Global Initiatives

Mercersburg Academy students on a boat while on a summer trip.

Nothing expands one’s horizons and comfort zone quite like visiting a new place.

Mercersburg Global Initiatives seeks to provide all students with opportunities to connect, explore, engage, and collaborate with the complex, globalized world through a variety of experiences—on campus, virtually, and internationally during their years in our community. Every year, students have the opportunity to participate in a domestic or international travel program during spring or summer break.

Justine O’Connell, Director of Global Initiatives and Model UN Adviser

This trip to Costa Rica has taught me so much about communication and hard work. My host family and I don’t speak the same language, but we can still communicate and tell jokes. I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything.

Mia Ingram ’21

Global Initiatives off Campus

Spring Travel Opportunities: We have a longstanding relationship with the Cloud Forest School in Monteverde, Costa Rica, and all students are invited to apply for this travel opportunity.
Summer Travel Opportunities: During the summer months, rising seniors have the opportunity to travel to countries such as Italy, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Germany.

Global Initiatives on Campus

International Student Brown Bag Lunches: We are eager to learn about the cultures and homes of our community members, and students who live abroad are encouraged to share with us during these lunch presentations.
Dialogues and Events: These opportunities, sponsored by the Global Education Benchmark Group, provide a chance to meet virtually with students from around the country and the world to talk about different sustainable development goals.
Model United Nations: Model UN, one of the Performance Group Activity options, is a simulation of governmental and international politics, with students assuming the roles of specific political figures, nations, or organizations.