2025-26 marks 10 years of the Wildcats Around the World series, which invites students to reflect on and discuss global citizenship and multicultural experiences.

At the first Wildcats Around the World event of the 2025-26 year on September 19, Upper School students who participated in Rye Country Day’s Summer Global Studies Travel Programs shared their experiences traveling to Iceland and Peru.

During the lunch-and-learn series, students discussed the experience of being immersed in a new culture. Highlights from the panelists who visited Iceland included visiting a family farm to learn about Icelandic rural life and seeing firsthand how the country harnesses its natural resources to provide 90% of its energy. Highlights from those who traveled to Peru ranged from exploring the Amazon Rainforest and Machu Picchu to painting a local school, planting crops, and learning traditional dances. 

The most meaningful takeaway for all of the participants? The lasting memories and connections formed, as they broadened their awareness about other cultures and experiences.

Student Participants: 

Hank Brown ’27

Chris Estill ’28

Dylan Fenyes ’26

Ximena Garcia ’27

Paul Heintz ’27

Zara Khemlani ’27

Sadie Kolodner ’28

Chiara Perkins ’28

Ryan Pauta ’26

Brandon Testa ’28

Jacob Tucznio ’27

Shawn Wei ’26