Culpeper, VA – In late May 2025, twenty-two students from Culpeper County Public Schools (CCPS), including thirteen from Eastern View High School (EVHS) and nine from Culpeper County High School (CCHS), traveled overseas for an unforgettable educational adventure through London, Paris, and Barcelona. Organized through EF Educational Tours and led by EVHS teacher Laura Butcher, the trip spanned ten days and offered students an immersive, hands-on experience in global learning.
Three CCPS teachers and chaperones accompanied the group, Dana Kalagian, Alanna Rafter, and Taylor Jamison, along with three parent travelers. The group departed from Washington Dulles International Airport on May 28 and returned June 6 after exploring some of Europe’s most iconic landmarks and engaging in cultural activities designed to enhance global awareness and personal growth.
Highlights of the trip included visits to Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and La Sagrada Família. In Paris, students cruised the Seine River and explored Montmartre’s artistic streets. In Barcelona, they learned to cook authentic Spanish paella in a hands-on culinary workshop.
“I learned to cook more efficiently and different techniques to try at home,” said rising CCHS junior Katelyn Wise.
“This was definitely an unforgettable experience! Seeing all those paintings in the Louvre was tremendous for me,” added Jose Cruz, a recent CCHS graduate.
“Definitely one of the best experiences a high schooler could have,” said Landon Varner, a rising senior at EVHS.
The experience also emphasized student growth and independence. Students practiced using foreign currency, navigating public transportation systems, and speaking basic phrases in French and Spanish. Daily small-group check-ins gave chaperones an opportunity to support student well-being while allowing travelers the freedom to explore within safe, structured environments.
“CCPS hasn’t been abroad since before COVID, so I was excited to bring this opportunity back to our students,” said Laura Butcher. “I teach Family and Consumer Sciences, which boiled down is all about life skills. I firmly believe that travel gives students hands-on experience with real-life challenges. Our students rose to the occasion. They had to be independent, follow directions, use technology like WhatsApp and Google Maps, respect other cultures, and collaborate with their peers.”
Eastern View Spanish teacher Dana Kalagian shared, “there's something really special about watching teenagers step out of their comfort zones, connect with each other, and see how people live in different parts of the world. This trip wasn't just about seeing famous places, it was about growing as global citizens.”
Throughout the journey, students also practiced gratitude by thanking local guides, tour directors, and bus drivers. They offered small tokens of appreciation, including “Here for Good” Culpeper stickers generously donated by local business Kash Imprints.
CCHS senior Bianca Luces shared, “This tour was definitely one of the best experiences I’ve ever had, and I think everyone should experience something like it. I loved how I got to meet new people and become close friends with them on the trip. I had to step outside of my comfort zone to have fun, and I had an amazing time.”
Lindsey Brown, rising senior at CCHS reflected, “This was my first time traveling without my family and first time being on an airplane. I'll always be grateful I was encouraged to go on this trip. I made amazing friends and memories that will last a lifetime.”
This international travel opportunity is just one way that Culpeper County Public Schools supports global citizenship, career readiness, and experiential learning for its students. Opportunities like these connect classroom learning to the wider world and encourage students to see themselves as part of a global community.
