In Chaparral and San Rafael, two vibrant communities in southern Honduras, 58 high school students this July joined local families, teachers, and children to build classrooms, paint murals, and strengthen relationships. Based in Nacaome, the group was split between the two sites each day, working long hours under the sun and sharing laughter during recess games and heartwarming home visits. The week ended with a well-earned day at Playa del Zope—a time to relax, reflect, and enjoy the beauty of Honduras after a week of hard work and deep community connection.

Of those 58 students, 22 were returning for their second service learning trip with School the World. It’s no small commitment to raise the funds again, give up part of the summer, and step outside their comfort zones and familiar routines and return to a region—whether the same country or a new one—to contribute once more. But what these returners show us is that impact deepens over time—and that growth is not limited to the communities we serve. It’s mirrored in the students themselves.

Their reflections carried a different weight this year. They didn’t just learn; they built on what they had already learned. From these returners, five key differences stood out in how they experienced and interpreted the trip:

1. More Confidence, Less Hesitation
   “The first time I came, I was nervous to speak Spanish and hesitant to engage. Coming back, I felt confident. I led games, had full conversations with the kids, and felt like I truly belonged.” — Indigo 
2. Deeper Emotional Connections
   “I thought last year would be a one-time thing. I came back because I couldn’t stop thinking about the people I met. This time, I felt like I was returning to friends, not just volunteering.” — David 
3. A Shift from Charity to Solidarity
   “I remember being so shocked by the poverty last year. It felt like a different world. This time, I still felt the injustice, but I also saw the strength and joy in the community more clearly.” — Grace 
4. Greater Awareness of Holistic Impact
   “My first trip I focused so much on the construction. This time I realized it’s just one part of the bigger picture. The learning, playing, and just being present—those matter just as much.” — Emma 
5. Growth as Leaders
   “Last year I felt a little overwhelmed and unsure of how I could make an impact… This time, I noticed how much more present I was. I could actually focus on the kids’ needs instead of my own nerves.” — Samantha

Each returning student brought not only experience but a renewed sense of purpose. Their willingness to go back, reflect, and re-engage with open hearts exemplifies what Global Citizenship truly means.

If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to join a School the World service learning trip, we encourage you to explore our 2026 Service Learning programs. Come for the adventure. Return for the impact.