2013 International Newsletter

www.lawrenceville.org/academics/international

Global

LAWRENCEVILLE

INTERNATIONAL

PROGRAMS

discovery CONTENTS IT IS MID-JUNE AS I SIT TO WORK ON PULLING THE ARTICLES AND PICTURES TOGETHER FOR THIS NEWSLETTER, AND I CANNOT HELP TO THINK ABOUT THE “EXTRA MILE,” OR IN OUR CASE HERE, “LEAGUES OF MILES” OUR FACULTY AND STAFF GO WHEN THEY PUT TOGETHER AND LEAD THESE TRIPS.

SPRING 2013 02 PERU 04 JORDAN 06 CHILE 08 CHINA 11 AUSTRIA/GERMANY 16 MEXICO 20 BRAZIL 21 ITALY 22 COSTA RICA 23 CENTRAL AMERICA SUMMER 2013 10 ALASKA 12 CAMBODIA 14 RUSSIA 17 FRANCE 18 MEXICO

As the “point person” back on campus for our summer trips, I have the responsibility of fielding calls from our trip leaders if they have a situation arise that requires assistance from the main office. Fortunately, our trip leaders are well trained before heading off into the field with students, and seldom require our help, but they know if they need it, either myself, or Louise Wright, associate director of international programs, are available.

Our faculty are confident enough when they depart Lawrenceville that they know how to handle flight problems, money issues, medical situations…anything that could throw an unprepared trip leader into a panic, our trip leaders handle with a high degree of care and professionalism. Our Program and Trip Leaders have worked hard to get to this point and they have our full confidence when they travel with our students.

Ultimately this program can’t exist without the great work, effort, care, and time our faculty and staff put forth in creating and leading these trips. Currently our trip leaders for our 2014 trips are finalizing their trip plans for the season ahead, looking not only at the travel plans with itinerary and activities, but also putting together trip related curriculum, and researching the opportunities, risks, and possible hazards associated with their specific journey.These trip leaders will be active in their trip advertisement, and later, planning sessions with their groups.

All of this on top of the already incredible and time intensive job of teaching, coaching, advising, and so much more. Wow! So please, as you read through the newsletter and learn about our travel experiences through the pictures and reflections offered from our students, please celebrate with me the faculty and staff who led these trips. They give so much of themselves - not only opening new doors and experiences for our students on our incredible Lawrenceville campus - but also in the field and around the world. Here’s to our trip leaders!

24 UPCOMING TRIPS - 2014

Michael Hanewald ’90 Dir. of Int’l Programs, History Master

Louise Wright Assoc. Dir. of Int’l Programs

The amount of color has left me in awe of the country. I have never seen so many Spring Trip Focus: Dance Studies Trip Leaders: Derrick Wilder

John Chlor

Jennifer Mayr

2

F

ar off in the distance, we glimpsed the majestic snowcapped Andes mountains, mostly blocked from view by the immediate mountains encapsulating the valley far below. We stood still, silent, for a moment, and glanced down at the world below. In that moment, we felt infinite.

This was the awe-inspiring Peru we experienced throughout our touring there.

But unlike most touring trips, we were granted the great opportunity to immerse ourselves in the culture through our study of dance as well. From the celebratory festejo and the folklore dance of the caporales to the strong, work-like huaylas, we twirled and stomped and partnered up. We flicked our handkerchiefs and stepped to the beat of the drums. We learned their dances and taught them ours. As we entered the dance studios, regardless of our being in a different part of the world, all of the language and cultural barriers melted away. And in embracing this different style of dancing, along with the various other styles learned on similar trips over the years, I, along with others, found my own style that melds together everything from ballet to hip-hop, from modern to traditional Ghanaian, Turkish, and Peruvian movements. And this weaving together of different types of dance creates an individual form of dance, a unique story for each individual. With our own distinct styles, we all reach out to the Lawrenceville community and work to instill a love, or at least appreciation for the expression, the language, the lesson, that is dance.

CARA WASHINGTON ’14

EMILY EGBERT ‘13

peru

When we saw Machu Picchu, it was the quietest we’d been the entire trip. As Mr. Wilder would say, ‘be in the moment’ and Machu Picchu is so beautiful that it wasn’t necessary to say anything.

It was difficult to look away from the mountains, but when I did, I could see everyone feeling the same things that I was feeling. I

remember thinking that it was easily the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. It’s the kind of thing that books and pictures can’t do justice. I felt as though seeing it made everything I had ever learned about the Incas real and tangible. It was hard to think I might only get to see Machu Picchu once.

MILES WILSON ‘13

shades and hues. It’s different from the grays and blacks that I am used to.”

I

have come to know people from Lawrenceville and from Peru, people I would not have gotten to know or friends I would not have had the chance to make, without this travel opportunity. For that I am

thankful.

What really amazed me about Peru was its deep and fascinating history beyond 1000 AD in a land that was far from Europe and how present and continuous this history remains in the modern Peruvian culture. Living in the North-Eastern United States my whole life, never focused on the older American cultures, led me to believe the only place with a grand history was Europe.

