Join CA on trips to Costa Rica, The Netherlands, and Belize!
OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
At Colorado Academy, we foster intellectual growth and global citizenship through a comprehensive global travel curriculum that cultivates both immersive experiential education and character development. These optional programs are meticulously crafted to provide memorable and enriching educational experiences. Our program encompasses a wide spectrum of enhanced learning opportunities, catering to various geographic destinations and academic interests.
These excursions are led by experienced CA faculty members in collaboration with reputable professional partner organizations. We are dedicated to providing students with transformative experiences within a secure and carefully managed travel environment. Safety remains our paramount concern throughout all aspects of program planning and execution.
It is important to note that trips may be subject to modification, postponement, or cancellation due to various factors, including but not limited to inclement weather, geopolitical instability, public health concerns, travel restrictions, or any other circumstances that could potentially compromise student well-being.
Want to enroll?
The application window for Middle School Global Travel is open through October 20, 2024. All applications are due by Sunday, October 20 for consideration. Apply now.
Note: Some trips may have language requirements.
You may apply to multiple programs, but you will likely only go on ONE trip. Spaces are limited.
Questions? Please reach out to the trip leader(s) or contact Taja McKinney, CA Director of Global Travel.
Have questions about financial aid?
Parents/guardians should submit the Global Travel Grant form at the same time that their student is applying for a trip.
Families must currently qualify for need-based tuition aid for 2024-2025 to be considered for a Global Travel Grant. All applications for financial aid are kept confidential, and final decisions are made by the Financial Aid Committee. Feel free to reach out to Ms. Dean, 303-914-2516, with any questions. ¿Busca más información sobre CA? ¡Comuníquese con Abel Ramirez al 303-914-2573.
View the Upper School Global Travel Catalog.
Costa Rica
- Location: Costa Rica (Chilamate)
- Dates: May 10-17, 2025 (Middle School Interim)
- Trip Leaders: Sara Monterroso & Cate Dance
- Program Cost: $2500 ($3000 less $500 Interim credit)
- Airfare estimate: $880
- Total Estimated Cost: $3380
- Eligibility: Middle School students – Grades 7-8 (taking Spanish)
- Capacity: 16-18 students
- Vendor: World Leadership School
- Read more: Detailed Itinerary
- Initial Application due Sunday, October 20.
Discover the Wonders of Costa Rica!
Imagine trekking through lush rainforests on an ethnobotany walk, learning how indigenous peoples have used local plants for centuries. It’s like stepping into a living pharmacy and grocery store, where nature’s secrets are yours to discover.
One of the trip’s highlights is connecting with Costa Rican students. You’ll engage in cultural exchange activities at a local school, practice Spanish in real-life situations, and gain insights into a different way of life. To deepen your cultural immersion, you’ll have the chance to stay with local families for three nights, experiencing Costa Rican daily life firsthand.
During our visit to a local organic farm, you’ll get your hands dirty and learn about sustainable agriculture practices firsthand. You’ll help tend to crops, discover eco-friendly pest control methods, and even harvest fresh produce for a farm-to-table meal. The journey from bean to bar comes alive in our chocolate-making workshop, where you’ll roast cacao beans, grind them into a paste, and craft your very own chocolate treats. You’ll gain insight into the rich history of chocolate in Central American culture.
Get ready for adventure as you plunge into crystal-clear rivers and navigate mild whitewater rapids. Feel the pulse of nature as you work with your classmates to conquer the river’s challenges, all while surrounded by breathtaking scenery and the birds, sloths, and monkeys in the surrounding trees.
This Interim expedition blends excitement, cultural immersion, language learning, and community involvement. This is your chance to become a global citizen, understand your place in the world, and make a positive impact. Are you ready to step out of your comfort zone and experience this journey into the rainforest with your friends? If so, prepare for an unforgettable adventure in Chilamate, Costa Rica!
