Orland 135 Junior High Students Embark on Global Adventures

Last summer, students and staff from Century, Jerling, and Orland Junior High Schools embarked on their first international adventures with EF Tours, a leader in educational travel. These trips, tailored specifically for middle school students, provide enriching experiences aligned with student’s interests and needs.

In June, the first group traveled to Costa Rica, exploring Tortuguero, Sarapiquí, Arenal, and Guanacaste. A highlight included a guided boat tour through Tortuguero National Park's rainforest canals, where students spotted caimans, toucans, capuchin monkeys, and other local wildlife. They also explored a nearby village where they tasted local cuisine and enjoyed cracking coconuts at their hotel.

In Sarapiquí, students gained hands-on experience at an organic pineapple farm and a chocolate plantation. They also went ziplining through the rainforest and enjoyed white-water rafting. In the Arenal region, the group hiked to the bottom of the La Fortuna Waterfall, kayaked on Lake Arenal with breathtaking volcano views, and visited the Arenal hot springs. The adventure concluded with hiking in Rincón National Park featuring bubbling mud pools, snorkeling in Guanacaste's picturesque bay, and a boat tour of the Cipanci Wildlife Refuge where they saw crocodiles, iguanas, and howler monkeys.

The second group traveled to London, Paris, and Rome in July. In London, students took a walking tour that included Buckingham Palace and the beautiful St. James Park. They visited Westminster, where they saw Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament. They also visited St. Paul's Cathedral and admired its beautiful architecture and history. Finally, they viewed the city from the London Eye, enjoying the iconic London skyline.

Their adventure continued with a train ride to Paris, where they explored the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre. Students admired famous masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo at the Louvre, gaining a deeper appreciation for art and history. A visit to the Palace of Versailles was a highlight of their trip. The students explored the palace, which was once home to French kings and queens, and walked through its large gardens. They also enjoyed a boat trip on the River Seine and saw preparations for the upcoming Olympics.

In Rome, students tossed coins into the Trevi Fountain, enjoyed Italian food, and tried gelato. They visited the Colosseum and imagined the gladiatorial contests that once took place there. They learned about Roman engineering and culture. Near the Colosseum, the Roman Forum showed them the political and social center of the ancient empire. A visit to The Vatican was also a highlight of the trip. Students admired St. Peter's Basilica and the art in the Sistine Chapel, which helped them appreciate the cultural and spiritual heritage of Vatican City.

These journeys—from Costa Rica's rainforests to Rome's historic streets—helped students recognize their place in a global community and fostered a respect for diverse cultures. Bonds formed, friendships blossomed, and students gained independence and personal growth through these incredible experiences.

A Student's Perspective
Evelina, an 8th grader from Jerling, shared her thoughts: "Ever since this trip has ended, it has been in my mind for the past 4 months. This memorable trip has been the greatest voyage of my life so far. Every time someone asks if I was on the Europe trip, my mood becomes so much better because I know I get to talk about it. I get to talk about the amazing food and amazing views. I get to talk about the amazing teachers who took us there and the amazing people I met. Even though sometimes on the trip I missed my family at home, I FaceTimed them every night to tell them that I was doing great. I’m glad I took many photos because every once in a while, I look at the various memories I captured. I love that I was exposed to many different cultures and got to experience them. We got to visit many cultural places in Italy and iconic places in France and England. If I could go back, I would in a second. I am very grateful that my parents trusted me and let me go on this adventurous trip. I will remember this in my heart forever."

Students and staff will be traveling to Japan with EF Tours in June 2025 and information about the summer 2026 trip will be available soon. If you would like to learn more about these opportunities, please reach out to your junior high building’s EF Tours Group Leader:
Century: Kim DeVries
Jerling: Kris Conway
Orland: Michelle Giffin