Far-flung: Exploring Educational Opportunities Outside of the Classroom

Through Education First educational tours (EF), Silver Creek High School students and staff are taking advantage of educational opportunities in far-flung locations around the world. Traveling to remote places like Cambodia, Africa, or Greece, students are experiencing hands-on learning that they couldn’t get within a traditional classroom.

Carrie Adams is one of the Silver Creek teachers who has organized these tours for students. She has led 15 different tours to countries such as Panama, China, Peru, and Portugal.

She explains that traveling “broadens your mind and it changes the way you look at the world.”

Adams also thinks that these experiences are “powerful” and in fact, “can change your life.”

Her connection to EF tours started with her work as the Silver Creek Leadership Academy director because of the importance of global and cultural leadership. Instead of just talking about these concepts, she wanted students to really have the opportunity to experience them.

Devon Melton, a Silver Creek sophomore, participated in a Silver Creek Leadership Academy EF trip to Panama last summer. He explained that the trip was “incredibly fun” but also a “beneficial learning experience”.

While in Panama, Devon was able to snorkel and participate in nature-based activities but also learned about Panamanian culture and history.

Ms. Adams also believes that the EF trips are beneficial to students’ learning and school experiences. She loves taking kids out of the country to experience different cultures. Ms. Adams shared that these experiences teach students “great life skills that are really powerful.” These are truly unique and fantastic opportunities for SCHS students to experience hands-on, experiential learning.