To hear about the amazing civilizations that rose and crumbled in Peru and to see the remnants of such grand societies, like Machu Picchu and Temples of the Sun and the Moon at Trujillo, made me wish I could have seen them in their glory days!

“What really amazed me about Peru was its deep and fascinating history beyond 1000 AD in a land that was far from Europe and how present and continuous this history remains in the modern Peruvian culture.”

3

Spring Trip Focus: Cultural Immersion Trip Leaders: Cara Hyson

Clare Burchi

jordan “Because of this trip, I am considering returning to King’s Academy for my gap year to fully immerse myself in the culture.”

– Shannon Zhang ‘13, Addendum - Shannon is attending King’s Academy Gap Program starting in fall 2013

4

SHANNON ZHANG ’13

I

n many ways, my trip to Jordan was the best trip I have taken anywhere without my family.

The exceedingly spectacular Roman ruins we got to see were only heightened in beauty by the fantastic weather, and the food, compared to food in America, was flavorful and fresh.

Before going to Jordan, I had no idea what to expect, except a two-dimensional image pieced together from miscellaneous brochures and pictures. Now, however, I will remember Jordan as a place of harmony between east and west, tradition and new age. Our group also ended up having some of the most stimulating and intellectually driven dinner conversations I’ve ever been lucky enough to take part in. Having two history

teachers lead the trip gave me so many chances to learn even more about the culture and history of the region.

While visiting King’s Academy, I heard shocking first-hand stories of many of the conflicts in the Middle East, since most of the students had personal ties to the issues in Syria, Palestine, and Israel. Because of this trip, I am considering returning to King’s Academy for my gap year to fully immerse myself in the culture. I loved everything about my time in Jordan, and when leaving, I wished, with all of my heart, that the trip could have been longer. Thankfully, I may get the chance to return again, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to open my eyes to a whole new region in the world.

5 11

Spring Trip Focus: Trekking In Patagonia Trip Leaders: Marshall Nicoloff

Meg Johnson

JACQUELINE KLOTZ ‘14

chile

6

T

he Patagonia trip was

living, which, upon returning to Law-

so good. I had forgotten, by that time,

was the furthest into the valley that we

the

experi-

renceville, found that most people can-

what my toes and fingers felt like, so as

traveled. We looked at images on the

ence I have ever had.

not simply overlook. Patagonia looked

a group we retired to a patch of grass

internet prior to going, but finally see-

It did more than simply

like another planet. The colors and

to eat lunch and attempted to dry out

ing it was incredible. There was a soft

give me the change in

views were crisper than anything I had

our socks. The sun made us lazy, and

fog over the river, and clouds in the

scenery that is expected on a vaca-

ever seen before. The world looked so

we began to consider returning to

sky, which partially obscured our view

tion. We bounded through freezing riv-

natural and pure in comparison to the

camp because the river was impas-

across the lake, but it did not dimin-

ers, shivered through hailstorms, and

smoggy skies that I have become so

sible due to its deep current. Our lazi-

ish the sense of accomplishment and

bush wacked our way through one of

accustom to in America. Mentally and

ness created an air of indecisiveness

adventure we gained from pushing on-

the most beautiful places on earth. Be-

literally the trip was a breath of fresh air.

among the group. No one could decide

ward that day.

ing so far away from home, you might

I especially loved how involved

what to do, so as the leader, I stood up

We experienced an abundance of

think it would be uncomfortable to be

we were in everything that happened

and said we would be going to the lake.

unifying moments, from travel to sim-

in such a foreign place. This was not

during the trip. Mr. Nicoloff and Ms.

Everyone in the group could be proud

ple games and conversations on the

the case, in fact it was refreshing. There

Johnson assigned leaders every day,

of themselves that day because in

trail. We did not have any form of enter-

was no worry about school, basketball

and the job of the assigned pair was

minutes we were on our feet pushing

tainment, so we sang while we walked.

workouts, colleges, or tests. We only

to direct the group for a day. The day

through thick branches, over wet, sog-

We were not the greatest singers, but

had to worry about the things on our

I was leader, we had taken our time

gy trees, and through swampy grass-

it didn’t matter because it was not like

backs, and during our day-to-day activ-

walking along the river en route to El

land. Once we reached the rocks, we

I would disturb a neighboring group, for

ities there was no time to worry about

Lago Verde because the sun had finally

rock-hopped around the bend in the

beyond ourselves, we had no human

any problems that remained at home.

come out after two days of freezing,

river. We eventually found ourselves on

interaction during our entire time on

cold, and wet conditions. The sun felt

the sandy bank of El Lago Verde, which

the trail.

greatest

I embraced every quality of outdoor

“ Patagonia looked like another planet.

The colors and views were crisper than anything I had ever seen before.”

7 Video produced by Lucy Dugan ‘13 and Kelly Zochowski ’13

Spring Trip Focus: Community Service Trip Leaders: Yangyang Daniell

John Madden

“...I wanted to get a better understanding of the country where over a billion people reside.”

