2019 Putney Pre-College

go beyond the classroom

Welcome to Putney pre-college!

Since 1951 Putney Student Travel has provided transformative travel programs for young people from the U.S. and around the world. These programs emphasize experiential and meaningful travel, experiences that encourage discovery, foster curiosity, and nurture a global perspective in our students through cultural immersion and cross-cultural connection.

Our Pre-College programs extend naturally from Putney’s mission, goals, and core values. For nearly three decades now, Putney Pre-College has offered a unique spin on the standard summer class model. Our programs place students squarely in the driver’s seat of their own success and development as individuals, while they contribute to, and are inspired by, a supportive learning community of like-minded peers and talented instructors. Putney students learn the practice of intellectual exploration, and they do so while growing their sense of independence and self-confidence.

Putney Pre-College programs are novel in their embrace of experiential learning and global immersion. They are intentionally designed not to be like school, where learning is prescribed, classroom-centered, and text-heavy.

Instead, Putney Pre-College students learn by doing. Our field-based seminars are challenging and rigorous, but also innovative, intellectually stimulating, and fun. Rather than read a textbook on business practices, Putney students interview business leaders about their approaches. Rather than discuss pictures of buildings, Putney students walk the streets where the architecture lives—from colonial Amherst, Massachusetts, to Renaissance-era Florence, Italy—and soak up the experience of being in these places.

The Putney Pre-College experience extends far beyond the traditional campus. The streets of Barcelona, the hallowed halls of Oxford University, the museums of Florence— these are your classrooms. The movie studios of Los Angeles, the tech startups of Tokyo, 10 Downing Street in London—these are your curricula. From marketing, economics, and business to anime, Spanish language, and architecture, Putney Pre-College students pursue their passions and discover new ones in a global setting as they develop the skills necessary to thrive in college.

The descriptions in this catalog can only scratch the surface of what a summer with Putney Pre-College means. Please visit our website for complete descriptions and details. We also urge you to call us about any programs that interest you so that we can get to know you better.

We hope you will join us!

Best,

Governor Peter Shumlin & Jeffrey Shumlin, Directors

Putney Pre-College programs are designed for motivated and intellectually curious students who seek a bridge to college life in a structured and supportive learning environment. Our programs are open to students who have completed 9th through 12 grades. Whether in the U.S. or abroad, our programs emphasize experiential learning and global immersion, taking you beyond the standard summer class model. The Putney Pre-College experience prepares you for that all-important next step into college—both academically and socially. Expand your worldview, meet new people from all over the globe, test-drive potential majors in real-world environments, immerse yourself in historic settings, explore new interests, and grow amid a tight-knit community of supportive peers and instructors.

CAMPUS LIFE

On Putney Pre-College programs, get a taste of what college will bring—including autonomy and being part of a learning community. Experience campus life in vibrant and historic universities and locations in the U.S. and abroad. Live in dormitories in a campus setting with world-class facilities, using your surrounding environs for field-based learning. Get a sense of college life as you learn to manage your time between stimulating, college-level seminars and a wide range of excursions and extracurricular activities that get you outside to explore nearby cultural sites.

enrichment

In the afternoons and evenings, get outside of the classroom and off campus to take full advantage of your Pre-College destination. Enjoy sports, excursions, and other activities led by our staff and local contacts. Immerse yourself in the local culture as you visit museums to see iconic works of art, go on hikes to spectacular views, join in a soccer or volleyball game with new friends, or rehearse a song for our popular talent shows. Afternoon and evening activities are not just preplanned by our staff but are also initiated and led by you and other students. In the process, learn valuable leadership skills as you share your passions.

COMMUNITY

Find a community of curious, like-minded peers and instructors who share your enthusiasm and commitment to personal and intellectual growth. Hailing from all 50 U.S. states and many foreign countries, our students and staff form a vibrant and dynamic community. Every evening the entire group comes together for a community meeting to share ideas, successes, and goals, and plan for the next day. Become part of a community where your leadership skills and interests are supported and nurtured, and make lasting friendships in the process.

I gained amazing friendships, a new attitude toward learning, and a love for being on a college campus.

– Mary B., The Godolphin and Latymer School, London, England

seminars

Putney Pre-College seminars are designed around our core values of experiential learning and global immersion. Each campus offers a range of seminars that are both timely, timeless, and relevant to the program’s location. Seminars stand in contrast to the traditional classroom-based learning model. Instead, travel to where the topics live in the real world, and return home ready to tackle the journey of college.

Field-based Establish a foundation in the classroom, then take your ideas to the streets and studios, the markets and museums, the cathedrals and skyscrapers—these are your classrooms. Refine each lesson with real-world considerations in remarkable locations. Meet with local entrepreneurs, artists, leaders, and NGOs as you delve into your seminar topics.

Topical

Explore subjects in established and emerging fields and apply what you learn to the contemporary realities on the ground, in the places where these topics matter most—research Brexit in Oxford, technology in Tokyo, media in L.A.

global Immerse yourself in a new setting with peers from around the world. Explore new perspectives and new experiences and shape yourself into a global citizen, ready to be a leader in college and beyond.

– Julie & Stewart Burke, Arlington, VA

forensic science photography

She benefitted so much from interaction in a small class setting with handson seminars that resulted in tangible projects within her favorite areas of academic interest.

Our distinguished instructors and staff are selected not only for their impressive academic credentials—most hold advanced degrees from institutions such as Oxford, Harvard, Stanford, and Yale—but also for their enthusiasm, passion, and proven capability to connect with and inspire students. They are dedicated, warm, dynamic, experienced, and caring individuals who also live in dormitories with students, sharing in their lives and fully participating in extracurricular activities. Read on to learn more about our distinguished instructors!

