International Travel
GLOBAL CONNECTIONS - FROM MINNESOTA TO THE WORLD!
As an IB World School, LILA strives to extend learning beyond our classroom by connecting our local community to the world. We not only employ international teachers, teaching assistants, and support staff from all over the world, each year LILA brings in interns from Spanish- and Chinese-speaking countries who assist our teachers. These interns, also known as Language Ambassadors, provide language and culture models in our classrooms, and rich and immersive experiences for our host families who welcome them into their homes for the year. Learn more about the Language Ambassador program and how to become a host family.
Additionally, LILA offers a unique experience for students to expand their language acquisition through a variety of international travel opportunities, including a 12-week language and cultural exchange with Casvi, our partner school in Madrid, Spain, and travel to France, Spain, China, and the Dominican Republic.
What is the CASVI Student Exchange?
This program offers students an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in Spanish culture, build lifelong friendships, enhance their language skills, and gain a broader perspective on the world. It is a transformative experience that empowers students to step out of their comfort zones, develop independence, and become true global citizens, all while continuing their academic journey.
Casvi International American School, in Madrid, offers an international education through the American curriculum and the International Baccalaureate. With more than 35 years of experience in education, Grupo Educativo Casvi has a highly qualified teaching staff. Teachers teach students from the heart to become citizens of the world, with strong academic and personal skills. The Casvi exchange is available to students in 8th and 9th grade. Because students will attend school in Spain, this program is for Spanish Immersion students or Phase 3+ students with a teacher recommendation.
Student Reflections
"I feel like this trip supports LILA's mission because this was a once-in-a lifetime opportunity that a lot of kids don't get. We didn't go down there just to see things, we went down to learn, learn about the world around us and to use the language skills LILA taught us and actually put them to use in real situations. This trip taught us a lot that will prepare us for going to other countries in the future and being inquirers."
"We used our language skills a lot during the trip, and before the trip we inquired about all of the places we would visit and acquired lots of good information."
"It really made me think about the differences in other countries’ cultures and it has really made me more open-minded.”
"I learned how we are very privileged in many aspects. I learned how to use my Spanish better and new words. I learned about the Dominican culture and history, food, agriculture, lifestyle, and music. I learned patience, and how to live with strangers for a week."
Upcoming International Travel Opportunities
Questions?
Kaari Rodriguez -krodriguez@mylila.org