This spring, from April 1st to the 10th, a large group of Fort students and teachers traveled to Europe for an adventure that was both unforgettable and educational. Visiting Spain and France, they explored famous landmarks, tasted new foods, and learned about different cultures. The trip gave students a chance to see history come alive and make memories that will last a lifetime.
The trip was organized by Education First (EF), an organization dedicated to helping students learn through global experiences. Open to all Fort students, the journey took them through Paris, Barcelona and Madrid, three cities rich in art, history and cultural diversity. Over the course of the week, students broadened their perspectives, strengthened friendships and gained a deeper appreciation for the world beyond the classroom.
Experiences like these at Fort are only possible because of the dedication of the staff, especially educators like Mr. McLaughlin, the AP Human Geography teacher. Inspired by his own study abroad experiences in college and his passion for exploring the world, Mr. McLaughlin designs and leads these trips each year. His goal is to open students’ eyes to unforgettable places, cultures and moments they might never encounter otherwise.
“Visting a foreign country opens a young person to a completely new experience, one that inspires and gets you to think about things you could never have imagined,” Mr. McLaughlin said. “Travel is rewarding but it also can be a challenge; it puts you out of your comfort zone.”
For one of Mr. McLaughlin’s students, Ta’Siyah Riley, the trip became a turning point in how she saw herself and the world. Being immersed in a new environment required her to take charge of her own decisions and develop an awareness of her surroundings, two responsibilities she embraced more confidently after the trip. As Riley explored the cities, museums and cultural sites, she found her curiosity deepening and her passion growing stronger. What began as a school trip quickly became an experience that shaped her independence.
“I would recommend students to go on these trips because having a structured trip like this will give you a passion to travel more and do it by yourself,” Riley said. “You’ll realize how responsible you can be and resourceful as well.”
Trips like this one remind students that learning doesn’t end in the classroom; it expands with every new place they visit and every challenge they take on. For many who traveled this spring, Europe offered more than beautiful views and historic sites by providing a chance to grow, to gain confidence and to imagine futures shaped by curiosity rather than fear. As the group returned to Brooklyn, they carried with them not just souvenirs and photos, but a new sense of independence and understanding of the world and their place in it.
