FRANK LIN DEST INATION
OUR VISION
We believe that a true education goes beyond the classroom, which is why Franklin School, through the global network of Dwight Schools, offers students unparalleled opportunities to explore the world and become global leaders. Our travel programs are designed to ignite curiosity, foster connections, and empower students to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Enjoy your next destination! Safe travels
Fiona Imboden | Director of Overnight Programming
Claudia Irico | Coordinator of Overnight Programming
Shauna Fitzmahan | WILD Outdoor Program Coordinator
FRANKLIN STUDENTS ON THE MOVE!
Franklin’s commitment to providing a global education extends well beyond our innovative curriculum by offering students exceptional opportunities to learn about different countries and cultures firsthand. Through a wide range of immersive experiences both domestically and overseas, students gain a deeper understanding of the world, broaden their perspective, and develop the competencies needed to become successful global leaders.
We understand the importance of community and the power of forging meaningful connections. Our travel learning programs foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie among students, as they embark on adventures together, share transformative experiences, and form lifelong friendships that transcend borders.
With a global network of Dwight Schools spanning continents and extending into the cloud, we are delighted to provide students with a plethora of opportunities to connect with their peers worldwide, collaborate, and bond. Through Dwight Schools in New York, London, Seoul, Shanghai, Dubai, and online, the potential for crosscampus exchange is limitless. With the opening of Dwight School Hanoi in 2024, we look forward to adding even more exciting and enriching programs in the future. Franklin’s personal learning approach extends beyond the classroom, assuring that each student’s unique interests, passions, and learning styles are taken into account to maximize personal growth on trips.
Franklin students have the opportunity to venture far and wide, exploring the history, culture, natural landscape, and traditions of countries around the world.
Franklin Destinations and the WILD Program encourage students to embrace all of the incredible opportunities to embark on transformative voyages of personal growth that deepen their knowledge and expand their worldview.
FRANK LIN
PRINCETON MODEL UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE NOVEMBER 21-24, 2024 $1,410
GRADES 9-12
Members of Franklin’s Model UN afterschool club are invited to participate in the Model UN Conference at Princeton University (PMUNC). Attracting over 1,000 delegates annually, PMUNC is one of the premier high school Model UN conferences in the world. Staffed entirely by undergraduates at Princeton University, this event allows high school students to assume the roles of representatives from various countries, organizations, or individuals. They collaborate with delegates from around the world to tackle challenging global issues. Through their participation, students can hone a multitude of essential skills, including research, public speaking, debating, and writing, all while fostering critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership abilities.
COLUMBIA MODEL UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE, NEW YORK, NY
GRADES 9-12
JANUARY 16-19, 2025
Members of Franklin’s Model UN after-school club are invited to participate in the Model UN Conference at Columbia University hosted by Columbia International Relations Council and Association. During this event, high school students assume the roles of representatives from various countries, organizations, or individuals and collaborate with delegates from around the world to tackle challenging global issues. Through their participation, students can hone a multitude of essential skills, including research, public speaking, debating, and writing, all while fostering critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership abilities.
ART IMPACT IN MEXICO CITY
GRADES 9-12
FEBRUARY 13-19, 2025
$3,995
NEW THIS YEAR!
Art reflects cultural values by expressing the beliefs, traditions, and histories of a society. Artists can shape communities and ideas by influencing social change, fostering dialogue, and creating a shared sense of identity. Students will see this historically and in real-time when they visit the vibrantly artistic Mexico City, or CDMX.
CDMX is a city of legends. From avant-garde painters to political and social revolutionaries, Aztec rulers to pop music icons, artists and creative thinkers have called CDMX home. Each wave of expression has shaped Mexico in different ways, blending into and redefining Mexican identity and culture.
In this program, we will explore Mexican art in the capital, from its founding indigenous civilizations to world-renowned realist painters and contemporary street artists. We’ll trace the evolution of traditional styles and symbols that have endured across centuries and examine the connections between social movements and the artists who shaped and were shaped by them. As we go, we’ll also practice creating our own works — inspired by the city and guided by local artists. Ultimately, we’ll reflect on our own power to use art to transform the world around us.
