Global Studies

Through global studies, students develop a deep understanding of other perspectives and of themselves.

Through its Global Studies program, Rye Country Day School prepares students to participate actively and ethically as global citizens. Through the study of world languages and cultures, global travel programs, and opportunities to learn and share about the diverse backgrounds represented in the RCDS community, students develop an understanding of the world around them and their place within it.

The global studies program fosters a comprehensive understanding of world cultures, natural environments, and social and political systems. This is built on observing the interconnection between individuals, systems, and how one’s actions affect and are affected by those of others. This awareness prepares students to make meaningful contributions to the broader community with a deep sense of respect and appreciation for diverse perspectives, cultures, people, and environments.

Travel Program

Travel Program

RCDS arranges 2-3 global experiences each year. Our goal is for every student to have the opportunity to learn from a global experience during their high school years. Recent programs have included exploring border issues in El Paso, environmental issues in Iceland, extending learning of Classics languages in Sicily, civil rights history in the American South, and more.

June 2023 Programs

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.

ISSEN

RCDS is an active member of the Independent Schools Experiential Education Network (ISEEN). Learn more.

The 17 Global Goals

RCDS has adopted the 17 Sustainable Development Global Goals. Learn more at globalgoals.org.

Director of global studies

Dan Murray

Contact

Global Studies in the Curriculum

Lower School

Students begin to develop their understanding of the world, first through learning about themselves, their families, and their friends and then about their school, their community, and, finally, the world at large. From learning about fellow classmates in Pre-K and about homes around the world in Kindergarten to exploring geography, immigration, global water conservation, the United Nations in Grades 1 through 4, our students enjoy learning about the world through field trips, books, interactive projects, and globally-focused units. Starting in second grade, students study French or Spanish and learn about the cultural traditions of the languages’ speakers.

Middle School

Middle School students learn about advocacy and gain the building blocks of how to be active, global citizens. From studying languages, religions, and world history to attending presentations and panels featuring outside speakers and reading international texts, students experience a curriculum that reflects global experiences and forms a foundation of awareness and engaged global citizenship. Students examine how they can be active advocates in the global landscape through partnership with organizations, peers, and schools. They identify and learn about causes and organizations working within the global space, and they make critical connections that both understand and transcend borders.

Upper School

Interdisciplinary travel programs provide extensive opportunities for students to learn about new places and people. The new connections that students make through the experiential benefits of travel build awareness. Global concepts are woven in the Upper School curriculum across disciplines, from language courses to literature and coding. Speakers, clubs, and a discussion group around school-sponsored travel experiences, summer enrichment programs, and personal travel are a few of the opportunities available to students. Students apply problem solving and critical analysis skills to thinking about how to effect change in specific global issues. They are encouraged to identify complex, world problems and then to try to solve them. RCDS Upper Schoolers graduate with global knowledge and skills, ready and eager to be active and ethical world citizens.

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