Events Calendar

Cachoeira Vivências - a socio-environmental organization focused on community development and biodiversity conservation - will partner with YASC for a week of service in Serra Grande in March 2025. Projects will focus on local initiatives to strengthen the community's connection to the environment; to promote the education and well-being of children and adults; and to provide education and consultation in financial management to local business owners and prospective entrepreneurs.

Anticipated projects include:

• Agroecology - volunteers will create an environmental reserve along the river by cleaning and revitalizing an area to provide an educational trail for use by the community.
• Education and Arts - volunteers will design and conduct educational activities about local ecosystems, flora and fauna, and river ecology, using art, music, and physical activities to enhance learning.
• Athletics - volunteers will lead activities designed to promote the health and well-being of children and seniors within the community, through athletics and exercise.
• Construction - volunteers will build basic structures to support community activities with a focus on the training of young people in simple construction using wood and hand tools.
• Entrepreneurship/Financial Education - volunteers will offer workshops and consult with members of the community about financial management and entrepreneurship.

Review program policies, terms and conditions, and listen to the recording of our YASC in Brazil 2025 webinar.

For questions or further information feel free to contact trip co-producers Judy Kessen Crawford '76 and Perry Sayles '88 at yascbrazil@gmail.com or João Aleixo at the YAA at joao.aleixo@yale.edu.

Nice, Monte Carlo, Cannes, Cinque Terre, Lucca, Florence. These are names that conjure up images of glamorous seaports, sun-drenched beaches, rich masterpieces of art and architecture, picturesque villages, and medieval history—in short, the quintessential Mediterranean journey. Late April and early May are the perfect times of the year, with verdant gardens and landscapes awash with blossoms, and moderate temperatures.

Delight a three-night luxury hotel stay on the French Riviera with a relaxed four-night cruise aboard the Sea Cloud II from Nice to Livorno, with port calls in Portovenere (for the Cinque Terre), the Isle of Elba, and Livorno (for a choice of a day trip to Lucca or Florence). There is no better way to experience the voyage than under sail aboard the incomparable Sea Cloud II, which combines the seafaring elegance of a bygone era with the highest modern standards of luxury. The ship’s small size also allows us to moor centrally in the most scenic harbors and anchor offshore of Portovenere for a visit to the Cinque Terre. In the grand tradition of the world’s finest sailing vessels, guests experience this marvelous ship under sail, as the skilled crew hand-sets over 30,000 square feet of canvas.

A post-tour extension will be offered to Tuscany, at the Borgo Scopeto Wine & Country Relais, a 5-star enchanted estate set in lush vineyards and olive groves in the Tuscan countryside near Siena.

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime Tanzanian safari adventure, beginning with your arrival in Arusha, where you`ll be greeted by the breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Your journey continues to the majestic Tarangire National Park, home to iconic baobab trees and vast herds of elephants. Explore the vibrant birdlife and diverse ecosystems of Lake Manyara, where flamingos, pelicans, and tree-climbing lions create a mesmerizing spectacle. Descend into the awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater, a World Heritage site teeming with abundant wildlife, including the elusive black-maned lions and rare black rhinos. Along the way, you`ll also have the chance to visit local schools, traditional homes, and a biogas plant, providing a unique cultural insight into the region.

Next, delve into ancient history at Oldupai Gorge, one of the world’s most important paleoanthropological sites, before venturing into the iconic Serengeti National Park. Witness the great migration of wildebeest and zebras, and experience thrilling wildlife drives to spot predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Enjoy panoramic views of the sprawling Serengeti plains, providing the perfect blend of adventure and tranquility. Conclude your journey with a flight back to Arusha, where you`ll have a final opportunity to shop for local crafts and savor Tanzanian cuisine before heading home, enriched with unforgettable memories of East Africa`s stunning landscapes, rich cultural encounters, and extraordinary wildlife experiences.

Embark on a captivating journey to the Galapagos Islands, beginning with your arrival in Quito, Ecuador, where you will enjoy a warm welcome reception and dinner. The next day, fly to San Cristobal Island to embark on the Coral I and visit the Interpretive Center and Frigatebird Hill. Your adventure includes “wet” and “dry” landings, giving you the chance to explore diverse landscapes and encounter unique wildlife. From the striking lava formations and migratory birds at Cerro Brujo to the stunning views and nesting colonies of boobies at Pitt Point, each day promises unforgettable experiences.

Delve into the geological and biological richness of Española Island, where you will witness vibrant seabird colonies, dramatic volcanic formations, and the famous blowhole, "Soplador." Continue to Floreana Island, home to flamingos, sea turtles, and historical Post Office Bay. Explore the highlands of Santa Cruz Island to observe giant tortoises and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Discover the seabird colonies of Genovesa Island, snorkel in the marine-rich waters of Rabida Island, and ascend to the summit of Bartolome Island for panoramic views. Conclude your voyage with a serene dinghy ride through Black Turtle Cove before returning to Quito for a farewell dinner, bringing your extraordinary family adventure to a close.

Experience the best of New Zealand and its three main islands, the North Island, South Island, and Stewart Island, on this unforgettable 14-day cruise aboard the Kiwi-owned and operated Heritage Adventurer. This spacious and comfortable vessel contains a full fleet of 14 Zodiacs, allowing all passengers ample opportunity for exploration.

Begin with one night in Queenstown, the country’s adventure capital, then embark on a 10-night cruise from Fiordland National Park to Auckland, calling at Milford Sound, Doubtful and Dusky Sounds, Stewart Island, Dunedin, Akaroa, Marlborough Sounds, Wellington, and Tauranga. A diverse menu of excursion options offers generous access to the island nation’s dramatic glacial fiords, geothermal wonders, cultural richness, and untamed wilderness. On naturalist-led Zodiac expeditions, observe active geothermal pools, crashing waterfalls, and some of world’s rarest wildlife species in their natural habitats. Visit the rarely accessed Stewart Island and take a guided walk in Rakiura National Park, with its stunning coastal rainforest. In the breath-taking Marlborough Sounds, walk ashore on the Queen Charlotte Track, ranked one of the top ten walks in New Zealand.