Every year, a group of MSMS students go on an adventure in a foreign country to experience culture they have never seen before and visit intriguing historical sights. During spring break this year Ms. Julie Heintz and Ms. Dawn Barham will be taking a group of MSMS students to visit Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein and Switzerland.

           Students who are interested in the trip to Germany and the Alps would like to know that the trip is an nine-day excursion during the week of spring break. During these nine days, students will experience activities ranging from the royal halls of the Neuschwanstein Castle to the horrific scenes of Dachau. “There will be something for everyone” said Heintz.

“You are standing where history happened,” explains Heintz about the educational importance of travel. Last year on the trip to France and England, MSMS students had the opportunity of standing on the beaches of Normandy where United States forces stormed against the fire of German rifles to free France.

            Students who have taken the plunge to experience history first hand speak highly of their time overseas. MSMS senior Hillary Gerber, who travelled to France and England last year, recounted “It was super fun! If you like history, the trip was especially fun and really educational.”

             Gerber said she learned many things about British and French culture that she did not expect. For example, “One thing I learned while in London – mincemeat pie is not actually meat. It’s some sort of fruit pie thing eaten around Christmas.”

              Heintz comments that experiences like Gerber’s, or seeing the halls of ancient castles, help students understand more about the world around them. “With this understanding of other cultures, the world becomes a less judgmental place,” says Heintz, quoting Mark Twain: “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow mindedness.”

              If a student is interested in traveling abroad but they fear that they are financially unable, then they may lay their fears to rest. There are many fund-raising options for students to gain all the needed funds for their trip by spring break. For example, students can sell chocolate or doughnuts or talk to local businesses to ask for funds. It is important to remember that “the main determining factor is your determination” about fund-raising, said Heintz.

              For students who are planning to go to Germany and the Alps, Gerber has a few helpful tips on packing and preparing for traveling abroad. “You should definitely pack light and according to the weather. March in Europe is not March in Mississippi. It’s usually pretty chilly, so bring warmer clothes (and a raincoat just in case).” She also encourages students to familiarize themselves with the common phrases of the country they are visiting.

               If a prospective spring break adventurer has any questions on fundraising or the trip in general, Ms. Heintz has packets of information and sample fund request letters in her room in upstairs Shackelford.