School Faculty and Leaders
" I definitely feel as though this trip has helped me to crystallize an approach that we can use to enhance global education and global studies at our school. WLS provided the combination of skills and talents that made the trip a success. Thank you for an unforgettable experience."
- St. Andrews School Faculty, Costa Rica 2011
" I nearly cried when I saw how much the school kids enjoyed their new outdoor space. Hugs from the kids was a bonus! It was awesome to see 'my kids' working with 'the school kids."
- Kent Place Faculty, Costa Rica 2011
"WLS has been an amazing partner in helping Madeira to investiage what's possible with global programming for our students. Their ability to be academic partners and show how this work this connected to sound teaching and learning was masterfully done. WLS has done all of this in a way that only a teacher-student centered organization can do."
- Madeira School Faculty 2011
“My WLS trips to Peru and Kenya are among the most satisfying things I have done with students during my 25 years at Groton.”
– Groton School Faculty, Peru and Kenya 2009
“I continue to be impressed by and committed to the share ideals of Groton and WLS – our work with WLS is making the experience we’re offering students at Groton richer, more interesting, more valuable to them as they develop.”
– Groton School Faculty, Peru 2009
“Our Belize trip provided an amazing, life-changing opportunity for our middle school students. They made a contribution, learned about global climate change and came together as a team in so many ways.”
– Bullis School Faculty, Belize 2009
“It helped me professionally to really begin to grasp the vision of Ensworth for our students to be leaders first and foremost in SERVICE to others. I learned so much about what it looks like to take care of each other. That lesson will not only stay with me personally, but will also transform our school community if everyone got this kind of opportunity.”
– Rebeckah Capps, Director of Admissions Ensworth School, Kenya 2009
“This has been the single most valuable experience in my teaching career so far. “
–Brett Mayer-Aschhoff, Faculty, Landon School, Peru 2008
“Three words describe my experience with the World Leadership School: efficiency, flexibility and care. After realizing how this program can transform a young person’s life, I was inspired to offer it to my students.”
– Carmen Clay, Rainbolt Family Service-Learning Chair, Casady School, Peru 2008
“I gained ecological information about the rainforest, cloudforest and tropical agriculture. I also appreciated working with students who were in difference grade levels as it helped me develop my skills in developing group dynamics. Lastly I truly benefited from the chance to facilitate cross-cultural immersions.”
– Gretchen Bauer, Faculty, The Potomac School, Costa Rica 2009
“This is a very special program and I hope it continues to strive.”
– Ensworth faculty, Peru 2010
Parents
"Thank you very much for the work you do, for giving young adults the opportunity to get out of their comfort zones and have a fuller understanding of the role they can play in adulthood to improve their communities around the world."
- Ensworth School parent, Kenya 2011
"Who is the girl you brought back from Peru and what have you done with my daughter? Seriously, Isabella came home a very expanded version of herself and I like it. I always saw her potential, but during the ten-day trip, she seems to have blossomed into the girl I always knew was there. She learned the value of hard work, broke away from the rules that define affluent American teenage life and cultivated the deepest, most loving part of herself. She would not have discovered who she really is at this stage in her young life without this unique trip. Thank you for contributing to her growth in such a profound way."
- Lake Forest Academy parent, Peru 2011
"(This trip) made her realize just how privelaged she is to live with modern conveniences. It also made her realize that people with very little are often the most generous, happy people. It made her realize that we are just one tiny part of a very large world with many different cultures and types of people."
- Holton Arms parent, Costa Rica 2011
"Our son had a wonderful experience sharing time with the children at the Chilamate School, working on the playground and basketball court making it inot a better play area, and learning about the rainforest and the inhabitants in the area. He said it was one of the most rewarding experiences he has ever had, along with being extremely fun!"
- St. John's Episcopal School parent, Costa Rica 2011
"I think this was very much an eye opening experience for these girls. The whole world does not live the way we do and they saw that first hand. My daughter loved working with the children and making a meaningful difference in their lives."
– St Mary's Episcopal School parent, Costa Rica 2011
“Greens Farms Academy had a great 10 days in Costa Rica. I think this is the best service project program around. Great schedule, great host families, great leaders, loved the daily blog to keep us informed, well organized, full of work and fun. Well done. Will recommend it to everyone. Thank you for all your work.”
