Global Classroom

Yokosa!  Dozo yoroshiku onegaishimasu!  Welcome to Japan!  There is no more fascinating and paradoxical country to visit than Japan.  The mix of ultramodern and traditional are apparent everywhere you visit, from the visual feast of Tokyo and the hustle and bustle it embodies to the peaceful shrines and gardens of Kyoto and the ancient traditions and culture it represents.  Jim Meyer, who lived and worked in Japan for several years, and the Hunters who have spent extensive time studying the literature, art history, and culture of Japan will lead the Mod Abroad classes and ten-day trip to Japan.  Students have a packed itinerary and will be able to see a good chunk of the country by traveling from Tokyo to Hiroshima on the bullet train and visiting a variety of cities, castles, and ancient sights along the way.  And they'll get to eat some delicious food including sushi, sashimi, okinomiyaki, udon, ramen, yakitori, and many other Japanese delicacies.  It's going to be an incredible trip!

Christian, Jewish, and Muslim art and architecture, literature, religion, philosophy, history, and culture will intertwine as we spend the entire module learning about Spain. While the topics covered will be varied and wide-ranging, the central focus will be on “La Convivencia,” the period in Spanish history when the “peoples of the book” lived together in productive harmony under both Christian and Muslim rulers. The course will begin in the St. Mary’s classroom, but finish with 11 days in Spain where we will visit Madrid, Tolled, Granada, Cordoba, Ronda, and Seville. The travel component is required for credit and includes an additional fee.

Three countries, two religions, political and economic systems, and more will all come to light as we spend the entire module learning about Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand in preparation for a trip to all three. Given the expansive nature of the trip, the class will be dedicated to an equally broad range of topics. Two particular areas of focus will be on the major religions of the region (Buddhism and Hinduism) and the roles of communism and capitalism in the contemporary era. The travel component is required for credit and includes an additional fee. Students will earn a social studies credit, an English credit, and a general elective credit for this three-bin course.

Mod programs/exchanges are available in Argentina for interested students within our Spanish language program. Profe Rhiannon Batey runs this academic program, you can reach her at rbatey@smschool.us with any questions.

The Confucius Classroom at St. Mary's School is proud to offer the Chinese Bridge Summer Camp for our high school students. 

This two week program is structured to enhance understanding between American and Chinese students. Through a combination of classroom study and excursions, students will have a unique opportunity to expand their language skills while experiencing China's rich culture, tradition, and history.

For more information, please contact Ms. Dewing.