Nik Sparks | Creative writing

Duke University, Ph.D., English (candidate)

Columbia University, M.A., African-American Studies

University of California, Santa Cruz, B.A., Literature and American Studies

Nik was born and raised in San Francisco, and has long had a passion for exploring the intersection of art and politics. He has taught community classes about the prison system and political organizing and has extensive experience in the world of publishing. He worked in the editorial departments of City Lights Bookstore and Publishing, Grove/Atlantic Press, Souls Journal, and Duke University Press. Nik is now working on his doctorate in the English department at Duke University. He has taught a wide range of Pre-College seminars, including Psychology, Philosophy, Social Justice, and Creative Writing, and has served as the Assistant Director of the Pre-College at Amherst College program.

sara sisun | art history

University of Colorado Boulder, M.A., Art History

San Francisco Art Institute, M.F.A., Painting

Stanford University, B.A., Art Practice and Creative Writing

While at Stanford, Sara spent a summer at the Slade School of Art in London, and then received a fellowship to the San Francisco Art Institute. After earning an M.F.A., Sara traveled to Italy as a grant-funded artist in residence with the Jerusalem Studio School. She then returned to school to study Italy’s art and history, and completed her thesis on Giovanni Morelli and comparative anatomy. Sara is the recipient of the Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation Grant and the New York Art Exchange Scholarship. She has taught at the San Francisco Art Institute and is currently an adjunct professor at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design. She has taught Pre-College Art History and Studio Art seminars in Florence for the past six years.

Haroon Ashraf | marketing

Middlebury College, B.A.,

Economics, Molecular Biology, and Biochemistry

After high school, Haroon used two gap years to work in public relations and entrepreneurship in Dubai. At Middlebury, he explored the intersections of policy, economics, and molecular biology. During his undergraduate career, he studied developmental economics at the University of Oxford, spent a summer at an entrepreneurship camp in Lake Tahoe, and did corporate development at a biotech company in San Francisco. Haroon was part of the Middlebury College consulting group providing strategy support to a local not-for-profit, Vermont Works for Women. He has previously led Middlebury and Massachusetts Institute of Technology freshmen orientation programs. Haroon is fluent in Urdu and is an analyst for Morgan Stanley in New York. He has previously taught the Pre-College Marketing seminar.

spanish

evan overton

Boston University, B.A., Sociology, M.A., Spanish and Education

While at BU, Evan developed his passion for language while studying abroad in Madrid. After graduation, he taught English in Spain at a summer camp and worked for the BU study abroad program. Evan is dually certified to teach K-12 Spanish and middle school math, and taught in Philadelphia for six years. He has traveled to Spain extensively, and has taught Pre-College Spanish seminars.

journalism

Ansley Rubinstein

Harvard University, B.A. Near Eastern Languages & Civilizations & Arabic Literature

After graduating from Harvard, Ansley wrote for the internationally published travel guide, Let’s Go , traveling to Australia, Greece, Austria, and Germany. She led a program on documentary filmmaking in the U.K. and, more recently, developed a university-level comparative study abroad program on Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Architectural Design

Gaby Flores

Brown University, B.A., Int’l Relations & Italian Studies

Rice University, M.Architecture

While at Brown, Gaby spent a year studying abroad. She traveled through Spain, Italy, and Greece and discovered her admiration for the architecture of Gaudí. Gaby is a professor of architecture at the University of Puerto Rico and has a private practice in San Juan. She is fluent in English, Spanish, and Italian and has previously taught Art & Architecture.

psychology

Gyuri Kepes

UMass Amherst, B.A. & Ph.D. (candidate), Communication; University of Hartford, M.A., Communication

Gyuri’s current Ph.D. research explores the intersection of critical pedagogy, media literacy, and cultural studies, and has been published and presented at conferences. Gyuri has taught Pre-College seminars for the past six years, including Media Studies, Public Speaking & Debate, Psychology, Political Science, and Technology & Innovation.

inspiring instructors | Meet our instructors and read full bios at goprecollege.com

Biomedical ethics

michael harmon Amherst College, B.A., Interdisciplinary Studies University of Cambridge, M.Phil., Philosophy of Science & Medicine

While at Amherst, Michael created an interdisciplinary major, which he completed alongside his pre-med courses. He also interned at a hospital and visited 13 countries on six research trips. Following graduation, Michael earned a master’s degree at Cambridge. Michael has taught seminars in Biomedical Ethics and Music Performance.

business & economics

Sasha Milonova

Chapman University, B.A., Economics & Peace Studies

London School of Economics, M.S., Political Economy

At LSE, Sasha focused on transitional economies and global inequality. She has worked in Southeast Asia as a business consultant for women-led social enterprises and in the U.S. as chief of staff to a Colorado state senator and for an international education organization. Sasha is fluent in Russian and Spanish, and has taught Business & Economics.

Anime & Illustration

Entrepreneurship

justin laidlaw

Literature

Julienne Alexander Davidson College, B.A.,

After graduating from Davidson, Julienne worked in art and design for a wide variety of magazines, fashion companies, creative firms, and political campaigns. She now lives in North Carolina, where she works as a graphic designer, muralist, and artist in Durham. Julienne has taught Pre-College seminars in Graphic Design, Studio Art, Anime & Illustration, and Fashion Design.

