It was the Lawrence Municipal Airport, not the Eiffel Tower.

But the group of visitors who toured the grounds Wednesday ogled planes, quizzed the tour guide and even posed for pictures. For some, it was almost as thrilling as their previous trips to Lawrence Memorial Hospital and City Hall.

“We have lots of fun,” said Darija Micevic, a native of Bosnia.

The seemingly ordinary sights were new for these adult English as a Second Language students, who were participating in a summer field trip program organized by the Adult Learning Center.

The group has been all over the city, to destinations such as JCPenney, the Lawrence Workforce Center, the Dole Institute of Politics, the Lied Center, Hillcrest School and the Kansas University Natural History Museum.

It was a chance to learn the language and the key buildings of Lawrence.

The students come from China, Jordan, Bosnia, Peru, Mexico and Myanmar. They speak languages such as Spanish, Serbo-Croatian and Arabic. Though they come from different places, they are united in their struggles.

“We can understand how hard it is to speak English and understand customs,” said Karina Climas de Hickey, from Peru, who moved to Lawrence in August.

Darija Micevic, left, a native of Bosnia and a student in an ESL class at the Adult Learning Center, visits with Janice Smith, right, office manager with Hetrick Air Service, during a field trip at the Lawrence Municipal Airport. The students take field trips every week during the summer to help them learn English and their way around town.

Some have lived in the United States for years. Others have been here only a few months.

“English very poor,” said Deborah Thiam of Myanmar, who was given asylum in the United States.

According to the 2000 census, more than 6 percent of Lawrence residents are foreign-born. That compares with 5 percent statewide.

The center started the summer field trips last year. They worked so well, teachers brought the program back.

“If they’re going to stay here, we want them to learn about the community,” said Norma Harrod, an ESL teacher.

One student decided to volunteer at a local shelter after visiting it. Another student inquired about getting a job at a site they visited.

“They make the contacts in the community, and then you let them go,” said Carol Pilant, an ESL teacher.

Along the way, there are many giggles. On the airport tour, Thiam looked at a small plane and wondered if it could take her to Myanmar.

Though some may not have understood all the English being spoken, they still smiled and seemed to enjoy the experience.

“It’s amazing how well they get along,” Harrod said. “Sometimes you want to be a mouse and hear the conversation.”