Exploring the World Through AUP Study Trips

Study trips return to AUP along with the lifting of many other COVID-19 restrictions. 

Study trips have been a part of student culture since the founding of AUP, and they have been essential in the experiential learning aspect of AUP. Students consider them one of the defining moments in their time at AUP, and AUP faculty enjoy getting to help these students achieve this.

"Last semester there were a few trips and this semester it feels as though we are back to normal. There were study trips that filled up quite quickly, the trips that were further abroad were more popular," Cultural Program Manager Alexis Dang said. 

One of the study trips that occurred over the spring break was a trip to Helsinki in Finland. The trip was with classes focused on international politics and they explored the relationship between Finland and Russia.

“I made a lot of deep connections with people I might not have met if it weren’t for this trip, It was really cool to see a new place with new people; I would encourage everyone to go on the trip as if they can, regardless of if they are in a class or not,” said freshman entrepreneurship major Michael Herscowitz. "He participated in the study trip because his friend was in the corresponding class, even though he was not."

At the same time, AUP ran a study trip to Senegal that focused on NGOs. They went to tour local NGOs in both Dakar and Toubab Dialaw. 

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The next study trip takes place on March 17, 2022, to March 20, 2022, to Venice, Italy with the Italian class led by Professor Isabel Gardner. Although they were one of the only classes to have a study trip last semester, they are still excited about the lifted restrictions on the trips.

“The Venice study trip is going to be a great opportunity to use the Italian I have been learning with my class. I get to explore a culture I have spent a few semesters studying all while meeting new people and connecting with the country!” sophomore Alejandra Flores-Plasencia said. 

There is another study trip going to Verrona and Mantova in Italy later in the semester that revolves around fine arts. 

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Although study trips can cost a lot of money, students can apply to a financial aid program called Coup de Pouce if their class is associated with the trip. The absence of study trips over the past two years has allowed for a build-up of available financial aid, and students are reaping the benefits.

With the Coup de Pouce, they ask for your class standing, GPA and why you want to go on the trip; how it will enhance your college experience and major courses. You have to prove how you are active on campus and how you are a leader at AUP and elaborate on why you need the aid in a 500 word essay.

"If you’re a student who wants to go on the trip, who isn’t active on campus but is poor and can't afford it, this is your chance to show that you deserve the award,” said Martina Mendelssohn, an AUP student studying creative writing.

There is an email sent out in the beginning of each semester with a list of study trips and how to sign up for them. You can find the available study trips and their explanations on the AUP website under https://www.aup.edu/academics/cultural-program/study-trips