This summer, SEED scholars traded classrooms for a world of adventure! For many of our students, getting a passport and taking their first flight is a rite of passage at SEED, and this year was no exception. From SEED-sponsored programs to external opportunities, our students took advantage of a wide range of study abroad trips this year.
In June, one of these incredible journeys was undertaken by a new class of SEED DC Greece Scholars, who explored ancient Greece and its modern culture through the Niarchos Foundation Greece Classics Program. Students visited historic sights in Athens, Delphi, and Epivadaros, and learned about ancient Greek theater. Students also got a chance to relax during the two-week trip across the country with a stop at Karathonia beach. The trip brought to life the Greek history and culture students had studied in preparation for their voyage.
Beyond cultural immersion, some of our scholars’ travel experiences were centered on service. Rising SEED Miami seniors Isaac, Bre’una, and Rebecca embarked on a life-changing trip to the Dominican Republic with SEED Miami’s manager of strategic initiatives, Stephan Pineda. In partnership with the Globe Scholarship Program and Blue Missions, SEED Miami students joined a group of 23 students from different to help build a well for the rural community of El Río Jagua. On the first day, the students hiked the path that residents took to retrieve water, a physical and mental challenge of walking in another’s shoes that inspired them for the work ahead. The students dug trenches and laid pipes to make it possible for the engineers and plumbers to build the well which brought water directly to the village for the first time. They met and spoke with the residents of the village, learning about a rural lifestyle very different than their own. After their stay in the village, the SEED Miami students visited Santo Domingo where they explored the architecture, art, culture, and history of the city. One of their favorite parts was learning about the rich history of the indigenous Taíno people. "They loved learning how deep and rich the culture was and still is," Mr. Pineda shared. “That it’s not just the tragedy and death in the history books.”
This August, eight high school students from SEED MD traveled to Brazil for a seven-day voyage of discovery, service, and connection. Students saw famous landmarks like Christ the Redeemer, got to experience the excitement of a Brazilian soccer game, and went on outdoor adventures like hiking. The trip to Brazil is part of a longstanding partnership with the Brazilian community organization Onda Solidaria. During their visit to Vila dos Sonhos, SEED MD students had the chance to connect with children in Onda Solidaria’s afterschool program. This was a highlight of the trip for Nical (SEED MD ’28)
“One of our last activities was engaging and playing with the kids from all the schools and after school programs we meet. For me that was my favorite activity. The kids also took us around their town and showed us their soccer team while they were practicing. Before we left, they also gave us soccer jerseys to match them which was so cute and we became one big family.” Nical (SEED MD ’28)
The students selected to attend the trip to Brazil put in a lot of work to get ready. They each researched a different aspect of Brazilian culture and gave presentations to their peers as well as learning basic Portuguese phrases. Micah Yarbrough, the external opportunities coordinator for SEED MD, says that international travel is important because “it gives students an opportunity to explore a new culture. To be able to get a passport and travel outside of the country while they are still in high school is a great opportunity—many adults don’t have the chance to do that or are afraid to.”
Experiences such as studying abroad are an essential element of the SEED experience. Many graduates look back on these trips as life-changing events. Students expand their outlook on life when they visit other countries and learn from other cultures, sparking a lifelong curiosity and love of adventure. We want our students to see themselves as global citizens—looking ahead at a world of opportunity.