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Global & Experiential Learning

A group of 30+ students and their teachers smile as they stand in front of a beautiful overlook of Mt. Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica.

At AIS, learning and exploring go far beyond the classroom. Students of all ages participate in trips and visits that deepen their understanding of the world, connecting classroom concepts to real-world experiences. These opportunities broaden cultural perspectives and help make learning more meaningful and relevant.Trips expand the student experiences way beyond the classroom and are an important part of developing IB learner attributes

Primary School

Every grade in the Primary School goes on field trips each year. Destinations include civil rights museums, the High Museum of Art, and local businesses to learn what community support entails—as well as farms, where students explore topics like sustainability. These experiences help bring classroom learning to life in meaningful, hands-on ways.

Grade 5 Journey Abroad

At AIS, language learning is a gateway to real-world learning and global discovery. In line with the International Baccalaureate’s beyond borders approach, our Grade 5 students travel overseas each year to a country connected to their language track. These once-in-a-lifetime, chaperoned trips bring language and culture to life as students grow more independent and begin to see themselves as global citizens. They practice their target language with locals, try regional cuisine, explore historic landmarks, and dive into hands-on, culturally rich experiences. Whether it’s bargaining in a bustling market, kayaking under ancient aqueducts, or ziplining through the rainforest, their learning takes on a whole new dimension.

China

Students in the Chinese language track visit Beijing and Shanghai for an immersive journey into China's rich cultural heritage. They explore ancient architecture, practice Chinese calligraphy, participate in a tai chi class, and enjoy traditional cuisine. And of course, no trip to China is complete without a visit to the iconic Great Wall!

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Costa Rica

Students in the Spanish language track travel to Costa Rica, where they explore the country through the lens of sustainability. With plenty of opportunities to interact with locals, the trip includes a visit to a working farm, zipline adventures through a cloud rainforest, guided nature walks exploring native species, and a full-day catamaran excursion. A highlight of the experience is a meaningful exchange with local students–sharing books, playing fútbol, and building connections that deepen both language skills and global understanding.

Read More about Costa Rica
France

Students in the French language track travel to Provence, France, where they immerse themselves in local culture and history. Some of the activities include practicing French in a bustling market, learning sword and shield techniques from a gladiator at the ancient Arles Amphitheater, and kayaking beneath the historic Pont du Gard aqueduct.

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Germany

Students in the German language track travel to Berlin, where they explore the city's history, culture, and everyday life. Highlights include visits to iconic sites like Reichstag dome, the Berlin Wall, and Checkpoint Charlie. They also enjoy outdoor adventures, including ziplining and climbing through the trees at a forest adventure park. This year, they even joined some locals for a soccer game on a Berlin playground!

Read More about Germany

Secondary School

The journey continues in Secondary School, where each year AIS students take part in a range of enriching international experiences. Some trips focus on service or extracurricular passions—like Model United Nations in Panama or community projects in Medellín, Colombia—while others deepen language proficiency through exchanges in Germany, China, and France.

Students also participate in local and U.S.-based travel, including innovation-focused field trips, visits to the High Museum of Art, and national music events. This year, our performers took the stage at Carnegie Hall and competed in Orlando, Florida. At AIS, students learn to feel at home in the wider world.

Middle School Trips

Upper School Trips