Download a PDF of the 2013 Interim Semester Handbook.

INTERIMSEMESTERHANDBOOK40 Woodlands Street 41 Singapore 738547Phone: (65) 6360-6501 Web: www.sas.edu.sg SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOLSINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL interim semester HANDBOOK 1

contentsINTERIM SEMESTER HANDBOOKINTERIM SEMESTER MISSION 04COURSE CATEGORY DESCRIPTIONS 04BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS 04EDUCATIONAL EXPECTATIONS 05SERVICE CATEGORY REQUIREMENT 05PHYSICAL FITNESS REQUIREMENT 06SAFETY AND SECURITY 06MEDICAL 06INSURANCE 07PASSPORT AND VISA REQUIREMENT 07PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES 07SELECTION AND SIGN-UP PROCESS 08REFUND POLICY 08INTERIM SEMESTER TIMELINE 09Registration & Payment Procedures 09ECO ADVENTUREEA01 Crikey-Bikey: camping, cycling, kookaburra! 12EA02 Outdoor adventures 13EA03 adventures in the hidden kingdom 14EA04 Trekking leaping tiger gorge 15EA05 eco challenge 16EA06 trekking in tibetan india 17EA07 cycle the mekong 18EA08 world challenge nepal trek 19EA09 a great walk along the coast 20EA10 muddy wheels 21EA11 wilderness survival training 22EA12 the finest walk in the world 23EA13 beautiful beyond words 24EA14 eco adventure 25EA15 wilderness excursion 26EA16 Eco adventures amidst the alps 27EA17 river kwai jungle adventure 28GLOBAL ISSUESGS01 MARINE AND TERRESTRIAL STUDIES 31GS02 Land of the Thunder Dragon 32GS03 THE MIDDLE KINGDOM NOW AND THEN 33GS04 CHINESE LANGUAGE IMMERSION 34GS05 MARTIAL ARTS, MEDITATION AND MOUNT TAI 35GS06 HAKKA VILLAGE WORLD CULTURAL HERITAGE SITE 362 interim semester HANDBOOKSINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL

GS07 TeCHNICAL THEATRE EXPERIENCE 37GS08 FRENCH LANGUAGE IMMERSION 38GS09 LIFE AND CULTURE IN A DESERT LANDSCAPE 39GS10 THE AUROVILLE COMMUNITY 40GS11 DANCING WITH THE GODS 41GS12 ABROAD: DIVING AND DRAGONS 42GS13 CERAMICS STUDY 43GS14 THE OLD AND THE NEW: A CULTURAL ODYSSEY 44GS15 THE GOLDEN LAND 45GS16 CULTURE, CONTRAST AND CHALLENGE 46GS17 AN IN-SINGAPORE WATER EXPERIENCE 47GS18 EXPLORING SINGAPORE'S CULTURAL DIVERSITY THROUGH THE EYE OF A LENS 48GS19 EXPLORING SINGAPORE'S FOOD TRAIL 49GS20 GOLF: THE GLOBAL GAME 50GS21 INSIGHT SINGAPORE: HOW SINGAPORE WORKS 51GS22 SINGAPORE GLOBAL STUDIES 52GS23 VISUAL ARTS SINGAPORE 53GS24 CULTURE AND ADVENTURE 54GS25 RECONCILIATION AND BEAUTY 55GS26 SPANISH LANGUAGE IMMERSION 56GS27 SPORTS MANAGEMENT WITH REAL MADRID FOOTBALL CLUB 57GS28 BEAUTIFUL LAND OF CONTRASTS 58GS29 BUILDING A NATION 59GS30 THEIR PLACE IN OUR WORLD 60GS31 Traditional and Modern Gulf Arab Culture 61GS32 DIEN BIEN PHU TO THE EMBASSY ROOF 62SERVICEs01 Faces of Cambodia 66s02 Climbing, Caves & Community Service 67s03 Summit to Sea Service 68s04 BUILDING A NATION WITH GAWAD KALINGA 69s05 CHANGING LIVES WITH STAIRWAY 70s06 House building in Bantayan 71s07 SAS Teacher Apprenticeship 72s08 SERVICE IN THE KALAHARI 73s09 Save The Rhinos 74s10 SERVICE AND SAFARI 75s11 BLUE DRAGON Service 76SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL interim semester HANDBOOK 3

INTERIM SEMESTER HANDBOOKThe Interim Semester program was established at Singapore American School in 1973 with the goal ofenhancing the standard curriculum by providing students with opportunities for cultural enrichment,experiences in the arts, adventure activities, and service to others. These expeditionary learning opportunitiesmake up an integral part of the high school curriculum. Students are required to participate in InterimSemester each year they are in attendance.INTERIM SEMESTER MISSIONThe Interim Semester program is committed to:• deepening students’ understanding of the world around them;• inspiring students to contribute to the global community;• encouraging students to challenge themselves; and• building a sense of community.COURSE CATEGORY DESCRIPTIONSInterim Semester courses fit into three categories, global studies, service, or eco-adventure.GLOBAL STUDIESThe Global Studies category denotes active participation and awareness of ourinterconnectedness with people and cultures around the world. Students will deepentheir understanding of the world through themes. These themes may cross any academicdiscipline and often focus on development (resource management, environmental care,poverty), peace and conflict, cultural expression, and political conditions. Language study,which facilitates all cultural understanding, is also a valued focus area.SERVICEService has the capacity to touch on each of the desired student learning outcomes of theschool’s strategic focus. By using the model that knowledge leads to compassion, andcompassion to action, service learning projects give students the opportunity to make apositive impact on the local community in which they work. Service provides a frameworkin which students learn and develop through active contribution in thoughtfully preparedservice that meets the needs of the community.ECO-ADVENTUREEco-adventure courses are designed around the belief that the outdoors provides thegreatest context for humans to grow socially, emotionally and academically. As such,eco-adventure courses provide students opportunities to learn and develop physically andintellectually while being fully immersed in the natural environment. Students will returnfrom these excursions with an improved self-perception, increased academic skill-set and arobust sense of the environmental dynamics of the region visited.BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONSPositive interaction among students, faculty, guides, and local people is a hallmark of all Interim Semestercourses. It is unacceptable for students to inconvenience others, or jeopardize the safety of the group.Students must satisfy the sponsors that they have the background to enjoy the course, and that they will besupportive of the group for the duration of the course.All the Singapore American School rules are in effect for the duration of the course. The regular prohibitions4 interim semester HANDBOOKSINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL

egarding insubordination, tobacco, illegal non-prescription drugs, and alcohol will be in effect at all times.Flagrant curfew violations or going to “off limits” areas will not be tolerated and all laws of the local countrymust be obeyed. Sponsors, in consultation with the administration, have the full authority to send home astudent whose conduct is unacceptable or compromises the safety of the group. If it is necessary to send astudent home, it will be at the parent’s expense.A student who disregards the school rules while on an Interim semester course will be referred to theadministration for disciplinary action. Consequences will be at the discretion of the administration inconsultation with the course sponsors.EDUCATIONAL EXPECTATIONSInterim Semester is a graded (A – F) course with the grade being included in the calculation of a student’scumulative GPA. Students who earn a passing grade will be granted 0.25 credits. Both the credit andthe grade will be listed in the Semester II Average column on report cards and transcripts. The academicrequirements will vary depending upon the type and location of the course. All courses will include thefollowing components:ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTSExcept in the case of illness, all students must attend the scheduled pre-Interim meetingsheld during the school day. In the days before Interim Semester, students will be assignedto “Interim Homebase” sections where students and sponsors will review final details of thecourse. Attendance is required, even for seniors with “senior privilege.” Following InterimSemester, students will continue to attend Interim Homebase to prepare post-interimacademic requirements.Following Interim Semester, an evening program is scheduled for some interim coursesin which the course experiences are shared with parents. Students of interim coursesparticipating in Parent’s Evening are required to attend this program. Failure to attend willresult in a grade penalty.ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTSDepending on the course, there may be required presentations, opportunities to learnabout the culture or activity, or students may be asked to demonstrate that they have thenecessary skills to have a successful experience. Some of these will be graded and includedin the calculation of the final grade. Full details regarding the academic demands for eachcourse will be provided by the course sponsor.POST INTERIM EXPERIENCEInterim Semester has traditionally been followed by a parent’s evening when parents areinvited to the school to hear students share their interim semester experiences. This year,many courses will offer a different experience. These courses will instead prepare an onlinewebsite with student reflections, photos, videos, customized maps, and other content.The individual interim semester course descriptions in this handbook identify which type of postinterimsemester experience the course will prepare.SERVICE CATEGORY REQUIREMENTStarting with the Class of 2016, all students must participate in at least one Service Learning Interim SemesterCourse before graduating from SAS.SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL interim semester HANDBOOK 5

PHYSICAL FITNESS REQUIREMENTPlease note that many Interim Semester courses require a higher level of fitness than the student currentlypossesses. The student may still select the course with the intention of training in order to reach the requiredlevel of fitness prior to departure. Students physically unable to participate in a course’s activities endangerthemselves as well as their classmates. Please read the course descriptions thoroughly to determine whetheror not a course is appropriate.SAFETY AND SECURITYThe Interim Semester Program exposes students to a degree of risk that is atypical of regular on-campusclasses. While courses involving travel, physical activity, and exploration are not risk free, safety is ofparamount importance and is emphasized as courses are planned and take place.Emergency medical evacuation and insurance coverage is included in the course fee. Copies of passportinformation, itineraries, and emergency contact details are hand carried by the course sponsors with a secondcopy available to administrators at SAS. Sponsors are briefed about what to do in an emergency and have theauthority to make decisions, change the itinerary, or do whatever else is necessary to ensure the safety of thestudents.Prior to leaving Singapore, course sponsors confirm the availability of medical facilities in the country,make certain that handphone or other emergency communication is available, review information from theUS Embassy, and brief the students on how to minimize their risk. At some periods during some courses,immediate telephone communication may not always be available.If conditions warrant, a course may be changed or cancelled due to concerns about safety, political instability,or security. In such a case, we will undertake to prepare an alternate but comparable interim semester coursefor the students in the cancelled course. The U.S. State Department has an on-line resource for assessingtravel security information. Parents can use this information for course planning and in helping to decidewhere their child will go for Interim Semester. The website is http://travel.state.govMEDICALIt is critical that SAS have the most recent student health information. Please ensure our records reflect thelatest student medical condition. The sponsors need to be aware of any medical issues, physical conditions orallergies along with any medications students will be taking during the course.For information about recommended shots or boosters for a specific country, please consult with yourphysician or consider visiting the following websites:• www.who.int• http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list.htm• http://www.ttsh.com.sg/travellershealthNote that many vaccinations must be given at least three months prior to departure.The course sponsors will carry a first aid kit that will contain typical items that might be needed. They alsohave access to an emergency phone number where they can get medical advice while outside of the country.For more serious medical issues, emergency medical evacuation is available.6 interim semester HANDBOOKSINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL

Certain courses may have additional medical or physical fitness requirements. See the information for thespecific courses you are considering for details. Courses which require rigorous physical exercise or specialskills may also require mandatory pre-course training or assessment.INSURANCEThe school maintains commercial insurance coverage for customary risks including comprehensive liability,property loss (school-owned property only), and fire, among others.Due to the nature of the Interim Semester courses, the school obtains supplemental coverage for all off-islandcourses. This insurance is through Chubb and includes the following coverage:• Accidental Death & Permanent Disablement• Medical & Emergency Expenses• Emergency Medical Evacuation• Personal Liability• Please note that loss of personal property is not included in the coverageThe intention of this coverage is to ensure adequate resources to provide proper medical care and, underspecific conditions, to transport any insured participant from a location lacking the necessary health carefacilities to one that is appropriate equipped. The decision on medical evacuation is made by the insurer withappropriate professional medical consultation.PASSPORT AND VISA REQUIREMENTFor Out-of-Singapore courses, students must have a passport with at least six months of validity remaining sixmonths after the student returns from Interim – August 22, 2014.Depending on the student’s passport and the course selected, visas may be required. While the coursesponsor will review visa requirements and facilitate the visa application process, the student family isultimately responsible for ensuring the appropriate visas are obtained. Visa expenses may be in addition tothe course fee.PARENT RESPONSIBILITIESParents are responsible for reviewing the information in this handbook and for helping their students makewise course choices. Parents are also responsible for filling out a registration form and for printing out andsigning the waiver form.An optional Interim Semester Information Program will be held on October 8, 2013 at 7:00 PM in the SASDrama Theater to give parents further information about Interim Semester. After reading this guide, if youhave additional questions or need more information about Interim Semester, you are encouraged to attendthis presentation or contact the Interim Semester Coordinator, Dan Skimin at interimsemester@sas.edu.sg.On some occasions a student experiences a medical issue which requires a sponsor to advance money to payfor these expenses. These expenses are normally reimbursable through our group insurance carrier; however,parents are expected to reimburse the sponsor immediately after the group returns to Singapore.Cost increases after sign up due to unforeseen flight price increases or significant currency movement will bepassed on to the individual participant. Interim Semester payment is due by November 15, 2013.SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL interim semester HANDBOOK 7

SELECTION AND SIGN-UP PROCESSStudents are asked to carefully consider their choice of an Interim Semester course and to ensure parents ofapprove of these choices. Students and parents must understand that once made, Interim Semester courseselections can not be changed. Interim Semester registration takes place on the following dates:October 18: 12th graders, October 21: 11th graders, October 22: 10th grades October 23: 9th graders (online)Interim provides students an opportunity to learn something new while expanding their circle of friends.Students are encouraged to select courses that interest them rather than those that have been selected byfriends they already know. Students can be assured that if they do not know any students before the coursebegins, they will definitely have developed new friendships by the time the course ends.Courses are selected on a rotating seniority basis beginning with seniors and ending with freshmen. Withina grade level, groups of students with last names beginning with certain letters are grouped together witheach student drawing a number and selecting based upon their number. Within a grade level, the letters ofstudents’ last names rotate so if a group of students in one grade selected first this year, next year they willselect last.REFUND POLICYBecause interim semester courses are planned over a year ahead of time and require flight andaccommodation deposits, refunds are generally not allowed. Furthermore, student fees for interim semestercourses are calculated under an assumption of 20 students and two faculty members. Withdrawals afterregistration place difficult financial strains on each course. If your child will not be able to participate ininterim semester, please fill out Form B, the withdrawal form. If you are withdrawing from SAS you must alsonotify the Admissions Office in writing.Two exceptions will be considered for an Interim Semester refund:• Unexpected move from Singapore – if the family is relocating from Singapore and thus withdrawing fromSAS, refunds will be provided according to the schedule below. Notice using Form C must be providedprior to interim semester registration.• Recent medical issue – if a recently discovered medical condition or a recent injury limits participation inthe selected interim semester course, the family may select a more appropriate alternative course from theremaining available courses. Families are entitled to a refund from the course they have withdrawn fromaccording to the schedule below. Participants may also receive a refund for the flight portion of the course ifthe airline approves the request. Please provide SAS with a medical certificate to facilitate the flight refundapplication.REFUND SCHEDULEDate Notice Is ProvidedWithin One Week Ofthe end of InterimSemester RegistrationPrior to the Last DayOf School In The FallSemesterOn or after the last dayof school for the FallSemesterAmount Refunded 75% 50% 0%Please note that interim semester payments are due on November 15, 2013.ADDITIONAL CHARGESIn case of unexpected fuel surcharges or dramatic currency fluctuations prior to departure, theadditional costs will be borne by the participant.8 interim semester HANDBOOKSINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL

INTERIM SEMESTER TIMELINE2013 2014IS Evening Parents - DramaInformationTheatre (7:00pm)OCTOBER 08 JANUARY 27IS Parents OrientationEvening (7:00 p.m.)Global Studies CoursesIS Assembly (GradeOCTOBER 09 Assemblies 9 - 12)JANUARY 29IS Parents OrientationMeeting (7:00 p.m.)Eco-Adventure &Service CoursesOnline InterimOCTOBER 21FEBRUARY 14Semester Registrationto22INTERIMSEMESTER2014IS Fee Collection at HSNOVEMBER 15 Town CenterMARCH 03IS Parents Evening (7:00p.m.) – Global StudiesCoursesMARCH 04IS Parents Meeting (7:00p.m.) – Eco-Adventure& Service CoursesRegistration & Payment ProceduresFor Registration and payment please visit this link :http://interim.sas.edu.sg/For Registration turtorial please visit this link :http://www.sas.edu.sg/uploaded/SAS/Learning_at_SAS/HS/interim_semester/docs/instruction.pdfSINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL interim semester HANDBOOK 9

