The month of June was a time of cultural immersion and experiential learning for 20 La Lumiere School students who participated in two of the school’s study abroad trips. One group of students traveled to Taiwan and a second group of students traveled to Prague, Czech Republic.
Students were guided throughout Taiwan by La Lu’s world history teacher, Chris Ciambarella; Chinese language teacher, Li Chen Tsai; and Assistant Director of Student Life, Chad Perney. Meghan Daly of La Porte, Indiana; Olivia Hackett of Michigan City, Indiana; Ethan Murillo of La Porte, Indiana; Emma Patterson of South Bend, Indiana; Aameer Sahi of St. John, Indiana; Trent Schermer of Valparaiso, Indiana; Baerett Stone of Granger, Indiana; Peyton Sutter of Chesterton, Indiana; Tom Walinski of Rolling Prairie, Indiana; and Sophia Wood of Scottsdale, Arizona spent their time in Hualien City studying for three weeks in an intensive Chinese language program at Tzu Chi Buddhist University. They stayed in dorms on campus with other students from around the world, enjoyed Taiwanese sights and cuisine, taught English to students in kindergarten and junior high, and volunteered at a recycling center in Tzu Chi.
Of the trip, rising junior, Trent Schermer says, “This experience has changed the way I view the world, and I intend to use the knowledge that I have gained to make a positive impact throughout my life!”
Sophia Wood, who will also be a junior in the fall says, “My trip to Taiwan has left me absolutely speechless. I can’t begin to describe how incredible this opportunity has been. Everything we did left an impact on my mind and spirit.”
Students visiting Prague, Czech Republic were led by Director of Student Life and Math Department Chair, Kasey Leake; government teacher and Academic Support Coordinator, Clint Tallman; and English as a Second Language teacher, Lenka Tallman, and soaked in new historic sights, cultural perspectives, and the Czech language for 12 days. Trevor Cary of La Porte, Indiana; Hannah Fogel of Manteno, Illinois; Justes Kemper of New Buffalo, Michigan; Karalyn Knight of Beverly Shores, Indiana; Emily Paff of Valparaiso, Indiana; Ethan Paff of Valparaiso, Indiana; Kayla Saniga of Valparaiso, Indiana; Ainesh Shintre of St. Joseph, Michigan; Anne Turner of New Buffalo, Michigan; and Max Zaccone of Michigan City, Indiana visited several historic sites throughout the city, including Prague Castle (the largest ancient castle in the world), Wenceslas Square, and Sedlec Ossuary.
“This trip was very special to me,” says rising junior, Ainesh Shintre. “I already miss the city of Prague, the people I met, and the friendships I crafted. I learned a lot and saw a lot over the week and a half I was there. I have fallen in love with this historic city and hope to return one day.”
Trevor Cary, who will be a sophomore in the fall says, “I had a lot of fun learning and experiencing a new culture while in Prague. It is a city filled with many beautiful views and historic buildings that date back thousands of years. I was impressed by the city’s historic significance.”
These study abroad trips allow La Lumiere students the benefit of participating in hands-on learning opportunities while experiencing new global perspectives.
About La Lumiere School
La Lumiere School is a college preparatory boarding and day school located on a spectacular 190-acre wooded campus in La Porte, Indiana. We are 25 miles west of South Bend, Indiana; seven miles from New Buffalo, Michigan; and about an hour southeast of Chicago. La Lumiere holds its students to rigorous academic standards while also focusing on their full development of Character, Scholarship, and Faith. We prepare students to attend some of the best colleges in the country, including: Stanford University, Northwestern University, Rhode Island School of Design, University of Notre Dame, Wake Forest University, Middlebury College, Georgetown University, Cornell University, Colgate University, University of Michigan, and the University of Chicago. La Lumiere School is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS) and the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA). Learn more about La Lumiere School at lalumiere.org.