Next school year, Costa students have the opportunity to pack their bags and passports for a lineup of educational travel experiences, from rainforests in Costa Rica to ancient shrines. In programs like MUN (Model United Nations), Spanish, choir, and math students are offered global adventures that blend learning, culture, and lifelong memories.
These school organized trips, scheduled throughout the 2025-26 school year, aim to provide experiences that expand their perspectives beyond the classroom. With destinations across Central America, Asia, and more, the trips are designed to be unforgettable and educational.
Spanish teacher Nancy Geczi is leading a group of students to Japan over spring break 2026, with an itinerary that includes Tokyo, Kyoto, Kamakura, Nara, and Osaka. The trip runs from April 4-11 and will be her latest in a long line of international experiences she has offered students since the early 1990s.
“My high school trip with my Spanish teacher was a life changing experience,” said Geczi. “There’s only so much that one can learn by reading about places or looking at photos. To use your five senses to see, hear, taste, feel, and speak while experiencing another culture is priceless.”
Geczi says she’s most excited to see students immerse themselves in Japanese culture and traditions, whether it’s “trying the freshest sushi on the planet, finding a rare Pokémon card, visiting centuries old shrines, or trying new things,” she shared.
Additionally, Nick Scheftic, a Costa math teacher, is leading a trip to Panama and Costa Rica from December 27 to January 4. Students will explore both places while snorkeling, surfing, ziplining, tasting local coffee, and visiting landmarks.
“We are visiting two countries and doing a variety of activities,” said Scheftic. “You can earn high school and college credit and have the adventure of a lifetime with your teachers and friends.”
Another teacher planning to travel with students next year is MUN advisor Annie Choi, who is preparing to select delegates for another year of competitive travel. Destinations vary for MUN competitions, but Washington D.C., New York, and international locations are regular destinations.
While other specific debates are being finalized, past trips have included UC Davis for stand out Intro to MUN delegates.
“MUN helped me step out of my comfort zone,” said freshman Josephine Belden. “It brought me closer to my classmates and helped me be a better debater.”
These trips aren’t just normal vacations, but they’re also transformative learning experiences in a fun environment. They provide opportunities for students in class together to bond with each other and their teachers.
“I’ve had students talk about their trip decades later,” Geczi said. “Many of them decide to study abroad in college because of what they experienced.”
Students are highly encouraged to check in with select teachers, attend info sessions, and plan early. With high interest and limited spots, getting involved, aware, and prepared as early as possible ensures an unforgettable year of discovery and exploration at a new destination.
“There are twenty spaces available for our Japan trip in 2026. Students can come by room 72 to get a brochure and chat with me,” said Geczi.
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