For 30 years, Realms’ well-known International Program has exposed students to parts of the world many people never see. Realms believes in involving students directly in the details of these trips. Students collaborate on planning every step of the way, from the destination choices to research into cost, travel methods, service projects, language school and accommodations. Their interests and input are even more crucial when it comes to choosing service and academic projects.

• Costa Rica- Volunteered at the Leatherback Sea Turtle preserve helping with preservation and education, visited the Moteverde Cloud Forest and learned about coffee production and attended Spanish language school in Tamarindo.

• Ecuador- Volunteered in the Bilsa Biological Research Station helping with reforestation and conservation efforts. Explored the diverse ecosystems of the Galapagos Islands. Participated in cooking classes, surfing school and Spanish language classes in Mompiche.

• Thailand- Volunteered at the Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary helping with the feeding, care, and bathing of elephants. Went spelunking with Cave Lodge in Bam Than and rock climbing in Ko Phi Phi. Took Thai language classes and visited cultural sites in Bangkok.

International travel offer our students the unique opportunity to extend their learning plans and create self-directed academic projects based on their destination. For example, on a recent trip to Belize, one student studied parasites indigenous to the area.

Alumni often tell us the International Program was the highlight of their Realms experience. It’s often hard work, but the personal growth that comes from challenging one’s ideas about the world is priceless.

In addition to service opportunities we perform in our own community, our students travel abroad every year to immerse themselves in a foreign culture, and to be of service to those with need. This is just a glimpse of what we’ve done on some of our recent international trips: