If you ask a group of Newton high school GELF recipients about their experiences traveling abroad, be prepared for some powerful and insightful responses.
“It was one of the greatest most illuminating weeks of my life,” said Dylan, a Newton North senior who traveled through GELF to Prague.
“I discovered new potential in myself,” reflected French Exchange participant Zlata. “Potential to speak a new language well, and the potential to adapt to a culture so different from my own.”
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GELF stands for the Global Education Leadership Fund. It was launched in the Spring of 2008 when several generous Newton community members combined funds to support two students who had the desire, but not the financial means, to attend a school trip to Prague. GELF coalesced around this first act of generosity with the mission of making it possible for any Newton student to participate in an international program, regardless of their family’s financial situation.
“The fact that this fund makes it possible for students with less economic wealth to still have these remarkably enriching experiences is so incredible and so special,” said Lily, who will travel with the Nicaragua Community Service Exchange in April. This program gives students the opportunity to experience life in a developing country and to offer service to the community of San Juan del Sur, Newton’s sister city in Nicaragua.
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Between North and South high schools, Newton’s public school district is ripe with an array of travel programs and global learning opportunities. Students from Newton have experienced three to four week exchanges in France, Italy, Mexico, Spain, China or Russia that include daily life with a host family, attending the local school and practicing their language skills.
Trips to Nicaragua and Peru center around community service, while Newton South’s Global Communities Program and Newton North’s Senior Year Project engage students in independent and group projects that explore cultural, economic, environmental, and educational themes.
All programs are linked directly to the curriculum, however, students make this connection on their own. Jackie Ly, a senior at Newton North, and French Exchange participant wrote about her experience visiting Normandy:
“We visited a WWII museum where we saw the propaganda posters and read the translated letters of the Jewish civilians that were in the concentration camps. After the museum we visited the D-Day beaches and the American Cemetery in Normandy. Walking down the rows of crosses and seeing all the names of the people lost stirred a feeling in everyone.
“We had studied World War II,” Ly said, “so it was very moving and connected to what we had learned.”
“Because we were the only Americans there at closing time, we were invited to lower the American flags. Eight of us, including me, were honored with the task of folding the American flag. It was a moment I will never forget.”
“That’s the very definition of hands-on learning,”’ said Gregory Drake, Newton North model UN coach and History and Social Sciences teacher.
As students shared their personal accounts, it was clear that each of their experiences was unique, yet they all connected fundamental themes of personal growth and lessons that teachers, parents and guardians are constantly trying to instill in youth: a broader world perspective, compassion and empathy, independence, self-reliance, the opportunity to share their experiences and mentor others.
“I’m more vocal and confident,” “I’m more independent,” “I grew as a person,” “I can navigate around Paris by myself,” GELF participants proudly shared.
Over the last four years, GELF has supported more than 45 students to attend the numerous programs offered at both Newton South and Newton North. Students who apply must be in good academic standing and exhibit leadership within their school community.
Modern technology, excellent teachers and the 21st century classroom can make global learning more accessible than it was even five years ago. Still, there’s nothing quite like immersing oneself in a new and unfamiliar environment, experiencing that vulnerability, and figuring it out. “It is very hard at first to leave your home and live for a month in what seems like an entirely different world, but it is so worth it,” said Italian Exchange participant Nicole.
Fortunately, thanks to the GELF collaboration, this is an experience every student in Newton Public Schools can obtain, and GELF students don’t take this lightly. “We were really lucky to be able to go,” said Emma, who traveled to Italy with the Latin exchange group. “I’m extremely grateful for this experience.”
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Help GELF continue to fund students life-changing experiencing by joining their upcoming dinner on Saturday April 6th: An Evening of International Cuisine, Fine Wines, and Dancing. Waitstaff will include Newton's Superintendent, principals and other administrators.
Visit: http://gelf2013.eventbrite.com/.
