Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Student Travel topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Students, chaperones describe Peru trip: Machu Picchu, local crafts and a narrowly avoided bus strike
Summary
Students and staff recounted a 31-person educational trip to Peru at the Culver Community Schools board meeting, praising cultural learning, visits to Machu Picchu and local crafts schools, and crediting their guide for resolving a one-day bus strike that could have stranded the group.
Ran Stevens introduced a slideshow and student reflections from a recent 31-person trip to Peru, telling the school board the trip offered strong cultural and educational experiences and that students returned with broadened perspectives.
"I really loved getting the chance to be an independent and step outside my usual routine," said Kevin, one of the students who traveled. Several students described how meeting local residents, visiting markets and trying native dishes expanded their view of the world. Isabelle said she was "so lucky" to try native dishes including alpaca and that the trip was "an experience I will never forget."
Chaperones and students described field visits to three archaeological sites, including Machu Picchu, and a jewelry school where local youth learn trades. The group encountered a one-day transportation strike while traveling; Stevens said the tour guide, identified in the presentation as Sally, coordinated local contacts and alternate buses so the group left the hotel at about 4 a.m. and reached the airport before roads were closed.
Teachers and chaperones said seeing different living conditions — limited hot water, different bathroom norms and local market economies — helped students better appreciate resources at home and learn practical problem-solving. The presenters thanked the board for the opportunity to share photos and reflections from the trip; no board action was recorded.
