Student spotlight
On tour moments–student takeaways and meaningful travel experiences
Heather McHugh | July 30, 2019
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Travel isn’t just about checking cities off a bucket list. It’s about riding in an airplane, being away from home, meeting new people, and standing by the ocean. It’s also about the little stuff. Like creating inside jokes, learning a new dance move, and trying weird (but delicious) new foods. These are the kinds of meaningful travel experiences that make a trip unforgettable—especially when you’re a middle-schooler traveling with a group of students from your school.
Sure, there were actual “things” that Hailey and Cannan, both 13, and Josue, age 12, took back from their EF Explore America trip to California. They might’ve picked up a magnet for their parents’ fridge back home, or a postcard or two from their favorite cities. But more importantly, even at such young ages, they recognized that travel gave them each a slew of irreplaceable, intangible takeaways that they’ll carry with them throughout their lives.
Don’t just take our word for it, though. Hear their middle-school wisdom straight from the source in our “Tour thoughts” series:
Travel takeaway #1: Newfound independence
“I got to ask for my own ketchup.” –Hailey C.
Travel takeaway #2: Strengthened friendships
“I got closer to so many people… It’s kinda cool!” –Canaan E.
Travel takeaway #3: Inspired confidence
“I feel really proud of myself.” –Josue P.
Want to help your students discover their own meaningful travel experiences? Let’s get started.
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Heather McHugh
Heather is a writer and associate creative director at EF. She drinks an excessive amount of seltzer, she’s happiest when she’s at the beach, and, if she wasn’t a writer, she’d probably be a professional organizer. Her favorite place to visit is Italy.
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