Smithsonian Student Travel (Nov. 2022)

Spark a Passion for Travel

For a high school student, travel can be a profoundly transformative experience. They gain knowledge through hands-on exploration, expand their perspective on the world, and discover new interests that can shape their future. I am excited to share with you our portfolio of student travel programs for next summer—a range of enriching adventures in the U.S. and abroad that are designed to cultivate new skills and inspire new passions. Students meet with Smithsonian Student Travel Experts in the fi eld and explore topical subjects in depth while discovering compelling destinations from Greece and Italy to Belize.

We look forward to welcoming your student next summer!

Sincerely, Lynn Cutter Senior Vice President, Smithsonian Travel

The Smithsonian Difference

Your Horizons

Student Travel Experts

Europe

Greece & Italy

Portugal & Spain NEW!

France NEW!

Scotland NEW!

Iceland

New York & Denmark

The Americas

Washington, D.C. & Houston

Belize NEW!

Costa Rica

Ecuador & the Galápagos

& the Pacific

Japan NEW!

Australia NEW!

Resources

How to Apply

Calendar

Out and Explore with Smithsonian Student Travel

Ways to Travel with Smithsonian

Expand Your Horizons with Smithsonian Student Travel

At a time when quality and trust in travel is more important than ever, Smithsonian Student Travel is excited to offer a new selection of immersive experiences for students completing 8th through 12th grades by the summer of 2023.

Informed by Smithsonian’s vast knowledge and resources built over 175 years, Smithsonian Student Travel programs have been crafted around themes that are ideal for students curious to explore a new topic or interest, or to dig deeper into one that is already a passion. Each program focuses on

a unique theme that Smithsonian has covered over the years in its museums, research, and media, ranging from climate change or wildlife conservation to aerospace, cultural heritage, or design.

Within a structured environment, students take ownership over their experience while working on independent projects of their choosing. By the end of a program, students are more closely engaged with a place, allowing them the opportunity to become better global citizens and advocates for the future.

Five Reasons to Travel with Smithsonian Student Travel

1. A Name You Can Trust

The Smithsonian has earned its reputation as one of America’s most trusted institutions. As you would expect, our student travel programs have been designed to meet those same high standards of excellence. From engaging, knowldedgeable experts to experienced trip leaders, our entire team is passionate about sharing their unique insights with students.

2. Experts at Making Learning Fun

One of the most important features of a Smithsonian Student Travel program is the fun and engaging learning at its core. You will be joined by a Smithsonian Student Travel Expert who brings a passion for their work and insider perspective to the destination. You’ll also be accompanied by dynamic trip leaders and local guides who love to explore our students’ interests and have fun!

3. The Smithsonian Community

Another highlight of your program is sure to be your traveling companions. You’ll travel with students from

across the country who are adventurous and curious about the world. Some of your most lasting memories will be the friendships that you develop with others who share your love of learning and exploration.

4. Small Groups and Big Experiences

By keeping our groups small, our programs allow you to experience the world in a bigger way, getting up close to sites and taking the path less traveled. You’ll meet with the local people, participate in cultural traditions, and create personal connections and real friendships with your fellow students and trip leaders.

5. Make a Difference

When you travel with us, you support the educational mission of the Smithsonian. And you have the comfort of knowing that you are traveling with an organization that is committed to sustaining the character and biodiversity of the places we visit by supporting regional economies and selecting partners and suppliers who meet our standards for responsible travel.

Smithsonian Student Travel Experts Share Their Insights and Understanding

A Smithsonian Student Travel Expert joins every program for a portion of the itinerary. Our experts are professionals in their field and are able to tie in their knowledge and experiences with the themes of the program. They are welcoming, engaging, and accessible, and provide students with unique insights in a way that only Smithsonian is able to offer. During their time with the group, they participate in all activities and meals, offering students opportunities to engage in meaningful ways. Our experts work in museums, conduct experiments, collect data, and organize community gardens. They are curators, educators, researchers, conservationists, and historians. Meet a few of the experts who will join you in summer 2023.

To view the full list and bios of Smithsonian Student Travel Experts, visit SmithsonianStudentTravel.org/experts.

April Nowell

April Nowell is a Paleolithic archaeologist and a professor of anthropology who has taught classes on cave art for more than 20 years. She directs an international team of researchers in the study of Paleolithic sites in Jordan and collaborates with colleagues on cave art in France and Australia. April is also known for her work on the archaeology of children, and the relationship between science, pop culture, and the media.

April will join one of our student travel programs in France.

The program exceeded our expectations. The expert helped our daughter learn about the field of environmental sciences, make new friendships, and experience a new part of the world.

