World Leadership School

Soria is located in the mountainous landscapes of northern Spain and has a history that goes back thousands of years. The region was originally part of the Celtic territories, which put up fierce resistance before eventually being defeated by the Roman armies and incorporated into the Roman Empire. By the 11th century, Soria was once again at the center of a conflict between Muslim and Christian armies battling for control of the Iberian Peninsula. El Cantar de Mio Cid, the first known Castilian epic, is set in this land. Campos de Castilla was written in Soria by Antonio Machado, a member of Spain’s famed Generation of ‘98. Soria was also home to Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer and Gerardo Diego, two renowned poets of contemporary Spanish literature.

Soria’s history is reflected in its historic landmarks, such as the Castillo del Gormaz and the Hermitage of San Baudelio de Berlanga. Both are examples of Romanesque architecture, which blends Roman and Byzantine architectural styles. Soria today has become a center for cultural preservation and sustainable rural development in Northern Spain. Surrounded by forests and rivers, Soria is also the gateway to the area’s extraordinary natural beauty.

The safety of our programs rests on the experience and skills of our Staff, Country Coordinators and Instructors, who convene at our annual training in Colorado’s Arkansas Valley.

• The Staff of World Leadership School have decades of experience working in different educational environments. Their focus is logistics, risk management, program design, professional development, and consulting.
• Our Country Coordinators live and work year round in our overseas countries. They screen our homestay families, evaluate our transport and other service providers, and provide ground support for our groups.
• Our Instructors are veteran educators with extensive international experience. They have wilderness first responder training and often have past affiliations with Peace Corps, Outward Bound, NOLS, and/or independent schools.

We strive to responsibly manage risks. Our itineraries minimize highway travel and maximize immersion in rural communities that we know well. We update our risk management protocols, integrate feedback into program design, and invest in safety and communication equipment. Despite these efforts, World Leadership School cannot guarantee safety nor can it eliminate the inherent and other risks of international student travel. For information regarding program activities and associated risks, risk management, and student and parent responsibilities, please contact our office.

“I have gained a broader understanding of my place in the world.”
— Student, Punahou School

“This program inspired me to be okay with being uncomfortable. Even days when I was tired or nervous to meet new people, I knew this was my one chance to experience this.”
— Student, Lincoln School

“This program gave me hope for the future and showed me who I want to become. It was very beneficial to hear the stories of locals and how even a small contribution to a cause can make the largest difference.”
— Student, Miss. Porter’s School