I can’t even begin to describe how great a community was created with the people on my GSA Grand Tour Europe program over the summer. I knew right off the bat that this was going to be the trip of a lifetime when we were all seated on the airplane, and my seatmates were so welcoming and friendly. This definitely helped me set my nerves aside. The teacher and their planning allowed each student to have a unique experience. Something they did to ensure this was working collaboratively in small groups, maintaining balance in optional excursions, and having teachers act as an overall support system.
The first form of group work our English class participated in was in Barcelona. We found a quiet open space where our class would be able to spread out. We did a character map based on the book Shadow of The Wind. Even though it was still one of the first couple of days, I think that it helped everyone to loosen up and to not only come together as new friends, but as peers. I felt like this was an opportunity to familiarize myself with a different classroom environment as well as get to know my peers. Although this wasn’t a direct opportunity to present myself, it was a way that the class was able to come together as a whole to shine as one bright light. The activity wouldn’t have been possible without the collaboration of each classmate; we all got a chance to use our critical thinking and communication skills to make it come together. Similarly, we had a collaborative poem activity in Paris. In small groups, we were given the chance to explore the area near our hotel and get a deeper sense of our surroundings and the Parisian lifestyle. After doing so, we formed a short poem based on our findings. We were all able to use our own creativity and interpretations to make a poem that flows.
Something that provided balance during the days were optional excursions. Although they added extra traveling, they allowed those who participated to explore the country we were in in a different way. There was one excursion that specifically stood out to me. The first one was surfing lessons in Biarritz. This was an opportunity for everyone to unlock new skills they never knew they had. Something that made everyone shine is that we all got our chance in the spotlight with getting professional pictures from the photography teacher. I felt like a professional surfer! Similarly, the optional excursion to Maccarese Beach was a nice way to end the program. While there weren’t specific activities, the teachers allowed us to be independent. It was small things like using the little Italian I know to ask for an extra chair, or asking/finding where the washrooms were. Things like these optional excursions, and even on our day-to-day, we were able to live as if we were locals in the most amazing ways possible.
Finally, the teachers themselves. Being that your parents aren’t there with you; and while they’re only a call away, the timezone can get in the way. Something that gave me reassurance when I had questions or instilled comfort in myself was knowing that the teachers all created such a safe and welcoming space. They helped to make places across the world feel like home. Something I specifically appreciated was how they ran classes. Everything was done in the most interactive way possible. We were never specifically called on; rather, we were able to answer when we wanted and how we wanted. Something else that stood out to me was our class discussions. Rather than answering questions to just the teacher, sometimes it would turn into a class discussion. This allowed for everyone to share their opinions and bounce off one another. I feel like this is something that allowed everyone to shine in a constructive environment.
Overall, it is evident that the teachers really care for what they do. They played a major part in making the program what it was. Their efforts in making classes as interactive as possible did not go unnoticed nor unappreciated. They were able to create an environment that allowed for everyone to have their moment and to thrive as a whole, which was essential for making it the unforgettable summer that it was.
Thank you to Student Ambassador Lilly F. for writing this blog!
