This summer, on June 18th, nearly 20 Southern Lehigh High School students and three faculty chaperones will board a plane for a 10-day trip to France. This trip, organized by French teacher Madame Leila Farley, is an exciting opportunity for students and staff to experience French culture firsthand and dive into an immersive learning experience outside of the classroom.
Because Southern Lehigh offers French as an option to fulfill the World Language requirement, this opportunity is especially exciting for students actively studying the language.
“I decided to go on this trip to explore a culture different from my own, practice my French with native speakers, and learn about France’s important history,” senior Orin Bossert said. “Whenever I speak French, I surprise myself with how much I understand and can communicate, so I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to surround myself with the French language for an entire week.”
On top of practicing the language in an authentic setting, the attending students and faculty will follow a jam-packed itinerary, maximizing their time by exploring France’s rich culture and history.
Throughout the 10-day trip, the group will travel to four main stops: Paris, the Loire Valley, the Brittany region, and the Normandy region. If chosen, there is a two-day extension, offering the opportunity for students and faculty to travel to London, England.
Some highlight stops of the trip include the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Palace of Versailles, the beaches of Normandy, the Louvre Museum, and, of course, the Eiffel Tower.
Excitement for the sightseeing aspect of the trip is high, especially for science teacher Mrs. Adrienne Searfoss, who will travel as a chaperone on the trip.
“Pictures just don’t do the country justice,” Mrs. Searfoss said. “I remember touring the Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany with Mr. Krial on the last trip I went on. The castle was inspiring, and I am looking forward to seeing how these other castles [in France] compare.”
The itinerary also includes ample time to explore the country, aside from the pre-scheduled stops. Whether that's through dining at restaurants, shopping at local vendors and businesses, or attending self-guided tours, students are given allotted time each day to create their own adventures.
“I’ve never been to Europe before so I am so excited to see what it’s like,” junior Isabella Ignosh said. “I can’t wait to eat good food and go shopping, and of course, see how beautiful all the different areas and structures of France are.”
As preparations for this trip continue, students and faculty continue to grow excited. The trip not only serves as an educational journey but also as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore a foreign country with close friends, classmates, and, in Mrs. Searfoss’s case, family.
“I am most excited to get to experience all these fun activities and sites with my son, [who is also attending the trip],” Mrs. Searfoss said.
Experiences such as this are essential in ensuring global awareness and cultural appreciation among the upcoming generations of students. Southern Lehigh’s choice to continue its annual foreign travel tradition only furthers this cultural initiative and gives students the chance to expand their learning beyond the classrooms.

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