– Parent Jennifer V.

Geeta Mehta

Geeta Mehta is an expert in architecture and urban design and teaches at Columbia University. Her experience of working in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America enables her to bring a global perspective to her teaching. She has spoken on social capital, sustainable and equitable urbanism, and community-based change at forums around the world, including a panel in Copenhagen and as part of New York’s Waterfront Management Advisory Board.

Geeta will join one of our student travel programs in New York & Denmark.

Hugh Shapiro

Hugh Shapiro, a professor of East Asian history, has spent years of study in China, Japan, and Taiwan, and has enjoyed appointments in each country as well as at Princeton University. Hugh believes in “adventure pedagogy”: mindful immersion in the host culture combined with serious study of its history, literature, and geopolitics. His other teaching interests include medicine, visual and performance art, and the history of decolonization and authoritarianism.

Hugh will join one of our student travel programs in Japan.

Ashley Elston

Ashley Elston is an art historian who weaves art, history, religion, and culture into her teaching. As an associate professor of art history, she teaches a variety of courses on European art from the ancient world to the 19th century. Awarded a Fulbright grant, Ashley lived in Italy to conduct her doctoral research on Italian medieval and Renaissance art. Another of her research interests includes the history of American collections of Renaissance art. Ashley will join one of our student travel programs in Greece & Italy.

HIGHLIGHTS

Imagine gladiatorial combat in the cavernous Roman Colosseum. Sail below the cliffs of Santorini and examine the legend of Atlantis.

Meet with archaeologists at Pompeii and contemplate the eruption of Vesuvius.

ITINERARY AT A GLANCE

Day 1: Fly from New York to Athens

Days 2–3: Athens, Greece

Days 4–7: Crete, Greece

Days 8–10: Santorini, Greece

Days 11–13: Naples, Italy

Days 14–18: Rome, Italy

Day 19: Depart Rome

Greece & Italy

Ancient Civilizations, History, & Myth $8,290 + airfare / 19 Days June 18–July 6, July 2–20, 2023

Dive into the ancient civilizations and modern cultures of Greece and Italy. Explore the legacy of their empires as you climb the steps of the Acropolis above Athens; discover archaeological sites on two Greek islands; and stroll the ancient streets of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Plus, create your own mosaic in traditional Roman style; hike along the rim of a caldera in Santorini; and enjoy a refreshing swim in the Mediterranean from one of Crete’s hidden beaches.

Portugal & Spain

Art, Architectural Design, & Iberian Culture

$8,490 + airfare / 16 Days

June 17–July 2, June 25–July 10, 2023

Explore four cities in Portugal and Spain, each showcasing very distinctive and fascinating architectural histories. View artistic masterpieces that span centuries at world-class museums and delve into the multicultural traditions of the Iberian Peninsula. Gain a solid understanding of architectural history and design principles; explore medieval villages, sample local delicacies, and take in the culture of music and dance from fado to flamenco.

HIGHLIGHTS

Sample Portuguese petiscos in Lisbon, and discover an assortment of Spanish tapas that vary by region.

Gaze upon breathtaking Spanish paintings from Goya to Picasso and Dalí while visiting Madrid’s world-class Prado and Reina Sofia museums.

Discover the unique Moderniste style of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona.

ITINERARY AT A GLANCE

Day 1: Fly from New York to Lisbon

Days 2–5: Lisbon & Sintra, Portugal

Days 6–8: Cáceres, Spain

Days 9–11: Madrid, Spain

Days 12–15: Barcelona, Spain

Day 16: Depart Barcelona

HIGHLIGHTS

Become immersed in the art of Paris at the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, and other museums, accompanied by art historians.

Gaze up at extraordinary medieval castles as you kayak down the Dordogne River.

Meet with organic and biodynamic farmers known for their ancient farming techniques, and dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

ITINERARY AT A GLANCE

Day 1: Fly from New York to Bordeaux

Days 2–5: The Dordogne

Days 6–9: Albi & the Tarn

Days 10–14: Paris

Day 15: Depart Paris

France

Farm-to-Table, Cave Art, & the City of Light $8,390 + airfare / 15 Days July 1–15, July 8–22, 2023

Surround yourself with the powerful cultural traditions of French art and cuisine as you explore the southern provinces of the Dordogne and the Tarn, and then cosmopolitan Paris. The Dordogne and the Tarn regions are renowned for their untouched medieval cities, prehistoric cave art, and farm-to-table culinary traditions, while Paris captures worldwide acclaim for its astounding art collections and legendary cuisine.

