Experiential and Service Learning

International School of Paris leads student trips to countries such as Namibia, Ghana or Costa Rica to show students how they can have a positive influence on the lives of the inhabitants by promoting sustainable development.

During these annual trips, the school does not make monetary donations to local charitable organizations. Rather, a team of student volunteers work alongside local people in service projects which directly benefit the community and the local children, in particular.

By contributing to a worthwhile cause, ISP students gain a meaningful experience and build a spirit of friendship and solidarity that goes beyond the boundaries of politics, religion, race, and geography. The trips also help students become more independent and self-reliant: they have to learn and understand the rules of living in a small community by cooking for themselves, washing their own clothes and adapting to a new and challenging environment.

For more information about this most recent trip or upcoming ones, please contact Marie-Cyrille Lavallé, the Sustainable Development Project Leader, at mlavalle@isparis.net.

During the summer of 2024, ISP's Sustainable Development Team once again traveled to Otjimanagombe, Namibia! This year, the ISP SDP team has been preparing for their upcoming summer trip, having weekly meetings where they learn how sustainable development projects operate and how they can execute theirs the most successfully. They've also been learning about Namibia's geography, politics, history, and demographics in preparation for their arrival. Through bake sales and catering events, the SDP team has been working hard to fundraise for their trip. Most recently, they've been planning the 2025 SDP Gala! An auction will be held in which the proceeds will be going to support the continued efforts to restore the facilities at the Otjimanangombe Primary School. 

The 2025 SDP team hopes to become global citizens and use their experiences to help develop international communities. Their goals are to spread awareness about illnesses and help the community establish sustainable jobs. They aim to help sustainably develop the Omuhaturua Primary School and local community, and through that, live their lives more sustainably and encourage others to do the same.