This past summer, Pace students traveled all over the world with the Isdell Center for Global Leadership, leaving Atlanta to dive into new cultures and learn about sustainability and global issues up close. Three trips really stood out: Greece, Bali, and Ecuador.
In Greece, students explored Athens, visiting the Acropolis, Plaka, and other parts of the city. They then traveled to the island of Lesvos, helping out at a refugee camp, working on food projects, and hearing firsthand stories from locals. Highlights included visiting Skala Kallonis, Molyvos Castle, and Petra, walking through villages, and learning about refugee arrivals from a local nurse. On the last day, students visited Camp Moria, an abandoned refugee camp that once housed 20,000 displaced people. The trip ended back in Athens with an art workshop, zine-making, and a meal at a refugee-owned restaurant. “We have more journey ahead of us, but our time in Lesvos and the people who were kind enough to share their stories with us will forever be ingrained in our spirits,” said the group collectively.
In Bali, students focused on the environment and wellness. They joined beach clean-ups, made eco-bricks, and worked with groups like Bye Bye Plastic Bags and the Bali Sea Turtle Society. In Ubud, they learned about sustainable farming, visited schools and local foundations, and explored the art and symbolism behind traditional Balinese offerings. For Senior Jake Haggman the highlight was hiking up Mount Batur, starting at 1:30 a.m. and reaching the summit at 5,600 feet. While it was too cloudy to see the sunrise, students enjoyed hot chocolate in the clouds before descending to relax at a natural hot springs resort. Senior Jake Hagman said it was “exhausting but also incredible,” showing him how small actions matter in protecting the planet.
Ecuador was a straight-up adventure. Students started at Kingue Farm learning sustainable farming, then hiked in Pasochoa Reserve before a multi-day backpacking trip in the Andes, practicing leadership and Leave No Trace principles. They also hiked Guagua Pichincha volcano, reaching a crater at 15,200 feet with roaring winds. The trip ended in Yasuni National Park in the Amazon, where students explored the rainforest, learned about Kichwa culture, and canoed on the Tiputini River. Senior Harriet Blaha said, “My favorite part of Ecuador was when we jumped into the Tiputini River and swam with anacondas, piranhas, and caymans.” Along the way, there were a few mishaps, but everyone made it back home in one piece.
These trips were more than vacations. They pushed students to try new things, learn new skills, and see the world from a fresh perspective.