Scotland

Ancient History, Celtic Heritage, & the Natural World

$7,690 + airfare / 17 Days

June 23–July 9, July 10–26, 2023

From legends of castles and clans to the dramatic impact on the world through science, medicine, and education, Scotland offers a variety of interesting subject areas for any student. As you journey from lively Edinburgh through the small towns and rolling hills of the Highlands and the wild landscapes of the Inner Hebrides, come to understand the influence of the landscape on the country’s history and cultural traditions.

HIGHLIGHTS

Walk the cobblestone streets of historic Edinburgh and the seaside town of St Andrews.

Meet locals in remote communities in the Hebrides, and head out by boat to look for Atlantic puffins.

Hike around gorgeous Highland lochs, watch sheepdogs at work at local farms, and experience Scottish and Gaelic traditions through music and food.

ITINERARY AT A GLANCE

Day 1: Fly from New York to Edinburgh

Days 2–4: St Andrews

Days 5–8: Scottish Highlands

Days 9–12: The Hebrides

Days 13–16: Edinburgh & Glasgow

Day 17: Depart Edinburgh

HIGHLIGHTS

Go behind the scenes with geologists at a geothermal power plant.

Straddle two tectonic plates at Thingvellir National Park.

Scout for puffins, whales, and seals as you kayak pristine fjords.

ITINERARY AT A GLANCE

Day 1: Fly from New York to Reykjavík

Days 2–4: Reykjavík & the Golden Circle

Days 5–7: Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Days 8–9: Breiðavík

Days 10–13: Isafjordur

Day 14: Reykjavík

Day 15: Depart Reykjavík

Iceland

Geology, Climate Change, & Renewable Energy $8,790 + airfare / 15 Days June 27–July 11, July 12–26, 2023

Witness volcanoes, glaciers, and waterfalls as you explore Iceland, where both climate change and successes in renewable energy are fast-moving and highly visible. Meet with volcanologists and fishermen; learn about geothermal energy from geologists; and gain insight into clean energy to envision the future of our changing planet. Don crampons for a glacier hike; ride Icelandic horses along the beach; and relax in the waters of the Blue Lagoon.

New York & Denmark

Architecture & Sustainable Design

$7,590 + airfare / 14 Days

June 22–July 5, July 20–Aug. 2, 2023

Immerse yourself in cutting-edge design in two different locations. In New York City, visit the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, and explore urban design. Then travel to Denmark to meet with architects, engineers, and artists to experience firsthand how the ideals of sustainability can be incorporated into all areas of design. Walk along Manhattan’s renowned High Line and hike around CopenHill, Denmark’s clean energy plant and ski hill.

HIGHLIGHTS

Explore New York City and how it is fusing equity with the design of its new urban spaces.

Cross the Øresund Bridge, a marvel of modern engineering, as you travel by train to Malmo, Sweden.

Talk with LEGO Builders about innovation and the future of the LEGO brick.

ITINERARY AT A GLANCE

Day 1: Meet in New York City

Days 2–4: New York City

Days 5–7: Copenhagen, Denmark

Days 8–10: Odense & Aarhus, Denmark

Days 11–13: Billund, Denmark

Day 14: Depart Copenhagen

HIGHLIGHTS

Learn about aerodynamics, then build and launch your own rocket. Visit the Johnson Space Center, home of the ISS’s Mission Control.

Meet NASA scientists who are at the forefront of space exploration.

ITINERARY AT A GLANCE

Day 1: Meet in Washington, D.C.

Days 2–5: Washington, D.C.

Days 6–7: Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Days 8–11: Houston, Texas

Day 12: Depart Houston

Washington, D.C. & Houston

Aerospace & the Race to Mars $6,990 + airfare / 12 Days June 25–July 6, July 23–Aug. 3, 2023

Delve into the world of aerospace engineering and space exploration as you travel from Washington, D.C. to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. See groundbreaking aircraft up close at the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center; meet with scientists in Washington, D.C. and Houston; and learn about the International Space Station experiments and potential future missions to Mars.

Belize

Conservation, Reefs, & Mayan History

$6,990 + airfare / 15 Days

June 30–July 14, July 14–28, 2023

Boasting the world’s second longest barrier reef, lush jungle reserves, hundreds of ancient Mayan archaeological sites, and breathtaking landscapes, Belize is a beacon of conservation. Join fellow students to meet scientists, conservationists, and zookeepers to learn about wildlife conservation; and explore Mayan temples and ritual sites alongside knowledgeable guides who put the country’s rich history into context.

HIGHLIGHTS

Climb the steps of ancient temples at the Mayan city of Caracol.

Collaborate with shark and reef researchers on conservation projects and get up close with sea life on private snorkeling excursions.

