Humanities Department, 10 Sophomores Revive England Trip Tradition

Students pose for a photo in London – Photo provided by Alex Gonzalez Shalla

Despite living in the nation’s capital, students at School Without Walls often forget their role as global citizens. Washington, DC, is partnered with 15 sister cities, including Sunderland in the UK—its only non-capital sister city. After years of student exchanges with Sunderland, the program was discontinued in 2014. Over fall break, ten sophomores revived this iconic tradition.

Chaperoned by humanities teachers Shakir Ghazi and Laura Webster, the students spent eight days in Sunderland and three days in the Lake District. In April 2024, ten British students will travel to DC and stay with their Penguin counterparts.

Most participants first heard about the program in late winter of their freshman year. Ms. Webster promoted the opportunity to her freshman classes and arranged for an announcement to be read over the loudspeaker.

Interest in the trip was high. Sam Broquard ('27) recalled, “I was really excited about the fact that it was an exchange program where I [could] go to school in England [and] bring kids back.” Many students attended an interest meeting later that week.

Due to the demand, Mr. Ghazi established an admissions process. Applicants first filled out a form to express interest, including a short essay on why they wanted to go to England. Next, they completed a survey assessing decision-making skills and moral reasoning. The chaperones then selected ten students.

After being accepted, students submitted information about their living situations and family dynamics to facilitate pairing with British exchange students. Once the logistics—such as payment and itinerary—were finalized, the group fundraised to help cover costs initially paid out-of-pocket.

Plans proceeded smoothly until July, when DCPS announced changes to its international travel policy. The trip faced potential postponement or cancellation. Ultimately, DCPS approved the trip but required students to stay in a hotel rather than with their exchange partners.

To prepare, the group met every Thursday morning to build camaraderie. Alex Gonzalez-Shalla ('27) shared, “[Mr. Ghazi] wanted us to bond more as a team.” The meetings included icebreakers and team-building activities, which helped the students feel closer to one another by the time of departure.

Upon landing at 6:00 a.m. London time (1:00 a.m. DC time), the group embarked on a three-hour walking tour of London, carrying their luggage the entire time. Broquard remarked, “It was cool to see London…but it was exhausting.”

In Sunderland, the group stayed at the budget-friendly Magnum Hotel near the River Wear. Gonzalez-Shalla described it as “nice” despite its simplicity, and many students echoed this sentiment, noting they were just happy to be together.

The students spent eight days in Sunderland, embarking on a different excursion each day. Highlights included a visit to Edinburgh, where Ms. Webster admired the “beautiful” scenery and a double rainbow, and Durham, where students explored the Cathedral of Cuthbert and the historic castle. Broquard noted, “It was a good mix of learning and fun.”

During this time, students also met their British counterparts. Gonzalez-Shalla admitted, “We were worried [the British kids] might be mean…but they were really nice.” Greenhalgh observed an uncanny resemblance between the American and British pairs, describing them as “twins” in appearance and personality.

One memorable night, the group joined their British counterparts for a beach bonfire. Gonzalez-Shalla reflected, “It was [nice] just getting to know them.” Students also attended classes at Monkwearmouth Academy, where they encountered playful stereotypes. Greenhalgh said, “[They were] yelling stereotypical American stuff like ‘give me your lunch money’ or ‘say soccer.’”

After their time in Sunderland, the group traveled to the Lake District, a national park in northwest England. Ms. Webster described the area as having “gorgeous, classic British hillsides [with] sheep everywhere.” The group used this time to decompress and bond in a quieter setting.

Their final days were spent at the Lakes Hostel near the national park. For many, this was a highlight of the trip. Gonzalez-Shalla, an only child, shared, “[It was like a] family moment for me…I’ve always wanted siblings, and…for those three days, it felt like I had some.”

Participants left the trip with stronger connections to one another. Broquard remarked, “It was great to bond…I still see them in the hallways, but I miss having that constant group.” Greenhalgh agreed, noting, “It was nice to get to know people I didn’t normally interact with.”