Alumni College Abroad
View a complete list of Alumni College Abroad trips planned for 2020–21.
Expedition to Antarctica
January 28 - February 10, 2020
Hosted by Betsy Bolton, Professor & Chair of English Literature
Discover Antarctica, and see how its spectacular illuminations reveal the mystique and contrasts of the most unique place on Earth to those fortunate enough to visit on this extraordinary 14-day program aboard an exclusively chartered, state-of-the-art, Five-Star, ice-class vessel.
Passage through the Panama Canal & Costa Rica -- SOLD OUT!
February 5-13, 2020
Hosted by Caitlin Halloran Edwards, Associate Director of Alumni & Parent Engagement
We invite you to voyage from the Pacific to the Atlantic through one of the greatest man-made wonders of the world, the ingenious Panama Canal. During a specially arranged daylight transit, experience firsthand the mighty locks that raise and lower oceangoing vessels 85 feet, to accomplish in mere hours what would have taken a three-week circumnavigation of South America in years gone by.
Morocco
March 6-15, 2020
Join Swarthmore alumni, family and friends as we experience a classic expedition to the magnificent Imperial Cities and Atlas Mountains of Morocco. The exotic blend of ancient and modern, African, Arabian, and European influences will almost seem a mirage as you journey between the imperial cities.
Flavors of Sicily (no single supplement)
April 17-25, 2020
With Sicilian wine, cuisine, and culture as the inspiration, and a private villa as your home base, we invite you to join fellow Swarthmore alumni, family and friends and explore the beauty of Sicily. An intimate, small-group atmosphere and authentically Sicilian experience distinguish this nine-day program.
Galápagos Islands -- SOLD OUT!
May 14 - 20, 2020
Hosted by Vince Formica, Associate Professor of Evolution
Travel aboard a genuine expedition ship with a team of naturalists, an undersea specialist, and expert photographers who share more of the wild wonders. You’ll walk among marine iguanas resting on their lava perches, frigatebirds with their robust inflated pouches, Galápagos penguins searching for food, and giant tortoises stoically roaming the highlands.
Scottish Highlands & Norwegian Fjords -- SOLD OUT!
May 30 - June 7, 2020
Hosted by Dominic Tierney, Associate Professor of Political Science
This specially designed itinerary follows along the stepping stones of Nordic and Scottish civilizations during the best time of year, when the weather is mild and the days are long—a unique voyage accomplished only aboard a small ship cruising into smaller ports where larger vessels cannot venture.
The New Berlin: A City United
May 29 - June 6, 2020
Hosted by Sunka Simon, Professor of German, Film and Media Studies
Come and see the intersection where the worlds of communism and capitalism collided. A world of contrasts where one foot stands firmly in the history of the great nation of Germany and one-foot steps into a bright and modern future. With world-class museums, filled with the treasures of antiquity, set in a city that has embraced modern art in all its forms, Berlin will win your heart and your mind.
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.
Southern Skies of Chile: Total Solar Eclipse
December 9–16, 2020
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.
Past trip photos:
