Program Facilitator

Greenheart Travel is seeking a Program Facilitator for its Environmental Service Learning Scholarship program. This program takes a group of scholarship recipients to Costa Rica for a 14-day program which includes volunteering at an ecological reserve in the central region, environmental education classes and cultural activities while living with local host families. The goal of the Environmental Service Learning Scholarship is to inspire high school students to advance their education and take a lifelong, active role in protecting the environment in their own communities and discover their own ability to initiate change. The program provides access to cultural exchange and environmental education for Chicago youth from economically disadvantaged families who would not otherwise have the opportunity to participate in this type of program.

Greenheart Travel strives to provide cultural immersion programs that change lives, advance careers and create leaders. We achieve this by partnering with like-minded organizations and government administrations abroad. Through travel and cultural exchange, we help individuals reach their full potential, become more tolerant, peaceful and environmentally conscious.

Responsibilities:

The Program Facilitator will travel to Costa Rica with a group of scholarship recipients on July 7 – July 21, 2013 to lead scholars in their host community and volunteer activities in Costa Rica. The Program Facilitator will act as a representative of Greenheart Travel, will understand the broader mission of the organization and will work to uphold high standards throughout the trip. The Program Facilitator is expected to coordinate in-country logistics, volunteer alongside the scholars, and participate in all cultural activities and excursions. The Program Facilitator is responsible for keeping the group together and enforcing Greenheart Travel program rules at all times. The Program Facilitator should regularly check in with students about their host family and their time, in general, in Costa Rica and be prepared to resolve any immediate issues that arise. Prior to leading the scholars on the trip, the Program facilitator will work closely with Greenheart Travel to understand the mission, vision and desired outcome of the Environmental Service Learning Scholarship program to ensure the program satisfies its mission. Upon return to Chicago, the Program Facilitator will help manage the scholars debriefing event to an audience which may include donors, Greenheart Travel staff, or other key constituents.

Qualifications:

• Previous experience working with teens (previous experience leading teen group fieldtrips is a plus)
• Must be comfortable working with and leading a group of up to 10 high school students on an international trip
• Near fluent or fluent Spanish proficiency
• Genuine interest in Costa Rican culture (knowledge of Costa Rican culture is a plus)
• Genuine interest in environmental conservation
• Interest in photography and videography
• Be living in the Chicagoland area from June 1 – August 23
• Be available for a one-day training in downtown Chicago in June (exact date TBD)
• Be available to participate in two pre-departure orientations downtown Chicago in June (exact dates and times TBD)
• Be available to travel to Costa Rica July 7 – July 21; greeting scholars at O'Hare International Airport and seeing that they safely depart the airport upon return
• Be available to participate in post-program event in downtown Chicago between July 29 – August 23 (exact date TBD)

Additional Information:

• Applicants should have previous experience traveling internationally
• This is an unpaid position
• All travel expenses including travel insurance will be paid for by Greenheart Travel
• Candidates should be able to routinely lift 45lbs, be in good physical and mental health as well as be prepared to disclose any medical conditions, allergies and/or medication needs upon request
• Candidates should not be sensitive to extremely warm or humid conditions