Eleven days in Rome, Naples, Athens and various Greek islands. That’s how eight Renton High students in the International Travel club will spend the beginning of July.

But first they need the community’s help. The club is fundraising, but International Travel co-leader James Boutin welcomes any help raising the required $3,800 per student. Boutin is a social studies and language arts teacher at Renton High.

In addition to donations, Boutin is looking for Renton organizations for which his students can volunteer.

By volunteering, Boutin wants his students to develop leadership skills and learn about various community cultures.

“Leading up to the trip the most important part is teaching them to try to see things from a different point of view,” Boutin says. “Get away from the idea that everything that happens in Renton happens in the rest of the world. We’re definitely trying to give them alternative perspectives on life.”

Boutin says experiencing non-Renton cultures is a goal of the July trip. He calls the trip “very experiential.”

“It’s not a sight-seeing tour,” he says. “We’ll dance with Greek dancers and cook with Italian chefs, that kind of thing. The idea is to really see local culture, not ‘There’s the Parthenon, let’s keep walking.’”

Renton High U.S. history teacher Lurline Antes is co-leading the trip with Boutin. The group, made up of mostly sophomores and juniors, will be led by a travel guide from The European Institute.

July’s trip will be the first for International Travel, which formed in February. The students chose this summer’s destination, and will choose next summer’s.

“Thailand and the Philippines are definitely two future destinations,” Boutin says.

How to help

Eight Renton High students in the International Travel club will visit Europe this summer. The group is looking for donations and organizations for which to volunteer. To help, or for more information, contact Renton High teacher James Boutin at 425-204-3494 or james.boutin@renton.wednet.edu.