Panda Travels
Where we will be going...
2025 Travel Opportunities
EXPERIENCE ITALY!
Immerse yourself in Italian history, art and cuisine – and eat, paint and explore like a true local. Stand in the ancient Colosseum where Roman gladiators battled, then walk in their sandaled footsteps at the Gladiator Experience. Inspired by the Renaissance treasures of Florence, try your hand at painting a fresco during an art workshop. Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine and make your own in a cooking class.
Group Leader: Ms. Elizabeth Barnes
Dates: June 2-12, 2025
Chaperones: Mrs. Bezold, Ms. Neubacher, Mrs. Proudfit
Questions about other trips? Email Panda Travel Coordinator: Ms. Meghan Dooling
Where we have been...
2024 Trips
This summer, our students had the incredible opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the world around them with a few distinct international trips, each offering a unique and enriching experience.
ATHENS & THE ISLANDS
On June 5th, 23 students and 4 chaperones (Ms. Dooling – Group Leader, Mr. Stamm, Mrs. Maggard, and Ms. Hilbert) embarked on an incredible Greek adventure. The trip began with a few days in Athens, where we took in all the major sites including the Ancient Olympic Stadium, Syntagma Square, and the Acropolis. We also immersed ourselves in the local culture with a cooking class and a visit to the Acropolis Museum. Next, we ventured to the Amfissa Valley and Delphi, exploring an olive farm, the Delphi Museum, and the Temple of Apollo, which provided a serene departure from the bustling city. On our final day in Athens, we took a day trip to Cape Sounion to visit the Temple of Poseidon and ended the day enjoying an in-depth Greek evening excursion where we learned traditional Greek dances and smashed plates!
Our journey continued as we set sail on a cruise, first stopping at Mykonos to experience its unique blend of Turkish, Roman, and Greek influences. In Santorini, we marveled at the beauty of Oia Village, and in Rhodes, we had the opportunity to explore the island on our own, enjoying beautiful beaches and lots of shopping. On board the cruise, the girls enjoyed sunbathing at the pool, eating meals together, and dancing at the disco! We then traveled to Turkey for an excursion to Ancient Ephesus, having the opportunity to walk where Apostle Paul walked and preached.
This journey was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that the group will cherish fondly! Stay tuned for the next Panda adventure!
GERMANY
After traveling around Athens & The Islands, Jackie Brueggemann, recent NDA graduate, had the opportunity to stay with Charlotte Rohe (a German exchange student who had stayed with the Brueggemann family during the fall 2023 semester while she attended classes at NDA) and her family in Dinklage, Lower Saxony, Germany, for a little over two weeks. Jackie also spent time with Charlotte Burwinkel, who was another exchange student at NDA this past fall.
During her stay, Jackie attended NDA’s sister school, Liebfrauenschule Vechta, where she helped 6th graders with their English, participated in field day, and painted a mural. She tried many different foods and immersed herself in the local culture. She visited the North Sea, the Baltic Sea, and went shopping in Osnabrück. It was an amazing experience for Jackie to meet and spend time with Charlotte and Louise’s friends. They even went camping during their trip to the Baltic Sea.
We look forward to welcoming Louise as an exchange student at NDA this Fall!
PARIS, NORMANDY & LONDON
On June 10th, the French Pandas embarked on an incredible European adventure. The trip began with a few days in Paris, where we took in all the major sites, caught a glimpse of the preparations for the 2024 Olympic Games, and practiced our French language skills.
Next, we set off to the countryside of Northern France, heading to Normandy, which was a pleasant departure from the hustle and bustle of Paris. Just days after the 80th celebration of D-Day, we visited the Caen Memorial, the Normandy beaches, Pointe du Hoc, and the American Cemetery.
From Normandy, we took a six-hour ferry across “the pond” to the United Kingdom, where we saw Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, and Hampton Court Palace, where Henry VIII resided. This was a trip of a lifetime, filled with memories that will shape and bond our Pandas for years to come. Stay tuned for the next French adventure in 2026!
2023 Trips
ITALY
In early June, our first group of students embarked on an incredible journey to Italy, immersing themselves in the vibrant culture and rich history of Rome. It was a busy week filled with unforgettable experiences. During their stay, the students had the opportunity to explore the iconic ruins of Pompeii and the ancient seaport of Ostia. They also engaged in a variety of excursions and activities, including a delightful Italian cooking class, a mesmerizing tour of the Vatican Museum and St. Peter’s Basilica (where they were fortunate enough to witness the beginning of a Latin Mass), and a visit to the renowned Roman catacombs. Another highlight of their trip was a visit to Castel Gandolfo, the Papal summer home, and its stunning gardens. The students also had the privilege of visiting the Sisters of Notre Dame Motherhouse, fostering a deeper connection to the roots of our school’s mission. Additionally, an impromptu trip up a mountain led them to the awe-inspiring Abbey of Monte Cassino, one of Europe’s oldest monasteries, offering breathtaking views and a chance to pay homage at the resting place of St. John. In Rome, the group had moments of independent exploration, venturing to iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain, where they joyfully tossed coins for good luck. Climbing the Spanish Steps and immersing themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of one of Rome’s largest open-air fresh markets added to their cultural experience. Of course, no visit to Italy would be complete without savoring delectable pizza and indulging in gelato, which our students thoroughly enjoyed. It was truly a remarkable week, filled with captivating sights, meaningful connections, and cherished memories, all shared among a wonderful group of travelers and students.
ECUADOR
On our second international trip of the summer, our Pandas set out on an unforgettable South American adventure in Ecuador. From exploring the equator line to taking on the egg master challenge, our students experienced unique cultural activities and exciting adventures. They marveled at the Virgin of the Panecillo, an impressive statue that stands as a symbol of Ecuador’s rich heritage. Walking through the historic town of Quito, they were fortunate to witness a captivating Eucharistic Procession during Corpus Christi. Venturing into a local village in Riobamba, our girls actively participated in potato harvesting alongside the friendly locals and even had the chance to interact with llamas. Along the way, they indulged in the flavors of delicious Ecuadorian cuisine and formed lasting friendships with student groups from Iowa, Texas, and Toledo, OH. It was a truly enriching experience that broadened their perspectives and created memories to last a lifetime.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Our final international trip of the summer took our Pandas on a meaningful mission trip to the Dominican Republic. This journey embodied the true essence of a mission – a call to be sent out and make a positive impact. Prior to their departure, students were blessed by their parents during a parent meeting, symbolizing the support and encouragement they carried with them.
Equipped with donated items and uplifting messages, our students ventured to Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (Our Little Brothers and Sisters), a Catholic children’s home and school in San Pedro de Macoris. Each day began with attending Mass or a prayer service and then helping to construct a community center in the city. Afternoons and early evenings were dedicated to sharing meals and engaging in joyful play with the children at the home.
In the quiet moments of each evening, our students gathered to reflect on their day and share their experiences. They discussed how they had encountered the face of Christ in those they had met, deepening their understanding of the transformative power of compassion and service. Witnessing the genuine joy and gratitude on the faces of the children they interacted with left an indelible mark on our students’ hearts.
This mission trip provided an incredible and eye-opening experience for our students. They not only contributed to the construction of a community center but also had the opportunity to bring smiles and happiness to the children of Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos. The journey reinforced the values of empathy, gratitude and the importance of making a difference in the lives of others.
Panda Travel Memories
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