Middle School Students Build Global Connections During Summer Trip to England

Over summer break, eight of our Middle School students had the opportunity to explore British history and culture and make connections with peers from around the world during an immersive, three-week international trip, which was made possible through NSA's partnership with Independent Schools Cultural Alliance (ISCA).

Throughout their time in England, students visited some of the country's premier sites, including Stonehenge, Winchester Cathedral, the London Eye and more. The excursions were planned with students in mind, capitalizing on their sense of wonder and empowering them to learn more about the world, others and themselves in a diverse and friendly community.

"The trip was indescribably amazing, and I visited some places that made my jaw drop," said Nick Ricks '29. "I enjoyed the connections I made with my fellow students, and the staff members were incredibly understanding and kind."

This travel opportunity gave our students the chance to explore the best of England, past and present. They toured sites that are central to the modern British government, including Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament and Downing Street. They also visited the iconic Christ Church, which was famously featured in the "Harry Potter" films, during their trip to Oxford. In London, they saw "Wicked" at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, and there was even a Tom Holland sighting. At the same time, many of our students' excursions were steeped in history. They toured the Natural History Museum and the British Museum, which is home to the Rosetta Stone, visited Winchester Castle, which included King Arthur's round table, walked the grounds of the Tower of London and learned about its history, watched a jousting tournament complete with full armor, lances and live competition and more. Boat tours on the River Thames and Great Stour River were also highlights of the trip, offering students unique views of London and Canterbury.

"I enjoyed the entire experience," said Eva Louise Riggs '30. "The counselors are amazing people, along with every student and teacher there. It was a once-in-a-lifetime trip, and the sites were absolutely amazing. When I say I had an amazing time, I really mean it." 

During their time abroad, students stayed at the historic Cranleigh School. Located 38 miles southwest of London, the boarding school is now one of the leading co-educational, independent boarding schools in the UK. As one of the most prestigious schools in England, the boarding accommodation, the food and dining facilities are of the highest quality. Cranleigh also has excellent sports facilities, which allowed students to play a variety of games with their peers from around the world, including badminton, squash, cricket, rugby and more. In addition to athletics, students had plenty of time on campus to explore the arts. Actors with the world-renowned Globe Theatre spent a day at Cranleigh visiting with ISCA students and bringing literature to life in an unforgettable way. Several on-campus social events, including a dance, a barbecue dinner and a scavenger hunt, gave students the opportunity to form special bonds with their peers from around the world.

"In England, I enjoyed making new friends and discovering different cultures," said Essence Velazquez '30. "I also enjoyed becoming more independent."

We're so proud of our students for taking advantage of all the new experiences offered to them across the pond! Special thanks to Middle School teacher Shelby Hammond for chaperoning this trip. If you'd like to learn more about the ISCA experience, you can visit their website.