The two extensive tours, one spanning 14 days through Italy, France and Spain in June, and another 8-day expedition to Costa Rica and Panama in July, provided students with unique cultural immersion, educational enrichment and personal growth.

During the 14-day tour of Europe, students were given the opportunity to explore an incredible amount of art, culture and history. Some of these areas included the Colosseum, Pantheon, the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel located in Italy.

While in Italy, students also could try a cooking class and journey through the catacombs.

The students experienced the Mediterranean Sea, in which they could go on a boat tour, and they viewed the Medieval City in France. Lastly, they traversed many areas of the cities Barcelona and Madrid located in Spain. Some opportunities there included a guided tour inside Sagrada Familia and a catamaran cruise on the Mediterranean.

BAHS Spanish teacher Emily Zimdahl-McManus, who led this large-scale endeavor with 61 students and 10 adults, expressed immense pride in the trips’ success.

“This was the first time leading a trip of this magnitude,” McManus stated. “It was a huge success with unforgettable experiences for all, thanks to an amazing group of colleagues we chose to work with. Most of the students had positive attitudes about new experiences and were resilient to any challenges encountered… heat — 100 plus degrees most days, lots of walking and a long time away from home/parents.”

She highlighted her biggest “win” as an educator was “hearing my students use the language we’ve worked so hard to learn but more importantly hearing them say they can’t wait to go back whether for personal travel or to study abroad.”

Victoria Smith, another BAHS Spanish teacher, who helped plan and implement the trips, echoed McManus’s sentiments.

“Taking a trip with 61 students was a huge undertaking. I was happy to help plan and implement such a large trip. I’m also grateful for our group leader, Emily Zimdahl-McManus, who worked tirelessly through the entire process, from our initial recruitment meeting until we returned home from our tour,” Smith said. “The trip was amazing and went so smoothly all thanks to her efforts.”

PHOTO PROVIDED BASD students pose for a photo at Lake Arenal, Costa Rica, where they went kayaking with local guides.

She also emphasized the tour’s educational value, “The adventure through Italy, France and Spain was unforgettable — not just for the sights we saw, but for the learning that we witnessed from our students. Watching them use their classroom knowledge in real-world settings, engage with different cultures and grow into more confident global learners was a great reminder of why we do what we do.”

Both educators firmly believe these trips are not just about travel, but about giving students “perspective, independence and a deeper understanding of the world.”

The July tour to Costa Rica and Panama kicked off in Liberia, Costa Rica, within the Guanacaste Province.

The adventure began with an exhilarating snorkeling session in the Pacific Ocean, a first for many students. Participants marveled at diverse marine life, including fish, sea snakes, eels and, most excitingly, several sea turtles. The group then journeyed to Rincon de la Vieja National Park, where they witnessed the dramatic effects of an active volcano, observing bubbling hot springs and mud pits, alongside various wildlife.

Further exploration led the students to Lake Arenal for kayaking with local guides, followed by thrilling ziplining and a relaxing visit to Baldi Hot Springs in La Fortuna.

The iconic La Fortuna Waterfall also provided a picturesque backdrop for their adventures.

A highlight for many was a visit to a local farm, where students engaged in the traditional chocolate-making process from start to finish — cutting fruit, fermenting seeds, drying and toasting beans and finally crafting their own delicious chocolate. The Costa Rican leg of the trip concluded with an exciting whitewater rafting excursion in Sarapiqui.

Transitioning to Panama City, Panama, for three days, the group continued their immersive journey.

A visit to Gatun Lake offered incredible wildlife spotting, including three types of monkeys, iguanas, bats, birds and crocodiles.

Students gained a profound understanding of the engineering marvel that is the Panama Canal, learning about its construction, rich history and intricate operations. The Biomuseo provided insights into the region’s remarkable biodiversity, while a trip to Casco Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site completed in 1673, offered a glimpse into Panama’s colonial past.

One of the most memorable activities in Panama was learning to surf, a novel and incredibly fun experience for nearly all participants, revealing the exciting yet demanding nature of the sport.

A unique aspect of this tour was the partnership with a school from Kansas City, Mo. This collaboration allowed students from different parts of the country to connect, share experiences and forge new friendships.

The school is immensely proud to offer these transformative opportunities, which cater to a variety of interests and allow students to explore diverse areas, cultures and ideas.

More importantly, these experiences provide students with a wider perspective on the world and humanity, enriching not only the travelers themselves but also positively influencing and educating their peers and communities upon their return.

The international tours scheduled for the summer of 2026 will include one to Japan and a service trip to the Dominican Republic.