International Experience Programs

The Westport Public Schools offers students access to a range of international experiences, expanding their knowledge of the world, discovering more about themselves, growing more confident and independent, and coming to understand more about new people, places and cultures.  As a result, they are forever changed.

Singapore: Asia-Pacific Young Leaders Summit

Starting in 2013, our sister school in Singapore, The Hwa Chong Institution, invited 3 of our students and an educator to attend the Ministry of Education sponsored Asia-Pacific Young Leaders Summit (APYLS).  We are joined in representing the United States by Scarsdale High School and Dominion High School in Virginia.  Students are selected based on their academic achievement and interest in global issues. 

Attendance at the global summit allows top performing students from all over the world to explore a variety of topics such as climate action, rebuilding education systems, international relations, or the future of the global economy.

Delegates interact to discuss issues on a global scale, review case studies from multiple perspectives, debate impact on a local and global platform, evaluate current corrective measures, and innovate solutions. They also participate in expositions and performances that showcase their unique cultures and traditions. These exchanges promote appreciation and understanding of diverse cultures. The experience includes numerous outings to expose the delegates to the culture and flavor of authentic Singaporean life through experiential learning opportunities such as a visit to the Housing Authority.

As active participants throughout the summit, our students build skills that are articulated in our four contributing citizen domains: active creators, communicators, collaborators and critical thinkers.

Read about the 2024 delegates to the APYLS.

 

International Science Youth Forum

In 2015, we began attending the International Science Youth Forum (ISYF), hosted by Hwa Chong.  With support from their Ministry of Education and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research, top science students and educators from premier schools from countries all over the world are invited to interact with Nobel Laureates and other eminent scientists who conduct Master Classes to deepen student understanding of science.

Normandy International Youth Summit

We expanded our summit offerings in 2018 to include an experience in Le Havre, France at the Normandy International Youth Leadership Summit (NIYLS).

This summit is structured in much the same way as APYLS. Three students, along with their peers from Scarsdale and Dominion, represent the United States. International delegations come together in Northern France to discuss and create solutions to global issues, participate in cultural exchanges, visit local sites, and enjoy a week-long family homestay. This event allows three of our students to have an authentic French experience, practice language skills, and build life-long connections. Oh, and then there is the French food, of course--lots of it!

Read about the 2024 delegates to the NIYLS

Additional International Experiences

In the last few years we have partnered with EF Tours to provide additional opportunities to students. In February 2025 there will be a STEM trip to Japan and in April 2025, a Cuisine and Culture tour of Italy.