The Netherlands
- Location: The Netherlands (Rotterdam and Amsterdam)
- Dates: May 9-17, 2025 (Middle School Interim)
- Trip Leaders: Kathleen Kirkman & Laura Farmer
- Program Cost: $3150 ($3650 less $500 Interim credit)
- Airfare estimate: $1350
- Total Estimated Cost: $4500
- Eligibility: Middle School students – Grades 7-8
- Capacity: 14-18 students
- Vendor: Atlas Workshops
- Read more: Detailed Itinerary
- Initial Application due Sunday, October 20.
Embark on an unforgettable journey to the Netherlands, where innovation meets tradition. First stop: the awe-inspiring Maeslantkering, a colossal storm surge barrier protecting Europe’s busiest port. In Rotterdam, marvel at the city’s avant-garde architecture, from gravity-defying cube houses to the gleaming Markthal.
Day two brings a surreal experience: a floating farm in the heart of the city, where you will witness urban farming innovation firsthand. Next, cruise to Kinderdijk, where historic windmills stand tall against the sky. Step inside a working windmill and learn how these giants have kept Dutch feet dry for centuries. In The Hague, explore the majestic Peace Palace and witness international justice in action. Savor a traditional Indonesian Rijsttafel dinner, a flavorful journey through Dutch colonial history.
Amsterdam awaits with its charming canals and rich history. Visit the Anne Frank House, then get hands-on with cutting-edge technology in an interactive workshop. Art enthusiasts will revel in the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum.
Cap off your adventure with a serene canal cruise and a farewell dinner, reflecting on your whirlwind journey through this inspiring country. From windmills to innovation hubs, you’ll experience the Netherlands’ unique blend of past and future. Are you ready to be amazed?
Belize
- Location: Belize (San Ignacio and Tobacco Caye)
- Dates: June 7-14, 2025
- Trip Leaders: Erin Galvin & Jean Han
- Program Cost: $2960
- Airfare estimate: $815
- Total Cost Estimate: $3775
- Eligibility: Middle School students – Grades 6-8
- Capacity: 15-18 students
- Vendor: World Leadership School
- Read more: Detailed Itinerary
- Initial Application due Sunday, October 20.
Get ready for an exhilarating eight-day journey through Belize, where ancient history meets vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty. Your expedition begins with a step back in time at the majestic Maya city of Xunantunich. Climb ancient stone pyramids and learn about traditional music, dancing, and food from the region. Next, prepare for an adrenaline rush as you tube down winding rivers through Belize’s lush rainforests. Feel the cool splash of crystal-clear water and spot colorful wildlife along the banks as you navigate the gentle rapids.
Your journey takes a meaningful turn with a day of community service at a local school. Engage with Belizean students, collaborate on a service project, and immerse yourself in the warmth of Belizean hospitality. Indulge your senses at a cacao farm, where you’ll experience Belize’s rich chocolate-making traditions. Taste the sweet pulp of fresh cacao pods, learn about sustainable farming practices, and try delicious hot chocolate.
The coastal portion of your adventure begins with a snorkeling expedition along the Belize Barrier Reef, the world’s second-largest. Dive into a kaleidoscope of marine life and contribute to coral reef conservation by assisting in data collection on coral bleaching. You will spend two nights on the incredible four-acre Tobacco Caye and even have the chance to do a night snorkel. Your scientific journey continues at the Smithsonian Research Station on Carrie Bow Caye. Here, you’ll meet marine biologists, peek into their labs, and learn about groundbreaking research aimed at protecting Belize’s marine ecosystems.
Cap off your trip with an exploration of Belize’s vital mangrove forests and bird sanctuaries. Kayak through narrow waterways, spot exotic birds, and understand the crucial role these ecosystems play in coastal protection. Your adventure concludes with a night tour of the Belize Zoo, where, armed with a headlamp, you’ll meet Belize’s fascinating nocturnal wildlife and learn about important conservation efforts.
This Belizean odyssey offers the perfect blend of adventure, cultural immersion, and environmental stewardship. You’ll traverse jungles and reefs, connect with local communities, and contribute to real conservation efforts—all while experiencing the unique charm of Central America’s only English-speaking country.