Global Pathways Spring Program

Ireland | Educational/Service/Cultural

March 16-March 27, 2023

(Please note that this trip ends prior to the end of Culver’s Spring Break.  Students may travel from Chicago O’Hare to visit friends or family in the USA or abroad after this trip ends or may attend a program in Boston, MA with Cogito at their own cost. https://cogitoworldeducation.org/school-break-programs/)

Team Ireland will experience the amazing variety of the Emerald Isle, from the increasingly cosmopolitan capital, Dublin, to tiny traditional villages of the Atlantic coast.   We will witness the celebrations and festive atmosphere of St Patrick’s Day in Ireland!  In Dublin, you will see the 2,000-year-old Bog Mummies, visit Trinity College, and view the ancient Book of Kells as well as learning to play the uniquely Irish sports of Gaelic football, hurling and handball.  A day of volunteering with a local community will be rewarded with a special evening of Irish music, dancing, and food at The Merry Ploughboy. South of Dublin we head to the Viking port city of Waterford, getting a chance to see the famous glass blowing of the Waterford Crystal. The beautiful green countryside along the south coast unfolds as we visit the historic harbour towns of Dungarvan and Youghal. We will also visit the city of Cork to understand the mass emigration to the US and other parts of the world at the Cobh Heritage Centre with a stop at the nearby Blarney Castle to kiss the famous Blarney Stone. A three-night stay in Killarney will allow us to explore the Dingle Peninsula and the Ring of Kerry, including visits to a working sheep farm, local historical landmarks, and a session with local musicians.  A medieval dinner awaits at the Bunratty Castle Hotel where the group will overnight.  On the way back to Dublin, experience the stunning display of thoroughbred horses at the Irish National Stud Farm before an afternoon of Irish dancing with the chance for you to learn the steps. Ireland is the only place on Earth where you can stand a top the Cliffs of Moher while gazing down 400 feet into the Atlantic Ocean as well as meet some of the most warm and friendly people on the planet. 

Contact Dean Lynn Rasch (Lynn.Rasch@culver.org) for more details.  Only 10 spots will be open on this trip for students that need visas to enter Ireland.

Estimated price: $5,240

Argentina (CMA and CGA Rugby and Polo trip) | Sports/Service/Cultural

March 17 – April 2, 2023

CGA or CMA students with any interest in rugby or has Equine Science classes (CMA or CGA) can participate in our first combined GPS rugby and polo trip.  Students are not required to have experience playing rugby, as there will be plenty of time to develop the necessary skills prior to our departure.  Any horsemanship student interested, please reach out to Ms. Savannah Kranich (Savannah.Kranich@culver.org) Our primary objective is to experience the Argentine culture and to serve others through the common bond of sport and wellness, which transcends language, socioeconomic status, or ethnicity.  We will be staying in the cities of Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls and Salta.  We will also be taking a day trip to Uruguay.  We will use our students’ leadership strengths with their inherent desire to serve others so that our students fully understand what “Service through Sport” means. Students will participate in polo practices/clinics at polo clubs in Buenos Aires (two) and Salta.  We will visit a National Park, 4x4 truck drive across the jungle and have a guided tour of the Colon Theater.  Rugby will participate in three different matches in Buenos Aires (two) and Iguazu Falls.  Additionally, there will be a visit to a local native community in Iguazu Falls and a full day excursion to Cafayate, Cachi, Humauaca Salinas grandes and a cable car ride up to San Bernardo hills in Salta. A full day trip is planned to travel to Colonia del Sacramento with a guided city tour, bicycle ride and lunch with a fast speed ferry back to Buenos Aires.  Our service projects are centered on communities within areas we will be visiting and will also be working with Varsity Sports to reach out to clubs that is need of our help. 

Contact Mr. Darrell Knowlton (Darrell.Knowlton@culver.org) or Ms. Melissa Alexander (Melissa.Alexander@culver.org) for further information.

Estimated price: $6,200

Spain & France | Educational/Cultural

March 16 - April 2, 2023

The Basque Regions of Spain and France where the sea meets the mountains are rich in history, fine cuisine and wonderful people, not to mention the amazing places that we will be visiting on our voyage of discovery! Consider the ultra-modern Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao contrasted with that historic city’s architecture.! Retrace the footsteps of your favourite Game of Thrones characters in San Juan Gaztelugatxe, an ancient island fortress connected by a man-made bridge on the Bay of Biscay. San Sebastian is one of the most enchanting cities in the Basque Region and is home to the Basque Culinary Center, featured in Master Chef competitions. The old section of town comes alive in the late afternoon as folks go from place to place to meet their friends and sample their favourite pintxos/tapas. Paris is Paris, but Bordeaux IS France! We will be spending 3 nights in this magnificent city which has been designated a UNESCO Heritage site. Here we will tour the city’s beautiful buildings, learn about the history of the Aquitaine, do some shopping, and visit an enormous WWll German Submarine bunker.  Sample the cuisines of this entire region and stroll through markets before putting on your aprons to prepare your lunch at the finest Chef’s School in San Sebastian, Spain and again in Toulouse, France.  Connect with students at schools in both countries and practice your Spanish and French language skills, while they practice their English and teach you a little Euskara, the ancient Basque language still spoken in the region. Enjoy a day on the beach and climb the tallest Sand Dune in Europe at the Dune de Pilat!  Step into medieval times- we will visit Carcassone, an ancient medieval city outside of Toulouse. We bid Adieu to France and travel to Barcelona where we will have an opportunity to visit the famed Sagrada Familia Church and Casa Batlló, built by Antoni Gaudi, learn to cook a Spanish specialty, visit Parque/Estadio Guell and see the many wonders of Barcelona, a city of contrasts and Catalan traditions. You will return energized by all you have experienced and excited to share your adventures with family and friends! Join us on this amazing adventure, 2 countries, yet so many cultures!