WHITNEY HUANG ‘15

CHINA T

he spring break community service trip to Qiqihar, China was most definitely an unforgettable experience that surpassed all of my previous ex-

pectations. Though I have traveled to China before, teaching children in the SOS Children’s Village was indeed a first for me. Though they were shy and unsure of what to expect of us foreigners at first, they still welcomed us with open arms, and were quick to warm up to us as we exchanged our cultural differences and learned just as much from them as they did from us. Though spending

wrapped up the end of our trip with a tour of several

five days in the village was shorter than desired, it was

tourist attractions in Beijing, including the Summer Pal-

more than enough to create an everlasting connection

ace, the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and the Temple of

between the children and us. The emotional attachments

Heaven, as well as various other cultural experiences.

we had with the village certainly surprised us, and it was

This trip to China was both an opportunity for us to share

a phenomenal opportunity to discover the capabilities

our knowledge of America and the English language as

we hold inside ourselves as well.

well as a way to experience Chinese culture first-hand.

We also spent two days in Da Qing, studying the oil field discovery in 1959 that led China out of poverty, and discussed the various environmental repercussions of oil drilling and the precautions being taken currently. We

8

ZIFANG KUANG ‘15

T

he spring break 2013 trip to China was an unforgettable experience for me, and I believe for everyone in the group. On the plane ride to China, I was brimming with excitement at the thought of bringing my fellow classmates and teachers with me to SOS Children’s Village. I had worked at the SOS Children’s Village for the past two summers, but since the power of one person is limited, I had only worked with Mother Han’s family in the village.

I had long since wished to bring

smiles not only to one house, but to all the houses in the village. I am so happy that through everyone’s hard work, that wish was finally realized!

Everyone in the group worked hard and put forth their best efforts to teach the children morning, afternoon, and evening for five days, and we were rewarded by the attentiveness and the quick progress of the children as well as their happy smiles.We talked, laughed, and shared happy memories with the SOS kids. We

formed close bonds with the SOS children through fun activities such as paper cutting, making dumplings and Chinese knots, as well as jump rope and shuttlecock competitions. The lack of environmental consciousness and recycling in China was one problem we tried to help with by speaking to the children about sustainability and the importance of recycling. My hope is that this early education will help the children grow to be environmentally responsible individuals who will

spread this practice and awareness into their society in the future.

Parting was the saddest and most difficult part of the entire experience. I hugged each of the children and continually assured them that I would be back in the summer. I also was deeply touched when Mother Han tearfully gave me a tight hug and told me that to her, I was like one of her children and that her house would be my second home.

Our other experiences at Qiqihar were notable as well. It was a surreal experience coming into such close proximities with the endangered red-crowned cranes of Qiqihar’s Zhalong Natural Reserve. It was also an interesting experience meeting the local high school students from Qiqihar’s Experimental High School, where our group discussed the differences between Chinese and Western education and exchanged with each other the details about American and Chinese lives.

9

Summer Trip Focus: Sea Kayaking Expedition Trip Leaders: Marshall Nicoloff

Dr. Leah Domb

KYLE D’SOUZA ‘14

ALaska Clear skies, immense glaciers, tow-

we entered the site, as every beach

ing or learning how to rescue a kayak

ering trees shaping the horizon, and

appeared as if we were the first hu-

in 45 degree water!

seven small kayaks silently slicing

mans to ever discover this new land.

At the end of every day, we would

through the translucent sheets of

Although the Alaska trip could be

give our Rose, our Thorn, and our Bud,

endless sea. This image was just a

described solely through its sheer

snapshot of what we experienced in

physical beauty, our group became

Glacier Bay National Park this past

a cohesive unit that paddled in soli-

summer when 10 members of the

darity, learning how to maneuver

Lawrenceville community embarked

and work together in tandem kayaks.

on a sea kayaking expedition into

Memorable experiences include sing-

the pure wilderness of Alaska. We

ing folk and country to motivate us as

quickly witnessed how Glacier Bay

we kayaked through long crossings,

spective reflection, physical anima-

welcomed us in, exciting our minds,

and the sight of our landing beach at

tion, and friendship; but even more,

animating our bodies, and cleansing

the end of an exhausting day. Further,

it’s a place to appreciate an isolated

our souls from the outside world.

nothing can beat backcountry cook-

relic of nature, teeming with activity.

Glacier Bay National Park actually never existed to us about 300 years ago; instead, it was a frozen preserve.

As time passed, the Muir Glacier retreated and plants and wildlife began to inhabit and thrive in the new ecosystem. And thrive it did. As we kayaked from beach to beach, we would spy on curious seals, noisy sea lions

10

from Walden, written by prominent

something that we learned that we would use tomorrow. By the last day, the roses all reflected the nostalgia that we knew we would encounter leaving this pristine place. Glacier Bay National Park – it’s a place for intro-

transcendentalist Henry David Thoreau, which stuck with me for the rest of the trip. Thoreau says, “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I

barking, graceful porpoises (or, as we

had not lived.” We lived and acted de-

called them, porpoi), and even the oc-

liberately, from simple strokes on our

casional humpback whale raising its

kayaks to embracing the small things

tail towards us. However, Glacier Bay

such as rock skipping to finding beach

gave more to us than beautiful wild-

leaves to put in that night’s macaroni

life.

