LRHS has hosted several trips to various countries abroad through EF Educational Tours, a program that creates educator-led tours. These effectively serve as the high school version of field trips–for those who want to go–but is the experience worth it?
“I would definitely say yes because I learned a lot of new things and I also went somewhere I’d never been before… I would do it again,” said Gretchen Bentley, junior. Bentley toured London, England, in the summer of 2024.
“I think it was so worth it because it was my first time out of the country, and I got to go with my theatre teacher and my friends from school,” said Abigail Coughlin, junior. Coughlin attended the same tour of London as Bentley.
European countries are popular destinations for the EF Tours held at Leesville. Tours in the past have visited England, Germany, and Switzerland. Future tours include visits to Spain, Italy, and Greece.
Cost is an important factor students consider when choosing to sign up for a tour. Tour prices can range from $3,600 to about $5,000.
Some specific tours will host fundraising events prior to the departure date, but those events are held through LRHS avenues; EF Tours does not offer financial assistance, though they do offer several different payment plans.
The price for the trip includes flights to and from RDU, ground transport for the duration of the tour, hotel accommodations, pre-selected tour activities, breakfast, and dinner. However, the breakfast and dinner options are pre-paid–in other words, you can’t choose what you eat once you arrive at the restaurant.
“Our dinners were pre-set for us… we went to the restaurant, and we all had the same meal…I didn’t like that we didn’t get to pick our dinners,” said Coughlin.
In addition to the tour fee, travelers are advised to bring around $100.00 for souvenirs and added excursions that could become available throughout the duration of the trip.
Sometimes the tours coincide with a specific class, which determines the itinerary of the trip. Bentley and Coughlin both visited with the LRHS Theatre department, meaning their activities were of the theatre persuasion–they took acting classes and visited English theaters.
Other tours could be hosted by a specific department–such as World Languages or Social Studies–but are more generic in their activities.
“A good tour itinerary includes a blend of history, culture, and adventure,” said Michelle Engdahl, staff, via email. Engdahl has led three tours through EF Tours during her time teaching at LRHS.
Some past tour highlights were visiting the Berlin Wall, Auschwitz, and Prague Castle on a tour of Berlin, Prague, Krakow, and Budapest; BMW World, The Alps, and Verona–the inspiration for Romeo and Juliet–on a tour of Germany, Italy, and Switzerland, and the Tower of London, Eiffel Tower, and Platform 9 ¾ at Kings Cross Station on a tour of Dublin, London, and Paris.
Aside from the obvious broadening of cultural horizons, these trips can serve a functional purpose for students as well.
“On my first tour, every country had its own currency; the students had to know exchange rates before spending money,” said Engdahl (via email). Students also have to learn to navigate new cities and sometimes attempt to communicate in a language they do not speak.
Overall EF Tours at LRHS come with benefits, even if they’re expensive. If you’re interested in attending an upcoming tour, you can reach out to their group leaders: Sr. Barbosa at ybarbosarivera@wcpss.net or Mr. Hurley at mhurley2@wcpss.net.
Leave a Reply