Swampscott Students Changed By Travel

students say last summer’s student-organized trip to Madagascar changed them.

Junior still wants to study medicine and become a doctor.

But her visit to the island off the east coast of Africa kindled an urge to give medical care in places where the need is great.

“A Doctors Without Borders program,” she said.

Swampscott senior was moved by the Madagascarian people’s generosity amidst poverty.  

 English, Armano and six other Swampscott High School students teamed with seven students from Nipmuc Regional High School from June 26 until July 26 on the World Challenge trip to Madagascar.

World Challenge expeditions are entirely student organized, said Swampscott High School math teacher Chris Ratley. 

Students choose the destination, arrange travel and itinerary, and raise funds to pay for the trip.

Ratley and two other teachers accompanied the 15 students last summer.

The students volunteered their labor in villages, including hauling building blocks. They also spent time at a school interacting with students and walked in natural places where they saw lemurs as well as plants and animals unique to Madagascar.

On Wednesday, English, Armano and Ratley showed Swampscott School Committee members a video of their visit to Madagascar.

English said she returned home more confident after living outside her comfort zone.

Armano said she came home with greater appreciation for her standard of living in the United States.

 In World Challenge expeditions students visit countries where they volunteer, make friends and learn about the country’s culture.

In 2008, World Challenge travelers from Swampscott High School visited Argentina.

In 2012 they hope to visit Morocco.