In addition to international field trips, other significant field trips include the middle school trip to Washington, DC tied to the US history and government curriculum and Walden West Science Camp for 5th graders linked to the science curriculum.

5th Grade Class Trip to China

The capstone experience of the elementary school program, the 5th Grade Class Trip to China gives students the opportunity to see all the cultural sites they have learned about throughout their educational journey. They also spend a day at a YCIS school or a local school to learn about other students’ lives in China. Led by YCIS teachers, the Class Trip to China typically goes to Beijing, although in 2017 students went to both Beijing and Xi’an.

Costa Rica

Alternating with a trip to Washington, DC, the middle school trip to Costa Rica is linked to the science curriculum. Students learn firsthand about biodiversity while also having opportunities to visit a local school and learn about life and culture in this Central American country.

Seeds of Hope Charity Concert

Older music students may choose to audition to participate in the international student orchestra at the Seeds of Hope Charity Concert held annually in a city in China. Three to five students each year earn the honor to represent YCIS Silicon Valley and travel to China.