Zoe Cogger had been eagerly anticipating two trips to the United States as the highlight of her senior year in high school. The 16-year-old was looking forward to participating in the National High School Dance Festival in Pittsburgh and the annual Bloomsday Run in Spokane, Wash. Unfortunately, both trips have been called off.
Edmonton Public Schools has scrapped all international excursions for the school year, including planned trips to countries such as Thailand, France, the United Kingdom, Costa Rica, and Portugal. Cogger expressed her disappointment upon learning about the cancellations, echoing the sentiments of many students nationwide whose travel plans have been disrupted due to various global issues.
Supt. Ron Thompson of the Edmonton public board explained the decision in a letter to parents, citing recent incidents of civil unrest during a field trip as well as concerns over fuel shortages, public health issues, and military conflicts globally. He emphasized the need to prioritize student safety amidst the unpredictability and risks associated with international travel.
While some school boards like Vancouver and Calgary Catholic are evaluating trips on a case-by-case basis, others like the Calgary Board of Education have reinstated international trips after a review of their policies. In contrast, the Louis Riel School Board in Winnipeg has halted trips to the United States since last October due to a travel advisory issued by the Canadian government.
Experts, including education professor Maren Aukerman, acknowledge the challenges of organizing international school trips in today’s complex environment. Factors such as rising living costs and changing citizenship statuses among students have added layers of complexity to trip planning. As a result, some schools are opting for domestic trips within Canada as a viable alternative.
Despite the setbacks, students like Nyla Ahmadzai are finding creative ways to support their peers in fundraising for cancelled trips. Ahmadzai shared stories of friends engaging in activities like bottle drives, selling items, and seeking donations to finance their excursions. While disappointed by the cancellations, she emphasized the frustration felt by students who had their travel plans disrupted.
Cogger, on the other hand, expressed gratitude for her school’s initiative to organize a run in Jasper National Park as an alternative to the cancelled trip to Washington. She highlighted the importance of such experiences in shaping a memorable high school journey, emphasizing the significance of finding solutions to ensure students can still benefit from enriching experiences.