May Term Travel

This travel photography course will immerse students in the architectural and cultural landscapes of Europe. The course will spend a week studying in Italy (Rome, Florence, Venice, and Cinque Terre) and will also include shorter stays in Dubrovnik, Croatia, and Prague, Czechia.  Each location is unique and historical in its own way, and each will offer stunning environments to capture with our cameras.  Our travels abroad will include both guided experiences and free exploration opportunities to become acquainted with the rich cultures and histories of the countries.  English is widely spoken in the countries, so these locations are easy to navigate without previous language experience!

Students will develop useful photography and travel skills to apply to their lives at or after Simpson. Through photo assignments and creation of images, students will learn new perspectives, artistic techniques, manual photography skills, and Adobe Photoshop strategies. There is no photography experience required to apply for this course, but students must provide their own camera.

If you’re interested in an immersive and life-changing experience traveling abroad and are up for adventure, we hope you join us!

Professor Luke Behaunek and Tayler Keitzer

Are you ready to immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of Peru? This course offers an unforgettable opportunity to explore Peruvian culture through the lens of its indigenous and colonial heritage. You’ll travel to some of the most iconic locations in the Andean region—Lima, Arequipa, and Cusco—discovering the material legacies that have shaped this fascinating culture.

Through hands-on experiences at museums, ancient ruins like Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and the enigmatic Nazca Lines, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the historical forces that continue to influence Peru today. Engaging with both historical and contemporary perspectives, you’ll explore the dynamic processes of cultural conflict and syncretism that define the Andean region.

This course also offers the chance for personal reflection through written assignments, which can be completed in English or Spanish. As you learn about Peru’s complex cultural landscape, you’ll enhance your critical thinking and writing skills while experiencing a new world.

Don’t miss the chance to travel, learn, and grow in one of the most culturally rich countries in the world.

Professors Braden Clinger and Kate Lerseth

A country rich in history, tradition, and culture, Mexico is the third largest county in Latin America and home to more Spanish speakers than any other nation in the world. Evidence of past cultures and historical events are apparent everywhere in Mexico. Many of Mexico’s rural areas are still inhabited by indigenous people whose lifestyles are quite similar to those of their ancestors. In fact, many pre-Colombian ruins from Maya and Aztec civilizations still exist throughout Mexico.

Mexico, the 11^th largest economy in the world, has become a leader in manufacturing since USMCA (North America Free Trade Agreement) came into effect in 1994. Trade is a major driver of the economy, with the combined value of imports and exports equaling 78% of the nation’s GDP; the United States ranks as Mexico’s largest main trade partner.

Due to Mexico’s heavy integration in the USA’s commerce and supply chains, the future of Mexico’s economy remains largely vulnerable to potential renegotiations of USMCA. Further structural issues such as low productivity, high inequality, a large informal sector employing over half of the workforce all pose long-term challenges in the country’s development. However, modern reforms are rapidly taking place to support women including a newly President Claudia Sheinbaum.

Professors Mark Ruelas and Nick Payton

This course will explore the Tibetan diaspora in India, both its cultural, institutional, and religious dimensions. In 1959, hundreds of thousands of Tibetans fled their homeland to follow their spiritual leader, HH The Dalai Lama XIV, into India. Since then, they have rebuilt many of their institutions, communities, and homes across India.
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.

Professors Jed Forman and Aswati Subramanian

Throughout May Term, we will explore the role of gods, goddesses, and governments in making Greece what it is today via visits to major historical and contemporary sites across the nation. Learn about the ancient way of life via exploration of the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Delphi, Archaia Olympia, and Mycenae, while the more modern is explored at the Fortress of Palamidi, the Old Royal Palace, and on the island of Spetses. This course will take us throughout southern Greece and out onto the Peloponnese, from big cities to small towns, where we will see everything from mountains to the Mediterranean. By way of a written reflection, photography project, and pre-trip research assignment, you will gain a greater understanding of Greece and much of what it has to offer. Join us for two weeks in Greece, and you can determine for yourself if the water really is that blue!

Professors Adrienne Gathman and Rebecca Livingstone

An enriching 12-day journey through Germany exploring global corporations, entrepreneurship, and rich cultural history. This immersive experience will take you to the vibrant cities of Berlin, Munich, Stuttgart, and Frankfurt. Students will gain invaluable insights into German business practices, history, and culture, with opportunities to dive deep into topics like post-war reconstruction. The trip also features rides on Germany’s world-renowned train system, guided tours of majestic castles, and much more, offering a comprehensive look at the region’s entrepreneurial landscape and heritage.

Professor John Walker & Kelly Swinton

This course is designed to help students connect their gifts, talents, and deep gladness with the hunger of the world. The course begins with an on-campus week of readings, discussion, and a brief reflection paper.  The classes will involve study of the major conceptual themes of community, service, compassion, social justice, social change, and leadership. The second week of the course involves an intensive service experience that addresses a specific need such as homelessness. During the last week, students will participate in a retreat to reflect on the studies and the week of service, and to incorporate the experience into an understanding of their own gifts in relation to the hunger witnessed and addressed during the service week.