Global Education

Global Citizens are those who continuously seek to deepen their awareness of their place and responsibility in an increasingly interconnected world, both locally and globally; those who stand in solidarity with others in the pursuit of a sustainable earth and a more humane world as true companions in the mission of reconciliation and justice.-Society of Jesus, Secretariat for Education

Since the founding of the Society of Jesus, St. Ignatius Loyola called his companions to live the mission of the Society of Jesus in a global context, to travel to the frontiers, to be with those on the margins. Ignatius wrote to his brother Jesuits about the mission, “It is according to our divine calling to travel to various places and to live in any part of the world where there is hope of God’s greater service and the help of souls.” St. Ignatius’ vision for the Society of Jesus was from the start one with a global perspective.

Today, Jesuit schools continue to be inspired by this vision and are committed to educating students in a global context. Fordham Prep’s Global Education Program aims to raise student awareness of the world outside their own environment through the exploration of different and diverse cultures in the world community. This awareness will prepare students to be more empathetic, accepting of differences, aware of social justice and human rights issues, and better prepared for an interconnected and diverse world in which they will live and work. They will also be better prepared to understand and embrace world cultures, communicate effectively at a global level, respect and value diversity, understand and take action against injustices, and develop skills necessary to work cross-culturally.

2023-2024 School Year Trips

Costa Rica

Welcome to Organization for Tropical Studies - Organization for Tropical Studies From white sand beaches to misty cloud forests, towering volcanoes to beautiful rivers that carve through tropical canyons, and hospitable, friendly communities, Costa Rica has it all! This conservation program in Sarapiqui gives students the opportunity to delve deep into the verdant ecosystems that set Costa Rica apart; in addition to white water rafting and swimming in hot springs below an active volcano, students will participate in field work and data collection with The Organization for Tropical Studies at La Selva Station.

France

France - United States Department of State From the City of Lights, to beautiful Mediterranean towns, to small villages tucked between picturesque vineyards, to campgrounds in the rugged Pyrenees, France is a country with an enriching adventure for every kind of traveler. With one of the most influential, distinct, and celebrated cultures in the world – combined with a history richer than its famous food – France is a magnificent destination to consider. This program will immerse students in the French language and introduce them to the wonders of France!

Ireland

Clongowes Wood College - Wikipedia Students will participate in an exchange with one of our partner Jesuit schools, Clongowes Wood College, located near Clane, County Kildare. Over a period of 10 days during the first semester of the school year, they will stay with host families, attend classes, and participate in cultural events. Students who are involved in this program will also host peers from Clongowes during their own 10 day visit to Fordham Prep during the second semester of the school year.

Italy

23 Best Things to Do in Milan, Italy: Top Sights & Attractions (+Map & Tips) Fordham Prep will once again participate in an exchange with Istituto Leone XIII, a Jesuit school located in Milan. Students will travel to Italy for a 10 day trip in the second semester of the school year and stay with host families. They will attend classes and participate in cultural events. Their peers will visit Fordham Prep during the first semester and, in turn, stay with Fordham Prep families.

Japan

Japan - United States Department of State This island nation, situated in the Pacific Ocean, offers everything from high-rise cities and imperial palaces to snow-capped mountains and dense bamboo forests. For anyone who has eaten sushi, sipped sake or read Manga, it's easy to feel a familiarity with Japan. But once you arrive, it's obvious that Japan is a universe unto itself. Prepare yourself to be pleasantly disoriented by this country that melds the old with the new, blending ancient customs and ways of life with the newest technology, fashion and cutting-edge culinary creativity.

While in Japan students will visit Rokku Jesuit School for a day and learn about the rich history of the Jesuits in Japan.

Rwanda

Contact – St Ignatius School During this program, students will spend time on a collaborative retreat experience with students from St. Ignatius School. They will stay with host families while attending daily classes, tour the city of Kigali and have an opportunity to participate in a safari experience. Focusing on spiritual, academic and personal growth, students will be asked to step out of their comfort zones and truly embrace everything the culture of Rwanda has to offer.

Past Global Education Trips

Students can apply to participate in international exchange trips with other Jesuit high schools as well as academic and cultural immersion experiences.

