Trips & Exchanges


Overnight domestic and international trips provide our middle and high school students with the opportunity to extend their learning beyond the classroom and become global leaders. As in school, the goal of these programs is to engage students in hands-on learning and help them find their "spark of genius."

As an international school, Dwight has sent students to every continent and to countless countries. No matter the destination, every trip illustrates Dwight’s commitment to educating global leaders.
 

International

  • Dwight School Dubai Exchange Program - Grade 7 
  • Dwight School London Choral Extravaganza - Grades 8-12
  • Shanghai Qibao Dwight High School exchange program - Grade 9
  • Varsity Boys Rugby trip to England and Scotland
  • WISER Girls Secondary School visit in Muhuru Bay, Kenya - Grades 9-12 
  • Community Service Trip to Costa Rica - Grades 6-8
  • Global Issues Network Conference in Luxembourg - Grades 8-11
  • Trees for Life: Reforestation in Nepal - Grades 9-11
  • Dwight School London exchange program - Grade 5 
  • Animal Rescue Service in Costa Rica - Grades 8-12

Domestic

  • Orientation at Frost Valley YMCA in Claryville, NY - Grade 9
  • Orientation at Greenkill YMCA Retreat Center in Huguenot, NY - Grade 6
  • Boston, MA - Grade 7
  • Boys Varsity Basketball Kreul Classic National Tournament in Coral Springs, FL
  • NASA Space Camp in Huntsville, AL - Grade 8
  • Washington, DC - Grades 4 and 8
  • WILD Outdoor Program camping trips along the Appalachian Trail - Grades 9-12

Students on the Go

Dwight's WILD Program

Students in grades 9-12 have the opportunity to participate in our WILD program (Wilderness Instruction and Leadership Development). WILD is an innovative outdoor program that builds community and helps fulfill Dwight's vision to “foster the next generation of global leaders who can thrive anywhere in the world.” This includes the wild outdoors! Stripped of their home comforts and electronic devices, students are challenged to overcome fears and realize they can do more than they ever imagined. They develop an increased tolerance for adversity and uncertainty and they build grit. An additional aim of WILD is to build a deeper sense of citizenship in students. Students will learn about outdoor ethics and “Leave No Trace” practices to ensure the conservation of our natural heritage. WILD develops leaders who care about the environment and combat climate change.

From the Big City to the Great “Dwight Outdoors”
From the Big City to the Great “Dwight Outdoors”

In the midst of a crisp, colorful autumn, eight Upper School students and two faculty members embarked on an adventure: They visited the Hudson Highlands for a beautiful and challenging hike along the Breakneck Ridge Trail, inaugurating the Dwight Outdoors Program.

The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Program at Dwight

The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Program is the world’s leading youth achievement award and was launched at Dwight in 2020. Formally known in the U.S. as “The Award,” the program encourages young people ages 14-24 to learn new skills, be physically active, volunteer within their communities, and discover a sense of adventure outside the classroom. It helps young people discover their passions, unlock their potential, and become global citizens, making it a great fit for our School. The Award's fundamentals also closely align with CAS (Creativity, Action, and Service) and other elements of the IB.

Dwight students in pursuit of The Award can participate in Dwight’s WILD (Wilderness Instruction Leadership Development) program, thanks to the generosity of The Dwight School Foundation. WILD provides students with the opportunity to learn important outdoor skills and sustainable practices, and to embark on hikes together in scenic spots in New York and beyond.

 

Exchange Programs

We offer students the opportunity to study on any campus in The Dwight Schools network for a trimester or year. Additionally, in our exchange programs, students travel abroad, expand their world view, learn about other cultures, and forge lasting friendships with their peers at sister Dwight Schools, illustrating the numerous, invaluable benefits of being part of a global network of schools. Our programs include:

  • Week-long reciprocal exchange with Dwight School Dubai - Grade 7
  • Week-long reciprocal exchange with Dwight School London - Grade 5 
  • Week-long reciprocal exchange with Shanghai Qibao Dwight High School - Grade 9