Global Hearts Travel Program
SHA International Trips & Visits for 2026-2027 School Year
SHA Parents/guardians and students, please join us for an informational meeting on Global Hearts trips that are now enrolling. We will meet in the SHA cafeteria at 6 pm on Thurs, Sept. 10, 2026. The meeting agenda will include details on the France trip, the Italy trip, and how students can complete an application for financial assistance for SHA international trips. Click here to RSVP.
Belize Hand in Hand Service trip (February 2027) à 12/12 student traveler spot have been filled
Visit to SHA by student delegation from St. Ursula in Hachinohe, Japan (March 2027) à Watch November newsletters for info on applying to be a host family
France: Paris, Loire Valley & Normandy (Summer 2027) à Enrolling Fall 2026
Italy: Saints & Miracles (Summer 2027) à Enrolling Fall 2026
Australia & New Zealand (Summer 2027) à Trip at capacity
Salzburg Choral Festival (Summer 2027) à SHA Choral members can enroll during fall 2026
Please direct questions to Global Hearts Travel Program Coordinator, Marie Griffin [email protected]
Past SHA International Trips and Visits
The British Isles
Dates: June 11-21, 2026 (11 days)
Locations: England, Ireland, Scotland
Highlights of itinerary: Students visited all three capital cities and important historical sites such as Blarney Castle, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Ha'Penny Bridge, Molly Malone statue, old town Edinburgh and Edinburgh castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Sir Walter Scott Monument, Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery, Piccadilly Circus, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, and more.
Connection to the Global Heart Travel Program pillars: Educational & Leadership Opportunities
Belize Service Trip through Hand in Hand Ministries
Dates: March 8-14, 2026 (7 days)
Locations: Belize: Belize City, Altun Ha Mayan Temples and snorkel at Caye Caulker Island
Highlights of itinerary: During this service-learning immersion opportunity, students worked hard to build a house in Belize for a family in need. They immersed themselves in the community, visiting local places such as the Altun Ha Mayan Temples and Caye Caulker Island.
Connection to the Global Heart Travel Program pillars: Global Service
Geneva, Amsterdam, and The Hague
Dates: May 22-June 1, 2026 (11 days)
Highlights of itinerary: This immersive educational tour took students to Geneva, Amsterdam, and The Hague to explore global leadership through the lens of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. From visits to the United Nations and CERN to the Anne Frank House and international courts in The Hague, students connected deeply with topics such as human rights, health, education, and innovation.
Connection to the Global Heart Travel Program pillars: Educational and Leadership Opportunities
Visit from student delegation from St. Ursula in Hachinohe, Japan: March 2025
Highlights of the itinerary: Japanese students were hosted by SHA students and families for the duration of their stay (11 days). Our guests from Hachinohe attended SHA classes, shared their culture with students in a cultural afternoon session, visited Louisville classics like the Derby Museum and Slugger Museum, and toured the Sacred Heart campus.
Connection to the Global Hearts Travel Program Pillars: Ursuline Heritage Journeys
March 2025 visit in the news: https://sha.shslou.org/apps/news/article/2051000?categoryId=13836
Belize Service Trip through Hand in Hand Ministries
Dates: February 16-22, 2025 (7 days)
Locations: Belize: Belize City, Altun Ha Mayan Temples and snorkel at Caye Caulker Island
Highlights of itinerary: During this service-learning immersion opportunity, students worked hard to build a house in Belize for a family in need. They immersed themselves in the community, visiting local places such as the Altun Ha Mayan Temples and Caye Caulker Island.
Connection to the Global Heart Travel Program pillars: Global Service
Belize trip in the news: https://sha.shslou.org/apps/news/article/1728222
Iceland: Glaciers and Geysers
Dates: March 30-April 5, 2025 (SHA Spring Break, 7 days)
Locations: Iceland, Reykjavík and Hvolsvöllur area
Highlights of itinerary: Travelers explored Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, waterfalls and Geysir Geothermal area, a greenhouse powered by geothermal and hydroelectric energy, an Icelandic horse stable, explore the famous black sand beaches of Vik, walk on Sólheimajökull Glacier, and visit the Blue Lagoon.
Connection to the Global Heart Travel Program pillars: Advocating environmental education
Language Immersion & Adventure in Costa Rica
Dates: May 28-June 5, 2025 (9 days)
Locations: Guanacaste, Arenal, and Sarapiquí areas of Costa Rica
Highlights of itinerary: Ziplining, whitewater rafting, kayaking, salsa dance lessons, ecotourism, cooking class, scavenger hunts with locals and in markets
Connection to the Global Heart Travel Program pillars: Educational and Leadership Opportunity. Students extended their proficiency in Spanish speaking with engaging, hands-on lessons about Costa Rican daily life, cooking, nature, and environmental sustainability.
Athens & the Aegean
Dates: The Isles of Greece: Athens, Delphi, Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, Crete + Kusadasi, Turkey
Locations: June 12 – June 21, 2025 (10 days)
Highlights of itinerary: Explorers stood in the shadow of the Acropolis and marvelled at the fusion of modern buildings and crumbling ruins of the Athenian cityscape. Setting sail through the Aegean Islands to see thatched windmills, blue-domed churches, white-washed houses, and pristine beaches.
Connection to the Global Heart Travel Program pillars: This trip to Greece offered students the opportunity to experience history, and also to build confidence and cultural sensitivity.
