International Trips
Middlesex students have taken several trips over the last few years to Paris, Morocco, Greece,
Panama, Taiwan, Berlin, Prague, and the Dominican Republic. Below are some highlights from those trips.
Paris: Arts Department
The Music and Visual Arts department traveled to Paris, France, under the leadership of Pierson Wetzel and Stacey McCarthy. The itinerary included visits to renowned cultural institutions such as the Musée d’Orsay, the Louvre, Musee Picasso, and the Centre Pompidou, and opportunities to explore lesser-known contemporary galleries. Days were filled with artistic discovery and cultural exploration and evenings were filled with performances ranging from opera at the Palais Garnier to jazz at Le Duc des Lombards.
Greece: Classics Department
Γειά σας (hello) και χαίρετε (greetings)! In collaboration with the Paideia Institute, the Classics Department offered students the chance to explore the archaeological wonders of ancient Greece with expert guides while experiencing the vibrant culinary and artistic traditions of modern Greece, one of the most picturesque destinations in the world. Students immersed themselves in ancient history at the Acropolis and Mycenae, marveled at the stunning views from Cape Sounion and heights of Nafplio, pondered the mysteries of the ancient oracle at Delphi in the shadow of Mt. Parnassus, and followed in the footsteps of legendary athletes who were once crowned Olympic champions in the Sanctuary of Zeus at Olympia.
Morocco: French Department
The French Department explored the cities of Rabat, Chefchaouen, Fez, and Casablanca; highlights will include the Hassan Tower, the Alcazaba fortress, the Bou Inania Madrasa, the Aben Danan Synagogue, the Roman ruins of Volubilis, and the Hassan II Mosque. They visited the Moroccan souks–the traditional markets–as well as the famous medinas, the Islamic old towns known for their narrow, winding streets. This trip was the perfect opportunity for French students to display their language skills, all while taking in the sights of some of the most beautiful places in the Francophone world.
Panama: Science Department
Working with the School for Field Studies' Center for Tropical Island and Biodiversity Studies, the group traveled to Bocas del Toro, located on the southern tip of Isla Colón, in the Caribbean Sea, to learn firsthand about topics such as tropical ecology, biodiversity conservation, tourism impacts, and ecosystem health. The trip started with two days in Panama City, which included visits to the Panama Canal, Parque Natural Metropolitana, and the BioMuseum.
Dominican Republic: Spanish Department
Students participated in a variety of culturally immersive activities that include locally led projects coordinated by 7 Elements. Projects included Bottle House building, and Medical Brigades with Local Doctors. Every Program is accompanied by an educational curriculum that focuses on a theme, such as global health, and the environment. Students stayed at the "home base" of the company in the community of Las Canas, and had the opportunity to do some sight-seeing.