International Travel Studies

When it comes to Altruism, we believe in living the values that encompass our school. Our International Travel Studies (ITS) Program is a year-long focus on bettering our local and international communities.

ITS trips are one of the highlights of the Calgary Academy experience since the first expedition in 2005. These trips aren’t simply vacations to foreign locations—the ITS program teaches students what it means to serve the global community.

While students see and experience beautiful areas and cultures, the trip’s focus is international work. This work begins for students at home before heading to their determined destination. They work closely with local organizations to demonstrate altruism—volunteering, participating in events, and raising money for charity.

Sustainable Tourism in Action

A focal point for the ITS program is the idea of sustainable tourism—recognizing our impact as visitors, supporting the local economy, and addressing the host community’s needs. A portion of all ITS funds raised each year goes towards covering the cost of whatever supplies the partner organization needs, including paint, construction materials, and school supplies.

We frequently travel back to the local communities we serve, with the ITS program predominantly returning to Vietnam, Ecuador, Tanzania, and Morocco. Establishing partner organizations provides predictability for those in the countries we visit. They know we’ll return to continue working with them.

Make an Impact

ITS teaches students how to be global citizens and make an international impact. Students help build and paint schools, create wells, and build kitchens and bathroom as well as create gardens and play spaces for their international partners.

Year-Long Initiatives

Before heading overseas, ITS students spend months contributing to their local community, running fundraisers, volunteering, and raising funds while volunteering in local initiatives.

Unique Learning Opportunities

Students research and present about the country’s history, geography, politics, culture, wildlife, food, sports as well as learning the language to learn about the year’s chosen country prior to take off.