Three weeks after this current school year ends, AP European History teacher Paul Verbanszky and a variety of other teachers will be accompanying former and current AP European History students on a group trip to Europe. The trip, which will take place from June 22 to July 3, will cover multiple countries, including Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, and Austria. The trip aims to further students’ education on European history beyond what can be taught in a classroom setting.
Verbanszky has been wanting to plan the trip for years now, but just never got the chance. Verbanszky said, “I’ve been wanting to take students to Europe because it’s been fun to share the history. I thought it would be fun to also show the actual places where this history took place.”
While many of the participants are current AP European History students, the invitation has been extended to previous students who still attend Campo. Senior Maddie Collins said, “I’ve never been to Europe before, so this seemed like a really great opportunity to do that.” Collins, a former student and peer tutor for Verbanszky, is most excited to see Vienna, Austria while “trying new things and stepping out into the world.”
Collins will be traveling with current students, including sophomore Hannah Buchman. “I’m really excited to see everything we’ve been learning about this year,” said Buchman. She said she can’t wait to be able to experience her learning in the real world. “I feel like talking about them and hearing about them is a lot different than actually being there and seeing them all,” she added.
While the current list of countries on the itinerary is already impressive, Verbanszky has already put thought into future trips. “Eastern Europe is more affordable, so we’d probably stay in that area.” He also mentioned that, “I was thinking of changing it, depending on the global situation.” Verbanszky envisions countries such as Greece, Croatia, or Istanbul being added in the future, and added that “Western Europe, unfortunately, is very pricey to go to right now.”
Verbanszky noted that he is excited to see “…Frederick the Great’s palace because I have not seen it yet.” He also mentioned that Hungary will be another memorable location, specifically pointing to the “Turkish baths, as well as seeing the parliament building in Budapest, which is iconic Eastern Europe.”
Students and teacher chaperones alike are looking forward to seeing what the summer break trip brings. “I hope this will be a successful trip and students will enjoy it. I also hope that it will continue in the future,” Verbansky said. The planning has been set in motion and participants are excitedly waiting until their departure in late June.
