Global Studies

Bridges and Barriers: Experiencing the Border in El Paso & Las Cruces

Grades 9-11

The area around El Paso, TX; Las Cruces, NM; and Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, represents a fascinating window into the complexities of the U.S.-Mexico border. The nearly 2,000-mile border sees 350 million legal crossings annually, while the more remote areas of the border see another estimated 500,000 illegal entries. While the debate over U.S. immigration rages on, government and non-profit agencies continue to adapt to the ebbs and flows of migration. Students will meet and work with the leaders of a network of nonprofits that provide shelter, food, legal advocacy, and other services to immigrants. Through these experiences, students will deepen their understanding of timely current issues with global and local implications. 

Vikings and Volcanoes: Exploring Iceland's Climate Past and Future

Grades 9-11

In this program, students will discover first-hand Iceland’s incredible sources of sustainable energy through outdoor activities and learn how this small nation confronts global warming. We will travel the Golden Circle visiting the natural wonders of Iceland and learn how these resources drive Iceland’s alternative energy economy. The group will explore Reykjavik’s vibrant urban environment and get to know the quieter inland and coastal towns for a unique perspective on the different cultures of Iceland. Students will investigate a rift between continents, walk black sand beaches in search of puffins, and hike through Iceland’s stunning National Parks for epic views of volcanoes and glaciers. By learning about the environment, students can begin to relate our activities to the larger topics of energy and climate change. This program is designed to provide a real-world understanding of how sustainable and alternative energy is implemented in Iceland. Most importantly, students will gain a greater appreciation for the way local efforts toward conservation impact the local environment and the world.

Peru: Lost Cities & Living Jungles

Grades 9-11

Discover Peru's rainforests and cultural heritage sites. The students begin the trip in the Amazon rainforest, where they meet with Indigenous people, fish for piranha, search for pink dolphins, walk through the canopy forest bridges, and study the ethnobotany of the region. The first half of this trip teaches our students about environmental stewardship and the importance of Peru's rainforests, locally and globally. Our group then flies to the Sacred Valley where they take a day-hike on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and explore the villages and ruins of the valley. Students will learn about Peru’s vast natural resources, fascinating history, and diverse culture, all while gaining a deeper appreciation for the world around them. They will become stronger global citizens through working with the indigenous communities of both the rainforest and the Sacred Valley. By visiting both locations, students will witness the interconnections between the regions and learn to extrapolate that to the world.

National Parks & Public Land in UT & AZ

Grades 9-12

Students will be learning about science and geology of the American southwest. In addition, Native American history and the region’s place in United States history (westward expansion, pioneer heritage and indigenous cultures of the Southwest). The work would tie into the Humanities and Science department classes. The region includes many potential sites of interest, such as national and state parks (Grand Canyon, Bryce, and Zion), geological, hydrological and archeological sites. 

Athens, Greece: Ideals of Democracy

Grades 9-11

The Athens Democracy Program is a nine day cultural immersion program for those RCDS students having a strong interest in the origins of democracy, and the development of strong democratic institutions. The purpose of this program is to increase student knowledge and understanding of the complex legacy of the ancient Greek world by situating student-led and project-based learning within the context of the ancient and modern cultures of Athens, the capital city of Greece. 

Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Hong Kong

Grades 9-11

This specially crafted 12-day program will offer students a comprehensive view of Southeast Asia, including its landscapes, history, ethnic groups, economy, environment, and advanced development in technology and infrastructure. The itinerary is designed to incorporate natural explorations and language activities. The Chinese community in Singapore constitutes the largest ethnic group, accounting for approximately 74% of the population. The majority of Malaysian Chinese citizens are descendants of Southern Chinese immigrants, largely from Fujian and Guangdong, who arrived in Malaysia between the early 19th and mid-20th centuries. Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, is home to a vibrant mix of ethnic groups, including Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous communities. Hong Kong is widely recognized as "Asia's World City." This melting pot of diversity is reflected not only in the city's language but also in its religious landscape, with over 5 major religions practiced and Cantonese, Mandarin, and English widely spoken. 

