Abandoning conventional plans for the 2014 spring break, select CHS students will be leaving Carmel behind as they explore France and Italy.
Both trips leave April 10, with French teacher Suzanne Marden leading the France trip and math teacher Michelle Pollock leading the Italy trip.
Heading for Paris, the France trip consists of eight days of travel and sightseeing. Marden planned the trip with EF Tours, and she will chaperone with Carmel Middle School math teacher Stephen Abate and 15 of her French students.
The Italy trip starts in Rome, and travelers will be able to experience Italy during its Holy Week. Pollock planned the 10-day trip with Passports Inc. and will go with two CHS graduate volunteers and six Italian club students. Additional CHS students are still welcome to join.
Since this is Marden’s first school trip to France, its success will determine if she will have any more trips. Although she has some concerns about behavioral issues, Marden is excited to show her class the authentic French culture and steak-frites.
“I hope students have a moment of ‘Oh my gosh…I can actually communicate with other people in another language!’” Marden says.
Pollock has similar cultural ambitions for her students and looks forward to their gain in confidence and experience.
“I think it’s an amazing experience for students…. In the past I’ve seen that it’s really changed their lives,” Pollock says regarding knowledge from her previous Italy trip.
The France itinerary is packed with visits to the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and many other attractions.
Along with seeing the Vatican, Spanish Steps, the Coliseum and other famous sights, the Italy trip will deliver funds to the orphanage that the Italian club sponsors.
The Italy and France trips each cost around $3,500 per student, which was considered too expensive for some students. However, those going say that the trip is worth the cost.
“There’s a lot you get for it…. so it’s money well spent in my opinion,” says sophomore Aaron Kreitman, who looks forward to the Italian food and culture.
Sophomore Sam Stone adds that the France trip is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
There will be an informational meeting Oct. 5 at 10 a.m. in Room 48 for any students still interested in joining the Italy trip.
-Tatjana Tam