North Carolina Central University, B.A., Mass Communications, Journalism

While at NCCU, Justin served as the communications and media director at an apparel and lifestyle brand. He is a member of a startup incubator sponsored by Google, and his team was accepted into the Startup Stampede, a business accelerator. He recently started a new digital media company in North Carolina. Justin has taught Entrepreneurship and Journalism seminars. goprecollege.com | 802.387.5000 | inspiring instructors

Coral developed a huge sense of what is possible, both within herself and from being in a college setting.

– Julie & Stewart Burke, Arlington, VA June

Our amherst Campus

Located in Massachusetts’ Pioneer Valley, Amherst College has been committed to the pursuit of academic excellence since 1821. The college’s historic, ivy-covered buildings and the adjacent town common form the center of the “Five College Consortium,” the region’s renowned academic network. This quintessential New England town is filled with shops and cafés and surrounded by rolling hills and rivers ideal for outdoor recreation.

Live on campus with access to the college’s top-notch facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, gym, pool, tennis courts, library, museums, and sports fields. Stay in double rooms in dormitories on the main quad, with your director, instructors, and resident advisors just down the hall, creating a community experience that goes beyond the classroom.

seminars

Choose two college-style seminars—morning and afternoon—and dive into important topics in today’s world that help you focus your interests as you look ahead toward college. Seminars meet for two hours daily, Monday through Friday, and are capped at just 10 students to maximize the benefits of small group learning.

morning Seminars

Seminar spotlight

Public Speaking & Debate: Gain confidence to speak in front of groups and learn techniques for engaging your audience. Practice debating, present speeches, and learn about the uses (and misuses) of rhetoric.

My daughter loved her classes, which have sparked a passion for psychology as a career interest! She came back confident and eager to pursue her passions.

– James & Michele Bonner, East Greenwich, RI

Afternoons

Every day, choose from a variety of fun extracurriculars to round out your Pre-College experience. Join a pick-up soccer or volleyball game on the quad, take a salsa dancing lesson, or visit a nearby college. Take part in an instructional sports clinic—tennis, soccer, or fitness—taught by professional coaches. Discover new interests like African drumming, improv, or yoga, or propose your own activity, and your instructors can help make it a reality. Past students have started a running club, organized an a capella concert, and taught a sushi-making workshop for the rest of their Pre-College friends.

evenings

No two evenings are alike! Stay in for a movie, talent show, or game night, or simply to enjoy the downtime with new friends. Other nights, head to local festivals, concerts, and theatre performances in Amherst or nearby Northampton. Go bowling, take in a baseball game, head out on a night photo shoot, or join friends at the iconic Northfield Drive-In before regrouping for community meeting.

excursions

Get off campus on weekend excursions to explore New England and New York City. On your first weekend, choose between a trip to New Hampshire’s White Mountains, where you can hike and swim in some of the East’s best-preserved wilderness, or Cape Cod, home to Massachusetts’ sandy beaches, lively boardwalks, and famous clam chowder. On your second weekend, take a day trip to Boston and visit sites such as Harvard Square, the New England Aquarium, or the Museum of Fine Arts, or visit New York City for the day. We also arrange college visits in Boston and New York for interested students, which are typically led by our instructors who are alumni of these universities.

Zak (right) with his final project, a self-portrait

day

Alexandria, VA, 11th Grade, St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School

Morning Seminar: Drawing & Painting

Afternoon Seminar: Structured Writing

9 AM Morning

1

Seminar

After breakfast, head to Drawing & Painting to start work on final projects—self portraits!

PM Afternoon Seminar

After lunch in the dining hall, continue drafting your college application essay in Structured Writing.

3 PM Afternoon

5

7

Activity

Join your soccer clinic on the pitch for the day's drills with your coaches.

PM Free Time

Spend some downtime with friends on the quad, throwing a frisbee and relaxing before dinner.

PM Community Meeting

Reconvene with the entire group of students, directors, and instructors to celebrate accomplishments and discuss the next day.

8 PM Evening

Activity

Join a group headed to the iconic Northfield Drive-In to take in a movie or stay in for a board game with friends.

in

the

life

– Sasha D., La Guardia High School, Brooklyn, NY

Our ucla Campus

Experience college life at UCLA, the cornerstone of California’s prestigious public research university system. Its 400+ acre campus, set in the heart of Los Angeles only five miles from the Pacific coast, is ideally situated for study and exploration of surrounding beaches, neighborhoods, and coastal canyons. Los Angeles boasts a diverse economy and is the center of world entertainment, making Pre-College at UCLA the perfect program for exploring new subjects or digging deeper into known passions.

Live in campus dormitories in doubles or triples, with bathrooms ensuite, and instructors and resident advisors just down the hall. Take advantage of full access to the university’s top-notch facilities, including the gym, pool, tennis courts, library, museums, and athletic fields.

July 1–14 • 14 days • Gateway City: Los Angeles

Completing Grades: 9–12 • $4,990 + airfare

seminars

Choose two college-style seminars—morning and afternoon—and dive into relevant topics that help you focus your interests as you look ahead toward college. Seminars meet for two hours daily, Monday through Friday, and are capped at just 10 students to maximize the benefits of small group learning.

morning Seminars

• Creative Writing

• Entertainment & the Media

• Entrepreneurship & the Startup

• Forensic Science

• Gender Studies

• Photography

• SAT/ACT Prep

• Sports Business

• Theatre & Acting

Seminar spotlight

afternoon Seminars

• Investigative Journalism

• Psychology of the Criminal Mind

• Public Speaking & Debate

• SAT/ACT Prep

Entertainment & the Media: Delve into the inner workings of the entertainment industry with a special focus on media and promotion. Discuss how films and television shows are made, examine business strategies, and meet with film producers, talent agents, bloggers, and promoters.

