May Term Travel

During this May term, we will immerse ourselves in the history of argumentation at its birthplace in the Western tradition, Athens, Greece. Our journey will take us to key historical sites, including the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, and the Theatre of Dionysus, where some of the earliest documented debates took place. We will also travel to the island of Rhodes to tour the Colossus of Rhodes while also visiting some of the best beaches in the world! Additionally, students will learn about the history of Bulgaria through walking tours in the capital of Sofia, engage in civil debates with Bulgaria’s National Debate Team, and explore cultural and historical sites, such as the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the National Palace of Culture, and the Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis (one of the world’s best preserved ancient Roman theaters). This course allows for an in-depth exploration of two countries with historical roots in argumentation and political communication. Through pre-course research assignments, participation in structured debates (as participants and adjudicators), in-country dialogues to encourage critical reflection of cultural experiences, and a reflection paper on cultural and historical narratives, students will gain valuable knowledge and understanding about the function of political communication in Bulgaria and Greece.

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking biodiversity of Costa Rica while exploring its unique cultural history. Discover why this small Central American country is renowned for elevating healthcare and education to the status of human rights guaranteed in its constitution. This course offers a unique journey where you will engage with physicians, educators, musicians, historians, and activists to understand influences on the current political climate.  You will explore the historical, economic, ecological, and cultural forces shaping this country.  With unparalleled access to Indigenous and Afro-Caribbean communities, you will experience rich cultural traditions through music, art, and cuisine.  Immersion in rural immigrant farming communities will connect you with their struggles and triumphs. Science majors will witness the interconnectedness of healthcare, conservation of natural resources, and social justice, gaining invaluable insights from local physicians and others who advocate for equality. Education majors will explore the unique cultural influences on pedagogical approaches that empower individuals and communities to achieve their full potential. This immersive experience offers opportunities for practice in conversational Spanish.  Embarking on this adventure in Costa Rica will deepen your understanding of the intersection between healthcare, education, and society and inspire you to create positive change in the world.

Our May term will focus on two primary Tibetan diasporic communities. First, we will stay at the serene Sera Jey monastery in South India, situated in the lush, forested areas of Karnataka. Here, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a Tibetan community of some 5,000 monks and other members in the surrounding lay community. We will learn about Tibetan culture, practice, and how it is informed by Buddhist beliefs, as well as enjoy the natural and architectual beauty of the area. Students will experience Tibetan food, dance, art, as well as interact with Tibetan-speaking students at the monastic Secondary School.

Next, we will head to Dharamshala, situated at the foot of the Himalayan Mountain Range in Northern India. There, we will immerse ourselves in a bustling Tibetan community that has become a central hub for travelers the world over. Dharamshala is also the resident capital of HH The Dalai Lama. We expect to have a meeting with him! We will take day hikes in the Himalayan foothills and enjoy breathtaking views. In addition to its natural beauty, Dharamshala is also the political seat of the Tibetan Government in Exile. We will also have an opportunity to explore these institutions and learn about the political challenges Tibetans in diaspora face.

The boundaries between the sacred and the secular in Japan are often fluid: shrines and temples stand adjacent to markets and government buildings, and festival days feature both prayer and revelry. Nevertheless, rituals and customs help Japanese people delineate these spaces and times to maintain the purity of the sacred ones. This course will provide students with multiple opportunities to visit both sacred and secular sites in Japan and to participate in some of the practices that define the sacred and secular in everyday life. Students will travel to Tokyo and Kamakura, learning about the importance of Shinto and Buddhist traditions as well as the significance of festivals and Sumo wrestling. They will also have a unique opportunity to spend several days visiting students at Yamanashi Prefectural University in Kofu where they will make new friends and build intercultural bridges as they explore the home of Mt. Fuji, one of the most sacred landmarks of the country.

In a country about twice the size of Iowa, New Zealand offers an incredible array of landscapes.  The relatively small country offers mountains, glaciers, beaches, fjords, plains, and volcanoes all offering beauty and opportunities for exploration. This course will allow students to explore the country through photography, capturing the diverse geography through hands-on learning and activities that will provide students with useful skills and worldviews to take into their lives at or after Simpson. Through photo assignments, students will learn new perspectives, manual photography skills, and Adobe Photoshop techniques. Students will also gain insight into the Māori culture through culturally immersive experiences. Students must provide their own photography equipment.

This course is designed to teach students about the similarities and differences in the criminal justice systems of the United States, Ireland, and Northern Ireland. We will examine the history of the systems and work our way into the similarities (and differences) between law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Participants will gain a first-hand look at the history of the Troubles, meeting with ex-combatants, politicians, and youth workers with both experiences in the conflict and peace process. Additionally, we will look at innovative types of alternative justice practiced in both places. The course, along with the study abroad portion, will serve as a way for students to see, firsthand, many of the things that helped shaped criminal justice systems overtime.

How would you like to experience life in Madrid and Barcelona, Spain’s two largest cities and two of the top travel destinations in all of Europe?  This course allows you to do exactly that as you examine the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) in its urban context, both past and present. Students will visit museums and memorials, participate in planned tours, and meet urban residents who have been impacted by the War either directly or indirectly.  Throughout the course, you will examine the importance of historical memory as well as social and political movements that have served to give a voice to the voiceless during the violent conflict and the thirty-six year dictatorship of Francisco Franco which followed.  In the one credit prep-course, you will prepare for the trip abroad with readings in Spanish literature and history as well as feature films and documentaries which will assist you in better understanding the impact the Spanish Civil War has had on the residents of the urban centers throughout the last century.  In both Madrid and Barcelona, you will be given free time to explore these dynamic and fascinating cities.  Students are NOT required to speak Spanish to take this class/trip.

Despite its compact size—just 100 miles long and 35 miles wide—Puerto Rico offers an incredible range of learning opportunities for those up for an adventure! In this Scientific Inquiry course, you will engage with local scientists and conservation organizations through the following activities: contribute to ocean conservation and coral reef restoration by partnering with local organizations such as ISER Caribe; work side by side with marine biologists from local universities;  earn your PADI Open Water Scuba certification and log numerous dives in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island; snorkel vibrant coral reefs & estuaries, and kayak a bioluminescent bay at night; and embark on guided tours of beautiful tropical rainforests, rivers, waterfalls, and beaches. Additionally, we will immerse ourselves in the culture of Puerto Rico through the following activities: connect with the friendly, vibrant locals in both English and Spanish, and embrace the island’s lively blend of Taíno, Spanish, and African traditions; savor the delicious cuisine for which Puerto Rico is known, from food truck fare to hidden-gem local restaurants; visit cultural landmarks, including museums, art galleries, murals, and historic sites in San Juan; dive into Puerto Rican music and hone your moves with a salsa dance class; and catch some waves with beginner surf lessons.

Lastly, no passport is needed! As a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico welcomes American citizens and permanent residents without the need for a passport. All you need is a valid ID, like a driver’s license or state ID, and you’re ready to go!

Immerse yourself in America’s rich politics and history with a week of on-campus learning and an 8-9 day trip to our nation’s capital. A typical itinerary includes the US Capitol, the State Department, the National Archives, Arlington Cemetery, Holocaust Museum, Library of Congress, the US Supreme Court and (if tour is available) the White House. You will also have opportunity to job shadow with a Simpson graduate in DC and spend the evening exploring the city in your free time. After we return to campus, you will participate in group discussions and write a career-focused research paper.