GAIL Conference Cultivates Leaders for Tomorrow

Founded in 2013, GAIL is a network of eight schools that are geographically dispersed yet are committed to developing informed, globally active learning communities that encourage contemporary solutions to international issues through collaboration, inquiry, and service. KUA, the only GAIL school in North America, is joined by; Scotch College in Australia, the Kristin School in New Zealand, Newton College in Peru, Prestige College in South Africa, Robert Gordon’s College in the United Kingdon, the Western Internation School of Shanghai, and the Woodstock School in India.

This year’s conference, hosted by Scotch College, was centered on the theme of “Cultivating Leaders for Tomorrow,” with attendees participating in discussions and workshops fostered around shared experiences and community building. Over the course of eight days, students and faculty enjoyed activities like boomerang making as well as presentations from each member school about traditions unique to their cultures.

“We got to experience so much culture and diversity during our time there, and my favorite part was learning how to salsa from the students from Peru,” said Griffin ’28, one of eight KUA students who attended the conference. “Salsa is an art form that is used to celebrate community, and it was a whole lot of fun to try.”

Salsa was just one form a dance those in attendance were encouraged to try — Australian students shared their celebratory Kali dance — while others offered insights into their native language and cuisines.

“I’m so grateful to Scotch College for hosting us,” said Iris’27. “They created an inclusive and supportive environment that encouraged engagement, collaboration, and leadership, rooted in empathy and understanding.”

Outside the confines of the conference, KUA’s delegation were afforded plenty of opportunities to explore their cultural and environmental surroundings. The group visited nearby Sydney where they ventured on a walking tour of the city — with breaks for food in Chinatown and Spice Alley — and even toured the historic Sydney Opera House.

They also visited the Tarongo Zoo where up-close-and-personal encounters with kangaroos and koalas provided photo opportunities, and traveled to the Blue Mountains where they rode the world’s steepest railway and hiked to a waterfall once visited by Charles Darwin. But perhaps the greatest highlight was the opportunity to snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef, a United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) site.

“The fish were amazing, but the coral was the real show, said Scott Winham P’25, director of residential life. “We also ventured into the world’s oldest rainforest, experiencing it on foot, by gondola, and aboard a historic train. One of the most remarkable moments was standing where the reef and rainforest meet — the only place in the world where two UNESCO World Heritage sites come together.”