Fort Hamilton High School is diverse in itself; still, the school offers numerous opportunities to experience more cultures through Education First (EF) Tours. Fort conducts international trips to various foreign countries various times a year with EF Tours, affording students the opportunity to visit major cities and historical sites across the world with their teachers and advisors.
The EF Tours Program has offered this opportunity to schools since 1965. The organization began in Sweden as a family business to offer academic study, encourage educational travel and promote cultural exchange. Over the subsequent decade, the program had spread across Europe, and by 1983, it arrived in the United States.
The trips offer insight into different cultures and ways of living, according to traveler and AP Human Geography teacher at Fort Hamilton, Mr. McLaughlin. He has advised 14 trips for Fort students to countries across Asia and Europe. As Mr. McLaughlin plans and organizes other trips, he articulated a commitment to allowing students free time to explore once they are in another country.
“[Students] really experience going out on [their] own,” he said. “I always stress being an independent traveler.”
Fort Hamilton went to Ireland and Scotland over February break in 2025. The trip included walking tours, visits to historical sites, and excursions through nature. Nicolas Ocanda, a junior at Fort, went on the trip in his sophomore year; he recalls learning about the Irish poets James Cousins and Oscar Wilde.
“By going on the Ireland/Scotland trip I expanded upon an already existing love of history that I have,” Ocanda said. “For someone on the fence about going on a trip, I say that they should because it’s a nice experience overall that allows you to learn, make new friends, and experience different locations and cultures.”
Fort Hamilton students journeyed to Portugal and Spain in 2024. Zayne Weller, a junior, attended during his freshman year. The group went on walking tours, visited historical sites and even enjoyed the views from a tower. During breaks from the itinerary, the students were able to break into groups and explore on their own.
“[It was] a great way to make friends, pay attention, and learn as much as you can about you,” said Weller. “It helped [me] be more responsible, learn how to navigate, and it taught me about myself.”
Trips to all different parts of the world offer many insights and unknown facts, according to Mr. Randazzo, an AP U.S. Government teacher who has chaperoned trips to France, Italy and Japan, and will also be attending future trips to France and Spain.
“It’s hard to learn about the place unless you’re there; that stuff you really can’t get out of a textbook,” Mr. Randazzo said.
Mr. Randazzo believes that trips are important for students because of the amount of information they can learn. The Japan trip, in particular, was his favorite; it helped him learn so much about the culture.
Mr. Randazzo told The Pilot he is grateful to be a teacher at Fort, where he is offered the opportunity to continue going on international trips. Every year, he reminds his students of the importance of these trips, telling them that they are one-of-a-kind experiences that give every student and advisor unique exposure to the world in which we live.
Fort Hamilton is in the process of planning trips to Japan, Italy, France, Spain and Iceland. Trips offer different itineraries and countless opportunities to view many different sights and be introduced to so many new people. If interested, registration is still available; for information, visit Room 122 or 346.
