Upper School Trips 2024-2025

• Model UN provides students with an opportunity to think critically and creatively, gain confidence through networking and public speaking, and examine their place in relation to a complex and dynamic world. The Model UN DC trip allows students to do this on the largest stage. Described as the ‘defacto National Championship of  Model UN,’ the North American Invitational Model United Nations conference (NAIMUN) hosts 3,300+ students from across the nation and world. The four-day conference, put on by undergraduates at Georgetown University, features trainings to get delegates up to speed, lively committee sessions, guest speakers in the field of international politics, tours, and socials. NAIMUN programming aside, students will also have opportunities to explore the different areas of DC, with attention to its place as an innovative international city and the student’s place as a global citizen. Bring your Western Business Attire….and a steamer!

• 9th-12th grade students

• 8-15 students

Trip Prerequisites:

Priority given to students with Model UN conference experience.

Sign Up Forms:

1. Complete the 2024-2025 SAAS Trips Student Interest Form- Student submitted
2. Complete the 2024-2025 Trip Sign Up Form - Must be completed by Parents/Guardians

• Calling all K-pop fans and Asian culture adventurers! Are you ready for the ultimate K-pop adventure in the vibrant land of Seoul, South Korea? Join our extraordinary K-pop tour designed exclusively for all teens and immerse yourself in the captivating world of Korean music, culture, and entertainment. Feel the electrifying energy as you create memories that will last a lifetime. Opt into a K-pop dance class and tours of popular music video locations, including live studio recordings of popular K-pop shows. 

  Indulge your taste buds in the tantalizing flavors of Korean cuisine as we take you on a culinary adventure. From traditional delicacies to trendy street food, you'll discover a whole new world of flavors that will leave you craving for more. Explore the bustling markets and experience the joy of exploring unique snacks and treats that are sure to impress your taste buds. 

  Immerse yourself in the rich history and beauty around Seoul, as we explore the scenes that inspire great music: fascinating cities, visit ancient palaces, and discover hidden treasures in quaint neighborhoods. Capture Insta-worthy moments against breathtaking backdrops and let the vibrant culture of South Korea ignite your passion for exploration. Connect with other teens at a fellow independent school to discuss similarities and differences between teen life in Korea and teen life in Seattle. 

  Whether you're a die-hard fan or just starting your K-pop journey, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure filled with laughter, excitement, and newfound friendships.

• Current 10th - 12th Grade Students

• 15-18 students

• Passport required (must be up to date).

Trip Prerequisites:

Priority will be given to students who have participated in the K-pop club. Must be open to beginning dance and Korean food and culture. 

Sign Up Forms:

1. Complete the 2024-2025 SAAS Trips Student Interest Form- Student submitted
2. Complete the 2024-2025 Trip Sign Up Form - Must be completed by Parents/Guardians

• Join us for a climbing trip in Joshua Tree National Park! There, we will spend five days camping, climbing, and enjoying the desert scenery. We will spend four days on the rock, exploring the unique granite formations of the park. Build both your climbing skills and your relationships with your peers as you work together as climbing teams. Join us for this amazing climbing experience!
   
• Current 9th - 12th Grade Students
   
• 8-12 students
   
• Passport required (must be up to date).

Trip Prerequisites:

Climbing experience preferred, but not required. 

Sign Up Forms:

1. Complete the 2024-2025 SAAS Trips Student Interest Form- Student submitted
2. Complete the 2024-2025 Trip Sign Up Form - Must be completed by Parents/Guardians

• The Backcountry Ski/Board Trip is held on Mt. Baker and participants will stay at the Mountaineers Baker Lodge and work with professional guides from Cascade Mountain Ascents. Trip attendees will participate in their AIARE Level 1 Avalanche course, the first step in Avalanche awareness, assessment, and rescue in January and follow up with our Backcountry experience over Mid-Winter Break. Students will learn skills in outdoor leadership, decision making, team building, risk mitigation, and resource management and meet with our guides to discuss hazard assessment, snow conditions, weather, and tour plan each day. We will utilize the vast Backcountry terrain that the Baker Backcountry has to offer. No lifts for us, as we earn some of the best turns in North America on this trip as each day consists of 4,000+ ft of human-powered vertical gain in "tour mode" and an equal amount of descent in "ski mode." 

• 9th-12th grade students (ability dependent)

• 8-20 students

Trip Prerequisites:

Must be a proficient skier or snowboarder. Must be able to carry own avalanche safety gear. Participants will be interviewed by trip leaders before acceptance to ensure preparedness.

Sign Up Forms:

1. Complete the 2024-2025 SAAS Trips Student Interest Form- Student submitted
2. Complete the 2024-2025 Trip Sign Up Form - Must be completed by Parents/Guardians

• The Class of 2025 will begin their goodbye to each other, and SAAS, in the Yukon Territory, Canada. For eight days you will camp in the pristine wilderness on the frozen shores of Lake Laberge with your classmates. Go ice fishing, dog sledding, and hang out around the campfire! Join the Seattle Academy tradition of the senior class trip; a time to celebrate, reflect, engage in fun activities, and spend time together.

