From the Classroom to the World: Our Students Shine at the Youth Leadership Encounter

From 25th October to 1st November, ten of our students from Agora Portals International School travelled to Miami (USA) to take part in the ISA Youth Leadership Encounter 2025, an international event organised by the International Schools Association (ISA). The conference brought together young people from four continents under the theme “Leadership Across Oceans: Uniting Cultures to Preserve Marine Ecosystems.”

Throughout an intense and inspiring week, participants shared ideas, projects and experiences on marine sustainability, youth leadership and international collaboration.

A Project Born in the Classroom that Crossed Oceans

Students from Agora Portals International School presented their project on Posidonia oceanica, a marine plant native to the Mediterranean that symbolises our school community’s commitment to protecting the natural environment. They shared their experiences and research as part of the programme developed in the Aula del Mar, an innovative learning space dedicated to the study and conservation of marine life.

In their presentation, they explored the crucial role of Posidonia in preserving marine ecosystems, its ability to absorb CO₂, the threats it faces and the actions we can take to protect it.

The project forms part of the Eco-School programme and reflects how learning at Agora Portals goes beyond the classroom to become action and global awareness.

A Global Experience of Learning and Leadership

In addition to the presentations, the Youth Leadership Encounter 2025 offered a diverse educational, social and cultural itinerary. Our students took part in leadership workshops, debates and collaborative activities focused on sustainability and global action.

They visited major scientific institutions, including NHERI (Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure) at the Florida International University (FIU), where they learned about advances in engineering and disaster mitigation; the Marine Environmental Education Centre (MEEC), a sea turtle rescue and recovery centre located on Florida’s eastern coast, directly connected to the Atlantic Ocean; and the Frost Science Museum, Aquarium & Planetarium, an international leader in science communication that combines technology, astronomy and marine biology to inspire a new generation of curious, environmentally-conscious minds.

Among the most striking moments, Miss Solá, Deputy Head of MYP, Biology teacher and Eco-Schools Coordinator at our school, highlighted the visit to The Wall of Wind, a laboratory with twelve giant fans designed to simulate hurricanes and study the resistance of materials and structures:

“It was truly impressive to witness the power of the wind and to understand how science can help us protect lives and build a safer future.

Taking part in this event has been an extraordinary experience — a reminder that, although we come from different cultures, we share a common goal: to care for our planet, beginning with our seas and oceans. It has been a privilege to accompany our students, who did an outstanding job presenting the importance of Posidonia oceanica in our Mediterranean Sea.

New friendships and bonds have been created that will last a lifetime. I am certain that all of us have returned more aware that our actions truly matter.”

Shaping Leaders Who Transform the World

Our students returned home with new friendships, valuable learning experiences and a broader vision of the role they can play as global leaders. Because, as they discovered in Miami, to lead means to explore, to innovate and to care for the world we share.

The commitment of Agora Portals International School to the holistic development of each student is reflected in every opportunity that connects learning with real-world experiences. Programmes such as YLE 2025 reinforce the five pillars that underpin our educational approach: IB Continuum, STEAM, Multilingualism, Shaping the World, and Sports & Wellbeing.

Being part of the Globeducate network and collaborating with renowned organisations such as the International Schools Association (ISA) enables us to participate in prestigious international events like this one, strengthening our global vision and our mission to nurture young people who lead with values, empathy and an open-minded, international perspective.