The world is your classroom
To prepare students to navigate both the opportunities and challenges characteristic of our increasingly interconnected world, Ethical Culture Fieldston School extends the boundaries of the traditional classroom with a variety of global learning experiences for students in Fieldston Middle and Fieldston Upper, mostly in the form of spring break trips and summer programs.
ECFS believes that global education and travel should not be mere tourism; they must entail service in action. By combining service learning with cultural immersion, our students come away from their adventures with a better understanding of another culture through firsthand experience.
Whether through the partnerships that we have formed with educational or non-profit groups in China (Beijing and Nanjing) and French Guiana, trips to France, Spain, Japan, and elsewhere that complement our students’ study of foreign languages, or service programs faculty have led in Costa Rica and Haiti — global learning at ECFS enriches our academic programs with the multicultural dimensions of learning at all stages of development. By broadening their perspectives, students gain a deeper understanding of international issues and their responsibilities as global citizens.
Examples of recent global learning experiences
Japan (Fieldston Upper)
Fieldston Upper students experienced a balance of historical and cultural highlights on their trip to Japan, from visiting the Toyokuni Shrine dedicated to the second unifier of Japan to enjoying a traditional Japanese confectionery store and participating in a tea ceremony. Other stops included UNESCO World Heritage sites like Kiyomizu-dera, Ryoanjo, and the Temple of the Golden Pavilion. Amidst the fun of watching a sumo tournament and riding a bullet train, students also walked through the Peace Memorial in Hiroshima, considering facts and debates touched upon in their history and ethics classes.
Costa Rica (Fieldston Upper)
Our students’ journey to Costa Rica focused on the country’s commitment to wildlife preservation, sustainability, and education. After a boat tour exploring Tortuguero’s wildlife, students proceeded to Sarapiquí for service projects involving reforestation and assisting in cleaning and planting a school greenhouse. Students also connected with Costa Rican culture by sampling local fruits and meeting schoolchildren who shared music and dance with their guests. While a visit to the Arenal waterfall and canopy tour were key highlights, the chance to leave an impact on a specific community was most rewarding for students.
Rome (Fieldston Middle and Fieldston Upper)
8th–10th Grade Latin students traveled to Rome and recognizing the familiar in a new setting was essential to their experiential experience. Trip leader and Latin Teacher Erik Hanson assigned students reports on various sites beforehand, allowing them to present on a particular landmark, piece of art, or object when the group reached beacons such as the Colosseum, Circus Maximus, Ostia Anica, and more. The group also ventured to Florence for a day trip, visiting Il Duomo and the Uffizi galleries. Back in Rome, a week of enjoying local delicacies culminated with a cooking class.
Upcoming trips: Spring Recess 2025
Fieldston Middle and Fieldston Upper students will have the following international trip opportunities over Spring Recess 2025:
“El Camino de Norte: España” (Fieldston Middle): Students will participate in an immersive experience in Spain, visiting picturesque cities and towns including Madrid, Bilbao, Barcelona, and San Sebasián. In Barcelona, students can meet and interact with their pen pal peers at Instituto Severo Ochoa.
“España x La France” (Fieldston Upper): This unforgettable program showcases the stunning arts and architecture of Spain and France and will allow students to explore the shared charms of these countries. This adventure includes stops in the dazzling cities of Madrid, Barcelona, Provence, and Paris!
“Cities of Southeast Asia” (Fieldston Upper): Students will embark on an adventure through the vibrant cities of three captivating countries. This journey offers a unique chance to dive into the rich histories, diverse cultures, and unique languages of often unfamiliar regions. Get ready to explore the treasures of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand!
“Andiamo in Sicilia!” (Fieldston Upper): Students will visit Sicily and explore five millennia of history and culture. Located in the center of the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily has been settled by Phonecians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, and Normans, among others. Each culture left a mark on Sicily’s rich contemporary cultural landscape. Trip highlights include visits to Ortygia, Agrigento, Piazza Amarina, and several days in Palermo.