Contact Ms. Dorothea Ragsdale (Dorothea.Ragsdale@culver.org) for more information.

Estimated price: $5,750

Tanzania | Educational/Service/Cultural

March 16-March 29 or March 30

Please note that this trip ends prior to the end of Culver’s Spring Break.  Students may travel from Chicago O’Hare to visit friends or family in the USA or abroad after this trip ends or may attend a program in Boston with Cogito at their own cost. https://cogitoworldeducation.org/school-break-programs/).

In connection with Culver’s Leadership Committee for Africa (LCA), Team Tanzania will engage in a cross-cultural experience of learning, living, and sharing with students and faculty at The School of St. Jude in Arusha, Tanzania. The School of St. Jude’s mission is to break the cycle of poverty through education.  They are able to provide free education to the poorest and brightest students in Arusha through generous donations. Prior to the trip, students will actively help collect and organize donation items as well as attend team meetings to prepare. Once in Tanzania, the team will stay in guest housing on campus and will work with the primary school students and teachers during their stay. Other aspects of the trip will include a cultural excursion to a Maasai Boma (one of the local tribes), Swahili lessons, and other cultural activities- the trip will conclude by going on safari.  Students are required to attend an introductory Tanzania team meeting, agree to the trip contract, and be active members of LCA prior to making a deposit.  

Contact Mrs. Strobel (Angie.Strobel@culver.org) for more information.

Estimated price: $5,000

Italy | Educational/Cultural

March 16-March 26, 2023

(Please note that this trip ends prior to the end of Culver’s Spring Break.  Students may travel from Chicago O’Hare to visit friends or family in the USA or abroad after this trip ends or may attend a program in Boston with Cogito at their own cost. https://cogitoworldeducation.org/school-break-programs/)

Students participating in the cultural immersion to Italy will quickly see why the Italians are so renowned for their art, culture, food, and fashion. While traveling through Italy, students will participate in language and culture instruction, and dine in a variety of local restaurants that specialize in regional fare. Spanning from the times of the ancient Greeks and Romans through the development of modern Europe, Italy possesses an incredibly rich and fascinating history. While in Rome, students will experience the grandeur of the mighty Roman Empire by touring the Pantheon, walking the Roman Forum, exploring the Roman Coliseum, and visiting the well-preserved remains of Roman temples. In Vatican City students will tour the Vatican museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Traveling to the Campania region, students will experience the beautiful ruins of Pompeii destroyed by Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. While exploring the region of Tuscany, students will visit the beautiful hilltop town of Assisi, a cradle of art, archaeology, and the spirit of St Francis. In the vibrant city of Florence, students will gain an understanding of the Italian Renaissance as they stroll along the Ponte Vecchio, visit the Uffizi Museum, and observe Brunelleschi’s dome atop Florence Cathedral.  

PLEASE NOTE: Students who require a special visa to enter Italy will not be eligible for this trip. Contact Mr. Andy Strati (Andrew.Strati@culver.org) for more details.

Estimated price $5,270

Mexico | Construction/Community Service/Cultural

March 16-25, 2023

(Please note that this trip ends prior to the end of Culver’s Spring Break.  Students may travel from Chicago O’Hare to visit friends or family in the USA or abroad after this trip or may attend a program in Boston with Cogito at their own cost. https://cogitoworldeducation.org/school-break-programs/).

The Global Pathways Spring trip to Mexico- Building Bridges, is the perfect combination of work and cultural learning.  This Spring Break will be our 16^th year building homes for families who have never had their own home. Over the years, we have built over sixty homes for families whose lives will forever be transformed by having an intact place to live.  As part of our Love Without Borders Outreach Program, we collaborate with local schools in the community where our Culver students interact with children and community to provide backpacks, athletic shoes, school supplies and athletic equipment. There is also time for recreational activities when we will enjoy the beach and pool and share each meal on our roof deck restaurant.  Also included in the trip are several sightseeing excursions, and the release of sea baby sea turtles at sunset.  If adventure, team building, relationships and giving back to making the world a better place is in your blood, join Team Mexico. 

Contact Mr. Dana Neer (Dana.Neer@Culver.org) for more information.

Estimated price $5,000