Ruby Warr-Hunter is traveling to England and Scotland for her Grade 12 English credit this July.

The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board has partnered with Education First to create a “Travel for Credit” program to enable students to learn outside of the classroom.

Ms. Warr-Hunter has to complete five hours of online learning every day for the entire month-long course. But midway through, she travels to London and Edinburgh for nine days, from July 15-23. 

Because she is only taking the one English course this summer, the course load will be a good balance for her — but she will still face the challenges of learning abroad.

“My mom sent me the link to the program with the itinerary and everything. I read through it, and it looked really fun. It’s a great way to earn my grade 12 English credit,” she said.

Participating in this program provides the PECI student with experience for her future resume and university applications. “When I want to go to university, It will look really good when I say I’ve studied abroad, and it’s just such a good chance to learn in a different way,” Ruby said.

Not only is this trip a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Ruby, she will also be submerged in the depths of English. Visiting Scotland and England will provide her with the opportunity to gain a new perspective on the history of English. 

The adventure begins in Glasgow, Scotland. Ruby will visit the Trossachs, Edinburgh Castle, Loch Katrine, and further around Edinburgh.

As Ruby continues with her adventures, she will be traveling by train to London, England for a few days. In London, Ruby visits Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral, Piccadilly Circus, Westminster Abbey, Borough Market, the Globe Theatre, the British Library, a tour of Oxford University, the Ashmolean Museum, and other sites around London.

“I will actually be in Scotland and England, where English was first formed. I will gain experience by learning about historical sites and seeing where Shakespeare wrote and performed. I am just so excited,” she said.

“The main challenge will be travelling alone. It will also be difficult because the teachers are online, so I won’t be able to talk with them face-to-face,” Ruby said, adding she hopes she can make friends during the program who share the same excitement about learning abroad. 

Because this program allows students from all over the Hastings and Prince Edward School Board to partake in this adventure, Ruby will have the opportunity to meet new people and connect with the other students in the program so she won’t be alone. Ruby expresses that she is excited that this new opportunity will allow her to fill her life with new people and experiences which will deepen her understanding of the world around her.