WOLVES AROUND THE WORLD
ITALY
A LETTER TO ITALY
BY: ELLIE.P
Dear Italy,
I didn’t know how much you would change me. I came for the pasta and the Colosseum and left with magical memories I’ll cherish for a lifetime.
Every morning, the sweet smell of espresso filled the streets, and every evening, the streetlights lit the dark, homey roads that guided me home. You taught me that life moves a little slower when it matters most. The joy I felt in your cozy cafés is something that still echoes in my heart when I think of you.
Thank you for the fantastic laughs I shared in those underground restaurants in Rome. Thank you for the bustling, vibrant streets of Naples, the ones that showed me the foundations you were built on. I'm forever grateful for those cafés in Florence where I was able to ground myself and watch your world move so seamlessly. Thank you for the dazzling sunsets I watched from a water taxi in Venice. I have endless appreciation for every curve and every line that came together to form your masterful art in Milan. To say the least, I was left in awe. You showed me the beauty of creativity and what it's brought to the world.
I'll never forget getting lost in the heart of your winding streets – it was the best wrong turn I ever made. I may have only been with you a week, but the memories I made will stay with me forever.
Until we meet again,
Another wandering soul
ON THE BANKS OF THE ARNO
BY: OLIVER C.
CONTEXT: AS WE WERE RIDING THROUGH THE COUNTRYSIDE AND MOUNTAINS TO FLORENCE FROM NAPLES BY TRAIN
“ON THE BANKS OF THE ARNO, STANDS A CITY MIGHTY FINE, WHERE MARBLE STATUES STAND TALL, AS THE RIVER FLOWS AND WINDS. THROUGH THE CITY IT FLOWS, RIGHT THROUGH THE PONTE VECCHIO, ON THE BANKS OF THE ARNO”
“ON THE BANKS OF THE ARNO, THE TOWERS RISE, SKINNY IN SHAPE, BUT SOARING TO THE SKIES HERE LIES GALILIEO, NEAR THE GREAT DUOMO ON THE BANKS OF THE ARNO”
“ON THE BANKS OF THE ARNO, PIAZZAS GALORE, MEDIEVAL MEETING PLACES THE PEOPLE ADORE THE FAIR CITY IS GREAT, I’LL SEE IT TOMORROW ON THE BANKS OF THE ARNO”
SOUTH KOREA
DISCOVER THE FLAVOURS AND TRADITIONS OF SOUTH KOREA
COSTA RICA
A DAY IN THE LIFE
BY: WILL N AND ILIYAN B
Pacuare Reserve
At the first location, we were at a nature reserve to help research leatherback turtles. This was called the Pacuare Reserve. Here we participated in various activities to help the researchers protect the endangered species of turtles One of the activities was to take turns adventuring on the beach at a night walk. Here is where we walked along the ocean side trying to see any turtles lay their eggs We also went on hikes through the tropical rain forests, where we saw many different animals such as monkeys, and spiders.
Bungalow Malu
At the second location, we resided on the beachy coast of Costa Rica roughly 4 hours from our first location. At this hotel we each got our own hut split into groups of three. There was a pool, and outdoor central eating hub. This is where all meals of the day were held except for lunch. Our lunch often ended up taking place close to whatever activity we took part in that day. For example on one of the days here we went to the local town to shop. So many of us had lunch in different places. The activities at this location mainly revolved around the beach. Each of the three days spent here we went swimming in the ocean, and played catch on the beach. We also went to a sloth sanctuary, and gained a deep understanding of the habitat, food source, and predators the sloth has. This location allowed us to relax from the hard work put in at the turtle reserve.
Hotel Hacienda
La Tirimbina Lodge
The third location we stayed at was a nature reserve in Sarapiqui, called La Tirimbina. After going on a hike through a mountainous rainforest on the reserve, we learned about the chocolate making process. We were taught the evolution of chocolate production and got to see, and taste, every step of the process. Afterwards, we got to explore a coffee farm, looking at different beans, from the moment they were planted, to the moment they are consumed Finally, we ended off the day with dinner, cards, and games at the reserve restaurant
The final hotel was on the more touristic side of Costa Rica. For most of us, this was the most enjoyable part of the trip We went on two beautiful hikes, one to a majestic blue waterfall, and another to a volcano, that had been dormant for almost a hundred years. We also got to experience many tourist activities, such as rafting down a river in the forest, ziplining through the tree line, and to cap it all off, relaxing in the volcanic hot springs. While visiting these different attractions, we learned about different parts of Costa Rican history, from the indigenous peoples to a catastrophic volcanic eruption. Lastly, we finished with dinner, and swam at the hotel pool.
