Future Leaders Take on MIT: A Week of Academic Excellence and Innovation

Recently, students from Nord Anglia Education had an extraordinary opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of innovation at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Among them were Jerónimo and Alec, seniors from the Metropolitan School of Panama. They won places on the MIT student trip through their incredible design projects. They were two of only 6 students chosen from schools in Latin America.

On the trip, they participated in activities like identifying exoplanets, attending the Climate Action Summit, and visiting MIT labs such as the Nuclear Reactor and the Cancer Center. It was great to see him our students with other Nord Anglia students and make like-minded friends. This MIT journey has been an incredible, knowledge-filled experience!

A Unique Perspective: From School to Student
Jerónimo R. and Alec S., seniors at the Metropolitan School of Panama, set out on a week-long adventure at MIT, thanks to Nord Anglia Education's unique collaboration. “This experience resulted in immense personal and intellectual growth for me. I was able to speak with a wide range of people about topics ranging from how oysters affect the fluid dynamics of the ocean's waves to the automation of robots in underwater terrain and how to prepare them for interplanetary exploration, as well as how algae can help detect certain types of cancer”. - Jerónimo R.

A Week in the Innovation Hub

Alongside 50 peers from 31 Nord Anglia schools globally, they delved into a variety of activities, designed to ignite their passion for STEAM subjects. Lectures, workshops, and masterclasses led by MIT professors provided invaluable insights and inspiration.

These experiences were meaningful moments of understanding and discovery for Jerónimo and Alec.

Exploring a World of Possibilities

Jerónimo and Alec's journey at MIT was filled with enriching experiences, each contributing to their personal and intellectual growth. Here's a glance into the activities they participated in:

1. Simulated Climate Change Conference: Teams brainstormed effective strategies to reduce global temperatures, engaging in critical discussions about environmental sustainability.
2. Tour of a Nuclear Reactor: Jerónimo and Alec gained insight into the complexities of nuclear energy, witnessing firsthand the inner workings of a nuclear reactor.
3. Interactive Workshops: From discussions on exoplanets to high-speed imaging of water droplets, every workshop offered a unique perspective on scientific inquiry and discovery.
4. Mock UN Climate Change Summit: Participating in a simulated summit, students explored solutions to pressing global issues, fostering diplomatic skills and collaboration.
5. Puzzle Solving: Jerónimo and Alec's group made towers out of paper, setting a record at 17 inches tall!
6. Talks and Experiments from Koch Institute for Cancer: They observed experiments showcasing innovative techniques and technologies used in cancer research.
7. Planetary Investigation: Using special equipment, they worked to figure out if a planet could support life.
8. Determining the Mass of a Red Dwarf: They used their physics knowledge to figure out how heavy a star was.

Skills for Life: Creativity and Collaboration
Central to this collaboration between Nord Anglia Education and MIT was the emphasis on fostering essential life skills. Creativity and collaboration emerged as pillars of this transformative journey. Exposure to innovative projects and interactions with alumni brought new perspectives, nurturing creative problem-solving abilities. Collaboration, fundamental in every activity, underscored the importance of diverse skill sets coming together to tackle complex challenges.

Shaping the Future of Education
Jerónimo and Alec's experience at MIT exemplifies the power of experiential learning. Through immersive experiences and meaningful interactions, they emerged as innovators who want to create new things and make a difference in the future.

“MIT is a school that a lot of people aspire to go to, but I didn’t really know what type of school it was until I was able to sit during lunch and have conversations with the students and staff there. This experience allowed me to grow as a student and as a person to be able to better understand myself and my relation to others”. - Alec S.

This unique collaboration between Nord Anglia Education and MIT represents a commitment to preparing students for today’s rapidly evolving world, equipping them with the skills and perspectives needed to thrive. Their journey serves as a testament to the transformative potential of education, transcending classroom boundaries to inspire lifelong learning and innovation. We’re so proud of Jerónimo and Alec who were outstanding representatives of our school and reflected what a MET student is all about!

For more insights into this enriching experience, click here.