Licking Heights teachers pride themselves on providing students with innovative and fulfilling learning experiences in the classroom and beyond, but for several high school teachers, this method even includes going international.
For Spring Break, teachers MaryJo Jones and Bethany Good–in partnership with EF Tours, an educational trip provider for middle and high schools–took their students on a week-long trip outside the United States. Art teacher Jones led students through a tour of France and Spain, while science teacher Good and students explored Belize in Central America.
Jones’ trip focused primarily on the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain and how the natural border blends the two country’s cultures in architecture, art, food, and more. Students visited the plazas and cathedrals of cities like Paris, Barcelona, Biarritz, San Sebastian, and Pamplona.
Jones described her life-changing trip as the highlight of her career and one of the greatest experiences of her life. She commended her students for their willingness to push themselves as they experienced different cultures and for maintaining a growth mindset so they could learn from each moment spent abroad.
“It was a dream come true and we were in a fairy tale for 10 days. I knew the trip was going to be an amazing learning experience for us all, but the impact it had on all of us, every time we got off the bus every day, we stood shocked in amazement,” she says. “The smiles never stopped, even when climbing mountains, and the students lived their lives to the fullest.”
For Good, her student’s trek through Central America’s “eco-frontier” included plenty of visits to ancient ruins, lush jungles, and the sparkling Caribbean coastline. Students spent time exploring nature and biodiversity and taking guided tours of Mayan ruins with local guides.
Good says she enjoyed watching her students get out of their comfort zone as they experienced leaving the country for the first time.
“I was so grateful to have the opportunity to lead a group of students to Belize for spring break. It was great to watch them zipline, snorkel and cave tube for the first time,” she says. “The best thing that happened on the trip was getting to see the students develop new friendships with students from other schools around the United States that were also on the tour with us.”
EF Tours are education-focused tours specifically designed for the needs of students and teachers. Trips include experiential and hands-on learning opportunities that match student interests and enhance classroom learning standards.
Licking Heights has partnered with EF Tours for several years to provide students with affordable international travel options, with options starting when they are in middle school. Upcoming trips in 2025 include Japan, Iceland, Great Britain, Greece, Germany and more.