Study Abroad Programming

Travel is a core part of WIDE’s vision, connecting students to history, culture, and global citizenship at every level—from preschoolers exploring Texas Missions to high schoolers representing the school at UNESCO.

At WIDE, students actively participate in selecting the cities for their study abroad experiences, contributing ideas and preferences that shape each trip. This collaborative planning ensures that the destinations evolve over time, reflecting the interests and insights of all students involved:

Group of teenagers standing outdoors in a park with green trees and a blue sky.
Group of five young women sitting on a stone bench in front of a historic building with multiple windows and brick accents, with a cloudy sky above.

High School (Grades 9–12):

• Eligible for international travel programs like Japan, France, and Greece.

Middle School (Grades 6–8):

• Participate in domestic trips such as Austin and San Antonio now.

• International travel will be gradually introduced with shorter, age-appropriate programs.

Elementary & Preschool:

• Included in local and regional trips, such as Austin or San Antonio, with itineraries carefully tailored to their age group.

Example: A preschool itinerary might focus on a single museum and outdoor exploration, while a high school itinerary includes civic engagement, historical tours, and in-depth learning activities.

Family/Community Participation:

Some trips, like San Antonio or Austin, may open to parents, alumni, or teachers to strengthen community connections.

Group of tourists posing in front of Osaka Castle in Japan on a sunny day.
Students working at tables in a classroom with large windows showing parked cars and trees outside.
A young man with curly hair sitting on a boat, looking out the window at the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.

PAST STUDY ABROAD TRIPS

Group of people posing for a photo on cobblestone square in front of historic building with ornate architecture, cloudy sky.

France Cultural Exchange

Timing:
Spring/Summer

Age Group:
Middle + High School

Students live with host families from our partner school, Notre-Dame Les Oiseaux, outside of Paris. They attend school, experience daily French life, and visit major landmarks in Paris and beyond.

Group of tourists in front of a traditional Japanese temple or pagoda, with a cloudy sky in the background.

Japan: The Golden Route

Timing:
Spring Break

Age Group:
Middle + High School

Students explore Japan’s blend of ancient tradition and modern innovation. Stops include Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Mt. Fuji, and Tokyo. Activities include temple visits, bullet train rides, and cultural workshops.

A conference room filled with attendees seated at tiered desks, facing a stage with two large screens, a speaker at a podium, and a panelist seated at a table.

UNESCO Youth Symposium: Greece

Timing:
Spring

Age Group:
Middle +High School

Middle and high school students proudly represent the United States at an international youth symposium in Athens, Greece which is focused on cultural heritage, sustainability, and global citizenship. Supported by the UN and UNESCO, the event encourages international dialogue and collaboration, including visits to historic sites such as the Acropolis

Group of children and adults outdoors on a large tree in a park, some climbing on the branches, wearing green shirts and casual clothing.

Texas Missions Tour & San Antonio

Timing: Fall/Spring

Age Group: All Ages

A road trip to San Antonio to explore Texas’ rich cultural heritage, including visiting the historic Missions, the Alamo, and the River Walk. Students connect local history to global cultural themes.

A group of children standing in front of the Texas State Capitol building in Austin, Texas, on a cloudy day.

Austin: Capital & Creativity

Timing: Fall/Spring

Age Group: All Ages

A visit to the Texas State Capitol, museums, and creative hubs to explore how government, history, and innovation intersect. Activities are adapted by age group to make it meaningful for all students.