This winter, spring and summer break the Isdell Center for Global Leadership (ICGL) will lead ten global study tours. These ICGL tours provide a rare opportunity for students to explore new communities and develop the skills to thrive no matter their location. In other words, the trips help achieve Pace Academy’s goal of creating confident and prepared citizens of the world. This year’s trips offer a diverse array of fun and exciting places to visit, and here are some ideas for next year!
Brazil
Brazil, known for its diverse wildlife, lush rainforests and amazing history, was an ICGL trip in 2022, and and according to junior Hayes Pollard, “It was an amazing trip, Pace should definitely do it again!” This gorgeous location would allow students the opportunity to deep dive into the origin of settlements in America and the effects of colonization and foreign rule. The Amazon, located in Brazil, also offers the perfect opportunity to study different species as well as deep dive into understanding our ecosystem. Not only would it provide an educational experience, but also a fun and gorgeous adventure. The tour could even camp near the Amazon for a few nights before heading into some surrounding cities. “Brazil is super fun, and really gorgeous. I would go back again if I could!” said sophomore Kitty Lubin.
Zambia
Zambia, a country in Africa, is known for its waterfalls and wildlife that are like no other. The country is filled with exotic animals such as elephants, rhinos, cheetahs and giraffes. These animals live along the rivers as well as national parks which make it an amazing destination to do safaris or get up close to wildlife. Zambia also has the Mosi-oa-Tunya Falls, this national park houses the greatest curtain of falling water in the world, and is an astounding view! Having students travel to such an environment provides a fun vacation and an exceptional trip to explore the wildlife and beautiful environment of southern Africa.
France
Although ICGL has led a tour to France, it has never visited Paris before. The City of Light, as many have called it, is admired for its flourishing achievements in the arts, architecture and history. The city remains one of Europe’s most prominent and influential cities. Paris is full of beautiful architecture such as the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and the Palace of Versailles. Visiting the Louvre Museum is also a once-in-a-lifetime experience, allowing students to see world-renowned pieces and sculptures by some of the best artists in history. Students would also get the chance to visit the Seine river and Catacombs to see human impact on the city. Sophomore Ava Grant says, “I’ve always dreamed of going to Paris. It’s one of those places where you feel like you just have to go at some point.” Paris’s charm also extends to its local markets, a broad array of cultures, and expert cuisine.
Croatia
Located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, Croatia is unique because of its thriving coastal cities and distinct culture. Cities such as The Old City of Dubrovnik make Croatia a dream for anyone interested in history. The city’s walls were completed in the sixteenth century, and the town has been almost entirely preserved. There are also over 1,000 islands near the coast of Croatia, leaving tons of land and sea to explore. There is a never-ending list of activities to do on the land and water.
Hawaii
“I would love for them to go to Hawaii! That would be so fun, and Hawaii is so pretty!” sophomore Eloise McDonald stated. With six major islands to visit, Hawaii is an amazing and adventurous destination. Hawaii is known for its beautiful beaches, marine life and volcanoes. Going to Hawaii would allow students the chance to go out on tons of marine adventures, whether it’s snorkeling or just swimming in beautiful waters, making it an amazing opportunity to go hiking in the mountains and see an active volcano. The trip would be an amazing addition to the ICGL tours next year!
Pace ICGl helps build a house in Brazil in March of 2023. Photo from Pace ICGL instagram.