Visit goprecollege.com/seminars for full seminar descriptions.

I gained more confidence in my abilities, both academically and musically, and I am so grateful for it.

Afternoons

Each day, choose from a variety of activities to make the most of your summer and of campus life. Join an ultimate frisbee game, take a hip hop class, or head to the beach to try surfing or stand-up paddleboarding with experienced instructors. Go behind the scenes at a movie studio, or explore the hiking trails, observatory, and zoo at nearby Griffith Park. Rent bikes for a casual ride on the Venice boardwalk or take in the art exhibits at the Getty or UCLA’s own Hammer Museum.

evenings

Every evening is different! Some nights, stay in for a movie, talent show, or game night, or simply to enjoy the downtime with friends. Other nights, head to local festivals, concerts, and theatre performances throughout the greater Los Angeles area. Take in a baseball game at Dodger Stadium and bring a picnic dinner of local fare from Los Angeles’ Original Farmers’ Market. Attend a comedy show or join friends at the iconic Santa Monica Pier.

excursions

During the weekend, get off campus and explore the surrounding area on a day trip to Malibu or Long Beach. Hike Malibu’s canyons for an unparalleled view, then head to Zuma Beach to relax with your friends. Or opt for a day trip to Long Beach where you’ll spot marine life at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Weekend excursions offer the opportunity to experience the area with your peers and instructors.

instructor spotlight

Jenny Ziomek

Claremont Graduate University, M.F.A., NYC Teaching Fellow at Mercy College, M.S., Urban Education, Beloit College, B.A., Studio Art

Jenny is a painter, illustrator, and teacher. She has exhibited her drawings, paintings, and books across the U.S., including artwork for a film that premiered at MOMA and a graphic novel that was exhibited at the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA. She is currently a Teaching Artist at the L.A. County Museum of Art and leads art workshops for students and art integration workshops for teachers. She has directed Putney Pre-College programs and also taught Studio Art and Design seminars.

Whether they discover a new passion, get to go more in depth with something they already loved, or generally realize how rewarding it is to be a curious, thoughtful person, it’s truly amazing to watch a group of Pre-College students transform into lifelong learners.

What makes Putney Pre-College programs special?

In my ten years of teaching, I have never experienced anything quite like Putney Pre-College. To be able to lead my students so deeply into the subject matter, without being chained to textbooks or tests, is a dream. It’s often revolutionary for the students, who get to experience the process of following their genuine interests in a guided, academic environment, a process they’ll experience in college and beyond.

What kind of students are Putney Pre-College programs for?

We are a community of openness and curiosity. We have real, honest discussions. We try new things and have unique experiences together as a community. We are interested in being interested in things! Any student who is curious about being part of a community like that will be a good match.

Why UCLA?

Los Angeles is a very exciting city to be in these days! We are a big college town, the center of many industries, and the home to many incredible museums and entertainment studios. L.A. is also a unique place because we're an enormous city, but there's nature and hikes and beaches right around the corner—and actually in the city! The possibilities are endless.

Learning the city with my group was very empowering. I now know that I can succeed in navigating a new place while staying safe.

I loved seeing Gaudí's architecture and the Dalí Museum.

– Annie S., The Hockaday School, Dallas, TX

I gained independence and learned to adapt in another culture.

I did not feel like a tourist, but a traveler.

– Caroline J., Fox Lane High School, Bedford Hills, NY

Our barcelona Campus

Live among the invigorating, cosmopolitan bustle of Barcelona, Europe’s largest city on the Mediterranean and a cultural treasure, from its sports clubs to its opera and Catalán cuisine. The city, known for its unique blend of pragmatism, flair, and civic-mindedness, is also a thriving business and economic hub in Spain and the EU.

Stay in university accommodations in the heart of the city, a short walk to the Gothic Quarter, the beach, and Barcelona’s historical center, which dates to the Roman Empire. Students reside in singles, doubles, or triples, with directors, instructors, and resident advisors just down the hall, creating a community experience that goes beyond the classroom.

seminars

Choose two college-style seminars—a major and a minor—and get to know Barcelona through the lens of your chosen subjects. Major seminars meet three days per week and minor seminars meet two days per week. Seminars are field-based and enrollment is capped at just 10 students to maximize the benefits of small group learning.

major Seminars

• Art & Architecture

• International Business

• International Relations & the EU

• Photography & Media

• Spanish Language

Seminar spotlight

minor Seminars

• Drawing & Sketching

• Spanish Cuisine & Culture

• Sports Management

• Survival Spanish

• Travel Photography

Sports Management : Examine different cultural models and management strategies for sports organizations, with emphasis on FIFA and the Spanish sporting scene. Step into Barcelona’s Camp Nou stadium and meet with professionals to learn what makes a successful franchise. Interview fervent fans, examine effective marketing methods, and get a grasp on future career options in this exciting field.

June 29–July 19 • 21 days • Gateway City: New York

Completing Grades: 9–12 • $6,790 + airfare

802.387.5000

Visit goprecollege.com/seminars for full seminar descriptions.