Eco-AdventureEco-adventure courses are designed aroundthe belief that the outdoors provides aunique context for humans to grow socially,emotionally and academically. As such,eco-adventure courses provide studentsopportunities to learn and develop physicallyand intellectually while being fully immersed inthe natural environment. Students will returnfrom these excursions with an improved selfperception,increased academic skill-set anda robust sense of the environmental dynamicsof the region visited.10 interim semester HANDBOOKSINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL

Eco-Adventure Courses contain thefollowing characteristics:All courses must be physically or intellectuallychallenging beyond what is typically experiencedduring a family outing or vacation;Eco-adventure courses that focus on physicalchallenges should be full outdoor immersionexperiences including accommodations. Themajority of nights should be spent in tents or otherrugged, eco-friendly accommodations;The majority of the student's work day, bothphysical and intellectual, should be spent immersedin and exploring the wilderness;To minimize environmental impact; trips should beconducted in the Asian sphere unless the biomeor ecosystem of study cannot be reasonablyreplicated in the region.SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL interim semester HANDBOOK 11

Crikey-Bikey: Camping, Cycling , Kookaburra!EA01WesternAustraliaECO ADVENTURESponsorFrieda DietrichSue NesbittPriceS$3,100Course Length7 daysDescriptionChallenge yourself with seven days on an eco-adventure experience inwestern Australia. We will be cycling with a fully supported crew under thedirection of a veteran cycle master. Working together as a group, studentswill be setting up tents, fully involved in preparing meals/cleanup operations.We will be taking enough respite from cycling to swim, observe wildlife andabsorb some of the most beautifully diverse scenery in the world. A sidebenefit might be to show off your culinary skills!Hybrid mountain bikes will serve as our primary mode of transportation.Students will be cycling at all times in small groups under the direction of ourcycle master who will be providing instruction throughout the week. Someof you will be riding farther than others, depending on your fitness level andyour interest in pushing yourselves. Often riding up to 30 km per day, thisclass is not designed for the novice cyclist, or anyone with persistent knee orankle difficulties, recent concussions, or who has had a recent leg surgery.Post-InterimExperience:Parent’s night/ OnlineReflectionsCourse Difficulty:Moderately RigorousAdventure, Physicalfitness is requiredObjectives• Students will be engaged in a highly physically challenging ecoadventure.• Character development will be one of the major themes of this course.• Teamwork and collaboration will be taught through group-oriented taskssuch as preparing meals, as well as setting up and breaking down campeach day.• Students will observe and identify wildlife and fauna found only inAustralia.RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• Students are expected to attend all pre-course meetings, beginningwith training (on your own) starting in late October.• Obtain a visa (ifrequired).• Physical preparedness: we expect all students to have experience andthe ability to handle cycling on roadways with traffic. Any questionsor concerns about your physical conditioning, please see Ms Dietrich(H300) before registering for this course..Post-Course requirements:• Students will attend all post course meetings culminating in a final groupproject.• Students will complete all assignments (photo submission/reflectiveessay).12 interim semester HANDBOOKSINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL

Outdoor AdventuresEA02WesternAustraliaECO ADVENTURESponsorKelly NashMichael ClarkPriceS$3,700Course Length8 daysDescriptionThe bush country of Western Australia provides the setting for students toenjoy camping, hiking, canoeing, abseiling (the descent of sheer rock facesby rope), cave exploring and ocean activities. From Perth, students will travelto the bush where they will camp under the stars, experience an overnightcanoe course along the Blackwood River and stay in wilderness settings.Experts will teach abseiling, surfing and caving skills, allowing the studentsto stretch their physical limits while under supervision. This is a rigorouscourse planned for students who enjoy nature, physical challenge and areable to adjust to basic living conditions.Post-Interim Experience:Parent’s night / OnlineReflectionsCourse Difficulty:Moderately Rigorousadventure, students shouldbe physically fitObjectives• Students will separate themselves from everyday luxuries and willpractice outdoor living skills like camping, food preparation and cleanup.• Students will learn group decision making and cooperative skills throughcave exploration, wilderness camping, canoeing, abseiling, rockclimbing, swimming and surfing.• Students will challenge themselves physically, mentally and/or socially.RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• A physical examination and medical clearance.• A swim test at SAS pool.• Students will do research on a topic related to this course.• Students will decide on a project to be completed during and after thecourse. Some ideas for this project might be a photo record of activitieswith a particular theme, a daily record of the course through sketchingor photographs with narration, a film which reflects the atmosphere andlearning objectives of the course, or a student-designed proposal.During-Course requirements:• All students will write daily in a journal, responding to specific prompts.• Students will challenge themselves to participate in all activities.Post-Course requirements:• Each student will complete the project as planned and will craft oneof his or her journals into a publishable piece. As a group, students willdesign a website that incorporates all narratives and projects.SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL interim semester HANDBOOK 13

Adventures In The Hidden KingdomEA03BhutanECO ADVENTURESponsorDennis SteigerwaldIan PagePriceS$3,700Course Length8 daysPost-Interim Experience:Parent’s night / OnlineReflectionsCourse Difficulty:Rigorous adventure;Students must bephysically fitDescriptionThis interim provides students with the opportunity to explore the cultureand countryside of the world’s last remaining Himalayan kingdom. All thisthrough outdoor adventure activities like camping, trekking and heartpumpingbiking through the mountainous regions of Western and CentralBhutan. Students will experience Paro and Thimpu, including the Ta DzongNational Museum, filled with art, relics and artifacts; Drukgyel Dzong,an ancient fortress; and the Tiger’s Nest, one of the most beautiful andholiest sites in Bhutan. Beyond Thimphu, the National Highway leads east,over the 10,000 ft Dochu-La pass into the Punakha valley, where Bhutan’sancient capital offers its majestic Dzong situated at the confluence of twomighty glacial rivers, as well as remote villages and temples. Students willexperience unique Cultural events and/or Festivals in the Dzongs where thetrue spirit and culture of the Bhutanese people will further unfold. CentralBhutan offers remote adventures through the most unspoiled and beautifulexamples of the Himalayan Buddhist way of life in existence today. It is alsohome to the rarest Himalayan species of birds, animals and flowers. Thekingdom is an adventure like no other. There may be no Shangri La in themodern world, but this is as close as students will ever come.Note: Due to the physical demands of this course, students with asthma, a heartcondition, or those susceptible to altitude sickness, should consult with theirphysician. In addition, some periods during this course, immediate telephonecommunication will not be available.Objectives• Offer a first-hand experience of Bhutan’s unique Himalayan ecosystem,ancient history of tantric Buddhism and hidden culture.• Trek, Bike and Adventure through untouched villages with uniqueopportunities to interact with the local Bhutanese people and theircustoms.• Gain an overview of the socio-religious structure of Bhutan including itsGross National Happiness policy and exploring its effectiveness.• Build awareness of Bhutan’s seclusion and preservation of cultureincluding restrictive tourism.• Participate in meaningful cultural activities that offer an immersionopportunity in Bhutan’s untouched culture and religion.RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• Students must be able to handle the physical demands associated withhiking and biking at elevation.• Students will attend all scheduled meetings.• Students must submit all forms and paperwork that applies to thecourse. Late paperwork could result in a student’s inability to get aBhutanese visa.• Students will research their assigned topic, creating an informationaloutline to be used in future presentations.Post-Course requirements:• Students will present their research and reflections during the courseand on Parent’s Night.14 interim semester HANDBOOKSINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL

Trekking Leaping Tiger GorgeEA04Lijiang, ChinaECO ADVENTURESponsorKatie FreemanPriceS$3,800Course Length7 daysDescriptionThe crisp morning temperatures are perfect for slinging on your backpackand hiking through Leaping Tiger Gorge. It’s a wild, raw wilderness of water,steep cliffs and scenery that few of the world’s “five star resort” crowd willever be privileged to see.Starting with a treasure hunt in the ancient city of Lijiang, we’ll be runningour own “amazing race” before staying at the Old Town Guesthouse. Thenext day, we’ll start our cardio-pumping 42km, 3-day hike in the gorge, whilecarrying our own personal supplies like trailblazing frontiersmen and women.Fortunately for us, however, we’ll be staying in rustic guest houses, far fromthe worn track of the world’s more “civilized” travellers. While doing so, we’llvisit a rural village school and have the opportunity to interact with localvillagers.If you love the wilderness and relish the satisfying effort of rigorous hiking,this is the course for you!Note: additional costs may be required for trekking gear (pack, boots, etc.)Post-InterimExperience:Parent’s nightCourse Difficulty:Rigorous Adventure,Students must bephysically fitObjectives• Students will appreciate nature and environmental concerns in a newenvironment.• Students will develop an appreciation for the rich cultural and dailychallenges of the Chinese in Lijiang.• Students will participate in team building and team participation.RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• A physical examination and medical clearance is required.• Compliance with Student Responsibilities, as outlined in the InterimSemester course book.• Choose from a list of topics and complete pre-course research.• Attendance all group meetings; this may include some local day hikeswith a full backpack.Post-Course requirements:• Students will attend all post-course meetings.• Students will complete a final project reflecting on their experiences inTiger Leaping Gorge in Lijiang.• Students will participate in planning and presenting during InterimSemester Parent Evening.SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL interim semester HANDBOOK 15

Extreme Eco ChallengeEA05Hong KongECO ADVENTURESponsorJackie OsbornISusan CarterPriceS$3,000Course Length7 daysDescriptionPicture this: you’re in a harness, facing skyward with your back to thechurning waters below. Hand over hand, you inch along a cable parallelingthe ocean, while the rest of your interim crew cheers you on from the cliff.Later, you’ll find yourself rappelling down a cliff, pumped with adrenaline,while the ocean’s tropical waves crash against the beckoning rocks. You’llalso negotiate a specially designed mountain bike obstacle course, beforekayaking between some of Hong Kong’s mesmerizing outlying islands.Finding respite beneath a cascading waterfall, you’ll rest your body or diveinto pools before settling into camp for the evening.You might not find a more blood-pumping interim than this one.Adventuring with one of the world’s leading action adventure organizers,a group specializing in adrenaline rushing eco tours and adventure racing,you’ll transcend your personal limits, push others to accomplish what theynever thought possible and create strong team-established bonds.You’ll also enjoy conducting an environmental case study of Hong Kong’sfirst windmill power station and helping with an environmental reforestationproject in the Lamma Forest.Post-Interim Experience:Parent’s nightCourse Difficulty:Rigorous adventure;Students must bephysically fitEnjoy the wildest side of Hong Kong on two of its spectacular outlyingislands, while ending the course with a gripping, all encompassing adventureracelike you’ve never seen before!Objectives• Give participants the chance to further develop their skills in severaladventure sports, including mountain biking, kayaking, rock climbing,orienteering and abseiling.• Cultivate a deeper understanding of how skills such as teamwork,communication and dynamic leadership all play a key role in becomingsuccessful in adventure racing (and life).• Enhance environmental awareness. Teach students how they can make adifference by “thinking globally, but acting locally.”opportunity in Bhutan’s untouched culture and religion.RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• Students must pass a proficiency swim test, have a high cyclingcompetency, an ability to tolerate heights, a high degree of physicalfitness, positive attitude and willingness to challenge oneself.• Students must submit all forms and paperwork that apply to the courseand attend all scheduled meetings.Post-Course requirements:• Students must attend all scheduled meetings.• Students must complete a final project demonstrating the learningobjectives of this course.16 interim semester HANDBOOKSINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL

Trekking in Tibetan India ( Dharamshala )EA06IndiaECO ADVENTURESponsorLauren MurphyAdam AshtonPriceS$3,600Course Length9 nightsAdditional CostCost of visa, coldweather and hiking gearPost-InterimExperience:Parent’s nightCourse Difficulty:Rigorous Adventure,Physical fitness isrequiredDescriptionLooking for a cultural adventure with a challenging physical component?Then Trekking in Tibetan India is for you! When else are you going to do it?This course combines a rich cultural tour with a physically challenging 4 to 5day trek where you can expect to hike 4 to 7 hours per day. The trek is set ina remote and largely unexplored area of the breathtaking Himalayas in theDhauladhar region of northern India.We start our journey sightseeing one day in Delhi before heading toDharamshala -- the principal township of Kangra district home to the Tibetanleader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, since 1959. Nestled in the foothills ofthe Himalayas, it is a spectacular setting with a thriving Tibetan community,combined with a touch of the old Colonial British Raj. It is full of life yet thetranquility of Buddhist culture prevails.From Dharamshala, we trek for 4 to 5 days through rhododendron forest,over ridges, along terraced valleys and through ethnic villages where we’llvisit temples, churches and monasteries. We will climb to an altitude above3,000 meters (9,842 feet) and camp under the stars in the shadow of thesnow-covered peaks of the Himalayas. From Delhi to Dharamshala, we willtravel by plane and bus. Returning to Delhi, we will travel on one of thefamous Indian overnight trains.Note: Due to the physical demands of this experience, students in poor physicalcondition, or those who suffer from asthma, a heart condition, or altitude sickness,should consult their physician and/or consider other less demanding courses.Objectives• To gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture of Tibetans, aswell as Tibetan Buddhism.• To explore Tibetan culture and conflicts through political, economic,social and religious lenses.• To predict, participate and then reflect on the connections andcontradictions between students’ spiritual and physical journey in theHimalayan mountains.RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• Physical: Two 3-hour weekend treks through the Bukit Timah NatureReserve.• Academic: Each participant will research, prepare and presentPowerPoint slides. The PowerPoint will cover one facet of the history,philosophy, culture, sociology, or geography of Tibetan India.• Meetings: Each participant will attend all pre- and post-course meetingsPost-Course requirements:• Each participant will prepare a reflection of their experiences andthoughts, recorded during the course. The reflection can be in the formof an essay, an excerpt from a diary, a poem, a photo-journal, a video, ora song.• Each participant will revise the PowerPoint slides created prior to thecourse. The revised version will include new learning from the course.This slide will be presented at Parent’s night.SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL interim semester HANDBOOK 17

Cycle the MekongEA07Southern LaosECO ADVENTURESponsorErik TorjesenAmy FergusonPriceS$2,800Course Length7 daysPost-Interim Experience:Parent’s night / OnlineReflectionsCourse Difficulty:Rigorous Adventure, Cyclingexperience and physicalfitness are requiredDescriptionYou will enjoy a magical journey through Southern Laos by bicycle. We willtravel through a quickly disappearing, slow-paced Southeast Asia as weisland hop down the Mekong toward the Cambodian border. We will beginin Pakse and Champassak, travel south along the Mekong and finish up onthe Bolavan Plateau. Along the way we will experience the following:• Cycling 20 to 40 km per day along quiet rural roads and islands.• Kayaking and camping along the Mekong river.• A Baci ceremony in a small village and the opportunity to meet andinteract with a rural Lao community.• The colonial city of Champassak and Wat Phu• Cooling off at the Liphi and Kong Phapeng waterfalls.• Fair-trade coffee plantations on the Bolavan plateau.• Friendships, fun and the accomplishment of a self-powered tour.We will be on a supported bike tour, with great guides and accompanyingvehicles. During the cycling, we will divide into groups tailored to differentspeeds and fitness levels, but this course is not designed for the novicecyclist, or anyone with persistent leg problems, recent concussions, orother medical conditions that will limit their ability to participate fully in theprogram.Objectives• Challenge yourself physically and mentally cycling, kayaking andcamping along the Mekong river in Southern Laos.• Explore the beauty of rural Laos, interact with the Lao population andlearn about significant aspects of their culture and economy.• Emerge with a stronger understanding of yourself and of traditionalSoutheast Asia.RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• Cycle at least one hour per week during November and Decemberand two hours per week in January and February. Students must attendmandatory group cycling sessions on Saturday and Sunday mornings inJanuary and February.• Attend pre-course meetings in November and January. Successfullycomplete a swim test and a cycling test.Post-Course requirements:• Journal and take photos during the course and then post these as aseries of blog posts via Blogger and Google Sites. Attend and present atparent evening.18 interim semester HANDBOOKSINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL

World Challenge Nepal TrekEA08NEPALECO ADVENTURESponsorTracy Van Der LindenStacey JensenPriceS$2,700Course Length7 daysAdditional CostCost of visa, coldweather and hiking gearDescriptionNepal has spectacular trekking opportunities amongst the stunning peaksof the Himalayan Mountains. This trip involves a four-day camping trekthrough the Helambu region. It is a great opportunity to immerse yourselfin the tremendous cultural diversity of this part of the Himalayas. At the endof the trek, students will have the opportunity to spend some time relaxingin vibrant Kathmandu, exploring Durbar square and visiting the ‘MonkeyTemple.The sponsors, along with a highly qualified World Challenge ExpeditionLeader, will encourage students to develop life skills by taking ownershipof their course wherever possible. In the months leading up to the course,students will work together in teams to investigate possible cultural andrecreational opportunities that will challenge them and deepen theirunderstanding of Nepal. Under the guidance of the sponsors and theexpedition leader, students will work together to manage aspects ofthe budget, arrangement of meals and planning of recreational outingsthroughout the week.Post-InterimExperience:Parent’s night/ OnlineReflectionsCourse Difficulty:Moderate to highlyrigorous adventure.Physical fitness isrequiredObjectives• How can we work together to plan and execute an experience in whichwe develop significant life skills, challenge ourselves to reach beyond ourcomfort zones and gain an understanding of culture in Nepal?RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• Complete the World Challenge booking form and medical clearance.• Obtain a visa (if required).• Attend a mandatory student and parent information night with a WorldChallenge representative.• Gather all required items on the kit list.Post-Course requirements:• Complete an online reflection.• Participate in a mandatory review with a World Challenge representative.SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL interim semester HANDBOOK 19

A Great Walk Along the CoastEA09Abel TasmanTrack,New ZealandECO ADVENTURESponsorKent KnipmeyerKris KowaliukPriceS$3,400Course Length7 daysDescriptionThe journey begins with a visit to the “Adrenaline Forest” in which studentswill be exposed to a ropes course with five different levels ranging frombasic to quite difficult. We will spend days hiking and kayaking and withhave the opportunity for some spear fishing, a choice of either swimmingwith dolphins or whale watching and being exposed to 400-year-old Rimutrees and as well as a variety of animals. We will enjoy camping and eatingtraditional Kiwi BBQ under the stars. We will visit a conservation project inwhich over 8,000 trees have been planted by students visiting from aroundthe world. We will soak in the hot springs of Hanmer before an “epic” mealfor our last night.Post-InterimExperience:Parent’s night/ OnlineReflectionsCourse Difficulty:Moderately RigorousAdventureObjectives• Students will learn about the flora, fauna and geology of the northernpart of the South Island of New Zealand.• They will become self-sufficient, cooking their own meals over campfires.• They will be exposed to rugged outdoor activities like hiking andkayaking.• They will learn about efforts at preserving the wildlife and will contributeto a conservation project by planting a tree.RequirementsDuring the course, students will be given an Eco-Adventure workbookwhich they will be required to fill in with various flora and fauna that theyencounter. At times, they will be required to discuss updates in theirworkbooks.Pre-Course requirements:• Before the course, students will be required to perform in a swim test.Post-Course requirements:• Complete an online reflection.• After the course, students will be required to make a presentation thatparents will be able to access online.20 interim semester HANDBOOKSINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL

Muddy WheelsEA10North Island,New ZealandECO ADVENTURESponsorAdam MillerSteven PetragliaPriceS$3,600Course Length7 daysPost-Interim Experience:Parent’s night / OnlineReflectionsCourse Difficulty:Very Rigorous Adventure, Ahigh level of physical fitnessis requiredDescriptionThis is a highly active course into the New Zealand wilderness designedby adventure lovers for adventure lovers. The course will challengeparticipants both mentally and physically as we bike, raft and surf our wayacross the beautiful north island of New Zealand. We are going to bechallenging ourselves on world-class mountain bike trails for three days atthe Whakarewarewa Redwood Reserve (site of 120 purpose-built mountainbiking trails) and the Whirinaki Forest. We will learn about proper mountainbiking techniques and maintenance, while riding down some of the mostbeautiful and picturesque trails in the world. We will start with some easytrails and then slowly move to more challenging ones. Please note that thisis a mountain biking trip and that some prior ability on bikes is a necessity.We will also be rafting down two of the best rivers in New Zealand, themighty Kaituna and the Rangataiki Rivers. We will be hitting some grade4 to 5 rapids and waterfalls as we travel down these awesome rivers. Wewill also take a day learning to surf some nice intermediate waves at Mt.Maunganui Beach and then go off to a traditional Hangi meal to learn moreabout the Maori and their traditions.During that time, we will be staying at two very unique places. The first is atraditional Marae, a traditional and sacred place for the Maori people. This isthe centre of their community’s lifestyle and we are extremely lucky to havethe opportunity to stay there. We will also be spending time camping andbecoming one with nature and the wilderness that we will be exploring.New Zealand’s unique geography and history provides an amazingbackground for the best in fun and physical fitness. It also provides agreat learning environment for course planning, meal organization andpreparation and as well as group awareness. Students will feel a great senseof accomplishment as they acquire new skills, complete confidence-buildingchallenges and make new friends. This is a fantastic course for a genuine,highly active, all around adventure experience in New Zealand.Objectives• Gain a greater understanding of the importance of supportingand encouraging one another, working as a team, through difficultcircumstances, while participating in a grand adventure in arguably oneof the most beautiful places on the planet.• Develop a greater appreciation for one’s ability to exertoneself physically, mentally and emotionally…beyond what one thoughtpossible.• Foster a deeper love for the outdoors, nature and one’s place in theworld.RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• Students will need a strong swimming background and be physically fit.Some previous experience on a bike is extremely important, as everydayincludes approximately 4 to 5 hours of activity. Complete a mandatorysurvival swim test (100 meters non-stop + deep water brick recovery).• Students need to check if they need a visa for New Zealand and acquireit on their own before we leave (passport dependent). Approximately$172 SGDPost-Course requirements:• Parent night presentationSINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL interim semester HANDBOOK 21

Wilderness Survival TrainingEA11South Island,New ZealandECO ADVENTURESponsorJohn GaskellZachary EvansPriceS$4,000Course Length10 days, 9 nightsPost-InterimExperience:Parent’s nightCourse Difficulty:Extremely rigorous,very rugged. A veryhigh level of physicaland mental fitness is amust.DescriptionWhat if you survived a plane crash? A nuclear holocaust? A zombieapocalypse? Could you survive the days/weeks after?The aim of the Wilderness Survival Course is to teach students thenecessary skills to survive in nature for an indefinite period of time, whilepushing students beyond their perceived limits. The course is designed toreplicate the conditions found in various survival scenarios, including stress.This will make the course both extremely physically and mentally taxing.Although the safety of participants is our primary concern, the comfort ofthe participants is not. Students will be using the bare minimum of tools andequipment to meet the course objectives.The participants will work in small groups to meet challenges each day.These will include land navigation, food and water procurement, watercrossings and bivvy/camp construction. Students will navigate and hikethrough mountainous terrain for up to 20+ km each day. As skills are taught,provided materials are removed to make the newly acquired skills necessaryfor their “survival”. The course will culminate with a thirty hour survivalchallenge where all of their survival skills, teamwork and leadership will beput to the test in a real life performance assessment: Can they survive with32 ounces of water and one MRE?Students are required to acquire (purchase or rent) the following items:40L+ backpack, lightweight sleeping bag (10 degrees C/50 degrees F),sleeping mat, tent or shelter, waterproof jacket and pants, warm insulativeperformance clothing, hiking boots/shoes (no trainers will be allowed).Camping equipment and clothing will be available for rent/purchase in NewZealand.Objectives• To learn and practice wilderness first aid, safe water procurement, foodprocurement (eeling, trapping, fishing, foraging) and preparation, shelterbuilding, fire-starting, navigation and water crossings.• To work together as a team, determining and building the skills of eachmember to help the team survive in the wilderness.• To attain basic wilderness first aid certification accreditation.RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• Students must have basic swimming proficiency.• Students must be capable of hiking up to 20+ km per day with a 15+ kgload over 7 consecutive days.• Students must participate in a confidence building course.Post-Course requirements:• Parent Night Reflective Presentation.22 interim semester HANDBOOKSINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL

The Finest Walk in the WorldEA12The MilfordTrack,New ZealandeCO ADVENTURESponsorCraig OlsenKristin O’ConnorPriceS$4,000Course Length8 daysPost-Interim Experience:Online Reflections andprojectsCourse Difficulty:Rigorous Adventure,Students must be physicallyfitDescriptionThe focus of this experience will be the Milford Track, hailed by manyguidebooks as “The finest walk in the world.” The Track runs through theWorld Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park, following the Clinton andArthur Rivers for much of its 54 kilometer (33 mile) length from the headof Lake Te Anau to the Milford Sound on the Tasman Sea. The track isrenowned for its glacially-carved valleys, alpine flowers, snow-capped peaksand spectacular waterfalls. En route, trampers will cross the spectacularMacKinnon Pass at 1073 meters (3520 feet) and pass the towering SutherlandFalls, one of the highest waterfalls in the world. Students will experience fourdays on the Track, hiking around six hours per day.Accommodations on the Track will be in huts with gas-burning stoves forheating, a common room for cooking and dining and as well as communalbunk rooms. Students will backpack-in food and cooking utensils andbackpack-out all rubbish. They will also be assigned cooking and clean-upduties.Students and parents should anticipate extra expenses to prepareadequately for this course in terms of appropriate equipment.The following items are required for this interim:A medium weight trekking jacket. A pair of trekking boots or shoes. A pack(suitable for a 3-4 day trek - about 55- 65 L) A sleeping bag (preferably onethat takes little space – we are sleeping indoors so it need only be ratedto about a min of 10 degrees C or 50 degrees F). A lightweight waterproofraincoat and rain pants.Special Notes:1. You can rent the following equipment in NZ for a total cost of approx. S$150Pack, sleeping bag, rain pants, hiking poles.2. The Milford Track is a physically demanding experience. To get the most out ofthis interim you need to be physically fit enough to trek a total of 54 km (33 miles)with a fully loaded pack for 6 to 8 hrs a day for three days.Objectives• To study firsthand the natural history and ecology of New Zealand,especially the Fiordland National Park at the tip of the South Island andto experience some of the most unspoiled and magnificent landscapesin the world, along one of the safest walking tracks in the country.• To offer a rewarding physical challenge, that will also build teamspirit,leadership and enhance personal confidence.RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• Participate in all pre-interim activities and meetings set by the sponsors.Post-Course requirements:• Each participant will complete a digital reflection for our interim website.• Each participant will collaborate within a small group, to produce adigital project for our interim website.SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL interim semester HANDBOOK 23

Beautiful Beyond WordsEA13The RouteburnTrack,New ZealandeCO ADVENTURESponsorBrian HillJennifer MaherPriceS$4,000Course Length8 daysDescriptionThe focus of this experience will be the Routeburn Track, called by many‘beautiful beyond words.’ The 43km Alpine hike is rated “medium” (4 days/3 nights – up to 6 hours of hiking per day) and runs through the WorldHeritage-listed Fiordland National Park and Mt. Aspiring National Park,traversing New Zealand’s Southern Alps.Accommodations will be in huts with gas-burning stoves for heating, acommon room for cooking and dining as well as communal bunk rooms.Students will backpack-in food and cooking utensils and backpack-outrubbish, as well as be assigned cooking and clean-up duties.Students and parents may anticipate extra expenses to prepare themselvesfor the course in terms of adequate equipment, e.g. backpack, hiking shoes,sleeping bag, etc. This is not included in the course costs. Equipment rentalis available for: backpacks, sleeping bags, hiking pole and rain pants.Post-Interim Experience:Parent’s night / OnlineReflectionsCourse Difficulty:Rigorous Adventure,Students must be physicallyfitObjectives• To study the natural history and ecology of New Zealand, especiallythe Fiordland National Park at the tip of the South Island and as wellas to experience the unspoiled and magnificent landscape along one ofthe safest tracks in New Zealand’s remote back country.• To offer a rewarding physical challenge, to build team spirit andleadership and practical outdoor skills and self-sufficiency.• To gain an overview of the evolution and cultural developmentof the people of New Zealand and in particular, the South Island/Fiordland.• To better understand the impact of human activity and invasivespecies on the completely unique ecosystems of this remotecountry.RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• Physical: A two and a half hour tramp with weighted backpacks.Participants should be in very good physical condition and be able tocarry a 30 pound backpack for six hours each day.• Academic: Each participant will research and present material to thegroup.• Medical: Each participant will obtain a physical examination and medicalclearance.Post-Course requirements:• Each student will contribute to our Routeburn Trek Google Site bykeeping a journal while on Interim and taking photographs.24 interim semester HANDBOOKSINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL

Sri Lanka Eco AdventureEA14SRI LANKAECO ADVENTURESponsorSteve EarlyMark GuggisbergPriceS$2,500Course Length7 daysDescriptionSri Lanka is home to an impressive 7 UNESCO World Heritage sites.Students will haveopportunities to explore many trails and appreciate the stunning views andnatural history of Horton Plains National Park; enjoy the thrill of white waterrafting down the Kelaniya Ganga River; and explore the many cultural andhistorical aspects of the port city of Negombo.The sponsors, along with a highly qualified World Challenge ExpeditionLeader, will encourage students to develop life skills by taking ownershipof their course wherever possible. In the months leading up to the course,students will work together in teams to investigate possible cultural andrecreational opportunities that will challenge them and deepen theirunderstanding of Sri Lankan culture. Under the guidance of the sponsorsand the expedition leader, students will work together to manage aspectsof the budget, arrangement of meals and planning of recreational outingsthroughout the week.Post-Interim Experience:Parent’s night / OnlineReflectionsCourse Difficulty:Moderately rigorousadventure, Physical fitness isrequiredObjectives• How can we work together to plan and execute an experience in whichwe develop significant life skills, challenge ourselves to reach beyond ourcomfort zones and gain an understanding of Sri Lankan culture andnatural history?RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• Complete the World Challenge booking form and medical clearance.• Obtain a visa (if required).• Attend a mandatory student and parent information night with a WorldChallenge representative.• Gather all required items on the kit list.Post-Course requirements:• Complete an online reflection.• Participate in a mandatory review with a World Challenge representative.SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL interim semester HANDBOOK 25

Wilderness ExcursionEA15SwedenECO ADVENTURESponsorSimon BrightEmiko EnomotoPriceS$4,000Course Length7 daysDescriptionAfter landing in Stockholm we will then fly north to Kiruna, the gatewayto Sweden’s Lappland. Once north of the Arctic Circle, our real winteradventures begin which include husky dogs, cross-country skiing,snowmobiles, stalking reindeer herds, snowshoeing and more. One of ouradventures involves a long trek on cross country skis to a remote camp setup by our guides where we will spend a night in the wilderness (no runningwater or electricity). After enjoying a wilderness sauna, we’ll be able toobserve the unforgettable Northern lights and rest up for our cross countryski back to our lodge. Our outdoor theme continues throughout the weekwith an ice-fishing experience, snow survival skills, snow sculpting workshopsand ends with a day of downhill snowboarding or skiing. Our return toStockholm is via an overnight train through Sweden’s wilderness.In Kiruna, the daily average temperature in February is -100C. Studentswill be responsible for providing adequate warm clothing, hiking boots,knapsacks, etc., suitable for such a cold climate. All specialist type gear willbe provided (ski equipment, fishing gear, snowshoes etc).Post-InterimExperience:Parent’s night / OnlineReflectionsCourse Difficulty:Very RigorousAdventure, Studentmust be physically fitObjectives• To experience activities only possible in snowy winter, appreciating theunique beauty and enjoyment that snow and cold provide.• To experience group leadership, teamwork and expansion of one’sbodily comfort zone.• To learn some history and culture of the people who populate the coldclimes.• Acquire skills that can be used throughout a lifetime in winter activitiesincluding snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding anddownhill skiing.• Develop a greater appreciation for and ability to exert one’s selfphysically, mentally and emotionally.RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• Participate in all pre-interim activities and meetings set by the sponsors.• Medical: Each participant will obtain a physical examination and medicalclearance.• Clothing: students will be responsible for obtaining non-specialized coldweather gear.Post-Course requirements:• Contribute personal and group reflections, as well as photographs to ourGoogle Site26 interim semester HANDBOOKSINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL

Eco Adventures Amidst The AlpsEA16SwitzerlandeCO ADVENTURESponsorPaul TerrileDawn BettsPriceS$3,800Course Length7 daysPost-Interim Experience:Parent’s night / OnlineReflectionsCourse Difficulty:Rigorous Adventure,Students must be physicallyfitDescriptionThe focus of this experience is to introduce students to a variety of winterwilderness activities in and around Verbier, Switzerland in the heart of theSwiss Alps. The magnificent alpine scenery and sunny southern elevationmake for a great location for students to learn about Swiss culture, developwinter hiking and survival skills and as well as develop an appreciationfor winter activities. The Valais region provides an ideal environment toinvestigate the impact of tourism and global warming upon local glacierswell as to view and learn about the electrical power facility that utilizes glacialwater which provides energy for the Valais region.During the course we will participate in a number of winter activities. Thehighlights of the week include:• Guided tour of Chillon Castle on Lake Geneva• Sleep in a mountain hut• Glacial trekking and exploration• Trekking in the Swiss Alps• Verbier Alpine Ski Museum• Dogsledding• Snowshoeing• Alpine Skiing or Snowboarding• Cross country SkiingStudents and parents may anticipate extra expenses to prepare themselvesfor the course in terms of adequate equipment, e.g. backpack, hiking shoes,winter clothing, etc. This is not included in the course costs. Equipmentrental is available for winter clothing. Snowshoes, ski/snowboardingequipment is covered in the cost.Objectives• Develop a greater appreciation for and ability to exert one’s selfphysically, mentally and emotionally.• Develop basic cold weather wilderness survival skills and understandavalanche safety and prevention.• Learn about the effects of global warming upon the glaciers of the Alps.• Learn about the use of electrical power use in the Valais region.• Acquire skills that can be used throughout a lifetime in winter activitiesincluding snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding anddownhill skiing.Requirements• Participate in all pre-interim activities and meetings set by the sponsors.• Medical: Each participant will obtain a physical examination and medicalclearance.SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL interim semester HANDBOOK 27

River Kwai Jungle AdventureEA17Kanchanaburi,ThailandECO ADVENTURESponsorMartin WilliamsEllie LeePriceS$2,800Course Length7 daysDescriptionAdventuring with one of the world’s leading action adventure organizers,a group specializing in adrenaline rushing eco tours and adventure racing,you’ll transcend your personal limits, push others to accomplish what theynever thought possible and create strong team-established bonds.The highlights of the week include:• Journey to and from Kanchanaburi, Thailand• Camping• Kayaking and mountain biking,• Camp activities including cooking, knots, river rescue and bamboo raftbuilding.• Visit to the Hellfire Pass Museum, including the infamous Death Railwayexhibit.• Community service at a local primary school.• Jungle adventure team racing challenge.Post-InterimExperience:Parent’s night/ OnlineReflectionsCourse Difficulty:Moderately Rigorousadventure, Studentsmust be physically fitObjectives• Experience the variety of cultures that are unique to Kanchanaburi.Laying near the Myanmar border, Kanchanaburi combines the cultureand beliefs of two nations and countless ethnic groups, including theMon peoples.• Gain exposure to life-long activities such as cycling, kayaking andswimming.• Gain a greater appreciation for some of the tragedies of World War II byvisiting 'Death Railway', 'Hellfire Pass' and the 'Bridge on the River Kwai'.RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• You are required to attend a half day kayaking activity in Singapore.• It is expected that you can ride a bike. Mountain biking experience is notnecessary.• Communication with a local primary school to assess their needs andplan for the visit.• Obtain a visa (if required).• Gather all required items on the kit list.Post-Course requirements:• Reflection - Presentation to parents.28 interim semester HANDBOOKSINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL

SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL interim semester HANDBOOK 29

GLOBAL ISSUESThe Global Issues category denotesactive participation and awareness of ourinterconnectedness with people and culturesaround the world. Students will deepen theirunderstanding of the world through themes.These themes may cross any academicdiscipline and often focus on development(resource management, environmental care,poverty), peace and conflict, cultural expressionand political conditions. Language study,which facilitates all cultural understanding, isalso a valued focus area.30 interim semester HANDBOOKSINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL

Global Issues Courses contain thefollowing characteristics:The course activities must center around aparticular focus of inquiry;The students should learn first-hand how certainforces both positively and negatively impact acommunity’s people, culture and environment;The course should enable students to genuinelyknow the people of the locations we visit;The focus of inquiry can be a historical or acontemporary issue;While the course theme is common, the drivingquestions may be unique to each individual or mayalso be common course-wide.The majority of the activities during the courseneed to concentrate on the theme of study.SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL interim semester HANDBOOK 31

Marine and Terrestrial StudiesGS01AustraliaGLOBAL STUDIESSponsorJay AtwoodStella WangPriceS$3,600Course Length7 daysDescriptionThis course will give students the opportunity for an exciting, hands on studyof the marine and terrestrial environments around the islands, estuaries andreefs in the vicinity of Perth, Western Australia. Students will involve some, orall, of the following areas (depending on sea and weather conditions, as wellas the schedule of some of the ongoing projects): Observation of penguinson an island colony, limestone reef ecosystems, coral reef ecosystems,migratory wading bird banding through mist netting and swimming withdolphins.Students will also explore and snorkel in local marine parks that have beenset aside by the Australian Government for the conservation of marinelife. Throughout the week, we will be accompanied by local guides whowill provide expertise. We will either be camping or staying in basic cabin/dormitory style accommodations. Students will need to fully participate inmeal preparation, set up, clean up and be prepared for hands on research.Post-Interim Experience:Parent’s night / OnlineReflectionsCourse Difficulty:Moderately RigorousAdventure, Experience orcomfort with snorkeling isrequiredObjectives• Develop a general understanding of coastal and marine environments,as well as a specific understanding of those types of environments nearSouth Western Australia.• Provide students with an opportunity to use the knowledge they haveacquired in life science and biology in a real world setting.• Increase each student’s awareness of environmental concerns andexplore the impact of modern civilization on the natural order.• Foster attitudes that will help students become environmentallyconcerned citizens.RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• Attend all pre-course meetings and activities.• Read and review all pre-course information handouts and selectedreadings.• Student projects will be discussed and planned during pre-coursemeetings.• Students MUST BE FIT enough to complete full day activities, includingmoderate hiking and snorkeling.Post-Course requirements:• Contribute personal reflections to the course site, including text, photosand video32 interim semester HANDBOOKSINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL

Land of the Thunder DragonGS02BhutanGLOBAL STUDIESSponsorJoe ThomasDarlene PoluanPriceS$3,500Course Length8 daysPost-Interim Experience:Parent’s night / OnlineReflectionsCourse Difficulty:Moderately RigorousAdventure, Student shouldbe physically fitDescriptionNestled in the awe-inspiring Himalayas, Bhutan is a landlocked kingdombounded by two of the world’s largest nations, China and India. The coursewill introduce students to a country, which survives as an ancient culturein a modern world, a “Shangri-La,” if you will. It features various types ofadventure activities such as camping, short treks, mountain biking, raftingand the Bhutanese national sport of archery. These activities, as well as aservice project, will enable us to move in closer to the local population andbe true travellers, instead of simply tourists who view ‘’the locals’’ throughthe panes of a bus window. There will also be opportunities for appreciatingthe arts, local cuisine and the magnificent Himalayan landscape.Additionally, we will visit temples, monasteries, museums, a farmhouse anda national park, receive a lesson on meditation and generate communityservice projects. There will also be a limited time for shopping. By the timewe return to Singapore, we will have slept on planes, in hotels and in tents.This is a great course for open-minded students who are seeking a culturalexperience, as well as some adventure and exposure to a unique country.Note: Due to the physical demands of this course, students with asthma, a heartcondition, or those susceptible to altitude sickness, should consult with theirphysician.Objectives• Students will recognize that Bhutan is a country filled with a rich spiritualbelief and special way of life, creating an exceptionally peaceful countryand society.• Students will discover special customs the Bhutanese practice topreserve their spiritual legacy, as this is inextricably linked withBhutanese history, culture, unique identity and moral values.• Students will develop and identify with Bhutan’s Gross NationalHappiness scale and the four main pillars:- Sustainable and equitable socio-economic development -Conservation of environment - Preservation and promotion of culture -Promotion of good governance ways Practice• Students will be acquainted with and recognize that our entire Himalayanecosystems are in jeopardy as prevailing environmental issues existthroughout the World which prevents an internal government solution.• Students will gain a significant understanding and appreciation ofBhutanese culture, including traditional art, music, handicrafts andarchitecture.RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• Students will attend all scheduled meetings and participate fully in allscheduled activities.• Students will research their assigned topic and present to the group,before the course and for Parents’ Night.Post-Course requirements:• Students will complete a journal and/or a reflective essay.SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL interim semester HANDBOOK 33

The Middle Kingdom Now and ThenGS03ChinaGLOBAL STUDIESSponsorRick SilvermanAmy MeehanPriceS$3,500Course Length9 daysDescriptionThis year’s Interim Semester experience will begin in Shanghai, the sixthlargest city in the world and focal point of some of the most importantdevelopments in recent Chinese history. From Shanghai we will proceed toHangzhou, the present capital of Zhejiang Province and site of West Lake,one of the most picturesque places in the nation. The group will then fly toXian, home of the Terra Cotta Warriors and the former capital of thirteenChinese dynasties. The last stop will be Beijing, where we will visit theTemple of Heaven, Tien An Men square, the Forbidden City, the summerPalace and the most famous of all places in China, the Great Wall.During our course we will visit historical and cultural sites in the locationslisted. In addition, the changes sweeping modern China will be observed aswe travel through this remarkable land of contrasts.Post-Interim Experience:Online Reflections /PerformanceObjectives• To study China's cultural and physical geography, as well as to familiarizestudents with the natural and architectural monuments of the country.• To foster an understanding of the historical legacy of China's dynastictraditions and enduring social values.• To gain a first-hand experience of contemporary Chinese society in themidst of political and economic change.RequirementsDuring-Course requirements:• Students will cooperate with sponsors and guides.• Students will show respect for the culture and people of China andbehave responsibly to ensure the success of the course (Attitude willweigh heavily in the evaluation of the students).• Students will take photos and/or videos of each site visited andtake notes on the sites and activities, so that these can be used in apresentation upon return.• Students will maintain a daily journal of places visited.Pre-Course requirements:• Students will research an assigned topic on China and make an audiovisualpresentation to the group.Post-Course requirements:• Students will prepare a visual presentation that details the places theyvisited and the activities in which they participated for presentation onParent’s Night. This should take the form of a photo-scrapbook.34 interim semester HANDBOOKSINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL

Chinese Language ImmersionGS04Taipei,TaiwanGLOBAL STUDIESDescriptionDuring 7 days 6 nights we have the following activities:The first 3 days, we will stay in Taipei. Students will attend the Chineseclasses in the Language Center of National Taiwan Normal University,learning Chinese. They will be in the classes by levels and taught by theUniversity language teachers in the morning.SponsorYolante PanHilda HuangPriceS$2,800Course Length7 daysIn the afternoon, there will be Cultural activities designed for students,such as Kung Fu, Chinese yoyo and making pineapple cake, all with theinstructions in Chinese.In the evening, it’s time to explore Taipei city, to see the famous night marketand xi-men-ding. Students will have the chance to practice their languageskills.During the second part of the trip, students will travel to the Tai-Chongmountains to enjoy the beauty of the scenery, taste the local cuisine,understand the culture and way of living and practice the language.Post-Interim Experience:Parent’s night / OnlineReflectionsObjectives• Improve the students’ language ability in Chinese by immersing them ina local, Chinese-speaking environment and by interacting with Chinesein real life situations.• Familiarize the students with the geography, history, people and cuisineof Taiwan and understand how the culture has shaped its language andlifestyle.• Visit the major sights of Taipei, as well as cities in the north and east ofTaiwan to learn and appreciate the way of life and the value systemsthere.RequirementsDuring-Course requirements, students must:• Speak Chinese as much as possible during the entire course.• Show respect for the culture, the people and local school staff.Pre-Course requirements:• Students must be enrolled in current / previous SAS High SchoolChinese courses. Students not currently enrolled in the Chinese coursesneeds approval from their sponsor teacher before sign ups by 8am,October 17th.• Attend all scheduled meetings.Post-Course requirements:• Attend all scheduled meetings and write a “thank you” card in Chineseto their Chinese teachers in Taipei.• Present their project/research during parent night.SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL interim semester HANDBOOK 35

Hakka Village World Cultural Heritage SiteGS06Tulou, ChinaGLOBAL STUDIESSponsorJune WangCindy BaiPriceS$2,600Course Length6 daysDescriptionDuring six days we have the following activities:• Live in 200-year-old Tulou Village to realize the impact of community life onthe natural and man-made environment• Go treasure hunting and interview local people in the 400-year-oldUNESCO Heritage Site of Tulou• DIY farming to realize the nature of ancient rice culture, as opposed toocean culture• Tea leaves plucking, Oolong tea processing and tea serving• Witness China’s seafaring development over the last 1,400 years and itscultural consequences• Curricular connections: History, Geography, Art, Chinese Cultural Studies,Social and Cultural Anthropology• Teach English to poor students in the Hakka Village where traditionalChinese culture has been preserved since their ancestors migrated to thisremote mountainous area some 500 to 1,000 years ago from China’sCentral PlainPost-Interim Experience:Parent’s night / OnlineReflectionsObjectives• What is the essence of Chinese culture, as reflected in this UNESCOHakka Village?• What is the conflict between tourism development and heritagepreservation?• What influenced the castle-like Tulou architecture?• How has the communal and economic life of the Hakka villagebeen shaped by its natural and man-made environment?RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• Students will attend all meetings and participate fully in all scheduledactivities.• Students should have cycling skills and be physically fit enough to bike25 Km a day.• Students should develop teaching objectives and prepare the teachingmaterials in groups (A basic level of Chinese speaking ability will facilitatecommunicate with the local students.)Post-Course requirements:• Students must attend all post-course meetings and work with theirpartners the final presentation during the Parents Night..SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL interim semester HANDBOOK 37

Technical Theatre ExperienceGS07London,EnglandGLOBAL STUDIESSponsorPaul KoebnickSara HeerensPriceS$4,000Course Length8 daysDescriptionThe London Theater Experience is a short course to illustrate the use oftechnology in theater. This course is best suited for students interested intechnical theater and the technology used for theatrical productions. Whilein London, we will attend three evening theater performances to be selectedby the Interim students. Our day excursions will take us behind the scenesof theater shows and give us a chance to meet professionals working instage lighting, theater sound engineering and people working with stagerigging and set design. Backstage tours and workshops are available atShakespeare’s reconstructed Globe Theater, a guided tour of the TheatreDistrict and a backstage tour of The National Theater. For studentsinterested in theatre make-up, we will also tour the theatre section of TheVictoria and Albert Museum. For a break from our study of theatre, we willinclude some shopping time at various locations such as Oxford Street(including Harrod’s), Westfield Shopping Mall and Covent Garden, as timepermits.Post-Interim Experience:Parent’s night / OnlineReflectionsObjectives• To offer an interim experience with a focus on technical theater and theperforming arts.• To expose students to the vibrant performing arts scene in London byproviding opportunities to appreciate a variety of theater performancesin London, as well as theater workshops.• To expose students to the history and culture of British performing artsthrough visits and backstage tours of various theaters, points of interestand cultural hotspots.RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• This course is designed to support the technical theater courses andclubs at SAS. This course is designed for students with a background orinterest in working with technical theater and theater make-up.• Research of current theater opportunities and select theatrical showsand tours for the current course.• Attend and participate in all pre-interim home base meetings.Post-Course requirements:• To post online photos and short films that illustrates the details of thiscourse.• To write a one page reflection paper on the details of this experience.38 interim semester HANDBOOKSINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL

French Language ImmersionGS08Paris,FranceGLOBAL STUDIESSponsorChris PopowskiLaurence PatrickPriceS$3,800Course Length9 daysDescriptionThis experience will allow course participants to undergo a total immersionexperience in the French language, food and culture while simultaneouslyexploring the city of Paris. Participants will experience contemporaryeveryday Parisian life by living with a French family, (2 SAS students perfamily), for 6 nights, visiting neighborhood markets, bakeries and cafes andusing the Paris public transit system. They will attend French classes everymorning at the Paris Langues school. Afternoons will be spent exploringParis on foot, as well as by bus and metro. A small sample of the itineraryfor this week: a cooking class, the Louvre and Orsay Museums, the Arc ofTriumph, the Eiffel Tower, the Latin Quarter, the Champs-Elysees, the Maraisand Montmartre neighborhoods. Participants will also spend a day in theLoire Valley visiting a cheese factory and exploring two castles. Participantscan expect to do A LOT of walking on this course, as Paris is best exploredon foot.Post-Interim Experience:Parent’s night / OnlineReflectionsObjectives• What is interesting and authentic communication like, with and amongnative speakers? What is successful communication? How does nonverbalcommunication affect my interactions with others?• What is the French way of life and what are French value systems like?RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• Currently be enrolled in a high school French course at SAS, or havecompleted the AP French course, or have received permission from Ms.Popowski (H417) by 8:00 am on Thursday, October 17th.• Complete research and do a presentation on a topic related to theexpected experience in Paris or the Loire Valley.• Write a letter of introduction, (in French), to the host family in France.• Each student will purchase a small gift to give the home-stay family.Post-Course requirements:• Write a letter of thanks, (in French), to the host family.• Present evidence of what he/she learned during the experience on thetrip’s Google site and during Parent Night.SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL interim semester HANDBOOK 39

Life and Culture in a Desert LandscapeGS09Rajasthan, IndiaGLOBAL STUDIESSponsorAnn InfanteMichael InfantePriceS$3,400Course Length8 daysPost-Interim Experience:Media PresentationDescriptionTravel to Rajasthan from Singapore requires a flight to Delhi. We will spendthe night there and fly the next day to Jodhpur where we will visit forts andtemples in order to learn of the majestic history of Jodhpur. We will alsovisit nearby villages and explore issues including water use and shortages,pollution and gender roles.The next day, we will travel to Jaisalmer in the heart of the Thar Desert.Here we will learn more about the challenges of life in an arid environment.We will also explore the historical temples and forts. Our time in Jaisalmerconcludes with an evening camel ride in the desert.After Jaisalmer, we proceed by bus to Kherjrala where we will visit a localartisan workshop and embark on a desert safari. We will stay overnight at thefort. Next, we travel to Pushkar to visit one of the holiest sites in Hinduism, aswell as a number of other temples and religious pilgrimage sites.Our next stop will be in Tilonyia to learn about the mission of the BarefootCollege (www.barefootcollege.org), to work with marginalized, exploitedand impoverished rural poor to lift them out of poverty with dignity and selfrespect. We will spend the night in a desert camp near Samode. The nextday, we return to Delhi for a brief city tour, before flying out that night toreturn to Singapore by overnight flight.Objectives• Students will be introduced to Rajasthani culture and history in thecontext of life in a semi-arid environment.• Students will explore the possibility of sustainable development,particularly in terms of water conservation and the use of alternativeenergy.• The issue of women’s empowerment will be highlighted throughout ourtrip• Students will be exposed to the environmental, development, genderand population issues facing Rajasthan and explore some of thepotential solutions to these problems.RequirementsDuring-Course requirements:• Interview and make observational notes, take photos to use for postcoursepower point/multi-media report, or shoot footage for a videodocumentary. Display respect for Rajasthanis and their culture. Be anactive and helpful course participant; follow SAS behavior expectations.Pre-Course requirements:• Students will complete and be assessed on assigned reading, prior todeparture.• Visa paperwork. Cost included in the course.Post-Course requirements:• Produce a 7 to 10-minute video documentary or powerpoint/multimediapresentation about water sustainability, or a related issue (forexample, women’s status, public health, or energy sustainability) inRajasthan, outlining the problem and proposing solutions. The reportshould include a list of resources consulted.• Fulfill responsibilities for post-course presentation.40 interim semester HANDBOOKSINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL

The Auroville CommunityGS10South IndiaGLOBAL STUDIESSponsorRick BissetRich ModicaPriceS$2,600 (includes Visa +Scholarship Donation)Course Length7 daysDescriptionEssential Question: What can we learn from the Auroville community?Following our direct flight to Chennai (formerly Madras), we will fly to Tanjorefor one night where we will visit temples and enjoy Indian city life. Next, we’llride a train to Auroville (www.auroville.org) where we will stay for four nights.The Auroville community has thrived since its founding in 1968 so that today,Auroville is a worldwide model of environmental sustainability. Duringour visit, we will sample the organically grown foods, visit museums, eatvegetarian meals, learn how to ride an electric bicycle, work on a farm, visitthe Aikiyam elementary school and donate books to the library and cyclethe red-dirt back-roads of Auroville.We will live like the Aurovillians! During our visit, we’ll drive 25 km and spendtime in the coastal village of Pondicherry, a former French colony. Here, wewill explore the French and Indian sections of the city, including the seasidepromenade. Other days will be spent visiting temples. After experiencingthe culture of India for six days, we’ll spend our last 24 hours at a seasideresort.Post-Interim Experience:Online ReflectionsObjectives• Students will experience the varied, colorful and multi-ethnic life ofSouth India.• Students will have an increased awareness and sensitivity toenvironmental issues by visiting and participating in activities atAuroville.• Students will be exposed to the rich Hindu culture manifested at varioustemples.• Visiting South Indian cities like Tanjore, Pondicherry and Chennaiand points-in-between (in addition to the Auroville objective), exposesstudents to an economic, social and cultural understanding of SouthIndian life.• In partnership with the Aikiyam School (www.auroville.org/education/village_schools/aikiyam_school, we have set-up a Scholarship Trustwhereby two students per year from Auroville will have their 4-yearuniversity education provided at Pondicherry University (www.pondiuni.edu.in). Over the past five years, we have contributed approximatelySGD $500 from the cost of the interim to the scholarship trust.RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• Active participation in all pre-trip activities and meetings. (As well,students will participate fully in all scheduled activities on the trip.)• Select a research topic and develop a brief presentation on places wewill visit and activities we will do.Post-Course requirements:• Completion and submission of a Daily Journal.• LOTS of photos which will be used on the Course Web Site.• Planning and Execution of Course Web Site.SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL interim semester HANDBOOK 41

Dancing With The GodsGS11BaliGLOBAL STUDIESDescriptionThis course is based in Ubud, one of Bali’s major cultural and artistic centers.Students will experience the traditional dance and culture of Bali first hand,through workshops and performance. Students should come preparedto be dancing several hours a day. When we are not dancing, we will beexploring Ubud and its environs, as well as seeing dance performances.SponsorTom SchulzLaura SchusterPriceS$2,000Course Length7 daysPost-Interim Experience:Online Reflections /PerformanceObjectives• To give students an experiential understanding of Balinese traditionaldance and through that particular lens, the culture.• Students will work with Balinese dancers and choreographers to createa piece of dance which is a fusion of traditional and contemporaryBalinese dance.RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• Students must submit all forms and paperwork that apply to the courseas well as attend all scheduled meetings.• Students will read materials provided prior to the course.Post-Course requirements:• Students must attend all scheduled meetings.• Students must complete a final project demonstrating the learningobjectives of this course.42 interim semester HANDBOOKSINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL

KOMODO LIVE-ABROAD: DIVING AND DRAGONSGS12KomodoLive-AboardECO ADVENTURESponsorTerry LeipoldJim DiebleyPriceS$3,500Course Length7 daysPost-InterimExperience:Online ReflectionsCourse Difficulty:Moderately RigorousAdventure, OpenWater Scuba divingcertification isREQUIRED to sign upDescriptionLive at sea for a few days and live a diver’s dream as we explore the underseaworld off the Indonesian Island of Komodo. The diving promises to bespectacular, as Komodo offers a wide range of seascapes from currentsweptseamounts teeming with a vast array of marine life and coral, tocalm reefs awash in schools of fish. Both the island and its waters aredesignated UNESCO World Heritage sites and we’ll immerse ourselves inthe experience by diving up to four times a day and sleeping on onboardthe boats. We will also visit Komodo National Park to see and learn aboutthe rare and fabled Komodo Dragon.Due to cabin and equipment space, this trip is limited to 16 students and youmust hold a valid Open Water scuba certification to sign up. We will try tooffer a range of speciality certificates including the PADI Adventure Diver,as we’ll log both a deep and drift dive. Students MAY be able to choosethe third and final type of dive and/or work on individual specialty courses(photography, etc) depending on the conditions and availability of our diveinstructors. We are certain to experience a wide range of diving conditionsand thus, we recommend that students have some deep diving experiencein their logbooks.We will spend three or four nights onboard in cabins equipped with bedsand blankets, take our meals prepared by the crew, carefully plan andlog our dives as well as share our learning. We’ll overnight in Bali uponarrival and departure as well as take in some of the island’s diverse culturalofferings. Then we’ll fly to Labuan Bajo where we’ll begin our adventure atsea aboard the Tarata and Nusa Tara, as we sail from site to site and tie-upto sleep under the stars. Students will also need to bring their own mask,snorkel and fins.Objectives• To explore the consequences of human development on land andmarine ecosystems.• To step outside our comfort zone by living in very close proximity aboarda boat,and in doing so, uphold the SAS core values of Honesty,Respect, Responsibility, Compassion and Fairness.• To experience and study a UNESCO World Heritage Site.RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• Students MUST hold a valid Internationally recognized valid Open WaterDiving certification (e.g PADI, SSI, NAUI, etc). In addition, werecommend that each student has logged a minimum of 25-50 dives,preferably with some experience in deep water and/or currents. We willask you to show us your certification card and logbook documentingyour experiences shortly after sign-up.Refresher pool session prior to our trip. Students need to bring their ownmask, snorkel and fins.• Attend all pre-course meetings and activities, where we will set out ourfinal project.Post-Course requirements:• Attend all post-course meetings and prepare and present the final onlineproject.SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL interim semester HANDBOOK 43

Ceramics StudyGS13Mashiko,JapanGLOBAL STUDIESSponsorEllen LevenhagenMark KolinskiPriceS$2,600Course Length8 nightsDescriptionImmerse yourself in the ceramic arts of Japan. At the pottery center inMashiko you will participate in a hands-on workshop with a local ceramicartist in a traditional Japanese ceramic studio. You will be immersed inpottery making techniques and gain first hand knowledge about whatit’s like to live as a Japanese ceramic artist. We will be housed at a Minjiku(traditional guest house) and learn about Japanese cultural traditionsfrom bathing, to cooking, to eating Japanese cuisine. You will continuethe investigation into Japanese art and culture in Tokyo by visiting famousceramic galleries, the Meji Shrine and get a first hand tour of the art of animemaking at the Ghibli Museum.Post-Interim Experience:Online ReflectionsObjectives• Students will gain insights into the redevelopment of an earthquakedamagedcrafts center.• Students will investigate traditional pottery making techniques.• Students will be introduced to the history of art/craft making in Japan.• Students will learn hands-on skills in pottery making.• Students will gain an appreciation for exhibited artwork in some Tokyogalleries.RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• Attend all meetings.• Participate in all preparatory reading.• Gain background information about Japan, Japanese ceramics, Mashikovillage ceramics culture.Post-Course requirements:• Each student will keep a blog as the vehicle to share the interimexperience.44 interim semester HANDBOOKSINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL

The Old and The New: A Cultural Odysseyin Japan GS14JAPANGLOBAL STUDIESSponsorDan SkiminJay KumpelPriceS$4,000Course Length7 daysPost-Interim Experience:Parent’s night / OnlineReflectionsDescriptionAs they race to develop, many countries lose touch with the cultural heritagethat, for generations,helped hold the fabric of their society together. Japanis a case study for a country that, while experiencing rapid economic andtechnological development, has maintained its cultural/historic identity whileracing to embrace modern society.Through this Interim Semester Course, students will have the opportunityto experience old and modern Japan in a sensory and intimate way. Theywill discover evidence of Japan’s layered past in Kyoto, juxtaposed withthe innovative architecture and frenzied pace of Tokyo today. Throughpersonal interactions during a homestay or meeting Japanese HS students,participants will learn the character and values of the Japanese identity.Students will travel on a Shinkansen, Japan’s iconic bullet train, to visitspecific shrines and historical sites that relate the old Japan to the new. InKyoto, Geishas and Buddhist priests are often glimpsed drifting through theold quarters and at various cultural sites. We will reflect on their presenceand study their history. In Kyoto, students will sleep on tatami mats in aryokan, a traditional Japanese inn.For two nights and one full day, students will stay alone with a Japanesefamily in Hiroshima to gain first-hand experience of modern Japaneseculture and lifestyle. We will also visit Atomic Bomb Memorial and PeacePark as well as the Yamato museum to see the resilience and bravery of theJapanese people. These experiences will provide insight to the peacefulnature of the Japanese, in contrast with the warrior spirit of their past.Through these students will gain a better understanding of the connectionmodern Japan has with its past.Objectives• Students will gain an understanding of the historical context of theJapanese culture through interactive experiences with Japanese people,both adults and high school-age students.• Students will gain an insight into Buddhism and Shintoism and how suchbeliefs have colored Japanese culture and tradition for centuries andcontinue to do so today.RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• Students will attend all scheduled meetings and read articles to gain anideas of Japanese history and culture.• Each student will be responsible for his / her visa if need to submit allrequired forms and paperwork.Post-Course requirements:• Students will create and present a photo essay depicting one aspect ofJapanese society that they believe shows the contrast between historicaland modern day life.SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL interim semester HANDBOOK 45

The Golden LandGS15MyanmarGLOBAL STUDIESSponsorMatthew LaurenceDarin FahrneyPriceS$3,200Course Length8 daysPost-Interim Experience:Parent’s night / OnlineReflectionsDescriptionMyanmar, formerly known as Burma, is also called the Golden Land. It is saidthat in every direction one faces in this country, gold-covered pagodas andmonuments can be seen. As one of the earliest homes of mankind, Myanmaroffers many unique opportunities to travellers. The underlying context ofthis trip is about student’s finding their place in an ever changing worldthrough their reflections of their travels in Myanmar.To visit the many beautiful sights within Myanmar, one has to spend manyhours travelling by land, sea and air. This course will entail several domesticflights, trekking through the countryside, scenic and sometimes extendeddrives and even some small boat tours. Myanmar-The Golden Land, featuresvarious types of activities such as trekking, exploring/visiting temples, hot airballooning, boat racing and unique photo opportunities. Accommodationswill range from hotels to sleeping in a monastery. The activities will enablethe group to communicate with the local population, experience the food,observe picturesque environments and bond with peers. Students who wantto experience interesting cultures, adventure, dramatic sights and remainopen-minded and flexible, will enjoy this course.Note: Due to the trekking, water, driving and hot air ballooning components of thiscourse, students with asthma, a heart condition, motion sickness, or fears of water orheights should consult with their physician or reconsider signing up for this course.Objectives• Students will uncover the mystery of Myanmar by conducting a deepstudy of the culture in an area of interest they are passionate about.• Understanding the impact of a globalized world on a traditional society(viewed through religious, economic, political and cultural lenses).Requirements• Students will attend and participate fully in all scheduled meetings andactivities.• Students will research an assigned destination of travel and present tothe group, before or during the course.• Students will keep a daily journal during the course.• Students will create and present an authentic final project associatedwith their area of deep study in Myanmar.• Students must submit all forms and paperwork that applies to thecourse. Late paperwork could result in a student’s inability to get aMyanmar Visa.46 interim semester HANDBOOKSINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL

Culture, Contrast and ChallengeGS16North Island,New ZealandGLOBAL STUDIESSponsorMeredith WhiteBart MillarPriceS$3,400Course Length7 daysPost-Interim Experience:Parent’s night / OnlineReflectionsDescriptionWho are the Maori people, what are their traditions and how do theymaintain their beliefs in a changing world? In North Island New Zealand:Culture, Contrast and Challenge, students will experience this rich culturefirst-hand by living on a Marae, learning to dance the haka, engaging inarts such as weaving and waiata and preparing and sharing in the Hangitraditional meal. They will paddle waka canoes – the traditional Maoritransportation – and contrast this experience by engaging in more modernNew Zealand activities such as whitewater rafting, sailing and luge. Not onlywill students learn of the educational, political and economic challengesfaced by the Maori, they will also challenge themselves through outdooractivity and communal living. Students will gain an overall appreciation forindigenous culture, the New Zealand landscape and their fellow travellers.Upon arrival in Auckland, we journey to the Firth of Thames and soak inthe Hot Pools, a reminder of New Zealand’s volcanic origins. The nextmorning we travel to Whakatane to paddle waka canoes and participatein Maori cultural activities, then travel to Roimata Marae, where we willvisit a Maori immersion elementary school, learn traditional Maori arts andcrafts and help the tribal elders prepare our hangi meal. We end the dayon Te Motu Island with a camp-out under the stars. On our fourth day, wetake on a grade 3-4 whitewater rafting challenge on the Rangitaiki Riverand then continue on to Rotorua to enjoy more geothermal hot pools. Wethen head off for a morning of Rotorua’s best offerings – a Maori museum,thermal geysers, boiling mud pools, kiwi birds and carving/weaving schools– then contrast this with the more modern New Zealand adventure of thedownhill luge. We revisit Maori traditions tourist-style via an evening culturalperformance and meal and then take a nocturnal stroll to find glow worms.Our final day in New Zealand is spent engaged in a popular Kiwi pastime,sailing a 54-foot catamaran – a contrast to our earlier waka experience. Abrisk lake swim and a last soak in a thermal pool remind us of the beautyand power of nature and the lifestyle contrasts between New Zealand andSingapore.Objectives• To analyze past and current Maori socio-political challenges andcompare them with those of indigenous people in other parts of theworld.• To recognize and value the tradition and protocol by staying in a Marae,the powerful communal center of Maori life.• To contrast both the past/present Maori experience with theindigenous/ settler experience by engaging in targeted, handsonactivities and outdoor physical activities and visiting a local Maoriimmersion elementary school.RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• Obtain a physical examination and medical clearance to allow fullengagement in some vigorous outdoor activity.• Create and present a multimedia report on one aspect of Maori history,geography, or culture.Post-Course requirements:• Contribute to post-course blog and Parent Night.• Write an essay synthesizing your course and personal experienceregarding culture, contrast and challenge.SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL interim semester HANDBOOK 47

