The 2026 Global Studies Spring Travel Programs marked a powerful continuation of our commitment to immersive, meaningful, and student-centered global education. Across Taiwan, Puerto Rico, Mexico, South Africa, and through the Crossing Borders initiative, students engaged deeply with language, culture, history, and community, experiencing the world not as visitors, but as active participants.
In Taiwan, Puerto Rico, and Mexico, students experienced the languages that they are studying in our classrooms not just as an academic subject, but as a living practice, navigating daily interactions, building relationships, and gaining confidence through full cultural immersion. These experiences cultivate adaptability and a deeper sense of global awareness.
A particularly powerful area of growth has been the expansion of service learning within the Crossing Borders programs in Mexico and Puerto Rico. In both locations, students engage directly with local communities, contributing their time and effort while learning from the people and environments around them. This reciprocal approach transforms the experience from observation to participation, helping students understand social challenges, cultural contexts, and the importance of responsible global citizenship.
In South Africa, students explored the intersections of conservation and history, examining the legacy of apartheid alongside contemporary environmental efforts. Through fieldwork and dialogue, they developed a more nuanced understanding of justice, sustainability, and global interconnectedness.
Across all programs, the impact is clear: students return with greater independence, empathy, and a more nuanced understanding of the world. The continued growth of these experiences reflects a commitment not only to expanding opportunities but also to deepening their place in this world to find a sense of purpose. As responsible educators, we ensure that students are not just traveling, but learning in ways that are lasting, purposeful, and transformative.
MS Puerto Rico: Service and Cultural Immersion
US Crossing Borders Trip: California and Mexico
US Taiwan: Chinese Language and Culture
US South Africa: Sustainability and Urban Development
