rain every single day for the city of Quito, they have seen nothing but sunny days and perfect temperatures in the mid 70s since their arrival. 

This weekend, they are off to Otavalo to explore the largest market in South America and take a day hike to a pristine crater lake. 

Saludos desde Ecuador!

-Melissa

Melissa Revotskie graduated from Brown University in 2009, led Overland’s four week Language & Service Costa Rica program, and then began working full-time in the office planning our French and Spanish language programs.   Melissa spent December 2010 in Ecuador and December 2009 in Peru planning our new Field Studies programs.  Get the inside scoop on Melissa’s experience at Overland.

1.       How did you first learn about Overland, and why did you choose to apply to be a leader?

I learned about Overland during the fall of my senior year at Brown.  A fellow member of BOLT (Brown Outdoor Leadership Training) had been an Overland Leader in 2008, and he spoke very highly of his summer experience at one of our meetings.  I attended the information session at our career center and immediately knew I would be in good company at Overland.  I wasn’t sure of my long-term plan, but I knew that I wanted a meaningful summer experience after graduation.  The prospect of connecting with a group of students, a new place and leaders from across the country was too exciting to pass by.

2.      What are your responsibilities in the Overland office?

My main responsibilities in the office are those related to my logistics.  I am in charge of planning our programs in Central & South America, as well as our Language & Exploration programs in Europe.  For these nine programs, I plan the day-to-day schedules and accommodations.  I also correspond with language schools, service partners and outfitters to design projects and activities that allow Overland students to be challenged and to explore a new country.

Along with the rest of the logistics team, I help Jonathan with leader hiring .  Starting in November, I visit schools to give information sessions, email college leaders to generate a competitive applicant pool and participate in finalist interviews throughout the year.  I absolutely love this part of my job because I’m so grateful for the Overland staff members who visited Brown, and now I can provide college students with that same opportunity.

3.      What is the most important quality that you look for when hiring successful Overland leaders?

Melissa on her visit to Ecuador in December.

We look for quite a bit in our leaders–we hire the best of the best.  One of the most important qualities that I pay attention to is an applicant’s interpersonal skills.  It takes a very observant, approachable person to relate to 12 students with completely different personalities, as well as make an awesome co-leader.  It is crucial to be aware of where each of your students is at mentally/emotionally/physically and to be able to act in the right way to make sure everyone is having the best experience possible.  The same goes for your co-leading relationship.  The most successful leaders notice and address the small things with their students, the group as a whole and their co-leader.

4.      What do you like about living in Williamstown, Massachusetts?

Williamstown is peaceful and beautiful in every season.  Even though winter lasts a bit too long, I love looking out our office windows and seeing snow-covered hills just as much as I enjoy going for hikes in the summer.  We’ve got an iconic small New England town here, the community feel is great, and people know your order at the local coffee shop.  Plus, I grew up in Plymouth, so I get to keep my Mass. plates!

5.      In 2009, you led Language & Service Costa Rica—what are the benefits of the one-week homestay?

The benefits of the homestay were immediately noticeable on my trip.  My students were definitely a bit nervous, but they go with another group member, so it wasn’t as scary to take that step out of their comfort zone and really make the most of it.  It is a small window of the trip (5 or 6 nights), so you don’t lose any of your group cohesiveness, but it allows students to have their own unique experience to share with everyone the next day.  During one night of my group’s homestays, one family had a soccer game to go to and invited the other families to join.  It was such a fun moment to watch everyone introduce their host families to the other students.  Plus, on a program that aims to introduce students to another country, there’s nothing like getting the chance to join in on a community activity in a small, Costa Rican town.

6.      Share a moment when your group got the Overland Way.

Melissa with her Language & Service Costa Rica group in 2009.

One of my favorite memories from my group was two weeks in on a weekend where we had some free time in Monteverde.  Our teachers had recommended a hike to a beautiful viewpoint where we could look down on the whole town and surrounding cloudforests.  Language & Service Costa Rica is not an outdoor trip, as such; my students had varying levels of comfort and experience with hiking.  A short way into the hike, the group became divided along lines of athletic ability.  A few students in the front quickly realized that it wasn’t about getting there as fast as they could.  They slowed their pace and came back to encourage everyone.  The mood of the group improved; we took it slowly, and had a great afternoon at the top.

7.      In December 2010, you scouted Field Studies Ecuador & Galápagos. What part of your scouting trip was most useful?

