Board approves 2025 high-school German trip to Germany, Austria and Switzerland

The East Lansing Board of Education unanimously approved a proposed high-school trip for summer 2025 that will include travel in Germany, Austria and Switzerland and a reciprocal visit for host families.

Teachers Adam Orange and Robert (Bob) Filter described growth in their world-language program—expanding from one middle-school German class five years ago to multiple full courses—and said the district intends the trip to broaden students’ exposure to the German-speaking world. Orange and Filter said prior itineraries visited Berlin and Munich; the 2025 plan adds Austria and Switzerland to provide a more diverse cultural experience.

Presenters addressed access and affordability: the contracted travel company offers two modest scholarships (about $500 each), a fundraising/credit system tied to community service activities and a crowd-funding option through which families can solicit contributions. Orange told trustees the organizers have used booster support and local fundraising in the past and that staff attempt to identify students with demonstrated need so no eligible student is turned away.

The presenters said the trip is generally open to high-school students who have completed roughly two years of German study, though the program has sometimes allowed students with less formal experience to participate. They described safety steps for host-family stays, including interviews of host families and regular check-ins.

Trustee Chambers moved approval of the trip request from Adam Orange and Robert Filter; Trustee Lions seconded. The motion carried unanimously.

The approval authorizes staff to finalize arrangements and proceed with parent/family information sessions; any further fundraising, scholarship disbursements or student eligibility exceptions will be handled by program staff in accordance with district procedures.