International Trips
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Photos from Russia
March 31, 2008
Read MoreSA students have been taking part in classes and performing at the Russian Federation Institute of Cinematography in Moscow. The Institute is the oldest film institute in the world and the most prestigious film institute in Russia.
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News from Xian
March 31, 2008
Read MoreWe traveled on Friday night by overnight train to Xian, about a 12-hour journey to the southwest. When we arrived in Xian, we were met by a tour guide, Ying, who was arranged for us by Beijing School #4. She stayed with us throughout our two days in Xian. We spent the morning and early afternoon at the site of the Terra Cotta Warriors, which were part of the first emperor of China's funerary guard. There are three main excavations, each the size of a football field. The excavation in which they have done the most work is the first pit, in which they believe there are over 6000 foot terra cotta soldiers and 40,000 weapons. We also saw the cavalry pit and the courtier/officer pit. They have just discovered a fourth pit, not yet opened to the public, where bejeweled female figures believed to represent the Emperor's concubines were found. I think a few students were thinking archaeology might be a fun profession.
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Update from Moscow
March 31, 2008
We all just got back from a whirlwind trip to St. Petersburg this weekend. Overnight trains, the Hermitage Museum and lots of photos of beautiful architecture. It has been difficult to find internet cafes so I will continue to send an update from VGIK when I get the opportunity this week.
Yesterday the students went on a scavenger hunt to discover St. Petersburg. They explored the city in groups and we had a contest at the end of the day. Tonight we will see the rest of their presentations and award the winning group a Russian gift.
We have been very lucky to have from one to three Russian speaking students with us at all times. Interacting with the students at VGIK has been a real highlight of the tour for our students. The connection is priceless. Later this week SA kids will be taking more theatre classes, visiting museums, the circus, and a town outside of Moscow called Suzdal. -
Hello from Moscow!
March 26, 2008
Read MoreAt this very moment all of the students are in a soundproof room watching a student film production in progress at the prestigious VGIK (the oldest film school in the world, founded in 1918). The last few days the students have been watching some amazing performances by the acting classes. Our students gave a performance last night that was very well received. The first two nights we were here we went to the Bolshoi and a violin concert. We've gone to many museums, walked throughout the city and the metro and met many interesting people. The students are amazed at the level of achievement in all artistic fields. This is a phenomenal growing experience for all of our students as they are asked to step up to college level work. Our students are both impressed and humbled by the tradition, excellence and seriousness of the work. Several are hoping to study here! We will be attending film, dance and acting classes in the coming days as well as taking a trip to St. Petersburg this weekend.
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Notes from the China Trip
March 26, 2008
Yesterday was jam-packed. We started the day with a Chinese breakfast that offered everything from ham sandwiches to fried rice to wonton soup. Then we had our opening ceremony in front of 200 students where we exchanged our school gifts. After that, we sat with Vice Principal Yang in the old formal welcome hall. She gave us a short history of the school. The students were surprised to learn what an honor it is to go to the 101 year-old Beijing No. 4 School. We took a little tour of the school and then had an opening lunch.
After lunch, we took a trip to the Empress Cixi's Summer Palace. The students marveled at the beauty and expanse of the lake-side retreat and enjoyed a hike up several steep sets of marble stairs to a Buddhist temple. This morning, students met with their host students and went to class. This afternoon is the Forbidden City, TianAnMen Square, and a roast duck dinner. Perhaps tonight is a bit more shopping in Wang Fujin, an area closed off to traffic which has both department stores with a lot of official Olympic paraphernalia and smaller Tomorrow will be a long day as we will drive out to SiMaTai and hike a portion of the Great Wall. -
Nicaragua Intersession Trip
January 24, 2008
Read MoreEach day we woke to a Nicaraguan breakfast and then traveled to the Campo of Goyena to work alongside villagers. Together we built a sidewalk for preschoolers to their school and its outbuildings, a drainage pipe for grey water and painted a mural that the children of Goyena created.
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Thailand: Emails from the Road
February 6, 2008
Read MoreThe first day on the river was slow and calm. We stopped at a multi-tiered waterfall to grab a natural shower. We arrived at the jungle camp at 4, and then just hung out for a bunch of hours, listening and playing music. Everyone loved watching the monkeys effortlessly move through the canopy.
