Take The Trip of A Lifetime to Belize or New Zealand and Australia!

By Ajla Ahmetovi

Have you ever wanted to see different parts of the world? Eat new foods, experience new cultures and meet new people? Now is your chance with the upcoming trip to Belize or New Zealand and Australia being organized by history teacher John Sand. The trip to Belize will take place in February of 2019, and the trip to New Zealand and Australia will be in the summer of 2019. In an interview with Mr. Sand, the value of traveling and how traveling can enrich our lives can be seen.

When asked what these trips contribute for a valuable learning experience to students, Mr. Sand said, “It gives students experiences that they can't have at home - scuba, climb a Mayan pyramid, snorkel in the largest barrier reefs in world”

These activities give students the chance to adventure and try new things, something every student should be given the opportunity to do.

Why travel? What does traveling give that a conventional classroom cannot provide? When asked this question, Mr. Sand answered, “Travelling takes students out of their comfort zones.  When they go to places that don't have all of the luxuries, conveniences, and shopping malls that we have here, they learn to adapt. Students learn to eat foods we don't have here. They see how people in other cultures treat each other and what other cultures value.  That's the biggest element - understanding that people in different parts of the world live differently than we do. And that maybe we can learn something from these cultures”.

Experiencing different cultures is without a doubt one of the main aspects of these trips. Students are able to learn more about themselves, all while being in a positive educational learning environment.

And lastly, what is one big reason you would give to a student who is interested in the trip, but hesitant to go” was the last question asked, to which Mr. Sand said, “It's the experience of a lifetime! Most people will never get to Belize or Australia/New Zealand on their own.  If you don't go now, you may never get there. I also feel that being away from home and experiencing a new culture, even for a week or so, is a great preparation for going away to college where many students will live away from home and experience a different culture!”

Take the chance to enrich your life. Plan ahead for the Belize or New Zealand and Australia trip by attending future meetings. If you have any specific questions, stop by room 112, Mr. Sand’s room, with any questions or concerns.

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