Discovery teachers live it up in Ecuador and Costa Rica

It was 5 whirlwind days of cultural immersion, adventure, learning, and fun for our teachers who qualified for the professional development rewards trips to Central and South America! From ziplining through a rainforest, to being pampered at a first-class spa, to enjoying a sunset cruise on a tranquil Oceanside bay, these educators had the times of their lives! You can check out their awesome pictures and firsthand accounts of the trips on our teachers adventure blog!

International professional development trips under way

Months of anticipation has finally culminated for Discovery teachers who have arrived in beautiful Costa Rica and Ecuador on our teachers-only reward trips. Through February 20, our teachers will be immersed in local cultures, participate in exhilarating activities, experience beautiful landscapes, and learn about education travel from Discovery experts. You can follow every step of their amazing journeys on our teacher's adventure blog.

Announcing a series of service-based trips

As part of our ongoing Global Student Support Program, Discovery Student Adventures is thrilled to announce a series of service-focused trips exclusively for teachers. It begins in July 2012 with Impact Costa Rica, a 7-day journey loaded with volunteer projects designed to make a lasting impact on the region.

Educators selected for Impact Costa Rica will help make a difference by participating in humanitarian and environmental projects ranging from rehabilitating endangered sea turtles to donating school supplies to renovating classrooms.

“Efforts like this exemplify our dedication to making a lasting difference in education, whether it’s through offering extraordinary travel opportunities, or helping students around the world,” says Discovery Student Adventures vice president Susannah Stoltz.

We are currently accepting applications from educators interested in being considered for this all-expense-paid inaugural service trip. Qualifying teachers will be chosen from all complete applications submitted by February 15. Apply here.

Polar bears: icons of the Arctic

A symbol of the North Pole, polar bears are the world’s largest land predator and biggest member of the bear family. With heavy fur, blubber up to four inches thick and black skin that absorbs heat from the sun, polar bears are amazingly well adapted to the Arctic climate.

Interestingly, a polar bear’s fur is transparent. The long, coarse, guard hairs that protect the plush thick undercoat are hollow and transparent. The thinner hair of the undercoat is not hollow but they, like the guard hairs, are colorless.

Want to watch polar bears at play in their own environment? Join Discovery Student Adventures for an amazing 16 day journey to the Arctic!

What’s your favorite Arctic animal? Polar bears? Walruses? Beluga whales? Something else?