There are many opportunities to get involved with travel and international learning at KHS. The International Club is a great way to learn about yourself and understand the world outside of the United States. In the International Club, members at KHS learn about foods, cultures, traditions, what’s going on in the world, and how international occurrences affect the US and ourselves. International club has a wealth of experience and knowledge about cultures, nations, and people of differing beliefs. Club advisor, Ms.Vaughan, advocates for learning that is open-minded, tolerant, and embraces diversity for a better global community. Ms.Vaughan attributes her love of travel to the fact that she moved a lot growing up because of her father’s military status. During a turbulent time, she was on the Maine Board of the Maine Irish Children’s Program, which brought Catholic and Protestant children and teens together on neutral ground (Maine) to live in a host family regardless of religious beliefs.
Ms. Vaughan explains the value of the international club: ‘We are living in a global society, and by knowing about what is going on in the world, we are being immersed into a global community. We are also in a world that is of unrest, lacking tolerance, acceptance of diversity, and open mindedness. If we choose not to understand our differences, embrace diversity, and put away our judgment of other people and nations by observing and learning about the people in this world, how can we ever begin to bring about peace? If we don’t take the time to understand the important aspects (who, what, where, why, when, and how) of our global neighbors?’
Ms. Vaughan continues, “Mark Twain once said, ‘Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.’ Traveling the world teaches us about ourselves, our family, and our ancestors. Traveling brings an awareness of how the United States is such a “melting pot” of different cultures, religions, and traditions.”
A hands-on way to broaden your international experiences are the trips that various KHS staff members offer every year during April vacation and after the school year has finished. Students have the opportunity to travel abroad to Italy, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Greece, and Belize. These trips are happening over April break 2024, June of 2024, and April break 2025. More information can be found on posters hung around the school or by contacting the trip advisors.
Italy (Rome, Sorento) – April Break 2024: Mr. Smith, B140
Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam – June 27 – July 7, 2024: Ms. Vaughan, C122
Greece – April Break 2024: Ms. Vaughan, C122
Belize – April Break 2025: Ms.McLellan, D217
