Over spring break, I went on a trip with American Council for  International Studies (ACIS) to Scotland and England, which turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had at JC.  This experience also gave me the opportunity to give advice to anybody looking for a perfect international trip.

The trip was led by Guidance Counselor Larry Hensley and English teacher Christine Zurkowski.  The focus was on history, theater, and English, so as someone who loves these, this trip was perfect.  If you take an international trip, picking one based on your interests is something that will make your experience more enjoyable.

The easiest way to find a trip based on your interests is by talking to the coordinators of the trip about what the focus will be.  If you hate the ancient Greeks, a trip to Greece wouldn’t be a good idea.

We learned about Shakespeare and the Romans in Scotland and England, and for someone who doesn’t like learning about those, it could have been boring.

While preparing for the trip, here’s a tip: be prepared for all activities and weather, even if you think it won’t be fashionable.  Any trip will be miserable if you let comfort take a backseat by filling your bags with the latest clothes.

If you look at the itinerary and every day involves walking, don’t only pack heels that you haven’t worn before. The same goes for jackets and coats.  When you’re warm and dry, it’ll be worth having layers.

The most important piece of advice is to enjoy yourself and live in the moment.  It’s easy to get caught up in different cultures, but use these differences to experience the country.  Even if you’re a picky eater, step outside of your comfort zone and try something new.

This trip opened me up to new cultures and experiences.  Visiting the places where Shakespeare and his wife lived was incredible and I will never forget it.  I got to see the Roman Baths, parts of Hadrian’s Wall all over the country, and Stonehenge, which you can’t even imagine until you see it in person.  I’ve always loved England, so being able to experience it was fantastic.

These trips are what you make them, and if you go in with an open mind and a hunger for adventure, it could be one of your best high school experiences.

Martha Schick is a Managing Editor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.