Global Studies Program - Private School in Northern NJ

Mission Statement: Providing international learning and service opportunities for all students, the Global Studies program seeks to cultivate responsible, thoughtful, curious, and compassionate citizens of the world.

Morristown Beard School offers numerous cultural, curricular, and service trips abroad each year, providing students access to rich, academic learning experiences outside of the classroom.

Morristown Beard School also partners with numerous outside vendors offering our Upper School juniors, seniors, and post-graduate students an opportunity to study abroad in a foreign country for a semester, a year, or a summer. In addition, MBS has worked with reputable organizations to offer international students an opportunity to study abroad at our School for one year.

Global Studies Trips for 2023

Past Trips

2022 Trips

The Island School, Bahamas

Who: US Students
When: March 19, 2022 - March 26, 2022
Trip Leaders: Mr. Turner, Mr. McCormick, Ms. Silvestri

If you have considered going to the Island School for a semester but didn’t want to spend that much time away from MBS then this trip is for you.

Give and Surf, Panama

Who: US Students
When: June 24, 2022 - July 3, 2022
Trip Leaders: Ms. Deventer, Ms. Jameson-Shea, Mr. Lovelock

Join this amazing charity in their mission to provide sustainable empowerment to the communities of Bocas del Toro through education, self-determined community development, and positive respect for culture and traditions.

The History of Multiculturalism in Spain

Who: US Students
When: March 12, 2022 - March 19, 2022
Trip Leaders: Sra. Romero, Sra. de la Torre-McCloskey, Dr. Farhat, and Sra. Pardo

We will spend 7 days visiting Seville and Granada, where you will not only get to see impressive fortresses, ancient monuments, and bustling markets, but you will also have the opportunity to experience Spanish culture firsthand.

Boys Lacrosse Spring Training in Arizona

Who: US Lacrosse Players
When: March 20, 2022 - March 25, 2022
Trip Leaders: Sal Tromonda, Kevin Meany, Tim Fell, Scott Greene

This is the second year that MBS will be training at the Trilogy Spring Break Training facility in Casa Mesa, Arizona where players and coaches enjoy a unique experience unlike any other training program in the country.

2019-2020 Trips

Habitat for Humanity

Who: Open for Students 16 Years and Older
When: Spring Break 2020 Suspended
Where: TBD
Trip Leaders: Ms. Deventer, Mr. Mazouat

Morristown-Beard School has been partnering with Habitat For Humanity International for the past 25 years. Join us as we build houses for the less fortunate and spend part of spring break giving back! In the past few years, we have volunteered with Habitat For Humanity in Alabama, Palm Beach County, and Dade City, Florida.

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Please Note: Trip SUSPENDED

Give and Surf: Panama Service Trip

Who: All Upper School students
When: June 19, 2020 - June 28, 2020 & June 27, 2020 - July 6, 2020 Suspended
Trip Leaders: Ms. Deventer

MBS had such an incredible experience volunteering with Give & Surf, that we want to go back and do it again! As part of our ongoing partnership, students will assist with community development projects and work with preschoolers through Give & Surf, a nonprofit organization founded by MBS alumnus Neil Christiansen ’02. Of course, there will also be plenty of opportunities to enjoy the beaches and beauty of Panama! Since it was so popular last time, we are again offering two separate 10-day trips. View Trip Details
Please Note: Trip SUSPENDED

Human Rights: Amsterdam, The Hague, Geneva

Amsterdam, The Hague, Geneva

Who: Upper School students interested in International Human Rights
When: March 14, 2020 - March 23, 2020 Suspended
Trip Leaders: Ms. Jameson-Shea, Ms. Deventer, Mr. Hannigan

Students will focus on human rights and the challenges that we face in the 21 st century by visiting three cities in two countries — Amsterdam, The Hague, and Geneva. If you are interested in learning about international justice and human rights, global unity, peace and conflict resolution, the story of the Red Cross, and the frontiers of science, then this trip is for you! Steeped in history, the Netherlands and Switzerland also exude old world charm while offering picturesque views and beauty.

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Please Note: Trip Suspended

Sicily

Who: All students interested in Ancient Roman and Greek History as well as Italian culture
When: March 14, 2020 - March 21, 2020 Suspended
Trip Leaders: Mrs. Laviola, Mr. McGrann, Sra. de la Torre-McCloskey, Sra. Romero

Students will have an opportunity to explore ancient Roman and Greek history during our spring break trip to Sicily. There is something about Italy that stirs the soul as it educates the mind. The rich and colorful culture melts into a warm atmosphere filled with light and life. From Roman ruins to the richness of the Renaissance, from the ruins of war to the peace of country life, experience the world in a new way in beautiful Italy.

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Please Note: Trip SUSPENDED

Australia

Who: Upper School students interested in Marine Biology & Conservation
When: March 14, 2020 - March 24, 2020 Suspended
Trip Leaders: Dr. Fiorica-Howells, Mr. Brad Turner, Dr. Milinkovic, Mr. McCormick

As the climate warms, how much and how quickly will Australia’s Great Barrier Reef change? During spring break, students with an interest in marine biology and conservation will have an exciting opportunity to visit the island continent to conduct their own research. This educational adventure will include seminars of biodiversity, data collection on coral bleaching, water quality measurements, and more. This 10-day adventure will feature a myriad of opportunities to snorkel and enjoy Australia’s wildlife, natural wonders, and dazzling beaches.

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Please Note: Trip SUSPENDED

Costa Rica

Who: 7th and 8th Graders
When: March 14, 2020 - March 19, 2020 Suspended
Trip Leaders: Mrs. Kellstrom, Dr. Mead, Mr. Deisher, Mrs. Swanson

Once again, MBS 7th and 8th Graders will have an opportunity to experience “pura vida” (pure life!) by visiting Costa Rica — a wonderland of natural attractions known for its beaches, rainforests, volcanoes, and biodiversity. This exciting trip will include a canopy zip line tour, a butterfly farm and terrarium visit, a whitewater rafting excursion and more! The group will also visit a local school and participate in volunteer activities.

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Please Note: Trip SUSPENDED

2018-2019 Trips

Quebec & Montreal

Who: 7th & 8th Grade French Students
When: October 18-21, 2018

This fall, Morristown-Beard 7th and 8th Grade French students will have the opportunity to delve into French culture close to home in the city of Quebec. Colonized by the French in the 15th century, the city of Quebec has a rich history full of French influence. Major sites include La Citadelle and the Plains of Abraham.

Colombia

Who: Upper School Students
When: March 9-16, 2019

In March 2019, 19 MBS students had the opportunity to improve their Spanish-speaking ability while immersing themselves in the culture of one of the oldest colonial cities in the Americas — Cartagena, Colombia. The birthplace of many styles of Afro-Colombian music and home to many different varieties of tropical wildlife, Colombia was the perfect setting for a unique spring break trip!

Read student blogs about the trip and watch a student-produced video that brings the experience to life.

Learn More about the Trip

London & Edinburgh

Who: Upper School Students
When: March 9-15, 2019

During spring break, students will have the opportunity to delve into some of the most breathtaking cities in the British Isles. The birthplace of influential books and home to globally-recognized landmarks such as the Tower of London and Edinburgh Castle, London and Edinburgh offer a little something for everybody.

Hawaii

Who: Upper School Students
When: March 10-19, 2019

Back due to high demand, Morristown-Beard School will offer another trip to the tropical paradise of Hawaii during this year’s spring break. Full of environmental wonders, this science-based trip will offer students the opportunity to learn about geological formations firsthand as they take in the beauty of the islands!

Cambodia & Laos

Who: Upper School Students
When: June 16-30, 2019

This year’s service trip will take students to the far-off Asian countries of Cambodia and Laos. While making the world a better place, Morristown-Beard students will have the opportunity to explore and learn about life in this beautiful region of the world.

2017-2018 Trips

Scotland

Who: Boys Soccer Trip
When: August 6-14, 2018

This past August, members of the MBS boys soccer team packed their bags and headed to Scotland for a week of scrimmages and sightseeing. Known for its rugged terrain, magical castles, gorgeous lochs and coastlines, the United Kingdom's northernmost country provided an unforgettable experience.

Panama

Who: Upper School
When: June 22-July 1, 2018 and June 30-July 9, 2018

For three weeks, students spent their time building and painting a new preschool for the local community. Other students had the opportunity to work directly with kids, helping them learn Spanish and English. When the students were not hard at work, they immersed themselves in Panamanian culture and community. Students took a trip to the Panama Canal, explored Panama City, took surfing lessons, and partook in various community activities at the local community center. Students also found time to relax and enjoy the beautiful beaches of Panama.

Alaska

Who: Upper School
When: June 15-21, 2018

In June of 2018, MBS hosted a science trip to Alaska, the largest and most sparsely populated U.S. state, which is home to tens of thousands of glaciers. This educational adventure included whale-watching, wildlife tours, cultural experiences and more!

France

Who: Upper School
When: March 10-23, 2018

Last October, a group of students from Nantes, France visited MBS. In March of 2018, it was our turn to visit them! This trip was offered to students in French 2 Honors or above — regardless if you hosted a student or not last fall. Nantes is a city on the Loire River in western France with a long history as a port and industrial center.

Germany

Who: Upper School
When: March 10-19, 2018

MBS was excited to announce a trip to Berlin and Munich during Spring Break 2018! Berlin's turbulent history is reflected in landmarks like the Holocaust Memorial and the graffitied remains of the Berlin Wall. The group visited Dachau and remembered the atrocities of Nazi Germany before heading to the Bavarian city, Munich – which is famous for its centuries-old buildings and numerous museums.

Costa Rica

Who: 7th & 8th Grades
When: March 10-15, 2018

MBS 7th & 8th graders had the opportunity to experience "pura vida" (pure life!) by visiting Costa Rica during Spring Break 2018. Costa Rica is a wonderland of natural attractions, and is known for its beaches, rainforests, volcanoes, whitewater rafting, and biodiversity.