The Elective Program

With small cohorts, local experts as instructors, and thoughtfully curated itineraries, each Elective is a deep dive into a topic and a place that are inextricably linked.

Elective Study Abroad Field Seminar

Support and Enrichment

  • Facilitated Seamless Travel
    A dedicated Facilitator handles logistics, provides translation when needed, coordinates group meals for those interested, and ensures everything runs smoothly so you can focus on learning and discovery.

  • Curated Extracurriculars
    Each course includes two optional Extracurricular activities, led by the Facilitator, which you can opt into and pay for in advance of the program. Additionally, you’ll receive a curated list of suggestions for free-time activities, from concerts to seasonal festivals, to help you connect with the culture in meaningful ways.

Elective Study Abroad Field Seminar

Engage, Explore, Learn

  • A Cohort of Curious Minds
    Engage in meaningful discussions with like-minded peers who share your passion for the subject. Exchanges with your cohort provide fresh perspectives and a collaborative learning experience.

  • Expert Instructors With Local Insight
    Learn from local experts who not only master the subject matter but also connect it to the community and culture. Their unique perspectives and ties to other practitioners make your learning experience truly distinctive.

  • Time for Personal Exploration
    Customize your learning experience by using free time to explore aspects of the topic that interest you most. With guidance from your instructor, personalize your “syllabus” to fit your curiosity.

  • Diverse Perspectives
    Gain insight from a range of viewpoints to deepen your understanding and challenge assumptions, ensuring a rich and nuanced approach to the subject matter.

Elective Components

  • Morning Meetings

    Each day begins with a relaxed Morning Meeting—over coffee at the hotel or a nearby café—where your instructor reviews the syllabus, introduces the day’s discussion topics, and prepares you for the experiences ahead. These meetings set the tone for the day, providing a shared foundation for your cohort.

  • Field Seminars

    Field Seminars bring your subject to life in the places where it matters most. Rarely held in a classroom, these sessions might include walking tours of neighborhoods tied to your course topic, or visits to a local professional’s office or an artisan’s atelier. Each seminar connects what you’re learning to its real-world context.

  • Self-Guided Study

    Self-Guided Study is your chance to explore the aspects of your subject that intrigue you most. Whether it’s an exhibit, a performance, or a unique area of town, this time allows you to apply the course framework to your own interests. Guided by suggestions from your instructor, you can choose to explore solo or join other cohort members. This time is yours to do as you wish!

  • Daily Discussions

    At the end of the day, the cohort gathers to reflect, discuss, and exchange ideas. Over a glass of wine or a cup of tea, these discussions bring together the day’s insights and experiences, creating a shared understanding and a deeper connection to the subject.

  • Extracurriculars

    Enhance your Elective by adding optional activities and cultural events to your itinerary. With suggestions from the Facilitator, you might choose to attend concerts, dance performances, sporting events, wine tastings, or market visits. These destination-specific options let you tailor your experience to your interests and make the most of your free time.

  • Free Time & Meals

    Free time is yours to use as you wish—delve deeper into your subject area with recommendations from your instructor, explore the city, or simply relax. Meals are flexible, with the instructor organizing an optional group lunch daily and facilitating dinner reservations or evening outings for those who want to connect further.