El Paso, TX and Las Cruces, NM: Borderplex Collaborative Leadership Program

Grades 9-11

The border area around El Paso (Texas), Las Cruces (New Mexico), and Ciudad Juárez (Mexico) is pulled between the conflicting realities of the USA and Mexico. Because of its history, the region represents a fascinating window into the complexities of the U.S.-Mexico border – and, in fact, the complexity of many international borders around the world. The nearly 2,000-mile border between the United States and Mexico sees 350 million legal crossings annually, making it the busiest border in the world. The more remote areas of the border see another estimated 500,000 illegal entries, and the U.S. government is ramping up efforts to better secure the border and pass immigration reform. While the debate over U.S. immigration rages on, a tight-knit community of government and non-profit agencies continues to adapt to the ebbs and flows of migration over the border near El Paso and Las Cruces. 
 
Students will fly into El Paso and will quickly become immersed in the complex Mexican/American culture that exists in the region. The group will stay at a local retreat center outside of the city. Students will meet and work with the leaders of a network of nonprofit agencies that provide shelter, food, legal advocacy, and other services to immigrants. Through these experiences, students will deepen their understanding of timely current issues with global and local implications. The group will stay on the US side of the border throughout the duration of the program.

Iceland: Frontiers of Climate Change

Grades 9-11

Explore the land of fire and ice to experience the surreal landscapes and unique culture that make this Nordic island one of the world’s top destinations. We discover Iceland’s incredible sources of sustainable energy through outdoor activities as we experience first-hand how this small nation confronts global warming. 

Travel the Golden Circle visiting the natural wonders of Iceland, the continental divide, geysers and waterfalls and learn how these resources drive Iceland’s alternative energy economy. Explore Reykjavik’s vibrant urban environment and get to know the quieter inland and coastal towns for a unique perspective on the different cultures of Iceland.  Investigate a rift between continents, walk black sand beaches in search of puffins, and hike through Iceland’s stunning National Parks for epic views of volcanoes and glaciers. By learning about the environment we can begin to relate our activities to the larger topics of energy and climate change. How has Iceland’s approach to energy impacted the local environment and world? What lessons can we learn from Iceland? 

This course is designed to provide a real-world understanding of how sustainable and alternative energy is implemented in Iceland. We explore a new environment and develop an appreciation for a culture that varies from what we are accustomed to at home. Most importantly, we gain a greater appreciation for the way local efforts toward conservation impact the local environment and the world. 

Upper School Concert Choir Tour of Spain

Grades 9-12

The Rye Country Day School Concert Choir will travel to Spain in March 2023. Touring Spain allows the US Concert Choir to take their performances to a new level as they perform in historic churches and share concerts with peer choirs from Spanish High Schools. The choir will stay in the spectacular UNESCO World-Heritage town of Avila - founded in the 11th century to protect Spanish territories from the Moors. It is the birthplace of St Theresa and the burial place of the Grand Inquisitor Torquemada. With a population of around 50,000 people, Avila is small, safe and an easy drive to other Spanish city gems like Madrid, Segovia and Salamanca.

Sicily: Intensive Study of Ancient Civilizations

Grades 9-11

How is our understanding of other perspectives and of ourselves deepened through intensive cultural immersion? This program will seek to answer this essential question through engagement with other cultures, both ancient and modern. The ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome have left indelible marks on our world, and nowhere is this felt more strongly than on the island of Sicily.

Immersed in this setting, students will integrate their knowledge of classical languages, history, and literature with their direct experience of Sicilian culture. On-site activities will include group readings in situ ranging from dramatic scenes by Plautus and Sophocles to a recitation of Marcus Cicero’s prosecution of Gaius Verres, the corrupt former governor of the Roman province of Sicilia. The classroom will expand to take in the stunning mosaics of the Villa Romana del Casale and the breathtaking expanse of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Accommodations will be in hotels in the cities of Taormina, Syracuse (the ancient Greek and Roman capital), and Palermo (the capital since Norman times). Students will have opportunities to compare ancient and modern cultures, discover cross-disciplinary connections, explore archaeological sites, and much more.
Participants will be expected to attend pre-travel meetings and share their experience with the RCDS community after the program.

The program is offered in partnership with The Paideia Institute for Humanistic Study, a Brooklyn-based, non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the study of the classical humanities through innovative, experienced-based, educational programming.

Upper School Concert Choir Tour of Ireland

Grades 9-12

Members of the RCDS Concert Choir enjoyed an unforgettable trip to Ireland during the first half of Spring Break. They toured the country, performing at cathedrals, monasteries, and breathtaking historical landmarks, while experiencing authentic Irish culture, music, and history.

Iceland: Land of Fire & Ice

US/Mexico Border Program

Sicily: Intensive Study of Ancient Civilizations

Upper School Concert Choir Tour of Cuba