MISSION

We empower students to further the cause of peace through understanding by providing a richly rounded global classroom experience. We present students with a curriculum focused on travel, cultural and environmental awareness, and community service. Our institution helps create better global citizens dedicated to lifelong learning, service to others, and respect for other cultures and viewpoints.

VISION

We are dedicated to bridging the borders between nations by opening the eyes of young people to the complexities of the world. We bring the curriculum alive through travel and face-to-face interaction with people from other countries, so that students understand how the history, culture, art, geography, economics, and international affairs of other nations relate to their own.

By exposing students to a varied mix of international experiences, we hope to endow the leaders of tomorrow with the broad perspectives needed to deal with an increasingly complex world, and to inspire them to continue to seek closer ties between nations.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Curriculum

Our curriculum is based on state and national standards for social studies, leadership, communication, and world studies. Student learning experiences encompass:

• Travel and international cultural exchange
• Teamwork
• Teambuilding
• Self-sufficiency

In addition, students increase their understanding of their destination countries’. This knowledge includes:

• Governments
• History
• Economies
• Cultures
• Languages
• Lifestyles

Instruction

We enrich our students’ lives by extending education into the worldwide classroom and providing opportunities for hands-on learning. Because we are committed to helping students learn and teachers teach, we provide comprehensive learning and teaching objectives and a variety of teaching tools. These tools range from interactive online modules to printed materials or unique activities in the destination countries.

Assessment

Our students complete assignments before travel and during travel. These assignments may be given online or throughout the student’s program. During the program experience, we provide activities which encourage self-reflection and higher-order thinking as well as wider awareness of the world at large.

Teacher-leaders clearly understand student learning objectives and assessment guidelines and provide encouragement and feedback. By encouraging a higher level of engagement, teachers ensure that students gain a broader understanding of their program experiences.

Leadership and Organization

The Washington School of World Studies (WSWS) draws its support from the global organizational resources of People to People Ambassador Programs. Everything from marketing materials, curriculum development, travel services, organizing overseas activities, and screening teacher-leaders, the organization fully supports the WSWS mission of creating a fully-rounded learning experience for our students.

School Services

We integrate a variety of resources and services into developing programs development that enhance and continually improves the student learning experience. WSWS is able to draw upon over fifty years of institutional experience from People to People Ambassador Programs.

This depth of experience provides the highest level of safety, service, and learning, and is constantly expanding and evolving.

Facilities

The Washington School of World Studies is affiliated with and housed within the People to People Ambassador Programs headquarters located in Spokane, Washington.

Culture of Continued Improvement

We improve our programs through:

• Reviews of student and teacher curriculum
• Evaluation feedback
• Continually evolving our teaching and assessment tools
• Consulting with a panel of expert educators
  

An action plan for achieving specific future goals is in development and will be made available to interested parties.