International Programs

"Before this experience, I never thought I could go on an international trip.  I had never even been on a plane before! But now, this seems like a real possibility. Now, I am not only motivated to go to college, but also to explore other countries and cultures firsthand."

–Nicolas Cathcart, Brighton High School

The Boston Public Schools promotes global education through its course curricula as well as through its programs abroad. We offer student exchanges, study tours, language immersion experiences, and service learning trips. These programs promote mutual understanding and appreciation as well as ensure that our students are culturally responsive and globally literate. In addition, these programs reinforce and support our vision of a BPS graduate as outlined in our Acceleration Agenda.

Our goals are as follows:

• Provide more quality international experiences
• Strengthen existing international programs to deepen student learning
• Ensure that there is equity and access to international programs across the district

BPS students should speak to their principal or headmaster about programs at their school.  In addition to school based programs, there are district-wide and community-based programs available as well. 

During the 2010-2011 school year, our students studied in and traveled to the following countries: Canada, China, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Germany, Italy, Mongolia, Nicaragua, Peru, Poland, and Qatar.

• To find out more about international programs in the Boston Public Schools, download our flyer!

Last year, approximately 1.3% of our travel age students studied abroad on a BPS program.  As in years past, these students were clustered in a handful of schools.  Our plan for the upcoming years is to increase the overall number of students participating in international programs as well as to broaden the base of participating schools.

For more information, contact Bethany Wood, Senior Coordinator of International Programs, at (617) 635-9157 or bwood@bostonpublicschools.org