But 12 Saipan International School students that make up the group Destino Peru have a different plan.
They, too, will leave the island for a few weeks, but they are packing their bags to visit a whole other continent: South America.
Peru, a country rich in tradition and history, where the great Inca empire was born and developed, has achieved world renown.
As a result of its inception as one of the world’s new seven wonders in 2007, Machu Picchu, Peru’s royal estate and religious retreat of the Inca, and the attention the country’s food has received in gourmet magazines across the country, Peru has begun drawing more travelers than ever before.
During this trip, students will visit Machu Picchu, as well as the Palacio de Gobierno, Peru’s seat of government in Lima, where they will be received by the vice president of the republic, Lourdes Mendoza del Solar; the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Arequipa; and the orphanages La Posadita and Caritas Felices.
They will also have the opportunity to visit the schools Colegio Villa Alarife in Lima and Colegio Americano Prescott in Arequipa, carrying with them the message of friendship and diversity that characterizes the residents of the Mariana islands.
This is the third group from Saipan International School to the country.
The school has always placed a strong emphasis on the importance of learning about different cultures, its traditions, peoples and language.
With knowledge comes appreciation and respect of these cultures, which is a vital part of Saipan International School’s philosophy.
The 12 students, between grades nine and 10, will leave on June 11.
Their itinerary includes the cities of Lima, Arequipa, Cuzco, Puno and Nazca — where they will find the famous Nazca Lines featured in the last Indiana Jones film.
“This trip was a life changing experience that I will keep with me forever,” said Amanda Johnson, one of the members of last year’s group.
“I would go back to Peru every year if I could,” Hee Jin Kim said. “It was an amazing trip and the people of Peru are great.”
