Our MYP 4 & 5 (ESO 3 & 4) students and accompanying teachers from Agora Sant Cugat International School had the pleasure of participating in the ISA Youth Leadership Encounter 2025 from Saturday 25th October to Saturday 1st November 2025 in the Avant Garde Academy in Miami, USA. The event had the theme: “Leadership Across Oceans: Uniting Cultures to Preserve Marine Ecosystems” and our students and teachers returned from the event buzzing with excitement, inspiration and pride.
We were the youngest team in the event and won first place in the project presentations, competing against 11 other international schools from around the world.
Here are just some of the comments that the accompanying teachers, Arnaldo and Nuria, shared:
Our students took home an experience they will never forget and the quality of the event was truly outstanding! Each place we visited allowed us to see at first-hand the wonderful work being done to preserve our oceans and ecosystems but we also became aware of how much still needs to be done. It is inspiring to know that our students are aware of these challenges and will become true agents of change.
Arnaldo Schapire
Our recent participation in the YLE Miami 2025 on the Preservation of Maritime Ecosystems was an incredibly valuable event. We were privileged to join many schools from around the world, contributing to a significant exchange of culture and knowledge focused on critical conservation challenges. Our students not only performed really well in the sessions but also gained profound insights, deeply enriching their understanding of marine science. This event was a powerful learning platform that will undoubtedly shape our students’ commitment to environmental leadership.
Nuria Hellin
The experience was much more than a competition. It was an immersion in cultural diversity, collaborative learning, and environmental awareness. From activities like cleaning up the beach to visiting Florida International University (FIU), every moment was an opportunity to grow, connect and learn.
Our students highlighted the kindness of the other delegations, the value of teamwork and the thrill of presenting in front of an international audience. The presentation was the culmination of months of invisible work that finally shone brightly.
We asked our students what they took away from the trip and this is what they said:
Joel Vera (MYP 5/ESO 4) I would describe the experience with two words: learning and teamwork.
What struck me the most was how kind and open all the other delegations were. Living and sharing moments with students from such different cultures was incredibly enriching.
One of the most important lessons I am taking home is the need to protect the ocean and everything that lives in it. This trip made me more aware of how urgent and important” that mission is. I am especially grateful to my parents for giving me the chance to be part of something so meaningful and unforgettable.
Amaní (MYP 4/ESO 3) I would describe the trip as exciting and memorable.
The moment that stood out the most for me was the presentation. We had worked so hard for months and finally got to show everything we had prepared as a team. Winning was a complete surprise – I couldn’t believe it!
I was really impressed by how similar the American education system is to what we have in Agora Sant Cugat International School. Visiting FIU was amazing; it is such a large and dynamic university and it made me think about future possibilities.
I am incredibly grateful to Arnaldo and Nuria for all the time they dedicated to us, for everything they taught us and for how well they took care of us during the trip.
This was, without a doubt, one of the best experiences of my life.
Iñaki (MYP 4/ESO 3) I would describe the trip as interesting, unique and full of new friendships.
The NBA game was amazing but the moment that really stood out was our presentation. At first, I did not think we would win but after seeing the other teams, I felt confident in what we had done.
I learned that preparation and consistency are key. Even if there is pressure or a big audience, if you have worked hard and practised, things will go well.
I am thankful to my teammates for their collaboration and to the ISA for organising such a special experience.
Aroha (MYP 5/ESO 4) I would describe the trip as fun, interesting and culturally enriching.
One of my favourite moments was the beach clean-up activity. We worked with students from other schools and helped the local community – it felt great to be part of something meaningful.
What I take away most is learning how to work as a team with people I did not know before. It was a powerful experience of connection and collaboration.
Here in Agora Sant Cugat International School we are incredibly proud of our students – not only for winning first place but also for how they represented our school and our values. They showed leadership, empathy, resilience and global awareness. They embraced diversity, worked as a team and proved that age is no barrier when passion and commitment lead the way.
