Center for International Studies
Fort Worth Country Day is committed to preparing young people to make a difference in a complex and changing world.
We strive to cultivate the knowledge, skills, and disposition necessary to understand and act responsibly and creatively to resolve local and global issues. While many schools simply offer their students opportunities to travel, FWCD seeks to cultivate global competence in all JK-12 students by weaving global perspectives into the curriculum, working with local partners to contribute to our Fort Worth community, and providing meaningful international travel and hosting exchanges.
While language immersion is at the top of my list, I also feel that the experience of traveling and seeing different cultures, different life perspectives is critical for raising a global citizen able to communicate with all people and to destroy stereotypes.
-Upper School Parent
Our Mission
The mission of the FWCD Center for International Studies is to provide programs and experiences that build students’ capacity to thrive in an ever-changing global community.
Center initiatives include overseas summer expeditions, exchange opportunities and cultural programs meant to ensure that all FWCD graduates gain an understanding of the following global competencies:
- Experience in and ability to investigate the world beyond their immediate environment.
- Ability to recognize and appreciate perspectives other than their own.
- Ability to engage in open, appropriate, and effective interactions across cultures.
- Ability to take action for collective well-being and sustainable development.
The Center at a Glance
- Summer Travel Opportunities to Europe, Australia, South America and Asia.
- Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder Program: FWCD is one of 20 schools in this prestigious service learning program. FWCD students and teachers have volunteered in Detroit, New Orleans, Pine Ridge Reservation, Panama, Tibet and Cambodia.
- Fort Worth Sister Cities International Youth Exchange Program: International youth trips and exchanges intended to develop deeper cross-cultural mindsets and understanding.
- Short-term hosting opportunities in collaboration with Fort Worth Sister Cities Ambassador Middle School Program and Language & Friendship, Inc. FWCD has hosted students from Japan and France.
- Campus-Based Initiatives: World Heritage Day, multiple service learning activities, ongoing development of global competency curriculum and alumni travel.
Travel Programs and Opportunities
Jump to: FWCD Programs | Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder | Sister Cities
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2024-25
2024-25 Programs
England (March 15-22, 2025)
Spend spring break 2025 in England!
Visit London's Westminster Abbey, West End theatres, the Globe Theatre, Shakespeare's birthplace, and other exciting places as we engage with theatre and art throughout England. Destinations include London, Stratford-Upon-Avon and Bath.
Grades: Open to Students in the Classes of 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028
Estimated Cost: $5,500 (Price goes up after September 1, 2024)
Teacher Sponsors: Siouxsie Easter and Eric Tysinger
Trip Interest Meeting: August 26, 7:30 p.m., FWCD Scott Theater
Canada (May 27-June 4, 2025)
Enjoy a fun trip north of the border and discover Canada
We'll go to cosmopolitan Montreal, the historic capital of Ottawa, and end in charming Quebec City. We'll visit amazing sites, taste delicious food, and learn a lot about this fascinating country. This trip, customized for FWCD, is available to all Middle Schoolers but will be especially beneficial for French students as they can practice what they have learned in the classroom while developing their cultural competency. Register with tour code TRZGZW5
Grades: Open to Students in the Classes of 2029, 2030, 2031, 2032
Estimated Cost: $5,000
Traveler Limit: 20
Teacher Sponsors: Rob Napier and Shari Lincoln
Trip Interest Meeting: September 17, 6-7 p.m., Middle School Amon G. Carter Foundation Commons
Greek Isles (May 30-June 8, 2025)
Sail with us and discover the wonders of the Greek Isles
This trip brings to life the study of ancient civilizations introduced throughout the Middle School history and English curriculum. Walk the paths of ancient Greeks to learn more about their history, culture, and gods and goddesses. This 10-day trip includes excursions on mainland Greece and a cruise to multiple Aegean Sea islands.
Grades: Open to Students in the Classes of 2029, 2030
Estimated Cost: $5,902
Teacher Sponsors: Michael Parker and Jackie Rains
Hawaii (Tentative Dates: July 1-16, 2025)
Marine Science on the Big Island of Hawaii
This summer marine science course is hosted on the Big Island of Hawaii. Students are housed at Hawaii Preparatory Academy in dorms, and classes on marine biology, ecology and geography are taught on campus by certified and skilled instructors from the islands. Afternoons consist of daily field trips for labs and data collection. This is a one-semester credit class in Topics in Science at FWCD. The graded course includes homework, quizzes, participation and a final exam. Participants take excursions to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Atlantis submarine, and a manta ray snorkel. Students are responsible for bringing their own snorkel gear.
Grades: Students in the Classes of 2026, 2027, 2028
Class Limit: 24 Students
Teacher Sponsor: Sherri Reed
This trip is at capacity and no longer accepting students.
Spring Break and Summer Opportunities with Fort Worth Sister Cities
Visit www.fwsistercities.org; check the website for more information and watch for updates.
Spring Break and Summer Opportunities with Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder
Visit shouldertoshoulder.com; check the website for more information and watch for updates.
Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder
Ethical leadership development through experiential courses. Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder (SStS) courses offer unique opportunities to work alongside local NGOs in many different locations as they seek to improve conditions in their communities.
Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder programs allow students in grades 8-12 to learn about ethical leadership while working alongside trusted partners and being immersed in the communities they serve. Community service hours are available for all programs. Fort Worth Country Day is an SStS partner school, which means students can access a tuition discount, financial aid and priority admissions. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but programs are limited to 12 students and fill quickly. Apply today.
International experiences, whether cultural or academic, give students a look into the broad spectrum of the world and does not limit their learning to the United States.
-Upper School Parent
Global Coalition of Schools
FWCD is one of 13 schools in North America in the Shoulder to Shoulder Global Coalition of Schools.
Fort Worth Sister Cities - Cultural Exchange
Fort Worth Sister Cities International focuses on making connections through education, arts, culture, economic development and humanitarian assistance through cultural immersion, spring break, and summer trips for students in grades 8-12. Approximate costs range from $350 - $4,000. Limited financial aid is available.
Learn more about: Fort Worth Sister Cities Program | Youth Exchanges | Hosting Opportunities
We live in a global economy and it is imperative that FWCD students are prepared to work and live in this global society. We want our students to feel the freedom of travel and not be intimidated by the unknown. If our kids think the world is a small place, they will be much more likely to venture out into the world and do amazing things.
-Middle School Parent
Contact the Center for International Studies
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 817.732.7718, ext. 3589
