Global Education

Through all aspects of the Global Education program, St. Joseph’s Academy empowers women to become global leaders with the strong values necessary to make a profound impact in the world.

Students will:

explore global issues with inclusivity, empathy, and multiple perspectives
identify and create opportunities for personal and collaborative action and grow in community relational learning
develop their growth mindset and resiliency in order to effectively communicate their voice while navigating unfamiliar and difficult situations
gain the tools to be able to thrive in the future of a global workforce and world

2024-25 Global Education Travel Opportunities Global Education Scholar Information

Global Education at St. Joseph’s Academy is tied to the mission and core values of the school. It is our goal that the students involved in Global Education develop these competencies and carry them with them throughout their lives.

Toronto, Canada

Macie D.

“After being introduced to a whole new country, I’ve learned how to adapt to changes in the world around me, by going with the flow of things rather than fighting off what I cannot control. I understand the importance of getting out of my comfort zone and have become passionate in seeking out new experiences that contrast with my daily routine.”

Letterkenny, Ireland

Bridget S.

“Before traveling to Ireland I had never been out of the country, so I was quite nervous but when I first interacted with people from Ireland I felt comfortable, ready, and welcome to experience a different lifestyle from my own. There was not a moment during the trip when I questioned my investment in going! Also, my connection with my family will last a lifetime, although we were complete strangers two months ago.”

Madrid, Spain

Liv. B.

"Traveling to Madrid was my favorite experience during my time at St. Joe. I loved being with a family and having them take me around Spain. I learned so much—from food to culture to Spanish. This trip helped me make lifelong friends and understand the world better!”

2024-25 Travel Opportunities

Each program is designed for St. Joseph’s Academy students to thrive as learners with a growth-mindset. Participants will learn about the world, other cultures, and themselves. These are competitive programs with limited spots available.

All dates are subject to change, based on flights and school needs. All programs are subject to achieving minimum required registrations.

Bauru, Brazil

Travel to Brazil February 14-23 along with students from Chaminade. Program participants will host Brazilian students in October 2024 for 10 days. This program is limited to 3-4 students.

During this program, students will immerse themselves in the culture of Brazil and participate in Carnival. They will attend classes at Colegio Chaminade Bauru and participate in cultural experiences, including the infamous Brazilian Carnival. Students will stay with host families in Bauru and experience life in Brazil.

* Students will miss school days during this program and must be in good academic standing. This program is ideal for Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors, but Seniors may also apply.

Lille, France

Travel to France over Spring Break, March 12-25. Program participants will host French students in October 2024 for 10 days. This program is limited to 9 students.

This program is ideal for students looking to experience French culture and improve their French language skills. They will attend classes at St. Marie Beaucamps and stay with host families in Lille, getting a taste of how the French live. Students will begin the program with 2 nights in London, then they will travel to northern France on the Chunnel. During their stay in Lille, they will also participate in several full day excursions, visiting Bruges and/or Paris.

* Students will miss school days during this program and must be in good academic standing. They will also prepare and give a presentation on St. Louis, SJA, and the French ties to our city. This program is recommended for Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors, but Seniors may apply.

Letterkenney, Ireland

My trip to Ireland changed my life in more ways than I could have even imagined. I learned that I could be independent and travel all by myself. I have made lifelong friends while on my trip, and I am lucky to call them my found family. I wish everyone could experience the magic I felt on that trip.”
- Emily A.

Travel to Ireland over Spring Break, March 14-23, along with students from SLUH. Program participants will host Irish students in April 2025. This program is limited to 7 students.

This program will give students the opportunity to experience the culture, history, and beauty of Ireland. They will attend classes at Coláiste Ailigh and stay with host families in Letterkenny. The program includes several excursions around Ireland, including two nights in Dublin with SJA chaperones.

* Students will miss school days during this program and must be in good academic standing. They will also prepare and give a presentation on St. Louis and SJA. This program is recommended for Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors, but Seniors may apply.

Roatan, Honduras

Travel to Honduras over Spring Break, March 15-22. This program is limited to 6 students.

Roatan is known for having the second best coral reefs in the world and students interested in participating in marine-based learning activities, including lab work and field experiences, should consider applying for this program. Participants will stay at Anthony’s Key Resort directly next to Roatan Marine Park. They will have the opportunity to spend a day working with a local elementary school on educational programming. Students will also be able to snorkel, enjoy a dolphin encounter, and kayak.

*Participation in this program requires prework with the SJA Science Department. This trip is recommended for all students.

Tsu, Japan

Travel to Japan May 24- June 8. Program participants will host Japanese students in 2026. This program is limited to 10 students.

SJA students have the opportunity to experience life as a St. Joe student in Japan! Participants will travel to Tsu to attend school at SJA’s sister school in Japan and meet with Sisters of St. Joseph there. Students will take English classes, Home Economics, some classes in Japanese, and will “serve the Dear Neighbor” at a local primary school, working in classrooms. They will also participate in the tea ceremony club. Other program highlights include 3-4 days in Kyoto and excursions to Hiroshima and/or Osaka.

* Participants will prepare and give a presentation on St. Louis, SJA, and the Sisters of St. Joseph. They will also complete some cultural training with St. Louis Japanese Society before departure. This program is open to Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors.

Krakow and Gdynia, Poland

Travel to Poland May 24 - June 10, along with SLUH and Nerinx students. Participants will host Polish students in August 2025. This program is limited to 6 students.

