ASD Students Expand Learning Through Global WOW Week Experiences

American School Dhahran’s commitment to experiential learning was on full display during WOW Week, which took place last week and sent students across the globe for immersive, purpose-driven experiences. Designed to extend learning beyond the classroom, WOW Week combines travel, cultural exploration, skill development and service learning. This year, ASD students traveled to nine countries, engaging with diverse cultures, building independence and leadership skills and giving back to communities through meaningful service projects.

Middle School WOW Week: Italy

Twenty-one middle school students and three staff members embarked on an unforgettable WOW Week experience in Italy that blended culture, challenge and personal growth.

The trip began in Venice, where students toured Basilica di San Marco and explored the historic streets of the iconic floating city. The group then traveled to Folgarida in the Italian Dolomites for five days of skiing and snow activities, including bum boarding and snowshoeing.

Despite half of the group being beginner skiers on the first day, all students demonstrated significant progress, advancing at least one skill level by week’s end under the guidance of expert instructors. More advanced skiers challenged themselves on red and black runs while taking in panoramic alpine views. Along the way, students experienced authentic Italian cuisine and represented ASD with pride, respect and exemplary behavior.

Middle School WOW Week: Japan

ASD middle school students participated in a rich and balanced cultural experience in Japan, blending learning, exploration and service.

Highlights included a visit to Tokyo DisneySea, known for its unique design and immersive attractions, explored by boat and cable car. Students traveled from Tokyo to Kawagoe, where they volunteered at a local shrine and temple, supporting cleaning efforts while learning about its cultural and historical importance. The group explored Akihabara’s technology and pop culture, visited Mount Fuji and the Hakone region to study volcanic history and experienced iconic sites such as Shibuya Crossing, Ginza, Shinjuku and Odaiba.

Through authentic cuisine, historic landmarks and modern city life, students gained a deeper appreciation of Japanese culture and returned with lasting memories.

High School Girls WOW Week: Rome and Florence

ASD’s high school girls participated in an educational journey through Rome and Florence that emphasized art, architecture and cultural understanding.

Students explored historic basilicas, the Pantheon, the Leonardo da Vinci Museum, the Optical Illusion Museum and the MAXXI Museum designed by Zaha Hadid. In Florence, the group visited Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Uffizi Gallery and key Renaissance landmarks, along with a stop at the Leaning Tower of Pisa. A hands-on visit to an olive farm allowed students to prune trees and learn traditional olive oil production, offering a meaningful connection to Italian heritage and innovation.

Elementary School WOW Week: United Arab Emirates

ASD elementary students took on an adventurous WOW Week experience in the UAE, supported by six chaperones. The itinerary included camping in Ras Al Khaimah, ropes courses in Hatta and a challenging six-hour hike through Wadi Shawka.

Throughout the trip, students demonstrated resilience, teamwork and confidence as they overcame physical challenges and strengthened friendships. These formative experiences reflected ASD’s focus on developing leadership and character from an early age.

High School WOW Week: Portugal

High school students participated in a seven-day educational program in Portugal focused on history, culture and civic responsibility. In Lisbon, students studied the nation’s maritime legacy at Belém Tower and the Maritime Museum, explored São Jorge Castle and completed a community service project with Refood to learn about food waste and food insecurity. The journey continued with visits to the UNESCO-listed Batalha Monastery and the historic university city of Coimbra. 

In Porto, students examined the city’s distinctive architecture and famous bridges before concluding the trip in Nazaré and Óbidos, gaining insight into Portugal’s diverse geography and heritage.

High School WOW Week: South Africa

ASD students traveling to Cape Town experienced a powerful blend of adventure, culture and service. The trip included wildlife safaris, water-based activities such as surfing and kayaking and exposure to African cuisine through tastings of dishes from across the continent. 

Students also engaged in meaningful service work on a local farm and spent time with early childhood students, creating connections that made the experience both impactful and memorable.

Middle School WOW Week: Kenya

Middle school students in Kenya participated in a deeply service-focused WOW Week centered on partnership and community impact. For the first three days, students worked alongside a local school community, painting classrooms and buildings, installing new chalkboards, funding water tanks and plumbing for functional bathrooms and supporting the installation of classroom windows. 

Students also donated school supplies and games, demonstrating empathy and global responsibility. In addition to service learning, the group participated in two safari drives, spotting four of the “Big Five” animals and gaining a deeper appreciation for Kenya’s wildlife and environment.

Gratitude to Our Chaperones

American School Dhahran extends sincere thanks to the dedicated chaperones who supported students throughout WOW Week and made these experiences possible: Ms. Zeinab Karnib, Mr. Edwin Segbefia, Ms. Mariam Sibaii, Ms. Rasha Al Nasr, Mr. Richard Smith, Mr. Michael Sprague, Mr. Michael Smith, Ms. Amber Glynn, Mr. Devon Childress, Ms. Sara Ahmad, Ms. Anne Louise Cedergren, Ms. Stephanie Ngai, Ms. Tamara Sweedat, Ms.  Zhanna Montgomery, Mr. Wyatt Franz, Ms. Zeina Sakr, Ms. Zeina Jreije, Mr. Phillip Young, Ms. Ashlie Jensen, Ms. Celeste Guerrero, Mr. Jake  Scherer, Ms. Filza Ahmad, Ms. Shaylee Atkinson, Ms. Caitlin Wingers, Ms. Shawna McGriff, Mr. Graham Laing and Ms. Maxine Marbury.

Their guidance and commitment ensured a safe, meaningful and transformative WOW Week for all participants.