Hike with guides along gorgeous rivers, swim in refreshing pools, and view majestic waterfalls.

ITINERARY AT A GLANCE

Day 1: Fly from Miami to Belize City

Days 2–3: Lamanai

Days 4–8: San Ignacio

Days 9–12: Tobacco Caye

Days 13–14: Tropical Education Center

Day 15: Depart Belize City

HIGHLIGHTS

Embark on night walks to monitor sea turtle populations. Learn about small-scale hydroelectricity at a rainforest ecolodge. Explore the canopy of the Monteverde Cloud Forest and look for rare and colorful birds, butterflies, and perhaps a sleepy sloth.

ITINERARY AT A GLANCE

Day 1: Fly from Miami to San José Day 2: Escazú

Days 3–8: Tortuguero National Park

Days 9–10: La Selva Research Station

Days 11–14: Monteverde Cloud Forest Day 15: Depart San José

Costa Rica

Marine & Wildlife Conservation $6,890 + airfare / 15 Days July 14–28, July 28–Aug. 11, 2023

Gain an insider’s view on wildlife conservation as you explore this small country’s extraordinary terrestrial and marine ecosystems firsthand. Visit a biological research station run by the Sea Turtle Conservancy; head to a field station in the tropical forest and help collect data; and collaborate on reforestation projects in Monteverde. Raft the Sarapiqui River and zipline through the canopy of a cloud forest.

Ecuador & the Galápagos

Cultural & Environmental Preservation $7,390 + airfare / 15 Days June 25–July 9, July 12–26, 2023

Learn about the variety of environments and cultures of Ecuador, from its mountains to the Galápagos Islands. Engage in the cultures and challenges of different indigenous communities; and meet with conservationists to hear how they work with local communities to preserve cultural heritage and biodiversity. Stay on three different islands in the Galápagos and experience its remarkably diverse wildlife up close, by both land and sea.

HIGHLIGHTS

Join local artisans for a hands-on workshop and learn how traditional crafts can be used to generate economic growth.

Visit with scientists at the renowned Charles Darwin Research Station.

Observe sea turtles, marine iguanas, and Galápagos penguins in their natural habitat.

ITINERARY AT A GLANCE

Day 1: Fly from Miami to Quito

Days 2–3: Quito & Ibarra

Days 4–6: Cloud Forest

Days 7–14: Galápagos Islands Day 15: Travel back to Miami

HIGHLIGHTS

Spend the night in a 1,000-year-old Buddhist temple atop Mt. Koya and at a traditional Japanese ryokan (inn).

Interview local fishmongers about sustainability initiatives, and try your hand at rolling sushi.

Capture the perfect image of Mt. Fuji from the Kachi Kachi Ropeway gondola.

ITINERARY AT A GLANCE

Days 1–2: Fly from Los Angeles to Tokyo

Days 3–5: Hiroshima

Days 6–9: Kyoto

Day 10: Mt. Koya

Day 11: Hakone

Days 12–17: Tokyo

Day 18: Depart Tokyo

JapanAncient Culture and Modern Innovation $8,290 + airfare / 18 Days June 29–July 16, July 18–Aug. 4, 2023

Explore the ways that ancient culture and modern innovation exist side by side in Japan—from the immense modern city of Tokyo to the traditional towns of Kyoto and Hakone. Visit ancient temples; travel aboard a high-speed bullet train; and marvel at the towering skyscrapers and bright neon lights of Akihabara Electric Town. Examine traditional arts and music (including Taiko drumming), and discover the modern art form of anime at the famed Studio Ghibli.

Australia

Environmental Conservation & Indigenous Cultures

$9,490 + airfare / 19 Days

June 24–July 12, July 1–19, 2023

Discover rainforests, deserts, and reefs as you experience Australia’s unique ecosystems and ancient cultures. Meet members of the Aboriginal community to learn about the world’s oldest living culture and dive into the challenges facing this continent’s irreplaceable ecosystems. Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef; scout for endangered cassowaries in the Daintree Rainforest; and meet with climate activists to discuss what recent wildfires portend.

HIGHLIGHTS

Swim with tropical fish and colorful coral on the Great Barrier Reef.

Learn creation stories from different indigenous populations.

Aid with planting and restoration of young mangrove trees on the coast.

ITINERARY AT A GLANCE

Days 1–2: Fly from Los Angeles to Sydney

Days 3–5: Sydney

Days 6–8: Outback (Uluru)

Days 9–14: Cairns

Days 15–18: Darwin

Day 19: Depart Darwin

How to Apply

Eligibility

Smithsonian Student Travel programs are open to students completing grades 8 through 12 by the summer of 2023. Students must be at least 13 years old at the time of trip departure.

