For the first time since Covid, Gloucester High School students got the chance to travel overseas on a school sponsored trip. For 10 days, the students journeyed from the capital city of Spain, Madrid, to the south of the country, visiting cities throughout.
Everyday, the students toured various monuments in each city, taking in thousands of years of Spanish history, from the Roman era to the modern era. Along the way, students were taught the history, and current culture, of the country by the beloved guides Joaquin and Emiliano.
Highlights of the trip included visiting the world-renowned Prado Museum in Madrid, learning about the production of swords (and buying some) in Toledo, watching a flamenco show in Seville, touring the famous Alhambra Palace in Granada, and swimming in the Mediterranean in Malaga.
Given that GHS has not had an international trip since pre-Covid, the trip was opened up to all students, as there was fear that there would not be enough students signing up. In the end, around 60 kids came alongside a troupe of chaperones. The trip was surprisingly organized given its size, and given that the school was brought around in two full-size tour buses.
The trip was organized by Mr. Basile, one of GHS’ most cherished teachers, who retired last year but remains on staff as a substitute teacher. Having formerly lived in Spain, as well as being so passionate about teaching students the Spanish language, the trip was very important for him.
“I enjoy taking students to Europe because it opens a window of opportunities for them,” Basile said. “The most satisfying thing for me is to see students in awe when they see the beauty and majesty of the royal palaces, art, and cathedrals. We do not have anything like it in the US because it is such a young country in comparison.”
Though the trip was not exclusive to Spanish students, a number of the students are enrolled in the school’s Spanish program. For them, the trip was an important learning experience, allowing them to place their Spanish abilities in the real world.
“It was a great way to practice what I’ve learned,” said Kayden Pool, a Spanish 4 student. “Though it was often very intimidating to practice with locals, it was so worth it.”
The trip was highly successful, and the school is hopeful that similar efforts can be made in the future, knowing that students are willing to come on global trips now that Covid has died down. Before Covid, the Spanish department was planning a volunteer work trip to Peru, so with how well this trip went, these is potential that a trip like that could be planned again.
“Most likely this last trip was my last, but I want to wish all the students much success in college and life,” Basile said. “I also want to thank all the chaperones who also made this trip successful. I would not have been able to do it without their help, dedication, and attention to detail. Muchas gracias a todos y buena suerte!”
