Travel

At Austin Prep, travel is an extension of the classroom, offering students the opportunity to learn by experiencing the world firsthand. Through both domestic and international travel, students explore new places, ideas, and cultures that deepen learning and broaden perspective. From Washington, DC and Orlando, Florida to Bermuda, Greece, Italy, Japan, and beyond, these journeys foster curiosity, cultural understanding, and a deeper appreciation of our shared humanity.

The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.

- St. Augustine

Transformative Travel Experiences at Austin Prep

To travel well is to think expansively, to question earnestly, and to seek meaning in unfamiliar places. In this sense, travel is not an escape from learning, but one of its most powerful expressions. Saint Augustine captured this truth when he wrote, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.”

At Austin Prep, students and faculty are invited to turn that next page through both domestic and international experiences that extend learning beyond the classroom. Whether studying American history in Washington, DC, participating in educational programs at Disney in Orlando, or engaging with cultures abroad, travel helps students understand the world more fully and prepare to live in it more thoughtfully.

All Austin Prep students have opportunities to enrich their education through participation in our domestic and international travel programs. Over the last decade, these experiences have spanned four continents and 17 countries:

These journeys are more than trips. They are transformative educational experiences that distinguish Austin Prep and its students as engaged learners, global citizens, and seekers of understanding.

Uniting Hearts

Travel breaks down barriers and builds bridges between cultures. Our students:

Forge lasting friendships with peers from diverse backgrounds.
Develop empathy and understanding for different ways of life.
Learn to appreciate our shared humanity across cultural divides.

Inquiring Minds

The world becomes our classroom, offering unparalleled opportunities for learning:

Witness historical sites and artifacts firsthand, bringing textbook knowledge to life.
Engage in hands-on scientific field studies in unique ecosystems.
Practice language skills in immersive, real-world settings.

Serving Hands

We believe in the power of giving back to the communities we visit:

Participate in meaningful service projects that address local needs.
Gain a deeper understanding of global challenges and our role in contributing to positive solutions.
Develop a sense of global citizenship and responsibility.

Pages Turned, Lives Changed

In the spirit of our patron, St. Augustine, Austin Prep embraces the idea that life is an incredible journey filled with opportunities for exploration and discovery. The theme of the journey is inherent to our Augustinian mission. Our patron encourages us to turn the pages of the world and uncover the richness of diverse cultures and beautiful landscapes as we do so.

Beyond the Ordinary

Our travel programs offer experiences that no traditional classroom can replicate. They challenge students to step out of their comfort zones, question their assumptions, and see the world—and themselves—in new ways.

Whether it's exploring ancient ruins in Greece, participating in Marine Science labs on the beaches of Bermuda, or immersing in the rich history of European capitals, each journey is an opportunity for growth, learning, and transformation.

By participating in these journeys, our students and teachers go beyond the ordinary and gain an appreciation for our world and the human experience. These unique and special opportunity reinforce our commitment to a holistic education that goes beyond the textbooks.

Preparing for an Interconnected Future

Through travel, students gain a perspective that prepares them to navigate their interconnected future with empathy, curiosity, and a profound understanding of the world and how they can contribute to it. Each new experience, each adventure, adds another chapter to the story of our lives and our appreciation of the human experience.

Join us as we explore, learn, and serve—uniting hearts, inquiring minds, and serving hands across the globe. At Austin Prep, we're not just educating students; we're shaping global citizens ready to make a positive impact on our interconnected world.

Curricular Connections

The 2023-24 year's travel program hinged upon a Remembrance Journey to Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic. Over April break, our student travelers explores sites around Berlin, Prague, and Krakow, including the concentration camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau, as they confronted the evils of the Holocaust and the theme of remembrance. Accompanied by faculty, staff, and our chaplain, students engaged in discussion, private reflection, and prayer. The trip was an extension of the Austin Prep History elective "The Holocaust Examined." The course grew out of a fellowship generously supported by the Austin Prep Annual Fund and includes a series of speakers, trips, and films.

A highlight of the 2024-2025 travel program was our Bermuda Marine Science Immersion. Upper School students had the opportunity to take part in an unforgettable experience in partnership with the Bermuda Institute for Oceanic Sciences. The journey began well before departure, as students engaged in weeks of lab work on campus. This preparatory work sets the stage for meaningful, immersive field study on the island. In Bermuda, students conducted plankton tows, collected data, participated in habitat restoration efforts, and extended their research through direct observation and experimentation. Much of their time was spent on boats and in the water, working alongside marine scientists It was science under the sun — hands-on, inquiry-driven learning that fostered a deep appreciation for the ocean and a lasting commitment to environmental stewardship.

Ready to pack your bags?

For more information about any of the trips, please be in touch with Mr. Michael McLaughlin, Head of Middle School. We have space available for our Celtic Christmas Tour to Ireland. Additional travel opportunities for the 2025-2026 academic year will be announced in the fall.

Austin Prep Travel Videos

Rome, Italy

Austin Prep travels to Rome for a transformative pilgrimage rooted in faith, music, and Augustinian tradition, bringing students and families to the heart of the Catholic Church. During past pilgrimages, Austin Prep choristers have sung at St. Peter’s Basilica and have met the Pope, moments that bring worship, learning, and global Catholic identity vividly to life. Learn more about the Choir trip to Rome.

Washington, DC

Austin Prep travels to Washington, DC as part of its signature Civics Capstone, an immersive Middle School experience that brings civic learning to life through place, practice, and purpose. During the trip, students visit the U.S. Capitol, national monuments and memorials, and Smithsonian museums, attend Mass together, and participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. The Washington, DC experience transforms classroom study into lived understanding and helps students see themselves as informed, engaged citizens grounded in community and mission.

Orlando, FL

Each year, Austin Prep seniors take a multi-day class trip to Walt Disney World that serves as a capstone experience of their Upper School years. According to Austin Prep school communications and student reporting, the trip includes time across multiple parks such as EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, with shared experiences like group park days and a formal class dinner in EPCOT’s World Showcase, often paired with an evening fireworks viewing. The trip is consistently described as a highlight of senior year, emphasizing class unity, celebration, and meaningful shared memories before graduation.