802.387.5000

Afternoons

Each afternoon, explore subjects outside of your seminars, relax, and have fun participating in enriching extracurricular activities and experiences with new friends. Try your hand at chocolate-making at the Museu de la Xocolata, bike through the beautiful Parc de la Ciutadella, or take in a film at an open-air cinema. Enjoy the panoramic views from the balcony at Parc Güell, and head to the beach to relax, swim, or kayak. Find a hidden café for a tertulia , or Spanish conversation hour.

evenings

In late afternoon, gather with your entire group for community meeting before dinner. Then, head out in small groups with instructors to dine at one of Barcelona’s many fantastic restaurants and sample the local fare. After dinner, venture out again in the company of your instructors to experience the sights, sounds, and culture of Barcelona by night. Attend a flamenco show or guitar concert, or check out one of Barcelona’s famed neighborhood street festivals.

excursions

On weekends, escape the city and explore the stunning Catalán countryside with your peers and instructors. Travel to Castellar de n’Hug, a scenic mountain town nestled into the foothills of the Spanish Pyrenees, for a weekend of hiking, biking, and outdoor pursuits. Spend a day relaxing on the turquoise beaches of medieval Tossa del Mar and experience the wild and surreal works of Salvador Dalí in his hometown of Figueres.

10

anya c.

Wellesley, MA, 9th Grade, Noble and Greenough School

Major: Art & Architecture

Minor: Survival Spanish

AM Minor Seminar

– Anya C., Noble and Greenough School, Wellesley, MA

12

Review vocabulary before heading to the Mercado de la Boquería with your Spanish Language group to practice your bargaining skills with food vendors.

PM Major Seminar

Continue to La Pedrera, a famous example of Gaudí’s civic architecture, and join in a lively discussion with your Art & Architecture peers.

7

4

PM Afternoon Activity

After lunch, go vintage shopping on Carrer de Taller in the center of Barcelona's old town.

PM Community Meeting

Reconvene at the Residencia with all students, directors, and instructors for this nightly ritual to share happenings and discuss the next day.

9

PM Evening Activity

After downtime for relaxing, enjoy an authentic meal out on the town, followed by a flamenco dance show.

“The program hit a perfect balance of cultural immersion, adventure, day trips, experiential learning, and group bonding.”

Anya (second from right) at Palau de la Música

I

gained a broader understanding of art history through

Our florence Campus

Considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is home to some of the greatest collections of art and architecture in Europe, and serves as an inspiring location to explore Italy’s rich cultural, artistic, political, and culinary traditions.

seminars

Choose two college-style seminars—a major and a minor—and get to know Florence and the surrounding Tuscan countryside through the lens of your chosen subjects. Major seminars meet three days per week and minor seminars meet two days per week. Seminars are field-based and enrollment is capped at just 10 students to maximize the benefits of small group learning.

Seminar spotlight

Creative Writing: Find your voice as a creative writer through fieldbased exercises led by published authors as you draw inspiration from your surroundings. In these historic streets and buildings, develop skills in the genre of your choosing while exploring techniques of dialogue, imagery, narrative structure, word choice, and storytelling.

Afternoons

Each afternoon, explore subjects outside of your seminars, relax, and have fun participating in enriching extracurricular activities and experiences. Wander through a traditional open-air market, trying out new Italian vocabulary as you chat with leather artisans or buy fruit. Sample the flavors at one of Italy’s oldest gelato makers. Try your hand at pasta-making at an Italian cooking school, and meet with a family that has been producing the region's olive oil for generations. Interview local teens about the music scene, pop culture, or their views on American culture.

evenings

Before dinner each night, gather with your entire group for a community meeting. Then, head out in small groups with instructors for dinner at one of Florence’s authentic trattorias. After dinner, venture out again in the company of your instructors to experience Florence’s culture by night. Attend live music shows or a theatre performance, take folk dancing lessons, or stay in for a movie night or game night at the villa.

excursions

a day in the life

perry z.

New York, NY, 11th Grade, Marymount School of New York

Major: Photography

Minor: Italian Cuisine & Culture

10

AM Minor Seminar

After breakfast at the villa, join your cuisine seminar and head to an Italian cooking class to learn to hand-roll pasta.

12

PM Major Seminar

Meet with a professional photo archivist, learn about the art of photo preservation, and see amazing prints from last century.

4 PM Afternoon Activity

After lunch at a local trattoria, join other seminars for a visit to an olive grove and olive oil tasting.

7

PM Community Meeting

Reconvene with all students, directors, and instructors for this nightly ritual to share happenings and discuss the next day.

9 PM Evening Activity

Try ribollita and pappa al pomodoro at a family-run eatery, then attend an open-air concert against the backdrop of Florence’s historic buildings.

On weekends, venture beyond Florence’s cobblestone streets. Weekend excursions offer the opportunity to experience a different region of Italy with your peers and instructors. Travel by train to Rome with your group and experience the iconic beauty of the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, the ancient Colosseum, or Trevi Fountain. Explore the winding alleys of Lucca on bicycle or see the Leaning Tower of Pisa firsthand. Hike the scenic trails linking the colorful cliffside villages of Cinque Terre, and take a relaxing dip in the Mediterranean Sea. 12pm 4pm 9pm

Perry on a group excursion to Pisa

Our oxford Campus

Reside on the historic grounds of University College, one of Oxford University’s most prestigious campuses, whose notable alumni include President Bill Clinton, Stephen Hawking, and Percy Bysshe Shelley. Founded in 1249, University College is situated within walking distance of Oxford’s iconic institutions, including the Ashmolean and Pitt Rivers Museums, the Bodleian Library, the Sheldonian Theatre, and Christ Church Cathedral. From this base, experience university life as you immerse yourself in the rich history and modern life of Oxford.

