Wellington students recently traveled to Ecuador as part of the Wellington International Student Experience (WISE), an upper school program that sparks global citizenship, empathy, and resilience through immersive international travel. Partnering with The Tandana Foundation, founded by alumna Anna Taft ’97, students teamed up with community members on several projects at Tangali School — including painting a colorful mural and tending a garden that helps feed students lunch each day.
During their trip, they celebrated Pawkar Raymi — an Andean festival marking the March equinox and honoring Pachamama, or Mother Earth. Through homestays, shared meals, and hands-on cultural experiences, students stepped into new routines and forged meaningful connections across cultures. As with every WISE trip, the adventure pushed them outside their comfort zones and invited them to see the world — and their place in it — with fresh eyes.