Traveling to Germany and the Alps during spring break

Spring break 2022 will be one to remember for 13 students, teachers, and parents who traveled to Germany and the Swiss Alps.

“Our trip to Germany and the Alps was an amazing experience.  It’s such an honor and privilege to take students on international trips and see the world open up to them,” Kaye Dyer, a teacher in the CTE Department at White County High School, said.

Dyer stated that being able to watch students experience different cultures and seeing them explore the world is the best part of the trips that a group from Sparta has been offering.

Education First (EF) Tours has been in business for over 50 years and is the world leader in international education. In 2019, the Sparta Travel Group, as they are calling themselves, took their first trip to Europe. The group, which consisted of 35 travelers the first year, visited London and Paris during White County’s spring break week.

“Both trips have been phenomenal,” Tobi Swift, the group’s organizer said, but added that she can’t do it alone, and works together with EF Tours, Kaye Dyer, and Jason Crockett, another WCHS teacher, to create the experiences.. “Our travel program is a team effort, and we are happy to make these trips happen for members of our community.”

Jason Crockett, who is a member of the White County High School’s English Department faculty, said that while this wasn’t his first trip to Europe, this year’s trip was different in all the right ways.

“I’ve been on eye-opening trips to England and France, but, for me, the trip to Germany was life-changing. Getting to spend an entire day exploring the city of Munich allowed me to ditch the hurried pace of a scheduled itinerary and instead uncover the sights, foods, markets, art, streets, and vendors for myself. Standing at the top of Mt. Rigi in the Alps, where vast mountains stretch away from you for quiet miles in all directions, brings a peace and perspective we lack in our day-to-day lives,” Crockett explained. “I still feel like half of me was left waiting in Germany, hoping one day to reconnect.”

Students who traveled with the group this year agreed the experience is one that they won’t be forgetting any time soon.

“I got to meet so many new people,” WCHS junior Maria Lopez said  and explained that being immersed in a new culture was unforgettable and added that the scenery was pretty amazing as well. “My favorite part as the view at the top of Mt. Rigi.”

For senior Lily Fletcher, the experience only strengthened her desire to see more of the world and her plans to major in Foreign Languange and have a career based around international travel.

“Being given the opportunity to go to Germany and Switzerland has furthered my passion to travel and learn new languages,” Fletcher said.

The Sparta Travel Group is already planning next year’s trip, which will again take place during White County’s spring break, for a return to London and Paris, and those who have traveled with the group say the trips arranged by Education First are safe, professional, and enjoyable.

“EF provides a great and affordable touring experience and took really good care of us while away,” Dyer said. “I am looking forward to planning our 2023 trip and setting off on our next adventure.”

Swift added that the trip is not reserved just for White County High School faculty and students but is open to anyone in the community who would like to join the Sparta Travel Group on their next adventure.

“All homeschoolers and people in the community are invited to join the group in their travels,” Swift said.

For more information about the Sparta Travel Group and how to RSVP for the upcoming interest meeting, contact Tobi Swift at tobi.swift@whitecoschools.net