Learning Across the Ocean

Learning Across the Ocean focuses on two main principles: education and culture. Our goal is not only to teach, but also to learn.  Our program is initiated, designed, and led by high school students. Through teaching others, students are able to learn about what lies beyond their accustomed environment and discover their impact from a global aspect.  Being a new organization, we place emphasis on innovative ideas and fresh perspectives.

LATO is an internationally focused teaching program. Students from the US visit foreign countries to teach for a week. During this period, students are able to put their knowledge to use and bring American-style teaching to underprivileged classrooms. Besides teaching, students are exposed to a different side of local culture. Classroom interactions and daily activities allow for an exchange of culture.

Prior to traveling students create and prepare material. Students begin from basic ideas and eventually, end up with tangible results and detailed plan. Crafting specific plans, like reading material and how to present, allows students the chance to not only discover what it's like to be on the other side of the classroom, but also gives the experience of leadership and working in a group. Everything needed to be used in the school for the Chinese students, is decided by the students. Meetings begin several months before going to the school and are conducted weekly.