Fountain Hills High School has a long tradition of providing international travel experiences that have benefitted students both local and from afar, and organizers of these opportunities are on the lookout for students interested in a couple of exchanges being planned for fall 2016 and summer 2017.

Organizers have offered trips through EF Tours since 2008 and have traveled to six European countries. Also, in partnership with Sister Cities, FHHS has had exchange trips since 1998 traveling to Belgium, Germany and El Salvador.

The benefits to students are numerous, according to advisor Jennifer Ray.

“Learning about history, art or literature takes on a new dimension when students are able to visit historical sites, castles and museums,” Ray said.

“Students gain insight into other cultures and create memories that will never be forgotten. Travelling to another country also gives confidence and maturity to a high school student that no other rite of passage can.

“Many of our students who travel with us go on to travel in college as well, and often pursue careers with an international component.”

FHHS offers new travel opportunities for students in the 2016-2017 school year. Over fall break (October 2016), there will be an EF trip to Paris and the Chateaux which will include Normandy. This is a great trip for history buffs. Ray added.

Alexandra Coons, a junior at FHHS, has travelled with EF Tours on two previous trips and is looking forward to this next trip to Paris in the fall of 2016.

“You learn a lot about the countries and I like getting to see how other cultures live life,” Coons added.

The next FHHS Sister Cities exchange will focus on the theme of art and will include a trip to Germany and Poland in the summer of 2017.

“Exchange trips are special because they include a home stay with a family, as well as visits to local schools,” Ray continued.

“These are experiences that the typical tourist never gets to have.”

FHHS graduate Tim Schlum participated in a Sister Cities exchange trip and said he’s kept in touch with his partner, including a second visit, following graduation.

“The Sister Cities experience in Germany was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to embrace a new culture, eat unique food and form friendships that, to this day, continue with me on a daily basis,” he said.

FHHS is currently signing up students for both travel opportunities. Interested students are encouraged to look further into either opportunity, or even both. Contact Karla Primosch at kprimosch@fhusd.org for more information about the EF trip to France or check out eftours.com under tour number 1742556F.

Contact Jennifer Ray at jray@fhusd.org for more information about the Sister City exchange/trip to Germany and Poland. Check out past exchange pictures by searching “Dierdorf Student Exchange” on Facebook.

“Roman Philosopher Lucius Annaeus Seneca said ‘travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind,’” added Ray.

“We at Fountain Hills High School couldn’t agree more, and believe in the personal and educational value of travel for students. We can’t wait to hear from interested families.”