• 12th grade students

• No limit, No experience is necessary.

• Passport required (must be up to date).

Sign Up Forms:

1. Complete the 2024-2025 Trip Sign Up Form - Must be completed by Parents/Guardians

• This unique experience offers students the chance to explore the beautiful Caribbean island of Curacao while embarking on a journey of self-discovery through yoga, reflection, and mindfulness. Each day will begin with yoga sessions designed to help us see the connections between our inner self and the environment we live in through journaling, breathwork, movement, and rest.  These yoga sessions will connect with the daily ecology talks from a marine biologist who has conducted research on the island. Our learning will come to life in our daily snorkeling excursions around the island, where we will get to explore the vibrant marine life of Curacao and see first hand, the delicate balance of underwater ecosystems. We will have an opportunity to  identify species, and discover how our actions impact the oceans and the creatures that inhabit them.
   

• Whether you’re resting on the beach, reflecting under the Caribbean sun, or exploring the underwater world, this trip offers the perfect blend of adventure, learning, and personal growth! 
  Please note that participants need to be familiar with and willing to participate in both the yoga sessions and swimming in deep water.

• Current 9th-12th grade students

• 12 students

Trip Prerequisites:

• Priority will be given to students who have taken a SAAS yoga class, or regularly take yoga outside of SAAS. Must be a proficient swimmer. This is an active and physical trip. Students need to be able to participate in all components of the trip.
• A swim test may be required.
• Passport required (must be up to date).

Sign Up Forms:

1. Complete the 2024-2025 SAAS Trips Student Interest Form- Student submitted
2. Complete the 2024-2025 Trip Sign Up Form - Must be completed by Parents/Guardians

• The New Orleans trip provides a meaningful service-learning experience through volunteer work, integrated cultural tourism, and daily reflective discussion. We spend the first week volunteering in the greater New Orleans area rebuilding homes and assisting community projects. Week two is spent volunteering in the rural communities along the Southwest Louisiana coast, restoring wetlands. We visit a variety of historical and cultural museums, the French Quarter, and kayak down the Mississippi River while eating delicious authentic southern food.

• Current 9th -11th grade students

• 12-20 Students 

Trip Prerequisites:

• The application below is to gain greater insight and understanding of the potential students on the New Orleans trip.
• Meeting #1 (March) Get to know you, explore group values
• Meeting #2 (April) Introduction to Louisiana, New Orleans, and Hurricane Katrina
• Meeting #3 (May) Gear list/student panel
• Meeting #4 (June) Logistics/Gear Check
• Preference given to rising juniors and seniors

Sign Up Forms:

1. Complete the 2024-2025 SAAS Trips Student Interest Form- Student submitted
2. Complete the 2024-2025 Trip Sign Up Form - Must be completed by Parents/Guardians

• Students will travel to the beautiful, historic city of Salamanca, Spain, about three hours by bus from Madrid. During the week, students will attend four hours of immersion Spanish classes at the Colegio Hispano Continental each morning. Afternoon and evening activities include a welcoming party, a tour of Salamanca, dance and cooking classes, a tour of tapas restaurants, a movie, a tour of Salamanca University, and an ascent of the Cathedral towers. On the weekend, we will do an excursion to historic Segovia. Students will complete homestays with local families. Participants can expect to improve their Spanish, experience Spanish culture and cuisine, and learn about Spanish history.

• Current 9th -11th grade students

• 12 Students 

• Preference for students taking Spanish or heritage speakers.

Sign Up Forms:

1. Complete the 2024-2025 SAAS Trips Student Interest Form- Student submitted
2. Complete the 2024-2025 Trip Sign Up Form - Must be completed by Parents/Guardians

• The primary focus of the trip is to prepare students to be independent world travelers after they leave SAAS. We will rely almost entirely on public transportation as we explore France’s three largest cities: Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. In order for this to be possible, students will be expected to pack light and leave the giant rolling suitcases at home - everything will go in a backpack. While not designed as a language-immersion trip, students will also have the chance to practice their French as they engage with locals and negotiate life in a foreign country.

  Starting in Paris, the images that come to mind are typically those of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the cafés of Montmartre, etc. While not overlooking these, we will also seek to broaden students’ perspective on contemporary France. We will visit Versailles, of course, but also the Parisian neighborhood of Belleville, one of Fox News’s infamous “No-Go Zones,” which in reality is a vibrant neighborhood that has been populated by many different immigrant groups throughout the storied history of the city. We will also take time to appreciate the various artistic movements on display in the French capital.

  From Paris, we will make our way south to Lyon, the capital of French cuisine. After spending the day learning to cook a traditional French dish such as ratatouille or boeuf bourguignon, we may decide to dine on French tacos, an immigrant-invented dish that, while only existing for the last 20 years or so, has already made its way to Capitol Hill. Then the next day we may visit Roman ruins of structures that were built 20 centuries ago.

