The Kurt Hahn philosophy of education: Much has been said and written about the educational philosophy of Dr. Kurt Hahn, the founder of Outward Bound, the United World Colleges, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award program and the originator of Round Square. According to Hahn, international understanding and service to others figure prominently in an individual's complete education. RS organizes and promotes such undertakings in the firm belief that these experiences provide enriching educational opportunities and incredible growth experiences for our youth.

Current trends in experiential education: RS has offered such service opportunities for decades, but recently educators are catching on to what wonderfully beneficial and rewarding experiences these trips are. Teachers and educational administrators world-wide are incorporating travel and international service into their curricula, and travel companies are scrambling to provide enticing work holidays for clients.

Community service: Certainly the students enjoy the tour and relaxation at the end of the project, but the main thrust of the undertaking is the project itself. The hours on site can be used for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award program.

Developing leadership skills: Leadership is certainly a "buzz-word" in education these days, and there can be no denying the fact that involvement in such offerings creates leadership in our young people. Apart from all of the preparation involved (which requires focus and commitment), the students work side-by-side with the local villagers and see first-hand the benefits of their initiatives, working in a productive and dynamic group. They understand the need for international aid and sustainable development, and appreciate the importance of the power of one individual, leading by example.

Linguistic, cultural and religious education and enrichment: All are integral by-products of the projects, and students are continually exposed to life-enhancing experiences while abroad.

These are genuine, interactive connections with the local people, as they live, and such experiences cannot be obtained through tourist companies.

Such involvement opens the eyes of the participants to international involvement, sustainable development, the workings of political systems, etc., and university applications are enhanced by such undertakings.