Learning Objectives

Each destination is intentionally designed to support and enhance the curricular learning goals of Headwaters Academy. While immersed in local cultures and environments, students will:

• Practice and strengthen emerging Spanish language skills (exception: Iceland) while developing cross-cultural understanding.

• Engage with local experts and guides to learn firsthand about regional flora and fauna, cultural traditions, community values, and local resource management.

• Participate in regionally specific workshops focused on wildlife biology, history, geography, geology, and cultural anthropology.

• Develop teamwork, navigation, and communication skills through age-appropriate leadership and expedition-based learning activities.

• Take part in hands-on regional experiences such as surfing, whitewater rafting, rainforest exploration hikes, nighttime wildlife observation, and visits to volcanic landscapes.

• Learn introductory principles of risk assessment, situational awareness, and thoughtful decision-making in outdoor and travel environments.

• Foster personal growth by building self-confidence, practicing self-advocacy, and cultivating empathy and global awareness.

Costa Rica

Rainforest Ecology, volcanic geology, experiential Education and Spanish Immersion

Estimated Cost: $3,825 (includes round-trip airfare from Bozeman, all food, activities and lodging)

Trip Highlights: Monteverde Cloud Forest, Arenal Volcano, Wildlife Conservation, Cultural Exchange

Housing: Private Villas and Hostels/Hotels

Spain

Guadarrama sierra national park exploration, experiential education, hiking, climbing & Spanish immersion in ancient mountain villages, Segovia and madrid

Estimated Cost: $3,550 (includes round-trip airfare from Bozeman, all food, activities and lodging)

Trip Highlights: Spanish language immersion, Historic exploration of Madrid and Toledo, Art Exploration and Cultural Landmarks in Madrid/Toledo/Segovia, Spanish cuisine and local market experiences

Housing: Private Villa with Private Chef

Guatemala

Mayan Culture exploration, Wildlife Ecology, traditional cuisine and Spanish Immersion in Antigua, Lake Atitlan and the Surrounding Mayan Villages

Estimated Cost: $3,450 (includes round-trip airfare from Bozeman, all food, activities and lodging)

Trip Highlights: Spanish language immersion in Antigua, Mayan cultural exploration in villages around Lake Atitlán, Colonial history and architecture in Antigua, Traditional Mayan cuisine and artisan traditions

Housing: Ecolodge with Private Casitas and Hotels/Hostels

Iceland

Volcanic Landscapes, Glacial Exploration, geothermal & Renewable Energy, Nordic Cultural Immersion in Reykjavík and the South Coast of Iceland

Estimated Cost: $4,250 (includes round-trip airfare from Bozeman, all food, activities and lodging)

Trip Highlights: Glacial Visit, Volcanoes and Volcanic Fields, Geothermal and Hydro Power Plant Visits, Thingvellir National Park

Housing: Local Hotels/Hostels