Principians Study All Over the Map
For generations of Principians, studying abroad has been a highlight of their College experience. Based on the line-up of abroad programs stretching into 2012, that won’t be changing anytime soon. Far from tourist-style travel, Principia’s abroad programs include a home stay whenever possible so that students experience day-to-day life much as an ordinary citizen would. And although each program has a clear academic focus, participation is never limited to those in a particular major. As a result, students with a wide range of interests and expertise wind up traveling together, which adds to the richness and diversity of the experience.
Here’s a list of the abroad programs taking place over the next two years:
Peru (Spring Quarter 2010)
Students will cultivate an understanding, appreciation, and respect for the Peruvian culture while advancing their Spanish language skills through small-group instruction and home stays. They will also do volunteer service work and help harvest fields on the island of Amantani. The ecology block will include a 5-day trek, exploration of Machu Picchu and the Colca Valley, and a study of the marine environment.
Mongolia (Summer 2010)
Students will live and learn by spending one week in China and eight weeks in Mongolia, exploring the connections between physical, biological, and human environments.
Nepal (Fall Quarter 2010)
Focusing on the history, culture, and natural environment of Nepal, students will explore its culture, religious philosophies, conservation practices, and biophysical characteristics, in part by conducting individual field research on specific social issues.
Japan (Fall Quarter 2010)
Through a cross-disciplinary study of contemporary Japan, with an emphasis on its culture, history, language, and society, students will examine the key events, values, and forces that have shaped Japan’s history and culture—and supply the context for understanding its future.
Brazil (Winter Quarter 2011)
Students will concentrate on contemporary Brazil and the innovative solutions being used to address longstanding problems. These solutions incorporate cultural and ethnic diversity and integration, green energy and habitat conservation, antipoverty and development measures enabled by economic growth, and new ways to think about urban space. Coursework will focus on culture, sustainable development, and the Portuguese language.
China and the Silk Road (Spring Quarter 2011)
Through an introduction to the Silk Road, especially Central Asia (from the Caspian Sea to Beijing), students will consider the question, “What is the self-image of the peoples/nations of the Silk Road?” Academic study will focus on geography, history, culture, religion, politics, and popular culture.
Prague Abroad (Spring Quarter 2011)
Students will explore the connections between creativity, critical thought, and responsible citizenship through cultural study, literature, creative writing, and studio art as they travel and study in Prague and the Czech Republic.
Shakespeare’s England (Fall Semester 2011)
To better appreciate the work of Shakespeare as both literature and theatre, students will spend half of the term in England doing intensive study and rehearsal of Shakespeare as well as cultural study. The other half will be spent on the College campus, culminating in a Shakespearean production.
Drawing beyond the Surface (Turkey and Greece) (Fall Semester 2011)
Through an interdisciplinary study of the visual cultures of Turkey and Greece, students will explore studio art, art history, film, photography, design, art criticism, and cultural studies. In the process, they’ll develop new skills in seeing, drawing, designing, writing, and presenting ideas and information.
Paris and Nice Abroad (Spring Semester 2012)
For the first nine weeks of the term, while still on campus, students will use an interdisciplinary approach to the study of history, art history, sociology, and the French language to develop broadly applicable tools of cross-cultural understanding. Then, for three weeks in Paris and three weeks in Nice, they’ll use these tools to bridge the gap between Americans and the French.
Iceland Abroad (May 2012)
For a month in Iceland, students will explore the theme “sustainability through community.” With one of the world’s oldest eco-villages as their home base, they’ll learn about renewable energy, organic cultivation, recycling, the production of arts and crafts from natural resources, and the big difference a small group of committed people can make.
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