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This highly traditional society is turning towards the future It has been fifty years since the dawn of Mao’s Cultural Revolution, and while the Great Leap Forward proved to be anything but, in many ways China now finds itself the envy of the developed world. Students live in the sprawling ultramodern city of Shanghai during their time here, where they’ll find an incredible diversity of people to interact with, an...

A country steeped in valleys and values While its neighbors in the United Arab Emirates construct ever-taller skyscrapers in a race towards the heavens, Oman is a country content to let its beautiful terrains and timeless traditions do the talking. The Middle East’s oldest independent state is a land without ego; modern, but not excessive, and filled with some of the friendliest people in the world. During their time in...

There’s a lot to love about this tropical paradise Long a crossroads for culture and business due to the canal that runs through it, Panama makes perfect sense as a host country due to its smorgasbord of African, American Indian, North American, and Spanish influences. While definitely a melting pot due to steady immigration, rich cultural traditions unique to Panama still abound due to an indigenous population that has taken...

The birthplace of democracy is a beauty to behold Much like the olive oil that flows through every dish, Greece is rich with history, flavor, and warmth. Sun-bleached ruins tell stories of ancient philosophers and legendary gods, while the rhythmic sounds of bouzouki music drift through bustling tavernas. The scent of fresh oregano and grilled souvlaki regularly fills the air, inviting you to slow down and savor every moment, just...

Hobbits and volcanoes in the Southern Hemisphere Auckland, New Zealand seamlessly blends ancient Maori traditions with ultramodern innovation. Diverse to its core, the city contains the largest Polynesian community in the world, and our time there gave us a prime opportunity to examine their storied history and subsequent path to equality. After a studious term at host school AGC Senior College we spent two weeks exploring the North Island’s Bay...

Safaris and service in eastern Africa Our two-week intersession in Tanzania began with a day trip to the Materuni waterfalls, where we visited a local farm to learn about the importance of coffee to Tanzania’s economy before making the 30-minute hike to the falls themselves. Next, we spent four days aiding in the construction of a new school for local students, digging its foundation and ensuring that the children of...

Hot dogs and history in the cradle of the American Revolution With a prominent role in the settling and formation of the United States, Boston remains a hotbed of political activity to this day. Home to dozens of colleges and universities, it’s also a mecca for intellectuals of all stripes: refugees and rebels, activists and industrialists, philosophers and physicists, among so many others. We found an ideal temporary home with...

History and happiness in the “Land of the Thunder Dragon” During our term in Bhutan we learned about the country’s innovative approach to planning the next stages of global development using the four pillars of Gross National Happiness as organizing principles. We visited massive fortress monasteries known as dzongs, including the Trashichodzong (Thimphu Dzong), where we studied its design with noted architect Karma Gelay. We explored Bhutan’s holy Buddhist temples...

Arts and awareness in “the Paris of South America” Buenos Aires is the gateway to Argentina’s geological wonders, which run from the continental spine of the Andes to the polar fingertips of the Tierra del Fuego. During our Argentina term, students had the chance to experience November’s Night of the Museums celebration like a local, staying out at major art galleries, libraries, and theaters until sunrise with THINK Global School...

Art, science, and politics in the center of Europe Where would the world be without X-rays, aspirin, nuclear fission, or gummy bears? Students pondered the importance of these classic German inventions over the course of our term in Berlin, a counter-cultural mecca that’s been a world leader in science, technology, commerce, philosophy, and the arts for centuries. Students learned about propaganda and tolerance in the shadow of World War II...