Our first Global Travel Information Night this past Thursday was a big success, drawing a standing-room only crowd to the Faulkner Reading Room. Parents and students showed up to hear representatives of three programs describe the AFS global travel opportunities this year. The Costa Rica and Hurricane Island trips are open to all Upper School students and the Tasmania exchange is open to current 9th grade students.

This Week asked Rosanne Mistretta, Director of the Center for Experiential Learning, to write more about the Information Night. Here’s her report:

“First up among the speakers was Lyn Johnston of the Friends School in Hobart, Tasmania, who directs the Tasmania Exchange. Lyn described what life in Tasmania is like and how different the topography and wildlife are from Philadelphia. (Think kangaroos, koalas and wombats!) What’s interesting is that our schools are very similar, since they are both Quaker schools and embody a similar mission and philosophy. AFS sophomores Jonah Fine and Amira Parker who pioneered the exchange this past summer, were there as well to answer questions.

“Next we heard about the trip over spring break to Costa Rica, which will be led by Chill Expeditions, a well-regarded expedition company. Fellow teacher Mary Jimenez and I will chaperone the trip, which will be a combination of service, cultural exchange, sustainable farming practices and adventure.

“The trip to The Center for Science and Leadership in Rockland, Maine, will be in June, right after the end of the school year. The students will spend a week on a breathtakingly beautiful island off the coast of Maine and will take part in hands-on scientific research on marine environments and wildlife. I will join teachers Jenny Burkholder and Kyle Rankin in chaperoning the students.