Center for International Studies

Journey to Spain

Dates: May 31-June 9, 2027
Travel Investment: $5,596
Teacher Sponsors: Michael Parker, Middle School Humanities Teacher, and Cristina Szmigiel, Middle School Spanish Teacher
Trip Interest Meeting: Monday, April 20, 2026, 6 p.m.; Moncrief Library

Open to the Classes of 2031, 2032

Students will embark on a journey through Spain through an immersive language and cultural experience designed especially for middle school learners. From historic cities and iconic landmarks to vibrant markets and centuries-old traditions, students will explore Spain’s rich history, art and architecture while practicing their Spanish in real-world settings. This carefully planned trip blends educational tours with authentic cultural experiences, including savoring Spanish cuisine, discovering local customs, and connecting classroom learning to life abroad. 

The French Caribbean: Martinique and Guadeloupe

Dates: June 1-10, 2027
Travel Investment: Approximately $6,000 (all-inclusive, depending on the number of students)
Teacher Sponsors: Rob Napier, Middle School French Teacher, and Névine Watkins, Lower School French Teacher
Trip Interest Meeting: Monday, May 11, 2026, 6 p.m; Middle School Amon G. Carter Foundation Commons

Open to the Classes of 2031, 2032, 2033, 2034

In the French-speaking Caribbean Islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe, students will extend their learning far beyond the classroom. These destinations combine the academic richness of the Francophone world with the warmth of island life, offering students a full cultural and linguistic immersion. This blend of academics and cultural immersion builds language fluency, global awareness, critical thinking, and independence in a safe, supportive 10‐day adventure. Activities include hiking on a volcano and in a rainforest, enjoying an eco-kayaking tour, partaking in a chocolate workshop, and snorkeling at the Cousteau Reserve to learn more about marine biodiversity. Accommodations will be at beachfront hotels. 

Hawaii: Marine Science Seminar

Dates: June 8-22, 2027 (subject to change)
Travel Investment: Approximately $7,000 (Trip includes food, airfare, class, textbooks, activities, transportation and accommodations); not included: snorkel gear, checked luggage fee. 
Teacher Sponsors: Mark Lichaj, Science Department Chair and Upper School Chemistry Teacher, and Steve Uhr, Upper School Biology Teacher
Trip Interest Meeting: April 16, 2026, 6 p.m., Upper School Science Building Room 110 (Lichaj classroom)

Open to the Classes of 2028, 2029

Turn the Pacific Ocean into a classroom in summer 2027. This immersive program, based at the Hawaii Preparatory Academy, offers students a unique blend of high-level academics and world-class field exploration.

• Earn Credit: Students complete one full semester of Topics in Science (FWCD). The curriculum includes morning lectures, afternoon field labs, and a final exam.
• Active Learning: Daily excursions take students across the Big Island to collect data and study diverse ecosystems, from volcanic landscapes to coral reefs.
• Iconic Experiences: Highlights include exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a descent on the Atlantis Submarine, and a night snorkel with manta rays.
• Campus Life: Students live in the HPA dorms and are taught by skilled local instructors who provide deep insight into the island’s biology and geography.

Civil Rights Tour of the South

Dates: June 7-11, 2027 (Pre-Work Week), and June 14-18, 2027 (Trip Week)
Travel Investment: $3,225 (all-inclusive, depending on the number of students)
Teacher Sponsors: Nicole Masole-Rose, Director of Community Engagement and Inclusion, and Blake Gandy, Upper School History Teacher
Trip Interest Meeting: May 12, 2026, 6 p.m.; Upper School Schwartz Room

Open to the Classes of 2028, 2029, 2030, 2031

Retrace the journey of America’s greatest civil rights leaders from Atlanta, Georgia, to Birmingham, Selma and Montgomery, Alabama, concluding in Memphis, Tennessee. Learn from local guides about the struggle for civil rights in the United States while visiting renowned sites such as the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, the Edmund Pettus Bridge, and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice. 

WW II U.S. History: London, Normandy and Germany

Dates: July 19- 31, 2027
Tour Investment: $5,619 
Teacher Sponsors: Christine King, Upper School French Teacher, and Rob Napier, Middle School French Teacher
Trip Interest Meeting: April 22, 2026, 6 p.m.; Upper School Room 103

Open to the Classes of 2028, 2029, 2030, 2031

This immersive World War II U.S. history tour takes travelers across England, France, Belgium and Germany, bringing history to life through the places where pivotal events unfolded. The journey begins in London, where students explore iconic landmarks and step inside the Cabinet War Rooms and Imperial War Museum to understand Britain’s wartime leadership and resilience. From there, travelers cross the English Channel to Normandy to stand on the D-Day landing beaches, visit Pointe du Hoc, and pay tribute at the American Military Cemetery. The tour continues through Bastogne, site of the Battle of the Bulge, and into Germany, where students examine the rise and fall of Nazi Germany at the Nuremberg Rally Grounds and War Crimes Tribunal courtroom. Visits to Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial, Berlin’s historic sites, and museums such as the Topography of Terror and Jewish Museum provide insight into the Holocaust and its lasting impact. Along the way, travelers also experience the culture and daily life of each region, from city walks and historic cathedrals to meaningful memorials and museums, creating a deeply educational experience that connects classroom learning to the real world. Visit explorica.com/King-1570 for additional information. 

