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In the 21st century, advances in technology and social media put students in direct contact with their peers across the world. By connecting language use to authentic situations outside of the classroom and observing cultural practices in real-world contexts, Urban students become more resourceful and empathetic, develop greater linguistic competency, and gain a deeper understanding of their role as global citizens. To fulfill Urban's core values, which call for learning that extends beyond the classroom and instills in students a sense of mission and purpose as citizens of the larger community, Urban engages in language and culture-focused local opportunities and global travel.
Urban School exchange with Lycée Sainte-Anne, Brest, France
Urban School exchange with Lycée Sainte-Anne, Brest, France
Urban students traveled to France in the spring of 2017/2018. Please check out the 2017 French trip blog.
Located at the westernmost point of France, Brest is a seaside city that dates back to the Middle Ages and was rebuilt after suffering heavy bombardment during WWII. In addition to visiting sites in the city itself, Urban students will also travel to Normandy where they will visit the famous D-Day beaches and the iconic Mont Saint-Michel. From the west, the group will then travel to Paris.
The Lycée Sainte Anne Brest, located in the city center, was founded in 1897. In its modern form, the school features an international section where students can elect to have their classes taught in a foreign language. The school has an established international exchange program with partnerships in the US (New York and Denver) as well as in India, England, and Ireland among others.
As part of the exchange program, 15 students from the Lycée visit Urban for two weeks in the Winter, and approximately 15 Urban students travel to Brest in the Spring. This partnership with Lycée Sainte-Anne expands Urban's global education opportunities, along with relationships/trips with schools and organizations in China, Spain, and India.
"(The school's) culture is more classic and traditional. They write everything by hand. Teachers are addressed by their last names, prefaced by Monsieur or Madame. The teacher teaches while the student sits and learns. There is much less discussion or opposition than at Urban. Everybody enjoyed seeing education through a different lens, and many of us got to participate in English classes. The lunch at the school’s cafeteria impressed us all ... to wrap up an already great day, we got to learn to make crêpes." Maya Olin Class of 2018
Urban School China - Taiwan Trip
Urban School China - Taiwan Trip
On “The Birth of Modern China: Culture, History, Memory," students learn by interaction with local contacts about critical issues related to the history of Modern China and Taiwan, development, political ideology, cultural and religious diversity, and indigenous rights. Students acquire basic Mandarin language skills and learn to interact with diverse communities from mega-cities to farming villages, emerging with a sharpened understanding of themselves, their world, and the compelling issues of their age.
Urban School exchange with IES Seneca, Córdoba Spain.
Urban School exchange with IES Seneca, Córdoba Spain.
IES Seneca is the oldest high school in Córdoba, located in the historical center. The school is committed to the mission of language exchanges: they already go to England, France, and Germany.
“We traveled with our hosts to school, where we attended 5 classes for an hour each. I went to English class, where the teacher had the five of us Americans sit in front of the class and field questions from the Spanish students who were practicing English. Then, I attended physics and biology. . We all discussed our first night with the host families, and the vast differences in teaching styles between the teachers at I.E.S. Séneca and Urban. Arnaud and Mary reminded us that Urban students who go on international trips often return home with a renewed sense of appreciation for their amazing Urban teachers."
“…we visited the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos and La Mezquita, one of the most famous sights in Córdoba. The Alcázar featured some of the most beautiful gardens where Queen Isabella and Ferdinand once walked. This Alcázar wowed us with amazing tapestries and Roman artifacts.”
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