& cheese. In addition, we practiced

On the first night camping, our trip

“Leave No Trace” techniques to keep

leader Mr. Nicoloff read us a quote

the Park as untouched as it was when

“Memorable experiences include singing folk and country to motivate us as we kayaked through long crossings, and the sight of our landing beach at the end of an exhausting day.”

Spring Trip Focus: The Lawrentians Choral Studies Trip Leaders: Robert Palmer

Kim Kalkus

GUSTAVO BERRIZBEITI ‘13

AustriA germany While on our trip we had a re-

has not been altered since Mo-

hearsal with Janos Czifra, the mu-

zart’s time. But the real gem of

sic director of the Salzburg Cathe-

the day was singing -- with Mr.

dral, which was the same position

Czifra in the bass section, no less

Mozart held approximately 200

-- the Ave Verum Corpus in the

years ago. With him we worked on

cathedral, a capella. Between the

both Mozart’s Ave Verum Corpus

quality of the acoustics and the

and Haydn’s Paukenmesse, where

context of our song, I felt very

his number one recommendation

close to those original singers

was to pay attention to what the

200 years ago who performed this

intention of each separate voice

very same piece, in the very same

part was -- for example, “pauken”

place, under the auspices of Wolf-

refers to the percussion section

gang Amadeus Mozart himself.

in an orchestra, and that was the

This kind of experiential re-

idea behind the vocal melodies in

hearsal could only have happened

the piece.

in the Salzburg Cathedral with

Later he gave us a private tour

Mr. Czifra – there’s no substitute

of the Salzburg Cathedral, includ-

to singing Mozart in the church

ing the main organ loft, one of

he knew very well, and the im-

the small sub-organs, and the

provement in our singing reflects

dressing room, which apparently

that.

11

23

Summer Trip Focus: Cultural Tour Trip Leader: Louise Wright

LOUISE WRIGHT, Associate Director of International Programs

CAMbodia

12

T

he summer trip to Cambodia offered me and three students from Lawrenceville the chance to join with 22 other students, and six faculty/staff members from six other schools across the country on this amazing journey. Along with our tours of the cities of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, we saw the beautiful country-side of Kampot, and the area around Kep. The second half of our trip was spent walking through numerous ancient temples, built around 1100 A.D.; Angkor Wat, Banteay Srei, Ta Prohm, Bayon, and other equally beautiful temples. We rode bikes through the jungle, and ďŹ nished that part of our trip with a ride on an elephant around the temple complex before entering and climbing to the top of the temple. Besides all of the amazing sites we had the opportunity to experience, what impressed me the most on this trip was the way 25 students from across the country so quickly became one unit.

HANNAH-MARIE GARCIA ‘15

T

he culture in Cambodia was amazing. The fast paced street traffic and mopeds were a

change from home.

The first thing

that struck me was the venders and moped taxi drivers sleeping in their carts along the street, and the bare foot construction workers on work sites.

Not to mention the architec-

ture on the Royal Palace Grounds was spectacular.

The jet-lag and heat hit me in the middle of the first day of touring, but made for a great sleep that night.

Tuesday was amazing and inspiring when visiting the NGO, PSE. The

adventure was just beginning.

Traveling

into

the

country-side

smiles on the children were the big-

around Kampot was eye opening.

gest I’ve ever seen; they loved my

While out in that area we visited New

camera. Later the girls in the beauty

Hope for Cambodian Children, which

school at PSE straightened my hair

was my favorite NGO. I also enjoyed

and they loved having the opportunity

our time at Tiny Toons, which was

to work with it – at one point there

created to keep young people off the

were four of them working on just me.

streets of Cambodia by teaching them

The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek

how to dance – rap, hip-hop and break

brought me back to reality, but the din-

dancing.

ner that evening was beautiful; eating

I loved the city atmosphere, but the

along the banks of the Tonie River and

country side around Kampot was a lot

sitting beneath an open rooftop. My

more spectacular.

LUCY GRATHWOHL ‘14

“Tuesday was amazing and inspiring when visiting the NGO, PSE. The smiles on the children were the biggest I’ve ever seen.”

Cambodia was really interesting. I quickly noticed there was a large difference between the rich and the poor, though at times it was difficult from an outside eye to tell who is who. The city of Phom Penh was quite urban, but was still extremely impoverished in many areas.

Our trip seemed to really focus on the grief of the Cambodian past and the hope for the future.

NGO’s like PSE are trying to make a better life for the Cambodian people who were all left changed by the Khmer Rouge regime, which killed the majority of the middle class and educated people. The one thing that really stood out and was incredibly moving is the ability the country seems to have to forgive. I was thoroughly impressed

by Cambodia.

13

Summer Trip Focus: Cultural Tour Tim Doyle

Russia

14

DAISY WISLAR ‘14

Trip Leaders: Cara Hyson

I really loved touring Russia because it is such a historically rich country that also went through major changes and upheaval over the last century.

Being there was both eye-opening and a great way to learn history. Its one thing to read about the revolution, harsh communist rulers, and the eventual fall of the Soviet Union, but it was another to be in a city like Moscow where there is such an amazing mix of architecture and culture surrounding you.

Ranging from Imperial Russia to Soviet times, the sites we saw included cathedrals covered in mosaics, monasteries, and lakeside vil-

lages. We even went to two different ballets, which made me feel completely immersed in authentic Russian culture. We also had a ton of fun while we learned! Having a flexible itinerary allowed us a lot of freedom to do what we wanted, whether it was making an extra stop on the metro to see some amazing mosaics or simply grabbing bubble tea next to the hotel in St. Petersburg.

Overall I had a blast, learned a ton, and forged new friendships with fellow Lawrentians I hadn’t known well before. It was a great experience.

Top 10 things I loved about my trip to

Russia 1.

Rostov

2.

Being on the top of St. Isaac’s & seeing all of St. Petersburg

3.

The Bolshoi

4.

Swan Lake

5.

Seeing a service in St.Isaac’s

6.

The Hermitage

7.

The mosaics in the churches

8.

Saint Basil’s

9.

Seeing the only Russian Orthodox Boarding School in Russia

10. Peterhof The trip was amazing! I would love to go back to St. Petersburg. So many memories and experiences that will stay with me forever; I took over 800 photos on this trip. Everything there is beautiful!

– Sophia Moore ‘16

15

Spring Trip Focus: Community Service Andrew Kukla

ROBERT WILLIAMS ‘14

Trip Leaders: Beatriz Cortes

Mexico

I

n terms of our interactions with the students from UNIVA, the trip gave me the opportunity to see other cultures in the best

way possible - through other people our own age. By being able to relate to them so easily, we not only created friendships quickly, but shared stories about our own countries and cultures, and I found out that our cultures are very similar. When I told my friends about Puerto Vallarta, I told them that the culture was “America, but in Spanish,” meaning that the only thing that stood between us and a good conversation was a simple change of language.

The students we met were all marvelous individuals whom I am glad to have met, and whose appearance in my life has changed me significantly. By making paper necklaces with the UNIVA students as an ice breaker, I not only made friends with people like Daniel and Hanoi, but I instantaneously picked up some more words in Spanish and some localized phrases.

Through simple conversation on bus rides, I

MEGAN REILLY ‘14

got to meet some of the others like Jonathan,

16 4

Diana, and Zarem, who all act the same way

O

n our community service trip to Puerto Vallarta we got to know other high school students from the Univa School, ate authentic Mexican food, rode donkeys up a mountain and zip-lined down, and visited a botanical garden. We stayed with host-families, allowing us to experience real Mexican culture and practice speaking Spanish.

The sun shined every day, the temperature was a perfect 80 degrees, and the people were very friendly.

One of my favorite parts of the trip was our visit to the Casa Hogar Orphanage. As we arrived and stepped off the bus I really had no idea what to expect. We were greeted by a friendly woman at the door and entered a courtyard surrounded by a quadrangle of stucco classrooms where the children were studying. We entered

one of the classrooms and were greeted by about 20 eight to 12 year-old children with nervous smiles on their faces. Trying our best to speak Spanish, we introduced ourselves and sat down with the children to do some writing and art activities. As the children became more comfortable with us, we began talking about music and ended up singing One Direction songs. We danced and played outside, took pictures, and enjoyed each other’s company. At one point I looked over at Mr. Kukla; he was playing with three young girls, danc-

ing with them and tossing them into the air. At that moment, I saw pure happiness in the girls’ faces. Even though I knew these children were living in an orphanage, it hit me that they didn’t have families to go home to or a father like Mr. Kukla. It was hard leaving the orphanage; by the end of our last day, the children were hugging us and begging us not to go.

Every day as we ate, worked, and hung out together, our small community of Lawrenceville students formed a special bond that we will maintain, even now that we’ve returned to school.

Mr. Kukla and Señora Cortes made sure every detail of the trip ran smoothly while having fun at the same time. At the risk of sounding cliché, this was one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life.

that we do and do the same things, and it was refreshing to see and experience that, even though we already knew, we Americans are not the only ones who listen to “Gangnam Style” and play video games. Things like mutual adoration of guitars, wanting to go to colleges in the United States, or everyone trying to make a “Titanic” pose when we were on the boat ride showed us just how similar we were to these students and how close we had gotten over the course of 10 days.

Functionally, this trip also helped me improve on my Spanish, especially during the countless translations between the host family and other Lawrentians. I’m sure that the students from UNIVA also learned a good amount of English as well from our conversations; in all honesty, I feel like their English is better than our Spanish. I will definitely maintain the relationships that I have with these students, because in my experiences with them, from snorkeling to walking down the boardwalk, I have gotten as close to them as I am to most Lawrenceville students.

Trip Focus: Language Immersion Trip Leader: Anne-Marie Vonsattel

CAMERON RANGECROFT ‘15

Summer

E

arly into our trip to Angoulême and we were settled into our new French life. Throughout the week we took

classes at Ci Fop, a local technical high school, where we took classes in French and the history of France. Each day, we ventured into town on our lunch break to eat a delicious meal before returning for afternoon classes.

