15 Curtis students and their chaperones, Mr. Banks, Ms. Goodacre, Ms. Korten, left from the JFK airport for the Netherlands on Tuesday, February 11th. After a 6-hour plane ride, they arrived the next day at 5:55 pm at Schipol Airport. It was a breezy 40-degree day, which was – at the time – warmer than the snowed-in New York City. For the Dutch students, this is considered freezing.
The American students took an hour-long bus ride to the Jac P Thijsse College, located in the small town of Castricum, which also offers the IB program. The Dutch students had been in New York about five months prior, for six days just before Halloween. The classes reunited over hot tea, courtesy of Jac P Thijsse. Most of the Curtis students were 16 to 18 years old, while the Dutch students were all 15. The American students this year were a unique mix of new and veteran participants. They quickly departed from Jac P Thijsse to meet up with their host families. They spent their first day unwinding; the next two weeks would prove to be taxing on both classes’ sleep schedules.
In contrast to years past, the two exchange classes were able to accompany each other on their various pilgrimages. They toured notable cultural landmarks like the Anne Frank House, the Rembrandt House, and the Rijk’s Museum. The students later journeyed through Alkmaar, another Dutch city, on February 14th toward the tail end of their adventure. There, they indulged in the various cheeses, like pesto and even wasabi cheese, that Alkmaar vendors had to offer. Students also cited the visit to the Zaanse Schans Windmill Village, as well as the chance to take part in Dutch biking culture, as some of the highlights of their trip.
All in all, both classes of exchange students created memories that will last them a lifetime. Britney Andrade, a senior in the IB DP, got the chance to take part in the trip after a spot opened up. For her, the best part was the chance to hang out with all the students. “There was little discomfort between us, and that created a super fun atmosphere to be in.” Jordan Dale, a senior in the IB DP, heartily agreed. “My favorite part of the trip had to be the opportunity to spend time with some of my closest friends overseas,” he expressed. “I decided to go on the trip when a spot opened up after an American student dropped out of it. I figured it was the perfect opportunity.” For the senior participants, this trip served as the perfect send-off, allowing them to end their year on a high note with close friends.