Stay in a dormitory in singles, with instructors just down the hall. Students have access to common space for classes, community meetings, and downtime, creating a learning experience that goes beyond the classroom.

July 13–August 2 • 21 days • Gateway City: New York

Completing Grades: 9–12 • $7,290 + airfare

seminars

Choose two college-style seminars—a major and a minor—and get to know Oxford and the surrounding English countryside through the lens of your chosen subjects. Major seminars meet three days per week and minor seminars meet two days per week. Seminars are field-based and enrollment is capped at 10 students to maximize the benefits of small group learning.

Seminar spotlight

International Relations & the EU: As England navigates its exit from the European Union, examine the larger issues of European integration or disunion, and its influence on the rest of the world, while exploring the economic challenges these options pose for British commerce. Guest lecturers and field visits lend insight into the major political and economic institutions of England.

Afternoons

Every afternoon, explore subjects outside of your seminars, relax, and have fun participating in enriching extracurricular activities. Go punting on the Cherwell River, join a game of cricket, or discuss Brexit and current events with locals in downtown Oxford. Participate in the British tradition of afternoon tea, and catch a Royal Shakespeare Company performance at Shakespeare’s birthplace of Stratford-upon-Avon. Rent bikes and explore Oxford’s winding roads and gardens on two wheels.

evenings

After dinner at University College’s dining hall each night, venture out in the company of your instructors to see a dance or musical performance at the renowned Sheldonian Theatre, take in a comedy show, or hone your photography skills during a night shoot. Catch an outdoor Shakespeare play in the quad of the Bodleian Library or stay in for a movie night or talent show with new friends at your residence.

excursions

Each weekend, get off campus to travel to the surrounding towns and countryside and see a different region of England with your peers and instructors. Explore the monoliths of Stonehenge at dusk, or visit the Roman ruins in the ancient city of Bath. Hike, bike, or explore market towns in the Cotswolds. End your program with an exciting, three-day excursion in London. Visit Westminster Abbey and Parliament, take in the artistic masterpieces at the Tate Modern, and photograph the Tower Bridge at sunset. Visit 10 Downing Street, headquarters of the U.K. government, and the London Stock Exchange. Wander through the food stalls at Borough Market or try fish and chips in Hyde Park, and enjoy a play in the West End.

10

jake l.

South Hamilton, MA, 11th Grade

a day in the life

1

Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School

Major: British History

Minor: Globalization & Human Rights

AM Major Seminar

After breakfast on campus, join your British History seminar to discuss Sir Winston Churchill, and then head to Blenheim Palace, Churchill's ancestral home.

PM Minor Seminar

Following lunch at a local pub, explore Britain’s past and role in history by examining the collections at the renowned Ashmolean Museum.

3

PM Afternoon Activity

Go punting as a group on the Cherwell River, a quintessential Oxford experience, then take tea with friends.

6

PM Community Meeting

Return to campus for downtime and relax with friends, then reconvene with all students, directors, and instructors for this nightly ritual.

8 PM Evening Activity

Eat dinner on campus, then stroll into town with friends for ice cream and live music on Cornmarket Street or ride on the London Eye.

Jake (left) presents with his seminar group

Our tokyo Campus

Tokyo is a study in contrasts, where centuries-old traditions co-exist with cutting-edge technologies. With a population of 13 million, Japan’s capital city is an economic powerhouse, leading the way in the high tech and robotics industries. The Greater Tokyo area is the most populous metropolitan area in the world.

From our residential hotel located in the heart of the city, experience Tokyo’s distinct neighborhoods, museums, historical landmarks, markets, and food with your seminar instructors and peers. Meet with artists, business leaders, graphic designers, and tech innovators as you discover the myriad ways Tokyo’s dynamic growth defines its success. Students reside in doubles or triples with bathrooms ensuite alongside staff and instructors.

seminars

Choose two college-style seminars—a major and a minor—and get to know Tokyo through the lens of your chosen subjects. Major seminars meet three days per week and minor seminars meet two days per week. Seminars are capped at just 10 students to maximize the benefits of small group learning.

minor Seminars

June 29–July 19 • 21 days • Gateway City: Los Angeles

Completing Grades: 9–12 • $7,490 + airfare

Seminar spotlight

Technology & Innovation : Explore Tokyo through the lens of cutting-edge science and discovery. Discover the latest gaming technologies before diving into the world of remote robotic surgery. Visit the Toyota Mega Web and learn about the technology Toyota is developing for future cars. Participate in creativity brainstorms, hands-on workshops, and discussions with some of the world’s most ingenious creators.

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Afternoons

In the afternoons, explore subjects outside of your seminars, relax, and have fun participating in enriching extracurricular activities and experiences. Catch the lively fish auction at the Tsukiji Market, then regain your sense of calm in the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. Join a tai chi session, try woodblock printing, or sample the city’s best sushi and ramen. Take part in a traditional tea ceremony or learn calligraphy arts during an afternoon workshop. Attend a sumo match, visit an amusement park, or join locals at one of the city’s many gaming arcades.

evenings

Before dinner each night, gather with your group for a community meeting. Then, head out for dinner in small groups with instructors to sample Tokyo’s local delicacies. After dinner, venture out again in the company of your instructors to experience Tokyo’s eclectic culture by night. See live music shows or a theatre performance, or enjoy a night of karaoke with new friends.

excursions

On weekends, travel to the surrounding countryside for a break from city life. Visit an onsen , a traditional Japanese hot springs bath, rent bikes, or explore trails on foot with your instructors. Cap your travels with a three-day excursion to Kyoto, Japan’s former imperial capital. With its many Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, pristine gardens, and traditional wooden houses, Kyoto is the perfect spot to enjoy the company of your peers and reflect on your trip. Learn about geisha culture in the Gion district. Relax at one of Kyoto’s famed zen gardens. Hike scenic trails such as Kyoto’s famed Bamboo Grove and celebrate your accomplishments with a final group dinner.

instructor spotlight

in Madrid for 15 years, where he teaches English and runs a bilingual theatre company. Last year in Tokyo was Schuyler’s 19th summer with Putney! He has directed Pre-College programs in Spain and Japan, and has taught numerous seminars including Japanese Cuisine and Technology & Innovation.

