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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