Students participating in this program will experience a true Polish cultural immersion. For the first part of the trip, they will stay with host families and attend classes at Kostka Public School in Krakow. Then, they will travel by train to Gdynia where they will stay with students from Zespol Szkol. Several trip highlights include a city tour of Krakow, a visit to Auschwitz, a tour of the Schindler Museum, and an experience with a Holocaust survivor. Students will also visit Sopot, a beautiful beach town, and Gdańsk to see the Solidarity Museum or the WWII Museum. This program is open to Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors.

Fulda, Germany

Travel to Germany in June for 10 days, along with Chaminade students.

During this program, students will experience German culture first-hand. They will fly to Frankfurt and take a train to Fulda where they will stay with host families and attend classes at Marianum Fulda. They will participate in activities and experiences in central Germany. This program is open to Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors.

Service with the Sisters in Laredo, Texas

Travel to Laredo, Texas May 9-16. This program is limited to 6 Seniors.

Students traveling to Laredo will have the opportunity to study the issue of immigration, get a hands-on experience with the Sisters of St. Joseph, and will stay with the Sisters of Notre Dame. They will spend the semester meeting weekly during lunch to gain a better understanding of the immigration system in the United States. Through this program, they will read a novel, hear from immigration lawyers, meet with Sisters who have hands-on experience at the border, and learn from various documentaries and podcasts. The program will culminate with travel to Laredo for 8 days of work with Catholic Charities, who are on the ground helping legal immigrants along their journey to citizenship. This work will be challenging but rewarding. Participants will be helping immigrants receive clothes, they will serve food, play with immigrant children, and potentially check them into the center. Strong Spanish or French skills are helpful.

Guatemala City, Guatemala

Travel to Guatemala during the last week of April to first week of May for 14-18 days. This program is limited to 8 Seniors.

Students participating in this program will work with Boys Hope Girls Hope, a nonprofit organization that helps provide education and opportunities for young people who wouldn’t normally receive it. During the first semester, students will prepare for their service project in Guatemala working 2 days a month at Boys Hope Girls Hope St. Louis. They will fly to Guatemala City in April and will work with the students attending the local Boys Hope Girls Hope. During a brief break from service work, students will visit Tecpan, Lake Atilin, and Antigua. Students will finish the program back at Boys Hope Girls Hope, working with the students in both a local high school and grade school.

BEAM Kenya

Travel to Kenya during the last week of April for 14 days. This program is limited to 8 Seniors.

BEAM Kenya is an organization founded by SJA Alumna, Colleen Costigan ’99, whose mission is to equip children to overcome adversity through education and psychosocial support. This program is for seniors interested in learning more about what it takes to walk with a community in setting up a non-profit that dignifies and honors the people with whom they work. Participants will have the opportunity to work with BEAM Kenya as they assist local Kenyan children and their families. Students with interests in photography, social media, mental health, and fundraising are encouraged to apply. There will be 8-10 days spent working at BEAM Kenya and then 2-3 nights spent on safari.

Spain and France

Travel to Spain and France in June 2025. Exact dates TBD.

Students will have the opportunity to visit important cultural and historical sites in Barcelona, Bilbao, and San Sebastien in Spain and Biarritz and Paris in France. A highlight of the trip will be attending the Fete de la Musique Festival.

This is open to all SJA students, although French or Spanish skills will be helpful throughout the trip!

If interested, please contact Leigh LaMonica at llamonica@sja1840.org.

Global Education Club

This club is available to all students interested in becoming engaged global citizens. You must attend 2-3 Global Education events throughout the year to be a club member, but anyone can attend events.

Global Education Speakers and Events

Throughout the year, the Global Education Program will have many opportunities to hear speakers and attend events in person or on Zoom. All are designed to expand the core competencies.

Global Dialogue Events

Students involved in Global Education will have the opportunity to speak with high school students from around the world on current pressing issues to build community learning, improve collaborative learning, and meet new friends.

Global EDucation Scholars program

This is a highly selective program that all freshmen, sophomores, and juniors may apply for in December through an application and interview process. It is limited to 35 students. Once accepted, the student will receive a designation on their transcript as a Global Scholars Candidate. Then, when the student completes the milestones, they are marked as a Graduate of the Global Scholars Program, an honor which will be recognized during our end-of-year celebrations.

It is recommended that the student be an active member of the Global Education Club, frequently attend speaker events, and has a commitment to participate in travel. This is an esteemed honor that is recognized on their college transcripts and at graduation.

Acceptance into this program signifies this student has committed to being an active member in the program. To become and maintain membership as a Global Education Scholar:

Maintain a minimum GPA requirement of 3.5.
Understand, develop, and continuously grow their global education competencies.
Commit to a curriculum with a global education focus.
Commit to 4 years of a world language. It does not have to be the same language; however, that is preferred.
Participate in Global Education learning opportunities and reflections based on their year in school.

Sophomores: 2-3 per year
Juniors: 3-4 per year
Seniors: 5-7 per year

Meet with the Global Education Director on a regular basis.
Join and lead globally-focused extracurricular clubs.
Complete at least one Global Education Travel Opportunity, or hosting experience and present to their peers about the experience.

Questions?

Please contact Katie Richardson '99, Director of Global Education, at (314) 394-4089 or at krichardson@sja1840.org.

* Summer trips are not school-sponsored.

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