For 31 Hauppauge High School students and their chaperones, Japan was more than a destination, it was a trip of a lifetime. Due to overwhelming interest, the district organized not one, but two student trips to Japan this July through EF Tours, offering participants an immersive, STEM-centered international experience. The two student travel groups, Tokyo Red and Tokyo Blue, departed on July 8 and July 10, respectively, for nine day journeys packed with science, culture and unforgettable memories.
Highlights included STEM experiences in Shibuya, a visit to teamLabs’ interactive art collective and visits to several world-class museums. Students marveled at panoramic views from Tokyo Skytree, saw the iconic Mt. Fuji and visited historic sites like Asakusa Temple and Meiji Jingu Shrine.
Students also participated in a traditional tea ceremony and a sushi-making class. Students sampled Japan’s cuisine, from wagyu beef and tempura to ramen and BBQ.
A major highlight was the opportunity to ride Japan’s famous bullet trains, including the Kodama service, and learn about the futuristic Maglev, a magnetic levitation train that floats above the tracks. For students and educators alike, it was an experience they’ll never forget.
