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Hear the World Expeditions

Individual-enrollment programs designed for students with various hearing abilities

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From the cadence of a new language to the call of a bird, sounds can deepen our experience and appreciation of a new place. Hear the World, a global initiative by hearing systems manufacturer Phonak, and Global Explorers have combined forces to offer the first-ever Hear the World Expedition. Hear the World Expeditions create the unique platform where students explore science, culture, leadership and service while at the same time raising awareness around hearing-related issues.

In 2010, the Hear the World Expedition will integrate students ages 17-22 of various hearing abilities for the learning adventure of a lifetime in the Peruvian Amazon. Much more than a simple trip, the Hear the World Expedition will include preparatory curriculum, a 4-day training retreat, a two week international field workshop, follow-up service projects and a large-scale public outreach campaign.

The team will be accompanied by Bill Barkeley. As one of 15,000 people in the U.S. with Usher’s Syndrome (Type 2) (the leading cause of deaf-blindness in the world), Bill’s 2007 summit of Mount Kilimanjaro shattered expectations (read article). With the assistance of Phonak hearing system devices, Bill was successful in not only reaching the summit but also in sharing a story of inspiration, determination and aspiration, telling the world about assistive technologies available to those with hearing and vision problems (view Bill’s Phonak testimonial video ).

The Expedition:
Who: 17-22 year-old students with and without hearing loss
Where: Peruvian Amazon (Learn more about destination)
When: Required Training Retreat: May 13-16, 2010 (Estes Park, Colorado) Amazon Expedition: July 8-17, 2010
Price: $2,900 + Airfare to Lima, Peru (All costs associated with the training retreat are included) (what does this price include?)
How: 2010 Application deadline has passed. Please email for information on how you can be involved in Hear the World Expeditions
Learn More: Download pdf Flyer (Sample itinerary, price breakdown, etc.)

Did you know about 800 million people worldwide are affected by hearing loss?
Hear the World is a global initiative by hearing system manufacturer Phonak to raise awareness about the importance of hearing and the consequences of hearing loss. Learn more about the Hear the World Foundation initiative here.