Global Studies Program

History, Culture and Service in Peru

Eleven GWA students traveled with Mrs. Benfield and Dr. Dibble to Peru during Winter Term. Mrs. Benfield shared a recap, “The 9-day trip to Peru was laden with experiences in and exploration of Spanish and Incan art, culture, history, and adventurous eating. We jumped between habitats, beginning in warm coastal Lima, then spent several days at high altitudes (7,000-11,000 feet) in Cusco and Machu Picchu. We were wowed by sites of grandeur, from the gold and silver-gilded altarpieces in the 16th-century Cathedral of Cusco, to the precision cut 100-ton limestone blocks making up the Incan citadel of Sacsayhuaman. Alpaca and spit-roasted guinea pig, tangy ceviche, and fresh hot churros were some of our favorite foods. Dr. Dibble and I were filled with pride by the way our travelers fearlessly tackled their 2-day service project to build an addition to a girls’ dormitory in the town of Ollantaytambo.

Sophomore Isabel Choe shared her experience in Peru. “There was a great deal of history behind each city, like the catacombs in St. Francis Monastery, or the mystery of Machu Picchu. Also, giving back so others can get an education like we get daily, really puts everything into a different perspective of how lucky we are. The work we did impacted more than we even got to see, which was empowering, knowing that this allowed girls to have a place to live while getting secondary education. Each city we visited provided many interactions with the locals, especially the city just before Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes. There we played soccer with some of the kids, tried fruits at the market, and made conversation with the people. This trip allowed us to experience new things from an unforgettable adventure within the culture and beauty of a different country.”

Touring France

By Cécile Gervais and Landon Shannahan

Our journey to France with 19 GWA students was nothing short of incredible. As a native Frenchwoman, it was a joy to share the beauty, culture, and history of my country with them.

We began in Paris, where the students had countless "FaceTime" moments from the Eiffel Tower, capturing memories that will last a lifetime. The cooking class in the heart of the city was a hit, full of laughter and delicious food. And of course, the crêpes! I’m fairly certain our group singlehandedly boosted the crêpe economy.

At Versailles, the students enthusiastically embraced their roles as Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, making history come alive as we wandered through the Hall of Mirrors and the stunning gardens.

In Lyon, we explored the fascinating Gallo-Roman ruins and delved into the powerful stories of World War II at the Musée de la Résistance. It was a meaningful and educational experience for everyone.

Finally, our time in Chamonix was nothing short of magical. Sliding through the snowy streets of this alpine town brought so much joy, but the real highlight was our ascent to the Aiguille du Midi. Standing on top of the world, surrounded by glaciers, was awe-inspiring. The students also loved snowshoeing through the pristine trails, where we even organized a friendly race—an experience filled with laughter and unforgettable views. And the food in Chamonix? Simply fantastic.

Ninth grader Landon Shannahan shared his thoughts about the trip, "Imagine standing on the highest mountain in the Alps. Well, I don’t have to. My favorite place we visited in France was Chamonix. There we went to the top of Mont Blanc, snowshoed in the Alps, and ate delicious cheese fondue. I’m glad we visited in January, as there was plenty of snow for snowballs or sledding, so the fun didn’t end when we got back to the hotel. I’m very thankful for this opportunity, since it was my first trip to Europe, and I did not want to leave."

Adventures in Asia

Mrs. Suzy Quinlan and a group of students enjoyed an amazing Winter Term trip together. She shared the highlights. “Our 9-day trip to South Korea and Japan was many things. Breakneck, cold, breathtaking, historic, educational, fun, exhausting, and memorable! We learned about South Korean and Japanese culture, we experienced the historic political climate in Seoul, we saw religious, cultural and STEM specific sights. We found many 7-11’s, learned how to cook a traditional South Korean dish and how to roll sushi. We saw visually mind-boggling sights at light displays in Seoul, at YomiuriLand while riding rollercoasters and at TeamLab in Tokyo. We saw Mt. Fuji up close as well as from our hotel rooms and from the Tokyo SkyTree at sunset. So many experiences that leave all of us who were fortunate enough to be able to participate in this trip with a lifetime of memories and new friends and so many inside jokes.”

Tenth grader Phillip Akin said, “My trip to South Korea and Japan offered a captivating view of two similar, yet distinct, Asian cultures. Amidst the vibrant—yet freezing—city of Seoul, I visited Gyeongbokgung Palace while also getting to make bibimbap, a traditional Korean dish consisting of rice, gochujang, and a medley of vegetables. We later toured the DMZ, and got to hike down the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, which I found very interesting because my great-grandfather fought in the Korean War. In the heart of Tokyo, we went to the Meiji Shrine—a dedication to the deified spirits of the Meiji Emperor. But what I enjoyed most of our trip was the TeamLab Borderless, a high-tech art installation in Japan that questions what defines art. Overall, I’m thankful that I got to travel on this trip since it was my first time visiting Asia and hope to revisit.”

St. Paul's School

Barcelona, Spain

George Walton Academy is proud to partner with St. Paul's School to provide engaging international exchange opportunities. Students from St. Paul's experience education in America as they spend several weeks at GWA, hosted by one of our school families. Students from these GWA host families then have the chance to travel to Barcelona where they spend several exciting and enriching weeks studying at St. Paul's School. 

Saint-Denis International School

Loches, France

George Walton Academy is proud to partner with Saint-Denis International School to provide engaging international and cultural exchange opportunities. Students from Saint-Denis experience education in America as they spend one month at GWA, hosted by one of our school families. Students from these GWA host families then have the opportunity to travel to Loches where they spend an exciting and enriching month studying abroad. 

Dainfern College

Johannesburg, South Africa

Details coming soon.

George Walton Academy has received national recognition for excellence in global education from EF High School Exchange Year, the leader in high school exchange. 

The EF High School Exchange Year Global Education Excellence Award is presented annually to high schools that demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to international understanding and global awareness.  GWA was one of a select group of high schools and districts recognized across the United States for the 2018-19 school year. 

"George Walton Academy has shown an outstanding commitment to offering a global education,” said Bob Fredette, President of EF High School Exchange Year. “By welcoming exchange students into the classrooms, GWA has created new and unique learning opportunities for not just the exchange students, but for the American students and faculty as well."

This year, GWA welcomed two EF High School Exchange Year exchange students. Not only were the students accepted into the school, but they became an integral part of the school's academic and extracurricular life and involved the greater community in the exchange experience. “My experience at GWA has been amazing,” said EF students Thea and Maria from Norway and Italy.  

Local exchange coordinator Sherry Coffman added, "We thank GWA for welcoming this year's students from around the globe. The community and visiting students shared an unforgettable experience thanks to the generosity of George Walton Academy administration, teachers, students and families." 

In addition to welcoming students to the U.S., GWA students have opportunities to travel abroad themselves as part of the Academy’s global studies program. Educational trips are offered to Spain, Belize, the Galapagos Islands, South Africa, and Croatia. “Learning doesn’t just happen within the four walls of our classrooms,” said Femke Côté, GWA Associate Head of Curriculum and Global Studies. “Rather, we want students to understand real-world connections to what they have learned in class and we believe in the incredible power of taking students off campus as a means to transform the learning process.”

Pictured in photo l-r: Femke Côté, GWA Associate Head of Curriculum and Global Studies, Maria Aggazio (Italy), Thea Bergan-Antonsen (Norway), Sherry Coffman, EF High School Exchange.