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.
London: Arts Department
London is the most exciting, affordable city in the world to see live theatre. The week-long trip was committed not only to exploring the centuries-old roots of the English-speaking theatre, but also to immersing students in the vibrant, multicultural explosion of new works that the city produces each season. Students experienced the way Shakespeare was first performed firsthand and also saw productions that reinvent the classics, as well as a host of contemporary performances that seek to leave a mark on our times. Students saw more than seven shows and engaged in two acting workshops with London actors and directors. As a bonus, we will venture out of the city for a day, exploring Oxford and Shakespeare’s home base, Stratford-upon-Avon.
South Africa: Culture, Service, & Adventure
The immersive trip began in Cape Town with visits to Robben Island, a community soup kitchen, and a sunset beach picnic. In addition, students climbed Table Mountain, engaged in service activities with South African students, and enjoyed dinner with a local family. The trip continued with a visit to the Cape of Good Hope and a swim with penguins at Boulders Beach. From there, the group flew to East London and traveled to Bulungula Lodge on the Wild Coast, where they learned about inspiring nonprofits in Zithulele village, volunteered with children in a community school, and experienced local isiXhosa culture. The final days included a scenic hike, a tour at a family-run, off-grid eco farm, and adventure activities like quad biking or canoeing. The trip wrapped up with a half-day safari before heading home.
China: Language Department
Students traveled through Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, and Shanghai for an immersive experience designed to deepen their appreciation for Chinese culture, language, and the arts. From the Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors to the National Museum in Beijing and Shanghai’s dynamic art districts, students discovered how the past and present connect through creativity. Students experienced a service day at the Panda Research Base and hiked Qingcheng Mountain, a sacred Daoist site that reveals how ancient philosophy continues to shape Chinese thought today.
In addition to visiting world-class museums, students took part in hands-on workshops with Chinese peers—creating bamboo weaving and tie-dye while exploring the richness of China’s intangible cultural heritage.
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.