Exploring ‘Week Without Walls’: Adventures Beyond Prague

Written by Grade 10 students, Nathalie and Ester, as part of the MYP Journalism Elective, led by Mr. Josefino Rivera

In the second in a series of articles written by Upper School Journalism students, the authors share the inspiring stories of their classmates who embarked on unforgettable journeys as part of ISP’s "Week Without Walls" programme.

The International School of Prague’s Week Without Walls is renowned for providing students with the chance to explore the world beyond the classroom. This year, students travelled to destinations such as Finland, Iceland, and the Austrian Alps, gaining unforgettable experiences and memories.

Adversity Abroad

Luki, an experienced ISP student, shared his enthusiasm for his trip to Finland, particularly the opportunity to work with a small, ageing community in Kusamo. "I've never been to Finland, and I'm excited to experience the nature and meet the people," he said, reflecting on the adventure that awaited him. 

Luki and his group assisted villagers in preparing for winter, including cutting firewood and engaging in community activities. However, not everything went smoothly. Luki and his group had their experience significantly impacted by illness.

"We all got sick," Luki revealed, recounting how a norovirus outbreak altered their plans. “We got a serious food bug, which was a real setback. This meant we had to go to the hospital, which really changed the course of our trip.”

Despite the challenges, one of his fondest memories was helping clear a forest for a future community centre. “It was really rewarding to help them out,” he shared.

Unexpected Twists

Safia, participating in her first-ever Week Without Walls trip at ISP, was thrilled by the prospect of hiking in the Austrian Alps.

"I felt very excited about the trip. We were supposed to hike from peak to peak, but there was too much snow and flooding, so we had to change our plans."

Safia, Grade 10

The group adjusted their itinerary, opting for day hikes instead, and though the experience differed from their original plan, it was memorable regardless. "The views were really pretty with all the snow. We’re really lucky to have that much snow on the trip, especially in September," Safia reflected. She hopes to return and complete the original plan, emphasising that nature's unpredictability often leads to the most remarkable memories.

A World Apart

For Samuel, exploring Iceland’s dramatic landscapes was an awe-inspiring experience. When asked if he'd retake the trip, Samuel's enthusiasm revealed what the experience looked like for him.

“Absolutely! I went to Iceland not knowing what to expect, but when I got there, it felt like I was discovering another world.”

Samuel, Grade 9

Though he admitted to not doing much research about the trip beforehand, he quickly became captivated by the country's natural beauty. “My favourite memory was when we were in the hot springs. It was pretty awesome” Samuel recalled. 

Samuel also expressed his excitement about snorkelling in the Silfra fissure before the trip.“I can’t wait for the snorkelling, I feel like it will be very memorable to be able to swim between the tectonic plates.”

The cold waters in the Silfra fissure were a shock for many, including the trip's supervisor, Mr. Eames. "I wasn't expecting the water in Silfra to be that cold," Mr. Eames admitted, highlighting the unexpected shock of the icy temperatures.

Unexpected Joy

Zile’s trip to Lisbon combined service with adventure. While she was initially most excited about surfing, it was the unexpected joy of connecting with elderly locals through embroidery that left a lasting impression. "I wasn't expecting the time with the local elders to be so much fun," Zile shared, emphasising how the language barriers didn’t stop them from forming meaningful connections. 

Although wildfires altered their original plans, Zile fondly remembered her surfing experience.

“I stood up one time on my board, and it was so scary. But it was also a lot of fun.”

Pushing Boundaries

Mr. Rops, a teacher who led a hiking group in Austria, reflected on how Week Without Walls offers students more than just physical challenges. 

“It is pleasurable and joyful for me to see students realise how strong they are, even though they think it’s hard at the time”

Mr. David Rops, Upper School Teacher

He noted that his favourite memory of his excursion was a snowy hike under clear blue skies, with students building a snowman at an elevation of over 2,700 metres.

Despite the various challenges and changes in plans, students like Luki showed interest in taking part again, highlighting the immense potential each trip holds. Regardless of the challenges, each group persevered and participated in the activities and experiences their Week Without Walls trip offered.

"I would definitely do it again. The trip had so much potential, and if we hadn't gotten sick, it would have been incredible," Luki concluded.

New perspectives

As the Week Without Walls continues to offer students new perspectives and adventures, these trips remain a vital part of their growth, fostering the discovery of new skills, interests, and unforgettable experiences. It also provides the opportunity to build stronger relationships with teachers, like Ms. Plicka, who Luki called the "GOAT" of the trip.

For more information on ISP's 'Week Without Walls' programme please watch this inspiring video.