Global Summers Academy Founder, Sam Blyth, Visits Portugal & Spain Program

Dear Parents and Family,

I had the pleasure of visiting the Portugal & Spain program in Porto last night. The students started the day in Lisbon, went surfing in Nazare (famous for its huge waves in November & December) and arrived in Porto, the Douro Valley in time for a great dinner.

Many of the students did our programs last summer and some are now on their third. This is a credit to my team in Toronto and superb leadership including Bertan who is the Program Manager for the Portugal & Spain program, and with whom many had travelled last year. Together with a great supporting staff and teaching team, the group is in fantastic hands both academically and logistically.

I spoke to the students about the Portuguese and Spanish empires and their capitals, Lisbon and Madrid. And the pride and cultural depth of both countries. I also encouraged the group to put down their phones, get together in small groups for afternoon and evening exploration and to learn the art of travel. I did one of these programs when I was a teenager and since then have visited more than 150 countries. My love for travel and exploration all started when I was a sixteen year old.

Three months ago I started the Portuguese Camino in Porto and walked 250km from Portugal into Spain and Santiago de Compostela. I spoke to the students about the pleasure in hiking and slow travel and encouraged them to think about a Camino in their future. I saw a lot of nodding heads.

Thank you for sending your children with us this summer. They are in incredibly good hands, off to a great start and a delightful group of young Canadians.

With best wishes,

Sam Blyth,

Founder and Chair,

Global Summers Academy.