Puerto Rico

Students in AP and post-AP Spanish classes spent spring break in Puerto Rico learning about the culture and nature of the island and practicing their Spanish skills by meeting with locals about Puerto Rican politics, history and traditions. Students were able to kayak in a bioluminescent lagoon on the island of Vieques, appear on a local radio station and learn how to cook mofongo. Christina Quiroz ‘26 said her favorite part of the trip was “learning about the US military’s impact on Vieques” from a local who talked to students about Vieques en Rescate, an organization that helps residents of the rural island access medical care on the mainland.

Ireland

Visiting both Dublin and Galway, Lake Forest Academy’s students explored Ireland’s beautiful landscape, rich history and vibrant culture. The trip included a variety of activities ranging from sightseeing attractions to academic opportunities, including literature-focused events such as seeing the ancient Book of Kells at Trinity College in Dublin and visiting the childhood home of Oscar Wilde. In Galway, students saw the massive Trim Castle, among other breathtaking views: “We saw the Cliffs of Moher, which were absolutely beautiful,” Samuel Hendricks ’26 shared. Perhaps most exciting, though, was being in the city of Dublin on St. Patrick’s Day and experiencing the height of Irish culture and celebration.

Seattle

The A.P. Environmental Science class traveled to Mount Olympus National Park in Seattle, Washington, for spring break. For a little less than a week, students received the opportunity to be totally immersed in nature. Each day, students paired up to develop a hypothesis about the nature in the park. The park staff provided tools the students could use, ranging from a soil density tester to an elevation-tracking barometer. These day trips included a canoe ride, a four-hour hike up Mount Storm King, the Elwha River, Second Beach and the Hoh Rainforest. In the evenings, there were educational nightly programs teaching about the history of the local area and career opportunities for future scientists.

Hawaii

Mahalo ‘Āina, or “thanking the land,” was the common theme reverberated through the Lake Forest Academy 2026 Spring Break trip to Waikiki, Hawaii. The group of sixteen spent their six days visiting many cultural sites and connecting with important community members and Hawaiian natives, learning more about Hawaiian culture and history. Throughout the trip, students were able to connect with locals involved in the Malama Maukua initiative of restoring the sacred land of their ancestors from the U.S. military, learn about the history of the Kūkaniloko’s Birthing Stones in ancient Hawaiian culture and meet with esteemed University of Hawaii professor Kyle Kajihiro about the damaging effects of U.S. militarism on the Hawaiian people and land. Additionally, students were able to visit two fish ponds and a farm on Oahu, to be educated on sustainable farming practices and methods of harvesting crops and fishing that have been observed for hundreds of years by native Hawaiians. Both enlightening and exciting, the trip left students with new perspectives on Hawaii as more than just a tourist destination, but a place still fighting for freedom from U.S. imperialism amidst the celebration and preservation of their ancient cultures.

Panama

Just over a dozen Caxys ventured to Panama for Spring Break, traveling across the country from the streets of Panama City to the ruins of Panamá Viejo to the landscapes of the countryside, connecting with local communities and the biodiversity of the Central American nation. With a variety of stops, the trip had something to enjoy for everyone involved. “My favorite thing about the trip was seeing all of the different wildlife,” Oscar Stemple ‘27 said. Aniela Giese ‘27 shared, “[I enjoyed] seeing the kids at the multiple schools that we went to; they were all so sweet.”

South Korea

LFA students spent eight days in Seoul, South Korea, learning about the history and culture. Trips to Gyeongbokung Palace, the National Folk Museum of Korea and the North Korean border taught students about the history of Korea, while classes in K-pop dance, Taekwondo, bibimbap and kimchi-making exposed them to Korea’s culture. “Every other day we would have time in various markets, so I think people really enjoyed the shopping opportunities but also being able to interact with the locals,” Yaseen Rahim ‘27 said. Students even got to visit a Korean school, called Vivian and Stanley, and make new friends.

Ecuador

During Lake Forest Academy’s recent trip to Ecuador, students immersed themselves in the country’s rich cultural heritage, environmental conservation practices and culinary traditions. Visits to an indigenous community offered hands-on experiences in embroidery, community work and traditional cooking, providing a unique view into local life that a typical vacation would not provide. Early in the trip, Caxys explored classic tourist attractions, including a cacao-processing facility where they learned about the different stages of chocolate’s creation. Adventurous activities, like hikes through the mountains, ziplining through large forests and visiting the Equator, highlighted the natural beauty of Ecuador. Throughout the journey, students observed their commitment to sustainable tourism and environmental preservation. The experience was both enlightening and exciting, leaving everyone with a deeper appreciation of Ecuadorian culture and traditions.

Greece

This year, the Global Concentration Capstone class visited Crete, Greece to learn about sustainable practices on the island that tie back to Ancient Greek civilizations. The senior students had the opportunity to visit numerous museums, a local farm to make bread, eat traditional Cretan food and take a hike where the Greek God Zeus is hidden. The trip overall was an enriching cultural experience, as students got to learn about the specific customs of the island of Crete. “It was so cool to see that there is a certain inherent culture that comes with living on an island that transcends continental borders,” Helena Secrest ‘26 shared. Toward the end of the trip, they had the chance to visit a rural high school with approximately 30 total students and connect with them to see people their age who live such drastically different lives.