Toyota International Teacher Program
Galapagos Islands
Study Tour: November 22 - December 6, 2008
The Galapagos Islands, a designated World Heritage site, are located 1000 kilometers off the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. This isolated island chain is home to some of the world's most unique animals and ecosystems. With a population of over 28,000 people living on 3% of the land, and host to more than 60,000 visitors per year, the islands are at the forefront of the study of environmental sustainability, stewardship and the delicate balance of humans and nature.
In 2001, responding to the Jessica oil spill that resulted in 180,000 gallons infiltrating the oceans surrounding the Galapagos Archipelago, World Wildlife Fund, in partnership with Toyota, developed the Galapagos Energy Blueprint. This blueprint aims to transform all energy systems to sustainable, renewable energy sources and clean technologies. Toyota has also funded renewable energy workshops for teachers in the Galapagos and proud to offer American educators an opportunity to study this remarkable ecosystem.
The 2008 Toyota International Teacher Program to the Galapagos Islands will take place November 22 - December 6, 2008. This includes travel time, two night pre-departure orientation, and 12 nights in Ecuador. Direct costs of participation (transportation, lodging, meals and all program activities) will be paid by Toyota. While on the Galapagos Islands, program participants will have the unique opportunity to work in groups with Galapagueño teachers on the design of interdisciplinary environmental lessons. These lessons will be shared with the education community.
Past participants have been able to integrate this experience into their classrooms in a variety of ways. New Jersey teacher Maureen Barrett, an alumna of the 2007 Program, planned a “Galapagos Islands Gala.” Which she designed as a virtual field trip to the islands and invited the entire school community to join. “Through this interactive presentation about the Galapagos, attendees will understand the islands’ vulnerability, diversity and beauty through student-created sculpture, video documentaries, poetry and more,” said Barrett. “I want this event to demonstrate that one person’s actions can make a difference and instill a love of nature that will last a lifetime.”
Michael Wing, 2007 alumnus from California, is currently planning a solar-heated, mini-greenhouse with his students and school. “A key inspiration for this project was seeing the demonstration farm we visited on Santa Cruz Island during the Toyota International Teacher Program,” said Wing. “I want to show my students and school that, if necessary, you can grow food anywhere using only energy from the sun.”
Thirty secondary school teachers of all subjects and teacher-librarians will be selected to participate this year. Teachers from all 50 states and the District of Columbia are encouraged to apply.
Application Instructions |
Program Objectives |
Selection and Notification |
Eligibility Requirements |
Frequently Asked Questions |
The deadline for 2008 has passed. |
Application Deadline: May 9, 2008
The paper portion and online portion of the application are due to IIE by no later than May 9, 2008. All applicants will be notified of their status by the middle of June. Please allow time for delivery.