Journey through Italy: Spring Break 2026

Dates: March 14–March 22, 2026  

Registration Deadline: October 1

Host: Middle School Latin Teacher Clint Hagen

Cost: $5,489

Open to the Classes of 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029

Experience the rich history, art and culture of Italy over spring break 2026! Students will step into history and trace the impact of Roman civilization from its beginnings through the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, modern Europe, and the United States as they walk the streets of Pompeii, stand in the shadows of the Colosseum and Roman Forum, and gaze up at the breathtaking frescoes of the Sistine Chapel. We’ll explore the treasures of the Vatican Museums and participate in a one-of-a-kind virtual reality experience inside Nero’s Domus Aurea, bringing ancient Rome to life like never before. Between these awe-inspiring moments, we’ll dive into the heart of Italian culture and make pizza with a true pizzaiolo, visit a mozzarella farm, and learn the traditional tarantella dance. From the sun-soaked cliffs of Sorrento and Capri to the vibrant streets of Naples and Rome, every stop on this journey promises adventure, discovery, and unforgettable memories. Don’t miss this chance to see Italy in a way that textbooks simply can’t capture. 

Email Clint Hagen ([email protected]) to register. Click on this link for additional information. 

Soar to New Heights on an Unforgettable Alpine Adventure

Dates: May 26–June 5, 2026

Registration Deadline: October 31

Host: Middle School French Teacher Rob Napier

Cost: $6,629

Info Session: Monday, May 12, 6 p.m., Amon G. Carter Foundation Commons 

Open to the Classes of 2030, 2031, 2032, 2033

Get ready for breathtaking landscapes, exciting experiences, and world-class cuisine on this 11-day journey through the heart of the Alps! This trip kicks off in Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital, where we’ll learn to cook from some of the best chefs in the business. From there, we’ll wander the storybook streets of Annecy before ascending to the dizzying heights of Mont Blanc, the tallest peak in Europe! The adventure continues as we cross into Italy by cable car, taking in spectacular views along the way. Then it’s off to Switzerland for Alpine toboggan runs and the delights of making our own delicious Swiss chocolate. Our journey wouldn’t be complete without exploring Lake Geneva, home to the Olympic headquarters, the United Nations, and the Red Cross. We’ll cap it all off with a scenic evening cruise, soaking in the beauty of the Swiss Alps as the sun sets over the water. Don’t miss your chance to explore the Alps like never before!

Email Rob Napier ([email protected]) for more information or to register.

Secrets of the Nile: Ancient Egypt

Dates: June 1–10, 2026

Registration Deadline: October 31

Hosts: Middle School Humanities Teacher Michael Parker and Middle School English Teacher Jackie Rains

Cost: $4,747

Info Session: May 5, 6 p.m., Moncrief Library

Open to the Classes of 2029, 2030, 2031

Step into a world where ancient wonders meet timeless beauty. Our expedition begins in Cairo, Egypt, and then flows down the legendary Nile River, the lifeline of Egypt for thousands of years. As we cruise its tranquil waters, we will pass by golden deserts, lush green riverbanks, and bustling towns – just as the ancient Egyptians did centuries ago. We will step back in time and explore some of the world’s most awe-inspiring wonders, including the Pyramids of Giza, the mysterious Valley of the Kings, the grand temples of Luxor and Karnak, and the treasures of Tutankhamun. This trip is more than a vacation – it’s a chance to bring your fifth grade Ancient Civilization studies and sixth grade World Geography studies to life. Are you ready to uncover the secrets of the Nile?

Email Michel Parker ([email protected]) or Jackie Rains ([email protected]) for more information or to register. 

2026 Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder Summer Programs

In 2026, Fort Worth Country Day celebrates a seven-year partnership with Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder – a collaboration that advances FWCD’s mission to develop students of integrity, leadership and global perspective. Through immersive, tech-free experiences, Upper School students have the opportunity to participate in transformative experiences that extend far beyond travel. In small groups, students work alongside community leaders on meaningful, community-based projects that build empathy, leadership skills, and a deep sense of responsibility. From conservation and marine biology to public health, sustainable development, ecotourism and rural education, students explore real-world issues that extend far beyond travel. 

Email Chelsy Beninate ([email protected]) to express your interest in the SStS trips listed below.

FWCD has a longstanding partnership with Fort Worth Sister Cities International, which focuses on making connections through education, the arts, culture, economic development, and humanitarian assistance through cultural immersion, spring break, and summer trips for students in grades 8-12. Approximate costs for these Leadership Exchanges range from $350 to $4,000. Limited financial aid is available. The application process for 2026-27 programs will be shared in the fall. 

Visit www.fwsistercities.org; check the website for more information and watch for updates.