International Trips

After an extensive search for a partner aligned with our mission and values, we are excited to launch a new partnership with Where There Be Dragons, a leader in global experiential education with over 30 years of experience. Dragons is known for its student-centered, culturally immersive programs in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, led by highly trained instructors who thoughtfully mentor students through meaningful challenges that support holistic growth.

Through this partnership, we’ve developed two international travel programs—to Taiwan and Peru—as culminating experiences for students studying Mandarin and Spanish. These immersive programs go beyond traditional tours, emphasizing language learning, cultural understanding, scientific inquiry, and adventure.

Yak Groups

Each trip has a YAK board, essentially a blog, that will be updated nearly daily while on the trip. Since you students won’t have reliable access to their devices, this will be your source of updates and notifications from our group. We’ve already posted a Yak about our weekend, and you can access and subscribe to the Yaks for Peru and Taiwan by clicking on the links.

Trip Photo Albums

Flight Numbers

Taiwan Departure: EVA Air Flight BR25
Taiwan Arrival: EVA Air Flight BR24
Peru Departure: American 2523
Peru Arrival: American 654

FAQ

How much is the deposit and where do I submit it?

The deposit is $1,000 and must be paid via check made out to Westside School. If your family receives tuition assistance at 60% or above, your family is responsible for a proportional amount of the deposit. If you receive tuition assistance, someone from the team will be reaching out to you the week of the 13th to give you a breakdown of your specific payment plan and deposit amount.

Deposits should be submitted to the front desk or to the check deposit box, near the infirmary. If your student’s trip fails to enroll at least ten students, your check will be returned on October 28th.

My family receives tuition assistance, how much can we expect to pay for this trip?

Does my child need a passport?

In order to travel on these trips, your child needs a passport that is valid through the end of December 2026. If your child currently has a passport that needs to be renewed or your child needs to apply for a first-time passport, instructions can be found here. Most passports take 4-6 weeks to process, and with the government shut down, we suggest you start as soon as you can. We need a copy of the passport you will use for your trip in February (about three months). If you will not be using a US passport, please reach out to your trip leader.

Question?

Submit Questions here!

Mallary Duplant, Taiwan
Mia Williford, Peru

Communications

Important Dates

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International Trips

Yak Groups

Flight Numbers

IMPORTANT LINKS

Peru

Taiwan