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MHS Students Gain Cultural and Social Awareness Through Educational Trip to England and France

After embarking on a nine-day educational trip to England and France over Thanksgiving Break, a group of Milton Hershey School students and staff recently returned to campus to reflect on their experiences.

The trip, organized by Education First, was designed to help students immerse themselves in a new culture and learn about the history of World War II and the impact it had on England and France. The group visited several museums and monuments throughout London and Paris, including the Imperial War Museum, Churchill War Rooms, Bletchley Park, Les Invalides, and the Champs-Élysées.

On Thanksgiving, the group visited the beaches of Normandy and reflected on their lives and the lives of so many people who walked along the beaches before them.

MHS students on the beaches of Normandy

In addition to expanding their world view by learning about history and civics, MHS students gained valuable social and emotional learning skills—including cultural and social awareness, empathy for others, responsible decision-making, and open-mindedness.

“The international trip was a life-changing experience for me,” said Olivia Yanss, an MHS junior. “I gained so many friendships and life lessons. It helped me realize how many opportunities the world has to offer me—I just have to work hard and take them.”

Using an educational tool called weShare, students received personalized learning experiences before, during, and after the trip. They were asked to investigate particular challenges during the trip and then reflect on their experience once they returned to campus by creating a project that positively impacts their community.

MHS students traveled to England and France

Milton Hershey School’s Multicultural and Global Education program provides high school students with opportunities to gain worldly experiences through international travel. The goal of the program is for students to gain a better understanding of themselves, different cultures, and the systems in which they live.

View photos from the trip:

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