– Greens Farms Academy parent, Costa Rica 2010
“This trip opened [my sons’] eyes to the happiness and struggles the Kenyan people have in their own lives. I believe both of my sons are better people because of the experiences afforded to them because of these trips.”
– Groton Parent, Kenya/Peru 2009
“I think that Todd learned to take things he has with a higher level of appreciation. My biggest fear is that my children begin to feel entitled because we want to give them more than we had. This was a good experience to show him how fortunate he is and that it is his responsibility to give back.”
– Shady Side Academy parent, Peru 2009
“I think (this trip) planted a seed, a curiosity about the world and other cultures that will continue to grow. I think it helped John to see the difference between need and want. He was very moved by the children – their beauty, their simplicity, the generous spirit. I think that touched him a way that has softened his own heart a bit.”
– Stanley Clark School parent, Belize 2009
“Thank you so very much for arranging all of the details to make this trip so special for Will. We can never thank you enough for creating the myriad of activities while keeping him and his classmates safe. Again, thank you for the experience of a lifetime for all of the Casady students!”
– Casady School parent, Peru 2009
“Thank you again for an absolutely enchanting and physically demanding 3 weeks. We have no doubt that these boys grew in extraordinary ways and developed bonds that will carry forward a lifetime. It is clear that Charles brought home far more than he took to Peru. You have put together a "top drawer" staff and program and you lived up to all of our unreasonable expectations for your program. We hope that you and Landon School have inaugurated a summer experience that will serve Landon boys for years to come.”
–Landon father, Peru 2008
“I think that [my daughter] got a view of a part of the world that’s completely foreign to her. She saw how other people live, work, go to school, worship and play. It was a ‘real’ life experience as she was there not so much as a tourist, but as a participant. I think that it gave her the opportunity to feel useful and appreciated and to work hard at something for someone else.”
– Casady mother, Peru 2008
“I appreciated all the information that we received while the kids were in Peru. I felt confident that you and your staff were taking good care of them…. My daughter had a great experience. She had a real sense of accomplishment when the playground was finished. It was a wonderful opportunity to be in a situation that was very different from life at home. She truly appreciated the people of the village and how welcoming they were to the group.”
– Casady mother, Peru 2008
“The experience exceeded all of our expectations and not one student or parent would rethink the decision to make this trip happen.”
– International High School mother, Guadeloupe 2009
“It opened her eyes to a different culture and re-enforced her own background in the language and her ability to communicate with others in their native language.”
– International High School mother, Guadeloupe 2009
“Our goals were met. She gave to a community in need, integrated herself within that community, making strong bonds. Megan also created new friendships in The Potomac School which should be rewarding as she finished her second and final year there. It was a positive life experience that she would not have had, had it not been for World Leadership School.”
– The Potomac School mother, Costa Rica 2009
“The program was very organized, well prepared, worth the time and expense and also offered a delightful staff.”
– The Potomac School mother, Costa Rica 2009
Students
"This trip both changed and inspired me to be a more globally active person and to look past the assumptions about individulas and communities that seem foreign to me, and to appreciate the differences as well as what we have in common."
- Berkeley Carroll student, Kenya 2011
"This trip inspired me to think more about my future and the world with it's current issues and what I could do to try and help make it a better place."
- St. Mary's Academy student, Peru 2011
"This trip made me reconfigure my dream for the world. I someone is living a happy life, what right do we have to tell them that our way is better and that they need to change."
- Lick Wilmerding student, Tanzania 2011
" This trip made me grateful and helped me learn how other people live. It inspired me to work in my own community and others."
- BB&N Student, Belize 2011
" I learned that people are the same all around the world."
- St. George's Independent School, Tanzania 2011
"This trip made me realize that I can do more than I thought I was capable of. It was great to help people overseas, but people at home in our own community need just as much, if not more."
- St. George's Independent School, Tanzania 2011
" This trip inspired me to continue connecting myself with people in other parts of the world"
- Groton School student, Peru 2011
“This trip has inspired me to be more aware and active in my community and other places that need help. It has shown me that change is needed, and I can help.”