Every Wednesday we took trips to local towns to learn about different aspects of life in France. One trip was to Cognac, where we learned about the production of the drink, and

france

took a boat ride to view historical sites along the river. We also stopped by the museum that was in town.

The independence we had on the trip was taken seriously as we had to manage our own time and get our work

done

accordingly.

One of the most beneficial aspects to the trip was that we were asked to adjust to our French families and not the other way around. So I attended my French sister’s dance recitals and school performances as if she was my own biological sister.

Life there was exciting and sharing it with the Lawrenceville community has been exciting

WILLIAM PORTILLA ‘15

too.

It was three weeks into our trip to Angoulême; the time went by so fast and what a journey. I found that I adapted fairly well and wouldn’t have minded staying!

True, it was hard at first, especially getting used to new customs and people. The first week I struggled a bit. I remember having communication issues with my French family (I often used

my hands to communicate), getting lost on the way back home from school, and just feeling uncomfortable in a setting with a lot of French people. But quickly my relationship with my French fam-

ily became great. I’m so grateful to them for having taken me in and treating me as a friend. Classes went well and I learned a lot from my teachers.

I truly do believe now that the best way to learn a foreign language is to be forced to speak it almost 24/7. In fact, now, when speaking with my friends, I sometimes blurt out a “oui” instead

of the accustomed “yeah.” I even find myself thinking in French sometimes and it amazes me. I can carry out decent conversations and can ask and buy stuff at stores.

While this trip was intended to make French students work hard, I don’t see it as truly burdening but rather as a fun and interactive way of approaching the language.

I truly miss Angoulême.

17

Trip Focus: Language Immersion Trip Leader: Beatriz Cortes

mexico

SABRINA LI ‘16

Summer

D

uring

this

trip we spent some of our community service hours

with children from Access. We taught them about the Fourth of July; the historical significance and how we celebrate it in the United States. As an arts and crafts project we created an “Old Sam” hat out of red and white foam paper, as well as blue strips. After a brief swimming break to cool off, we then conducted a presentation on the Fourth of July, which was written by one of the Lawrentians on the trip, describing everything from the battle to

the actual signing of the Dec-

walked up one of the temples,

laration of Independence. Each

which was fairly easy, but the

Lawrentian then spoke about

hard part was going down.

topics such as fireworks, food,

Most of us inched along side-

the Declaration of Indepen-

ways as we made our way

dence, and our founding fa-

down. We then stopped for a

thers. We spent the rest of our

lunch break, where I tried for

time with the Access children

the third time poc chuc, which

dining on traditional Fourth of

is a tender pork dish. Each ver-

July foods such as hotdogs,

sion I’ve had of the dish was

and getting to know one an-

different than the last, but each

other more.

time I was more than happy to

Our weekend ended with

eat it! Our last stop for the day,

a trip to Uxmal. We got to see

were some Mayan caves. Our

both original ruins and archeo-

guide showed us various cave

logical

reconstructions. The

paintings and how the Mayans

significance behind the carv-

would use the caves in real life.

ings and how these temples brought the Mayans even closer to their Gods was explained to us in detail. Afterwards, we

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“The The significance behind the carvings and how these temples brought the Mayans even closer to their Gods was explained to us in detail.”

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Spring Trip Focus: Community Service Trip Leaders: Matt Campbell

Liz McCall

ADIA DAVIS ‘14

brazil After we landed in Brazil, we went straight to the City of Youth to have brunch and meet the children. At first, I was worried about how we were going to communicate with them since no one from the trip could speak Portuguese. I soon learned that there are many other means of communication that are just as effective. We were able to sing and dance with them to songs that everyone knew.

After that we played soccer, went swimming, and just ran around. Trying on our sunglasses and playing with our cameras and phones was also a hit with the children.

I loved seeing the project the Lawrenceville trip from last year did, and couldn’t wait to start working on the project we were assigned this

year. We were assigned to paint a wall throughout the entire week, and during that time, I got to know everyone on the trip a lot better and felt a sense of accomplishment for painting such a big wall. It was also satisfying to see how much the people at Hope Unlimited appreciated what we had done.Their smiles and “obrigado,” which means thanks in Portuguese, made me realize that something as seemingly simple as painting a wall can still be important.

When we left, it was really hard to say goodbye to all of the children who we had become so close to during the week. They were so friendly and welcoming, and though most of them had lives of hardship, I would have nev-

er known from their warm smiles and constant laughs.

After we left the City of Youth, we traveled to Salvador, which was a great experience as well. Getting to see and experience so much Brazilian culture was fun. From going to the Golden Cathedral, to eating all types of Brazilian food, and drinking Guarana, which is a traditional Brazilian soda, I felt that I learned so much in a week.

The people of Brazil were extremely welcoming. One memory I will never forget is when a group of us were able to have a quick pickup game of soccer with some local children. This showed me that some things really are universal, and can bring together people of various cultures in incredible ways.

BEN WOODLEY ’13

“I will never forget my experience, never...I will never forget Brazil.”

