From strolling through the iconic streets of London to experiencing the futuristic city life of Japan, these are just some of the amazing opportunities that Saint Viator students will soon be able to partake in. These exciting travel plans were initiated by Angela Ferrazza, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives. As she starts her new role here, Mrs. Ferrazza hopes to bring worthwhile opportunities for students by introducing new trips that will give insights to students about the real-world and other cultures. She talked about how this new project was greatly supported by the faculty and staff, who also believe this program will help students grow in their academics and help shape their future.
The motivation for the new trips emerged from the wider view of preparing students for college and the future. These trips will allow students to explore possible career options, expose them to the real world, and foster independence. Mrs. Ferrazza connected this new addition to the Saint Viator mission and said, “These programs also align with our mission of forming well-rounded, faith-filled individuals who are curious and open to learning in every environment.”
The first trip is London: Business and Career Exploration that will happen next summer in June 2026. The major goals of this international trip are for students to experience the world’s top business and financial centers, while also learning about various industries such as marketing, entrepreneurship, and international finance. The trip will be well-balanced as students will also be able to visit the Big Ben, House of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, Chelsea Stadium, London School of Economics, and many more iconic tourist attractions.
Mrs. Ferrazza states the overall purpose of the trip, “The goal is to help students understand how ideas move from concept to marketplace in a dynamic, real-world context.” This trip is not the only opportunity for students.
Saint Viator is also offering a Japan: Robotics, Engineering and the Future of Cities trip in the spring break of 2027. In Japan, students will gain insight on STEM learning and on the new innovations of robotics, engineering, and artificial intelligence, learning how all of these aspects affect our lives. Furthermore, students will get to see research facilities, science and technology museums, and universities that feature automation and sustainable design. Through this excursion, students will be able to learn how Japan balances their advancements in technology with older traditions that are still practiced.
Mrs. Ferrazza shared an insight on the trips and said, “Both trips are designed to offer students a global perspective on emerging industries and inspire them to think critically about their own career interests.”
The response for these new programs have been positive with many students demonstrating a strong interest. “I think these trips are a great opportunity to learn and expand our experiences as Viatorians”, said junior Donna Graziadei.
Students have expressed excitement as they now have the opportunity to travel with friends and teachers, earn transcript credit, and gain beneficial connections that will be a major highlight in their college applications. From these trips, students can expect to grow in their skills of adaptability, communication, and cultural understanding while making meaningful connections with people from all around the world.
When asked on how this program benefits a student’s experience at Saint Viator Mrs. Ferazza said, “[The program] allows students to see themselves as global citizens and reinforces values like respect, curiosity, and leadership. These experiences make students’ college applications more distinctive by showing demonstrated interest, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to learning beyond traditional boundaries.”
This new opportunity and approach to learning allows students to enrich themselves in a career that interests them and may want to pursue in the future. With all the stress of worrying about what to major in or what college to attend, this trip could help students decide their passion in life. By traveling abroad, they are able to experience a program that is similar to colleges and universities as some of them offer several study abroad programs. Students are able to have a balance of academic work and leisure activities throughout their journey in London or Japan, which will give them the opportunity to explore the notable destinations of the world.
These are not the only travel experiences that Saint Viator has offered. In the past few years, there have been trips planned by the Foreign Language Department that were to Costa Rica for Spanish students and to Quebec City for French students. These trips helped set the pathway for providing more opportunities for students to explore different cultures while also strengthening their academic pursuits. Ultimately, the new international trips to London and Japan will bring new academic and career insights to students while they create unforgettable memories and connections that will last a lifetime.