Saint Michael’s College is once again leading the way in providing enriching academic experiences through its faculty-led study trips. Each year, the college offers a selection of these trips, designed for students who may not have the opportunity to spend an entire semester abroad. These immersive excursions serve as an intensive alternative, allowing students to blend classroom knowledge with the vibrant perspectives of new cultures.
This summer, adventure awaits students in Quebec City, Ireland, Denmark, and Wales, offering a diverse range of topics spanning from language immersion to biological field studies.
### Quebec City
Starting May 14, students will embark on a three-week journey to Quebec City, where they will dive into the French language and the intricacies of Quebecois culture. Living with host families, students will engage in intensive language courses while enhancing their conversational skills through exploration of the city’s historic and natural sites.
“What’s unique about our academic study trip to Quebec City is its focus on intensive language learning,” explains French Professor Peter Vantine, who leads the trip. He emphasizes that students will participate in tailored language courses based on their proficiency levels, along with daily excursions that highlight Quebecois history and culture—all conducted in French.
Beyond the classroom, students will have the chance to visit iconic landmarks like the Château de Frontenac, the Citadel of Quebec, and Montmorency Falls, as well as partake in a cruise along the Saint-Laurent River.
For Addy Dolley, a health science major with minors in chemistry and French, the opportunity to enhance her fluency in French is particularly exciting. “I’m eager to improve my conversation skills and gain more confidence in my abilities,” she shares.
### Ireland
From May 12, students will head to a quaint fishing village on Ireland’s southwest coast for a two-week exploration of biological field sites. Here, they will gather data for statistical analysis while honing various field techniques within the unique ecosystems of the Dingle Peninsula.
“The landscape of the Dingle Peninsula offers a distinctive slice of European flora and fauna, shaped by the historical practices of the Irish people,” says Professor Declan McCabe, who leads the trip. “This environment, starkly different from our forested Vermont, will profoundly influence our experiences.”
Alongside rigorous fieldwork, students can look forward to activities like Irish dancing, cooking lessons, and horseback riding, all while immersing themselves in local culture. “Living in the village and shopping for groceries will foster authentic interactions with the locals,” McCabe adds.
Participants like Karli Lafferty and Skyleigh Bickings are keen to gain hands-on experience that may guide their future career paths. “I’m hoping to explore if this field is right for me,” says Lafferty, while Bickings dreams of applying her newfound skills in scientific data collection to her future endeavors.
### Denmark
From May 15 to May 26, students will find themselves in Copenhagen, where they’ll delve into Danish culture, business, government, and healthcare. Planned visits to notable organizations like Lego and Parliament will provide insights into how Denmark’s values shape its public policy and business practices.
“Unlike the primarily employer-based healthcare system in the U.S., Denmark offers universal health care funded through taxes,” explains Professor Paul Olsen, who is leading the trip alongside political science expert Patricia Siplon. They aim for students to draw comparisons between Danish and American institutions while visiting cultural treasures like the National Gallery of Denmark and Tivoli Gardens.
Olsen, whose familial roots trace back to Denmark, is particularly excited to share the country’s rich heritage with his students. “My many visits to Denmark as a child have instilled in me a deep appreciation for its culture,” he reflects.
### Wales
Between May 26 and June 9, students will immerse themselves in the stunning natural landscapes of Wales. This two-week excursion will focus on sustainability, examining how the country integrates this principle into its policies, economy, and cultural practices.
Participants will engage in environmental and political field studies, enjoy guest lectures, and collaborate on research projects with faculty from the University of Wales-Trinity Saint David. Accommodation on the Carmarthen campus positions students just a stone’s throw from the city—the oldest in Wales—with quick train access to the Welsh Assembly, the Center for Alternative Technology, and breathtaking hiking opportunities.
These study trips at Saint Michael’s College are not merely academic exercises; they are transformative experiences that encourage students to step out of their comfort zones, embrace new challenges, and forge connections that will enrich their understanding of the world.
