Global Education

Middle School Global Education Program: Web-based Partnerships

Our Middle School students have the opportunity to communicate with students from other parts of the world through Web-based relationships.  For the past three years, U Prep has worked with iEARN, which is a global network that uses the Internet and e-mail to allow students to collaborate with classrooms overseas. Currently, our sixth graders participate in the iEARN “Learning Circles” through which they gain experience with new technologies and practice cultural awareness. We are also developing a relationship with the Himanchal School in Nangi, Nepal.  The Himanchal School is very special in that its students are involved in both economic development and environmental sustainability projects in and outside of the classroom.  Our goal is for all MS students to communicate directly with Nepali students through in-class projects and for faculty to enhance their curriculum by including the perspectives of our Nepali counterparts in their students’ class work.

Upper School Global Education Program

Global Link is University Prep’s innovative global education program challenging selected Upper School students to experience real life in other parts of the world.

Expect something quite different from a traditional travel program. We focus on relationships rather than countries. The program builds students’ capacity to cultivate and sustain meaningful international connections. Through extensive predeparture training and a substantive in-country curriculum, students learn the personal and crosscultural skills needed to immerse themselves in the world of their host-country counterparts.

As the face of University Prep overseas, students practice their representational skills by highlighting their individuality and demonstrating their collective respect for and ongoing curiosity about our multicultural world. Global Link also provides opportunities for students to bring that world back home. Upon their return, students share their experiences with University Prep and the Seattle-area international community through projects and theses.

Global Leadership Opportunities

University Prep supports students interested in various global leadership workshops, conferences, and projects publicized through NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools), NAFSA: Association of International Educators, ISSA (International Studies Schools Association), and a number of other global education associations.

Study Abroad 

Upper School sophomores and juniors are allowed to receive credit toward graduation through semester or year-long accredited study abroad programs. Most recently students have studied in Sweden, France, Japan, Australia and South America.

Hosting International Students

University Prep invites two international students per semester for full-time enrollment.  We have hosted students from all over the world, most recently from Germany, Colombia and Afghanistan. We also regularly host short-term visitors. This year, students from Japan, Germany, Chile, Palestine, Israel and Afghanistan have visited our campus. Our community is always eager to welcome new global citizens and build international relationships.

For more information about University Prep’s Global Education programs, contact:
Lauren Denton, Director of Global Programs
ldenton@universityprep.org