Why go on a Global Education trip? There are so many reasons. For one, middle school students have a fantastic blend of worldliness, burgeoning independence and curiosity. Seeing how other people in the world live and have lived in the past, the foods they eat and the customs they value, is so important for students at this age and stage. A school trip across the world exposes these students to different ways of living, and also brings their classroom learning to life.

Croatia was chosen as this year’s destination for many reasons aligned with the above statement of ‘why?’. It is part of the EU but has a complex history and at different times, has been part of the Roman Empire, Austro-Hungary, the former Yugoslavia and is now a proud, independent nation in the European Union. We were all first-time visitors to Croatia as well!

The highlights from our group members were as varied as the group itself. Some students loved the STEM connections shown with a planetarium visit and Nikola Tesla museum. Others loved visiting restored medieval castles and the Plitivice Lakes National Park. For some, the highlight was visiting a small goat farm and sampling the delicious variety of local cheeses. Others loved their time on the Adriatic coastline visiting historic cities like Zadar and Pula where the past Roman Empire influences are still ever present. Croatia had something memorable to see around every corner or up every hill.

As everyone who travels knows, some of the best moments come during those small chunks of free time. We had plenty of chances to go into small bakeries or gelato stores and interact with the locals as we sampled some delicious local cakes and pastries. Our group bonded with each other over nightly games of cards and charades, laughing, and seeing some place new, for the first time, together. Not only did traveling as a group bring us all closer, but it also taught our young students patience, independence, and responsibility, as well as the importance of being a global citizen.

So, after going to Iceland in 2023 and Croatia in 2024, where will next year’s Middle School Global Ed trip go? Stay tuned.
 

 

 

 

 

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