An in-Singapore Water ExperienceGS17singaporeGLOBAL STUDIESSponsorCharles ShrinerKim CriensPriceS$600 (excluding GST)Course Length5 daysPost-Interim Experience:Parent’s night / OnlineReflectionsDescriptionStudents will visit some of the facilities that contribute to the economic andenvironmental sustainability of the island in terms of its water resources. Thewater treatment center, port authority and east coast park recreation centerare the major points of interest for the learning experience. Students willspend the mornings studying the various aspects of the environment andthe afternoons on the water learning the skills necessary to navigate variousvessels in the water.Specific water activities will include laser sailing, wakeboarding, skiing,canoeing and artificial surfing. These are activities that require elements ofmovement and fitness.Each activity is specific in the skills which must be learned and providestudents a unique opportunity to take advantage of superlative facilities inwhich to learn and demonstrate the activities.BackgroundBecause of its geographical position and size, Singapore depends onwater for an inordinate amount of its survival as an island nation. Its port isamong the busiest in the world, its rainfall provides nearly all of the watersupply for its densely populated society and the surrounding waterways alsocontribute to the country’s leisure and social activities, as well as linking it tothe surrounding countries.Our interim experience will explore all of these variables through the studyof Singapore as seen through the eyes of its most precious resource -- itswater.Objectives• Develop a high level of appreciation for the natural environment throughactual immersion in the surroundings on a day to day basis.• Perform relevant studies/tests to determine the present state of theenvironment in terms of water purity, coastal cleanliness and if possible,the quality of aquatic life in relation to the surrounding environment andthe level of sustainability.• Explore the port area to understand how it contributes to bothSingapore’s economy and the natural environment in general.• Learn about and practice some of the varied water sport activitiesavailable in Singapore including: laser sailing, wakeboarding, canoeingand controlled water surfing.RequirementsStudents will be expected to complete the following course guidelines:• Pass the pre-course swim test.• Attend all scheduled meetings.• Fulfill all academic, post IS requirements.• Participate in either parent night activity, or help develop web based ISreflection page.48 interim semester HANDBOOKSINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL

Exploring Singapore’s Cultural diversitythrough the eye of a lens GS18singaporeGLOBAL STUDIESSponsorStephen BonnetteMimi MolchanPriceS$0Course Length5 daysDescriptionPhotography is a rewarding and powerful form of visual communication andas well as a means of personal expression. At its best, it can be a uniquesynthesis of technology and art. The purpose of this course is to introducestudents to the basic ideas and skills of digital photography and DSLRcamera operation, composition digital workflow processing and imageediting using Photoshop. During the week, students will participate inseveral day courses/guided field shoots to local Singaporean cultural sitesand document the experience “through the lens”.Students will be expected to demonstrate the skills mentioned above bymaking a PowerPoint photo essay for Parent Night. The results of theseessays will be processed, printed and compiled into a portfolio by eachparticipant.Post-Interim Experience:Parent’s night / OnlineReflectionsObjectivesThe objective of this course is to learn more about Singaporean cultureand history while also providing students with an opportunity to learn thebasic skills of DSLR camera operation, basic photographic compositiontechniques and image editing possibilities using Photoshop. Students willexit this one week course with the necessary skills to:• Handle a camera and understand the fundamentals of photography,including shutter speed, aperture, metering and ISO.• Demonstrate and discuss what makes a “good image” in aestheticterms (i.e. framing, depth of field, rule of thirds, patterns, etc.). Studentswill critique each other’s work and have their own work critiqued by aprofessional photographer.• Learn how to shoot “in the field” through guided field courses.• Approach photography with thematic sense or as a story-teller.• Image editing using PhotoShop, printing and exhibiting the finalproduct.RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• Students need to provide their own digital SLR cameras includingmanual override functions.• Students must attend all scheduled meetings.Post-Course requirements:• Students must attend all scheduled meetings.• Several students will be asked to take a leadership role in organizing ourfinal digital presentation.SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL interim semester HANDBOOK 49

Exploring Singapore’s Food TrailGS19SINGAPOREGLOBAL STUDIESSponsorEmily LeipoldDoug MabiePriceS$500 (excluding GST)Course Length5 daysDescriptionDue to its position on the map, Singapore has become home to a cuisinefamous the world over. Chinese, Malay, Indian and Peranakan communitieshave all contributed to blending the exotic tastes and smells found in theSingaporean culinary experience. This course aims to introduce studentsto that world. While exploring the cool neighbourhoods, back alleys andeven outlying islands, students will learn why people travel from all overthe world just to eat food in Singapore. They will taste and prepare localfare, as well as enjoy a bit of local fun along the way. This experience is notrecommended for those with significant food allergies or dietary restrictions.The course will take place during school days from Monday, February 17, tillFriday, February 21.Post-Interim Experience:Parent’s night / OnlineReflectionsObjectives• Explore Singapore’s unique geographical, historical, cultural and culinarydiversity.• Understand and appreciate the food and culture of Singapore’s manyethnic communities.RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• Attend all scheduled meetings.• Possess and know how to use a digital camera.Post-Course requirements:• Complete a presentation for the parents describing a specific day of theweek.50 interim semester HANDBOOKSINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL

GOLF: The Global GameGS20singaporeGLOBAL STUDIESSponsorAndrew TewsleyPriceS$685 (excluding GST)Course Length5 daysPost-Interim Experience:Parent’s night / OnlineReflectionsDescriptionGolf has an obvious impact on the environment. Students will tour KranjiSanctuary Golf Course to learn of the conservation efforts underwayto preserve the wetland where this course is situated. Golf has causedcontroversy in Singapore with respect to allocation of land for recreationalpurposes. This topic will be explored as well through online research.Golf Activity: Students will receive five days of golf instruction by localqualified teaching professionals. The skills covered will include putting,chipping, bunker shots, pitching and full swing. For the first three daysduring the week, each student will learn and practice all of the aspects ofthe game including: putting green training, driving range training and videoswing analysis. They will also experience an excellent overview of safety,rules and etiquette. For the final two days of the week, students will put theirskills to use on the course under the supervision of teaching professionals.The lessons will provide an excellent balance of practice and game playso that they have lots of fun, while learning lifelong skills at the same time.Lunch and refreshments at the golf course are included each day butstudents may also wish to bring snack money. Transportation between thegolf course and SAS is also provided. Golf clubs will be provided if studentsdo not have their own. This course will provide an excellent start for thosestudents interested in completing their golf Proficiency Certificate in thefuture.Locations: Kranji Sanctuary Golf Course; Executive Golf Course; SASObjectives• To learn about Golf’s environmental impact worldwide.• To explore Golf’s impact on urban planning in Singapore.• To experience a new activity: golf.RequirementsDuring Course:• Participate to the best of one’s ability.• Keep online journal log on the course website.Pre-Course requirements:• A physical examination and medical clearance.• Attend and prepare for all pre-course meetings.• Prepare reflections on the Global Issue topics.Post-Course requirements:• Attend all post-course meetings.• Complete projects for the presentation evening.SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL interim semester HANDBOOK 51

Insight Singapore: How Singapore WorksGS21SINGAPOREGLOBAL STUDIESSponsorDevin KayCherie De ZwartPriceS$500 (excluding GST)Course Length5 daysDescriptionTwo themes connect to the overall concept of learning how the island citystateis able to function and thrive. Students will learn about the creationof a national identity, highlighting the various ethnic groups that make upSingapore. In addition, this course is designed to provide students withfirst-hand experience with country’s efforts at sustainable development bylooking at the conservation of water and recycling efforts. The final day ofthe course will take students behind the scenes of one of the latest touristattractions, Universal Studios.Students who are adventurous in trying new cuisine, interested in exploringsome of the ethnic enclaves by foot and curious how this modern city-stateworks behind the scenes, will appreciate the design of this course.Post-Interim Experience:Parent’s night / OnlineReflectionsObjectives• What makes Singapore such a successful country?RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• Attend all meetings.• Possess and know how to use a digital camera.Post-Course requirements:• Attend all scheduled meetings.• Complete a presentation for the parents describing a specific day of theweek.52 interim semester HANDBOOKSINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL

Singapore Global StudiesGS22SINGAPOREGLOBAL STUDIESSponsorJason AdkisonParul KalbagPriceS$400Course Length5 daysDescriptionWhat have you never done in Singapore? This is the trip to make thathappen. Students will propose ideas from Little India’s hidden gems, tothe Singapore Flyer, to Hiking along the Southern Ridge, or the reversebungee. The sponsor, will encourage students to develop life skills by takingownership of their course wherever possible. In the months leading up to,students will work together in teams to investigate possible services, aswell as cultural and recreational opportunities that will challenge them anddeepen their understanding of Singaporean culture. Under the guidanceof the sponsor, they will work together to manage aspects of the budget,arrangement of meals and planning of recreational outings throughout theweek.Post-Interim Experience:Online ReflectionsObjectives• How can we work together to plan and execute an experience in whichwe develop significant skills, challenge ourselves to reach beyond ourcomfort zones and gain an understanding of local Singaporeculture?RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• Attend all meetings scheduled to create the trip.• Positive collaborator.• Create an online reflection.Post-Course requirements:• Complete the online reflectionSINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL interim semester HANDBOOK 53

Visual Arts in SingaporeGS23SINGAPOREGLOBAL STUDIESSponsorBarbara HarveyJay KumpelPriceS$0Course Length5 daysDescriptionWe will tackle three key components in five days in Singapore:• Create work for a local community organization as a group• Create work while out and about in Singapore• Explore the art scene in Singapore’s past, present and futureWhile out and about in Singapore for much of this Interim, we willboth create and observe visual art. Media including, but not limited to,lomography, silk screening, watercolor, acrylic and design marker may beused.Post-Interim Experience:Online ReflectionsObjectives• What makes the Visual Art of Singapore unique?• Why make art?RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• Assist in the design for the community projectPost-Course requirements:• Photo journal54 interim semester HANDBOOKSINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL

Culture and AdventureGS24KrugerNational Park,South AfricaGLOBAL STUDIESSponsorLaura MohlUrsula PongPriceS$4,000Course Length7 daysPost-Interim Experience:Parent’s night / OnlineReflectionsDescriptionEssential Question: How does man, even in conservancy, affect the naturalbalance of an ecosystem?Upon arriving in Johannesburg, we will depart and head over to theDrakensberg Escarpment to the town of Hoedspruit, just outside of KrugerNational Park. Over the next several days, we will go on game drives invarious reserves, as well as in Kruger National Park proper.We will then journey to Buffaloland Private Reserve, where we willlearn tracking skills from the local guides and also learn about the localecosystems found within the park. Additionally, we will visit the MoholoholoAnimal Rehabilitation Centre where students will learn rehabilitationtechniques used on a variety of animals. We will then make our way toHazyview, a small town at the lower end of the Panorama Route, adjacentto Kruger’s Phabeni Gate. We will have a chance to see some of the mostscenic parts of Mpumalanga, where we will do some short walks at thevarious stops we make. We’ll see spectacular sights and natural formations,such as the Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Potholes, God’s Window, BerlinFalls and the Pinnacle.Throughout the course, students will view wildlife and man’s interaction withnature/wildlife at various parts of the expansive Kruger National Park. Ourcourse focus will be on how our interactions with nature has had unintendedconsequences on the entire ecosystem, as well as how humans try tomitigate those consequences as much as possible.Before leaving Kruger National Park, we will participate in outdoor activitiessuch as mountain biking, archery and white water rafting. Throughout theinterim course, there will be various opportunities to interact with the localpopulation. There will be some structured leisure time in the evenings whentravel in the park is no longer safe.Objectives• To become more familiar with the geography and culture of South Africa.• To learn about the customs, traditions and social structure of early triballife of the Shangaan in the Sabie River Valley.• To encourage a naturalist’s and conservationist’s appreciation of thewildlife and environment of Mpumalanga region.• To observe the flora and fauna in Western South Africa.RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• A physical examination may be required and students may need medicalclearance.• Attend all pre-course meetings and activities.• Read and review all pre-course information handouts and selectedreadings.• Student projects will be discussed and planned during pre-coursemeetings which will be digital in nature.Post-Course requirements:• Students will turn in their project one week after returning to Singapore.All projects will be digital in nature and aligned with SAS’s new InterimSemester Academic Policy.SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL interim semester HANDBOOK 55

Reconciliation and BeautyGS25South AfricaGLOBAL STUDIESSponsorDuane MelsomDavid DixonPriceS$4,000Course Length7 daysPost-Interim Experience:Parent’s night / OnlineReflectionsDescriptionThe South African experience is one that all will thoroughly enjoy andcherish. The course starts off in the beautiful city of Cape Town with a visit toRobben Island, the prison island where Nelson Mandela spent many years.Interact with ex-political prisoners on the guided prison and island tour andenjoy breathtaking views of Cape Town.From Cape Town, we travel along the stunning Route 62 (South Africa’sequivalent of Route 66) to the Klein Karoo and take an adventure tourthrough the world famous Cango Caves, then off to Oudtshoorn, the“feather capital of the world” for an informative Ostrich farm visit . Wecontinue over the Outeniqua Pass to the adventure destination of Knysna,our base for the next few days. During our stay we’ll enjoy a “kloofing”experience down the river and a canopy zipline tour. Additionally, we’ll getup close and personal with monkeys at Monkey Land and have a walkingtour to visit the wild cats of Tenikwa.We return to Cape Town along the coastal road, visiting the historical townsof Mossel Bay and Swellendan. Back in Cape Town, we take a course toCape Point for a day of sporting activities and then visit the famous Cape ofGood Hope and Diaz Point. While in Cape, we’ll get up close and personalwith the one of world's largest Jackass Penguins colonies.A highlight of the course is the climb up Table Mountain; the premier touristattraction in the area and maybe all of South Africa. We hike the PlattekloofGorge route up the front of the mountain to reach the spectacular viewsfrom the summit (1,086 meters above sea level).We continue our Cape Town experience as we tour the Bo-Kaap, a MalayQuarter, visit at the District Six Museum, tour Langa (the oldest apartheidhousing scheme) and enjoy a traditional African dining feast at LelapaRestaurant.For a more detailed view of this trip, visit last year’s travel blog of pictures,videos and detailed daily description.Objectives• To learn about apartheid and the reconciliation process in South Africa.• To encourage a naturalist’s appreciation of the beauty of South Africa’sCape Town, Garden Route and South Coast.• To offer physical challenges to improve self confidence and appreciationof South Africa’s natural beauties.RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• Attend all pre-course meetings and activities.• Read and review all pre-course information handouts and selectedreadings.• Student projects will be discussed and planned during pre-coursemeetings.• Students MUST BE FIT enough to complete full day activities andmountain hikes.Post-Course requirements:• Students will attend all post-course meetings and complete a Googlesite trip reflection.• Students will complete their Google site (trip reflection) one week afterreturning to Singapore.56 interim semester HANDBOOKSINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL

Spanish Language ImmersionGS26Barcelona,SpainGLOBAL STUDIESSponsorJulie GoodeJean RueckertPriceS$3,500Course Length7 daysDescriptionDuring this course, students will undergo an immersion experience in theSpanish language and culture in Barcelona. They will live with a Spanishfamily - two SAS students per family - for six nights and will attend Spanishclasses for four days at a language school. When not in class, they willexperience firsthand the history and culture of this part of Spain by visitinghistoric sites in and around Barcelona.This course will leave very late on February 14th and will return very early onFebruary 22nd.Post-Interim Experience:Parent’s Night or OnlineReflections - to bedetermined by groupObjectives• Improve the student’s language abilities in Spanish in an interesting,authentic and safe environment.• Students will investigate traditionalpottery making techniques.• Provide a far greater understanding of and appreciation for, the Spanishway of life and value systems by living with a Spanish family.• Visit the major sights of Barcelona to allow students to learn and gain anunderstanding of both non-verbal communication styles and every day,spoken Spanish, by interacting with Spaniards in real-life situations.• Familiarize the students with the geography, history, cuisine and cultureof the Spaniards while providing them with an understanding of howSpain’s history and culture has shaped its present and will shape itsfuture.RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• Currently be enrolled in an HS Spanish course at SAS, or those withSpanish skills already, should seek permission from Ms. Rueckert (H413)by 3:30pm, Oct. 17.• Submit all forms and paperwork that apply to the course and attend allmeetings.• Prepare a situational role-play or cultural presentation related to theSpanish language and/or culture.• Send a letter of introduction in Spanish to the host family in Spain.• Purchase a small gift to give the homestay family.Post-Course requirements:• Attend all scheduled meetings and write a letter of thanks to the hostfamily.• Complete presentation in small groups for Online Presentations or ISParent Night.SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL interim semester HANDBOOK 57

