Brazil 2009 Tentative dates: February 27 - March 9, 2009 Destinations: Brazilian Amazon Rainforest near Manaus, and either Iguaçu Falls in Brazil and Argentina, or Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. PROGRAM THEME The 2009 program in Brazil features the theme of "International Environmental Issues" and will focus on the impact of economic development and tourism on natural sites such as the Amazon Rainforest. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROGRAM The program begins in Miami, leaving from the Miami International Airport for a flight to Brazil. Depending on availability, flights may be either through Sao Paulo, or direct to Manaus. Upon arrival in Manaus, the group will stay overnight in the city, taking a city tour of this beautiful colonial European style city, situated at the convergence of the Rio Negro and the Rio Salamoes and its mighty Meeting of the Waters. After a restful stay in Manaus, the group will board motor yachts for a 2 hour ride up the Rio Negro to the Ariau Jungle Lodge where you will spend 3 nights in this internationally acclaimed treetop lodge - where the CBS Survivor series was once filmed, and which was the site for the movie Anaconda. At the Ariau Jungle Lodge, the group will learn about the incredible animals, fish, and birds of the Amazon, up close and personal, by trekking through the rainforest, fishing for piranha in the Amazon, and canoeing under the night sky of the Southern hemisphere searching for Cayman alligators. The program includes visits to local farms and villages along the Rio Negro, where the group will meet local inhabitants and learn about their customs and history. For those adventurous enough to try it, you will be given the option of spending a day and a night in the jungle, using only your wits (and the skills of your local guides!) to survive! Returning to Manaus, the group will board a flight south, by way of Sau Paulo, to Iguaçu Falls, an extraordinary sight spanning two countries and bound by a third. The group will hike up and around the Falls in both Argentina and Brazil, and will examine the immense Itaipu Dam, learning its impact on the local flora and fauna. For those with an adventurous spirit, an optional Zodiac-style boat ride underneath and through the Falls will take your breath away. Howler monkeys will wake you, spider monkeys will entertain you, toucans will inspire you, parrots will amuse you, cayman will startle you, and an assortment of other wildlife will amaze and excite you. You will become connected to this incredible environment and learn of its power and its fragility. REGISTRATION FOR THE PROGRAM Registration for the travel program is in three steps.  You must submit a preliminary registration on the Preliminary Registration page of this website.  Upon receipt, review and preliminary approval, notice will be sent to you via email along with an electronic copy of the necessary forms for step 2.  You must complete and return (1) the application form, (2) educational waiver form and (3) your deposit not later than the date set forth on the form.  You will receive confirmation of receipt along with additional information relating to the program. Deposit for the program is due not later than 90 days prior to the start of the program.  If space is available, late registrations may be accepted, up to 60 days prior to the start of the program, however payment in full is due at that time. You will be sent a final invoice which must be paid before you may participate in the program.  Final payment must be completed at least 60 days prior to the start of the program. COLLEGE CREDIT If you are seeking college credit for your participation, be sure to include that information on the preliminary registration form. Course syllabi will be provided to you for submission to your college to seek approval for participation.  Acceptance of participation is in the sole discretion of that institution and the program is not responsible for providing any college credit. CANCELLATION POLICY We reserve the right to cancel the program for lack of adequate registrants or any other reason, with full refund. We also reserve the right to cancel, amend, or shorten the program at any time as deemed necessary by the program professors.  There is a $400 nonrefundable deposit due upon acceptance for the Program.  If the participant cancels or withdraws anytime before 60 days prior to the start of the program, a full refund, except for the nonrefundable deposit, will be made.  If the participant cancels or withdraws between 60 and 45 days prior to the start of the program, 50% of the fee paid, except for the nonrefundable deposit, will be refunded. Cancellations or withdrawals made less than 45 days prior to the start of the program are non-refundable.  No refunds will be made after the program departs from Miami, FL. ELIGIBILITY FOR TRAVEL This program is designed for college-level participants. Priority is given to students currently registered in a degree-granting institution of higher education at the level of junior or above. Participation by members of the public with an interest in the program theme are encouraged to participate and may do so as space is available. Limitations may be placed on participation based on the content and restrictions of the host country or program requirements. Spouses are encouraged to accompany the traveler. Persons under 18 are not permitted. The program is limited to a maximum of 20 participants. Single participants will be paired with another single same-sex traveler where possible. Single travelers requesting private accommodations will pay an additional fee for that premium service. LIABILITY All travelers assume liability for their participation in this program. Included in the cost of the program is travel insurance that covers basic health matters when traveling and basic trip cancellation insurance. Details will be provided. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS The United States requires that you have a passport in order to leave the country. Brazil requires that you obtain a Visa in order to enter their country. So, your first order of business is to make sure that you have a passport that is valid for at least six months after the start of your travel. If not, you will need to obtain one. Information is available from the US State Department website, http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html To obtain a Brazilian visa, you must have a letter from your travel provider and your US Passport.  The letter is provided to you after you have paid for your travel.  It is highly recommended that you use a Visa service to obtain your passport and that you use the expedited service to avoid any delay in travel.  Failure to have a visa is not a covered occurrence under any travel insurance program.  More information will be provided after you have registered.