Hola, Mexico

And adios amigos! That's what Howick College students will say in July as they head off on an adventure of a lifetime. Rowena Orejana reports.
A leisurely Mexican holiday for a group of friends takes a turn for the worse when they run across something evil at an archaeological site in the horror film, The Ruins.
The movie is hardly an encouraging choice for Howick College students Bridget Keene and Liam Broughton to screen as a fundraiser for their month-long student expedition to the same country through World Challenge in July. "It was quite off-putting," grins Bridget. But, as a fundraiser, it was a smashing success.
In July, Bridget will go to Mexico with her teacher, Simone Szybowski, Liam and eight other classmates. But this World Challenge trip is no leisurely holiday. It will be filled with physical trials that include climbing a 4503m mountain.
The students will also help with a sea turtle conservation project and meet and mingle with students at a primary school.
"Built into the expedition is a range of community project work - trekking and cultural adventure - a unique mixture that ensures the expedition is one of the most exhilarating and rewarding team-building experiences available," says Hannah Cross of World Challenge.
She explains that, while in Mexico, the students will organise everything on the trip, including their food, transport and accommodation.
It is quite a challenge for Liam as it will be his first trip abroad.
"I've never gone overseas before. It will be a good experience," he says. "As a group we could get to sort of bond."
The students have put in more than 10 months of preparation for the trip.
"We went on a two-day training tramp at the Waitakere Ranges. That was really good introduction to what we're doing. It's the first time most of us used our packs, which was interesting," says Bridget.
Liam has taken up outdoor education as a subject and to help his personal fitness regime.
Both students have been raising money for the trip through the usual means: garage sales, car washes and sausage sizzles. "For my own personal funds I've baked lolly cakes and sold them since last year. It's made quite a bit of money," adds Bridget.
However, not everyone is keen on Mexico as a place to visit. Despite the country's breathtaking beauty, most of the news that emanates from it inevitably is linked to crime.
"Every time that you tell someone about it, their reaction would be like, 'Mexico? That's a real dodgy place'. But the places we're going would be safe and we've trusted people that are giving us information," says Liam.
World Challenge ensures the students' safety with highly qualified expedition leaders, local knowledge and support from in-country agents, comprehensive first-aid kits for every team and satellite communications equipment suited to the itinerary.
"We're looking forward to the ecology part and spending time on the beach, which is what we're doing at the 'R and R' phase," says Bridget. "We hope to bond with our friends. We're also hoping to maybe make some kind of contribution and difference to the community we're working with," she adds and turns to Liam when he muffles a laugh. "What? I do!"
"It just sounds funny when you say it," he smiles apologetically, eyes twinkling.
Up for a challenge?
Any school can get involved in a World Challenge venture by organising a presentation to students. Call World Challenge on 0800 456 134 or email: support@worldchallenge.com.au.
Individuals interested in travelling independently of their school, because it does not yet
offer a programme, may also enquire via the phone number.