Old Saybrook, Conn. — Twenty Old Saybrook High School students recently returned from an enriching educational trip through France and Germany, where they had the opportunity to bring their classroom learning to life through authentic cultural experiences, language immersion, and visits to some of Europe’s most historic landmarks. The trip took place from April 9 through April 16 and included stops in Paris, Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Rothenburg, and Frankfurt.
The trip was open to Old Saybrook High School students enrolled in French or German and was organized by Old Saybrook High School French and German teacher Manon Zumbaum, who began planning the experience in the fall of 2024. Students were joined by Zumbaum and chaperones Kara Santopietro and Carlie Dailey, as well as a dedicated full-time tour guide who accompanied the group throughout the journey.
Over the course of eight days, students explored some of the most iconic and culturally significant locations in Europe. In Paris, the group visited Notre Dame Cathedral, the Jardin du Luxembourg, Versailles, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower, and also enjoyed a river cruise on the Seine. In Strasbourg, students toured the city, visited the cathedral, explored an underground World War II bunker, and had free time to experience the city more independently. In Heidelberg, the group visited Heidelberg Castle, saw the university, and enjoyed time in the city center. The trip also included Rothenburg, a quintessential medieval German town, where students visited a Christmas Museum.
In addition to sightseeing, students experienced authentic European food and expanded their understanding of art, history, religion, architecture, culture, music, and local traditions. The itinerary balanced structured educational experiences with free time for shopping, dining, and practicing language skills with native speakers.
Throughout the trip, Old Saybrook students earned praise for both their behavior and their willingness to use the French and German they had studied in the classroom. According to Zumbaum, local residents and others on the trip were impressed not only by the students’ maturity, but also by their confidence in listening to and speaking foreign languages in real-world settings.
“It was the best thing for me as a French and German teacher and as a French and German citizen to see children blossom with what they have learned in class by speaking French and German and to see children so open for different cultures,” said Zumbaum. “They were thankful and mature.”
Students said the experience helped them connect their classroom learning to the real world in ways that were both meaningful and memorable.
“I think a lot of us benefited from the trip. It was really impactful to see the languages actually in use, rather than just hypothetical,” said one student.
Another student said the trip deepened their understanding of both language and culture.
“Overall, I think it was a really amazing trip, and I’m so happy I went because it was really great for getting to learn the language a bit more and how the people speak compared to what we learn in class, and I really loved seeing the diversity of people and the different styles of clothing and foods.”
The trip cost $4,500 per student, and participants helped support the experience through fundraising efforts that included a Christmas wreath sale and a bake sale.
For students, the journey offered much more than a chance to visit famous destinations. It served as a meaningful extension of their academic studies and an opportunity to develop confidence, independence, and a broader appreciation for the world around them. By embracing new places, new languages, and new cultural experiences, Old Saybrook High School students represented their school community with pride and demonstrated the lasting value of global education.
