This past summer, all BSM students were given the opportunity to travel across the world, visiting countries around Europe, including Paris, Milan, Florence, and Rome. Students had a mix of educational and fun experiences that made the trip memorable for many.
Students who attended the trip were accompanied by Jeff Cohen, an AP European History teacher here at BSM. Cohen put in lots of time planning the group’s itinerary and daily agenda to make this a memorable trip for students. Students visited various palaces and museums on their own, and at other times, local guides led the group on city tours. This allowed students to learn about the cultural and historical sites they were visiting. Not every student who attended the trip took AP European History as a class, but the ones who did were able to see some of the spots they learned about in that course. “I love[d] going to the Sistine Chapel and the Duomo in Florence. Watching the kids gaze up at these places that we studied and that I’ve talked about, the looks on their faces and their reactions when they see it for the first time is amazing,” Cohen said.
This trip was not only a learning experience, but it was also a fun time with friends. Traveling to some of the most beautiful places in the world with friends and classmates is an experience unlike any other, and the students who went had a great time. Students had the freedom to explore independently in addition to the group excursions, which allowed them to tailor their travel experiences to their interests. “We had a lot of free time, which was nice. You can go to lunch or go shopping by yourself or with your friends,” senior Anna Brown said.
Although the summer of 2025 may seem miles away, it is time to start signing up for next year’s Europe trip. Students who attend this upcoming trip will have the opportunity to visit destinations and sight-see all around Europe just as they did this past summer. As of the 2024-2025 school year, AP European History is offered to sophomores, juniors, and seniors, making this experience extra valuable for a larger range of students. Also, this experience is a great way to reconnect with classmates you wouldn’t normally see over the summer. “It’s so eye-opening. It just puts the stuff that we’ve spent two years studying and learning about into perspective. It’s a ton of fun, and it’s a great way to end the year,” Cohen said.