Students who participated in Pontiac High School’s (PHS) annual trip to Europe are finally back in town, after a fun-filled week of travelling across the Atlantic, seeing many of the continent’s historic cities and wonderful sights.

The trip, which took place over March break, included 41 grade 10 and 11 PHS students as well as six adult chaperones.

For PHS teacher Serena Menzies, one of the trip’s main organizers and chaperones, the most enjoyable part of the experience was seeing the students immerse themselves in the different environments and learning about foreign cultures and customs.

“I love exposing the kids to different situations,” said Menzies. “To know the different cities, to see them enjoying all the historical values, that they can come see different sights. It’s really just a big eye-opener for some of them.”

Starting off in London with a guided tour of the city, visiting sights like the famed London Eye, the group then headed to Paris via train, under the English Channel. In France, the students were fortunate to have the chance to tour the Louvre museum and the Palace of Versailles.

The group then headed to Milan by overnight train and arrived in Rome, where they saw the Coliseum and other awe-inspiring architecture throughout old Rome, including the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican.

For Jackson Alexander, a grade 10 student at PHS, the trip provided him an opportunity to soak-in some long-awaited traveling experience, while gaining knowledge of foreign cultures all the cool things they have to offer.

“It really opened my world as to what traveling to a foreign country can be like,” said Alexander. “It kind of allowed me to get my feet wet, to step in the waters, in terms of being a traveler.”

He added that, while scary for some, the ability to travel is something he wishes everyone could have the opportunity to experience.

“I think the thought of going to a foreign country can be very daunting to some people,” he said. “But, it lets you see just how different things are in other places in the world. Life is very different to how we live in Shawville.”

Admittedly enticed to take part in the trip as soon as he heard about the possibility at the beginning of the year, Alexander said the experience exceeded his expectations, and that it invigorated a newly found love for traveling he never thought he had.

The experience gave students a chance to make lasting memories and solidify friendships that will last a long time, according to Menzies. Having organized the trip for the last two years, she said that she’s already preparing for the next one.

“I think it opens their world view,” said Menzies. “And I think it also gives them the opportunity to make friends and to meet different people. It’s an amazing opportunity to broaden their intellectual and cultural horizons.”

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