Traveling Together Created Opportunities for Connection Beyond the Classroom

Seniors Anasofia Salinas and Ariail Lewis in London on the summer abroad trip offered by Watauga High School. On this trip, students built connections, learned to rely on each other through challenges, and developed independence while navigating new cultures.  Self-submitted by Anasofia Salinas

Lillon Henline, Feature Desk Lead 

As Watauga students stepped off the plane in a foreign country, they were met not only with the excitement of the journey, but also with an immediate preview of the challenges ahead. From figuring out how to communicate with a waiter to navigating their way around during free time, students quickly learned to rely on one another for support. This past summer, approximately 40 students took advantage of Watauga’s international trip, traveling from London to Paris and then Barcelona. Over the course of 10 days, they adjusted to new routines, navigated crowded cities, and depended on each other in unexpected ways. 

“I think it was great to learn how to survive on your own with your friends because we were all there to support each other in different areas,” said Anasofia Salinas, a senior at Watauga High School who attended the trip.

Although 7 adults accompanied the group of 40 students, the schedule still gave students plenty of independence. With free time built into each day, many quickly discovered that navigating a foreign country on their own wasn’t as simple as they thought.

“It's really hard to finish a conversation or get your point across,” said Salinas. “We got lost in [a mall in] Paris, and we couldn't find the exit. There was one person we tried asking, and he was like, ‘I don't speak English.’ So it's definitely hard to get past problems when you can't communicate.” 

As students leaned on one another to make navigating a foreign country easier, they gradually built connections that made the trip more manageable. 

“You definitely learn to be independent with your friends and it helps you build a stronger connection,” said Salinas. “You’re let loose somewhere no one knows the language. You have to get closer.” 

While traveling in other countries, the group relied on each other’s strength–some helped with language barriers, while others were better at navigating–making the overall experience more enjoyable.

“I’m the only one that spoke a little French,” said Salinas. “So we all relied on me. It was all about navigating the new environment with your friends from school.”

Although a trip with your friends may sound ideal, it comes with difficulties. The students on the trip experienced challenges and learned to overcome them in different ways.

“In Barcelona we had more free time,” said senior Ariail Lewis, who also attended the trip. “So we had like 5 hours one day and we could just go wherever we wanted and we had to meet up in certain areas. That was kind of hard, the meeting in certain areas part if I wasn't with Anasofia. I'm not very good with navigation. So she would always know where to go back to.”

Through this experience, many students learned that traveling isn’t just about the history of the destination. There’s much more to it. It’s also about adjusting to the culture and customs of the country and learning how to navigate through new environments.

“You live with these people all day every day for 10 days and some of them you don't know or you don't have anything in common with, ” said Salinas. “I learned how to work with people and adjust myself to live with other people.”