Global Explorations
Each year, Solebury School offers exciting experiences abroad to help students explore new cultures, expand their worldviews, practice another language, and create lifelong memories. The following excursions are available for the 2022-2023 school year and enable students to complete the travel requirement for our Global Education Concentration.
Legacies of Influence in Italian Architecture (Venice, Florence, and Rome) with Atlas Workshops
March 2023
Italy has frequently redefined its place in the global order. From Ancient Rome to Renaissance Florence and Venice, Italian cities have been at the forefront as inventive centers of architecture, engineering, and industry. While these eras are long behind us, this trip will allow us to explore what’s left behind from the cities of the past and consider how ideas from centuries ago continue to shape our world today. As we step inside ancient forums, towering cathedrals, and thriving market squares, we’ll work to understand what has made these places so timeless. Why are historic sites still significant today? How can cities adapt and change while also preserving their defining legacies? See more details about Legacies of Influences here.
An Exploration of Contemporary French Culture (Paris and Marseille)
June 15-24, 2023
As the capital of France, for many, Paris represents French history, cuisine, fashion, and culture. Geographically, it is even located in the region called Ile de France or the Isle of France. From its beautiful museums and monuments, such as the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, to iconic streets, such as the Champs-Elysees, it is a city that is familiar to all of us and never seems to change. In distinct contrast, Marseille is constantly changing and evolving. As France’s second most populated city and biggest Mediterranean port, Marseille offers visitors a chance to explore its multicultural history, southern cuisine, and dynamic cultural sites. It is a city that seems to be built on contrasts. From its oldest center, Le Panier, which dates back to 600 BC, to the Bohemian neighborhood of Cours Julien, known for its street art and graffiti, and the Mucem Museum dedicated to Mediterranean culture, Marseille has definitely earned its title of European Capital of Culture. See more details about French here.
Spanish Exchange in Barcelona, Spain
Solebury School’s partnership with St. Paul's School in Barcelona, Spain, offers a wonderful, short-term (one month) experience for up to five students. St. Paul's School students visit Solebury School in September/October, and Solebury students visit St. Paul's School in February/March. Students will experience the beauty and history of Spanish culture and will strengthen their fluency with the language. Students live with a host family and form a relationship that could last a lifetime. The exchange is intended for 9th and 10th grade students in Levels 2 or 3 of Spanish. There is no additional tuition cost for this program, just the cost of the flight to Spain.
If you are interested in studying in Spain and/or hosting a St. Paul’s School student for the 2023-2024 school year, please contact the Director of Global Education, Lucienne Knight.
"My weekend excursions, along with my own time spent wandering the city, walking down narrow streets and going to museums were the most 'cultural' and engaging times I had in Barcelona. As often as I could, I would take the L3 metro to Plaça Catalunya or Liceu, and from there explore the old city. El Raval and La Ribera are two neighborhoods that I came to know and love, both in the original Barcelona. Many buildings are old and hold historical context, yet the streets are not throbbing with tourists. El Raval has large Arab and Asian populations, and therefore it is a center for many types of ethnic food. It is quite beautiful, with extremely narrow streets with a constant stream of people, bikes, and motorcycles."
— ISAIAH GINSBURG-HENRY '20
Exchange in St-Légier, Switzerland
Solebury School students can participate in a one-month exchange with students from the French/English Haut-Lac International Bilingual School in St-Légier, Switzerland, between Montreaux and Lausanne in the gorgeous Lake Geneva region. Solebury families will host Haut-Lac students in October/November; Solebury students travel to Switzerland in February/March. While in Switzerland, Solebury students will stay with host families, attending classes with their exchange students and exploring the surrounding area. The exchange is intended for 9th and 10th grade students who are in, or have taken, French classes. Preference will be given to these students; however, if you do not take French, you are welcome to apply. There is no additional tuition cost for this program, just the cost of the flight to Switzerland.
If you are interested in studying in Switzerland and/or hosting a Haut-Lac student for the 2023-2024 school year, please contact the Director of Global Education, Lucienne Knight.
Contact
If you have questions about any of the above trips, please contact Lucienne Knight