A Summer Tour to Remember

By Susi Clark, AMS North Spanish Teacher, and Amanda Ramirez, AHS Japanese Teacher

Sensei Ramirez and Señora Clark had an exciting start to the summer. After two years of extensive planning and preparation in partnership with EF Educational Tours, they led an educational student tour to Japan with a group of 46 Avon travelers.

The group embarked on an unforgettable journey to the Land of the Rising Sun in early June. During the 11-day tour, students explored Tokyo, the Mount Fuji region, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Miyajima Island, experiencing Japan’s unique blend of ancient traditions and modern innovation. Along the way, they visited historic temples and shrines, explored vibrant cities, learned about Japanese history and culture, sampled authentic cuisine, and interacted with local customs and daily life. Highlights included opportunities to reflect on Japan’s rich heritage, appreciate its natural beauty, and witness world-renowned landmarks firsthand, from the bustling streets of Tokyo to the peaceful beauty of Miyajima Island and the historic sites of Hiroshima.

A meaningful aspect of the experience was the opportunity for students studying Japanese to put their classroom learning into practice by communicating with locals and experiencing the language in authentic, everyday situations. These real-world interactions reinforced their language skills while building confidence and cultural understanding.

Through experiential travel, students developed greater global awareness, cultural understanding, independence, adaptability, and confidence while strengthening communication and collaboration skills. The journey brought classroom learning to life, allowing students to gain meaningful perspectives that can only be achieved through firsthand experiences, creating lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for Japan and its people.