Grades 6-12; Boarding 8-12

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Travel Opportunities/Exchange Programs

Travel Opportunities for Experiential Learning 

This year, in addition to our many experiential learning offerings on campus, we are offering opportunities for students to enjoy  academic experiences that will connect classroom knowledge with real-world learning. All travel opportunities will require a student application process. Those selected for each trip must commit to attend four pre-travel and two post-travel academic sessions as well as develop a project that will expand their knowledge and be shared with the School community upon their return.

Academic Conferences

Round Square Conference

The Round Square International Conference is an annual event for students aged 16-18, hosted by different schools around the world. The 56th conference will be held this year in Colombia, with the theme "Blooming from the Past," encouraging participants to explore how understanding and accepting our history can shape a better future.  

Colombia, September 22-28, 2024
Questions: Dr. Castro
Estimated cost: $2000

Students have been selected for the 2024 conference. Applications for the 2025 conference will open in March 2025.

PORGMUN 

PORGMUN is a student-led, non-profit Model United Nations conference held annually in Prague, organized by students from the PORG schools. It simulates UN proceedings, allowing participants aged 14 to 20 to engage in diplomacy, improve communication skills, and expand their perspectives. Pennington Upper School students involved in Model UN activities are eligible to participate.

Prague, April 10-13, 2025
Questions: Dr. Sisserson

 

Spring Break 2025 Academic Trips

Spring trip experiences are academic programs designed to help students learn new skills, deepen existing knowledge, and explore areas of interest. Created by teacher leaders in their fields, these programs require students to attend three academic sessions before the trip and one session afterward to present their findings to the school community.

Estimated costs listed below include program fees, travel (round-trip airfare from New York or Philadelphia), and most meals. Faculty members accompany students on all of these programs.

2025 Summer Experiences

 

Language Intensive Immersion Experiences

Immersion experiences are the most effective way to improve language proficiency. Research suggests that at least three weeks are needed to make significant progress. Pennington offers students the chance to travel, participate in these experiences, and have a faculty member oversee the group during their stay. Homestays may be a part of the program; if so, all homes are vetted in advance by Pennington School faculty members. A minimum of eight students is required to run each program.

FRENCH IMMERSION IN LOCHES, FRANCE

Improve your French skills with a three-week summer immersion living and learning at St. Denis International School. In July, Saint-Denis welcomes international students from around the world. You'll take 15 hours of French classes per week in small groups of 15. Lessons are led by dedicated summer staff and include hands-on activities like kayaking, swimming, cultural visits, and sports, making learning French both fun and engaging.

Dates: July 2025 (exact days TBD)
Estimated cost:  $3900 (includes round-trip ticket from NY or Philadelphia and French summer experience)
Students eligible: French students from any level
Applications due:  February 15, 2025

SPANISH IMMERSION IN VALENCIA, SPAIN

Learn Spanish in Valencia, Spain! Live with a host family, take daily classes, and experience the relaxed pace of life in Valencia while improving your Spanish skills. The program includes morning classes and various cultural activities and field trips in the afternoons.

Dates: July 2025 (exact days TBD)
Estimated cost: $3900 (includes round-trip ticket from NY or Philadelphia and Spanish summer experience)
Students eligible: Spanish students from any level
Applications due: February 15, 2025

GERMAN IMMERSION IN GERMANY OR AUSTRIA

Take advantage of a unique summer program combining German lessons in the mornings with cultural activities and fun outings in the afternoons and evenings. Focusing on both spoken and written output, classes use German as the primary language, creating an immersive environment for all participants. Designed to enhance language skills in German or English, this program also includes a wide range of cultural and social activities, making learning both effective and enjoyable. 

Dates: July 2025 (exact days TBD)
Estimated cost:  $3900 (includes round-trip ticket from NY or Philadelphia and German summer experience)
Students eligible: German students from any level
Applications due: February 15, 2025

Student Exchanges

Pennington School students can immerse themselves in the culture and daily life at one of our partner schools: St. Paul’s School in Barcelona, St. Denis International School in Loches, PORG School in Prague, or Verzló in Iceland (for Juniors only), all within English-speaking programs. Students may also choose from schools within the Round Square network. While on exchange, students are required to keep up with their Pennington academic work. Some exchanges also require reciprocal hosting, meaning students will need to host a student from the same school at a different time during the year.

Dates: January 15 to February 15, 2025
Estimated cost: cost of a round-trip ticket to the destination; accommodations and meals are with host families at the selected location and all program fees are included.
Students eligible: Grades 8, 9, and 10, and Grade 11 (for a 10-day program only)
Applications due: October 30, 2024 

Link to application

Questions: Email Dr. Castro