After the success of this past year’s Europe trip, Mrs. Lisa Sutterer has begun preparing for the 2024 Italy trip. Different from EF tours in the past, Italy will be slower-paced and more focused on taking in the culture. Over the course of 12 days, students will visit spots such as Venice, Pompeii, Rome, and more.
In past years, the trips have included a lot in the span of a few days. During the Europe trip, the group went to 3 countries in 14 days.
“[The past trips were] very packed. I mean, from early morning to late at night. I think they want you to feel like you are sort of getting your money’s worth, so we go to a lot of places and we move very quickly in between them. We don’t stay long, we get an overview and then we move on,” said Mrs. Sutterer.
During their 12 days in Italy, though, the group will stay for longer and be less rushed in their activities. Along with that, will be less of a focus on history and more of a focus on how the culture and food are now.
“This [trip] is kind of unique as opposed to the other trips that I have taken with students. In that, this is what is called a Culture and Cuisine Tour. So typically an EF trip is focused on history, which I love. You see a lot of museums and whatnot. But this one is kind of really dialed into the culture and cuisine, especially the cuisine. When we go to different places, we are going to tap in, go to a farm or to a balsamic factory. We are going to go to where they make some sort of chocolates and we are going to eat focaccia on the beach in Cinque Terre. So you know, we are going to kind of experience the taste of this region of Italy.” Said Sutterer.
Although these next trip will be different from ones in the past, the intent stays the same. The goal for Sutterer has always been for her students to become what she calls Lifelong Travelers.
A Lifelong Traveler is someone who can go anywhere around the world, know what to anticipate in new places, and know how to prepare for it. Sutterer describes Lifelong Travelers as people who can roll with the punches in new and confusing situations, such as transportation systems while taking the most out of those experiences.
Students who went on trips in past years feel their experiences were very educational and will be remembered for years to come.
Junior Zora Young said, “We got to tour this amazing palace and look at all the art. I actually like remembered stuff instead of just being like ‘Oh, he died in 1535.'”
Junior Felix Stookesberry said, “Overall it was really fun. Great experience.”
At the end of it, students and teachers alike are excited to learn about all that Italy has to offer.
