Center for International Studies
Fort Worth Country Day is committed to preparing young people to make a difference in a complex and changing world.
We strive to cultivate the knowledge, skills, and disposition necessary to understand and act responsibly and creatively to resolve local and global issues. While many schools simply offer their students opportunities to travel, FWCD seeks to cultivate global competence in all JK-12 students by weaving global perspectives into the curriculum, working with local partners to contribute to our Fort Worth community, and providing meaningful international travel and hosting exchanges.
While language immersion is at the top of my list, I also feel that the experience of traveling and seeing different cultures, different life perspectives is critical for raising a global citizen able to communicate with all people and to destroy stereotypes.
-Upper School Parent
Our Mission
The mission of the FWCD Center for International Studies is to provide programs and experiences that build students’ capacity to thrive in an ever-changing global community.
Center initiatives include overseas summer expeditions, exchange opportunities and cultural programs meant to ensure that all FWCD graduates gain an understanding of the following global competencies:
- Experience in and ability to investigate the world beyond their immediate environment.
- Ability to recognize and appreciate perspectives other than their own.
- Ability to engage in open, appropriate, and effective interactions across cultures.
- Ability to take action for collective well-being and sustainable development.
The Center at a Glance
- Summer Travel Opportunities to Europe, Australia, South America and Asia.
- Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder Program: FWCD is one of 20 schools in this prestigious service learning program. FWCD students and teachers have volunteered in Detroit, New Orleans, Pine Ridge Reservation, Panama, Tibet and Cambodia.
- Fort Worth Sister Cities International Youth Exchange Program: International youth trips and exchanges intended to develop deeper cross-cultural mindsets and understanding.
- Short-term hosting opportunities in collaboration with Fort Worth Sister Cities Ambassador Middle School Program and Language & Friendship, Inc. FWCD has hosted students from Japan and France.
- Campus-Based Initiatives: World Heritage Day, multiple service learning activities, ongoing development of global competency curriculum and alumni travel.
Travel Programs and Opportunities
Jump to: FWCD Programs | Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder | Sister Cities
Request Financial Assistance 2025-26
2025-26 Programs
Québec (February 6 - 9, 2026)
Québec Carnival Four-Day Weekend
Dates: February 6–February 9, 2026
Host: Upper School French Teacher Christine King
Cost: $2,200
Info Session: Monday, April 14, 6:30 p.m., Moncrief Library
Open to Current French Students in the Classes of 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029
Step into a full French cultural experience. We will journey to Old Québec and the Château Frontenac, uncovering the hidden ramparts built by the first settlers to the region, before sliding down the Glissades on the Dufferin Terrace and soaking in the amazing views of the Saint Lawrence River during their guided tour – complete with time to shop in this charming European-style city. The excitement continues with a full day at the world's largest winter carnival and a dinner experience at Cabane à Sucre. Here we will enjoy a traditional meal, lively folkloric music and dancing, and learn about maple distillation as we make our own maple syrup popsicles. The next day, we will meet a Wendake Tribe leader for an educational presentation in the Huron village before we do some dog sledding in a beautiful wintery wonderland. Afterward, we will visit ValCartier Resort to explore the spectacular Ice Hotel and go snow tubing. The four-day trip is designed to give FWCD French students many opportunities to practice their language skills in real-world settings, while experiencing the magic of Québec. This experience will not repeat in the 2026-27 academic year.
If you are interested in the trip but can’t make the information session on Monday, April 14, please email Christine King ([email protected]).
Italy (March 14 - 22, 2026)
Journey through Italy: Spring Break 2026
Dates: March 14–March 22, 2026
Host: Middle School Latin Teacher Clint Hagen
Cost: $5,489
Info Session: Monday, April 14, 6:30 p.m., Moncrief Library
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.
If you are interested in the trip but can’t make the information session on Monday, April 14, please email Clint Hagen ([email protected]).
Europe (May 26 - June 5, 2026)
Soar to New Heights on an Unforgettable Alpine Adventure
Dates: May 26–June 5, 2026
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!
If you are interested in the trip but can’t make the information session on Monday, May 12, please email Rob Napier ([email protected]).
Spring Break and Summer Opportunities with Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder
Panama Children's Education and Sustainable Tourism (All Girls)
Puerto Rico Sustainable Farming: Connecting Land and Culture (All Boys)
Spring Break and Summer Opportunities with Fort Worth Sister Cities
Visit www.fwsistercities.org; check the website for more information and watch for updates.
Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder
Ethical leadership development through experiential courses. Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder (SStS) courses offer unique opportunities to work alongside local NGOs in many different locations as they seek to improve conditions in their communities.
Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder programs allow students in grades 8-12 to learn about ethical leadership while working alongside trusted partners and being immersed in the communities they serve. Community service hours are available for all programs. Fort Worth Country Day is an SStS partner school, which means students can access a tuition discount, financial aid and priority admissions. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but programs are limited to 12 students and fill quickly. Apply today.
International experiences, whether cultural or academic, give students a look into the broad spectrum of the world and does not limit their learning to the United States.
-Upper School Parent
Global Coalition of Schools
FWCD is one of 13 schools in North America in the Shoulder to Shoulder Global Coalition of Schools.
Fort Worth Sister Cities - Cultural Exchange
Fort Worth Sister Cities International focuses on making connections through education, arts, culture, economic development and humanitarian assistance through cultural immersion, spring break, and summer trips for students in grades 8-12. Approximate costs range from $350 - $4,000. Limited financial aid is available.
Learn more about: Fort Worth Sister Cities Program | Youth Exchanges | Hosting Opportunities
We live in a global economy and it is imperative that FWCD students are prepared to work and live in this global society. We want our students to feel the freedom of travel and not be intimidated by the unknown. If our kids think the world is a small place, they will be much more likely to venture out into the world and do amazing things.
-Middle School Parent
Contact the Center for International Studies
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 817.732.7718, ext. 3589
