ACIS Group Leader Spotlight: Levi H.
Educator and life-long traveler Levi started the international travel program at his school in 2017 and is looking forward to many more trips to come. Get to know him in our latest ACIS Group Leader Spotlight.
Tell us a little about yourself!
I grew up on a small farm in North Carolina and had the opportunity to become an exchange student in Japan when I was 16. That experience changed my life. I studied psychology in college, but I’ve always been drawn to teaching and mentoring young people. I’ve taught a number of classes and subjects, but the majority of my career has been spent as an Upper School Dean of Students where I have the opportunity to directly mentor and support our school leaders as well as students who have a difficult time managing the day to day requirements that we place on high school students.
When did you begin traveling internationally with your students?
I started our international travel program in 2017 which has been a life-changing experience for all of the students that attend. I’m proud to report that we average 1 student from every trip going on to study abroad while in college. I think these trips give those students the confidence they didn’t realize they had to be successful abroad. We’ve traveled to Spain, Italy, Greece, Ecuador, and soon Costa Rica.
What are the top provider qualities you look for when organizing an educational tour abroad?
I’m looking for a company with the resources and expertise to keep our kids safe, to navigate the unexpected surprises that come with traveling, and to continously look at ways to improve their product.
What classroom goals did you have for your trip to Greece this year?
This is currently in development. We are working on expanding the reach of our program from a singular experience to adding an academically meaningful component to the experience.
Which aspect of the trip do you think your students enjoyed the most?
Our students enjoyed the opportunities to explore during free time as well as anything they could put their hands on. Our kids love engaging with an experience so anytime they could physically get involved in something they loved it.
Any fun stories to share from the trip?
We were in the middle of Pompeii at a crossroads and one of my students had a passion for supercars. To the point that he has a significant social media following. I was wondering how the “old stuff” was landing with him and while at that crossroads he looked at the full scope of Pompeii and looked at me and said, “This is so cool”. I also really enjoyed looking through the eyes of those who have never experienced this kind of travel, specifically one of my history teachers who has been teaching history for years and now had the opportunity to be in the places he’d only referenced in textbooks.
Where would you like to go next?
We are looking at Costa Rica for next Spring Break and then expanding to a summer trip maybe in Asia or deeper into South America.
In 15 words or less, why would you recommend ACIS?
Grateful for ACIS’s smooth service, enriching experiences, and the opportunity to explore and reflect.
Sarah Bichsel