What makes Putney Pre-College programs special?

We give students ownership of the program from the first day. Our students have a say in where we go, what we do, and what they learn. They can choose between a variety of activities—whether it be a visit to a shrine, a cosplay cafe, or an onsen , a Japanese hot spring.

What kind of students are Putney Pre-College programs for?

Students who are willing to step out of their comfort zone will gain the most. Seeing that the world is a very diverse place is an invaluable lesson for any teenager. And especially in the case of Tokyo, having a bit of culture shock and getting out of your comfort zone is hard, but really rewarding. You feel more confident to take on further challenges in your life.

Why Tokyo?

Tokyo is just so different from Western cities. It's fascinating to learn the etiquette for getting on the subway or going to the pool. And Japan is a leader in cars, robotics, digital art, so seminars can focus on these relevant areas. Last summer, my students formed and defended opinions on A.I., urban transportation, and self-driving cars! There is so much to do and the city is constantly changing.

Putney Pre-College students are curious about the world and want to take an active part in creating the best summer possible. They have diverse interests, are adaptable, flexible, and generous, and have good senses of humor.

68 Years of Experience

We’re not new at this. Our perfect safety record gives parents comfort and reflects decades of institutional knowledge and expertise in performing successful risk management, supporting learners, and delivering high-quality programming.

Lasting Benefits

Our programs instill confidence, maturity, and passion for cultures and ideas that are new to students— benefits that extend far beyond summer. These experiences often serve as springboards for students to develop lifelong interests they pursue in college and beyond.

Great Students

We carefully review applications and accept only students who have the ability to thrive on a Putney Pre-College program. Our goal is to accept young people who are well adjusted, bright, curious about the world, and who can contribute positively to their group.

Excellent Group Dynamics

Great programs start and end with great group dynamics. Our instructors facilitate positive environments where everyone is included, celebrated, and invited to participate. These group experiences lead to increased maturity, broadened perspectives, and lasting friendships.

High Expectations

We have clearly communicated expectations of behavior that are designed to keep students safe and bring out the best in them. Our simple rules—no smoking, drinking, or drugs, as well as a few more— promote safety and build trust within the group.

Safety & Risk Management

A commitment to safety is the bedrock of our program operations and has been the key to our success as international educators. The full-time Putney Team is large enough to operate incredible programs all over the world, yet small enough to ensure that every student and family receives a high level of support.

Open Lines of Communication

We maintain open lines of communication with parents, students, and instructors. While programs are underway, parents and students can reach us by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for the duration of the program.

It’s Fun!

While our programs all have ambitious educational goals, our founders believed that you learn best when you’re having fun. For 67 years Putney has made learning fun and we can guarantee that’s not going to change in our 68th summer. Please join us!

goprecollege.com | 802.387.5000 | why choose putney pre-college?

putney student travel

42 Programs, 31 Countries, 6 Continents

Community Service

Completing grades 9–12

Teamwork, cultural immersion, and helping others encourages students to mature and grow into global citizens. Service is a medium for cultural interaction as students complete projects in partnership with carefully chosen local communities and contacts.

Cultural exploration

Completing grades 9–12

Get off the beaten track and see the world as a traveler—not as a tourist. Cultural exploration programs are ideal for seasoned adventurers and first time travelers alike who want to go straight to the heart of what makes a country, its culture, and its people special.

language learning

Completing grades 8–12

Bring your Spanish or French language studies to life and develop your skills in an immersive setting that accelerates the pace of learning. Interactive lessons, practice with locals, a family stay, and cultural activities encourage maximum language retention.

middle school

Completing grades 6–8

Experience a perfect balance of language exposure and an introduction to outdoor and cultural adventures. Led by inspiring leaders who understand the needs and perspectives of young adolescents, these programs spark curiosity and build confidence.

discover putney

Completing grades 4–6

Go far beyond the typical camp experience and build confidence for future adventures. Younger students travel by foot, bike, and kayak, and camp in tents under the supervision of engaged and caring leaders who provide a supportive, family-like experience.

In our 68th summer, Putney Student Travel offers elementary, middle, and high school students the opportunity and insight to shape their world through travel, unique cultural engagement, friendship, and fun. For a full list of cities &

view all putney programs at goputney.com

meet the team

Going beyond for 68 years.

1951 —The first trip departs by steamship for Switzerland, Italy, France, and Holland, led by founders George and Kitty Shumlin. The ocean crossing takes ten days each way—three weeks of an eightweek program.

1983 —After 32 years, George and Kitty retire from Putney Student Travel, passing the reins to their sons, Pete and Jeff.

1992 —Putney introduces its first Pre-College programs, including at Amherst College, providing a model for new learning opportunities.

2019 —Our team includes educators, linguists, world travelers, a former ship captain, a governor, a former corporate lawyer, an MFA in writing, Watson and Fulbright fellows, artists, moms and dads, a capuchin monkey researcher, and many more. Give us a call or connect with us on the road when we travel to meet with prospective students this winter.

