North(East)ern Exposure: Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia and its surrounding islands are home to a resilient, hardworking population composed of small communities. We explore identity and community through different immersions and explorations with local people.

Learning Objectives

Students build a better understanding of how small communities become self-sustaining during times of retreat from the outside world.

Students explore the ecosystem of the region and analyze how local conservation efforts align with touristic endeavours.

Participants use the focal point of “Oak Island” to deepen engagement with history and methods used during a real-life treasure hunt.

Lenses of Inquiry

Sustainable Communities

Conservation and Commerce

Indigenous Ways of Being

Places and Activities

This program is flexible, and can be offered in 3, 5, or 7 day itineraries.

Day 1-2: People of the Sea

We take the first two days to get to know local people in Halifax, using our empathic interviewing structure to understand how the community functions. At the Maritime Museum, we understand the central role that water has played in the region’s development. Afterwards, we deepen our understanding by spending the morning on a lobster boat and an afternoon interviewing members of the lobstering community.

Day 3-4: Venturing Out

We leave the city to explore Prince Edward Island National Park, learning and applying the principles of the Leave No Trace philosophy and carrying out a beach hike and clean-up. We get a kayaking lesson from a local biologist and carry out a lake survey, getting up to speed on ecology in the region.

Day 5-6: Hidden Narratives

Our visit to the Membertou Heritage Park gives us a deeper understanding of the rich indigenous history of the region. We participate in a Celtic, Acadian, and Mi’kmaq heritage workshop and a hand drum making workshop! Lastly, we visit Oak Islan, touring to learn about the different theories and attempts made to excavate buried treasures there for more than 200 years!

Let’s work together

“Envoys was at the top of their game from start to finish. What initially interested me was their focus on curriculum during pre-departure meetings and the program itself. Envoys cares deeply about the experience of the participants and faculty. [They] constantly ask for constructive criticism and make changes when necessary.”

— Joe Vogel , Executive Director, Global Education Benchmark Group

“With its emphasis on empathy and general intelligence in planning, Envoys has quickly emerged as a premier global program provider. They are well worth the attention of any of our schools.”

— Paul Miller , Former Director of Global Initiatives, NAIS

“Envoys carefully constructed an educational trip for students that purposefully engaged them to think, reflect, act, and enjoy. The travel logistics were always well-planned, and I had peace of mind knowing that my teen-aged daughter was in safe, responsible, and caring hands.”

— Alice T. , Parent, Deerfield South Korea 2015