FEBRUARY 13-16, 2025
GRADES 9-12
Members of Franklin’s Model UN after-school club are invited to participate in NAIMUN LXII —the largest student-run Model United Nations conference in the world. With over 3,300 of the best delegates from the United States and around the globe, NAIMUN is often regarded as the “high school championship” of the Model UN circuit, a reputation earned through years of substantive excellence. NAIMUN connects students and advisers from various parts of the world to discuss real-world issues and offer unique perspectives on international affairs.
NAIMUN LXII will be staffed by over 250 Georgetown students, who are enrolled in one of the most respected international relations programs in the world. This event allows high school students to assume the roles of representatives from various countries, organizations, or individuals. They collaborate with delegates from around the world to tackle challenging global issues. Through their participation, students can hone a multitude of essential skills, including research, public speaking, debating, and writing, all while fostering critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership abilities.
VARSITY RUGBY TRIP TO SCOTLAND AND WALES
MARCH 14-22, 2025
$4,800
GRADES 9-12
During Spring Break, keen rugby players are invited to travel with members of the Dwight NY Varsity Rugby Team team to Scotland and Wales, where, in addition to participating in training sessions with Dwight coaches, they will compete in friendly matches against local players of the same age and skill level.
The program will begin in Edinburgh, Scotland, where students will attend a professional rugby match and visit Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, the national stadium of the Scotland national rugby union team. Students will also have time to explore the historic Scottish capital — visiting Edinburgh Castle and walking down The Royal Mile, the main thoroughfare of Old Town — and play against a Scottish rugby team.
Next, students will head to Wales, where rugby is considered the national game. No visit to Wales is complete without visiting Cardiff, the Millennium Stadium, and the Rugby Museum. This is a great opportunity for students to practice their rugby skills while experiencing the rich culture of both Wales and Scotland!
GLOBAL POLITICS AND SOCIAL STUDIES TRIP TO SOUTH AFRICA: BRANCHES OF POWER
MARCH 14-24, 2025 $5,500 GRADES 10-12
Students in grades 10-12 will have the opportunity to travel to South Africa for a transformative learning journey. Through immersive dialogues and educational experiences, participants will deeply engage with the profound and complex history of apartheid and its enduring impact on post-apartheid South Africa.
In Soweto Township, students will engage in meaningful conversations with residents, gaining firsthand insights into the lived experiences of those who endured and overcame systemic oppression. Visits to the Apartheid Museum and Robben Island Prison Museum will provide poignant, tangible connections to the country’s struggle for freedom and justice.
At the Lesedi Cultural Village and !Khwa ttu San Heritage Centre, participants will encounter the rich cultural diversity and resilience of South Africa’s indigenous peoples. Workshops at the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation will further enhance their understanding of contemporary challenges and efforts towards societal healing.
Additionally, visits to the Princess Vlei Forum and the Lynedoch Eco-Village will offer perspectives on environmental justice and sustainable living. Conversations with former political prisoner Lionel Davis on Robben Island will provide a deeply personal and historical context to the anti-apartheid struggle.
This comprehensive program aims to cultivate a nuanced understanding of South Africa’s past and present, empowering participants with diverse perspectives and a deepened commitment to social justice.
BEIJING AND SHANGHAI, CHINA
GRADES 9-10
MARCH 14-24, 2025
$4,750
Over Spring Break, ninth and tenth grade students have the opportunity to travel to the dynamic cities of Beijing and Shanghai — immersing themselves in the culture of China, and visiting with peers at Qibao Dwight High School.
The program will start in Beijing, with an itinerary that includes visits to major attractions such as the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Summer Palace, the Great Wall of China, and the Temple of Heaven, during a stay of three to four nights. After Beijing, a bullet train will take us to Shanghai. We’ll check into a hotel and visit the historic, waterfront Bund district at night.
In Shanghai, the program includes a full-day tour covering the Oriental TV Tower (Third Ball), Jade Buddha Temple, the Bund, the Shanghai Museum, and an evening visit to the Tianzifang Shopping Market for dinner. A day trip is planned for the beautiful West Lake in Hangzhou, including visits to Lingyin Temple and the tea fields.
Students will have the privilege to spend two days at Shanghai Qibao Dwight High School. They will shadow peers and attend classes, forming connections with fellow members of the Dwight family in China and gaining meaningful, personal international experience. NEW THIS YEAR!
