Posters displayed around the school advertise upcoming trips around the world; these trips, planned with the company Education First (EF) Tours, are open to all interested students and parents. Many teachers have used EF Tours previously, one being history teacher Mrs. Jennifer Mechling.
“EF Tours makes it so easy by organizing the tour dates, the hotels, and even providing a local tour guide that is multi-lingual to translate and help us every step of the way,” said Mechling.
Not only is it convenient for the teachers, but it’s also convenient for interested students. Junior Magdalena Kress said she was able to sign up for the Peru trip fairly easily.
“It was easy and awesome. I basically had to do nothing but join a Zoom meeting with my mom and then start making the money,” said Kress.
However, many students are concerned about the price of these trips. An average EF Tour adventure costs around $4,000, making it less accessible for low-income families and students without a job.
“The trips are generally pretty expensive, but that’s because of what you’re paying for,” said Mechling. “For that price, you’re getting round-trip airfare, hotel stays in every city, private bus transportation, breakfast and dinner every day, and the local tour guide.”
The general consensus is that the trips are worth every penny. Spanish teacher Ashley Pate believes from firsthand experience that these trips are incredibly beneficial for students.
“In high school, I was able to go on two different trips with my Spanish teacher,” said Pate. “I know firsthand the type of impact it can have. I think more than just the Spanish aspect for me, as a young person, being able to go and experience the world outside of Hampton Roads was something that I hadn’t ever experienced.”
Whether you’re going on an EF Tour or just a summer vacation, travelling gives students the opportunity to learn about other cultures through actual experiences rather than just from the pages of a textbook.
“[Travel is] super important for people of all ages, but especially students who are forming their identities, to see there is more than just Virginia Beach. It really just opens up their minds to the fact that people live different ways, and there’s no right and wrong with cultural differences and things. To immerse yourself in a different culture can really just change your life,” said Pate.
Currently, there are four EF Tours scheduled:
- Portugal with Ms. Mechling (Spring break of 2026)
- Peru with Mrs. Pate (June of 2026)
- Japan with Ms. Biron (June of 2027)
- British Isles with Ms. Powers (July of 2027)
For more information on upcoming EF Tours, check out @salemtravelers on Instagram, or pick up a designated trip flyer from the bulletin board next to Room 227.
