“The Experience of a Lifetime.”
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Article By Lyla George, Writer | September 4, 2026
From June 20th to June 28th, Herrin High School Spanish Travel Club Sponsors Justin Recuero and Brian Evilsizer took six students across the world to create new memories and accomplishments.
This adventure consisted of a trip to Barcelona, Spain, to see Sagrada Familia, the tallest church in the world; Cinque Terre, Italy, a region of five small towns famous for their views of the Mediterranean Sea; and Arianna Tryggestad (10) said the water was crystal clear. They also visited numerous cities in southern France, including Arles. In Arles, Mr. Evilsizer gave a history lesson to a tourist at the Roman amphitheater, and the travel club also went to Monaco.
This trip was completely funded out of pocket for each student who went. Some students have been saving up for years to go on this trip from working at job sites, birthday money, and doing chores around the house.
The traveling process is probably the worst part for everyone; many students said it was the walking. Students explained that in one day they had 20,000+ steps. Students said that European airport security is more difficult to deal with than US airport security. Mr Recuero said that for him, it was flying.
Culture shock was difficult for some students too. Janelle North (11) said that in Italy there is no ice in water at restaurants. Many students mentioned the cost of living in Monaco; there, they toured the most expensive apartment, but it looked like any other apartment you would see.
They went with a company called EF, which stands for “Education First.” EF is an international travel company that doesn’t just help plan trips, but also helps with academic programs and language training. EF plans trips like this for middle schools, and also solo adult trips as well; EF is considered one of the biggest academic travel companies in the world.
Many students spoke about their tour guide, Francesco. Francesco was multilingual with an ecstatic energy. Students said he made the trips more enjoyable just by being there. On certain days, the students would also mention that just seeing Francesco, they knew they were going to be engaged in his lectures.
Keegan Ripley (10) said, “It made me sad to leave him.”
Each student was passionately describing their experience; even in little details and questions, I could find the understanding of that fear of not being able to travel as they did in June; missing the memory while you’re still in the moment, but also the thrill of making it the most because of that fear of only having it once. Talking to these students, seeing their faces react first with every question, not out of indifference but out of nostalgia, and listening to them explain almost makes me know these students were inspired by this trip.
Reagan Parks (11) called it, “The experience of a lifetime.”
With this travel club, you can use your language electives to your full advantage. If you want to broaden your horizons with different cultures and activities, this club is definitely worth joining. Mr. Recuero said he is currently planning the next trip to Peru, South America. They plan to explore places like Machu Picchu. If you have any further questions, ask Justin Recuero.
