Learning in the World

Learning beyond the walls of University School is an integral part of the curriculum. Few experiences can better stretch and challenge our students to understand themselves and their world than to become immersed in different cultures. Our program offers an array of carefully chosen experiences of varying length and purpose. The goals are to
  • Develop greater cultural intelligence and positive attitudes in students to help them become global citizens,
  • Give each boy the confidence to be in charge of his own journey,
  • Stretch students beyond their immediate horizons,
  • Connect students with the world so they can contribute to developing regions through study, service, and learning.
The experiences boys have while living in or traveling to new and unfamiliar environments test them and offer them opportunities to learn and grow. Many boys return home eager to share their experiences and new perspectives from interacting with others from around the world. 

The most important qualities boys can take with them are their willingness to experience new things, to be open and accepting of new people and customs, and to be uncomfortable at times because of different social situations or physical demands. The boys who do best on these adventures make an effort to connect with the people and their cultures.

Participation in international programs is competitive. Financial aid is available.

Travel Programs

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  • Italy - Rome, and Campania – Ancient Cities, Modern Views

    March 17 – March 26, 2019
    Join us in exploring how the discovery of antiquity has so powerfully shaped the Western imagination.
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  • Spain

    June 8-29, 2019
    This three-week summer trip to Cádiz, Spain, open to Spanish language students in grades 9-11, includes language and cultural immersion as well as travel within the south of Spain and potentially Morocco.
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  • Morocco: 11 Days of Discovery in North Africa

    June 22-July 2, 2019
    This travel experience  in Africa is designed to stimulate students’ curiosity and deepen their understanding of global issues.
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  • The Island School

    Cape Eleuthera, Bahamas
    March 2019
    University School and Laurel School have collaborated to offer an incredible opportunity for our students to learn about the environment, engage in scientific research, and enjoy the rewards of outdoor education and adventure learning. Open to Anderson Scholars Science Candidates, the spring break trip will provide an opportunity to develop and build upon their specific research interests.
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Recent Travel Programs

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  • Discover China 2018

    June - July 2018
    This fabulous two-week program explored different regions of China and delved into Chinese culture.
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  • Great Lakes Sailing Adventure

    Niagara Sailing Training
    June 2018
    The Great Lakes Sailing Adventure introduces students to the “golden age of sail” by immersing them in a sailing experience aboard the U.S. Brig Niagara, a US Coast Guard certified ship. The ship is a replica of one used during the Battle of Lake Erie in the War of 1812.
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  • Senegal: 10 days of discovery in West Africa

    July 2018
    This tour was designed to stimulate students and to jump-start their lives as young adults. Our goal is to give students first-hand insight into the complex issues that plague the human family. The big topics are obvious: race, racism & poverty. What is less obvious are the impacts of gender, religion, history (colonialism) climate, geography, and ecology on the equality of human beings and on our culture - and it’s by immersing ourselves in Senegal that we will explore these topics.
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Senegal, West Africa 2018

Program Director

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School Partner Programs

US partners with many other schools, both nationally and internationally, allowing our students to spend a semester or a year embracing new cultures, skills, and ideas. These programs enhance our students’ leadership capacities, foreign language abilities, affinity with the outdoors, and more. Read more about the programs below.

National Programs

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International Programs

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Shaker Heights Campus

20701 Brantley Road
Shaker Heights, Ohio 44122
GRADES Junior K-8
Phone: 216-321-8260

Hunting Valley Campus

2785 SOM Center Road
Hunting Valley, Ohio 44022
GRADES 9-12
Phone: 216-831-2200
University School serves 870 boys in Junior Kindergarten to grade 12 on two campuses in suburban Cleveland, Ohio. The School’s mission is to inspire boys of promise to become young men of character who lead and serve. Dedicated faculty, rigorous curriculum, and experiential programs foster intellectual, physical, creative, and moral excellence. 
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