110 • SEPTEMBER 2023
St. Andrew’s Students Making a Way in the World Marlo Kirkpatrick Following two years of Covid-imposed travel restrictions, St. Andrew’s students welcomed the return of life-changing international trips and cultural exchanges. Global studies activities in the 2022-23 school year included international trips to Italy, Ireland, and the UK for upper school students, and Costa Rica for middle school students. “There’s no substitute for experiencing another place first-hand. It is truly life changing,” said Emily Philpott, director of global studies. “But what makes St. Andrew’s program unique is that global studies is woven throughout the curriculum. In many schools, ‘global studies’ is limited to trips, but at St. Andrew’s, it’s an integral part of the overall educational experience.” The school also welcomed exchange students from St. Andrew’s partner school in Peru. Weekly “Travel Thursdays,” an optional upper school lunch break program featuring speakers who share their global experiences, were held throughout the year in addition to virtual events and project collaborations with partner schools in Ghana, Peru, Germany, and India. Upcoming global studies trips for the 2023-24 school year will include upper school trips to Italy/Austria/Germany and Peru and a middle school trip to Iceland. St. Andrew’s will also host visiting students from partner schools in Ghana and Germany. St. Andrew’s global studies program is grounded in the belief that every student should have the opportunity to experience other cultures first-hand, regardless of family income. Established in 2008 through a generous gift from St. Andrew’s alumnus Creath Guillot (’75), the Guillot Global Fellows Program provides grants to help students cover the cost of participating in international trips offered through St. Andrew’s. “Creath Guillot’s gift has been instrumental in growing the global studies program and has given so many St. Andrew’s students the chance to experience another part of the world,” Philpott said. “Our hope is that Mr. Guillot’s gift will inspire additional financial support for the program so that more students will have these amazing opportunities.” During the 2022-23 school year, 13 students received Guillot Grants. “My ability to travel to Italy last fall – my first trip outside the United States – was entirely contingent upon receiving the Guillot grant,” said Victoria Akins (’22). “I am an avid lover of the arts and I have always wanted to visit the Sistine Chapel to experience the work of Michelangelo. Hearing and reading about historic art can’t compare to viewing it in person. I will never be able to truly express my gratitude for an award this life-changing.” “I believe in St. Andrew’s global studies program even more today than when it was first started,” Creath Guillot said. “As much conflict as there is today in the world – and within the United States – creating any opportunity to see things through someone else’s perspective is extremely important. I like to think this program contributes to that.” Also in 2022, St. Andrew’s launched Global Voices, a lower school and early childhood global studies initiative. Global Voices introduces young students to global cultures through speakers, virtual exchanges, and fun-filled, hands-on activities. The lower school kicked off Global Voices with a presentation by St. Andrew’s community members with ties to other countries. Three faculty members and two parents spoke to students in grades 1-4 about what “going back to school” was like in their home countries of Kenya, Mexico, India, China, and Germany. “St. Andrew’s has been doing things like this for years, but this is the first year in which we have a position dedicated to bringing in these types of performances and events,” said Mayson McKey, assistant director of global studies. “The plan is to cover one topic each month. But if St. Andrew’s community members are interested in sharing with the students, we’ll have more events. This program is fueled by our St. Andrew’s community.” Global Voices was designed with students in mind, but parents and faculty have also found themselves enlightened and excited by the program. “I enjoyed giving the children a perspective of what happens in other countries,” said Dr. Jadeline Anyumba-Mitema, who introduced students to back-to-school activities in her native Kenya. “Global Voices sensitizes our children to differences – and to similarities – between people that come from upbringings in different countries.” “I learned so much from my fellow panelists and friends from around the world,” said Sandra Flores, a pre-K teacher from Mexico. “Our differences are an essential part of what enriches humanity.” Hometown MADISON • 111