ISA Youth Leadership Encounter 2025

Our MYP 4 & 5 (ESO 3 & 4) students and accompanying teachers from Agora Sant Cugat International School had the pleasure of participating in the ISA Youth Leadership Encounter 2025 from Saturday 25th October to Saturday 1st November 2025 in the Avant Garde Academy in Miami, USA. The event had the theme: "Leadership Across Oceans: Uniting Cultures to Preserve Marine Ecosystems" and our students and teachers returned from the event buzzing with excitement, inspiration and pride.  

We were the youngest team in the event and won first place in the project presentations, competing against 11 other international schools from around the world.  

Here are just some of the comments that the accompanying teachers, Arnaldo and Nuria, shared: 

Our students took home an experience they will never forget and the quality of the event was truly outstanding! Each place we visited allowed us to see at first-hand the wonderful work being done to preserve our oceans and ecosystems but we also became aware of how much still needs to be done. It is inspiring to know that our students are aware of these challenges and will become true agents of change. Arnaldo Schapire  

Our recent participation in the YLE Miami 2025 on the Preservation of Maritime Ecosystems was an incredibly valuable event. We were privileged to join many schools from around the world, contributing to a significant exchange of culture and knowledge focused on critical conservation challenges. 

Our students not only performed really well in the sessions but also gained profound insights, deeply enriching their understanding of marine science. This event was a powerful learning platform that will undoubtedly shape our students' commitment to environmental leadership. Nuria Hellin 

The experience was much more than a competition. It was an immersion in cultural diversity, collaborative learning, and environmental awareness. From activities like cleaning up the beach to visiting Florida International University (FIU), every moment was an opportunity to grow, connect and learn. 

Our students shared powerful reflections on their experience: 

Joel (MYP 5 / ESO 4) described the trip as a lesson in learning and teamwork, highlighting the kindness of other delegations and the importance of protecting marine ecosystems. 
Amaní (MYP 4 / ESO 3) emphasised the excitement of presenting months of work on an international stage and how visiting FIU opened her mind to future possibilities. 
Iñaki (MYP 4 / ESO 3) reflected on the value of preparation and consistency, and the confidence gained through teamwork and collaboration. 
Aroha (MYP 5 / ESO 4) highlighted the beach clean-up activity as a meaningful moment of connection, collaboration and community impact. 

At Agora Sant Cugat International School, we are incredibly proud of our students — not only for winning first place, but for the way they represented our values throughout the event. They demonstrated leadership, empathy, resilience and global awareness, proving that age is no barrier when passion, commitment and teamwork come together. 

Thank you for being such wonderful ambassadors of our school. You truly made a difference.