Rosanna Estrella Ecology Program: Galapagos Conservation Expedition

Dense Amazonian rainforest, snow-capped Andean peaks, and volcanic islands – Ecuador is a place of many wonders. From Quito’s historic colonial district to the Galapagos Islands’ completely unique wildlife and ecosystems, this program will fill you with wonder and excitement. You might find yourself swimming with sea lions or tropical penguins during your free time! The Galapagos Islands are the birthplace of our modern understanding of evolution.
From Ecuador you can fly to the islands to spend several days volunteering on a conservation and reforestation project, getting up close and personal with island wildlife like the famous giant tortoises. From here, you can travel to different islands in the archipelago and explore various sites and wildlife including sea turtles, marine iguanas, blue footed boobies, giant tortoises, albatrosses, frigate birds and much more. Participants will have the opportunity for plenty of snorkeling and hiking while learning about what makes each island rare – from various colors of sand (black, white, red and even green) to volcanic rocks that are millions of years old!

Cuba

A mere 90 miles off the coast of Miami, Cuba was once a popular destination for American tourists until politics, revolution and international intrigue got in the way. Today the island nation is a mirage in the minds of most travelers, a mysterious yet romantic place where cigars, antique cars, baseball and a bearded dictator loom largest. Cuba is a place of dichotomies that leave your mind spinning: iconic revolutionaries and disillusioned expatriates, white sand beaches and industrial yards, decaying infrastructure and a highly educated population. The paradox of its proximity and isolation seems only to add to Cuba’s charm.

We are thrilled to offer a program that will see our participants digging deep into the history and modern reality of Cuba. We will meet with local community and government leaders, visit with farmers, engage with Cuban Jesuits, get to know local artists, hike along mountain trails, dance salsa and much more. ¡Viva Cuba!

Morocco

Perched at the top of Africa, Morocco sits at the crossroads of history and has long attracted travelers lured by tales of exotic adventure. Today it is a country that finds itself cautiously entering the 21st century while remaining loyal to deeply traditional roots. Upon arrival, one is immediately captivated by the richness and diversity of Morocco’s people and their dress, food and languages. Whether navigating the heaving bazaar in Fez, winding your way through the narrow and serpentine medina in Marrakech, surfing the easy breaks of Essauira’s beaches, or hiking in the Rif mountains above the charming village of Chefchaouen, you're sure to be left feeling enchanted by Morocco's many charms.

Ireland

This will be the Global Education Program’s fifth exchange with Clongowes Wood College, an all-boys secondary Jesuit boarding school located in the town of Clane in County Kildare, Ireland. During the first weekend participants will stay in the home of their host brothers' family and spend time touring Dublin and nearby cultural attractions. For the remainder of the program students will stay in the dorms at Clongowes, attend classes with host students, take part in service opportunities and explore neighboring cities like Dublin. Participants will host a student from Clongowes when they visit New York.

Milan

Rwanda

During this program, students will spend time on a collaborative retreat experience with St. Ignatius students stay with host families while attending daily classes, tour the city of Kilgali and have an opportunity to participate in a safari experience. Focusing on spiritual, academic and personal growth, students will be asked to step out of their comfort zones and truly embrace everything the culture of Rwanda has to offer.

Ignatian Global Scholars Program

JSN Ignatian Global Scholar Certificate Requirements

To earn an Ignatian Global Scholar Certificate, students must successfully complete seven of the nice components listed below, selecting at least one component from each category; Context, Experience, Reflection, Action, Evaluation.

Context

Curriculum

Students will complete a minimum of 4 courses with a global dimension. (Examples: Global Studies, AP World History, AP European History, AP Art History, AP Ecology, Classical and Foreign Language Courses.)

Language Study

Students will complete three years and achieve the third level of study in a modern or classical language.

Global Events

Students will participate in 2 different events each year that have an Ignatian global citizenship focus. This could take the form of a speaker series, book club, or workshops.

Experience

Intercultural Experience

Students will take part in a sustained experience where they form a relationship with an organization, group, or a set of people that allows them to interact with a culturally diverse group while sharing a common vision. This should help deepen their awareness of their place and responsibilities in our interconnected world.

Co-Curricular Involvement

Students will have an ongoing, active involvement with a group that focuses on either the pursuit of a sustainable earth, a more humane world, or an increasing interconnectedness and understanding of perspectives or cultures other than their own.

Reflection

Ongoing and Culminating Reflection

Students will continuously complete self-reflections to evaluate their work in becoming global citizens and to understand how this deepens their relationship with God. At the end of the program, they should complete a final reflection to review their time in the program and how it will inform their future interactions with others, God, and the world.