Application Process

We have a rolling admissions process and encourage applicants to apply early so you have the best chance of securing a space on your first choice program.

Step 1: Start Your Application

Create an account on our Online Application at App.SmithsonianStudentTravel.org.

Step 2: Hold Your Space

To hold your space in a program, complete the Online Application Form, submit a signed Agreement Form, and provide a $700 payment (which includes a $200 non-refundable Application Fee and a $500 Tuition Deposit). The $500 Tuition Deposit is applied toward your tuition.

(Note that for applications received after March 15 we must receive full payment within five days of your initial $700 payment to hold a space in the program.)

Step 3: Complete Your Application

Before we can make a final admissions decision, you must submit your Personal Statement and two Teacher Reference Forms. These documents are available as part of your Online Application.

Following completion of your application, our Admissions Team will review your application and notify you of the decision by email within a few days.

Next Steps

Questions? Call us at (833) 652-1356 or visit SmithsonianStudentTravel.org to request more information.

Ready to join us? Start your application today at App.SmithsonianStudentTravel.org.

For more information on terms and conditions, visit SmithsonianStudentTravel.org/Terms-of-Use.

Smithsonian Student Travel 2023 Calendar

Greece & Italy 8 19

June 18–July 6, July 2–20, 2023 $8,290

Portugal & Spain NEW! 9 16 June 17–July 2, June 25–July 10, 2023 $8,490

France NEW! 10 15 July 1–15, July 8–22, 2023 $8,390

Scotland NEW! 11 17 June 23–July 9, July 10–26, 2023 $7,690

Iceland 12 15 June 27–July 11, July 12–26, 2023 $8,790

New York & Denmark 13 14 June 22–July 5, July 20–Aug. 2, 2023 $7,590

Washington, D.C. & Houston 14 12 June 25–July 6, July 23–Aug. 3, 2023 $6,990

Belize NEW! 15 15 June 30–July 14, July 14–28, 2023 $6,990

Costa Rica 16 15 July 14–28, July 28–Aug. 11, 2023 $6,890

Ecuador & the Galápagos 17 15 June 25–July 9, July 12–26, 2023 $7,390

Japan NEW! 18 18 June 29–July 16, July 18–Aug. 4, 2023 $8,290

Australia NEW! 19 19 June 24–July 12, July 1–19, 2023 $9,490

Summer 2023: Health and Safety Measures

The well-being of our students, leaders, and partners around the world has always been our highest priority. With this in mind, we have developed health and safety measures across all facets of our programs. We have developed these measures with input from U.S. Department of State (DOS) Travel Advisories, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protocols, and travel industry guidance. We continue to update these protocols as we obtain any new information or guidance. To learn more, please visit SmithsonianStudentTravel.org/Return-to-Travel-Guidelines.

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS Getty Images, Alamy, iStock, Dreamstime, Shutterstock. Tourism Bureaus: Australia Tourism Bureau, Iceland Tourism Bureau, Paris Tourist Office/Daniel Thierry. Additional Photos: Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum, Smithsonian Journeys, Putney Student Travel, Elizabeth and Alexandra Gordon, Transfer from National Aeronautic

Space Administration, Alamy/Jeffrey Isaac Greenberg.

2022.

Get Out and Explore with Smithsonian Student Travel

Who better to tell you why you should join a Smithsonian Student Travel program than students (and their parents) who have traveled with us.

My experience totally exceeded my expectations. I made lots of new friends, saw many new places, and tried awesome things I would never try otherwise!

– Student Sarah S.

Our daughter told us it was the best two weeks of her life. Thank you for giving her an experience that we could not. It was a wonderful balance of science, art, culture, and relationship building.

– Parent Christine T.

Our expectations were to get a balanced tour between academic, educational, historic, and fun. The program exceeded our expectations—our daughter raved about her experience and made exceptional memories and friendships with her group. – Parent Kristine P.

Our daughter talked nonstop the entire way back from the airport. She had an absolutely wonderful trip! We cannot thank you enough for the opportunity to have her see Iceland, to learn about an area so different than our own, and to do so in a way that made us feel safe.

– Parent Brigid C.

I had pretty high expectations for the trip and am happy to say that they were met and exceeded. So much happened which I did not expect and it was overall a wonderful experience.

– Student Lucas B.

Discover a journey that speaks to your aspirations and interests!

Smithsonian Journeys offers more than 130 travel itineraries that span the world and provide a variety of ways to dig into a destination. All of our trips feature a unique blend of enriching insights, exceptional experiences, engaging experts and travel companions, and personal attention.