Sports Management with Real MadridFootball Club GS27Madrid,SpainGLOBAL STUDIESSponsorJoshua CurnettPriscilla SturgeonPriceS$4,000Course Length7 daysDescriptionStudents will travel from Singapore to Madrid, Spain and will stay as guestsof Real Madrid Football Club for five days. In the mornings, they will attenduniversity classes regarding sports management taught by professorsassociated with RMFC. In the afternoons, they will experience differentapplications of Real Madrid’s sports management program, including visitsto Ciudad de Real Madrid, or Real Madrid City, the club’s training complex;to el estadio Bernabeu, the home of Real Madrid; and to the SpanishOlympic team’s training grounds. Also, students will attend the a La Ligaprofessional football match as guests of Real Madrid and will participate incultural activities in Madrid, including a visit to the royal palace and El Pradomuseum.Post-Interim Experience:Parents’ night participationon Monday, March 3, 2014from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.Objectives• Students will learn several facets of sports management from RealMadrid, the biggest football club in the world.• In a university setting, students will study sports management, includingthe following topics:-- analysis of the sports environment; marketing:sports and society; marketing: sports and media; marketing: sponsorshipstrategies; and entrepreneurship in sports: basic strategies. Studentswill also have the opportunity to study business cases in sports mediaand sports strategies, as well as the concept of emotional intelligence insports organizations.• Students will experience Real Madrid Football Club’s cultural influenceon the city when touring Madrid, attending a Real Madrid football matchand visiting the club’s training grounds at Real Madrid City (Ciudad deReal Madrid). Students will also understand the excellence of RMFC’ssports management program in this way.RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• Attend all scheduled meetings in H418, Mr. Curnett’s room.• Complete all assigned readings for preparation.• Pass a basic, conversational Spanish test.Post-Course requirements:• Participate in post-interim parents’ night on Monday, March 3, 2014 from7:00-10:00 p.m. by presenting learning in a video project.58 interim semester HANDBOOKSINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL

Beautiful Land of ContrastsGS28NorthernThailandGLOBAL STUDIESSponsorPhilippe MoineauJose MejiaPriceS$2,100Course Length6 daysDescriptionStudents will meet and visit two organizations dealing with human traffickingin northern Thailand.They will learn about the plight of the Thai elephant in a camp, as well asin a nature park, witnessing and experiencing the contrast between itsexploitation and its rehabilitation.They will learn about Thai art and traditions. This will include a visit to themagnificent Doi Suthep temple and the stunning Wat Tham Pha Plong andlocal handicraft markets.They will learn about rural living conditions and will have a wonderfulcooking experience in a local Thai home.They will visit a local school, contribute through donations and interact withthe school children.Post-Interim Experience:Parent’s nightObjectives• Students will learn about human trafficking in northern Thailand.• Students will feed and bathe elephants at an amazing elephantsanctuary. They will also trek through the jungle on elephants’ backs atanother elephant camp.• Students will experience the rich culture of northern Thailand through artactivities, visits to markets and two beautiful temples.• Students will visit a rural school with very little funding for its studentsand spend time interacting and playing with the children.RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• Students will choose a topic of research on Thailand focusing on ourglobal issues.• Students will bring a toy and materials for the local school.Post-Course requirements:• Students will post photos of their trip on the Internet and contribute to agroup CD.• Reflections for parents’ night.SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL interim semester HANDBOOK 59

Building a NationGS29Timor-LesteGLOBAL STUDIESSponsorIan CoppellMark ClemensPriceS$3,500Course Length7 daysPost-Interim Experience:Parent’s nightDescriptionThis course gives students an opportunity to conquer Mount Ramelau, the highestof the country’s endless jungle and coffee-covered mountains. They will also explorethe sapphire waters teeming with marine wildlife and fall asleep while stargazing ontropical Atauro Island.They will get their hands dirty while building a community garden that will providenutritious food to malnourished children and provide an income source for familiesliving in poverty.The students will also discover the challenges faced by a nation that only gainedindependence in 2002 by studying the influences played by various other nationson the island, the long road to independence and the rebuilding that was necessaryafter years of conflict.ObjectivesStudent will gain a better understanding of:Nation buildingTimor-Leste is one of the youngest nations in the world and having justemerged from years of turbulence and civil unrest. How is Timor-Leste tacklingthe challenges of nation building and what are their chances of success? Is Timorready for a spot at the table in ASEAN? Which countries are for or against theirentry and why? Students will have the opportunity to speak with experts here inSingapore, both leaders of the country (including ex-President and Noble PeacePrize Laureate, Jose Ramos Horta) and the nation’s youth, in order to draw theirown conclusions..Whether foreign aid helps or cripples the development of a nation.The United Nations will pull out of Timor-Leste in 2012. What will be theconsequences and what impact has their presence had? Timor-Leste has attractedmillions of dollars in foreign aid over the years, yet the country is still struggling tofind its feet. Where havs the money gone and has it helped or hurt Timor-Leste’sdevelopment?The health issues facing the nation and what is being done to address them.Over 54% of children under the age of 5 in Timor suffer from malnutrition. Whatimpact does this have on future generations of Timorese and what is being doneto address the situation? Students will spend time at HIAM Health, Timor’s onlymalnutrition rehabilitation center to understand how solutions to the nation’sproblems are not only top down, but often and more effectively approached fromthe bottom up.What ‘creates’ culture.How has Timor-Leste formedits own identity and culture in the face of first beinga Portuguese colony, then occupied by Indonesia for 24 years and now as anindependent nation?How they are capable of being catalysts for change as SAS students, andwhy it matters.Requirements• Students will attend all scheduled meetings prior to the trip, includingvisits by experts here in Singapore.• Students will participate fully in all scheduled activities.• Students will provide an assignment responding to the challenges faced byTimor-Leste in terms of development and address what is being done and howsuccess can be measured.• Students will submit all forms and paperwork.• Students will research an approved topic for presentation to the group in theform of a story. This will take place at the appropriate time during the trip.• Students will take an active role in Parents’ Night.• Students will secure their own visas if necessary.60 interim semester HANDBOOKSINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL

Their Place in our WorldGS30TurkeyGLOBAL STUDIESSponsorTim ThompsonFrans GrimbergenPriceS$3,800Course Length8 daysPost-Interim Experience:Parent’s night / OnlineReflectionsDescriptionTurkish history spans six different civilizations (Ancient Mesopotamia, Greek/Trojan, Greco-Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, modern-day Turkey). Sites likeEphesus, Pergamum, Troy and Hieropolis stand as examples of this richhistory.Turkey is a fascinating study of East meeting West. and 96% of thepopulation identifies itself as Muslim. The country has turned eastwardrecently, as well. Since the USSR broke down in the 1990's, the Turkic stateshave deepened their ties with Turkey, as they share similarities in culture andlanguage, helping spur economic growth around the Black Sea (namely byoil pipelines from the various "stans" in Central Europe).Turkey is also Westernized. It is a Republic with a popularly electedparliament and president. Women commonly do not wear the hijab (headscarf) and play significant roles in Turkish business and political society.Turkey has been a part of NATO since the 60's and has been a staunch allyof the USA. Critically, Turkey has ambitions of joining the EU, a goal that mayofficially be reached by 2013.This course travels from Istanbul to Canakkale, Kusadasi, Pamukkale andCappadocia before returning to Istanbul. We will be meeting people, seeingthe critical historical spots, enjoying energizing and fun activities an learningabout Turkey’s place in our world. Join us in exploring one of the world’smost fascinating countries.Objectives• Explore Turkey’s religious and historical traditions to see how they havecontributed to forming the Turkish identity.• To explore Turkey’s place in the world: how Turkey stands out as a uniquecountry culturally, politically and economically.• To explore issues surrounding Turkey’s potential membership in the EU.• Explore the following questions:What has been Istanbul’s role as a gateway between east and west? Asa hub of trade, what role has Istanbul (in particular) and Turkey (ingeneral) played in the exchange of ideas and religion throughouthistory? Given the history of invasion and rule by Romans and Greeks,who really are the Turks?RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• Paired mini-research around the global issues above, or investigate acorollary issue of their interest.• Daily on-site journal about what an individual student is learningregarding the global issue he has researched.Post-Course requirements:• In groups, students will present a 2 to 3 page reflective report on thecredibility/status of the global issue first explored , based on what theyhave experienced.• Each group will present a 5-min video on the experience to bepresented on Parent Night.SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL interim semester HANDBOOK 61

Traditional and Modern Gulf Arab CultureGS31Abu Dhabi andDubaiGLOBAL STUDIESSponsorMichael HarveySarah DonovanPriceS$3,600Course Length7 daysDescriptionStudents will embark on a journey to understand how the traditional andmodern ways of life coexist in the Arab Gulf. This firsthand experience willallow students an opportunity to gain an inside view into these culturesthrough interactions with local students and speakers, in addition toventuring to sites that provide insights into the Islamic and Arabic culturessuch as the Heritage Village, the Dubai Museum, Central Souk, a mosqueand a Handicraft center featuring traditional arts. Students will also explorehow architecture reflects both the modern and traditional Arab values andbeliefs as they visit a number of modern buildings built in tribute to thetraditional architecture of the region through tours of the Ibn Battuta Mall,Burj Khalifa and the Sheik Zayed Mosque. Throughout the course, they willengage in discussions of how they see modern Westernization impactingand perhaps changing, the traditional culture.Post-Interim Experience:Parent’s nightObjectives• Students will gain an experiential understanding of how the modern andtraditional ways of life and values coexist in the Arab Gulf.• Students will appreciate the depth and history of the Arab Gulf’s, culture,art and architecture.• Students will explore the Westernization of the Arabic culture andeconomy.RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• Active participation in all pre-trip activities and meetings.• tudents will research the history of the Arab Gulf and write a two- tothree-page summary of what they have learned. Students will also begina journal before the trip, reflecting on their preconceived notions ofArabic and Islamic life.• Preference is given to students currently enrolled in AP World History.Post-Course requirements:• Students will complete and submit their journal.62 interim semester HANDBOOKSINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL

Dien Bien Phu to the Embassy RoofGS32Vietnam WarGLOBAL STUDIESSponsorDon AdamsJack FeePriceS$2,800Course Length8 daysPost-Interim Experience:Parent’s night / OnlineReflectionsDescriptionThis Interim Semester course will relive some of the most dramatic momentsof a defining war. We will mix historical programs with enjoyable downtimefor an unforgettable Vietnam experience.Day 1Arrive at HCMC in the early morning to visit the War Remnants Museum and othersignificant locations. This museum depicts the war as seen through the eyes ofthe Vietnamese people. An excellent introduction to the importance of historicalperspective.Day 2Travel from HCMC to Tay Ninh/Chu Chi. Visit the famous Chu Chi tunnels, includinga ‘crawl through’ to help see the war through the eyes of the combatants.Day 3Fly from HCMC to DaNang. Visit Marble Mountain, Monkey Mountain and ChinaBeach.The local name for the beach is My Khe, home of an important evacuation hospitalduring the war.Swim and enjoy DaNang City.Day 4Visit battlefield areas west of Danang, including My Son Holy Land, Hill 65, LibertyBridge, Arizona Territory and An Hoa.Day 5Drive from DaNang to Hue over the Hai Van Pass. Follow the footsteps of the 1968Tet Offensive -- the turning point of the war. Walter Cronkite’s famous quote will bediscussed in the context of the Tet offensive.Day 6Drive from Hue, the beautiful provincial capital city, to the DMZ and visit Dong Ha,Camp Carroll, Con Thien and Khe Sanh along Highway 9. Visit Vinh Moc Tunnelsabove the DMZ. Return to Hue.Day 7Early morning flight from Hue to Hanoi. Arrive in Hanoi early in the morning to visitthe War Museum, Hanoi Hilton (prison camp for downed American fliers) and JohnMcCain Monument. Cultural visit with students in Hanoi. Marine House evening visit.Day 8Early morning in Hanoi. Return flight to Singapore in the early afternoon.Objectives• Students taking this course will be seeking to understand the rootcauses, as well as the historical and current impact of the VietnamWar on international relations, trade and regional economies. Therewill be visits to famous battle sites. Our tour guides will be veteransof the U.S. Army, the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN—SouthVietnam), the Viet Cong and the North Vietnamese Army (NVA). Theirunique perspectives and personal stories will bring home the realityof the war to our students.Requirements• Students will attend and participate fully in all scheduled meetings andactivities.• Students will research an assigned topic and present to the group,before or during the course.• Students will keep a daily journal during the course.• Students must submit all forms and paperwork that applies to thecourse. Late paperwork could result in a student’s inability to get aVietnam visa.SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL interim semester HANDBOOK 63

SERVICEService has the capacity to touch on eachof the desired student learning outcomesof the school’s strategic focus. By using themodel that knowledge leads to compassionand compassion to action, service learningprojects give students the opportunity to makea positive impact on the local community inwhich they work. Service learning provides aframework in which students learn and developthrough active contribution in thoughtfullyprepared service that meets the needs ofthe community.64 interim semester HANDBOOKSINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL

Global Issues Courses contain thefollowing characteristics:It can parallel subjects from across the curriculum,combining experiential learning and communityservice with projects that might focus on socialinjustice, inequality, human rights and dignity,population, poverty, consumption, sustainability,conflict and/or the environment;Service learning should be sustainable offeringa long-term relationship between SAS and thecommunity being supported;Clubs are encouraged to participate in InterimSemester as a group. Interim Semester could bethe on-location culmination of the club’s oncampusactivities and preparation;To be considered a Service Learning InterimCourse, at least 20 hours must be devoted toservice.SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL interim semester HANDBOOK 65

Faces of CambodiaS01CambodiaSERVICESponsorDale FordDoug NeihartPriceS$2,800Course Length7 daysPost-Interim Experience:Parent’s night / OnlineReflectionsDescriptionThis 7-day course includes a combination of service activities, culturalexperiences and the opportunity to learn about the history of CambodiaIn Siem Reap we will visit several temples in the Angkor Wat complex. Ourguide will provide an insight into the important buildings and structures. Inaddition to exploring the temples, we will ride an elephant around one ofthe temples and go up in a tethered hot air balloon to get a bird’s eye viewof Angkor Wat.While in Siem Reap we will spend several hours at the Amelio School,founded by an SAS family to educate local children unable to affordgovernment schools. We will also take a boat ride on Tonlé Sap Lake, thelargest freshwater lake in South East Asia to see how the local people live onhouseboats.After three days in Siem Reap, we will fly to Phnom Penh. One of our firststops will be at the Tuol Sleng genocide museum, which was a high schoolprior to being turned into a concentration camp. We will also go to theKilling Fields.In Phnom Penh we will spend time with the children at Sok Sabay, a shelterfor abused and abandoned children. We will also meet with Janne Ritske, thefounder of Tabitha. A major component of this course is a two-day serviceproject with the Tabitha Foundation where we will build five homes. Otheractivities while in Phnom Penh will include shopping at the local markets anda visit to the Royal Palace where the current king of Cambodia resides.Objectives• To involve students in hands-on service projects: Tabitha, Amelio Schooland Sok Sabay• To understand Cambodia’s ancient history, the Pol Pot genocide yearsand the situation today.RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• Select research topic and develop a brief presentation/PowerPoint.Post-Course requirements:• Submit a journal.• Give a presentation on the research topic at Parent Night.66 interim semester HANDBOOKSINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL

Climbing, Caves & Community ServiceS02Yangshou, ChinaSERVICESponsorPele HallamAndrew HallamPriceS$3,100 (excluding visa costs)Course Length7 daysPost-Interim Experience:Parent’s night / OnlineReflectionsDescriptionClimbing, caves and community service, this course title says it all. Thiscourse is designed for students who live for the outdoors, enjoy adventure,and excel at trying new and varied types of activities. This is a course that willstretch your comfort zone, provide sights you’ve only seen in pictures andmeet people who will challenge you mentally, creatively and physically.Students will travel to Yangshou where they will commune with natureamong Yangshou’s emerald rice paddies, limestone pinnacles andpicturesque villages. Once in Yangshou, one of Asia’s best climbinglocations, they will participate in focused skill development for rock climbing.They will have an in-depth school exchange with shy but delightful localprimary school children. Students will experience the thrill of gettingabsolutely muddy and mucky, while squeezing and splashing through thetunnels in the underground world of caves. Once they’ve been introducedto the dark world of caving they’ll participate in the “China SurvivalChallenge” by spending a night in a cave. While soaking in the sceneryof one of China’s most picturesque regions, students will learn Chinesepainting techniques from a local artist. And finally to end the week off, thestudents will participate in an adventure challenge, loaded with orienteering,raft building, an exhilarating abseil and a dramatic tyrolean traverse. For astudent that wants a little taste of everything, this is the course to enroll in.Objectives• Participate in team building and experiential learning in a safe and funenvironment.• Develop greater self-awareness, as well as an acceptance of group andpersonal responsibility.• Appreciate nature and environmental concerns in a new environment.• Face challenges both physical and social with an open mind, wideningyour comfort zone.• Appreciate the rich cultural experience of the Yangshuo Chinese andlearn about their daily lives.• Contribute positively to the education and fun in a local rural schoolthrough an exchange program.RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• Attendance to all group meetings, which may include some local dayhikes with a full backpack.• Choose from a list of topics and complete a pre-trip research to bepresented during the trip.• Preference is given to students currentlyenrolled in AP World History.• Compliance with Student Responsibilities, as outlined in the InterimSemester course book.• A physical examination and medical clearance is required.Post-Course requirements:• Students will attend all post-course meetings.• Students will complete a final project reflecting on their experiences.• Students will participate in planning and presenting during InterimSemester Presentation Evening.SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL interim semester HANDBOOK 67