SOUTH AFRICA
EXPLORING THROUGH SPORT
LESSONS LEARNED IN SOUTH AFRICA BY MILES R.
No day was ever the same. No day was I ever disappointed. And no night did I go to bed as the same person I was when I woke up.
Every single day in South Africa, I learned lessons not just about their culture, but about myself. Before even attending West Island College or traveling across the world, I had already been a rugby fanatic for as long as I could remember. That passion made this trip all the more meaningful. I knew I would return from South Africa as a different person and player, and I was right.
In South Africa, rugby isn’t just a sport. It’s a way of life deeply woven into the country’s culture and history. During apartheid, Nelson Mandela famously used rugby to unite the nation, bringing together people of all backgrounds Since then, the sport has only grown, and today the Springboks are the topranked team in the world It shows not only in the skill of their national team but also in their youth development
Back in Canada, rugby feels simple You sign up for a club and maybe get invited to try out for a representative team In South Africa, it’s on another level Hundreds of players try out just to make a club team, and those teams are then divided by skill level For us to attend as a mixed-age team ranging from 14 to 18 was surreal I knew rugby was big there, but I didn’t realize it was this big In Calgary, you see soccer fields every few blocks in South Africa, it’s rugby fields I was in heaven I never wanted to leave
The talent level was beyond anything I had ever experienced. Every team we played seemed better and somehow bigger than the last. It was terrifying and almost funny. I remember in our final game, after the Durban Sharks Academy scored three tries on us in the opening five minutes, I laughed out loud.
Despite how sore I was after each match and I mean sore like I’d never felt before those were my favorite games I’ve ever played. I wouldn’t have wanted to share that experience with anyone but the WIC boys. And what we learned, both individually and as a team, was invaluable. The South Africans' line speed, communication, and intensity gave me a whole new appreciation for why their rugby system earns so much praise. After tackling (or being run over by) South African players, I can confidently say I’ll never fear tackling any Canadian kid again.
One of the most unforgettable highlights of the trip was attending a professional Durban Sharks game. The atmosphere was electric, and it was inspiring to see how the pros played fast, physical, and smart. After the game, we were allowed to run onto the field to meet the players. I’ll never forget getting my jersey signed by James Venter a moment that made me feel like a kid meeting his hero. That moment alone was the pinnacle of the trip for me.
But rugby wasn’t the only thing that left an impact the culture and people of South Africa were equally unforgettable. Canada is often called the friendliest country in the world, but I’ve never experienced anything like the warmth I felt walking the streets of Cape Town and Durban. From the moment we arrived, we were treated like royalty I remember walking through the Cape Town airport, only to be greeted by another school group cheering for us and peppering us with questions It was incredible We also experienced the deep diversity of the country Cape Town and Durban were vastly different cities, yet both shared the same generous spirit. Cape Town, with its postcard-perfect scenery, looked like a Microsoft desktop background in real life no matter how poor your camera quality was, you couldn’t take a bad picture. Durban, meanwhile, was hot and underrated, full of surprising beauty and charm. It may live in the shadow of Cape Town, but it deserves just as much recognition.
Another unforgettable aspect was the wildlife At the game reserve, we saw rhinos, giraffes, lions, wildebeest, zebras, hippos, and so much more. It was both awe-inspiring and heartbreaking. For example, I’m not even allowed to share the name of the reserve publicly because of the threat of poaching simply mentioning rhinos can put them at risk. Another sad fact is that African penguins are expected to go extinct in the wild by 2030. Thankfully, they are being protected at reserves near Cape Town It felt like in South Africa, wildlife was everywhere we even saw ostriches casually walking along a beach. Even out on the water (on a catamaran), we spotted penguins swimming in the open ocean, whales, jellyfish, sunfish (worth the Google search), and even playful seals.
This was truly a life-changing trip I not only became a better rugby player by testing myself against some of the best young talent in the world, but I also grew as a person. This was my first long-haul international trip, and it opened my eyes to new perspectives, new cultures, and new challenges I strongly encourage anyone who has the chance to immerse themselves in international travel studies it was easily the highlight of my life so far.
THANK YOU
Thank you to all our incredible traveling staff for giving up your spring breaks to prioritize the safety and well-being of our students. Your dedication, presence, and care did not go unnoticed. In moments when energy was low and exhaustion set in, you showed up with enthusiasm, patience, and support that kept everything running smoothly. You were not only the safety but also the spark that kept the experience meaningful and memorable for everyone involved. We are deeply grateful for your selflessness and unwavering commitment.
A heartfelt thank you to Ms. Roman, Ms McMullan and many more, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the success of the program. Your attention to detail, quiet problemsolving, and unwavering support made everything possible.