  Our tour ends in Marseille, France’s oldest city and a major hub of Mediterranean trade and migration. We will climb the hill to visit La Cathédrale de Notre Dame de la Garde and wander the winding streets of the Panier, Marseille’s oldest neighborhood now inhabited primarily by artists and artisans. We will take a day trip to the city of Arles, made famous by its connection to Vincent Van Gogh and gather our own impressions of Provence. We will also visit Marseille’s islands and beaches to appreciate L’art de vivre on the Azure Coast.

  NOTE: Students will be expected to participate fully in a pre-trip curriculum that will include things like how to feed yourself healthily, how to pack light, and how to move around safely and efficiently as a large group. Yes, we are going to make you do a complete pack check and then hike down to the Capitol Hill Light Rail Station just for the sake of practice!

• Current 10th -11th grade students

• 20-24 Students 

• Priority will be given to SAAS students in upper level French classes.  

Sign Up Forms:

1. Complete the 2024-2025 SAAS Trips Student Interest Form- Student submitted
2. Complete the 2024-2025 Trip Sign Up Form - Must be completed by Parents/Guardians

• Students will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live among the Maasai tribe of Tanzania. During their two weeks in Makuyuni Village, students will work alongside tribe members on a variety of projects, such as sustainable farming, women’s empowerment, and school development. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to engage in weekend trips and cultural activities like going on safari, Maasai dancing, and traditional fire making, as well as forming meaningful connections with the locals. During this experience, students will also be participating in a Social Impact Project crafted by SAAS to shape their experience and actively engage in each of our Global Citizenship Principles.

• Current 9th-11th grade students

• 9 Students 

Trip Prerequisites:

• No prior international travel experience is required. However, students should know that our accommodations, though comfortable, will be rustic and there are often power outages. The criteria that we will be looking for are students who are invested in a true cultural exchange, developing a social impact service project, and deepening their curiosity about the world around them.
• Must be a proficient swimmer

Sign Up Forms:

1. Complete the 2024-2025 SAAS Trips Student Interest Form- Student submitted
2. Complete the 2024-2025 Trip Sign Up Form - Must be completed by Parents/Guardians

• On this trip, students will be traveling to major areas of Japan. Japan is a country rooted deeply in traditional practices and thinking, allowing our students to experience something completely new. We will be visiting Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and Hiroshima, with each location allowing us to get involved in the world of innovation, society, and ecology of Japan. Students will be tasked with prototyping solutions to the significant challenges that Japan faces today. They will be guided through the design thinking process as we visit start-ups, maker’s spaces, and change-making organizations across the country.

• Current 10th-11th grade students

• 12-15 Students 

• Priority will be given to students who have taken either Building a Business or Design Thinking classes at SAAS.

Sign Up Forms:

1. Complete the 2024-2025 SAAS Trips Student Interest Form- Student submitted
2. Complete the 2024-2025 Trip Sign Up Form - Must be completed by Parents/Guardians

• Hike the Swiss Alps, swim in lake Oeschinesse, via feratta to a remote Swiss hut, ride a cable car to “the top of the world,” and soak in the Blue Lagoon Hot Springs of Iceland. En route to Switzerland, students will have a three day layover in Iceland to camp, enjoy the Blue Lagoon, and break in their hiking boots on this unique and picturesque island. Upon landing in Zurich students will have a day to explore the pre-medivial and incredibly modern city with picturesque lanes of the central Alstadt and waterfront promenades. We commute on the SBB train system and see as much as we can! The bulk of the trip will be spent backpacking roughly 10-15 miles per day, often with significant elevation loss and gain in a region starting just south of Interlaken. The Via Aplina, also known as the Alpine Pass Route or Green Trail, crosses Switzerland from East to West across 186 miles. We will complete roughly 60 miles from the mountain town of Murren west to Lenk. Lodging will be idyllic swiss mountain huts where warm food and shelter are provided at high elevations with stunning views you’ll never forget. Students will carry a light (20-25 lb) backpack with limited clothing, snacks, water, a bivy sac, and a small sleeping bag. At the tail end of our journey we’ll take the Jungfraujoch train and cable express for an up close view of the Eiger at 13,015 ft, a walk across the glacier, and views of ice caves.

• Current 9th-11th grade students

• 9-12 Students 

Trip Prerequisites:

• Individual fitness ensures group safety and we'll be sticking together on this trip. Students will need to hike with their gear and safely navigate 10-15 mile days of significant elevation loss and gain through the alps for days at a time. Throughout the spring we will coordinate extended hikes but participants should also engage in their own training.

Sign Up Forms:

1. Complete the 2024-2025 SAAS Trips Student Interest Form- Student submitted
2. Complete the 2024-2025 Trip Sign Up Form - Must be completed by Parents/Guardians