Summit to Sea ServiceS03BailSERVICESponsorMartha BeganFred CrawfordPriceS$3,000 (excluding visa cost)Course Length9 daysPost-Interim Experience:Parent’s night / OnlineReflectionsDescriptionThis course is based on the East Coast of Bali in the traditional village ofTangtu, on Nusa Penida Island and on Side by Side Organic Farm. Theselocations have minimal tourism impact and represent a true Bali experience.The course takes students on a fascinating journey of discovery fromvolcanoes to coral reefs. While including the traditional Bali experiences ofdance, culture and art, this course aims to focus students on the realms ofBalinese culture and to have an active role in local conservation. Studentswill replant endemic plants and fruit trees as well as survey the criticallyendangered Bali Starling, which has been reintroduced to Nusa Penida.At the Side By Side Organic Farm Project, students will be offered a uniqueopportunity to return to the traditional way of life in Bali. Side By SideFarm’s mission is to feed and provide education for disenfranchised womenand their children. Students will plant fruit trees, rice and vegetables, helpmaintain shelters for live stock, speak English to the farmers and childrenat the village school and hike in undisturbed nature. Free time and funsnorkeling on Nusa Penida and shopping in Ubud are also scheduled."You should know that the education of the heart is very important. Thiswill distinguish you from others. Educating oneself is easy, but educatingourselves to help other human beings to help the community is much moredifficult." - Cesar E. Chavez, social activist.Objectives• Enable students to gain an insight and understanding of the culture andcommitment of the Balinese people to maintain harmony with nature forfuture generations.• Work hand in hand with locals to gain invaluable insight into village lifeand farming methods that have remained unchanged for centuries.• Evaluate conservation issues and take action in ongoing projects toundo the damage caused by development.• Engage in ecological and community service by planting endemicfruit trees, monitoring endangered Bali Starling populations, working atraditional organic farm in east Bali and by teaching local children globalissues.RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• Physical – Demonstrate ability to work on uneven terrain in a tropicalenvironment.• Academic – Research the natural history and traditional agricultureof Bali;, including the geology, flora and fauna, farming techniques andindigenous cultures. Each student will research a selected aspect ofBali as it applies to global issues affecting Balinese culture today.Post-Course requirements:• Write a reflective essay and compile a visual display of the mainexperiences of the course. Participate in Parent’s Night, yearbook pageproduction of the course.68 interim semester HANDBOOKSINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL

Building a Nation with Gawad KalingaS04Manila,PhilippinesSERVICESponsorTrevor SturgeonTim ZiturPriceS$2,500Course Length8 daysDescriptionThe bulk of this course will be spent working with a local NGO, GawadKalinga (GK), in house building for the underprivileged. Gawad Kalingatranslated in English means “to give care,” and started just thirteen yearsago in the Philippines. It is a partnership of different groups within thecountry and with the goal of eradicating poverty. Our SAS group will assistwith house building at a GK village site in Metro Manila.We will also visit and work with a local school in Tagaytay, take anentertaining tour of Intramurous, one of the oldest and most historic areas ofMetro Manila, visit the American Cemetery, have the opportunity to hike onTaal Volcano and spend a night at Stilts, a resort with cottages on the water.This is a jam-packed course designed for those who have a passion forhelping others and who want to learn more about the beautiful Philippinesand its people.We leave Singapore on February 13 and return on the February 21.Post-Interim Experience:Online ReflectionsObjectives• To increase student awareness of the lack of adequate housing for thepoor and the actions which Gawad Kalinga is taking to eliminate povertyin the Philippines through first hand experience in house and communitybuilding.• To develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for social issuessurrounding poverty.• To understand and become acquainted with some of the history andaswell as culture of the Philippines and its people.• To assist students in gaining an appreciation of the values and rewards ofservice work.RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• Research GK, Philippines, poverty and related social issues. Students willbe assigned one topic to share with the group.• Learn the goals and aspirations of being involved in Gawad Kalinga.Complete some readings about the Philippines and its people.Post-Course requirements:• Reflection essay – 500 words for the course web site.SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL interim semester HANDBOOK 69

Changing Lives with StairwayS05Puerto Galera,PhilippinesSERVICESponsorKris GanskeMichael PetrosinoPriceS$2,700Course Length7 daysPost-Interim Experience:Parent’s night / OnlineReflectionsDescriptionThis course will explore the issues surrounding street children in thePhilippines, including poverty, substance abuse and sexual abuse. Theseissues will be considered in the context of the UN’s Convention on the Rightsof the Child. The first two days will be spent in Manila where we will see thelives of street children firsthand and visit a couple of agencies that aim toassist this ignored population to learn what they are doing to try to help.We will then travel to Puerto Galera, a beautiful island, where we willlive, work and play with former street children who now receive training,emotional support and counseling at the Stairway Foundation, arehabilitation center for boys ages 10-17. We will interact with the kids invarious activities, including arts and crafts, hiking to a beautiful waterfall,kayaking and beach volleyball. We will also assist in the funding andconstruction of living quarters, as well as school facilities for children inresidence. Stairway Foundation is a child-care agency working for theprotection and the promotion of Children’s Rights. It was founded by LarsJorgensen and Monica Ray and has been in operation for the past 20 years.www.stairwayfoundation.orgThis course has been run by International School Manila for the past tenyears as part of their annual ICARE (Interim) week and is always one ofthe most popular courses among students. If you want a life changingexperience on a beautiful beach surrounded by interesting people, this isthe course for you!Objectives• To increase student awareness and understanding of the issuessurrounding poverty, substance abuse and sexual abuse as related tostreet children in the Philippines.• To have students interact with former street children and betterunderstand their backgrounds, challenges and personal issues, as wellas to gain an appreciation for their resiliency and optimism in the face ofadversity.• To assist in building a new library for the children attending StairwayFoundation.• To provide students the opportunity to gain an appreciation andgratification from doing service work.RequirementsDuring-Course requirements:• All students will be expected to maintain a daily journal to reflect upontheir experiences each day.• All students will be expected to fully participate in each activity and toremain open to new ideas, values and ways of life.• Students will work on gathering information and materials to completetheir project assignment.Pre-Course requirements:• Attend all pre-course meetings.• Students are expected to complete pre-course research on poverty inthe Philippines, as well as on the Stairway Foundation.• Each student will choose an assignment from the list provided by thesponsors and formulate a plan to complete the assignment during / aftercourse.• Gather all required items on kit list.Post-Course requirements:• Complete the chosen project assignment.• Attend and participate in the Parent’s night.70 interim semester HANDBOOKSINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL

House building in BantayanS06Cebu,PhilippinesSERVICESponsorMark SwarstadSaylar CraigPriceS$2,000Course Length7 daysDescriptionGawad Kalinga (GK), translated into English means “to give care,” andstarted just thirteen years ago in the Philippines. It is a partnership ofdifferent groups within the Philippines has the goal of eradicating poverty.Our SAS group will fly to Cebu and travel to a GK village on the island ofBantayan. Knowledge of Filipino culture will grow as we visit two publicschools during our stay. Along with this will be four days of work – helping toconstruct two houses, which will become the homes of people we work with.We will be instructed in how to use simple tools and how to mix, sift, lift andplace materials needed for construction. There will be lots of interactionwith the Filipinos in the village and you will leave feeling good about thecontributions we have made. You will also be tired.We leave Singapore on February 16 and return on the February 22.Post-Interim Experience:Parent’s night / OnlineReflectionsObjectives• To increase student awareness of the actions which Gawad Kalinga istaking to eliminate poverty in the Philippines.• To involve students in hands-on house-building service work alongsideFilipinos of all ages.• To understand and become acquainted with some of the history andculture of the Philippines.RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• Pass a physical examination and a medical clearance (Tetanus shot isneeded).• Learn the goals and aspirations of being involved in Gawad Kalinga.• Complete some readings about the Philippines and its people.Post-Course requirements:• Keep a daily journal including observations and reflections from theworksite.• Write a reflective essay on personal experiences during the week.• Plan and participate in the Interim Semester Presentation Night.SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL interim semester HANDBOOK 71

SAS Teacher ApprenticeshipS07SINGAPORESERVICESponsorNanette DevensPriceS$0Course Length5 daysDescriptionEach student apprentice will be assigned to a cooperating teacher in theSAS Early Childhood Center, Primary, Intermediate, or Middle School. Beforethe week of interim, each apprentice will meet with their cooperating teacherto discuss the roles and responsibilities of the apprentice in the classroom.During interim week the apprentices will work with the cooperating teachersand their classes. They will be expected to engage in all the classroom andextra curricular activities as their cooperating teacher. Apprentices will alsoattend daily meetings to learn about the many aspects of an educationalinstitution. Apprentices will keep a daily reflective journal to help themarticulate what they are learning about the educational world from theteacher’s perspective.Post-Interim Experience:Parent’s night / OnlineReflectionsObjectives• What does it take to be a master educator?RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• Introduction letter to and meeting with cooperating teacher.• Journal entries.Post-Course requirements:• Complete journal.• Active participation in the Parent Presentation.72 interim semester HANDBOOKSINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL

Service in the KalahariS08North Cape,South AfricaSERVICESponsorPatrick HopkinsTomo TanabePriceS$4,000Course Length7 daysDescriptionThis course will provide students with an understanding of South Africa’shistory, focusing on the Apartheid regime and the persistence of poverty inits townships. Students will also have the opportunity to gain insight intothis history and South Africa today, by participating in community serviceprojects that allow them to assist the country’s least fortunate citizens ina vital way. We will begin our look at South Africa’s past by visiting theSoweto township, where we will learn how and why townships developed.In Soweto, students will see the eye-opening effects of Apartheid on thepeople of South Africa’s townships. Then we will head due west to theNorth Cape/Kalahari region where the people live in bleak conditionsrelated to the harsh physical environment of the area. It is in the Kalahari thatwe will embark on the community service aspect of this trip. Our service willinclude helping to refurbish a local school, as well as buying and deliveringfood to local families. Our time in South Africa concludes with our returnto Johannesburg, but not before two game viewing opportunities with achance to see Africa’s Big Five.Post-Interim Experience:Parent’s night / OnlineReflectionsObjectivesThe successful student will be able to address each of these questions bythe end of the course:• What are some of the important characteristics of South African cultureand how are they manifested in the North Cape (Kalahari)?• How does the geography of the Kalahari affect the lives of the peoplewho live there?• How do the townships in the Kalahari differ from other areas of SouthAfrica?• What is the impact of tourism on South Africa and South Africans?Requirements• Students will participate fully in all scheduled activities.• Students will provide an assignment related to the challenges of thepeople living in the Kalahari and townships such as Soweto.• Students will submit all forms and paperwork.• Students will research an approved topic for presentation to the group.This will take place at the appropriate time during the course.• Students will take an active role in Parents’ Night and/or online blog.• Students will secure their own visas if necessary.SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL interim semester HANDBOOK 73

Save The RhinosS09South AfricaSERVICESponsorJeff DevensLance MurgatroydPriceS$3,400Course Length7 daysDescriptionIn the shadow of the majestic Drakensberg mountains, this uniqueconservancy is home to a lioness caught in a snare and lion confiscatedfrom illegal lion breeders, injured raptors, poisoned vultures, Porsche thecheetah and many more. Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre aims tocontribute to the conservation of endangered species and the rehabilitationof injured and poisoned wildlife. As South Africa tackles the problem headon and deploys military troops along the borders to curb poaching andcross border crime, reserves themselves are having to increase monitoringof their rhinos to reduce the incidence of poaching.The management andstaff of the centre are a group of dedicated conservationists committed tothe preservation of wildlife. Their intimate knowledge of the animals they solovingly care for is nothing less than impressive.Post-Interim Experience:Online ReflectionsCourse Difficulty:waking up early, bushsurvival, lots of work withanimals and cleaning cagesObjectives• Learn about how humans affect the rhino population, and why they aregoing extinct.• Obtain understanding on the obstacles of protecting endangeredspecies.• Collect first hand experience in helping rhinos.• Track and study Rhino movement which helps Rangers understand howto protect the Rhino Population.RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• Students will participate fully in all scheduled activities.• Students will provide an assignment related to the challenges of thepeople living in the Kalahari and townships such as Soweto.• Students will submit all forms and paperwork.• Students will research an approved topic for presentation to the group.This will take place at the appropriate time during the course.• Students will take an active role in Parents’ Night and/or online blog.• Students will secure their own visas if necessary.Post-Course requirements:• Oral presentation on what students have learned and their impact onrhino.74 interim semester HANDBOOKSINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL

Service and SafariS10TanzaniaSERVICESponsorEric BurnettKeith HynesPriceS$4,000Course Length6.5 daysDescriptionFor one half of our course, students will work with the Mshiri VillageEducation Project on renovation work and the teaching of sport, arts andcrafts, English and/or music. SAS students will have the opportunity to workwith and form friendships with local children while participating in their dailylife and experiencing Tanzanian culture firsthand. Students will learn aboutfamily life, local foods, banana farming, coffee production and agriculturalpractices.Additionally, we will spend time exploring two of the greatest game parks ofnorthern Tanzania: The Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area and the LakeManyara National Park, both magnificent parks with abundant animal andbird life amidst stunning scenery. The hope is to be able to observe some ofthe Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino), to spot a cheetah asit picks up speed, examine predator-prey relationships close up and marvelat the scale of large herds of wildebeests.Post-Interim Experience:Online ReflectionsObjectives• To assist with the Mshiri Village Education Project through a mix ofrenovation work and teaching (sport, arts and crafts, English and/ormusic).• To become more familiar with the geography and culture of Tanzania.• To observe and appreciate the wildlife and environment of the Great RiftValley, as well as and the Ngorongoro Crater.RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• Show evidence of a physical examination and inoculations and obtain amedical clearance.• Attend all pre-course meetings and activities.• Read and review all pre-course information handouts and selectedreadings.• Make plans for student-led activities that they will lead/execute in theMshiri village.• Research some aspect of Tanzanian life and culture to present to the restof the group.Post-Course requirements:• Attend all post-course meetings.• Present projects during the post-course Parents’ Night.SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL interim semester HANDBOOK 75

Blue Dragon ServiceS11VietnamSERVICESponsorDianna PrattAnne-Marie RussellPriceS$2,000 (excluding visa cost)Course Length7 daysDescriptionThe focus of the week will be serving an organization known as Blue Dragon- Hanoi, where you will be able to make real and lasting contributions. BlueDragon reaches out to kids in crises throughout Vietnam. Blue Dragon’sresidential facilities, centres and programs give children and young peoplea new chance at life, the chance to have a home, a good education anda happy, stable life. Visit http://www.streetkidsinvietnam.com/ for moreinformation. Students on this trip will be involved in a variety of tasksincluding painting, weeding and teaching a variety of lessons on differentsubjects, including English and sports. The students of this course will be incharge of organizing projects, events and logistics. There will also be timescheduled in this interim for sightseeing in and around Hanoi based onstudent interest.Post-Interim Experience:Online ReflectionsObjectives• Students will participate in meaningful service that will enhance the livesof others.• Students will develop life skills by taking ownership of logistics in thecourse.• Students will support the relationship Singapore American Schoolhas with the Blue Dragon Organization by being involved in fundraisingactivities outside the interim trip.RequirementsDuring Course requirements:• Actively engage in the service projects. Lead and participate in thedifferent student roles and responsibilities. Communicate andcollaborate in the overall experience and have FUN!Pre-Course requirements:• Mandatory participation in activities to raise funds for Blue Dragon.Mandatory meetings to research the logistics for the course, plan andorganize these events before going and make plans to carry the eventsout via different individual roles.Post-Course requirements:• Personal reflections of the course on the group website. Participatein conversations with SAS Blue Dragon service club forcontinued commitment.76 interim semester HANDBOOKSINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL

SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL interim semester HANDBOOK 77

SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL