MBS Announces Global Trips for 2024

MBS is pleased to announce the following exciting trips for 2024 through its Global Studies initiative: Costa Rica (Middle School), The Island School - Bahamas, Mexico City, Iceland, a Habitat For Humanity service trip, and a service trip to Panama.

Please note that these trips will be open to Upper School students only except for the Costa Rica trip, which will be open to 7^th and 8^th Graders. Sign-ups are done in person with the trip leader no later than 3 p.m. on Tuesday, April 25 to put your name on an “I am interested” list.

Costa Rica: San José & the Costal Puntarenas
https://www.mbs.net/academics/global-studies/costa-rica-2024
Who: 7th and 8th Graders
When: March 16, 2024 - March 21, 2024
Trip Leaders: Adriana Arroyave & Andrea Silvestri    
Trip Chaperones: Sam Tuttle, Alonda Casselle, Archana Sankar

Overview:
A Costa Rica trip provides access to outstanding educational opportunities. The diversity and breathtaking scenery of Costa Rica, as well as its outdoor experiences and opportunities for exploration, will allow our students to have hands-on experiential learning in science.

Students will also have firsthand experience with the Spanish language and will be immersed in a vibrant culture that will connect them with nature and the immense biodiversity that the country has to offer.

Through our travels from the capital to small communities, students will experience different and in-depth cultural perspectives in a country that is known for being friendly and welcoming to visitors. Students will also be able to taste traditional foods while listening to the typical rhythms of Costa Rican music.

The Island School
https://www.mbs.net/academics/global-studies/the-island-school-2024
Who: All Upper School Students
When: March 16-23, 2024
Trip Leader: Brad Turner
Trip Chaperones: Suzana Markolovic, Rose Costanzo

Overview:
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. While we are down in the Bahamas, you will have the opportunity to work with scientists at the Cape Eleuthera Institute, helping them conduct their research. This may involve propagating coral, snorkeling on reefs to assess the progress of their growth, capturing sea turtles and sharks to measure and tag them, as well as working with local conch and lobster fishermen to assess and manage the fisheries. You may also have the opportunity to harvest invasive lionfish, dissect them, and then feed the remains to bull sharks in the marina.  

If you are interested in engineering and sustainability, The Island School learns about sustainability by living sustainably. They generate all their energy needs using solar panels, wind turbines, and even produce biodiesel on campus to fuel their boats and trucks while also having to manage their water and waste systems.  They also grow a lot of their own food through an on-campus farm and extensive aquaponics systems while also working with local farmers. 

The Island School’s philosophy is connecting primary research to education and outreach to create unique opportunities for students and scientists to learn about native ecosystems and environmental sustainability through immersive, place-based experiences.

You will be very active. Expect to spend a lot of time swimming, snorkeling, learning how to SCUBA dive, and even a bit of running and biking around Cape Eleuthera.  

Artesano Mexicano - Mexico City, Puebla y Oaxaca
https://www.mbs.net/academics/global-studies/mexico-2024
Who: All Upper School Students
When: March 16-23, 2024
Trip Leaders: Rita Moch Arias & Zach Mazouat
Trip Chaperones: Aline de la Torre, Jamie Woodruff, Rocio Romero

Overview:
Join us on an exciting journey to experience authentic Mexico through its rich tradition of visual arts and cultural crafts. There is no better way to immerse oneself in a culture than by participating in its traditions. We will be touring Mexico City, Puebla, and Oaxaca, where we will participate in the unique art and cultural offerings of each place with hands-on experiences.

This interdisciplinary trip emphasizes both the artistic and cultural aspects, as well as the opportunity to practice or learn the Spanish language. We will have the opportunity to talk to experts and artisans to learn about painting, ceramics, weaving, cooking, and even creating alebrijes. No prior art or Spanish language exposure is necessary - just a willingness and desire to learn through creation and experience.