T

he Brazil Trip was an incredible experience,

ing after the week of hard work at the City of Youth.

rich in both culture and service. Our first

I think that while this part of the trip not only exposed

week or so entailed working at the City of

us to a different, more historical side of Brazil, it also

Youth, painting walls and interacting with the kids. It

brought us together as a group more. Whether it was

was remarkable to see how much of an impact just

the dormitory style rooms, or the amount of free time

sitting down and eating with them made on their day.

we had together, I feel as though the group would not

They looked forward to us arriving and, like us, were

have been as close without it.

sad to see the bus leave at the end of the day. While at first the language barrier was difficult to break down, we soon learned to communicate with each other, either through broken English, Portuguese, or sign language. Interacting with and getting to know these kids was one of the most impactful parts of the trip. Every one of them had a story that was worth hearing, and, for the most part, they were willing to share them with us. The second half of the trip was spent in Salvador, exploring the historical city center and overall relax-

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Spring Trip Focus: European - American Studies Trip Leaders: John Sauerman

Dr. Maxine Clarke

I

remember standing in front of Flora, one of Titian’s masterpieces. And I remember, very clearly, wanting to never leave her.

The traveling exhibition with which Flora came had arrived in Rome just two days before we did. The pieces were displayed in a dark and quiet gallery space at the Scuderie del Quirinale.

I had read about this painting, I had Google-imaged her over and over, I had a biography of the artist lying by a tissue box on my nightstand. And as I turned to face her in her frame, everything that I learned and everything that I felt for her culminated in that present moment.

When I stood there, I remember this incredible magnetic charge, an electric and cathartic release. I couldn’t believe it!—but there it was—the blood in the flesh and life in the light. I saw all the beauty I had ever loved in art—all its rawness and honesty—distilled here to so specific a form. And I felt this overwhelming sense of gratitude for just being alive.

MATTHEW RAMEY ’14

ISABELLE GOTUACO ‘14

ITALY

I

have three things that in particular I will remember; the Vatican, Assisi, and the Duomo. I am a Roman Catholic and seeing the Vatican for the first time,

in person, was indescribable. I was practically jumping with excitement about being in St. Peter’s Square or in St. Peter’s Basilica. Seeing it in person was unbelievable and amazing. That was probably one of the greatest feelings of my life so far.

Another place I found charming was Assisi.

I saw the crypt of Saint Francis, coincidentally not long after we left, Cardinal Bergogio took the papal name of Francis. The basilica had beautiful paintings showing the life of Francis. I had studied the basilica as my research topic, but that didn’t compare to it in actuality.

One other experience that I will always remember and cherish was climbing up the Domo in Florence. I, personally, don’t particularly like heights and for the most part stayed a ways back from the railing, (the few exceptions were for brief photos) but the sight and the view was simply stunning. I could see all of Florence and beyond from the Duomo.

I wish I was still in Italy, admiring its wonders, and its beauty.

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5

Spring Trip Focus: Natural Science Studies / Community Service Trip Leaders: Greg Hansen

Ilana Saxe

When heading to Costa Rica this past spring break I did not know what to expect. I was with a group of people I barely knew, and had to spend a week with them in the remote rain forest of Costa Rica. By spending so much time with new people, in less than ideal situations, I really got to know them very well and I can now call them friends.

The experience with the sea turtles was a once in a lifetime opportunity that was amazing.

We were working so close with these huge animals and by helping them to lay their eggs safely we all experienced something amazing. Although it rained every day, the entire group’s attitude stayed positive throughout the trip.

I thank Lawrenceville for the

opportunity to allow me to step out of my comfort zone and try something totally new. I am so grateful for the experience of meeting and spending time with new people and experiencing a new country in a way I would have never imagined. This trip opened my eyes to so many new things that I would not have been exposed to otherwise.

VIVIEN BROWN ‘14

ALEC WAUGH ‘14

costa rica I think that the trip overall was so much fun. It was the coolest thing I have ever done.

While at the rain forest station, each morning when we would wake up and brush our teeth outside, a group of capuchin monkeys would jump by us – one after another – following each other – it was so cool!

When things got tough due to the weather and rain at the turtle station it really helped to have a good group of people to be around; we mostly just laughed at our situation, how the rain would not stop during the patrols and how our parents were expecting us tan, but we thought if anything we got paler. I think uncomfortable situations can bring people closer together, and our exciting trip was no exception!

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JOSHUA DURSO-FINLEY ‘14

G

oing on this trip allowed me to take specific things I had read about and view them in their own environment. I could understand the context and meaning behind the monuments. Each site contributed

a piece to the overall story of the Maya, and visiting the actual sites made the story much more real. We also had access to some of the greatest archeologists in that region…these incredible people, whom I never would have met if I had stayed in the classroom. Many of them had personal stories to tell about their discoveries and led us through the process and evolution of our understanding of the Maya. Before the trip I was only parroting concepts I had seen, but on the trip, I could draw the conclusions for myself.

Spring Trip Focus: Mayan Archeology and Film Studies Trip Leaders: Michael Hanewald

Alison Easterling

MAYA PETERSON ‘14

en ra me ic As someone who was named after the great Mayan civilization, this trip has opened my eyes to how amazing the Maya actually were and how their methods of understanding astronomy, architecture, and medicine were unprecedented in the ancient world, and still relevant today. I have travelled with my family on two occasions to the Mundo Maya, but it wasn’t until this trip that I could honestly say that I have a newfound and, in my opinion, ad-

vanced and scholarly understanding of Mayan civilization.