By far, the most useful and comforting part of scouting a brand new trip is putting faces to our contacts and service partnerships.  Overland is a unique organization in many ways, and it is crucial that our guides/outfitters/service providers understand our needs and goals, especially on an international trip. Since our Field Studies programs take place far away from our home base, it is really important that we know all of our contacts personally.  We need to make sure they are reliable and completely on board to help us create an Overland experience abroad.

8.      What current Overland program do you wish that you had the chance to lead? Why?

There are so many amazing programs, but I really wish I could lead New England Explorer. I grew up in New England, so I love the areas that this trip visits.  Also, I am most drawn to NEX because it is such a great introduction to backpacking for the group.  I led backpacking trips in the White Mountains for Brown sophomores and transfer students, and the most rewarding part of that job was introducing students to the outdoors for the first time.  New England Explorer gives students a chance to try backpacking in beautiful, but accessible, areas and I love that about its itinerary.

9.      What are two things that you learned through leading an Overland program?

One important lesson in leadership that I took away from my Overland summer was time management for a group of 14.  Meals take a lot longer than you think, and it’s important to plan ahead and have backup plans.  In order to make the day go smoothly, everyone has to be tuned in to the group’s needs and put those above their personal ones.  It was definitely a difficult skill to master, but one that is crucial to a successful Overland summer.

Another important lesson I learned through leading was to let some group dynamics progress naturally.  Every group of students will be a bit different based on backgrounds and personalities, and the dynamics will work themselves out in different ways.  Leaders may need to provide some guidance along the way, but students can often surprise you with their own awareness of how the group is doing.

10.   List your top three Overland moments.

Melissa (far left) with a few co-workers at a leader closing dinner in 2010.

My top moment that always comes to mind when I think about my summer leading was a night when the cook crew poured their hearts into dinner.  They came out of the kitchen at our group hostel and proceeded to present the meal to the group in Spanish like a menu at a restaurant.  If they didn’t know one of the vocabulary words for something, another student from the table jumped in to help.  On a language trip with Overland, meals are a perfect opportunity to practice vocabulary and work on confidence in actually speaking a new language.

Another highlight for me was our first weekend of rafting.  We were camping at one of the most beautiful sites I had ever seen, along the riverbanks of Pacuare.  It happened to be the 4th of July, and we had little patriotic-themed dessert plates and delicious food prepared by our outfitter.  After a long first week of Spanish class, service work and adjusting to a new country and culture, the weekend was a very welcome chance to relax and just hang out.  We played cards, read some Harry Potter aloud in Spanish and rafted exciting class IV rapids the following day.

My final favorite moment was during our last week of service.  We had worked on a light construction project at a small school in the mountains surrounding San José for our first project. In our final few days, we went back to visit and see the progress that had been made on the classroom that we had built the foundation and framework for.  The building looked great, but my personal highlight from the day was the “auction” our students organized.  They had brought donation items from home and presented them to each classroom so that students could choose items.  The Costa Rican kids were so excited that they immediately started wearing the various gifts from our group.

Learn More

Want to see pictures from Melissa’s trip to Peru?  Check out our Facebook page.
Want to learn more about the trip Melissa led?  Learn about L&S Costa Rica on our website.
What other leaders have led for us from Brown University? Check out our leader profiles.
Have a question for Melissa?  Email her.

Overland has big things planned for 2011 – five of them in fact.  For our 27th summer, we’re announcing five new programs to add to our lineup of hiking, biking, language, writing, service and field studies programs.   To inquire about these new programs or any of our programs for the summer of 2011, please give our staff a call at 800.458.0588.  We’re always here to help! 

Sierra Adventure for 6th graders, 2 weeks

Discover California’s spectacular Sierras, hike in the Sierra high country, explore Lake Tahoe by foot & by kayak and raft the American River.

Gulf Coast Service for 9th – 12th graders, 2 weeks

Reach out to the people of New Orleans, assist with home building & restoration, volunteer to help restore Gulf Coast ecosystems and explore the history & culture of New Orleans.

Appalachian Trail Challenge for 10th – 12th graders, 2 weeks

Hike 100+ miles along the Appalachian Trail, climb Mount Washington (6,288 feet), climb ten of New Hampshire’s 4,000 foot peaks and learn backcountry skills & Leave No Trace practices.

Teton Challenge for 10th -12th graders, 3 weeks

Climb the Grand Teton (13,770 feet), backpack Yellowstone National Park, kayak the scenic Snake River and attend Exum Mountaineering School.

Field Studies Ecuador & the Galápagos for 9th – 12th graders, 4 weeks

Explore the exciting urban culture of Quito, discover the wildlife of the Galápagos, live & serve in a Quechua village in the Central Highlands, explore Ecuador’s culture & language and hike in Cotopaxi National Park.