As high school comes to an end, many area graduates are spending the summer abroad before getting tied down with the demands of college and adulthood.

“It’s the classic last fling. You graduate, then you go to Europe,” said 18-year-old Devin Verkley of Monroe, one of 24 students from the Monroe and Carlisle districts that are headed to Spain and Italy in June.

The trip, which isn’t officially sponsored by either school, will feature teachers and parents as chaperones. Their itinerary includes stops in Madrid, Barcelona, Rome, Pompeii and Capri, highlighting the architecture, art and culture of the ancient European world.

“Traveling overseas has become a lot more popular and a lot of the kids have never seen what is out there as far as other cultures, because of their coming from such a small town. We want them to realize that all people have worth, so that’s why we’re doing this,” said Audrey Davis, Monroe High Spanish teacher and trip organizer.

The only requirement for students who want to go on the trip, is that they had to have completed one year of Spanish between grades 8 and 12. Even though the trip is not sponsored by the school districts, the kids have been involved in organized fund-raising to help defer the cost, roughly $3,000 per person.

“I have to come up with half of the cost so I can go, so I’m trying to make money any way I can,” said the Monroe senior, Brady Enchelmeyer, who plans to minor in creative writing next fall.

Students in the Mason City School District are also preparing to head to Spain in July. One of the highlights of the Mason trip is a side visit to Pamplona.

“The students have worked at learning this language for four years, but it’s hard to make it seem like real life so that’s why we’re going,” Spanish teacher Debbie Perry said. Perry is leading the privately sponsored trip with three adults and 17 kids, who are spending about $4,000 each to go.

“I wanted to go so I could hang out with my friends and learn more about the old world culture,” said 18-year old Daniel Lacy.

While most kids decide to travel abroad with a school group, a few may choose to go overseas on their own this summer. Greg Wingham, the owner of Joy Tour and Travel in West Chester Twp., said for those traveling by themselves, cost is a key factor to consider.

“It is expensive. The typical mind set for younger travelers is for the kids to look at staying in Elderhostels (inexpensive rooms that are shared with strangers) and to get a Eurorail Pass to take the train from country to country,” Wingham said.

He suggested students search the Internet for the best airfare rates, and plan an inexpensive sightseeing itinerary.

Contact this writer at tlhrsly@cinci.rr.com.