After more than a year of planning, Fossil students and teachers are finally getting ready to go on a trip of a lifetime: an educational trip through Japan. Organized through EF Educational Tours, on May 31, they start their journey in Tokyo, to Kyoto, Osaka, and the Mount Fuji region.
For junior Henry Daher, the excitement has been building for months.
“It’s crazy to think it’s almost here. I’ve never been outside the country, and the anticipation’s been building for almost nine months. I can’t wait,” Daher said.
Students have prepared for the trip in many ways, saving up money, learning Japanese, and researching culture.
“I’m going to spend a lot of money there. I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to save up enough to go. You’ve got to plan out your fits and of course have enough for the food there,” Daher said.
Junior Hudson Woodard talks about his preparation for learning Japanese.
“I’ve definitely been trying to learn enough to be able to have small talk and understand basic things. It’s been a really hard language to learn,” Woodard said.
Across students and teachers, karaoke is something they have looked forward to the most.
“I’ve heard the karaoke is a big thing there. It’s going to be so much fun with all my friends,” Woodard explains.
The group is visiting shrines and different cultural landmarks, learning about the different lifestyles, religions, and environments.
“We get to visit this sanctuary in the Shinto religion, which connects nature to divine things and believes in heavy spiritual presence within the places,” Daher said.
Michael Wilbourn helped set up the trip. He explained how across his class, Japan was number one. He is excited for the opportunities and experience he and his students will encounter.
“I can’t wait to learn about the architecture and engineering in Japan. They do things very differently there and have focused on making things clean, energy efficient, and have optimized travel through things like the bullet train,” Wilbourn said.
The tour will include about 42 people total, including students, parents, teachers, and chaperones. Although Wilbourn is nervous, hoping everyone has the details and planning right, he is confident that it will be an amazing experience.
“I’m so excited to experience a whole new world through culture, food, and traditions,” Wilbourn said. I hope each student gets a broader experience of the world and have so much fun across the unique and exotic natures and cities.”