Global Learning in Action: Students Explore Italy and Peru

This summer, Kent Place students expanded their understanding of the world through two immersive Global Learning experiences: one exploring the rich history and culture of southern Italy and Sicily and the other conducting scientific research in the Peruvian Amazon. 

Both trips were made possible by the Kent Place Global Learning Program, which empowers young women to be leaders who understand, evaluate, and take action in response to the challenges and opportunities of an interconnected world. Global Learning at Kent Place is led by Jennifer Dwyer, who is the Global Learning Coordinator and also teaches Upper School English.

Italy. Ten Middle School students, accompanied by three chaperones, experienced the country, from the ancient ruins of Pompeii to the lively streets of Naples and Palermo. Along the way, they hiked the craters of Mount Vesuvius and Mount Etna and kayaked and snorkeled along the Sorrento coastline. The group also explored the breathtaking island of Capri and the Blue Grotto. Students even had the opportunity to give back to the local communities, taking part in a beach clean-up and a marine biodiversity lesson.

The group comprised Kayla Tabora ’31, Nikki Dadgar ’31, Gitanjali Kameswaran ’30, Ira Sahay ’30, Ava Rains ’32, Avery Huang ’32, Melanie Hoffman ’31, Aadya Kumar ’30, Madison Lora ’32, and Ariana Mitchell ’31. Chaperones were Mathematics Department Cochair Kristen Emmel, Middle School history teacher Mark Semioli, and Upper School history teacher Alison Wolf.

Peru. Fourteen students in Grades 9–11 and three chaperones embarked on an unforgettable expedition through the Amazon. They worked alongside field scientists as citizen scientists conducting wildlife research. Their studies included observing and collecting data on birds, bats, caimans, dolphins, fish, and monkeys as they gained firsthand insight into biodiversity and ecological research. Students also explored how local communities practice sustainable resource management to protect the rainforest. Through immersive experiences in the Amazon, the group examined the impacts of climate change and major infrastructure projects on one of the world’s most important ecosystems.

The group comprised My’Asia Bennett ’27, Remy Cinquino ’27, Amelia Dobric ’28, Richa Malpani ’29, Gabrielle Maria ’29, Sophie McDavit ’28, Maanika Nanda ’29, Madeleine Richter ’29, Erin Schwartz ’29, Isabella Urgilez ’29, Asha Varma ’29, Ayushi Wadhwa ’27, Serena Wang ’29, and Carolyn Weng ’29. Chaperones were Upper School science teacher Rebecca Brown, Chief Advancement Officer Beth Gottung, and Upper School Spanish teacher and World Language Cochair Sandra Medina.

“We had incredible adventures. Students adapted well to the sun, the bugs, and lengthy surveys,” says Dr. Medina. “They are incredibly curious and asked fantastic questions.”

Says Isabella Urgilez ’29, “I’ll never forget looking up at the stars on the first night in Peru. Standing on the boat deck, it was all so clear, undisturbed by city lights or passing airplanes . . . The chirp of insects, the croaking of frogs, the occasional cry of the monkeys. The beauty of a place away from the human population; it was just us and the life of the rainforest.”

Whether uncovering the past in Italy or helping protect the future of the Amazon, students returned home with a broader perspective on the world and their place in it.