We offer an array of experiential education opportunities designed to broaden horizons and create meaningful connections, including:
- The Casten Trip Program.
- Language Immersion trips.
- Our status as a global school in the Round Square Consortium.
- The Global Context Upper School course.
- Our Rwanda Partnership.
- Our Virtual Exchange program.
Expanding Horizons Through a Global Education
As a member of Round Square, Hackley connects students to a world of possibilities. Membership enables us to send and receive students and teachers abroad on academic exchanges and to attend annual global conferences with students from 50 countries in over 200 schools worldwide.
Through Hackley’s own Global Education programming and partnerships with other institutions and schools, students have traveled to and made strong connections in such cities and countries as Cape Town, Beijing, Denmark, Laos, Kigali, Delhi, Japan and Rwanda — just to name a few!
Frequently Asked Questions
Global Education at Hackley helps students learn from different cultures, perspectives and experiences — both locally and globally. Through travel, exchange, and classroom learning, students develop the mindset and skills to become thoughtful, engaged global citizens.
Hackley offers a range of programs, including:
- The Casten Trip Program
- Language immersion trips
- Round Square exchanges and conferences
- The Global Context Upper School course
- Our Rwanda Partnership
- Virtual exchange experiences
These opportunities are designed to build meaningful connections across cultures.
Round Square is a global network of over 200 schools in 50 countries. As a member, Hackley students can take part in international exchanges, service projects, and global conferences. These experiences help students grow as leaders and collaborators in a diverse world. Each year, Hackley strives to attend the Round Square International Conference, which brings together thousands of students from dozens of schools around the globe. These experiential education summits help students pursue the Round Square IDEALS: Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership and Service.
Global Education opportunities are available to Upper School students, with some programs open to Middle School students as well. Participation may depend on grade level, interest, and program-specific requirements. Hackley works closely with students and families to ensure readiness and support. A key goal of the Global Education program is to ensure, as best we are able, that each Hackley student has the opportunity to engage in a meaningful global experience by the time they graduate — whether through travel, exchange or classroom-based learning.
Each program has its own timeline and application process. Students typically express interest through an online form or by meeting with the Global Education Coordinators. Information sessions and parent communications are shared in advance to help families understand options and next steps.
Hackley’s Global Education team provides guidance throughout the process:
- Ms. Kristyn Bria coordinates Middle School exchanges and Round Square opportunities.
- Ms. Merideth Maddox serves as Hackley’s K–12 Round Square Representative and coordinates Upper School programming.
- Mr. Wil Libko, the Allstrom Chair in Foreign Affairs, supports global initiatives and helps students engage with the study of foreign relations and international affairs.
- Mr. Basil Kolani, Director of Academic Affairs, oversees academic programming at Hackley and often chaperones global trips, helping connect travel experiences to students’ broader learning journeys.
Together, they help students explore opportunities, prepare for travel, and reflect on their experiences.
Not at all. While travel is a powerful part of the experience, students also gain global awareness through classroom learning, virtual exchanges, and interactions with visiting students from around the world.
Global Education at Hackley is designed to be a shared journey. When students return from travel experiences, they often bring their learning into the classroom and community — through discussions, presentations and informal storytelling — helping spark curiosity and connection among peers.
We often say that when a student travels, Hackley is traveling too. Each experience is shaped not only by the student’s perspective, but also by the questions and interests of the broader school community.
Hackley students have built connections in places like Cape Town, Beijing, Denmark, Laos, Kigali, Delhi, Japan, Rwanda, Dubai, Tanzania, England, Japan and Kenya — just to name a few. Each trip is designed to foster cultural understanding and personal growth.
Global Education directly supports Hackley’s mission “to learn from the varying perspectives of our community and the world.” It helps students develop empathy, curiosity and a sense of responsibility as global citizens.
Families interested in Global Education can reach out to our Middle and Upper School Global Education Coordinators for more information about upcoming opportunities and how to get involved.