Annual International Educational Travel at The Walker School

This year’s international travel program took students to Egypt and Jordan over Winter Break. The thirty-one travelers experienced the Great Pyramid of Giza, the only surviving structure of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the ancient city of Petra in Jordan, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. They sailed the Nile River, explored ancient temples and tombs, marveled at the engineering and architecture of past civilizations, interacted with people from different cultures, and gained firsthand insight into the region’s rich history.

The concept for Walker’s annual tours began in the spring of 2003 when several fathers approached former Social Studies Department Chair Mrs. Jean Stricklen about creating a trip to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the D-Day invasion of Normandy. Mrs. Stricklen asked Mr. Newton McCurdy to organize the program, drawing on his extensive international experience.

The inaugural trip in 2004 was a ten-day journey to London, Paris, and Normandy. While the itinerary focused on World War II history, the eight students and five adults who participated also explored many other historical and cultural landmarks. Since that first tour, 515 travelers have participated in twenty-two annual journeys spanning Europe, Central and South America, North Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Destinations have included Spain, Ireland, Scotland, England, Italy, Vatican City, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Costa Rica, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Morocco, Monaco, Belize, Croatia, Slovenia, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Ecuador (including the Galápagos Islands), Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Jordan.

Experiencing foreign cities, iconic monuments, and diverse cultures firsthand allows students to connect with their classroom learning in meaningful ways. These tours help students develop a deeper understanding of the world while strengthening cultural awareness and global perspective. Participants grow socially, deepen academic connections, and gain experiences that distinguish them as they pursue college and future careers.

These educational adventures are open to students in grades 9–12, as well as students in grades 6–8 when accompanied by an adult. Alumni, family members, relatives, and friends are also welcome to join. Trips typically last 7 to 13 days and are scheduled either during Winter Break or at the end of the school year.