THE DESIGN OF SPEED IN ITALY
Grades 9-11
JUNE 12-19, 2025 $4,350
This extraordinary STEM Design Program focuses on F1, high-performance Italian car manufacturers — and the most iconic names in the world of high-performance racing cars and designers in the Motor Valley region in Italy. Our days will be packed with deep dives, hands-on workshops, and private tours of the most iconic names in the world such as: Lamborghini, Ducati, Pagani, and Alfa Romeo.
Some highlights of the program include:
• Access to the Ferrari Museum, featuring a coach tour of the factory and test track. The Museum showcases the most recent models and temporary exhibitions dedicated to the most significant moments in Ferrari history and production. It is also possible to enjoy exclusive shuttle bus tours to the Fiorano Track and along Viale Enzo Ferrari boulevard in the factory complex. Participate in the Ferrari Red Campus Laboratory, including a pit-stop simulation.
• A behind-the-scenes and track tour of the Monza Circuit
• At Dellara Academy, students take part in activities inspired by the three distinctive skills of the race car company, Dellara: design and production through the use of composite materials, aerodynamics, and vehicle dynamics. The students will discover firsthand the different materials used, the forces to which the cars and drivers are subjected during races, and what is studied in a wind tunnel.
• No Italian program would be complete without a food experience where students will participate in a 90-minute artisan gelato workshop and experience the joy of pasta making, culminating in a meal featuring their creations.
• Our program will end with a “Mini Grand Prix,” where students of all ages can test their driving skills with Go Karting at Planet Kart Bologna.
SPANISH LANGUAGE IMMERSION TRIP TO PERU
GRADES 9-11
This Spanish immersion program is a fantastic opportunity for students to enhance their Spanish language skills, experience vibrant Peruvian culture, and enjoy exceptional tours.
Students will begin their adventure by flying to Lima — where they will visit Miraflores for a panoramic view of the beaches, explore Huaca Pucllana, and see the Palace of Government and Municipal Palace. The tour will continue to the catacombs of San Francisco and include a visit to Parque de Aguas.
Students will then travel to Nazca to participate in pottery workshops. They will then visit the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, and the town of Tipón to see the irrigation system built by the Incas that still supports agriculture in the southern valley. Additionally, they will visit the Laguna de Huacachina, an oasis in the middle of a desert.
The journey will continue to Paracas Bay, where students will take an exciting glider ride to the exotic Ballestas Islands. Here, they will meet playful sea lions, see colorful tendrils birds with red beaks and legs, and observe the endangered Humboldt penguin.
The trip will then proceed to Cusco, where students will explore various archaeological ruins of the Incas, with a guide explaining their history, lifestyle, and construction techniques. A guided tour of the Cathedral will follow, leading to a visit to Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun).
From Cusco, the group will move to the Sacred Valley, visiting Chincheros to learn about alpaca wool spinning, dyeing, and weaving. They will visit Moray, an Inca agricultural laboratory, and then head to Maras to see the famous salt mines.
Finally, the group will board Peru Rail bound for Machu Picchu, where they will tour the majestic citadel, exploring its plazas, temples, platforms, ceremonial enclosures, and the royal palace before returning to NYC.
SAILING IN THE CARIBBEAN
GRADES 9-11
JULY 2-13, 2025
$5,250 (airfare not included)
This global Dwight initiative, open to all Dwight campuses, is limited to 18 spaces. Franklin Destinations is pleased to announce a Global initiative in the Caribbean focused on sailing, leadership, and exploration. This opportunity is open to students in grades 9-11. The program emphasizes teaching young people how to sail, fostering a collaborative team environment, exploring the rich regional culture and biodiversity, and creating lasting memories with new friends.
This unique Caribbean sailing adventure, starting in beautiful Saint Martin, allows students to join a boat crew on one of two boats, each supervised by a Dwight chaperone. As we navigate the Leeward Islands, participants will have ample opportunities for snorkeling, hiking, and island exploration at nearly every stop. Over 12 days, participants will…
• Work as a team to sail to various islands and experience the beauty of the Caribbean
• Develop new skills and confidence through living on a boat, cooking, cleaning, and exploring
• Earn the IYT International Crew Sailing certification
• Gain skills in navigation, mooring, anchoring, tacking, and passage planning with their peers
• Learn to snorkel and explore vibrant Caribbean reefs to learn about marine ecosystems and conservation
• Participate in a service project on the islands to give back to the communities they visit
Traveling as a group in new environments can present unique challenges, and all participants are encouraged to embrace leadership roles and actively engage. The days will be filled with hard work and plenty of Caribbean fun!
