Global Education
More than School Trips
In the Classroom
In the Classroom
Beginning in the fall of 2020, Dr. Brandon Gauthier, Director of Global Education, began working with the faculty to integrate global competencies into course work and global study programs. Gauthier frames his role as: “help(ing) Derryfield continue to conceptualize global education as about person-to-person connections…we aim for DS graduates to feel as confident speaking with Nepalese villagers as they do with peers in our immediate community.” As we look toward the future, Derryfield students will have growing opportunities to continue to engage with a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Community Education
Cultural Partnerships
Global education is not only about experiences off campus. Derryfield regularly establishes new partnerships to bring relevant speakers to campus. Last spring, two guests from Senegal joined a 9th grade class to host a workshop on contemporary Islam, as related to their history class, Histories of Modern Asia & Africa. Later in the year, a speaker from Where There Be Dragons—an organization dedicated to engaging the “wisdom of community voices” from all parts of the world—addressed the DS community on how to “travel without traveling.”
Global Travel Opportunities
Derryfield offers a variety of global travel experiences every year to students in both middle and upper school. Our students have traveled to South Africa, Nepal, Dominican Republic, Germany, England, Vietnam, and Washington D.C., to name a few!
Marine Ecology & Sustainability
Location: The Island School, Freetown, Bahamas
Grades: 7-8 (Grade 6 with permission, space permitting)
Students will stay at the campus of The Island School in Eleuthera, Bahamas for the week. They will take part in experiential activities on land and in the water such as biking and snorkeling; participate in marine ecology and wildlife research; build team and leadership skills; and of course, enjoy the beautiful seaside setting and weather.
Discovering STEM in London
Location: London, UK
Grades: 9-12
Students will explore science, technology, and innovation through an immersive week in London! In addition to visiting iconic sites, highlights will include hands-on STEM experiences at the renowned Science Museum, a visit to the Thames Barrier to study climate change and flood defense, and discussing astronomy at the historic Greenwich Royal Observatory. Students will also dive into the thrilling physics of roller coaster design at Thorpe Park, ascend The Shard for a discussion on modern engineering, and take part in a conservation-focused workshop at the ZSL London Zoo. Students will relish British culture in the process–with lots of fish & chips as well as a traditional afternoon British tea service!
Habitat for Humanity
Location: Winston-Salem, NC
Grades: 9-12 (students must be 16 years old by March 15, 2026)
Since 2006, The Derryfield School has enjoyed a partnership in service with Habitat for Humanity. Our group will travel to Winston-Salem, NC to spend a week building homes alongside construction staff and local volunteers. Aside from working hard and learning new skills, students will come home with a sense of satisfaction and appreciation for the need for affordable housing.
Guatemala: Language and Culture
Location: Guatemala
Grades: 9-12
Students will experience language, culture, and community resilience during an immersive journey in Guatemala’s Western Highlands. Centered around Lake Atitlán, the program blends Spanish language learning with meaningful engagement with indigenous Maya farmers, artisans, and cooperatives. Highlights include hands-on activities in sustainable agriculture and traditional arts, homestays in San Juan La Laguna, as well as discussions about migration. Students will also enjoy the natural beauty of the region—from lake swims to volcano views. The trip concludes in the historic city of Antigua for final reflections and celebration.