Our trip will be a unique opportunity to learn about the rich cultural heritage of Mexico and to create artwork that captures the essence of each place we visit. As we explore and create, we will deepen our understanding and appreciation of Mexican culture.

So, make sure to leave extra room in your suitcase for all the art we will be bringing back! Join us for an unforgettable trip filled with creative exploration and cultural immersion.

Give and Surf: Panama City & Bocas del Toro, Panama
https://www.mbs.net/academics/global-studies/panama-2024
Who: Rising 9th, 10th, & 11th Graders
When: June 21, 2024 - June 30, 2024
Trip Leader: Andrea Deventer
Trip Chaperones: Jason Zuck & Rose Costanzo

Overview:
In June of 2024, MBS will be doing its biannual trip to Bocas del Toro, Panama. MBS has been partnering with Give and Surf since 2015. The non-profit was founded by MBS alumni, Neil Christiansen. Their mission is to provide sustainable empowerment to communities of Bocas del Toro, Panama, through education, self-determined community development, and positive respect of culture and traditions.

We will fly into Panama City, enjoy a half day tour of the Panama Canal and leave the next day for the beautiful Island of Bocas del Toro.

An archipelago off the northwest coast of Panama, Bocas del Toro is an eco-tourism favorite. Colorful and utterly Caribbean, this town of clapboard houses was built by the United Fruit Company in the early 20th century. Today, Bocas is a relaxed community of West Indians, Latinos and Indigenous communities with a friendly atmosphere that easily rubs off on visitors.

During the week, participants will spend half of each day volunteering with our programs or working on a project in the community, and the other half of the day participants will have the chance to participate in a variety of activities including a jungle hike, a cave tour, and visits to local beaches.

Iceland: Sustainability & Clean Energy
https://www.mbs.net/academics/global-studies/iceland-2024
Who: Rising 9th, 10th, & 11th Graders
When: June 19, 2024 - June 25, 2024
Trip Leaders: Andrea Silvestri, Deborah Baumgartner
Trip Chaperones: Scott McCormick, Joe Lodato

Overview:
From volcanoes and hot springs to snow-capped mountains and gorgeous waterfalls, Iceland is a truly unique destination. Iceland is grounded in the heartiness of its culture, exhibiting the conquests of yesterday and the endurance of people who are on the cutting edge of carbon recapture technologies. These emerging technologies are the future and what better way to inspire tomorrow’s leaders to see the future, while exploring its past.

Sustainability: Visit the heart of the Reykianes UNESCO Global Geopark where the North Atlantic ridge rises from the ocean. Home to craters and lava fields, bird cliffs, geothermal areas, black sand beaches, The Bridge Between Continents, geothermal power plants, and lighthouses.

History and Culture: Make your way through the first permanent settlement in Iceland's history. Explore historical Laugavegur Street, walk along the grounds of Iceland's "White House," and catch a glimpse of history at the Hofdi House.

Natural Wonders: Experience all the geological diversity that Iceland has to offer with a visit to the Golden Circle, Great Geysir, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Tingvellir National Park- a UNESCO World Heritage Site that falls on a rift between two tectonic plates.

Habitat for Humanity
https://www.mbs.net/academics/global-studies/habitat-2024
Who: All Upper School students 16+ years old at time of trip
When: Spring Break 2024
Where: TBD
Trip Leader: Andrea Deventer
Trip Chaperone: Darren Lovelock

Overview:
Morristown Beard School has been partnering with Habitat For Humanity International for over 25 years. Join us as we build houses and spend part of spring break giving back. In recent years we have volunteered with Habitat For Humanity in Alabama, Palm Beach County, and Dade City, Florida.

In addition to these cultural, curricular and service trips, Morristown Beard School also partners with numerous outside vendors offering juniors and seniors an opportunity to study abroad for a semester, a year, or a summer. MBS has also worked with reputable organizations to offer international students an opportunity to study abroad. If you have questions, please contact MBS Director of Global Studies Aline M. de la Torre-McCloskey at adelatorre@mbs.net