WILDERNESS INSTRUCTION AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT (WILD) PROGRAM
Franklin students have the opportunity to participate in Dwight’s WILD program. WILD is an innovative outdoor initiative that builds skills and community, and helps to fulfill our vision to “foster the next generation of global leaders who can thrive anywhere in the world.” This includes the wilderness. Students take part in hiking and paddling expeditions in and around New York State — and around the globe.
Thanks to the Foundation, WILD has gear to lend students, such as tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, stoves, etc. This allows students to join WILD trips without having to spend a significant amount of money on new outdoor gear.
GRADES 9-12
WILD SKI AND SNOWBOARDING TRIP TO KILLINGTON, VT, RESORT
Get ready for an exhilarating weekend with WILD at Killington Resort in Vermont!. Killington is the largest resort in the East, with six mountains, over 73 miles of trails, and the biggest vertical drop in New England, earning it the nickname “The Beast of the East.” We’ll leave school at noon on Friday and spend all day Saturday and Sunday skiing. Professional skier and photographer Javier Spiegel will join us, offering his expertise and capturing our unforgettable weekend through photos and videos.
Killington’s terrain caters to all skill levels, providing trails for beginners and experts alike. Upper School students of any experience level are welcome to join. This price does not include rentals or lessons. WILD can help you arrange these if needed.
JANUARY 17-19, 2025
$1,385
GRADES 9-12
WILD SCUBA DIVING & CONSERVATION IN PLACENCIA, BELIZE
FEBRUARY 15-22, 2025
$3,565
Dive into the azure waters of Belize for an unforgettable scuba diving experience with WILD. Belize is renowned for its pristine coral reefs and vibrant marine life, offering divers a paradise unlike any other. However, the reefs are under threat. That’s why WILD is partnering with Reef Conservation International (ReefCI) to provide a unique opportunity to protect reef ecosystems through direct participation in ongoing marine conservation projects.
ReefCI is situated on a small, private, idyllic Caribbean island on the Belize Barrier Reef. Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy five days of thrilling scuba diving in the world’s second-largest reef system. The diving experience is incredible, and the conservation work is meaningful. Join us! This trip is suitable for both inexperienced and experienced divers. All participants must know how to swim and hold a current PADI Open Water Certification. Not certified? No worries; many of their volunteers come to the island to learn to dive. The cost of the e-learning course and the in-person instruction is an additional $425.
PROGRAMS CALENDAR AT-A-GLANCE
November 2024
January 2025
February 2024
21-24 9-12
16-19 9-12
17-19 9-12
13-16 9-12
13-19 9-12
Princeton Model United Nations Conference, NJ
Columbia Model United Nations Conference, New York, NY
WILD Ski and Snowboarding Trip to Killington Resort, Vermont
Georgetown Model United Nations Conference, Washington, DC
Art Impact in Mexico City 15-22 9-12
14-22 9-12
Rugby Athletes
March 2024
14-24 10-12
WILD Scuba Diving and Conservation in Placencia, Belize
Varsity Rugby Trip to Scotland and Wales
Global Politics and Social Studies Trip to South Africa: Branches of Power 14-24 9-10
June 2025 12-19 9-11
Beijing and Shanghai, China
The Design of Speed in Italy 14-24 9-11
Spanish Language Immersion Trip to Peru July 2025 2-13 9-11
Sailing in the Caribbean
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
PRE-DEPARTURE APPLICATIONS, PERMISSIONS, AND GUIDELINES
To be considered for participation in any domestic or international program, parents must complete an application form. Upon submission of the form and receiving final approval for participation, parents will be required to complete an enrollment package and sign waivers. Please note that all programs require a minimum number of accepted participants in order to proceed. After the program deadline, families will be notified whether or not the trip is proceeding.
Participation eligibility is contingent upon a student being in good academic and disciplinary standing at the time of application and until departure. Our Head of School will review and approve each student’s application to assess whether they are the right fit for the program. Consultation with students’ teachers and other staff members will also be conducted. We may require a follow-up interview with the applicant. Franklin reserves the right to refuse permission of a student’s participation based on previous academic or behavioral misconduct.
