Daring trip across globe
Soon eight students from Waiuku College will be embark on a trip of a life time.
They will be heading to Costa Rica and Nicaragua for the World Challenge School Expedition in December, where they will plant trees in rainforests, teach English to school students, visit animal sanctuaries, check out market places and go on multi-day treks.
Teacher Bernadette Corcoran, who will be travelling with the students, said it would be an incredible experience for the teenagers to look back on.
‘‘They will develop global citizenship ... to seeing how people in less developed parts of the world live, and growing their own responsibility.
‘‘They are relying on each other to make good choices. The end result is leadership, responsibility and the ability to handle themselves under stress and strain.
‘‘What’s really cool about this trip is that the students are responsible for budgets, accommodation, everything.’’
She said the trip would not be smooth sailing, but that was part of the challenge.
‘‘It will be stressful and they will get homesick, but it’s the experience of a lifetime.
‘‘The biggest change will come from the four weeks we spend in Latin America, there’s a lot of excitement, anticipation and fear of the unknown.’’
Corcoran, a geography teacher, said she was looking forward to expanding her geography knowledge of the two countries, indulging in treats, and watching the students expand their horizons.
‘‘I’m looking forward to the coffee and the chocolate and the kids growing their own resilience and ability to deal with challenges.’’