Emma Girls are Global Over Spring Break
By Gabrielle DeMarco, Director of Communications
Emma Willard School was well represented around the world over the recent spring break as girls traveled to England, Spain, India, and China. The trips each focused on different aspects of the Emma educational experience from culture and language immersion to service. The girls, now all happily back into the swing of things on campus, all report exceptional experiences while abroad.
A total of 14 girls traveled to China. In the course of this two-week trip, they visited four cities: Beijing, Xi’an, Suzhou, and Shanghai, all of which are significant to Chinese history and culture. The girls integrated language and culture lessons with daily activities, interacted with local people, and volunteered with school children.
Fourteen students enjoyed a week-long trip to England. On the first leg of their journey the group was hosted by the Felsted School. Students stayed in the dorms with Felsted students for the first four days of their visit, during which time they sat in on classes at Felsted and visited local areas of interest like historic Dunmow. The group also traveled to London, where they enjoyed the London theatre scene, toured Westminster Abbey, and visited the Tate Museum of Modern Art, the British Museum, and Shakespeare's Globe Theater. The students thoroughly enjoyed seeing both historic and modern aspects of England and had an amazing time overseas this spring break!
Thirteen girls took a service-learning journey to Bagad, Rajasthan, India for 10 days with a focus on girls’ education. Through an in-depth analysis of the global issues at the root of many of the challenges faced by Indian society, the group worked hand-in-hand with local community members in the construction of a school, and also learned about access to education, clean water and sanitation, healthcare, alternative income and livelihood, as well as agriculture and food security.
Finally, 20 students spent two weeks immersed in language, culture, and community in Salamanca, Spain. The girls took intensive Spanish courses each day, participated in cultural activities and community service opportunities each afternoon, and lived with host families. Students made lasting connections with new friends, enjoyed new places and experiences, and of course greatly improved their Spanish speaking skills.