As part of the necessary preparations for trips, we request that parents review their child’s Vital Health Records and Medication Form online in Magnus. Please note that no medication will be administered during School or School-sponsored trips without proper authorization from both the student’s family and physician. Participation is contingent upon the review of completed health forms; incomplete applications will not be considered.
Once approved and before departure on any travel program, Franklin students are required to inform all of their teachers and coaches, at least two weeks prior to departure. This will allow the necessary arrangements to be made to remain current with missed classwork, homework, practices, and games. Students and teachers should also discuss deadlines for the work that will be missed during travel to ensure a clear understanding of when assignments will be submitted.
PROGRAM FEES
FRANKLIN DESTINATIONS
PROGRAM FEES INCLUDE:
*UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED
• All meals and lodging
• All transportation
• Program activities and orientations
• Instructor supervision throughout the program
• Travel insurance and health, accident, and medical evacuation insurance
• 24-hour medical and travel security assistance and advice
• Staff on call 24/7
While our international and domestic programs aim to provide students with rich cultural experiences,
we also acknowledge the importance of students staying current with their schoolwork for the smoothest possible transition upon their return. To facilitate this, all students will be given one hour every day of the trip to complete assignments and communicate with teachers regarding school work during a program that runs while school is in session.
THE PROGRAM FEE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
• Pre-program medical examinations or immunizations
• Personal spending money
TRIP CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY
If Franklin cancels the trip, whether before or after it commences, Franklin will refund trip fees except for those costs and fees that Franklin is unable to recover.
If Franklin does not cancel the trip, but a student chooses to withdraw for any reason, the student and their parents/legal guardians will be responsible for covering all nonrecoverable obligations.
If Franklin does not cancel the trip, but terminates the student’s participation in the trip because of their failure to abide by all Franklin policies, rules, and regulations or those of any company or organization involved in the trip; or all rules, regulations, and laws of the country or countries to be visited; or if Franklin terminates the student’s participation in the trip because of the student’s inappropriate conduct, as determined by Franklin, the student and their parents/legal guardians are not entitled to any refund. Additionally, in such circumstances, the student and their parents/legal guardians are responsible for costs of return transportation for both the student and an accompanying chaperone, or Franklin may require the parents/legal guardians to pick up the student from the trip, and the student may be excluded from future trips.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If my child needs a Visa to attend the program, is that included? What happens if the Visa is denied? Parents are responsible for all VISA arrangements and fees. Franklin Destinations deposits are non-refundable.
My child identifies as trans or non-binary — how can this be accommodated during an overnight trip?
We are committed to ensuring all students feel comfortable with sleeping arrangements on schoolsponsored trips, regardless of how they identify. Our goal at Franklin is to affirm every student’s identity no matter where we go. However, please be advised that not all locations and destinations have the same mission or laws. For domestic and international travel, a traveler’s legal name and gender as it appears on their legal documentation is required for flights and hotel room enrollment. In all cases where possible, chosen names and pronouns will be used on name badges and by chaperones.
Do you offer financial assistance for trips?
Financial assistance is not available for trips.
Can a student pick their roommate?
Yes! Students will be asked to submit three classmate names as possible roommate requests (same age group, same gender). The requests must be mutual. While we understand that students may have roommate preferences, accommodating specific requests may not always be possible. Room assignments during trips are made considering factors such as group size,
safety, and maintaining a harmonious environment. Our priority is to create a positive and inclusive experience for all participants.
How do you communicate during programs?
To ensure that parents are informed and can stay connected, our Franklin Destinations team creates a private WhatsApp group for every non-WILD trip. This allows us to provide updates, share highlights, and address any concerns or questions regarding your child’s experience. By maintaining open and regular communication, we strive to keep parents informed and reassured, offering peace of mind and insight into their child’s experience. WILD trip communication policies will be shared before departure.
Are students allowed to bring their cell phone? Students are permitted to bring cell phones on nonWILD trips. Phones and other technology may be used during the day only when allowed by chaperones. Cell phones may not be used at night and will be collected by chaperones before students return to their hotel rooms.
Can my child take medicine before bed time?
In order for your child to take any medication (prescription or over the counter), please make sure that their Magnus Health account is up to date. Franklin must have the Medical Authorization Form signed by a physician on record to give any medications during an overnight trip. For questions about your child’s health forms, email our Health Office at healthteam@franklinjc.org
CONTACT INFORMATION
If you have any questions, please email Destinations@dwight.edu