View a comprehensive timeline and meet team members at goputney.com

PODF Board Members

John Ashley

Attorney, New York, NY

Jonathan Brand

Attorney & College President, Mt. Vernon, IA

Linda Coleman

Interior Design Consultant, Chicago, IL

Patrice Cromwell

Philanthropic Advisor, Baltimore, MD

Breck Eisner Filmmaker, Los Angeles, CA

Bruce Feiler

Author, Brooklyn, NY

Abbey Gardner International Development Policy Advisor, New York, NY

David Gruppo

Attorney & Investment Banker, Larchmont, NY

Christi Mays Hagemann Actor, Houston, TX

Anne Little

Attorney & Importer, Larchmont, NY

Corey Modeste Financial Analyst, New York, NY

Ellen Stein

Doctor, Brattleboro, VT

Vicki Waller Educator, Los Angeles, CA

Eric Wilson

Entrepreneur, New York, NY

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: The Putney Open Door Fund is a nonprofit foundation whose purpose is to provide support for young people seeking educational summer experiences they could not otherwise afford. The Fund’s Board of Directors is committed to making the immeasurable benefits of an experience like Putney available to all students, regardless of their economic status.

The success of the Putney Open Door Fund depends on the generosity of its donors, most of whom are alumni or parents. One hundred percent of donations goes directly to funding scholarship students. Your support is greatly appreciated! To donate, visit goputney.com/PODF

The Putney Open Door Fund generally limits eligibility to students who are U.S. residents, whose parents’ combined income is less than $40,000, and who have few assets. Full and partial scholarships are awarded each year. Many applications are received and allocation is competitive. Preference is often given to students who have not had similar educational or travel opportunities.

HOW TO APPLY: To consider an applicant for a scholarship award, the Putney Open Door Fund must receive complete scholarship applications via mail no later than February 15, 2019. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Please visit goputney.com/PODF to download application instructions and forms.

“Last summer at Amherst, I overcame my fear of the unknown and I now view the world in a totally new, different way. I took a public speaking course and my instructor helped me to find my voice in this world. I gained confidence in myself and learned how to encourage others in return."

– Belen H., 2018 PODF Recipient, Lakeview High School, San Angelo, TX

dates & Details

how to apply

Visit goprecollege.com and click the “Apply Now” button. If you are new to Putney Student Travel, follow online prompts to proceed with the application process. If you are a Putney alumni family, use your existing account information to log in. If you need assistance, please contact our admissions team at 802.387.5000 or admissions@goputney.com.

airfare

Airfare is not included in tuition. For international destinations, Putney organizes escorted flights for students on round-trip group flights from Gateway U.S. airports to program destinations. Please consult us for fares. Students beginning their travel from outside of North America may need to arrange their own airfare to and from the program destination.

eligibility

Students completing 9th through 12th grades are eligible to participate in Putney Pre-College programs. We welcome students from the U.S. and abroad.

OUR EXPECTATIONS

We expect Putney participants to maintain high standards of personal behavior. Since they are encouraged, within the context of our programs, to take leadership roles and to make some of their own discoveries, students whose parents require them to be under constant surveillance or who are likely to act irresponsibly; use drugs, alcohol, or tobacco; or behave in a disruptive manner should not apply. Students who violate our few rules are subject to dismissal at our sole discretion. Parents are responsible for making arrangements for, bearing the cost of, and providing supervision for dismissed students’ immediate travel home, even in situations that require extended international travel. In such cases, no refund of the program tuition is given.

At Putney we take pride in our reputation for careful, thorough planning and attention to detail. The descriptions of our programs are based on our experiences in previous summers and our plans for this summer. It is inevitable that some details described here will not happen exactly as presented. To get the most out of the Putney experience, participants need to be flexible in responding to unforeseen situations and creative in taking advantage of unexpected opportunities. We expect Putney participants to share responsibility for the success of their experience.

summer 2019 programs

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Amherst College 10 6/30–7/19 20 days $5,690 –

UCLA 14 7/1–7/14 14 days $4,990 Los Angeles

Barcelona 18 6/29–7/19 21 days $6,790 New York

Florence 22 7/13–8/2 21 days $6,990 New York

Oxford University 26 7/13–8/2 21 days $7,290 New York

Tokyo 30 6/29–7/19 21 days $7,490 Los Angeles

pre-college seminars

Amherst Barcelona Florence Oxford Tokyo UCLA

Anime & Illustration 

Architecture   

Art History  

Biomedical Ethics 

British History 

Business & Economics   

Creative Writing    

Drawing & Painting 

Drawing & Sketching   

English as a Second Language 

Entertainment & the Media 

Entrepreneurship  

Fashion Design & History  

Film & Video   

Forensic Science  

Gender Studies  

Globalization & Human Rights 

International Business & Marketing  

International Relations & the EU   

Investigative Journalism  

Italian Cuisine & Culture 

Japanese Cuisine & Culture 

Japanese Language  Marketing   

Media Studies 

Music Performance 

Mythology & Folklore 

Photography      

Political Science 

Psychology of Personality 

Psychology of the Criminal Mind  

Public Speaking & Debate  

Romantic Literature 

SAT/ACT Prep  

Scriptwriting 

Spanish Language 

Spanish Cuisine & Culture 

Sports Management  

Structured Writing 

Survival Italian 

Technology & Innovation  

Theatre & Acting 

345 Hickory Ridge Road Putney, Vermont 05346