Our trip archaeologists Alfonso Morales, Rudy Larios, and David Sedat, as well as our two tour guides, Juan and Julio, gave us all an extremely well rounded understanding of the Maya. We were able to come in contact with the most important pieces of discovering the Mayan code, and hear how grueling and complicated the process was to uncover these massive city-states. We

were able to participate in an actual Mayan ceremony, which was even more beautiful because I fully understood why the Maya believed the ceremony was effective and what role ceremonies similar to it played in their society.

This trip has increased my knowledge of the Maya exponentially, and in a way that could not have been achieved without going to visit and seeing and feeling the history firsthand.

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Spring 2014 Community Service in the Bolivian Andes with Fe y Alegría Trip Leader: Elizabeth Ferguson This service trip is open to the School community.

Spanish speakers are encouraged to apply.

Community Service in China: SOS Children’s Village Trip Leaders: Yangyang Daniell / John Madden Open to the School community, but knowledge of

Chinese is a major plus.

Community Service & School Exchange in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Trip Leaders: Andrew Kukla / Ilana Saxe Open to the entire School community, but knowledge

of Spanish is a major plus. Students must also be willing to help and host the exchange students during their two week visit to Lawrenceville spring term.

Summer 2014 Additional summer 2014 trips to be announced

Language Immersion in Mérida, Mexico This month-long session is open to students

who will have completed Spanish level 6 prior to departure in June 2014.

Sea Kayaking Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska Trip Leader: Marshall Nicoloff Outdoor leadership participants and the greater

Trekking in Patagonia, Chile Trip Leader: Marshall Nicoloff Outdoor Leadership participants and the greater school community.

Cultural Immersion and School Experience in Jordan Trip Leaders: Cara Hyson / Clare Burchi This trip is recommended for students with a demonstrated interest in the Middle East.

Latin in the Eternal City; Rome, Italy Trip Leader: Jake Morrow This trip is open to all students currently enrolled in Latin 2 or a higher Latin course.

school community.

Language Immersion in Angoulême, France This month-long session is open to students

who will have completed French level 6 prior to departure in June 2014.

Keio School Scholarship Program in Japan Following an application process, two students

will be selected to visit the Keio School with a home stay experience. This opportunity is open to rising Third and Fourth Formers only.

Habitat for Humanity Trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico Trip Leader: Louise Wright

Exploring Irish Culture and Literature

Open to students at least 16 years old.

Trip Leaders: Ron Kane / Reverend Sue Anne Morrow The trip is designed for students taking the Irish literature class spring term, with potential spaces open for students in the Fourth and Fifth Forms.

Thailand and Cambodian Dance Excursion Trip Leaders: Derrick Wilder / Charise Hall The trip is open to all students in the School community. No dance experience required or necessary.

All students however must participate in the Spring Dance Concert with the travel group to highlight this region.

Tropical Ecology in Peru Trip Leaders: Jim Serach / Jen Mayr The trip is designed for students taking the Tropical Ecology class, with potential spaces open for students in the School community.

Community Service and Woman’s Studies in India Trip Leaders: Kris Schulte / Dana Kooistra This trip is designed for students taking the Women and Poverty in the Developing World course, with potential spaces open for students in the School community.

Note: All spring and summer 2014 trip information represents trips being scheduled a year in advance (summer 2013) and are subject to change.

Photographs were contributed by individual trip participants; students and faculty.

THE LAWRENCEVILLE SCHOOL

Inter national Programs P. O. B o x 6 0 0 8 Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

DON’T FORGET: PLEASE VISIT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL AT HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/LAWRENCEVILLEVIDEO WHERE YOU CAN SEE A LIBRARY OF INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS TRIP VIDEOS.

Upcoming Events and Important Program Policies

Important Policy Information

All spring and summer trips will be promoted to the community actively in the fall 2013 term with sign-ups for the spring trips occurring by October 2, 2013, and summer trips

by November 8, 2013. We will host a special informational session for parents over Parents’ Weekend, which will notify families about openings on the spring trips, allow for parents to meet with trip chaperones and complete paper work for those spring trips, as well as learn, about our summer offerings.

To sign up for a trip, students MUST sign-up with the trip chaperone AS WELL AS have housemasters or day advisors complete a recommendation form to be submitted to the International Programs office.

Students should plan to participate in a Lawrenceville International trip no later than the spring term of their Fifth Form year as Fifth Formers ARE NOT eligible to participate in trips following graduation.

FINANCIAL AID students are eligible to receive aid for ONE TRIP during their career at Lawrenceville. Please plan accordingly.

The Medical and Liability Agreement in addition to the Customs and Immigration Letter MUST be signed by both parents. In case of a single parent family, proof of sole guardianship must be provided or students may not be allowed to travel.

Passports for students MUST be valid for six months AFTER the return date of the planned trip. (Please note: the International Programs office REQUIRES copies of all student passports early in the process).