As I wait in Gaborone, Botswana for the new school year to begin, I face the same doubts and fears that anyone does before their first day at a new high school. The only difference is I’m also worried about whether or not I’m going to get eaten by a lion before I manage to graduate.
This year I’m starting my first semester at Think Global School, a traveling high school that takes students around the world as they learn math, humanities, and all that other high school stuff. Basing itself in four countries a year, the school currently consists of thirty 10th and 11th graders from all around the world. And yes, I’m terrified.
This is my first time away from home for any significant amount of time. I’m leaving behind my parents, friends, and essentially all that is familiar and ‚Äònormal‚Äô in my life to take this chance. Let’s hope it’s worth it.
For our first semester, we’re kicking off in Botswana, a land of elephants and diamond mines, and the home of the famed Okavango Delta. Often called the Switzerland of Africa, Botswana is still growing into its diamond wealth and finding its place in the global scheme of things. Botswana is a beautiful country with spades of natural wealth, edging its way into the African tourism scene while fighting to protect and preserve its unique environment. It’s definitely going to be an interesting setting for the next two months of school.
Our first semester‚Äôs schedule includes game drives, animal tracking, and a mysterious ‚Äòinitiation‚Äô inspired by traditional rites of passage in both Botswana and across the globe. In addition to all of the above, TGS employs project-based learning, where students take their knowledge to the real world and create interdisciplinary projects that have the potential to make a real impact. Our first modules this year will be based upon recording the flora and fauna in an unmapped portion of the Okavango Delta, and creating a performance based on traditional Botswana oral storytelling techniques. From Botswana we’ll move on through India, Japan, and Spain, with a stop in Greece for AP exams (Yes, we still take tests!).
I‚Äôm ridiculously excited for the opportunity to attend this school, and to share my experiences through Girl Museum. I can’t wait for us to conquer the globe together, and show the world what girls can do.
-Amelie Andreas
Global Girl Citizen
Think Global School
You are great girl. My kids and I are admire of you. Miss u a lot
Looking forward to reading more about these adventures!
Enjoy your journey – the world is at your toes!
This is a brilliant post! Thanks so much for sharing your excitement, vulnerability and incredible journey. I am now wondering what a day of ‘place based’ learning looks like? Hope you post again soon… And steer clear of the lions! I will follow your blog with vigilance.
Living vicariously through you, girl!
We are so very proud of you. Although I’ve never met you, I feel a certain kindred spirit with you and I hope to get to meet you one day. Show the world, YOU can!!
Love your cousin
Kristie Centurion
A fantastic first blog Amelie, brilliantly written. Sophie and I will be following you! Good luck. Watch out for the Rhinos too, I have had to hastily leg it up a tree to get out of a Rhino’s way in Nepal. Apparently they have bad eyesight so running zig-zag might also work.
Amelie, what opportunities await you!
I am looking forward to hearing all that you learn and experience, you truly are a global learner making a difference to the world already.
Heather
Amelie! This is amazing – I can not wait to see what adventures you experience. It will be worth it! You go girl!
xxEmily Hill (Griffiths)