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: One of 14 schools in the 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, On-going Development of Global Competency Curriculum and Alumni Travel.
Travel Programs and Opportunities
Jump to: FWCD Programs | Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder | Sister Cities
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2024-25
2023-24 Programs
France and Spain (May 28-June 7, 2024)
D-Day and Basque Beaches: Remembrance and Celebration
To celebrate the 80th anniversary of the momentous D-Day landings on June 6, 1944, when American, British and Canadian troops bravely landed on the beaches of Normandy to begin the liberation of France, which led to the ending of World War II. We will be showing our respect to those who fought for freedom, visiting the beaches and learning how ‘Operation Overlord’ played out. In addition, we’ll discover the beautiful west of France: the magnificent Mont St. Michel Abbey, plus the charming cities of Nantes and UNESCO-listed Bordeaux. We’ll also learn about Basque culture in the chic coastal resorts of Biarritz and San Sebastián before ending our voyage in Spain’s vibrant capital, Madrid. This is an ideal trip for French and Spanish students (Latin students welcome, too!) who will enjoy numerous opportunities to practice what they have learned in the classroom while sampling the fabulous food found in France and Spain!
Grades: 7-8
Estimated Cost: $6,000
Deposit: June 1, 2023
Minimum of 12 travelers
Contact: Rob Napier (rob.napier@fwcd.com) with questions and to express interest
Iceland (June 3-18, 2024)
Discovering STEM in ICELAND (.5 credit Topics in Science)
Are you curious about the world? Come learn about geology in the land of fire and ice! Students will spend one week (June 3-7, 2024) in the classroom at FWCD learning various topics in geology before flying to Iceland. The exploratory learning will continue as students examine the unique geological features of Iceland (June 13-18, 2024). The trip will include a visit to the bridge between continental plates, magnificent waterfalls, active geysers, a hike on top of a glacier, another hike inside a glacier, a geothermal power plant and a day at the Blue Lagoon Spa. We will end the trip by experiencing the culture of Reykjavik. The experiential learning will conclude with a research paper related to one of the topics covered in this class.
Grades: 9-11
Estimated Cost: $5,500
Deposit Deadline: June 1, 2023
Minimum of 15 travelers
Contact: Dr. Heather Peace ([email protected]) with questions and to express interest.
2024-25 Programs
England (March 15-22, 2025)
Spend spring break 2025 in England!
Visit the London Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio, Westminster Abbey, West End theatres, the Globe Theatre, Shakespeare's birthplace, and other exciting places as we engage with theatre and art throughout England. Destinations include London, Stratford-Upon-Avon and Bath.
Grades: Open to Students in the Classes of 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028
Estimated Cost: $5,500
Teacher Sponsors: Siouxsie Easter and Eric Tysinger
Canada (May 27-June 4, 2025)
Enjoy a fun trip north of the border and discover our beautiful neighbor, Canada!
We'll go to cosmopolitan Montreal, the historic capital of Ottawa, and end in charming Quebec City. We'll visit amazing sites, taste delicious food, and learn a lot about this fascinating country. This trip, customized for FWCD, is available to all Middle Schoolers but will be especially beneficial for French students as they can practice what they have learned in the classroom while developing their cultural competency.
Grades: Open to Students in the Classes of 2029, 2030, 2031, 2032
Estimated Cost: $5,000
Traveler Limit: 20
Teacher Sponsors: Rob Napier and Shari Lincoln
Trip interest meeting: Thursday, April 25, 2024, 6:30 p.m.
Greek Isles (May 30-June 8, 2025)
Sail with us and discover the wonders of the Greek Isles.
This trip brings to life the study of ancient civilizations introduced throughout the Middle School history and English curriculum. Walk the paths of ancient Greeks to learn more about their history, culture, and gods and goddesses. This 10-day trip includes excursions on mainland Greece and a cruise to multiple Aegean Sea islands.
Grades: Open to Students in the Classes of 2029, 2030
Estimated Cost: $5,902
Teacher Sponsors: Michael Parker and Jackie Rains
Trip Interest Meeting: Monday, April 8, 2024, at 6 p.m. in the Moncrief Library
China (June 3-13, 2025)
Join us on an adventure in China, old and new.
Our 11-day itinerary will start in Hong Kong where we’ll tour the city and enjoy the Star Ferry from Hong Kong to Kowloon. We’ll then fly to Guilin, known for its unique scenery and the peaceful town of Yangshuo. We’ll cruise the Yulong River on a bamboo raft, enjoy a bicycle tour, and have tea with a local family. Next, we fly to Xi’an and see the life-size Army of Terracotta Warriors before finishing the tour in China’s capital city, Beijing. We’ll visit the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, learn some Taiji exercises, and see the Great Wall. This is just a taste of what our itinerary includes.
Grades: Students in the Classes of 2026, 2027, 2028
Estimated Cost: $5,800 (deposit due May 2024)
Sponsors: Chelsy Beninate and Stephen Blan
Trip Interest Meeting: Wednesday, April 17, at 6 p.m. in the Moncrief Library
Hawaii (Tentative Dates: July 1-16, 2025)
Marine science on the Big Island of Hawaii
This summer marine science course is hosted on the Big Island of Hawaii. Students are housed at Hawaii Preparatory Academy in dorms, and classes on marine biology, ecology and geography are taught on campus by certified and skilled instructors from the islands. Afternoons consist of daily field trips for labs and data collection. This is a one-semester credit class in Topics in Science at FWCD. The graded course includes homework, quizzes, participation and a final exam. Participants take excursions to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Atlantis submarine, and a manta ray snorkel. Students are responsible for bringing their own snorkel gear.
Grades: Students in the Classes of 2026, 2027, 2028
Estimated Cost: $6,240; Deposit due in April 2024
Class Limit: 24 Students
Teacher Sponsor: Sherri Reed
Spring Break and Summer Opportunities with Fort Worth Sister Cities
Visit www.fwsistercities.org; check the website for more information and watch for updates.
Spring Break and Summer Opportunities with Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder
Visit shouldertoshoulder.com; 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 thirteen different locations as they seek to improve conditions in their communities.
Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder recently announced its 2024 programs. All 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
Cultural immersion, Spring Break, and Summer trips for students in grades 8-12. Approximate costs range from $350 - $4000. Limited financial aid is available.
Learn more about: Fort Worth Sister Cities Program | Youth Exchanges | Hosting Opportunities
Opportunities to Host an International Visitor
Fort Worth Sister Cities International is expecting lots of visitors this year with several home hosting opportunities available.
June 7 - July 3, 2024 – Dual Language Camp facilitators from Mexico
University students from Toluca will come to Fort Worth to work with FWISD elementary school students on their English and Spanish language skills. Students are busy working each day during the week.
July 14 - 21, 2024 – Global Leaders in Action
High school students from our sister cities will visit Fort Worth to participate in Global Leaders in Action, a 10-day summer program for students to explore how they see other cultures and understand global influences while using leadership skills to promote world peace through service to their communities. Students will have activities planned each day during the week.
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
