Upper School Global Travel Programs
Morocco: Crossroads of Culture | March 2026
How do history and culture shape perspectives and practices related to religion, art, gender, and identity? At the tip of North Africa, Morocco has been an intersection of cultures for centuries. From Berber communities to the arrival of Islam; French colonization to the current Kingdom, new traditions, languages, and values have evolved. And in today's post-colonial realm, the country continues to redefine itself and how it relates to the rest of the world.
Our program will explore the history of this fascinating region, and the current challenges and opportunities across the country. In Rabat we will dive into the historical influence of Islam, visit important sites of the Jewish faith, and consider the legacies of French colonialism. In Marrakesh, we will experience the crossroads of the country and see how different communities come together today.
Our program will be guided by these queries: What can we learn from this multicultural and multilingual place? And how might we draw from this experience to cultivate understanding across cultural differences in our own communities?
Iceland: Sagas and Sustainability | June 2026
In Iceland, sagas have been retold for centuries, oral and written, as a way of remembering and interpreting the past. And today, stories and creative writing are still shaping how Icelanders connect with current ideas about sustainability and cultural identity. This program will provide an opportunity to explore Iceland's historic sites, dramatic waterfalls, and awe-inspiring glaciers, as we begin to unravel the stories that have shaped Icelandic culture and sustainability, and seek inspiration for the stories we want to tell about our world.
Our exploration of Iceland will center on these queries: How do we make the urgency of climate change more accessible? How can we share our first-hand experience in Iceland with others to encourage changes that will benefit us all?
Upper School Global Education Travel Program 2024-2025
In June 2025, 18 Upper School students and three dedicated educators—Kara Kutner, Director of the Center for Peace, Equity and Justice; Kirsti Peters, Director of Diversity, Equity & Belonging; and history teacher Stephon Richardson—embarked on a powerful journey across South Africa. Designed in partnership with EDU Africa, this immersive program invited students to explore the intersections of identity, resistance, reconciliation, and shared humanity in one of the world’s most culturally and historically complex nations.
Rooted in the School’s Global Education mission, the experience empowered students to lead lives of meaning and impact by engaging deeply with diverse perspectives and global challenges. Through personal reflection, historical inquiry, and joyful cultural exchange, students nurtured a culture of curiosity, empathy, and courageous action—hallmarks of Friends’ commitment to shaping globally conscious citizens.