Eighth Graders Travel the World on International Trips

Each spring, French International eighth graders head abroad for international trips that bring language learning and global education to life. This spring, students traveled to Chile, China, France, Germany, and Spain alongside their classmates and teachers for immersive cultural and linguistic experiences they will remember for years to come.

While many students choose to travel to the country of the language they started in sixth grade, some opt to visit a country tied to their advanced language track. No matter the destination, the goal remains the same, to deepen language skills, experience another culture firsthand, and grow through global connections.

Chile

Gloria Widdows and Monica Perez led a group to Temuco, Chile, where students partnered with the Greenhouse School, a longtime French International partner school. Earlier in the year, French International hosted exchange students from Chile, and this spring, our eighth graders stayed with many of those same students and their host families.

During the trip, students experienced daily life in Chile while practicing Spanish. Host families organized excursions around Temuco and introduced students to Chilean traditions and culture. As a group, students also traveled to Huilo Huilo, where they explored the region’s natural beauty through hikes and outdoor activities. Along the way, they sampled Chilean cuisine, visited local markets, and strengthened their confidence speaking Spanish.

“[The trip] showed how far I’ve come with my Spanish,” shared Madeline. “It was a great chance to improve my language.”

China

Another group traveled to China with Sylvia Liao and Doug Teter. Students spent their first week in Beijing, where they attended school visits and explored historic and cultural landmarks throughout the city. Many students were surprised by the size of the schools and classes, with some classrooms having more than 40 students.

The second half of the trip took students to Chengdu and Xi’an. Highlights included visiting giant pandas, exploring ancient sites, and touring the Great Wall of China.

“It was such an exciting trip,” said Anna. “I had really wanted to see China.”

France

Jeff Luther and Denise LeBlond-Steyaert accompanied 12 students to France. The group began in Paris, exploring famous sites, taking guided tours, and even learning to make croissants and pain au chocolat at a local boulangerie.

Students then traveled to Montpellier, where they attended school with host students and stayed with local families. Through classroom experiences and family outings, students immersed themselves in French culture while continuing to practice their language skills in everyday situations.

“I learned I was a lot better at French than I thought and that I could be more independent,” said Marco.

Germany

Nine students traveled to Germany with Angelika Oedekoven and Alexandra McGettigan. The first part of the trip took place in Pfullingen, where students stayed with host families and attended school alongside German students. Since French International hosted students from Pfullingen in the fall, many students were excited to reconnect with familiar faces.

For the second week, the group traveled to Munich, where they explored museums, experienced the city’s history and culture, sampled traditional German food, and practiced their German throughout the trip.

“I think it was really special to get to experience this,” added Hope. “It definitely helped improved my German.”

Spain

Students traveling with Ansel Argüelles and Brittini Carmichael visited both Oviedo and Madrid, Spain. In Oviedo, they attended school, explored the surrounding natural landscapes, and learned more about the similarities and differences between life in Spain and Portland. The group then traveled to Madrid, where they visited museums, explored the city, enjoyed Spanish cuisine, and spent time together discovering the culture and energy of Spain’s capital city.

“Initially, I was nervous to go, but I had the time of my life,” shared Alex.

No matter the trip, each student shared how much they enjoyed the food they ate, the connections they made, and how special the trips were to celebrate the end of middle school. The trips also helped students build independence, confidence, and cultural understanding.

The eighth-grade international trips are a celebration of students’ time at French International and the culmination of years of language learning. They provide students with the opportunity to step outside their comfort zones, engage with the world, and create lasting global connections before beginning high school. These experiences reflect the heart of our mission: preparing students to become curious, compassionate, and globally minded leaders.