Alumni College Abroad
March 18, 2020: Alumni College Abroad Update Regarding COVID-19
On March 17, President Valerie Smith extended the period of modified College operations and remote learning through the end of the spring semester. Additional measures to promote social distancing, including the prohibition of College-sponsored international and domestic travel, have been extended through at least May 31.
Given these developments, the increasing unpredictability of travel bans and other restrictions on public gatherings imposed by governments, and our commitment to helping to slow the spread of COVID-19, the College has formally withdrawn its endorsement of both the Galápagos Islands and Scottish Highlands & Norwegian Fjords trips scheduled for this spring. If you are booked on either of these programs, Engaging Journeys, Inc., the travel company the College contracts with to plan and coordinate the Alumni College Abroad program, will be in touch soon with additional information about your particular trip, including updates regarding refunds and opportunities to reschedule. While it is ultimately your decision whether or not to participate, we encourage you to reschedule to a future date.
Thank you for your patience and understanding at this time.
Be well,
Lisa Shafer
Senior Director, Alumni & Parent Engagement
Swarthmore College
lshafer1@swarthmore.edu
Galápagos Islands – See note above regarding COVID-19.
May 14 - 20, 2020
The College has formally withdrawn its endorsement of this program. If you are booked on this trip, we encourage you to reschedule to a future date. Contact lshafer1@swarthmore.edu with questions.
Scottish Highlands & Norwegian Fjords — See note above regarding COVID-19.
The College has formally withdrawn its endorsement of the May 30 - June 7, 2020 program. If you are booked on this trip, we encourage you to reschedule to our future date, June 13-21, 2021, which will be led by Professor Dominic Tierney. Contact lshafer1@swarthmore.edu with questions.
Trans-Siberian Railway from Mongolia to Moscow
July 12-25, 2020
Shared departure.
Join fellow Swarthmore alumni, family and friends for an unparalleled journey through history on the Trans-Siberian Railway—a legendary network of rails as you leisurely traverse two continents by private train during this epic adventure—through the Mongolian steppes, along the remote shores of Lake Baikal, and deep into Russia.
Summer Iceland Exploration
August 9-16, 2020
Hosted by Sibelan Forrester, Professor of Russian
This captivating geological wonderland called Iceland offers the opportunity to explore dramatic phenomena: colossal glaciers, active volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, glacial rivers, cascading waterfalls, moss-covered lava fields, and glacial lagoons as we enjoy the long evening twilight of the northern summer and visit a wondrous variety of small settlements and towns.
Six-Day Getaway to Budapest
September 19-25, 2020
Straddling the Danube River, with the iconic Chain Bridge linking Buda on the west bank with Pest on the east, Budapest is one of Europe's most attractive cities. With round-trip international airfare included, a welcome reception and dinner, full breakfasts daily, two lunches, and a farewell dinner, this six-day getaway is an excellent travel bargain.
Southwest National Parks
September 23 - October 1, 2020
Shared departure. Co-sponsored with Case Western University.
Immerse yourself in the majestic beauty of the American Southwest, discovering the geological wonders of our national parks including visits to Grand Canyon, Zion, and Bryce Canyon. Millions of years of uplift and erosion have left a spectacular, monumental imprint across America’s Southwest plateau.
Trade Routes of Coastal Iberia
October 3-11, 2020
Hosted by Mark Wallace, Professor of Religion
Shared departure.
Cruise the ancient trade routes of Phoenician, Roman and Moorish mariners on this comprehensive itinerary to the coastal jewels of the Iberian Peninsula. En route from Barcelona to Lisbon, admire four UNESCO World Heritage sites and experience Portugal’s lesser-traveled Algarve region.
Greece: The Land of Gods and Heroes
October 10 - 19, 2020
Hosted by Patricia Reilly, Associate Professor of Art History
We invite you to join us on this journey through classical Greece! Long ago, the ancient poets wrote the first epics of war and love, families and feuds, trickery and revenge, Gods and Heroes. Here, in glorious Greece, you’ll see where theater was born, consult the oracle at Delphi, stand where St. Paul preached to the Corinthians, and walk under the Lion Gate at Mycenae, just as the blind poet Homer recorded it nearly 3,000 years ago.
Discover Colombia: Coffee, Culture & Cuisine
October 24 -31, 2020
Colombia, a country that boasts about its coffee, music and cuisine, and one of the fastest growing destinations for tourism in South America. Colombia has emerged as a nation over the past two decades and today stands as a model of how peace and transformation can lead to growth and prosperity.
Southern Skies of Chile: Total Solar Eclipse
December 9–16, 2020
Hosted by Jesse Rivera, Visiting Assistant Professor of Astronomy
Co-sponsored with Tufts University
On December 14, 2020, join Swarthmore as we witness a total solar eclipse in the south-central region of Chile. Chile is renowned for its astronomical observatories and this once-in-a-lifetime experience in a country of diverse people, topography, high deserts, salt lakes, a host of animal life and cosmopolitan cities will leave you wishing for more. LIMITED AVAILABILITY– ONLY 8 SPACES!
Exploring the Sea of Cortez: A Living Sea & Desert Isles
December 27, 2020 – January 3, 2021
Hosted by Scott Gilbert, Howard A. Schneiderman Professor of Biology, Emeritus
Shared departure.
Explore the Sea of Cortez: one of the best places in the world to see a great variety of whales, plus dolphins in abundance. With a flexible itinerary, rely on our expert staff to follow the seasonal movements of migrating birds and feeding whales insuring excellent wildlife sightings. Hike forests of giant cacti, snorkel with sea lions, and discover rare wildlife among desert islands.
Château de Camon: Exploring the Languedoc Region of France
October 8-16, 2021
Hosted by Patricia Reilly, Associate Professor of Art History
With the Château de Camon as our base for seven nights, each day we will set off to explore the antiquities of the Aude and Ariège regions. From the ruins of Cathar castles to the medieval grandeur of Carcassonne, it will be impossible to head home without feeling touched by the shadows of the past.
AND MORE...
California Rail Discovery: August 11, 2021 -- more info coming soon!
Maiz, Mole and Mezcal: A Culinary Journey in Oaxaca
Discover Egypt and the Nile Valley by Dahabiya
Circumnavigation of the South Island of New Zealand
Southern Spain: Madrid & Andalucia
Springtime in Provence: Burgundy and Beaujolais
Inland Sea of Japan: Featuring Kyoto
Voyage to the Almafi Coast and Sicily: Rome to Malta
Under the Midnight Sun: Arctic Expedition
Alaska's Glacier and the Inside Passage
The Danube: Vienna to Bucharest
Antiquities of the Red Sea and the Aegean Sea
Ancient Civilizations: Adriatic and Aegean Odyssey
Icelandic Getaway: A Long Weekend in Reykjavik
Past trip photos:
