Two Cumberland Valley High School teachers are broadening their horizons. German teacher Jenny Getty and social studies teacher Sheila Fair recently returned from a 14-day tour of Turkey.

The teachers were sponsored by the Turkish Cultural Foundation and the World Affairs Council of America. They were selected for the trip by the World Affairs Council of Harrisburg.

“Participants learn a lot about Turkey and its strategic importance to the United States,” said Joyce Davis, president and CEO of the organization.

“The teachers also learn about how Turkey may be serving as a model of democracy for the Islamic world, as its dominant political party advocates adherence to Islamic principles while promoting tolerance and pluralism in society.”

Getty and Fair, who traveled with more than 70 middle and high school teachers from across the United States, visited the Blue Mosque, biblical Ephesus, and Ankara, the capital of Turkey.

In addition to touring, the teachers participated in workshops by Turkish artists and met with representatives of civil organizations.

By being able to tell students personal stories of their travels and gain a greater understanding of the culture which they are teaching, Getty and Fair will be able to enhance their students’ learning experience, Davis said.

Davis said the World Affairs Council of Harrisburg might be able to send five midstate teachers on next year’s trip to Turkey.

For more information about the World Affairs Council of Harrisburg, go to http://wacharrisburg.org.