– Meadows Montessori, Belize 2010
“(This trip) made me realize how easy it was to make a difference.”
– Meadows Montessori, Belize 2010
“The trip made me understand more about the world, ocean, and forest. The trip has inspired me to help others in the world. Keep up the good work and keeping teaching children how to be LEADERS, that is what the WORLD needs.”
– Meadows Montessori, Belize 2010
“I see all these people perfectly content with what they have and it makes me think maybe all of the technology I go carrying around, just makes my life harder and I do hope to experiment with this knowledge.”
– Meadows Montessori, Belize 2010
“(This trip) really changes one’s output on life and makes you want to help people and just make the world a little bit better.”
– Meadows Montessori, Belize 2010
“This trip changed me because it showed that a few kids from a school can make a big difference for kids at another school.”
– St. John’s Episcopal School, Belize 2010
“This trip made me feel like, little by little, I can make a difference, while (the trip) also motivated me to do so.”
– Stanley Clark, Belize 2010
“This trip did change me because it made me realize how something as small as painting a kitchen or organizing a library can help an entire community.”
– Stanley Clark Belize, 2010
“The trip inspired me and further encouraged me to pursue some of my future goals of living with a stronger connection to the environment. The community of Patacancha showed me that it is possible to live with a small effect on the environment in the midst of a materialistic world.”
– Lake Forest Academy, Peru 2010
“The community was so welcoming and hospitable. The people were always friendly and the workers were fantastic. The host family was so generous and very friendly. The trip changed me because it showed me how people, although not as “wealthy” or “modern”, can still be extremely happy and can show others how to enjoy life without all the unnecessary things.”
– Berkeley Carroll School, Kenya 2010
“This trip made me analyze my way of life and how I consume resources. I realize that I can absolutely live without what I say I can’t live without. I am inspired to do more service work and possibly lead trips abroad in the future.”
– Berkeley Carroll School, Kenya 2010
“This trip has definitely changed me. I set out to put my life in perspective and I really think I have by meeting some of the happiest people I’ve ever met who have way less than I do. I think it was an incredible once in a lifetime experience in terms of culture, getting to know new people, and leadership training.”
– Berkeley Carroll School, Kenya 2010
“It has inspired me to try and re-evaluate my life and see if I need everything I have.”
– Berkeley Carroll School, Kenya 2010
“I think my look on life has changed. It really made me realize how blessed I am to be living like I do.”
– Ensworth, Kenya 2010
“This trip changed my attitude on the world more than I ever could have ever imagined. No movie, no book, no personal account could have made me so conscious of the reality of climate change.”
– Groton student, Kenya 2009
“I realized the effects of climate change, barely noticeable in New England and the Mid-Atlantic, are quite profound in other places, causing cultural change and problems.”
– Groton student, Kenya 2009
“I know that I was a whole different person when I first started my journey to Belize but just after a couple days in this developing country, my whole perspective on life has changed.”
– St. John’s Episcopal School student, Belize 2009
“This trip inspired me to take part more in world change. I now realize that I can help out those communities in need. It also made me appreciate what is given to me, and to not take things for granted.”
– The Ensworth School student, Peru 2009
“This trip made me stronger, more thankful, and has definitely inspired me to make a difference in Chilca, Peru, and the world.”
– Ensworth School student, Peru 2009
“This trip showed me how much I could connect to a family of such a different culture. It inspired me to be open to all cultures and try to learn all about them. Also, the Costa Rican determination to preserve the rainforest inspired me.”
– Dalton School student, Costa Rica 2009
“[This trip] has made me think harder and a lot more consciously about the future and what I want for myself.”
– Dalton School student, Costa Rica 2009
“This trip inspired me to make a difference in the world and explore the world. I want to dedicate myself to a cause that will help communities like this one.”
– Holton-Arms student, Costa Rica 2009
“I came to realize things about myself and my near future that I never thought I’d realize. I am so thankful for this. In many ways this trip has controlled where I am heading in life. Words can’t describe the experience I had. It was the best, most memorable several-week experience of my life.”
– Student, Groton School
