Toyota International Teacher Program - Deadline Sept. 7

The deadline for the Toyota International Teacher Program is fast approaching. All application materials must be in by September 7, 2007.

Here's the info on the program:

Costa Rica is a cultural and biological crossroads between North and South America. Ranked among the 20 most diverse countries in the world, this small Latin American country is home to more than four million people, 11 indigenous groups, and a half million species of plants and animals. Costa Rica is also on the forefront of conservation initiatives, promoting sustainable alternatives to traditional practices in an effort to maintain its culture as well as protect its biological diversity. Program participants will travel along the Caribbean slope of Costa Rica, meeting and talking with community leaders, observing students and teachers, and working with scientists to learn how Costa Ricans are balancing community development and environmental conservation. They will see how innovative strategies are being implemented in the areas of development, agronomy, conservation and education. Selected teachers will also experience first-hand the majestic rainforest while making personal connections with the people who live and work there.The Toyota International Teacher Program to Costa Rica strives to expose educators of all classroom disciplines to the diversity of Costa Rica's peoples and ecosystems in an effort to inspire the creative teaching of international, cultural and environmental themes in U.S. schools and communities.Teachers of all classroom disciplines in grades 7-12 are encouraged to apply. Toyota International Teacher Program alumni who have not participated on a Toyota International Teacher Program in the last five year
(2002 alumni and before) are also eligible to apply to the Costa Rica program this year. The Program will take place from February 24 to March 7, 2008 (including travel time). Participants will travel to Los Angeles for pre-departure orientation and then spend 10 nights in Costa Rica. Direct costs of participation (transportation, lodging, meals and all program activities) will be paid by Toyota.The study tour will include strenuous travel and rigorous physical activities as participants explore Program locations in the lowlands and highlands of Costa Rica. Please take this into consideration when applying.