From the lively streets of New York City and the charming history of Boston, to the captivating landscapes of Paris and the dynamic culture of China, many of our students traveled across the country and to other countries during Spring Break. These diverse experiences not only broadened their perspectives but also reaffirmed our dedication to nurturing world-ready graduates equipped to thrive in an interconnected world.

During the 10-day trip to France, 28 Upper School students, accompanied by four teachers and chaperones, immersed themselves in French culture and history. They explored cities in the northwest part of France, including Normandy, Brittany, and the Loire Valley. Highlights included visits to historic sites such as Mont-Saint-Michel, Omaha Beach, and the Colville Cemetery, deepening their understanding of global history. Engaging in experiences like line dancing and cooking classes not only improved their French language skills but also created lasting memories and friendships.

"During the trip, students were making a huge effort to speak as much French as possible, not just in shops and restaurants, but also with me,” said Roxanne Lécrivain, Middle and Upper School French Teacher. “Students were speaking with perfect pronunciation and answering all my questions, even those who had never taken French before."

Meanwhile, as part of an ongoing relationship between Viewpoint and Jiaxiang School, a group of five teachers and students journeyed 4,982 miles to Chengdu, China, for an international cultural exchange organized by the Sichuan Association for the Promotion of Educational Excellence (SCAPEE). They joined teachers and students from Jiaxiang, Macau, and Thailand for various activities, including a debate on artificial intelligence, cooking classes, sightseeing in Chengdu, and a visit to the Panda Museum. The visit also provided our students with the opportunity to stay with local families, allowing them to experience Chinese culture firsthand.

"You can't overestimate the value of getting out of your cultural comfort zone, meeting new people, and realizing how vast the world is,” shared Robert Bryan, Associate Head of School. “Whether it's traveling to any part of the world, the benefits of experiencing different cultures, making new friends, and learning from each other are invaluable."

Closer to home, a group of 19 Juniors participated in the East Coast College Tour, an annual trip where students visit up to 15 colleges over the course of a week. Led by our College Counseling Department, students venture from Boston to D.C., visiting a range of institutions. Colleges on the itinerary include small liberal arts colleges, large public universities, and prestigious institutions like Yale and George Washington University.

"It's a very valuable program. Not a lot of high schools offer programs like this,” shared Manny Mohareb, Senior Associate Director of College Counseling. “If I had done a trip like this, it would have opened up my eyes to a whole kind of opportunity that I didn't even know existed."

These experiences go beyond the classroom, enabling our students to immerse themselves in different cultures, make new friends, and broaden their understanding of the world. Viewpoint is committed to providing these enriching opportunities, shaping our students into citizens prepared to make a positive impact globally.