Travelers will embark on a life-changing voyage to Japan and South Korea in 2026 with Coach Antione Ford and their classmates. The virtual meeting on January 29, 2025, will give attendees a detailed overview of how this journey will be more than just a vacation – a chance to experience these countries in a way that will challenge personal assumptions, expand perspectives, and spark profound personal growth.
“It’s always good to expose students to others’ cultures so that we have a better understanding of each other as humans,” Ford said. “How do you know others’ humanity? You learn about it. So that’s one of the major goals of taking students on trips like this.”
The tour will also not be just a sightseeing event but one where practical cultural activities will be involved to break barriers and foster understanding in the hope of connecting deeper to the world.
“We’ll visit Bukchon Hanok Village, take a walking tour of the Insadong neighborhood, and participate in a kimchi-making class,” Ford said.
Not only will participants see and taste new things, but this journey is also about exploring new insights and finding an opportunity for personal growth. Some people went on a trip to the Mediterranean coast last summer and learned more than they expected.
“I was mostly surprised by how friendly and kind everyone was there,” senior Kennedy Farmer said.
Participants are encouraged to remain open-minded, as the journey will present countless opportunities to push boundaries and challenge their expectations. AP Macroeconomics teacher Jessica Kelm mentioned how Monaco was the most “beautiful place” and how “fascinating” it was to drive on the road.
“It just kind of made me realize, ‘Okay, I haven’t had a lot of life experiences outside the U.S.’ but that’s their standard,” Kelm said.
That only reminded her that on a trip, one is out in the open to ways of life and standards not accustomed to, which might become a very important factor in sightseeing. To many participants of this upcoming trip, this may well turn out to be a wide-opening chance to broaden their horizons and assumptions about the world.
“Try some new and good food, and experience some different culture, and learn about the Japanese, more about Japanese and South Korean culture, and just bring those experiences back to their homes and their school, and share them with other students, and hopefully continue to respect one another’s humanity,” Ford said.
