Though travels to distant parts of the world may be a common aspect of life for many students, others never expect to travel beyond the borders of the United States. However, Greg Stobbe, high school journalism adviser, gives students an opportunity to visit Europe every other summer.

For his 12th trip, Stobbe plans to take a group of students and families on a 17-day trip to Ireland during mid-June. They will visit famous sites such as Dublin, Blarney Castle and the city of Kilkenny.

Stobbe believes the experience in other countries presents a 3D way for students to learn. He hopes the culture affects each student’s life through first-hand exposure to foreign food, music and dances.

“We walk in castle ruins 2000 years old,” Stobbe said. “You kiss the Blarney stone just to say you did. I take students on education tours in order for them to get a hands-on experience to augment their classroom experience, whether or not in New York, Ireland, Phoenix or any other place.”

Stobbe has taken trips to Italy, France, Germany and several other countries throughout Europe. The group visited Ireland two years ago and Italy in 2004 .

Senior Kailee Maxey visited Italy with Stobbe and considers the experience one of her favorite memories.

“We went because I’m half Italian and my mom is full Italian,” Maxey said. “We wanted to go see our roots and maybe our grandparents, but we never found them. In Italy my favorite part was riding on the gondolas in Venice. Stobbe had to be tough on the trip and keep to a certain schedule. He even chewed a few people out, but other than that it was very fun. This was the first time I heard Abba!”

Families are also invited to join Stobbe on his European expedition. The Ward family traveled to central Europe with the Stobbes in 1998 and hopes to return again.

“Our daughter [Ashley Ward, ’11] really wanted to go and we thought it would be a great educational and cultural experience for her and we wanted to share that with her,” Cynthia Ward said. “It was so enjoyable because Stobbe does his homework and truly picks the highlights that give you a real sense of the culture and architecture of the area.”

With Stobbe, students are taken on a guided tour but also given the freedom to visit sites on their own.

“What he finds is also not worth missing and is chalk full of exciting history,” Ward said. “It’s a ‘seize the day’ mentality.”

Raine Hayes, ’12, will take her first out-of-country excursion with Stobbe. She never dreamed she would be able to see Europe during high school, she said.

“It’s going to be really cool to learn about Ireland,” Hayes said. “In all the movies it’s really green and beautiful. I’m excited because I get to leave the US and not sit at home all summer. It’ll be fun to see the difference in the cultures, foods and everything.”

Stobbe is still accepting students, parents and alumni who hope to visit Ireland. In order to travel, at least 20 people must sign up by March 18. For more information, contact Stobbe at (559) 801-2460. For an itinerary, e-mail Stobbe.