One of the best things about entering high school is the many new learning opportunities that become available; some of the most fun experiences are school trips. Schools have long recognized the importance of learning about new cultures and environments, but during the pandemic, travel slowed to a stop. Now that restrictions are mostly over, school trips are back on. Franklin High School has quite a few international trips planned for the next few years: Paris, Costa Rica, Japan, Thailand, and Italy/Germany.
Coming up in just under a month: the Paris trip. It is over spring break this year, and while it is too late to sign up for this one, the Paris trip typically happens every other year. This year Dana Miller, one of Franklin’s French teachers, is leading the trip as she has for the past 20 visits. Miller is retiring this year, so hopefully, a future teacher will uphold her tradition and students will have a Paris trip to look forward to.
In terms of what the trip entails, Miller says, “students really gain an appreciation for [French] culture, and the trip really demystifies the fear of traveling to a foreign country. It’s never an ‘if’ I come back, but a ‘when’ I come back.” For French students, Paris is a logical choice because it’s the epitome of French culture. “It’s pretty much the cradle of French language and civilization,” says Miller. The trip is about $3,500 and includes all costs other than lunches.
Costa Rica is another trip approaching fast. This nine-day visit will be from July 10 to July 18, however, the application deadline is much sooner: on March 22. Five spots are left. It costs $4,109, which covers all expenses including airfare and food. Ruben Navarrete, the teacher leading the trip, says: “I’m looking forward to all the adventures that we are going to have: zip-lining in the rainforest, whitewater rafting, hiking, waterfalls, visiting national parks, and [eating] delicious food.” He continues, saying: “I really enjoy watching students create new bonds and friendships.” Any further questions about the Costa Rica trip can be answered by messaging @fhsincostarica on Instagram or stopping by room S-218.
Over the summer of 2023, Desi Wolff-Myren and Van Anh Bui led a trip to Japan, and in July 2025, social studies teacher Allison Haight plans to do the same. This trip costs a little more than the others, at $5,459. According to Haight, monthly payment plans are available and the ten-day trip is planned far in advance to help “lock in the price and give students more time to fundraise and pay for it.”
“I am looking forward to learning more about Japanese art, architecture, and culture,” says Haight. “We will be traveling to Osaka, Kyoto, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa, and Tokyo. Our trip will include cultural experiences such as a traditional tea ceremony, zen meditation, karaoke, a trip to the Cupnoodles Museum, and shopping in the Harajuku District.” There is an informational meeting about this trip on March 14, 2024, and you can also check The Bolt newsletter for updates on the trip.
The Thailand trip is being led by Beth Biagini and Megan Whisnand, who frequently lead school trips together. It will be 11 days long during the second half of this June. “The culture is known to be extremely friendly and welcoming,” says Biagini. According to her, there is a lot to be excited about, including the food, getting to see new ecosystems, and visiting the elephant sanctuary. The application deadline passed a few days ago on Mar. 1.
Introduced most recently is a trip to Germany and Italy, led by Katie McLaughlin and Surabhi Joglekar. The trip will be stopping in Rome, Florence, Verona, Tyrol, Munich, Dachau, and Prague. It is scheduled for late June 2025, although the exact dates won’t be solidified until closer to departure. It will cost around $5,000 not including lunches, and payment plans will be available. There are 15 open spots, and the enrollment deadline is March 7, 2024.
School trips can be an enlightening and memorable experience well worth going on. They are a space away from normal life to learn independence and to go somewhere you’ve never been alongside friends. If none of these places interest you, there are always new trips being planned, so be sure to keep your eyes and ears open for new announcements!
