Teens traverse globe High schoolers extend minds past borders HARSITHA KALAIARASAN staff writer
EMOTIONS COURSE THROUGH everyone’s veins as a plane lands on foreign ground. The plane holds the usual passengers, but also features a group of teenagers on a school trip. Unrevealed to the varied entourage however, are the copious long-term effects and lessons they will learn from traveling the world. Traveling with friends is a desire embedded in kids growing up, but with countless opportunities and known advantages, SHS students are embarking on unforgettable educational tours of diverse countries. SHS offers group travel through certain classes such as Advanced Placement (AP) European History, AP Spanish, Travel Club, and more. Past trips have witnessed the sights of Ireland, London, France, Italy, and Spain to name a few. Although the trips are priced at several thousands of dollars, most expenses regarding accommodations are covered. Certain trips even alllocate
college credit for participation. Other students have taken pleasure in observing cultures in exotic corners of the world in the company of family and friends. Whether traveling is done in an instructional environment or as a well deserved vacation during the liberal summer months, students gain perspective of the world and the roles they fulfill. Junior Helen Sotropa has visited over ten countries, including the Netherlands, Bulgaria, Iceland, Romania, and Belize. When asked about what she gained through her stays in all of the mentioned countries, she said, “Traveling made me realize my problems are a tiny portion of the world’s. “College apps, standardized tests, and homework cause me a lot of stress, but it is not comparable to the people who do not have access to clean drinking water or live in fear of being killed.” Sotropa’s experience exhibits how
DESTINATION Paris, France “I instantly fell in love with Paris. While it seemed the city moved in a sort of hustle and bustle, there was a part of Paris that moved slowly, enjoying the ‘les petites moments’ (the little moments) to the fullest,” Ferdinand said.
Photo courtesy: Thea Ferdinand
the mind is broadened and engages with more in-depth analysis of everyday activities. Sophomore Kelley Kossanyi accredits mission trips to Guatemala to the way she was permanently changed. “In Guatemala the meals were simple, not the amount of food usually found in the United States. “Instead of planning things around meals like we do here, loving each other was a lot more of a priority,” Kossanyi said. Often, with an eye-opening life lesson is learned or a fondness for the architecture and food in a country formed, traveling can interest any party. Along with memorable experiences with locals and their ways of life, traveling during the teenage years can shape an eventual career path for inspired students. If the lifestyle, architecture, or education system emanates appeal, students find themselves with newfound ambitions. “Due to my recent travels, I am
Photo courtesy: Kelley Kossanyi
Sources: Huffington Post, Global Leadership Adventures, Travel for Teens
FEATURE
FEATURE
89%
Travelers earned
$5,000
said educational travel had a “positive impact” on their education and/or career
66%
of students that travel overseas attained higher degrees
definitely considering studying abroad. I’m interested in continuing my art career in either France, the Netherlands, or England. “I believe Europe definitely appeals to the field of study for its myriad of art museums, intricate architecture, and diverse groups of people,” said senior Thea Ferdinand after her travels in Europe. Traveling leaves every individual with something unique. Whether it is delicious delicacies, the history behind each window, or an expanded world view, teenagers will experience something truly sensational.
Antigua,Guatemala
Chang Rai, Thailand
“A mountain in Atigua Guatemala featured a grassy area where booths were set up to sell handmade Guatelamalan things. The man started playing one of the flutes for sale. It was absolutely breathtaking,” Kossanyi said.
“ The buildings looked nothing like I have ever seen before. The details were beyond belief and the color scheme was so unique and vibrant. I loved immersing myself in the culture from the minute we entered the temple,” said Elizabeth Van Den Brink, 11.
more on average annually than people who didn’t travel
90%
said their travels were educational, fun, engaging and/or inspiring
Benefits •
Scientifically proven to lower stress hormones
•
Opportunity to experience different cultures and become more open minded
•
Learn how to save and budget money
•
Grows independence away from friends and family
Skógar, Iceland “ Iceland was a different kind of experience. I saw Mother Earth with every national park I was able to visit. Being able to witness the different wonders of the world makes me the person I am today,” Sotropa said. Photo courtesy: Libby Van Den Brink
Photo courtesy: Helen Sotropa