Guatemala – History, Culture, and Forensics

• Dates – November 19th to 30th (Thanksgiving Break)
• Purpose – This year’s trip to Guatemala is designed to help students understand how Guatemala became the country it is today.  We will start the trip in the capital city, where students will be introduced to the central ideas that the rest of the trip will focus on.  Activities will include a tour of a coffee farm, where we will explore the growing economy of the country and its continued reliance on indigenous and local knowledge; walking through the bustling markets of downtown Guatemala City; and visiting with the team that runs FAFG, the premier forensic anthropology group in Central America, as they try to solve the mysteries of the Civil Conflict. Next, we will head to the black sand beaches of the Pacific coast, where we will explore the impacts of climate change and the burgeoning tourism industry, kayak in a mangrove delta, chase sailfish, and more. And, finally, we will spend time on Lake Atitlan and in Antigua, the two major tourist sites in the country. There, we will investigate the impacts of tourism and the ownership of the story of Guatemala and its people. Throughout the trip, students will have the chance to practice Spanish and take lessons taught by local teachers.

Senegal – A Unique Country Across Time & Place

• Dates – February 25th to March 7th (Preseason) or March 15th (entire Spring Break)
• Purpose – This year’s trip to Senegal will provide a unique window into life in “The Country of Hospitality.”  The itinerary is designed to reveal the history and more current events that have shaped Senegal as a stark contrast to the generalizations of Africa.  Students will get to live in the middle of a traditional Mandinka village in the southeastern corner of the country, explore the vastness of Niokolo Koba National Park (the largest in West Africa), experience the labyrinthian mangrove creeks of the Sine Saloum Delta, feel the vibes of Dakar, learn about Sufi Islam and the Mouride Brotherhood in Touba, and relax in a quiet fishing village south of the capital.  Throughout the trip, they’ll get to know incredible individuals with unique life stories – and the themes of trade, colonialism, the blending of religions, and physical strength will tie it all together.  

India – Rivers of History & Culture

• Dates – May 30th to June 18th
• Purpose – This year’s trip to India will focus on the world’s holiest river system in the northern state of Uttarakhand, the Ganges.  We’ll study the impacts of a major dam project that will permanently alter the region.  Students will get to look at the social, environmental, and economic considerations and contribute to ongoing research on the project.  We’ll consider the many ways that people continue to live off of the world’s holiest river.  In Agora, nestled above a key headwater, we’ll see traditional living at its finest.  Near Rishikesh, the Yoga Capital of the World, we’ll feel the spiritual significance of the mighty river and explore a National Park protected by the region’s religious significance.  Throughout the trip, students will get to meet incredible people, eat some of the best food in the world, ride elephants, and generally benefit from what is undoubtedly one of the most unique countries on the planet.