In the spring of 2023, SHS Spanish teacher Sarah Brady and SHS science teacher Charlie O’Driscoll will lead a group of 30 SHS students to the Galapagos Islands, a province of Ecuador, for a week of interactive learning and exploration. This will be the high school’s first international trip since February 2020. SHS is partnering with Education First, an international education company that specializes in language training, educational travel, academic degree programs, and cultural exchange, to bring the trip to life. 

The nine-day trip to Ecuador includes visiting Quito, Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island, and San Cristóbal Island. The first day in Ecuador will include exploring Quito, seeing the equator line, and visiting the Church of La Compania de Jesus. The next day, the group will fly to Baltra Island, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and explore the beautiful wildlife. Day 3 in Ecuador will be a water-packed day, including travel to Isabela Island, snorkeling, and visiting a flamingo habitat. During the next two days, the group will continue to enjoy the natural oasis of the Galapagos Islands, traveling to Santa Cruz Island and Cristobal Island. 

O’Driscoll and Brady have led the Costa Rica trip together twice. It was a trip they “hoped to continue biannually,” but was unfortunately brought to a halt as a result of the pandemic. O’Driscoll said she “wants to help students make connections to science in everyday life,” something that will be attainable in the Galapagos Islands. She noted that this year’s trip to the Galapagos Islands is a dream trip for any biology teacher, with “a more in-depth science component” than previous trips. 

O’Driscoll and Brady also want to remind students that this trip is prioritizing juniors and seniors, as they hope to run it biannually, allowing underclassmen to attend in 2025.